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Become The Dragon Quest 12

You are Countess Kotijah Imidarius, and you want to be a dragon. You have known since your birth that you wanted to be one of them, to be among your ancestors, a true dragon. Instead you have been confined to something less, something lacking the grace, ferocity and raw power that you deserve.

Last time you were approached by Sena in the middle of the night, thirsty for your blood. You tried to grapple with her, and when that didn't work you gave her some of your blood to calm her down and took her to Kat while Sena struggled to remember precisely what happened.

After talking to Kat you got to work with her in the lab, and managed to find a cure, as well as an alternate solution. By keeping a balance between her energies, Sena can keep her magic and not have to worry about turning into a bloodsucker. You brewed up the potion with Kat, gave it to Sena, and went to sleep in the early hours of morning. Kat gave you some pills to get you through the day before you left, but said the side effects are unpredictable. Yay.
>>
Character Sheet:
http://pastebin.com/SzSTEHDV

Thread twitter:
@BecomeQM

Previous adventures at:
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Become%20The%20Dragon%20Quest

The rules:
Best of three rolls, critical threat on a 20, confirmed if another roll is 20-modifier or higher. Modifier is Stat being rolled+Relevant skill. You can decide which skill to apply. If no one applies one, no skill will be added on. If you don't have a logical reason to apply a skill, don't do it.
Critical fails are at least two 1s on a roll. May expand this later to increase shenanigans.
Success is on a sliding scale and is situational. Some things are easier than others. Use your head.

Check out the side story Millie's Day Off:
http://pastebin.com/9dmr6XWx
>>
You're starting to wonder if the birds outside are trained to sing at certain times or if your staff can imitate bird calls, because once again you're awakened by the sound of birds outside your window. You feel horrible from lack of sleep, blood loss and the horrible feeling that everyone is out to get you. You know you're not paranoid though; from the evidence that's cropping up, everyone IS out to get you in some manner. You look at the pills on the bedside table. The bottle has three, and Kat said that taking one would get you through the morning. It's a gamble though.

>Take a pill
>Too much risk, struggle through
>Other (write-in)
>>
>>42463205
>Take a pill
>>
>>42463205
>Take a pill
>>
>>42463205
>Take a pill
>>
Make a Strength roll
>>
Rolled 18 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>42463603
>>
Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>42463603
>>
Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>42463396
>>
You pop a pill into your mouth and chew, swallowing after a moment. It tastes like mint and honey, but the aftertaste is absolutely awful. You slip out of bed to take a bath and get ready for the day.

You feel the pill kick in while the maids are brushing your hair and setting out outfits for you to choose from. You feel a ripple of tension flow through you, an uncomfortable feeling like all of your muscles are trying to rip themselves from your skeleton, before you start to feel your aches and pains fade. You feel wide awake, focused and aware. Your limbs feel a little numb from the experience, but it shouldn't impact you too much.

>Pick the fancy suit, you've got sword practice later and you've got to look your best
>Pick the plain suit, no sense getting blood on a good suit
>Pick the fancy dress, you can change before practice
>Other (write-in)
>>
>>42464150
>>Pick the plain suit, no sense getting blood on a good suit
>>
>>42464150
>Pick the plain suit, no sense getting blood on a good suit
>>
>>42464150
>>Pick the fancy dress, you can change before practice
We need to get accustomed to changing frequently.
>>
>>42464150
>Pick the plain suit, no sense getting blood on a good suit
>>
>>42464150
>Pick the plain suit, no sense getting blood on a good suit
No plain dress? Not that i would pick it if we're gonna do swordfighting but, you know.
>>
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You slip on the plainer of the two suits and tie your hair back, heading down to breakfast. You go over your schedule on the way. First is a lesson on magic items with Professor Ulvirahoy, then a lesson on culture and performance with your favorite bard (and only because you only know one) Gimbly, followed by your sword lesson with Captain Pucelik.

Kat and Sena aren't at the breakfast table. Kat you can understand, she's either asleep or working on your healing potions. Sena is likely passed out as well. Gil sits at the table eating egg on toast, and he gives you a wave as you approach.

"Eventful night? Kat's curled up in bed. I doubt an army could wake her right now."

>Tell Gil about last night
>Leave out some details
>Other (write-in)
>>
>>42464470
>Tell Gil about last night
>>
>>42464470
>>Tell Gil about last night
>>
>>42464470
>Tell Gil about last night
>>
You fill Gil in on the events of last night, and he pales a bit.

"I... don't know how to react to that. You turned my sister into a ticking time bomb. One wrong move and she turns into a monster, right? I can't really... It's her decision, but I don't support it. What was she thinking..."

You sigh softly.

"Maybe that she could be useful. Maybe she wanted to learn to heal and help people. Maybe she doesn't mind the risks so long as the next time one of us gets hurt she can do something about it."

Gil swirls his drink in his cup before setting it down.

"You've got a lesson to attend, right? You shouldn't be late."

