A cataclysmic war, referred to hereafter as the Collapse, erupted about one thousand years into creation, and all but three demigods, all but two races, and all the gods died off. The tattered remnants of the world held together through the power of the three surviving demigods, including yours; the female demigod of the elves, named Asa. Three huge alchemic weather machines keep the world habitable, while the demigods have dispensed with the use of Heralds in favor of Avatars: physical projections of themselves that can walk and talk like people.

The afterlife was dismantled in the wake of the Collapse, and now, all souls are simply ‘inverted’ in the seas of Chaos outside reality after death, and absorbed by their corresponding demigod.

You were assigned by your King to track down a gang of bandits that had sided with the secessionists in the southlands, but were ambushed and nearly murdered by the conspiracy and their ancient weapon, the Orb of the Feathered Demon. Because the weapon can kill demigods, the Pantheon survivors made you a Herald in secret, and have charged you with killing the ten conspirators who survived the battle in the woods.

Previously, you rescued Kerin, an elf demon, and restored him to power. Now, you’re planning the final attack on the conspiracy leader, Don Kotrick. First, the King has asked you to bring him to Kerin.
All mechanics are based on a 1d100+modifier roll.

As the sun climbs into the dreary sky that Thursday morning, you reach into your wardrobe and pull out your freshly-cleaned Heraldic armor and uniform. It’s formal, but it’s necessary. You’re going to be escorting a King.

Jerome watches from the bed, still lying on his back. He’s worryingly sore. “You’re sure it’ll be safe?” he asks again.

“As safe as Asa and the King can make it.” You finish strapping on the armor and attach your weapons.


>Which do you bring? The King will be armed, and traveling with an escort of many Shadows.

>Spear
>Dagger
>Swords
>Sling
>Grenades
>combo

>>36312937
>>Dagger
>>Swords
>>Sling

Bring it all. Should cover the basics. One can never be too prepared for an ambush in this campaign.

But if we can only bring one or two things, I say (in order of necessity):
Swords
Sling
Grenades

>>36313017
>Bring it all. Should cover the basics. One can never be too prepared for an ambush in this campaign.
>But if we can only bring one or two things, I say (in order of necessity):
>Swords
>Sling
>Grenades
this

Excellent. Writing!

The swords work, though they’re Shadow gear. You affix the blades, and tie off your shiny, upgraded spear as well. The dagger you attach to your lower back, but you pause as you reach the grenades and sling. Will you really need them? After a moment, you decide it can’t hurt.

You gear up and tie off the last of your carry straps. Jerome laboriously rises from the bed and limps over towards the bathroom, but you halt him partway. “Hey. Handsome.” He starts to turn, but you walk in front of him so he doesn’t have to. You grasp one hand and rest your lips against the back. “I’ll be in the city all day tomorrow. After I’m done, we can do whatever you’d like.”

He smiles faintly. “Okay.” His swollen muscles relax a bit as you let a few threads of Asa’s praun healing power flow into his body. You’ve used it to prevent doomed men from dying, a bit of pain relief doesn’t even make you hungry. “…’s good,” he mutters, eyes half-shut.

“I’ll be back tonight, love,” you promise.


The short walk to the castle ends with the tunnels, and you walk unimpeded up to the Royal Quarters, as arranged. Partway up, however, the King suddenly appears at a door at your side. “Herald,” he says softly. “A moment?”

You stare, shocked, then walk over, looking hastily from side to side. “Uh, yes, Sire?”

He looks furtively about as well. “My family is already downstairs. We’re all coming.”

The surprises keep coming. “I’ll, uh… I’ll let Kerin know,” you say. You tap the Gem. {Sister, Brother, the King is bringing his entire family.}

~Oh? Very well? That should be interesting. Unless you object, Sister?~


(con’t)

[Are Shadows coming?]

You glance down the hall again, and this time you spot the tell-tale flicker of enchanted armor. {Yes.}

[They stay at the entrance. No negotiations. I’ve come to like Maas, but his taste in secret bodyguards is unacceptable.]

~I agree,~ Kerin says, surprisingly enough. ~If they wish my presence, they can come on their own time.~

“On the condition that your bodyguards stay at the shrine entrance and do not enter,” you tell Maas, “they agree.”

He nods. “Done. Meet me at the parade ground in fifteen minutes, please.”


>Go see Dietrich, Ekrine, Gherta, or the Enchantress while you’re here
>Begin the mission

>>36313888
>Begin the mission
Can't keep the royal family waiting.

>>36313888
>>Begin the mission

“As ordered,” you tell him. “I’ll be there.”

“Thank you.” He taps his pocket, and you hear the clink of coins. “I’ll have what’s needed, as well.”

“He’ll appreciate that,” you tell the King.


Below, you find Dervich rolling up in the wagon, whistling behind his scarf. “Sorry about the look, boss, but it’s bloody cold… today,” he says, watching as the Royal family emerges. “Oh. Er… your Majesty,” he says to the Queen as she rides up on her horse. “An honor.”

“Thank you, Paladin,” she says. A small coach behind her has the Royal children and a few Shadows in plainclothes sitting inside, while the King rides alongside his wife. Fully thirty Shadows an an Infiltrator – not Zahn, somebody you don’t recognize – ride up behind them. She sees the wagon, and her nose wrinkles.

The King, somewhat more diplomatic, nods to you. “If you’d like, Herald, you and your Paladin could ride in the coach with the children, to explain where we’re going… or you could borrow a horse from the stables, if you’d prefer.”


