You give the demon a once over. Xath’s now dressed appropriately for city slicking – he’s operatored up to the nines. The scale mail and whatnot, while pretty cool, probably wasn’t quite appropriate for the kinds of stuff he’d be getting up to here. He’s even got fancy mesh gloves over his claws to keep him from accidentally cutting things.

He didn’t answer your question about what he’s been doing, so you ask again. “Anyway, c’mon. Give me the play-by-play. How’s San Fran? How’s living with the peoples?”

He seems at a loss for such conversation. “Thy city is beautiful and spacious,” says Xath, trailing off and pausing for a minute. He soon regains composure and forges on. “The peoples are very… noisy. The habitations tall. And wither mine eyes glance, be it hither or thither, there is no dearth to be seen. All is in plenty, and… yet something is lacking. Tis a difficult thing to describe.”

You snort. “You probably need to go do stuff more,” you tell him.

“Which stuff more… shouldst I… do?” he asks, struggling with your choice of words. He’s keen on getting your input.

>Uh. Like. You know. Well, I guess you don’t.
>Well, I think you’re a few hundred years behind in English. What you need is to get cultured. Watch a bunch of movies and read Harry Potter and all that.
>You’re an interesting foreign dude. Get out, go to a club and meet people – I think Waldric owns a bar around here somewhere, actually.
>There’s more to the Bay Area than just San Fransisco. You should go on a day trip, take Bart and go visit some places.
>I don’t know, figure it out. You’re an adult. I’ll see you later, I’m running late.
>Ask Ranthix. Ranthix knows everything.
>Other (?)

>>38182568
>>I don’t know, figure it out. You’re an adult. I’ll see you later, I’m running late.
>>Ask Ranthix. Ranthix knows everything.

>>38182568
>You’re an interesting foreign dude. Get out, go to a club and meet people – I think Waldric owns a bar around here somewhere, actually.
>There’s more to the Bay Area than just San Fransisco. You should go on a day trip, take Bart and go visit some places.

>>38182568
>You’re an interesting foreign dude. Get out, go to a club and meet people – I think Waldric owns a bar around here somewhere, actually.
>There’s more to the Bay Area than just San Fransisco. You should go on a day trip, take Bart and go visit some places.

>>38182568
>>Well, I think you’re a few hundred years behind in English. What you need is to get cultured. Watch a bunch of movies and read Harry Potter and all that.

>>38182568
>Well, I think you’re a few hundred years behind in English. What you need is to get cultured. Watch a bunch of movies and read Harry Potter and all that.
>There’s more to the Bay Area than just San Fransisco. You should go on a day trip, take Bart and go visit some places.
>Ask Ranthix. Ranthix knows everything.

>>38182568
>You’re an interesting foreign dude. Get out, go to a club and meet people
>There’s more to the Bay Area than just San Fransisco. You should go on a day trip, take Bart and go visit some places.

>>38182568
>Well, I think you’re a few hundred years behind in English. What you need is to get cultured. Watch a bunch of movies and read Harry Potter and all that.
>You’re an interesting foreign dude. Get out, go to a club and meet people – I think Waldric owns a bar around here somewhere, actually.

>>38182568
>Well, I think you’re a few hundred years behind in English. What you need is to get cultured. Watch a bunch of movies and read Harry Potter and all that.
>You’re an interesting foreign dude. Get out, go to a club and meet people – I think Waldric owns a bar around here somewhere, actually.
We don't want him going out clubbing while talking like that. Though I'm sure it wouldn't be that out of place in SF.

>>38182568
>Well, I think you’re a few hundred years behind in English. What you need is to get cultured. Watch a bunch of movies and read Harry Potter and all that.
>There’s more to the Bay Area than just San Fransisco. You should go on a day trip, take Bart and go visit some places.

"But don't, y'know, just blindly listen to me. Just try stuff, if you find something you like keep doing it, and if you don't like it there's a lot of other things to try."

>>38182552
>Well, I think you’re a few hundred years behind in English. What you need is to get cultured. Watch a bunch of movies and read Harry Potter and all that.
>You’re an interesting foreign dude. Get out, go to a club and meet people – I think Waldric owns a bar around here somewhere, actually.

And then surprise lawn god appears to tell a story.