>Try to console Gil
>Head to your lesson
>Other (write-in)
>>
>>42465187
>Try to console Gil
>>
>>42465187
>Try to console Gil
"The other option was to deprive her of something forever and would have made her feel useless."
>>
Make a Schmooze roll
>>
Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>42465343
>>
Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>42465343
>>
Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>42465343
>>
I already want to upgrade our Schmooze again. We use that way too much.
>>
>>42465766
We probably should sometime, but i think we'll have more use of combat soon.
>>
>>42465809
We likely will, but I feel we will have MANY more opportunities to upgrade strength/combat skills than we will schmooze.
>>
>>42465841
True, Schmooze and Spirit are probably among the ones hardest to upgrade.
>>
>>42465878
Right. That's the main logic behind 'let's try and pump schmooze while we're in a city and are in a position to actually do so.' Once we hit that old dusty trail again, that massive window of opportunity shrinks dramatically, if not outright vanishes.
>>
>>42465902
One problem with that is only that we won't have as much need for it on the road so if we don't train firebreat/martial arts(or something) then we could also have trouble down the road.
>>
>>42465979
We're already very good at combat. +2 in all combat categories
>>
>>42465979
Not in heavy situations, no, but we use schmooze in surprisingly innocuous situations, like now- simply trying to keep Gil from disliking us considering what happened with his sister. Schmoozing rolls tends to pop up repeatedly, and at random, whether on the road or off of it.
>>
>>42466026
That's true... They usually decide wether someone agrees or disagrees with us so it might be good, yeah.
>>
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"So you'd rather she felt helpless then?"

Gil glances at you as you rise from your seat.

"I'd rather she was safe."

You nod a bit.

"When she learns to control it she'll be safer than any of us."

Gil slams a hand on the table and stands, glaring at you.

"And if she can't!? Go ahead, stand there and tell me there's no risk. The last time I thought something was harmless she almost got raped! So don't you dare act like I shouldn't be afraid!"

You give it a few moments to make sure he's done before you retort.

"We should all be afraid. The borders aren't secure. My uncle is trying to play me for a fool and we don't know what he's willing to do to get my money. And there are stray zombies and necromancers out there in the world. It's dangerous. You want her to be safe? Let her develop the skills she has. She has a rare opportunity to be able to stand on her own two feet out there. I get that you want to protect her, but she can protect herself if you let her."

Gil's anger wanes slowly, and he slumps into his chair.

"I just want my sister to be safe..."

You walk over and give him a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

"She will be."

You turn and head for the patio to meet with your instructors. You're standing there for a few minutes before a door materializes in the center of the patio. Professor Ulvirahoy and Gimbly step out, mid conversation.

"-so I'm never trusting her with conduit alignment again until she can be trusted not to blow herself up again. She's adjusting well to the new arm but- Good morning, Countess."

Ulvirahoy bows low and Gimbly gives you a smile.

>Lesson time
>Ask about what they were talking about
>Other
>>
>>42466245
>>Ask about what they were talking about
>>
>>42466245
>Ask about what they were talking about

>"I must admit, that's a rather interesting place to begin hearing a conversation. Pardon the intrusion, but may I inquire as to what was the subject?"

(Trying to be flowery here so that we can show off Gimbly's teachings a touch. Don't LIKE him, but we can keep him firmly on our side if we puff him up a bit to others, I think.)
>>
>>42466245
>Lesson time
>>
>>42466245
>Ask about what they were talking about
>>
>>42466245
>"New arms? Color me intrigued."
>>
“Good morning, professor. Gimbly.”

You give them a bow of your own, which Gimbly matches.

“I hope I'm not intruding, but that sounded rather interesting. What were you just talking about?”

Professor Ulvirahoy sighs and smiles a little bit, running a hand through his hair before shoving his hands into his pockets.

“I have a new assistant. She's a golem, but she's a little bit on the clumsy side. She blew off her original legs on accident on her first day with us due to some calibration issues with her core and her body, but we sorted those out and patched her up. Last night I told her to make some adjustments to the energy conduits at the lab and two minutes later she blows her whole left arm off from the shoulder down. We had to get her a brand new one because the old one was vaporized in the blast. Now she's on sweeping duty and light maintenance until I can work out what the glitch is.”

You nod slightly.

“Sounds as though you have quite the lively lab then. Perhaps if we have time you could tell me more about it. You're teaching me about magic items today, yes?”

He shrugs a little bit and grins.

“I prefer to think of it as the art of carefully timed elemental detonations sometimes, but yes. Today I'm giving you a crash course on the fundamentals of how the city runs and what does what so that you're not totally lost at the ball.”

Gimbly points a thumb at Ulvirahoy and smirks.

“This guy is the reason half the city runs at all.”

You turn towards the door and smile.

“Better get started then, before the city collapses in his absence.”

-

Sleuth roll and a Smarts roll
>>
Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>42466635
Smarts
>>
Rolled 13, 9 = 22 (2d20)

>>42466635
Sleuth, then Smarts.
>>
>>42466700
One roll per post please
>>
Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>42466635
>>
Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>42466635
Sleuth
>>
Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>42466635
smarts
>>
Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>42466705
Apologies. Ignore the 9, then, here's the smarts.
>>
Rolled 12 (1d20)

Last for Sleuth, then...
>>
Bah. Well, we're a barbarian. It makes sense that magic is a bit beyond our ken for now.