>”The wagon is fine, Sire.”
>”The coach will be warmer, at least.”
>”We’ll ride horses.”

>writein

>>36314253
>>”We’ll ride horses.”

“We’ll just ride the cart horses, Sire,” you say politely. “I admit, I’m surprised that you’re riding as yourself, so to speak.”

He chuckled. “The war is swinging my way, the conspiracy is almost broken. I need to show that it’s safe to ride in public.”

“Of course.” You trot the column out the door and take off for the shrine.

Once you’re out of the walls, you glance over your shoulder. “Set the pace, Sire. It’s not a long journey.”

He grins and breaks into a fast canter. He doesn’t want to outpace the coach, it seems.

After an hour’s journey, you all slow a bit to rest the horses. The sun is disappearing behind some whispy clouds, and the wind is picking up a bit. The elves in the group shiver a bit, but the humans seem unperturbed. After the break, you proceed.

You tense up a bit as you pass the spot where Fish-chaser successfully surprised you before, but the spy is nowhere to be found. “It was here,” you mutter. The King looks at you sideways.

“The spy?” he asks.

“Yes. He was so mad at me,” you grumble.

“Exactly what did he ask you?” Maas inquires.


>Tell him fully
>Just the basics
>Refuse to answer
>”That’s between me and Asa.”
>writein

>>36314919
>>Just the basics

>>36314919
>Tell him fully

>>36314919
>”That’s between me and Asa.”

Rolled 1 (1d3)

Well, shit.

Rolling 1d3. 1 for reveal all, 2 for basics, 3 for be obstructive.

You think back to the encounter. “He asked me three questions. He asked if it was true that I was involved in the death of his brother. Then, he asked if I killed Novai Saren… then he asked if there was really a Hell-dweller involved in Saren’s death. Then he said I shouldn’t have picked a side and rode off with his two escorts. I haven’t seen him since.”

“Rode where?” the King asked.

“South. Away from the city,” you recall. “Anyway. I answered his questions honestly.”

Maas huffed. “Fine.”

You all ride in silence until you reach the grove, then hop off. The large copse of truly ancient trees twists over your heads, blocking out the sun. At the entrance road, you dismount, and Dervich does too. You raise a hand to halt the column. “All right, folks, this is where we stop,” you call out.

Maas dismounts and helps his wife do the same as Mara scrambles from the coach, looking ill, and a Shadow emerges a moment later to pass the baby off to his mother. The kid is wailing, and Maraven hurriedly sets him on the floor of the coach to change Alaric.

You catch the Shadows’ attention with a wave of the hands. “Gents, lock the place up. The road, I mean. Absolutely nobody follows us. Asa’s orders,” you add, as several draw breath to protest. “Infiltrator, into the trees. Watch for anybody tracking us from the city.”

“Aye, ma’am,” he says quietly, and flickers out of sight over the dead grass.

“I will go unguarded, as promised,” Maas says as Maraven quickly cleans and re-dressed tiny Alaric. “Shall we?”

“Absolutely,” you say.

“Is it a long walk?” Mara says, her voice getting a bit whiny.

“No,” you promise.


>Go straight to the shrine first
>Detour to the temple
>Let them pick where to go
>writein

>>36315352
>>Go straight to the shrine first

>>36315352
>Let them pick where to go

>>36315352
>Go straight to the shrine first

>Go straight to the shrine first

“Then let’s go,” Maas says, betraying a hint of his nervousness as he says it.

The road is clear a you lead the others in. Maas looks around, silent, while Mara asks questions. “Why does the air feel different here?”

“It’s ancient, Mara,” her mother says softly. “This is a special place.”

“What does that mean here?” Mara insists.

“It means this place was important to Mai’te.”

“Why?”

“Elsa’s going to show us,” Maraven says, hushing the girl.

After a few minutes’ walk, you arrive at the fork. “The shrine is this way, my friends,” you tell them. “Alan, if you would…?”

“Of course,” he says, taking the lead. He lopes off towards the distant shrine, where Kerin is waiting.

“Anything you want to ask so far?” you inquire of the group.

Mara looks a little nervous now, too, under her coat and scarf. “Uh, what will I have to ask this demon?” she asks uncertainly.

>”Just ask him a question in your mind, and he’ll help answer.”
>”Do you know what prayer is?”
>”You don’t have to do anything, or you can watch what your parents do.”
>writein

>>36316063
>”You don’t have to do anything, or you can watch what your parents do.”

>”You don’t have to do anything, or you can watch what your parents do.”

>>36316063
>>”Do you know what prayer is?”

“Well, do you know what a prayer is?” you ask.

“It’s… when you ask somebody to help you with something, but in your head, right?” Mara asked. “And it doesn’t do anything?”

“Around Kerin, he can make it do things,” you explain briefly. “You don’t have to. Just watch your parents.”

“Okay,” she says in relief. Maas, however, reaches over to pat her back.

“I wouldn’t have brought you if I thought you would be uncomfortable around him, Mara,” he says quietly. “Just say hello, that’s all you have to do.”

You lead the Royals over to the shrine slowly, letting the Queen keep pace with the baby in her arms. As you grow closer, you see Dervich standing in the shrine, stretching and yawning, looking for all the world like he’s as happy as he’s ever been. Kerin is actually leaning back against the fountain, smiling and talking. He knows you’re coming, of course.

