>>32043751
>Seek out Andor, the historian.
If he tries something funny we'll probably get a shard or two out of it, otherwise I'm sure we can get a few contacts out of the deal.

>>32043751
We should really go shopping soon. We could use some armor to wear and possibly infuse, and we could get more items to experiment with like a mask, maybe a helmet or hat, and other things like mirrors, jewelry, gloves/gauntlets.

Aside from that

>Seek out Andor, the historian. You're curious as to what he thinks he could teach you of your art without knowing the truth of its existence.

File: the_witcher_3_wallpaper_3(...).jpg (122 KB, 1191x670)

122 KB JPG

>>32043751
>Seek out Andor, the historian. You're curious as to what he thinks he could teach you of your art without knowing the truth of its existence.

>>32044157
I for whatever reason always belived Geralt had the right idea whenever it came to armor. .

>>32043751
Uhh... I don't know.

I don't want to go east because that is way over our heads.

I don't like that librarian.

Can't we just keep traveling? This is literally the first city we came across after leaving our little village. The world can't be this small.

>>32044901
>fucking belts
Belt armor strikes again.
It mostly looks fine and practical though. Except belts and that waist. No fucking built, fighter man could have a waist like that.

>>32044908
Yeah we can but we might as well see what we can learn from the historian. Considering we don't know much about the Shardkeepers

>>32044950
Huh I thought Geralt was so fucking STRONK because of witchers dicking around with his body using a shit ton of alchemy and magic?

He seems somewhat small whenever he's shirtless not a lot of muscles.

>>32043751
>Seek out Andor, the historian. You're curious as to what he thinks he could teach you of your art without knowing the truth of its existence.
We need more before we risk going up against Anise again. We've got the Seaward Ring and Ent's Ire, as well as learned to summon Tregalis to fight for us (not that I want to, it was stated that doing so weakens the infusion he's being used for, and Seismic Shroud is just too good a defense to sacrifice). But it's not enough. She's wielding the power of a spirit that can destroy souls. Maybe we'll learn something from the historian that will help us come up with a plan.

>>32045032
He still shouldn't have an hourglass figure like there.

>>32045290
I think it just weakens him for the duration of his summon

>>32045354
No, I get that. I just mean that reducing our defense during a fight with Anise is a bad idea, considering some of the infusions she was wielding last time we fought.

>>32045378
What does the Shroud do again?

>>32045418
It serves as armor just by the material it's made of. More importantly, it produces shockwaves to knock away any incoming attack. This appears to affect any attack that has at least some physical component. During our fight with Anise it managed to deflect spouts of lava and a dragon's breath. So it's pretty good armor.

>>32045418

It causes air-earthquakes that'll deflect just about anything physical that comes at us.

If we choose to summon Tregalis out of it the effect will probably still be potent enough to block swords and stuff, just not giant monster claws.

>>32044908

The East is WAAYYY over our heads, and I'd really like to get back to travelling too...but I think that before we go travelling we should stop by there and set up a stop-gap or something. Train a militia or equip some guys with relic weapons so they can curb the flight of monsters, anything really that'll let that problem be in stasis while we go adventuring in the wider world.

>>32045545
That could work. We'd need to make sure that it doesn't get traced back to us if we give them relic weapons, though. Maybe establish a second identity? We could probably fake being a spirit ourselves pretty well at this point, if we shuffle around our infusions a bit. A mysterious spirit appearing in the night and gifting the defenders of the east mighty weapons is suitably mythic that people won't be inclined to question it.

>>32045645

I'm not sure that quite that amount of secrecy is even necessary. So long as we don't have any of our 'normal' distinctive infusions on we could do whatever we needed to do.

If anyone asked afterwards our most distinctive features would be our relics. And let's be honest here, really anyone who's good enough to track us is going to track us whether we take pains or not.

>>32043751
>Seek out Andor.