>>38182568
Oh shit I was not ready for hellborn, but awesome.
I mentioned this at the end of the last thread, but we should really try to work the file Eclipse has on us into the deal. They could have stuff relating to our mother's assassination, who our dad was and where he went, possible contacts that could be useful. It just seems like too good of an opportunity to pass up

>>38182568
>Well, I think you’re a few hundred years behind in English. What you need is to get cultured. Watch a bunch of movies and read Harry Potter and all that.
I want him to be shouting at the screen for Harry's success.

“What you need is to just live life,” you advise. “Go places and meet people, you know? Take Bart and go visit some different cities. There’s more to the Bay than San Francisco.”

“What is Bart?” Xathix asks.

“You know, it’s like the subway? Never mind, you’ll figure it out. But you do kind of need to get cultured. Maybe read Harry Potter and watch a couple movies. Oh. Or like, just get out. Go to a club or something, get chatting with people. You’re an interesting foreign dude, people eat that crap up.”

Xathix considers this. “It shall be done,” he states.

The tone of his voice worries you. "But don't like, you know, just do what I said,” you say carefully. “Just try new stuff. If you find something you like, keep doing it. If you don’t like it, try something else.”

He tries to wrap his mind around everything you just said. “I shall let judgment guide my actions,” he says.

You nod, satisfied with your instructions. “Good.” You pause, remembering something. You pull Jaegerstroud’s business card out form your pocket. “Oh yeah. Can you check if this thing’s bespelled or magicked up or whatever? I don’t want any more random knight people tracking me around.”

Xathix accepts the card and the task. “Xanissil is knowledgeable in such things,” he says, carefully housing the card in a leather wallet-like thing. “We shall see to it that these Ferran spies are done away with.” He inclines his head and backs away. “If thou wouldst give me leave, I shall set to the given task, and thou mayest return to treading the shadow.”

“All right. Go get ‘em, tiger,” you say, letting him go. You run off with Reeber, heading to the park where you’re to meet Orias.

>>38183718
>“Just try new stuff. If you find something you like, keep doing it. If you don’t like it, try something else.”

He's gonna start killing people, I just know it.

>>38183754
Hopefully. Wouldn't want him to not enjoy the full Bay experience.

Several minutes later you run into the park. There’s nobody there at this time of night and this time of year, so it’s pretty easy to find Orias. You spot him by the basketball courts. He paces back and forth with his hands clasped behind his back as he waits. He’s wearing a pair of corduroys, along with a silk button down-shirt and jacket, you don’t know what color. You think maybe either Waldric loaned him clothes or helped him getting Earth-wear because it seems more of his style.

There’s no mistaking Orias for his cousin, though. He’s taller, and his hair is shorter and more carefully managed than Waldric’s. Furthermore, the demon moves with firm steps, and holds himself with a serious impetus that the Baron of San Francisco lacks.

He hasn’t seen you yet because of you being so stealthy and all that.

>I’m here, you’re here, let’s get down to business.
>So what was with all that with Ranthix? He giving you a hard time?
>Yo Orias. How’s life treating you?
>Sorry I’m late. Got kind of held up with some junk.
>Sneak up on him, maybe you can scare him or something.
>Other (?)
Capcha's having trouble showing up for some reason.

>>38183970
>>Sneak up on him, maybe you can scare him or something.
>Yo Orias. How’s life treating you?

>>38183970
>Sneak up on him, maybe you can scare him or something.
>Yo Orias. How’s life treating you?

Sneaking up on him seems like a good way to get stabbed in the throat.
sounds like fun...

>>38183970
>Sneak up on him, maybe you can scare him or something.
Boo!

>>38183970
>Sneak up on him, maybe you can scare him or something.

>>38183970
>Sneak up on him, maybe you can scare him or something.
>Yo Orias. How’s life treating you?
Hey i'm having trouble with the captcha disappearing aswell.I just got it to come back naturally.How did you get it to coem back? Didja just wait or did you do something?

>>38184146

I switched to Internet Explorer.

>>38184210
Did you try disabling 4chanx first?

>>38184210
Kay.I tried that earlier and it didn't work for some reason.Thanks for the info though

>>38184245

It wasn't doing it for me.

>>38183970
>Yo Orias. How’s life treating you?

>>38184210
>I switched to Internet Explorer.
I'm so sorry

>>38183970
>He’s taller, and his hair is shorter and more carefully managed than Waldric’s.
My mind is going back to the start of the quest when Sierra kept going on about guy's hairstyles and how she likes taller guys.
Good.