When you come within a few feet of the marble block, Dervich stands back, and Kerin steps forward. “Ah. Hello, sister Elsa,” he says cheerfully. “And you… you must be the Royal family of the nation in which I find myself this millennium.”

Maas manages to not stare at the demon’s appearance. Maraven manages it with more effort. The baby just gurgles and stares off into space, while Mara hides behind her mother. “I am. We are, your Holiness,” Maas says, hiding his nerves. It’s about as far from the noble, regal, utterly composed King you first met as it’s possible to be. “I am Maas, King of Cender, son of King Oreg. This is my wife, Maraven, our daughter Mara, and our new-born son, Alaric.”

Kerin’s face brightens. “Ah, a newborn? Is he here for the traditional practice?” he asks. The Royals look bemused, so you quickly tap your Gem.


(con’t)

{No, the baby’s healthy, and a few weeks old. They’re here to meet you, perhaps offer up a token, pray, and go.}

~Gotcha.~ “Never mind,” he says aloud. “Do come in.”

The King bows his head. “Your Holiness, thank you.” He steps onto the marble.

You had thought the effect on the women before was pronounced. Instantly, Maas seems to straighten up. Where their eyes went wide with physical comfort and surprise, his narrow, and his spine stiffens from a slump you hadn’t noticed. “Ah… remarkable,” he says under his breath. He holds his hand back for his wife and children.

Maraven follows, while Mara slowly trails the others, clearly nervous. Maraven seems to undergo the same effect as her husband, while Mara’s eyes bug out and she nearly skips over to where you’re standing. Interestingly, Alaric doesn’t react at all.

“And how old is Alaric?” Kerin asked.

“Er, a bit over three weeks,” Maraven says distractedly. “It feels… much warmer here.”

The demon nods wisely. “So it is. Please, disrobe if you become uncomfortable.”

“I’m fine,” Maraven says automatically, slowly looking around.

“This feels like I just woke up!” Mara exclaims.

>Leave them be and go show Dervich the Temple
>At least stay to see what Kerin says to them
>Talk to Mara while the King asks Kerin his question
>writein

>>36316659
>Leave them be and go show Dervich the Temple

>>36316659
>Talk to Mara while the King asks Kerin his question

Rolled 1 (1d2)

Another coin flip. 1 for stay, 2 for go.

“It’s supposed to,” you tell her. “Is it scary?”

“No, I like it,” she says. “Is… that’s Kerin?”

“Yes.” You watch as Kerin bows his head to the King. Maas kneels, making Mara gasp, and presents a coin from his hand. Kerin accepts it and bids the King rise.

“Dad?” Mara asks, but you place a hand on her shoulder.

“Just observing the ritual,” you promise. The sight of her powerful father kneeling must have been quite a shock. “In this place, Kerin is above us all.”

“That’s…” she trails off. “I believe you, but it sounds so crazy.”

“Yeah. Did you get to meet Asa?” you ask.

“Yes! She’s really nice,” Mara says eagerly. “She said we’d meet again.”

“Oh, you will,” you chuckle.

Your Gem warms. ~How very interesting. Sister, Maas has asked me for guidance, and prayed to me. His prayer concerns something very personal to him. He wants to know to which of his children to bequeath the throne when he dies.~

You tap your forehead. {And?}

~And I already have an answer, informed by my discretion and my divinity. I’d like your input.~

{Why?}

~You know him as a man. I see his soul, but his mind is very, very strong. Strong enough that I can’t foresee his future.~


>{I can’t reasonably answer that if Alaric isn’t even a person yet.}
>{Mara was first.}
>{The line of Kings is unbroken for centuries, it should pass to the boy.}
>{Is Maraven done having kids?}
>writein

>>36317363
>{Is Maraven done having kids?}
`

>>36317363

>{I can’t reasonably answer that if Alaric isn’t even a person yet.}
>{Is Maraven done having kids?}

{Is Maraven done having children?} you ask.

Kerin’s response is filled with his approval. ~Very good, little sister, very well spotted. Indeed, the question can not yet be answered by the information the King has given.~

{Also, Alaric is too young to judge character.}

~They both are. Well spotted, sister.~ Kerin meets the King’s eyes. “There is no way to answer that, King. Your children are not yet old enough to assume the role, nor are you certain that you desire no more.”

Maas slumps, but Kerin continues. “You may ask for a boon until I find one I can grant, my friend.”

“Seems to be the pattern,”Maas chuckles ruefully.


>”And what does that mean?”
>Stay silent.
>writein

>>36317748
>>writein
Can he wait? If he asks the same question a decade from now might be get a better answer?

>>36317818
Since Elsa already knows the answer, I'll just tell you: yes. Go ahead and vote again.

>>36317748
>>”And what does that mean?”

>”And what does that mean?”

You frown at Maas’ odd comment. “What does that mean, Sire?”

“Asa asked me a favor,” Maas says. “I asked for about five rewards before I named one she could give.”

You stare at the King as he looks back to the demon and bows his head again. A favor? That was fairly rare… but then, you’re unprecedented, so it’s not really worth discussing.

~And now he asks for something I can do,~ Kerin comments. He rests his hand on the King’s shoulder and smiles. “You knew already, King, but here. Let me help you remember.”

The King’s eyes tilt up, over your heads and into the trees, and farther away than that, to the south, where his troubles lie. “I see,” he says quietly. “Thank you.” He steps back and bows. “An honor, your Holiness.”