(( And we're back. ))

As you make your way through Callestria toward Crown, you again pass the site of your battle with Anise, noting that the projects to repair the damage done are well underway; scaffolding is set up to mark the sites of various construction projects, while buildings damaged beyond repair are simply being deconstructed on their foundations. Thanks to you and Rebecca's group, the city has a lot less to worry about—not only is it intact thanks to you, but you've managed to preserve an important source of food in the fishing village south of the city proper, and alleviated the problem of a disappearing town.

If what Forstner said is true, though, the city administration has a number of other problems to deal with—namely, the situation to the east. The upwelling of monsters, or some other factor, has sent Geffen, an apparently-important port town, into a state of anarchy. Callestria's leaders plan to give up on the eastern avenue, but have nothing planned in the event the monster attacks continue.

After a bit longer, you arrive on an empty street. You make your way up to the museum steps, glancing into the foyer through a pair of windows flanking the ornate double doors. The place doesn't look operation at the moment—a light push on the doors reveal they're unlocked—but Andor said you'd be able to find him inside.

>What will you do?

>>32045545
>>32045645
Are you suggesting a knight order?

The thing is say we do that whats stopping them from eneimg up as conquers and all sorts of related dickbags? Not to mention the numerous amounts of people that might want to steal the relics. I like the idea but it's going to require tons of planning or personal supervision if its going to happen.

>>32045807
Look for Andor but while we're at it do a spirit search for any shards or relics

>>32045807
Knock. Possibly invoke a bit of the Seismic Shroud's power to make it a really LOUD knock, if we can do that without destroying the door.

>>32045860
>>32045859

Yes. Especially the really loud knock.

>>32045807
Knock to announce our presence, and then open the doors and head in looking for Andor.

>>32045829
True. I had forgotten that Geffen is already pretty chaotic. We don't need to pump more energy into that system. We've got to do something, though. Maybe make pacts with spirits so as to provide a buffer zone against Calizan? Though I suppose any who could oppose him already are. Can we do any magic without shards, then? Some sort of protective ward to keep monsters away, that sort of thing?

>>32045829

I wasn't exactly suggesting anything so organized as a knightly order, though now that I think of it I guess it would sort of be like that.

I agree it would require tons of personal supervision. Although possibly our party or Rebecca could stay there in our stead. That would require them being willing to do that though...

Anyway, we'll see what it's like when we get there.

>>32045938
As far as I know nope as far as Erik knows also no.

Maybe Andor can help with that

>Some sort of protective ward to keep monsters away,

When we get the cahnce we can try to see if we can infuse a creature into the walls

>>32046068

That would be an interesting infusion to say the least.

>>32045807
>>32043751

Welcome back, Soul! Glad to see you alive once again!

>>32046068

Still, there are probable applications of your craft that you were told of by the Shardkeeper Kadi, your Master, that you were never educated in the use of.

With the Shard of a beast willing and intelligent enough to listen to your orders, or a Spirit with whom you have a binding pact, it might be possible to generate some sort of standard, an object installed in an area that could autonomously call forth the approximation of Soul within in your absence to carry out a task or defend a location of importance. But not only are you uneducated in the details of this practice; the procedure is most likely more complicated and taxing than Shard infusion, and the prospect of the technique's application raises an entire set of new problems and consequences.

>Continued

>>32045892

You'd rather not bring the house down; while the Seismic Shroud cares for force, it seems neither to care for directed nor moderated force. Instead, you simply pound on the door, and a loud knock echoes through the building. There's quite a bit on your mind right now, and you can't so quickly focus; there is some foreign Soul nearby, however. Could there be a relic on display somewhere within?

The door creaks open, and you take a couple of short steps backward to accommodate. The ghostly historian peers at you from within, head tilted, familiar white fur-lined cloak wrapped around his shoulders. “Ah. Erick Valstein, was it?” He asks, mouth curling into a smile. “I'm utterly delighted. Do come inside.”