>Yo Orias. How’s life treating you?

Yes. You can take advantage of this. You tell Reeber to stay put for a minute, and smirking, you drop low and head in fast. You make no sound, and coming up on Orias, you catch his scent on the air. You barely manage to suppress an inane, instinctual elation at the thought of pouncing somebody.

You’re narrowing in on your prey when something tips him off. He snaps around with great speed, only to be met by you leaping up in surprise. “Rah!” you shout.

Orias automatically shifts backward a half step, feet planted in a fighting stance before he recognizes you. “Sey vaff…?” he mutters in bewilderment, lowering his hands. You feel the restraint keeping his emotions in check falter, but only for a brief moment. “Sierra? What are doing?”

You think back, and find you don’t have much of an answer. You snicker to yourself. “I don’t know. Trying to scare you or something. Are you scared?” You can’t really feel his emotions very well.

“I am surprised,” he says, sounding troubled. “If it wasn’t for your... enthusiasm? You would have had the best of me.”

“Would you have been scared then?” you ask.

“Usually when things sneak up on me, I’m in mortal peril,” Orias replies. He frowns at the turn the conversation has taken. “Forgive me for deviating from the topic,” he apologizes.

“From what? We just started talking,” you reply.

His frown intensifies. “Yes. Yes, we have just started talking. Of course.” Man, he’s easy to fluster.

Somewhat amused, you continue. “Anyway, ‘sup Orias? How’s life treating you?”

>>38185395

A certain rigidity comes over him when he replies. “Very well.” he says, bowing slightly. “Splendidly, even. The oceanic climate of the region is most agreeable.”

Is he seriously talking about the weather?

Your expression does not escape his notice. He gives up the pretense of sociality. “There is something about which I would like to speak to you,” he says, a constrained undertone to his words.

>Shoot.
>Stall and be annoying. Orias is easy to mess with.
>You know, if you wanted to talk, you could have just called.
>Is this the thing that got Ranthix mad at you?
>Hold on a second. Is something bothering you? You seem kind of bothered by something.
>Other (?)

>>38185415
>Shoot.

>>38185415
>Shoot
>Hold on a second. Is something bothering you? You seem kind of bothered by something.
Something something poke the demon

>>38185415
>You sound upset. I know! You could get Ranthix to teach you some meditation techniques!

>>38185415
>>Shoot.
>>Is this the thing that got Ranthix mad at you?
>>Hold on a second. Is something bothering you? You seem kind of bothered by something.

>>38185415
>Shoot.

>>38185415
>Shoot.

>>38185415
>Hold on a second. Is something bothering you? You seem kind of bothered by something.
FUCK YOU CAPTCHA.A FUCKING HOUR? SERIOUSLY?!

>>38185415
>Hold on second. Is something bothering you? You seem bothered by something.
>Is this the thing that Ranthix mad at you?

“Hold on a second. Is something bothering you? You seem kind of bothered by something,” you say.

“Really? That’s strange,” says Orias, standing up a bit straighter. “I thought something was bothering you.”

That throws you for a loop. “Excuse me?”

“It was only a fleeting impression,” he says, immediately dropping the issue. “Never mind I said anything. Still, there is the matter of our meeting…?”

Confused, you nod. “Yeah, right. Shoot.”

He takes a second to compose himself. “Ranthix told me of your quest to Cerra to claim a landwell,” he says. “I would ask the privilege of accompanying you.”

This is surprising.

>Uh. Sure?
>Whatever you want, I guess.
>Can you do anything useful?
>Is that it?
>Why? You like castles or something?
>Thanks for the thought I guess, but we’re already stacking up bodies on that thing.
>Other (?)

>>38185944
>Why?

>>38185944
>Why? You like castles or something?

>>38185944
>>Thanks for the thought I guess, but we’re already stacking up bodies on that thing.

>>38185944
>>Why? You like castles or something?

>>38185944
>Is that it?
>Whatever you want, I guess.
>Why? You like castles or something?

>>38185944
>Why? You like castles or something?
I bet he's gonna try to gank us or something. Steal it for himself.

>>38186045
>implying Orias is a landmaster

“Why?” you ask.

“Don’t patronize me,” he says, a little frustrated.

“What?”