“My pleasure.” He turns to the Queen. “And yourself, Queen Maraven? Do you also seek my blessing?”

“If I may, your Holiness,” the Queen says. “I did have a question.”


(con’t)

“Then pray, that I may hear your soul say it in your own way,” Kerin says, smiling and filding his hands at his waist. Maraven does so.

~And another question about the children. Your nation is in good hands, if its primary troubles come from the un-loved or the lonely,~ Kerin chuckles.

{Perhaps I should give them more privacy,} you remark uncomfortably.

~I’m not relaying prayers I’m going to answer,~ Kerin assures you. “My apologies, Queen Maraven, but I cannot inflict such a change outside my own little corner of the world,” he says, waving a hand at the marble shrine. “But do ask another.”

She tsks and inclines her head once more. “Ah, yes,” Kerin says. “Indeed.” He steps closer and waits until she meets his metal eyes. “Here,” he says quietly. “A simple answer for a noble question.”

The shadow-skinned beauty smiles. “Thank you, your Holiness.”

He turns to Mara and smiles gently. “And little Mara? You needn’t fear me, child.”

She half-tucks herself behind you anyway.


>”Forget it, Kerin.”
>”Mara, it’s not actually scary.”
>Do it yourself to help her be less afraid
>writein

>>36318399
>Do it yourself to help her be less afraid

You leave her to go stand before your brother. “Here, let me show you,” you say encouragingly. “Brother?”

Kerin nods with a little grin as you step close. ~You’re as nervous as she is, Sister,~ he teases. ~Just relax. Open your soul to me.~


>So what do you actually want to ask?

>What is the ideal living situation for my husband and me after I kill Kotrick?
>Who is worth bringing with me when I attack Kotrick’s base?
>Am I actually as obligated to help the King win the war as he seems to think?
>writein

NOTE: I usually don’t point this out, but this prompt, like every single prompt where I actually leave the >writein prompt, has a bonus for a clever answer I didn’t think of myself. However, this is one of the rare prompts where you may only choose ONE answer instead of a combination.

>>36318693
What Should I be doing?

>>36318750
He won't answer a question that general.

>>36318777
what would be the best use of my time/abilities towards helping the poeopl

>writein
Is there a life for me when, if, I kill Kotrick? There is uncertainty between myself, a mortal, caught between a triad of important relationships, where each demand my attention in such a way that ignoring any one of them is perilous. Can there be a balance? Should there be a balance?

>>36318693

>Am I actually as obligated to help the King win the war as he seems to think?

I actually wanna know how removed from kingdom obligations Heraldship makes us.

>>36318956
better yet what happens if we say fuck off and do jack shit for him

>>36318829
This is what I'm backing

>>36318983
well that one's obvious. We'd have pissed off a king.

>>36319025
what can he really DO about it?

File: happiness.gif (750 KB, 500x300)

750 KB GIF

I'm delighted that you're discussing this!

>>36319067
Banish us from Cender?

>>36318985
then try to write it out as best you can in your own words. who knows you may come up with something good

>>36319091
so lets commit some regicide and install a more religious friendly puppet

>>36319167
Let's not.

All right, I'm calling it for a final decision in five minutes. I'm so pleased that you're thinking this over!

>>36319234
y? we could even install a nice ineffective dumb religious senate

>>36319235
don't worry we will never do it again.

>>36319270
4/10 you got help from Poe's law.

>>36319321
2/6 had to look up Poe's law.

You’re nervous, yes. Is that so odd? You understand better than most what’s about to happen.

Still, he’s your brother. You clear your mind and think. What do you need answered?

Well, there’s the general stuff. What’s the best use of your powers? What should you do with them? What will Maas think of you after all this over, and you become an indirect threat to his power?

Your mind stays silent. In the instant that has passed, Kerin’s expression hasn’t changed. You focus as best you can. You wonder about how the world will be when Kotrick dies, and your mission is over. What role will you fill? Will you be able to give your husband a family? Will he want one from you? Is his uncertainty over your roles damaging that?

And what about your uncertainty? What combination of roles should you even try to fill? You’re Cenderian, you’re a wife, you’re a Herald, you’re a penitent sinner, and you’re not in balance with any of them. Is there a correct balance? Should there be one? Every soldier is at their best under pressure, and nothing helps you find that excellence like a struggle. But is that selfish? Will Maas respect that? Will-

AH, THERE WE ARE.

A warm, resonant voice fills your being. It’s like Ardraebel’s, only instead of being overwhelmingly powerful, Kerin’s voice is vast, but unthreatening.

SISTER, YOUR BURDEN IS HEAVY. YOUR QUESTIONS ARE MANY. I CAN ANSWER BUT ONE. YOUR SOUL HAS CHOSEN IT.

The entire experience lasted but a moment. His physical body – which you suddenly understand is only the most insignificant portion of him – reaches forward and grips your hands. “Here,” he says. “Let me help.”

Knowledge floods into you. Your soul attunes with his in a way you haven’t felt since you rose from the dead the first time.


(con’t)

MAAS’ CONCERNS ARE IMMATERIAL. THERE IS A BALANCE YOU CAN STRIKE, IF YOU WISH TO BE CHALLENGED, AND ONE THAT LETS YOU AVOID HARD WORK, THOUGH I DOUBT YOU WANT THAT. ALL WHO DESERVE AN INPUT SHOULD BE CONSULTED, BUT YOU KNOW PERFECTLY WELL THAT KILLING DON KOTRICK WILL NOT END YOUR QUEST. SKYBORN MUST FALL. ONLY THEN, WHEN THE LAST DEMON BESIDES ME IS GONE, CAN YOU FIND A BALANCE, AND ONLY THEN, WHEN THE PANTHEON ARE NOT JUST YOUR MASTERS BUT FOREVER IN YOUR DEBT, WILL THIS BALANCE FEEL OBVIOUS.