You follow cautiously as Andor guides you into the museum foyer. It's not lit inside, but light from windows provides enough illumination to see. Paintings of brilliant landscapes and structures adorn the walls, with plaques offering limited information regarding their place and time of origin. Down one hallway, a wing of the museum appears to be devoted to documentation of extinct creatures from an time long past; sculptures, pottery, and other works of art are visible behind glass panes in the other direction.

Andor turns to face you. “I didn't think you'd actually stop by, at first. Curiosity got the better of you, then? Whatever the case, I'm glad you're here. I was hoping to get a better look at those relics of yours. And I'm sure you have questions as well..." He pauses. "Is something bothering you, now?"

>What will you say?

>>32046631

This completely putting aside that putting a spirit to defend a location to the East is a bad idea because Calizan or Anise will just come and blam it with anti-spirit energy from afar.

We're going to need to use people here.

>>32046681

"Nothing of particular urgency, no. I just wanted to learn more about these items I know so little of. I hope I didn't disturb you.

Actually, explain to me these pictures of monsters here. What do monsters have to do with relics?"

>>32046681
"Was just wondering about the situation in the east it sounds pretty bad. Anyways I've been wondering how much do you know of relics in general anyways? Most people I've met tried to con me out of my heritage."

>>32046839
>>32046779

Supporting these.

SoulQM do you know how lucky you are that you have players who actually write dialogue?

>>32046681
"Sort of. There's something on my mind, but it's an issue I have to work out on my own. Kind of a family matter, I guess you could say. Thank you for your concern, though. So, what would you like to examine with my relics? Would you like me to demonstrate their use? Because most of them really shouldn't be used indoors. Especially not around antiquities."

File: 1398625655096.png (478 KB, 650x414)

478 KB PNG

>>32046910
He's incredibly lucky I'm only a little drunk and that may change throughout this thread

>>32046910

I renege, they're all good.

>>32046910

(( Shhhh. ))

>>32046779
>>32046924

“Nothing of particular urgency.” You nod.

“But something, then?” Andor asks.

“There's something on my mind, but it's personal—you could call it a family matter, I suppose. I appreciate your concern, though. I came here because I was hoping to learn more about the relics, and their history.” You pause. “Though I hope you're not expecting me to demonstrate their use, as most of them shouldn't be harnessed indoors, or near antiquities.”

“Oh, no.” He chuckles. “Not now, at least. Later, perhaps.”

You acknowledge him, but for a moment, you gaze at the paintings on the museum walls, idly browsing. Many of them depict combat and war, but the depiction of man is subdued; you move between weather-worn still frames, some much more primitive than others. Beasts strike out at men, and at one another, and entities that do not match the physiology of animals—man's depiction of Spirits—lay waste to great swaths of land. “Do these pictures of monsters have anything to do with the relics?”

>Continued

>>32047489

“Mm. Not necessarily, from a certain perspective. While relic tools showcase an important part of human history, the museum isn't devoted to exclusively those—especially since they're so few and far between—but the old world in general.”

He continues, sauntering to your side to look at one of the large artworks. “But, from another perspective, these artworks have everything to do with relics. Some believe that they were gifts from the Spirits to even the scales between humanity and the behemoths that stalked the land; others theorize that men created them using an art that was lost to us during the catastrophe.”

“Catastrophe?” You ask.

“Yes, I'm sure you're aware of how the story goes, though I imagine it's differently named between cultures. It was long ago, when Spirits turned against humanity, and destroyed much of civilization and its history.” You raise an eyebrow, as he continues. “Relics, resilient as they are, provide us ties to the past, and many possess the nature of beasts that no longer exist. ...Though, I do have theories of my own.”

>What will you say?

>>32047508

"And I would love to hear your theories...however, I must confess that I've never heard of this Catastrophe. Perhaps you could explain it first?"

>>32047508
Tell him you would love to hear the history after your relics have been analyzed.

>>32047508
"I haven't heard that story, actually. I spent my youth far from civilization, and only know what my master taught me. I have heard a similar story, though the one that was passed down to me was that mankind destroyed itself with the power of the relics, and we intentionally destroyed the art of creating them so that we could never endanger ourselves that way again. Though I was also taught that the relics were empowered by spirits, so it could just as well be both human folly and the anger of the Spirits that lead to the downfall of civilization."