We're not specced for it.
>>
>>42466808
We have spells and quite a bit of spirit power so i'd say we're half magic half strength. We're basically a battlemage, or spellsword.
>>
>>42466879
Hush, I'm trying to rationalize away why we got mediocre rolls.
>>
>>42466808
Not entirely accurate. We're good at *natural* magic, but when it comes to learned magic (if such a thing exists) or magical devices, yeah, not our forte.

>>42466879
I wouldn't say half magic. Still mostly a warrior, we've just got a pair of spell-likes up our sleeves.
>>
>>42466920
Oh... Oh, right, never know who's listening. Keep at it...
>>
>>42466879
>>42466972
This. We're more of a Dragonblood Barbarian than any sort of straight magic user. Maybe a Dragonblood Shaman or some shit.
>>
You spend your morning with Professor Ulvirahoy, completely engrossed in his lessons. It all makes total sense as he tells it, but you find yourself losing half of the facts the moment he changes topics. The general gist of it is that there are four main reactors providing different types of elemental energy to the city, which is split and distributed through various pathways. The reason for the glassy color of the city and the almost excessive use of crystal is because crystals are conductors of elemental energy, so the entirety of the city is essentially coated with a layer of conductive material that helps distribute energy and prevent any accidental build up that might lead to problems.

Anything covered in crystals is likely to be a magic item, but there are several types, like Gimbly's metal ring that conjures wings, that conceal the crystal inside another material. Instead of using ambient magical energy to power themselves, such items require the user to expend energy themselves to power them. You don't manage to retain much else on magic items. Something about command sequences, verbal activation, and he went on for a while about golems and autonomous constructs, but you don't remember it after the lesson.

“Well, that about sums up what I've got to say. Any questions?”

>Ask him to clarify something you missed
>That's all I needed, thanks
>Other (write-in)
>>
>>42467004
That's probably a good term for it.

>>42467060
>Ask him to clarify something you missed
>>
>>42467060
>>Ask him to clarify something you missed
>>
What would you like to hear more about?
>>
>>42467179
Magic items, specifically the things we missed on them.
>>
>>42467179
Wouldn't damaging a building cause an explosion? Couldn't someone use the city as a superweapon? What'd happen if void stone got inside? How does divine and Innate magic interplay?
>>
Smarts roll
>>
Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>42467377
>>
Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>42467377
>>
>>42467179
The constructs and just how autonomous they can get relative to intelligence levels.

(Millie is in mind with this path of questioning.)
>>
Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>42467377
>>
Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>42467377
>>
“A few. First of all, isn't it dangerous to have to much magic everywhere? I mean, someone could just tap into it and use all that power as a weapon, couldn't they? And wouldn't damaging a building and disrupting the network be just as bad?”

Ulvirahoy shakes his head and smiles a little.

“We carefully monitor each block of the city for energy usage and adjust accordingly. Any major spikes are accounted for before anything can go wrong. We've got a whole series of checks and balances in place to prevent both those scenarios.”

You nod a little bit and lean back in your chair.

“What about Null Stones? I heard about what the Order of Fire tried to do. What would be the result?”

Ulvirahoy quirks an eyebrow at that.

“The entirety of the city's infrastructure would be devastated. An anti-magic bomb doesn't end spells or anything. It forcibly excites magical energy and draws it out of its container and into the bomb before exploding outwards. Magic items, the crystals lining the buildings, and even powerful mages. The more deeply connected to magic someone or something is, the harsher the effects. And then there's the blast itself...”

He shudders a bit and you decide to steer the conversation elsewhere.

“How do things like divine magic and the innate magic of monsters interract with the city's power grid?”

He blinks and calms a bit, smiling and latching onto the topic change.

“Divine magic manipulates essence, which the grid doesn't do anything with at all. You'd need a specially tuned crystal for that anyway, which is too expensive to mass produce. I've worked on a theoretical material that could store essence energy, but right now the only ways to get healing magic somewhere is to send a priest or have a good alchemist who knows what they're doing when it comes to mixing potions.”

You nod a little bit. Good thing you've got Kat then. She seems to know what she's doing, mostly.
>>
"Alright, last one... How autonomous are constructs? Golems and stuff?”

He takes a moment to consider the question.

“When a construct is made, it's programmed with a series of initial conditions. Usually they're made with an owner in mind, so they try to make their owner happy. That begets obedience, since that will make their owner happy most of the time. They're as autonomous as they're made to be. Take my assistant for example. Brilliant design, beautiful construction, but she's a bit clumsy because of some glitches I need to fix. She could be completely independent if I had built her that way, but she's not. She has a personality, an identity, but she's bound to my will, for safety reasons and to give her purpose.”

>That answers my questions, thank you
>I'm still curious about something
>Other (write-in)
>>
>>42467662
>Do you know Millie's specs?
>>
>>42467662
>>That answers my questions, thank you

Let's not clue him into the fact that we're thinking Millie here.
>>
>>42467662
>That answers my questions, thank you
>>
Speed roll
>>
Rolled 8 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>42467822
>>
Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>42467822
>>
Rolled 13 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>42467822
>>
>>42467662
Shouldn't we tell him about what happened with Sena and have him walk us through the technical terms?
>>
“I think that answers all my questions. Thank you.”