I, KERIN, DEMON OF DISCRETION, SAY THIS: YOU SHOULD FIND A BALANCE AS THE ANCIENT HERALDS ONCE DID, AND CONTENT YOURSELF WITH BEING A FONT OF WISDOM, AND BE MORE ONLY WHEN ASKED. A THOUSAND BATTLES OF HEARTS AND MINDS AND FLESH WILL BE FOUGHT IN YOUR LIFETIME, AND A THOUSAND THOUSAND MORE AFTER YOUR DEATH. WHAT IS ONE WINNER OR ANOTHER? BE AN ADVISOR. YOU DREAD YOUR MANY ROLES IN CONTRAST, BUT WHY SHOULD THAT CONTRAST BE A CONFLICT? YOU CAN BE A WARRIOR OF PEACE, A BEACON TO THE SINNERS, A LOVER AND KILLER AT ONCE.

IN MY ASPECT, I CAN NOT LIE TO YOU, BELOVED ELSA. BE MOTHER TO YOUR CHILDREN, BE THE FRIEND AND CONFIDANT TO THE PEOPLE, BE THE SERVANT AND DEVOTED SISTER OF ASA, AND BE SLAVE TO NEITHER TIME NOR KINGS. THAT IS BALANCE. THAT IS SERVICE. THAT IS HERALDSHIP.

BE NOT A NOBLE. BE A GUIDE.

BE BALANCED.


The instant ends. You feel a bit dizzy. It passes. Kerin nods once and steps back. “You know as I know.” He turns to Mara. “See how much it helped her?” he asks with a chuckle. “And she’s already divine.”


>Page Asa and let her know what you were advised (remember he will hear you)
>Just let them finish in silence
>writein

>>36319689
>Just let them finish in silence

>>36319689
>>Just let them finish in silence

>>36319689
>>Page Asa and let her know what you were advised (remember he will hear you)

>>36319689


>Page Asa and let her know what you were advised (remember he will hear you)

gotta spread that info

>>36319689
>>36319635
its really hard to be into this quest man
could you know describe things

less describing action more describing what is doing the action

>>36320031
Aw, I thought the new posters were lurkers instead of completely new.

{Sister, did you hear all that?} you ask in awe.

[Hmm?]

~I advised Elsa, sister. She was a bit overwhelmed. I apologize. Your question was far more complex than Maas’ was,~ Kerin says sheepishly. It’s the same voice, but he doesn’t feel like a God now, in your mind, just his usual kind self. ~Pardon me, little Mara has worked up the courage to approach.~

[What did my brother tell you?] Asa asks, curious.

{I was to destroy Skyborn before I had thoughts of trying to strike a permanent balance, that my and your desires for my behavior after the campaign are more important than Maas’ are, and that I should find balance most successfully if I stop trying to be a noble and start being a… consultant, I guess,} you say.

~More or less.~

[Ah.]

~And don’t forget the part where you shouldn’t feel like being a soldier is wrong, but it’s not your job any more,~ Kerin adds. ~You’re good at it, and nothing is worse than wasted skills. Just don’t fight for Maas. It’s Maas’ job to make sure his declarations and orders and commands fall in line with the guidelines the Pantheon sets, not the other way around. He can’t even feel like he can so much as order you to buy lunch, much less kill a person, but if he’s doing his job properly, and you’re doing yours, he’ll never, ever need to.~ He tsks in your head. ~Ah… poor Mara. She’s afraid that her father will pass her over for Alaric when it comes time to bequeath the throne. It’s so sad… that’s exactly what Maas asked me. You know, if he should do that. I wish succession weren’t so important to these people. Thoughts?~


>{I’m not touching that!}
>{If Maas is being a good father, he’ll never do that for any reason other than it bein best for her and Cender itself.}
>{It’s his call.}
>{Asa, you say it.}
>{It’ll only happen if she fails to prove herself.}
>writein

>>36320068
I read the archives its just it makes the story more readable/enjoyable think about the senses, describe what you see, smell, feel don't be afraid to re state features of people.

>>36320031
Not sure I understand. You mean the ALL-CAPS words specifically?

>>36320130
>{If Maas is being a good father and king, he’ll never do that for any reason other than it being best for her and Cender itself.}

>>36320145
Ah. I can do that. I keep running into the character limit on 4chan posts when I start getting really verbose. My prose is far more descriptive in book format.

>>36320148
no but why is the god shouting ? perhaps describe cadence and tone rather than ALL CAPS.

when the talk about deadpools voice its all gurgling gravel and gasoline

when you want to inspire awe you not just loud but so loud your bones shake be DESCRIPTIVE

>>36320263
He's not shouting. The all-caps is the means by which I designate that a God or something near to it is speaking. Notice the lack of quotation marks. It's not words that result from air molecules vibrating, it's just happening.

If that's confusing, though, I can try to break it up more with descriptions.

>>36320247
Fuck the character limit no one give a fuck if you gotta make 5+ posts to get a seance out

>>36320278
well describe that the words form in your mind or you mind is filled with ...
describe your vision of what happens.