>>32047959

>My Master
Uncle, that is. My Uncle. Remember, our Uncle is our cover story.

>>32047959
>I have heard a similar story, though the one that was passed down to me was that mankind destroyed itself with the power of the relics, and we intentionally destroyed the art of creating them so that we could never endanger ourselves that way again.
Just this part leave the rest out.

>>32048349

Agreeing.

Interesting; according to Skeith, civilization's downfall was caused by the Shardkeepers, not a sudden upheaval among Spirits. Perhaps your art is more lost than you imagined. You're filled with doubt, briefly; could it be that Skeith twisted the truth, or could the keepers of this tale be misinformed?

“Though I'd love to hear your theories, I must confess—I spent much of my youth far from civilization. I've heard a similar story, though the one that was passed down to me was that humanity destroyed itself with the power of relics, and we intentionally destroyed the art of creating them so that we could never endanger ourselves that way again. Is there more to your story?” You ask.

“There is only so much to say. Discoveries in the same strata as many of the relic tools that have been uncovered suggest that at some point, an event occurred among spirits and beasts alike. Something, though it is unclear what, turned them against humanity as a collective. Numerous civilizations in far-reaching geographic locations, all destroyed in a similar time period, by a wide variety of effects unknown to us now.” Andor says. He pauses, seeming intrigued. “But your perspective is interesting. While I haven't considered the possibility that mankind is at fault for its own destruction, I too believe that relics are entirely man-made.”

“Is that part of your theories? What about those?” You ask.

“Ah, yes. Those who work in this field typically develop their own postulates. Listen, then.” Andor says. “It is known that there are two sorts of relics, that share the same quality of great physical resilience; one is like a crystal that might exude energy, while the other is what we know as a 'relic tool' or 'relic weapon'. But both possess the nature of some unique beast, which lends its power to the relic. This nature is discerned easiest in a moment of great focus, or often in a state just on the threshold of sleep.”

>Continued

>>32048873

“Based on recoveries from the dig sites there, I believe the means of crafting relic tools originated in the far north, in the location that is now the Kharan desert, and involved some means of immortalizing the essence or idea of a powerful creature. The energetic nature of relic crystals leads me to believe that they are some sort of transition step. Something involved in the creation of a relic tool, or perhaps the link between relics and something greater.”

“I see.” You nod.

“This is why I wish to study the artifacts more, Erick. I feel as if I'm drawing close to a great discovery.” He grins, eyes widening slightly. “I'm sure you know all the things that are made possible by the power of relics, having used them often. I wish to find the missing piece that will allow us to create them as we did in the past. With that power restored to humanity, an era of prosperity would be upon us! The relics you carry, then—what more can you tell me of them? Do you know of their particular origin?”

>What will you do?

>>32048873
>one is like a crystal that might exude energy

This definitely requires testing

>>32048924
I suggest we lie but what exactly we say I dont know.

>>32049024
I think he's talking about soul shards.

>>32049024

He's talking about the shards.

>>32048924
Stick with what you told him, that you inherited them and know little of their origins.

I guess we could tell him what they do.

>>32049066
Seconded.

>>32048924

Hmm. It's possible that Skeith twisted the truth, or that in his locale things went down like he said.

"Well my cloak is said to have come from a great lizard of fire and stone, and my halberd supposedly came from some essence of corruption and poison. I'm unsure as to the origin of my bow."

>>32049047
>>32049056
I know but have we ever tried to push the energy out instead of infusing it into an object?

>>32049024
He's just describing relic shards, man. We've already got one in the form of Ilyanas. Nothing special to them.