“Isn’t it obvious?”

“What’s obvious?”

“You are the Imperiate,” he says harshly. “Halth owes you a great debt. I am here to ensure that at least some of it is paid.”

>I have no problems with you coming along if that’s what you want, I guess.
>I also take cash and credit.
>Thanks. I get that I deserve better and all that, but sometimes it’s hard to get on the bandwagon when nobody takes you seriously.
>I don’t really think this is your personal responsibility. I mean, I’m kind of just going to Cerra for power and money.
>Maybe you’re talking about my mom, because I actually haven’t really accomplished anything yet.
>I don’t know if I’m really who you think I am.
>I'm an adult capable of watching my back and making decisions. I don't need people always trying to mollycoddle me.
>Other (?)

>>38186451
>I have no problems with you coming along if that’s what you want, I guess.

>>38186451
>>I have no problems with you coming along if that’s what you want, I guess.

>>38186451
>I have no problems with you coming along if that’s what you want, I guess.
>Maybe you’re talking about my mom, because I actually haven’t really accomplished anything yet.

Having him around would likely work better for us if shit goes south, assuming he won't backstab us.

>>38186451
>I don’t really think this is your personal responsibility. I mean, I’m kind of just going to Cerra for power and money.
>I'm an adult capable of watching my back and making decisions. I don't need people always trying to mollycoddle me.

>>38186451
>Maybe you’re talking about my mom, because I actually haven’t really accomplished anything yet.

>I have no problems with you coming along if that’s what you want, I guess.

>>38186451
>>I have no problems with you coming along if that’s what you want, I guess.
>>I also take cash and credit.

getcho flirt on, girl

>>38186451
What debt?

I don't think he knows about Ro yet. This should be interesting.

>>38186451
>Maybe you’re talking about my mom, because I actually haven’t really accomplished anything yet.

>>38186451
>I don't know if I'm really who you think I am.
>Maybe you're talking about my mom, because I haven't really accomplished anything yet.

I just want us to use the word mollycoddle since it's probably the exact wordage used by Ranthix.

You’re not completely sure why, but the comment angers you a little. (+2 Stress: 16/100) “Maybe you’re talking about my mom, because I actually haven’t really accomplished anything yet,” you say.

“I assure you, I speak only of you,” says Orias, his expression fixed with resolve. “You may not know because you were raised here, but the Dread Corithis did many things for our world. Halth destroyed the greatest leader it has ever known, and it is poorer for it.”

“Yeah, I know,” you say, scowling. It’s a weird feeling having people tell you how bad it is your mom died, like you’re not capable of appreciating it enough. (+2 Stress: 18/100) “I get that it really sucks she’s gone and couldn’t do any more cool things for people. But honestly, I’ve never really cared about all that crap. She was my mom. I’d be okay if she quit with all the kingdom jazz if she could still just be around.”

Orias’s eyes look grim. “Yes,” he says. “She deserves more respect than what’s been given. That is my purpose in coming here. Not for my cousin, but because of the daughter of Corithis walks the Earth.”

“I don’t need mollycoddling,” you reply, a sour expression on your face.

“Your strength I do not doubt,” Orias replies. “I do doubt if the people will ever realize the harm they’ve done to their Imperiate in rejecting her.”

You sigh. “Fine. Look, if you want to come along, if that’s what you want for whatever reason, I’m okay with that,” you say, feeling fed up with the whole Imperiate thing right now.

>>38187456

Orias bows again. “You have my gratitude,” he says. He looks up briefly, a flicker of embarrassment in his eye as he picks up your ambivalent feelings. “My apologies for being so forward,” he backpedals, wincing as he straightens back out. He regains the same restricted quality you’ve come to associate with him. When he continues, he does so haltingly. “I did not mean to... make such a bold address. That is, if I have offended you in any manner..." he trails off.

>Nah, I just get mad at stuff. Don’t sweat it.
>It’s whatever.
>I don’t know. It’s really weird when people start lecturing me about Mom.
>Good night, Orias.
>I’m going home.
>I guess I’ll see you tomorrow then.
>Other (?)

>>38187471
>Good night, Orias
Can someone do a meanwhile in Orias quest?

>>38187471
>It’s whatever.

>>38187471
>I don’t know. It’s really weird when people start lecturing me about Mom.

>>38187471
>>Nah, I just get mad at stuff. Don’t sweat it.