He nods and smiles, standing up.

“I hope you don't mind if I cut and run but I've got an experiment boiling away in the lab and I'm worried about my assistant.”

He pulls out a metal rod with a crystal tip and taps the wall with it lightly. A door slowly appears, the same as the one from the patio, and he opens it up. There's a loud sound like something shattering beyond the door, and you manage to lower your head just in time to avoid it being taken clean off by a chunk of debris that flies out of it. Ulvirahoy charges through the door, ducking under something that crashes into the wall beside you, shouting at the top of his lungs.

“Shut it down! Get those burners shut down now!”

The door swings shut behind him as you hear another explosion and feel a soft rumble coming from the city, and you hear a groan from the floor next to you. It looks vaguely like a suit of armor except for the helmet, which looks a lot like a face carved out of blue crystal with shoulder-length, spiky hair made of the same material. The armor suddenly jumps to its feet, the face turning into an expression of surprise, and it makes a run for the door right as it fades.

“Professor...! No!”

The voice is distinctly feminine, and the, you presume, construct starts to poke and prod at the wall, trying to find a seam.

“Don't go... don't leave me behind...”

Slowly the construct's arms fall to its sides and it just stands there, staring at the wall.

>Leave it alone, it'll figure it out eventually
>Try to talk to it
>Poke it and see what happens
>Other (write-in)
>>
>>42468031
>Try to talk to it
>>
>>42468031
>Try to talk to it
>>
>>42468031
>Try to talk to it

>>42467993
That sounds like a bad idea.
>>
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You approach the construct slowly and stop a few paces from it.

"Hello?"

The construct turns slowly and looks at you. If it could cry, it probably would be from the expression it's making.

"Where am I? I... Please, I have to find the professor. I made a mistake again... I have to help him. It's all my fault..."

>Offer to help her get home personally
>Have Gimbly take her home, take the afternoon off
>Have Gil take her home
>Other (write-in)
>>
>>42468210
>Offer to help her get home personally
>>
>>42468210
>Offer to help her get home personally


also did we ever find out what happened to Millie?
>>
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You give the construct a smile.

"I'll bring you home myself, don't worry. I'm Kotijah. What's your name?"

The construct pauses for a few moments as if nervous.

"I'm... I'm Zero Three Epsilon, but... But you can call me Epsi... Um, just don't call me Oopsie... I-I know I'm a klutz, but it's not nice..."

You get the distinct impression she gets called that a lot from her defensive tone.

"Alright, Epsi, and where do you live?"

Her eyes glow softly for a moment and she points to the city.

"Lab seven, near reactor five. I can provide temporary security clearance, if... if you want to escort me the whole way."

>Impromptu lab tour? Yes please
>No time, gotta finish some lessons later
>Other (write-in)
>>
>>42468457
>No time, gotta finish some lessons later
>>
>>42468457
>>No time, gotta finish some lessons later

Love to, can't. Although I feel like we really should.
>>
>>42468457
>Impromptu lab tour? Yes please
>>
>>42468457
>Impromptu lab tour? Yes please
>>
And our tie breaker is?
>>
>>42468708
roll for it, otherwise lessons.
>>
>>42468708
>Impromptu lab tour? Yes please
>>
Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>42468756
Rolling
Evens lessons, odds tour
>>
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You nod slightly.

"Sounds good to me."

You snap your fingers and a butler appears.

"Tell Mr. Durab that I'll be running an errand for the afternoon."

The butler nods and bows, vanishing, and you turn your attention back to the construct.

"What's the quickest way to get you to the lab from here?"

Her eyes glow again.

"We can take the road from here to the outer city wall, then around the perimeter to the lab."

You turn and start walking toward the stables.

"Let's get you home then."

-

Pausing here due to sleepiness, will resume tomorrow. Until next time!
>>
Can't sleep, so impromptu Q&A for any readers still lurking around.

I'm working on side stories between posts and threads, and one of them, Millie's Day Off, has been posted. Are there any requests, canon or otherwise, for content to go along with the threads, or do you just want me to focus on the quest itself?
>>
>>42469453
What mom and Dad are doing would be cool. Also did we ever write that letter? If so their reactions.
>>
>>42469453
More on Sir Black.
>>
>>42469582
That would be a fun read, yeah, but it might also spoil some things. Once you hear from them again then I can maybe do something with that and expand on their characters.

>>42469613
Hmm. How about the story of how he became a knight? Then I get to do some world building, too.
>>
>>42470044
Anything. Black is a swell guy.
>>
>>42470076
He's a pretty cool dude. I've slowly been fleshing out several characters bit by bit so I've got a couple of stories for Black I could do. I've got a mid shift tomorrow but I'll have time to rough draft something on my lunch break to write when I get home.
>>
bump
>>
I posted it to the Twitter but I'll post here too. The quest will resume shortly, I'm just finishing the location descriptions for the places I expect you'll go. I'm typing them and uploading them to my phone since my hotspot is being dumb and non-functional.
>>
Showtime!