>>32048924
"I don't know where the ring or the bow came from, though I have a few guesses based on their abilities. I think the stories behind them were forgotten over the years. The cloak I was told was crafted from the hide of a great mountain lizard, which certainly matches its appearance. I suppose the lizard's soul must have been placed in there too, if you're right. And the halberd...all I know is that it was found in the swamps, and its very presence poisoned the land around it. It's a nasty thing, and if you're going to examine it you should remember to be very careful."

>>32049066

Thirding.

>>32049170
Neglect the bit about the ring. He likely hasn't recognized that as an artifact.

>>32049205
It's made of glowing sea-glass. If he could recognize that the cloak was earth-aligned just by looking at it, he can probably guess our ring is magic.

>>32049133
>>32049170
Don't tell him about the creatures we took them from, according to our lie we wouldn't know. I agree with telling him the effects though.

>>32049167
That's what calling forth the spirit is. Doing it without infusing it first means we get a stronger summon because we're not dividing its power.

>>32049228

It doesn't glow, I imagine it as a turqoise/lapis ring shot through with a vein of quartz myself.

>>32049292
From the thread in which we infused it:
>The Ocean Fangworm Shard, a sandy quartz crystal, burns away in your hand. You apply its energy to the small wood grain ring, which bounces and vibrates as it accepts the energy. The soft metal brace takes the shape of jagged blue crystal through which water appears to flow; wood grows over with a smooth gray carapace, and blue light bleeds through cracks in the grain, filling them with a faint glow.

>>32049327

I thought that was an "in the moment of creation thing" not a constant glow.

>>32049377

The Seaward Ring only actively gives off light when in use. Otherwise, it seems a bit brighter than it should be, though that could well be a quality of the crystal it is made of.

“As I said, they were passed down to me. I know little about their history, and it stands to reason that the stories of their origins have been lost over the years.” You nod. “I'm told this cloak was crafted from the hide of a great mountain lizard, which certainly does match its appearance. There's an old story about this halberd, too, that it was found in the swamps, and its presence poisoned the very land around it. It's a nasty thing, so take care if you plan to examine it.”

“And the others?”

“I know even less of those.” You say. “I'm only informed at all by their abilities.”

“Ah, yes.” He responds. “It is a major difficulty, that the origins of these things are so murky. I do wish I could spend some time with them, but I'm sure you and your group is quite busy. Your friend—Rebecca, was it?—seemed quite resolute. Have you any further questions for me, then?”

>What will you do?

>>32049904
Wasn't he going to test our artifacts or something? We should at least see if he knows what was done to our turtle anklet.

>>32049904

"Would you care to give me a tour of the museum?"

I want to find the spirit presence we detected.

>>32049904
"Know any tall tales about the creation of relics and the world of spirit? Usually I wouldn't put any thought into them but this is certainly a topic I'd like to know more about. Even if its just legends and stories."

If he doesn't it's on to the examination and spirit search for that presence we felt

>>32049965
Good point. We should look in the museum.

“I'm interested, now. Know any tall tales about the creation of relics and the spirits?” You ask.

Andor shakes his head. “Recovered artworks and the relics themselves can only tell so much in the department of tall tales. In that regard, I know little more than what my experience informs me of; namely, how relics set us apart from the beasts and spirits. They are the only way humanity can match that power, which is why I wish to rediscover the art.”

“Would you care to give me a tour of the museum?”

“I would be glad to show you what we have on display, but I must warn you beforehand that we've currently no relic tools on site.” He shakes his head. “Despite what I said about that dragon rider and whatever his methods might have been, it was ultimately decided to move them elsewhere for the time being. If you're still interested, of note is what we've got down here...”

“Much of this is from the Kharan dig site, if you couldn't tell.” Down a hallway, you're guided past a number of pedestals with pottery sitting atop them. Emblazoned upon them are hieroglyphs; pictures and etchings depicting the tales of a lost world. Stationed at one wall of this room is a large chunk of sandstone. Covered in similar art, it appears to have once been part of something greater. “Much of our knowledge of the old ways of men and Spirits is informed by interpretations of etchings similar to these.”

>Continued

>>32051057

“Where'd the other paintings come from?”