>>36320338


Yeah, I know I should. I really do. Posting under pressure like this makes that a lot harder. I don't know why I feel like I have to race, there's not a true time limit on this.

{I think Maas wouldn’t ever do that to her, unless he thought it was the only way to give Cender the best. Didn’t he already say he wouldn’t? I remember Jerome saying that.}

Kerin speaks in your mind again. ~Yes, but Mara’s afraid he’ll change his mind. It’s more or less what I concluded, though.~ The demon crouches, so her eyes are above his. She doesn’t flinch from the sight of his gold visage. “You don’t need to worry about that,” he says quietly. He rests one hand on her skin, and though she flinches, it’s just from surprise. The sight of her black skin contrasting with his cloud-white flesh is oddly poignant. “Here,” he adds.

Mara’s eyes widen a bit. “Oh.” She looks down in shame. “I guess I was just being silly.”

Kerin shakes his head. “No, Mara, not silly at all,” he says, giving her a quick hug. “It’s not silly to wonder about the future. I wish I could read it and tell you more.” His even, measured tone slows as he says it. “Now, you know what I’ve told you. Your parents love you, little one, they’ll be happy to answer your questions if you have more.”

“Yeah.” She hugs him back. “Okay. Thank you, sir… your Holiness.”

“My honor.” He stands and escorts the girl back over to her waiting family. “And little Alric, eh?” he asks with a chuckle. “Too young to have true thoughts and questions, I’m afraid,” he says. “Still.” He rests his alabaster finger on the baby’s cheek, and the tiny infant looks reactively at him. “Ah… he has a Gift,” Kerin notes. “Interesting.” He looks over at Mara. “And so does your daughter. Did you know?”

Mara recoils, sending her silvery hair rippling. “No! We had… we had no idea!”

“Ah. Well, consider that a bonus gift,” the green-clad demon says.


>Stay a bit longer
>Go tour the Temple with Dervich and leave them be
>writein

>>36320460
>Go tour the Temple with Dervich and leave them be
We probably should have told them their children had gifts.

>>36320531
Anon wisely decided that that wasn't Elsa's job, back at the Presentation ball a few chapters ago.

>>36320569
>I got called wise
Maybe everyone will forget the Hooks debacle now

I absolutely have to sleep. I'll be playing first thing in the morning.

For those catching up, Mara, Maas, Maraven, and Alric are all standing together, while the demon Kerin stands with them, blessing them with his knowledge. Asa's not there.

>>36320716
bump

>>36321644
bump

Bump, bump bump.

You leave the demon and the King to discuss that revelation, grabbing Al on your way past. “Want to see something cool?” you ask. “You never got the tour.”

“Sure!” he says. He glances back over his shoulder as you walk away from the shrine. “Uh, wow. So the Royal kids have Gifts.”

“I knew, but I didn’t feel like it was right to tell them before they manifested, you know?” you hedge. “At least now it’s not a surprise.”

“Yeah.” The dark-haired human runs a hand back over his brow. “Warm in there.”

“Even for a human?” Humans, with their natural tolerance for temperature, adapt far quicker than you do to changes in the air.

“Even for a human.” Dervich crickes his neck and falls in behind you on the bridge. “So what’ss over here that you wanted to show me?”


>The outbuildings that Asa said would be for you if I moved here
>The portals
>The sauna
>The temple
>The docks
>The garden
>writein

>>36325315
>The outbuildings that Asa said would be for you if I moved here
>The portals

How do you wake up so quick

>>36326678
I went to bed at 0230 and got up at 1000. I can also pre-load the next day's OP if I have to.

“Well, Asa said that if I move into the temple rectory, the outer guest residence is yours, if you want it,” you tell him.

“Whoa, what?” he asks, stunned. “Really?”

“Sure. You’re my Paladin.” You grin at the human’s stunned expression. “Are you surprised?”

“Yeah! I guess I shouldn’t be,” he says. He shakes his head, making his helmet clatter against his armor. “I’ll have to back out of my security deposit on my new apartment, though.”

“Well, I may not move here for a while,” you tell him. “Jerome and I want our kids to be raised in the city, where they don’t have to ride a horse for two hours to get their education.”

“Oh, alright.” He stares at the Temple as you cross the bridge. “Wow. What a place.”

The beautiful marble structures, with their intricate sculpture and gardens, sprawl over the mossy ground towards the distant, dense trees. You lead him over to the outbuildings first. “Here,” you say, pushing the door of the first one open. “This is the guest residence. I haven’t actually been inside yet either.”

“Cool,” he remarks, taking it in. It’s not furnished like the temple is, this is clearly more utilitarian. The furniture isn’t plentiful, but it’s orderly, with a small sitting room in the front, an empty shrine in the corner, and a back dining area. There’s a large kitchen in the back, with a fireplace in every room, and a stairway leads to a private bath and master bedroom. There’s a guest room beside it, as well.


(con’t)

He troops upstairs to check it out and whistles. “A heated stone bath. Nice.”

You recall the outdoor meeting place. “The guests who came for the conference chambers in the amphitheater would stay here. It’s a bit luxurious. The rectory for the Heralds and Priests is much larger, but it’s more cramped, since there’s multiple residences.”

“Wow.” He runs his hand over the sink. “Clean as a whistle. How is it so clean after thousands of years?”

“Mai’te’s gifts,” you supply. He slowly wipes his hands together and tests the water faucet. Nothing happens.