-

>Try to find Millie to get a ride
>Go to the stables and take the carriage
>See if Gimbly will let you borrow his magic flying device
>>
>>42473845
>Try to find Millie to get a ride
>>
>>42473845
>Go to the stables and take the carriage
>>
Tiebreaker?
>>
>>42474062
roll it
>>
>>42474062
>Go to the stables and take the carriage
>>
Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>42474102
Rolling. Evens is carriage, odds is Millie
>>
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You have no idea where Millie is and you don't feel like scouring the manor for her right now. You tell a maid to make you a packed lunch and ready the carriage, and head for the stables with Epsi. She follows close behind you, shaking slightly from nervousness.

"I shouldn't be out of the lab... The professor will be upset..."

You do what you can to keep her moving, but when you get to the stables you find an obstacle in your path. Millie is standing in the doorway, arms folded and pouting. Epsi immediately hides herself behind you.

"Dad says you have to finish your lessons... Why did you send Mr. Durab away?"

>Lie
>Tell Millie about Epsi
>Run past her
>Other (write-in)
>>
>>42474322
>>Tell Millie about Epsi
>>
>>42474322
>Tell Millie about Epsi
I need to bring her back to her domicile.
>>
You decide being up front is the best plan, and you move slightly so Epsi is in Millie's line of sight.

"I found a lost soul and I'm bringing her home."

Millie takes one look at Espi and gasps, lunging at her and tackling her to the ground.

"Epsi! I missed you!"

Epsi thrashes under Millie, puffs of steam escaping the space between her head and body every few seconds.

"M-M-Millie! Y-You're embarrassing me!"

Millie straddles Epsi and smiles at you.

"Epsi is one of my sisters. She's the littlest!"

She hugs Epsi tight while the other construct continues to flail helplessly, giving you a pleading look.

>Time to go, Millie, we'll see you later
>Wanna help me get her home?
>Other (write-in)
>>
>>42474529
>>Time to go, Millie, we'll see you later
>>
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You gently pull Millie to her feet.

"We've gotta make good time if I'm going to be back for my last lesson. Come on, Epsi, let's get going."

Epsi climbs to her feet and runs to the carriage, and Millie smiles at you.

"Have fun. I promise not to tell my dad. It's for a good cause. Take care of Epsi for me, OK?"

You nod and smirk, heading for the carriage. There's a picnic basket inside, which Epsi has moved to her lap. There's no sign of a driver though.

>Must be magic, get inside
>Take the reins
>Other (write-in)
>>
>>42474777
>Other (write-in)
Ask Millie about the driver? Is she driving?
>>
>>42474916
Millie entrusted this adventure to you. She's still there, so you could ask her. Is that what you want to do?
>>
>>42474777
Nah, let's have some fun with this.

>Take the reins
And get Epsi to help you with directions.
>>
>>42474777
>>Take the reins
>>
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You climb into the driver's seat and a silvery wisp of material forms in your hands, connecting to the harnesses on the horses. It's a good thing you didn't just get in or you would have just looked silly.

-

Smarts roll
>>
Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>42475368
>>
Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>42475368
First of the day...
>>
Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>42475368
roll
>>
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You adjust the reins in your hands and, after a few tries, manage to get the horses going. You feel like at some point you should probably learn how to properly drive a carriage and cart, or even just ride a horse. You open the hatch between the drivers seat and the carriage interior.

"So where exactly am I going?"

Epsi turns towards you, peeking out of the carriage as you make your way down the road and away from the manor.

"All roads lead to the capitol... Just keep going straight, even if the path merges..."

Seems straightforward enough.

>Talk to Epsi as you ride
>Focus on driving, you've gotta maintain a good pace
>Other (write-in)
>>
>>42475666
>>Talk to Epsi as you ride
>>
>>42475666
>Focus on driving, you've gotta maintain a good pace
Don't want to get into an accident.
>>
Tiebreaker?
>>
>>42476157
Just roll for it
>>
Rolled 9 (1d20)

Evens talk, odds ride
>>
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You focus your attention on the driving, deciding that haste and safety are your two most important objectives right now. You can see the city drawing closer bit by bit, until it looms directly in front of you after what feels like an hour of riding.

The gates of the city are large and imposing. From inside the city you didn't really see the wall for what it was, probably because you were too busy following your uncle, but it reaches up two dozen stories or so. It's hard to tell just how high it really goes without a frame of reference, but suffice to say someone could be at the top looking down at you and you probably wouldn't be able to see them clearly, if at all. The stone is lined with the same kind of crystal you saw inside the city, but denser, with thick layers and slabs that interlock, crackling with magical energy, either as some kind of shield or a primed cannon.

There's a guard station ahead of you where several knights stand at attention. A few more are inspecting a wagon while an old woman yells at them to be careful. There's a creaking noise and one of the wheels gives way, the wagon tipping over.

>Move along, citizen
>Assist the woman
>Other (write-in)
>>
>>42476436
>Assist the woman
Both us and Epsi.
>>
>>42476436
>>Assist the woman

Le sigh. Let's see what we can do.

(This kinda hits home as there was an accident on the road right outside my apartment the other day.)
>>
>>42476436
>Assist the woman
>>
>>42476436
>Assist the woman
>>
You pull to a halt by the cart and hop down.