It's like this guy is being puppeted around one a giant broomstick shoved up his ass.

>>38187471
>I don’t know. It’s really weird when people start lecturing me about Mom.
>It’s whatever.
>Other: I know she was great and all but I really don't think there's, like, anyone else who misses her more, y'know?
>Other: You don't happen to know anything about the whole Cerran civil war thing?

>>38187471
>I guess I’ll see you tomorrow then.
>Good night, Orias.

>>38187471
>I guess I’ll see you tomorrow then.
>Good night, Orias.

>>38187471
>I don’t know. It’s really weird when people start lecturing me about Mom.
>It’s whatever.
>Good night, Orias.

>>38187471
Should probably tell him about Ro coming.

>>38187645
nah, let it be a surprise

You're aces languid but i'm tired now. thanks for running!

“I don’t know,” you say, “it’s really weird when people lecture me about Mom. I mean. I miss her the most, right?”

“Of course you’re completely right, Sierra,” he says, shifting his weight subtly. He gives off the vibe of not being comfortable of his own skin. “I never intended to insinuate anything to the contrary.”

“It’s whatever,” you say, shaking your head. “Just forget it. Good night, Orias.”

He approximates a smile. “Good night,” he replies.

You both go your separate ways.

Reeber meets back up with you, no worse for wear. You head home with him, trying to figure out the meeting. You’re not sure about how to make up your mind about this one.

>He’s got a broom stuck up his ass.
>Another member of your mom’s fanclub.
>He means well, even if he’s way awkward.
>You should probably be careful around him.
>You don’t have enough of a picture yet to say for sure.
>Other (?)

>>38187998
>He likes us

>>38187998
>He means well, even if he’s way awkward.
>He’s got a broom stuck up his ass.

>>38187998
>Another member of your mom’s fanclub.
>He means well, even if he’s way awkward.

>>38187998
>>Another member of your mom’s fanclub.
>>He means well, even if he’s way awkward.

Dudes going to be useful so long as we seem to be following in our moms footsteps.

Should be interesting seeing how he reacts around Ro.

>>38187998
>He’s got a broom stuck up his ass.
>You should probably be careful around him.

File: High definition absurdity.gif (4.88 MB, 410x296)

4.88 MB GIF

>>38188015
Damn I've had to drop this one a lot lately.

>>38187998
>He’s got a broom stuck up his ass.

>>38187998
>You don’t have enough of a picture yet to say for sure.

>>38187998
>>He means well, even if he’s way awkward.

>>38187998
>He means well, even if he’s way awkward.
>You don’t have enough of a picture yet to say for sure.

Orias is weird but I'm not sure he means ill. I'd like to know the reason why he's so odd though. I doubt it's a demon thing.

I told you guys Orias would be a qt. People didn't believe me when I said it, but I was right.

>>38187998
>>Another member of your mom’s fanclub.

>>38188078
I have no idea why but I find that man attractive.

>>38188094
But isn't he really old?

>>38188107
There's only two ways to interpret this sentence, and it's that you either find Orias or Nicolas Cage unreasonably appealing. I'm not sure which is worse.

>>38188130
Nicolas Cage.

>>38188130
>>38188142
Yeah, Cage definitely.

this orias guy, what is he capable of anyway?

>>38188319
He's a Belphegoran/Infernus mix, so potentially everything we are except the shadowshit and landmaster stuff.

Also he's real good at hunting.

Man, it's like pulling teeth getting captcha to work.

Well guys, I'm off to bed. Late night, etc.
I'll probably run on Saturday, but plans may change.

>>38188401
Thanks for running boss. Have a g'night.

>>38188401
'night

>>38188401
thank you for runing! have a good night!

>>38188328
Watch him be our Father.

That's why he acts so weird

>>38189149
He can't be, our mother didn't have shadow stuff so our father must have it, it can't just appear out of thin air.

>>38189149
>Watch him be our Father.
The fortuneteller told us we'd never see our dad again.

>>38190533
Never SEE our father again. We'll probably meet him though. Maybe he's that helpful shadow hearing all the things. MAYBE HE'S ALL SHADOWS ON EARTH, SHADOWGOD SUPREME.

>>38191643
I'll say it again, the knight people who want us to seal the portal have records of our family, that could include our dad and what happened to him after the assassination, might be worth looking into.