“Doesn’t work,” Alan says.

“I’ll get Asa to turn it on,” you tell him. “Isn’t this awesome?”

“It’s pretty nice,” he chuckles. “I’d like living here. What would I do, though? If you just stay here, I’d get pretty bored.”


>”Actually, Kerin got me thinking that I’ll be traveling more often than I assumed before.”
>”Well, somebody has to guard the place.”
>”With Kerin to chat with at any time?”
>”Or we could guard the road between here and the city to protect the pilgrims who come to Kerin.”
>writein

>>36327382
>”With Kerin to chat with at any time?”

You giggle. “What, with Kerin to talk to at any time?”

Alan snorts. “Hah. Well, I dunno how often I’ll be doing that – I won’t be able to receive his blessings, right?”

“Right.”

“Yeah. Don’t want to get jealous.” He seems to realize he’s said too much, and goes back to inspecting the master bedroom with entirely too much attention to detail. “Windows are sealable, nice.”

You wince as you realize what just happened. Al isn’t jealous, but being around all these elf deities is clearly making him feel somewhat alone. “Do your parents know you’ve made Paladin?” you ask.

“They’re dead,” he says glumly. “My sister doesn’t know, she’s off in the Marines. Won’t be back for a year and a half. Off fighting pirates on the coast. Maybe she’s okay.”

The silence is so awkward that you feel compelled to break it. “Well… okay. I don’t know what to say. Maybe you and Vier could arrange something?”

“How?” he asks. “I can’t page her like you can Asa.”


>”Have you ever tried?”
>”No, but I can ask Asa to pass along a message.”
>writein

>>36327851
>”No, but I can ask Asa to pass along a message.”

>”Have you ever tried?”

Maybe you can and don't know it yet.

“I can relay messages for you, but…” you trail off as a thought occurs. “Can you page her like I page you? Sending messages without words?”

Alan thinks about that. “If I could, it would be for Haret, but… hmm.” He rests his hand over his brand. After a moment, you hear Asa speak.

[Sister, is Alan paging you?]

{No, we were trying to see if he could page Haret like I can page you.}

[Ah, I see. He was wondering. No, the Paladin brand is different. He can’t send thoughts, he can send emotions. So if he were, say, being attacked, he could send panic, or if he were curious, he could send that curiosity. It’s not as personal. Does he need Haret?]

{We were wondering if he could ask Vier to tell his sister of his ascension to Paladin.}

[Ah. I doubt it… but I’ll ask… she says she can, but not to ask her for such favors in the future. I want to impress on you both that the status I grant you regarding using me as a means of communication is a rare privilege. I never allowed most of the old Heralds such access to me. Vier knows Alan doesn’t know that, so she’ll do it this time, but…]

{Gotcha. Thank you.} You look over at Alan. “Vier says she’ll do it this time, but not to ask in the future, since most Heralds and Paladins were never allowed to use the Avatars to communicate in the old days. And you send emotions, not messages. So anger, curiosity, fear, that sort of stuff.”

Dervich nods. “Ah. Thank Vier for me, please.”

{Al says thanks.}

[I’ll pass that along. How is the Royal tour?]

{They seem happy, if overwhelmed. Kerin offered me a blessing, too. He says I should become a sort of advisor to the world at large after all this, and hang Maas if he tries to give me orders.}

[Literally hang?]

{No, ignore him.}


(con’t)

(con’t)


[Oh.] Asa’s voice hesitates. [Interesting.]

{He says I’ll find balance on my own if I look for it that way.}

[Clever.]

Outside, the portal glade is a short walk. As Alan walks in, he slows. “Hmmm… I can feel something here, but I can’t see it,” he says contemplatively, walking right through several strands. “What is this place?”

“It’s the Emergence site, for the elf Heaven-born,” you tell him. His eyes bug out.

“What? Really? Wow,” he exclaims. He kneels and touches the moss. “That’s incredible.” He looks up at you, beaming. “I had no idea it was in Cender!”

“Most don’t.”


>”Want me to ask where the Human one is?”
>”Where is your sister, anyway?”
>”Maybe I could ask Kerin for a blessing on your behalf…”
>”We should check on the Royals.”
>writein

>>36328597
>”Want me to ask where the Human one is?”
>”Maybe I could ask Kerin for a blessing on your behalf…”

“I could ask Kerin for a blessing on your behalf, if you thin kit would be awkward otherwise,” you offer.

He looks off into the distance for a moment. “You know, I’d like that,” he says decisively. “I feel like I’m intruding right now.”

“Alright.” You shift your weapons and start the walk back. “How about the human Sacred Home equivalent? Know where that one is?”

“I do, actually,” he confirms. “It’s on one of the islands in the Oslin-Otch Sea. Near where the glaciers came through the landbridge. I’ve never been there, but apparently there’s a town built over it now, and they have a museum there.”

“Wow. I’d like to see that some day,” you remark. “So what do you want to ask for from Kerin?”

Alan shrugs. “Well, let’s find out if he’ll even do it first,” your Paladin advises.


When you reach the Shrine, the Royals are all standing around, either talking or looking into the fountain. “The water is divinely replenished, you see, so even in this cold winter, it never freezes,” Kerin explains. He looks up when you enter his home. “Elsa! What can I do for you?”

“Alan here has a question, brother,” you tell him.

Alan clears his throat. “Is it possible for me to receive the benefit of your wisdom even though I’m not an elf, your Holiness?”