"Come on, Epsi, let's see if we can lend a hand."

The woman is shouting frantically at the knights, half of whom are trying to shout her down while the other half try to stand the cart up again. You could either try to help defuse the situation and calm things down, or help right the cart before whatever is inside tips it over completely.

>Help with the cart
>Try to calm everyone down
>Other (write-in)
>>
>>42476752
>Help with the cart
We're stronger than we are a talker.
>>
>>42476752
>Try to calm everyone down
Free up the knights to work together.
>>
>>42476752
>Help with the cart
>>
>>42476752
>Help with the cart
>>
>>42476752
>>Help with the cart

I care, but not that much. Let's just fix this and she can bitch at whoever she likes LATER.
>>
Strength roll
>>
Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>42476925
>>
Rolled 12 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>42476925
>>
Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>42476925
>>
You walk over to the cart and find a place to get a good grip, helping the knights to hoist it upright, managing to support a good bit of the weight all by yourself. One of the knights tells you to hold fast while he runs to grab something to brace it with.

-

Strength roll
>>
Rolled 6 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>42477015
>>
Rolled 16 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>42477015
>>
Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>42477015
>>
You can feel your fingers strain as you dig your claws into the wood to support the cart, but you manage to keep it in position as the knight runs over with an armload of wooden planks. As he approaches you can hear hissing and growling from a crate on the cart, and from here you can see that the fall as caused the lid to come apart from it. With a louder growl something slams against the lid, trying to get out.

>Drop it, not getting eaten today
>Keep it level
>Other (write-in)
>>
>>42477199
>Keep it level
It won't attack the supreme predator.
>>
>>42477199
>Keep it level
>>
>>42477199
>Keep it level
Trust the lid!
>>
Not opposing anything, but friendly reminder- if we get into combat, we still have several wounds. The pill we took was essentially a painkiller/numbing agent, not a healing agent.
>>
>>42477268
Then we firesing at whatever we're fighting.
>>
>>42477268
We have one spell a day extra powerful firesing that we can use in case of emergencies at least.
>>
You close your eyes and do your best to keep it level, even as some of the knights back off, leaving you struggling with more weight than you can handle. As it starts to tip the knight with the planks manages to slide them under the wagon, and you back away from the cart. The lid looks like it's going to hold for a little longer at least. You look at the knights. Half are still staring at the crate in fear, while half are looking at you with admiration.

>Write-in
>>
>>42477419
Let the lady know her crate is near done.
>>
>>42477419
>Write-in
See if there's anything nearby that would help keep the lid shut longer.
>>
>>42477419
Ask the lady what is on there.
>>
>>42477419

>"...The heck kind of primal beast is in that thing?"
>>
>>42477419
Introduce ourselves of course.
>>
You ignore the knights for the moment and approach the woman, who hardly seems to have calmed at all.

"Your cart is stable, but your crate is probably going to break with whatever is inside it trying to break free. You should probably get these guys to repair it for you. What's in there, anyway?"

The woman takes one look at you, then at the cart, and runs over to it.

"Arty! Calm down, momma's coming!"

She leaps onto the cart and pries the lid off the crate with one hand. A large cat-like beast leaps up at her and she embraces it.

"Aww... were you frightened? There there..."

It hisses loudly at the knights, who all take a step back.

>Carry on towards the city
>Talk to the woman
>Talk to the knights
>Other (write-in)
>>
>>42478349
>>Carry on towards the city
>>
>>42478349
>>Carry on towards the city

"...Nnnnot even gonna ask. Hope your day goes better, m'am. I'm sorry, but I've a task to finish."
>>
>>42478349
>Carry on towards the city
>>
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You decide the situation has pretty much resolved itself, and you advance into the city proper. Or try to at least. You're stopped at the gate by a knight, who looks you over briefly and nods.

"Well miss, you've helped us out today, and we're thankful for it, but I'll need to see your papers or have you submit to a quick mental scan for proof of your identity."

>Let's get the scan over with
>Isnt my word good enough?
>Other (write-in)
>>
>>42478753
>Let's get the scan over with
>>
>>42478753
>Isnt my word good enough?
>>
>>42478753
>"Fine. Millie, get over here."
>>
>>42479047
Millie didn't come along.
>>
>>42478753
Do I need to be scanned when I comeback through or will you give me a form I can turn in?
>>
You shrug a bit.

"Scan away. I'm Countess Kotijah Imidarius, and I have nothing to hide. Can I get a form or something to prove I am who I say I am?"

The knight turns to one of his fellows.

"Get Spooky out here."

He turns back to you.

"Most nobles have a seal or sigil on an enchanted ring or something to prove who they are. And sorry, miss, but I've never heard of you, or of a noblewoman climbing out of her carriage to do heavy lifting. I hope you can understand my suspicion."

A girl walks out of the guard house who looks a lot like Millie, except her hair is longer and black, her bangs obscuring her blindfold, and her skin is paler. She huffs a bit as she draws near.

"My name isn't Spooky... it's Vein..."

She looks at you, then at the carriage, before meeting your gaze again.

"She's clear."