“Far reaches. Though many of the more regal looking pieces, as well as the old weapons and armor we've got down the other wing, come from this region itself. Does a great walled city seem odd to you with the world peaceful as it is today?” Andor asks. “In an era long past, Callestria was a military garrison. The city we know now was built on its foundation, and I'm told that ancient relic weapons and old texts were discovered during its construction, as well as a few of the pieces we've got on display now. This city is the largest bastion of civilization for such a long way simply because it's one of the oldest.”

“Interesting.” Talk of the world makes you wonder briefly about your journey; thoughts of how things might be in the village you called home, and in the swamp to the south of it.

“My goal is quite ambitious, Erick, but I believe it quite noble.” He smiles. “Imagine how the world would change, were we to rediscover the old way.”

>What will you do?

>>32051070
Ask him to inspect your relics.

File: 1380165121236.png (267 KB, 1024x805)

267 KB PNG

>>32051116
This keep alert and make sure he doesn't try anything funny.

What's our weakest relic? I don't want to give him something powerful and next thing you poof he's gone.

The way he keeps talking about reclaiming the glory of the past got muh spider senses tingling

>>32051070

"Aah, yes but imagine if the story of my people is true. Either way, I am willing to let you examine my relics now for a while if you'd like."

>>32051263
>>32051224
>>32051116

Supporting.

>>32051070
"I agree, it's something worth attempting. But care will have to be taken to prevent it from getting out of hand. Perhaps the research could be prioritized into developing tools rather than weapons? Clever use can make a tool just as deadly as a dedicated weapon, whereas weapons are rarely useful for non-martial tasks. It would be ultimately more useful that way. And it would encourage the next generation of relic binders to focus on less destructive uses of their power. I recognize that relic weapons are necessary, but I fear the thought of them becoming common. The tales I've heard...well, maybe they're not true. But I'd rather not risk it."

>>32051304

Wow, voting the shit out of this.

>>32051304

Yup, this.

>>32051304
That shows that we know way too much about soul binding honestly.

>>32051355

Eh, what's he gonna do?

"Hey Watch Captain, that guy Erick can totally make relics! Arrest him!"

>>32051370
We're trying to keep the fact that we can bind shards on the down low because we don't want people to know, not because it's illegal.

>>32051426
I consider it worth the risk to possibly warn him away from causing another Catastrophe. And if he does figure it out, we get status as an expert in the field and can guide him towards safe uses of Shardkeeping. Hopefully, anyway.

>>32051493
Shouldn't we get to know him first before revealing we know anything about shard binding?

>>32051370
Why would he arrest us? We did nothing wrong.

>>32051493

I concur, I'm usually all for caution but I think this is worth it.

Worst case: This timid and non-influential museum keeper decides to act on his vague suspicions and convinces the Watch Captain to capture us, at which point we have to talk down the local guard forces or cause immense damage to the city fighting them.

>>32051370
No but that is something that will and can draw unwanted attention

>>32051304

It's really too good of a monologue not to take it.

>>32051545

But we don't know anything about this guy, his motivations, his goals, and most importantly, what he would do with this information.

>>32051574
It's mediocre at best.

>>32051493
If he doesn't have the "gift" then he could study for the rest of his life with Eric teaching him and he still wouldn't be able to do it.

>>32051601

It's really not that much information, at all. Stop freaking out about it.

>>32051601
Agreed, he gives off a kinda creepy vibe. Get to know him first then we can talk.

>>32051635
I don't really see anyone freaking out. We're just having a discussion, chill.

>>32051574
Are we reading the same thing? I'm sure the gut that wrote it likes it. But it's not good dialog. It sounds way too preachy. And doesn't accomplish anything. Anyone with half a brain and an ounce of morals would know tool = good. weapons = bad.

And, so far Eric has only made weapons not tools.He is in no position to be giving sermons.