(con’t)

“Paladins need not address my by my title, Alan,” Kerin tells him. “And no. Well, actually… I think so, I just can’t hear you ask the question,” he says after a moment’s thought.

“Oh. Well, can I ask manually?” Alan tries again.

The pale demon ponders that. “Possibly… worth a try,” he says with a shrug. “It’s never come up, to be honest. The nearest human shrine was only a few hours away. Barely worth coming to me when your own were about.”

“Were you all able to talk, telepathically?” Mara asks. “Your Holiness?” she adds.

“Not to the human demons, no,” Kerin says. Alan steps up and closes his eyes, and Kerin looks at him for a moment. “Hmm. No such luck. Sorry,” he says with a tilt of his head.

“Mmmm.” Alan looks back at you. “Elsa, could I ask you to prepare His Majesty and his family for transport? I’d like a moment to ask this aloud.”


>”I don’t like secrets.”
>”Sure. I’ll see you in a minute.”
>writein

>>36329303
>”Sure. I’ll see you in a minute.”

You can hardly fault him for wanting privacy. “You got it. I’ll see you at the coach,” you tell him. You lead the Royal family back towards where you had left their horses. As you do, Mara looks back at Kerin.

“I was a little scared, but he’s nice,” she decides. She flicks some silver hair out of her eyes as she puts her scarf back on. “He wasn’t… what’s the word?”

“Imposing?” Maraven suggested.

“No...”

“Impatient?”

“Condescending,” Mra decided. “He listened.”

“He did,” Maas agrees. The King’s bearing doesn’t flag as he leaves the holy place. Whatever things he heard from Kerin, and whatever relief the echoes of heaven gave him, aren’t fading. “Thank you, Herald. That was unforgettable.”

You nod graciously. “Of course, your Highness. I’m sure Kerin would want you to return any time. He’s said as much. Tomorrow, I’m going to go gather my forces, then bring my Husband out here if he’s up for it. He’s worked to the bone in the armory right now, you know.”

“I know. For the best possible reason,” Maas says, perhaps a bit haughtily. “Still. Tomorrow the work will be far lighter. I’m sure the armorer will let him go early.”


The walk out to the road is quiet, until the horses are in sight, and Alan comes jogging up behind you. “It worked,” he says breathlessly, looking awed. “I heard Kerin.”


>”Good. Was it difficult?”
>”What did you ask him?”
>writein

>>36329851
>”Good. Was it difficult?”

You pat him on the shoulder as he catches up. “Good. Was it difficult?”

“Yeah, actually,” he says. “It was kind of weird-feeling, but he managed to understand what I was saying.” Alan shakes his head as the horses come into view. “Don’t think I’ll do it often. It was tiring.”

It didn’t tire you at all. “Alright, your call,” you assure him.

You all mount back up as the King gets a few subtle head-shakes from the Shadows. Your caravan rumbles off as the children climb back into the coach.


>Try to talk shop with the King while you can’t be overheard
>Page Asa for advice about the next day’s recruitment efforts
>writein

>>36330438
>Page Asa for advice about the next day’s recruitment efforts
>Get a reminder from the king on exactly how much funding we have for said recruitment.

Sorry, I got called away.

The exact amount of money in your budget is 138,001,000 Acerts. Elsa remembered that, the King didn't have to tell her.

>>36331074
Ok then just page for advice

As you ride north again, you tap the Gem to ask Asa a question. {Sister, I’m recruiting allies for the final push. Any idea who I should call in?}

Her reply is contemplative. [I actually think you should eschew the King’s guard for this. Shadows and Infiltrators, you know. Stick with the local garrisons, and whatever conventional Army forces Governor Ekrine and Captain-General Dietrich can free up. Shadow tactics are not going to be useful in a mine, and they certainly aren’t hostage rescue specialists.]

{And outside the military?} you ask.

[See if Sister Cassandra would be willing to work with you again. She and… perhaps Ainsley. Nobody else from Culler’s chapter. You, Dervich, those two Sisters, a few platoons of local troops… I’d ask the Alchemists’ Guild for help. They have some gifted craftsmen who may be able to whip up a custom sleeping potion to dump in the ventilation shafts of the mine.]

That sounds fiendishly useful. {Good idea, sister. Anybody else?}

[Perhaps a few members of the Mercenaries’ Guild,] Asa suggests. [They would help, for some small amount of coin. They’re reasonable sorts if you approach them with a specific task in mind.]


>”How long do you think the mission will take, round-trip and combat included?”
>”Do you see anything in the memories of the miners who died that could help?”
>”Could I ask Kerin for any sort of help?”
>writein

>”Do you see anything in the memories of the miners who died that could help?”

>>36331592
>”Do you see anything in the memories of the miners who died that could help?”

{I don’t suppose that any of the men who died in the mine know anything that could help?}

[Nothing the living didn’t know. The local garrison commander is drawing up a map of the place as we speak, I believe.]

{Did Kotrick seriously not lose anybody in his takeover?} you ask incredulously.

She gives the mental equivalent of a shrug. [No. The miners were defenseless.]

{Contemptible criminal,} you grouse. {Fine. I’ll get to the recruitment as soon as I can.}

[Very well. Good luck, sister.]


[END OF THREAD]

Thanks for playing! See you all next Friday!

File: ElsaAw.png (15 KB, 600x450)

15 KB PNG

Also.

>>36331869
Thanks for running!