You didn't even feel her poke at your mind, but then again Millie did say Epsi was her sister. Maybe this one is related as well. The guard nods and bows.

"My apologies, countess. We'll open the gate for you right away. And again, thank you for your help. It could have been a disaster otherwise, and I'm glad for your assistance."

>Take this chance to boost your standing among the knights
>Talk to Vein
>Let's get moving
>Other (write-in)
>>
>>42479789
>"Of course. It's good to see Knights more concerned with Duty than Standing. What is your name?"
>>
>>42479789
>Talk to Vein
>>
>>42479789
>Take this chance to boost your standing among the knights
>>
>>42479789
>>Talk to Vein
>>
>>42479789
>Take this chance to boost your standing among the knights
explain who our dad is.
>>
Schmooze roll
>>
Rolled 12 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42480534
>>
Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>42480534
>>
>>42479789

> Take this chance to boost your standing among the Knights

We need allies among these guys if we want to become a dragon.
>>
Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>42480534
>>
>>42480583
>>42480577
God damnit...
>>
Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>42480534
>>
>>42479789

>Take this chance to boost your standing among the knights
>Talk to Vein

Ask Epsi if she knows Vein.
>>
>>42480577
>>42480583
Ahahahaha...

This'll end well.
>>
>>42480577
>>42480583
>>42480605


Ahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

Oh fuck. Tg dice is being an ass.
>>
Busted
We really should upgrade our schmooze
>>
>>42480698
That wouldn't have helped at all with this critfail, and now your shilling has angered me.
>>
>>42480698
b-b-b-but anon how will we be able to fight without only upgrading strength?
>>
>>4248072
It is simple. We resist and kill.
>>42480709
Still we need to pump up schmooze a little bit. Right now we are pretty straightforward Dovakin, who arrows enemies kneecaps. Don't be mad, I'll behave.
>>
You feel an urge come over you when he compliments you, and you feel your pride overtake your better judgment for a moment.

"Of course it would have been a disaster, your men could barely support the weight. If I hadn't been there the cart would have collapsed and that cat would have been all over your knights. Not to mention how many of them shied away at the first sign of trouble. But I've got enough spine for all of them, eh?"

You grin at the night, who looks both deeply insulted but also reluctantly seconding your opinion.

"Yes... well... we'll have to requisition some spines then. Enjoy your day in the city, countess."

He says it with forced respect bordering on sarcasm, and it's at that point that you realize you fucked up hard.

>Salvage the situation
>Move along, you goofed
>Other (write-in)
>>
>>42481216
>Salvage the situation
>>
>>42481216
>>Move along, you goofed
>>
>>42481216
>Salvage the situation
>>
>>42481216
>Salvage the situation
Sorry
>>
>>42481216
>salvage the situation
>>
Roll that Schmooze, hope for a miracle.
>>
Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>42481349
If I get a fuckin one...
>>
Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>42481349
>>
Rolled 10 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42481349
>>
Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>42481349
I believe I can fly...
>>
>>42481372
Probably not enough.

Could we just explain that recent blood loss and then physical exertion made us act hoidy toidy.
>>
>>42481216
>"Oh, sorry...I've been working like mad to get things ready for this upcoming ball, and between that and sword practice, and then these pills my Alchemist gave me to keep me from collapsing...if you ever get the chance to be a noble, don't. Anyways, I'm just making excuses. I apologize for my behavior."
>>
>>42481438
I am a strong independent woman and I have PMS
>>
File: 1435464157966.jpg (1.01 MB, 2850x3450)
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You cough softly into your hand, trying not to be horribly awkward with your apology and failing for the most part.

"It... it was a joke. I... I'm sorry. I was just trying to... uh... I didn't mean to be insulting, I was just... boasting to be funny. I wasn't being serious."

The knight gives you a glare, though his anger does seem to have quelled somewhat.

"I said enjoy your day countess. I appreciate your help, but you need to work on your tact."

As he speaks the gate opens, and he turns to allow your carriage to pass, looking ahead and standing at attention.
>>
I like how my phone derped and lost the last part of that post.

-

Vein laughs softly, though her laughter is a little bit creepy, and she smiles at you for a moment. You're vaguely reminded of the stories of wicked witches from your childhood, and you feel a gentle 'ping' in your head before you start to hear words in her voice, her lips still.

"Thank you for the entertainment... You're funny..."

>Time to blow this popsicle stand
>Try to "talk" back to Vein
>Other (write-in)
>>
>>42482509
>Try to "talk" back to Vein
>>
>>42482509
>>Try to "talk" back to Vein
>>
>>42482509
>Time to blow this popsicle stand

Tutors are probably pissed right now.

They want to get in on our sweet Dragon Countess booty.
>>
>>42482509
>Try to "talk" back to Vein
>>
Spirit roll
>>
Rolled 15 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>42482803
>>
Rolled 5 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>42482803
>>
Rolled 3 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>42482803
>>
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You try to focus your mind and magic to reach out to Vein, but from how she's giggling you're, at best, pinging her over and over. She turns and walks back into the guardhouse, and with little else to do you get back on your carriage and drive past the outer wall. Epsi peeks out again.

"Go right here, and... Hmm... If we just follow the outer wall then we should get there pretty easily actually..."