>>32051695

So I'm a sucker for speeches, I like it. We have, actually made tools, we made the mosquito-rings for the old lady and her grandchild in the swamp. We just have needed to improve our combat abilities since then because we can't afford to let ourselves get killed despite our hazardous profession.

>>32051751

And it accomplishes our character spreading his beliefs/ideology (or at least one that I agree with) so I've voted for it.

>>32051695
I'm going to have to agree with this. It seem out of character to suddenly burst into speech, especially since we're trying to be low key.

Either way you go you'll annoy people Soul, so choose whichever way you like best.

>>32052262

Or roll a d2.

“I agree, but I shudder to think of what might happen were these tools to become as common as they were long ago.” Skeith's words echo in your mind. “You'll have to take care, if you succeed, or things will certainly get out of hand.”

“Take care? What do you mean?”

“You'll focus on creating tools rather than weapons, for one. Any hunter will tell you that a tool, used cleverly, can be as deadly as a weapon, whereas weaponry has few uses outside of combat. The practice will be doubly useful, and it'll discourage destructive use of relics in the future.”

“We live in a peaceful place today, Erick, but tomorrow might be different.” Andor's gaze narrows. “Creatures stalk the land beyond the pass to the east, just as the behemoths did in the old world—and I'm told they draw closer each day. I admire your conscience, but worrying too much about the future might well jeopardize us in the present.”

The conversation stalls, and you frown. “You know the power of relics as well. You can walk outside, and see what that dragon rider did to this city. That is what I fear—us turning this power against one another. I don't know if either of the tales I've heard is true... but I'd rather not see the risk taken.”

Andor grits his teeth. “That's quite something to hear from someone raised so far from civilization as you say, Erick. Are you certain you've told me all you know of these relics?”

>What will you do?

>>32052527
Just ask him to examine your artifacts.

>>32052527

"All you have to do is look outside to come to that realisation."

>>32052527
"Of course, now if there is nothing else perhaps we could start to look at my relics."

>>32052527
"Yes. Excuse me, merely some idle thought on the subject."

>>32052576
>>32052578

Pretty much. The poor guy can't see the logical end, so we can't reveal any more to him.

It's also kind of fun to tease.

>>32052603
We shouldn't have revealed that much at all.

>>32052656

If he hasn't acted yet he won't unless something changes.

“All you have to do is look outside to come to that realization.” You say, with a nod. “I believe you wanted to examine my equipment?”

“We'll... have to make it brief. I just remembered I've an errand to run today.” He responds, looking somewhat displeased.

The two of you meet briefly in his lamp-lit office; the walls are lined with bookshelves, and his desk is covered completely with scattered notes and small pieces of inscribed sandstone here-and-there, in a language unknown to you. Activating your Infusions inside would not be good for the continued health of the building; instead, you allow him to briefly handle Ent's Ire, the Seismic Shroud, and Scourge, explaining their function in limited detail while he takes notes intently. As he takes hold of each of the relics, you note that he closes his eyes briefly; his state resembles not meditation, but focus derived from grim fascination.

“That seems acceptable for now. Will you be in town much longer?” He rises from his seat, collecting a few papers into a stack.

“Probably. Though I'm not entirely certain where my next endeavor with Rebecca will take me.” You say, following him out of the room and back down the hallway.

“Well, as I've said, I believe myself quite close to a breakthrough.” Andor nods. “You seem interested in the history, and I believe there's always more I could learn from the relics. Perhaps you should stop by again sometime.”

As you're guided back outside, you notice a painting above the doors—one where the presence of humans is emphasized rather than subdued. A woman, olive-skinned, clutched in brown, kneels on the head of some behemoth. Blood pours from the creature's wounds; twisted waves of color rise up where her hand meets its body, swirling into auroras across the star-filled sky.

It depicts the binding of a Shard.

(( I'm gonna archive. Short thread and slow turnarounds abound, I know, but I mostly wanted to put myself back out here, and make it known that I should be able to run a couple more times in the coming week. Keep an eye out, and thanks for reading along as usual. ))

>>32053188
That's fine. See you next time, Soul.