As you follow Epsi's instructions you look left at the inner wall and the tall spires of the capitol. It's as if every time you really look at it you see something new. Within the city it seems so vibrant and full of life and chaos. From afar it looks like a serene jewel. Now you're just far enough away to see the beauty and elegance of its complexity.

It isn't long before you reach your apparent destination. Epsi directs you to a stable and you pull to a stop. She gets out and looks at you for a moment.

"This is where I get off... you could come with me, if you want... W-We can use the teleporter to send you home and someone can bring your carriage back."

>May as well
>No thanks
>Other (write-in)
>>
>>42483276
Sure.

...Just make sure its your master doing the teleporting. I like you Epsi but your accident prone.
>>
>>42483276
>>May as well
>>
>>42483276
>May as well
>>
You get down from the carriage and nod a little.

"I'm going to see this through to the end."

Epsi smiles a little bit and nods.

"This way then..."

She heads for a large, heavily guarded building, her eyes glowing as she approaches. The golems at the door open it for her and she turns to you.

"No going back from here... You're sure about this, right?"

>I love high security locations with heavy guard that are at risk of explosions
>Nah, I'm out
>Other (write-in)
>>
>>42484640
>I love high security locations with heavy guard that are at risk of explosions
>>
>>42484640
>two confirmations
>I'm scared
>>
>>42484640

>I love high security locations with heavy guard that are at risk of explosions

Dragons live for this shit.

Also I'm using you as a shield for any explosions.
>>
>>42484640
>>I love high security locations with heavy guard that are at risk of explosions
>>
>>42484640
>I love high security locations with heavy guard that are at risk of explosions
Our rep with the knights sucks, let's die and respawn.
>>
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“It looks like a fun place. What's not to like?”

Epsi looks at you for a moment as though considering your answer, before turning and walking inside, leading you into the building. The only thing that all these golems and defensive walls seem to be guarding is a single set of stairs leading down. She reaches the first step, pauses, and turns to you.

“It's a long way down, so... So watch your step, alright?”

You give her a nod, and she resumes walking, taking the steps slowly and carefully. The stairs take a quarter turn after a few steps, and then another, and another, before the passage down opens up and you can see straight down to the bottom. Well, the bottom so far. Another twenty sets of stairs to go and you'll reach a platform of some sort. Epsi just keeps going at her slow pace though, as though sure that she'll fall down the whole rest of the way with a single misplaces step.

As you finish descending the stairs you find yourself in an almost completely different world. From the platform you can see out across a huge expanse of emptiness. The space under the city is hollow, with four massive columns supporting it, each a different color. At the base of each pillar is a whirling vortex of some sort, pulling in some sort of mist and directing energy up the shaft towards the city. The reactors, most likely. This is the place where all the power for the city comes from. Between the reactors is another, smaller vortex that has several streams of liquid flowing into it. From this distance they look tiny, but they're probably the size of small rivers. It's spitting out the mist, which separates into colors and flows into the other vortexes. Epsi points to it after a moment.
>>
“That's reactor five, and directly under it is lab seven... Labs one through four support the main elemental vortexes that generate power, with a sub lab each, while lab seven works directly with reactor five and its unusual properties...”

She points to a large metal cage hovering next to the platform.

“That's our ride the rest of the way down. The cage will conduct elemental energy away from us. It's too dangerous for unprotected travel, and permanent structures end up blowing up... I-It's... kind of a dangerous place to be.”

Giant whirling storms of elemental energy being fed constantly by another storm of even more chaotic energy? Dangerous? No way, really? You don't say that out loud though. For a brief moment you want to, but you're too busy being captivated by the view to be that utterly sarcastic. You get into the cage with Epsi and she flips a little switch, the cage wobbling slightly before starting to move down and towards reactor five.

“This is my first time actually riding this... I hope that it's safe for me... I-I tend to be a little... um... I don't respond well to excesses of energy... I-I like my arms where they are...”

As you near the storm of energy you feel strange, and the feeling only gets worse as you near the lab. You feel... You feel...

-

Spirit roll and then a Strength roll.
>>
Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>42485430
Spirit
>>
>>42485430
Spirit
>>
Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>42485490
Forgot roll
>>
>>42485430
>>
Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>42485430
Strength
>>
Rolled 3 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>42485430
spirit
>>
Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>42485430
Strength
>>
Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>42485430
>>
Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>42485430
Strength
>>
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You feel something inside you tearing, and your throat burns as you near the storms. Epsi looks at you warily as the nausea sets in, and you barely manage to pull yourself together enough to turn away before you begin to vomit, first your breakfast and then liquid fire, and then huge gouts of flame, your body so overcharged with magic that it's spilling out of you. You struggle to try to suppress it, to contain the overcharge, or at least stop the constant upheaval.

-

Spirit roll and Smarts roll
>>
Rolled 20 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>42485875
Spirit
Wow, that was some high DC's on that earlier roll.
>>
Rolled 4 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>42485875
spirit
>>
Rolled 17 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>42485875
Spirit
>>
Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>42485941
>>42485967
crit!

>>42485875
smarts
>>
Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>42485941
Jesus. We just became a magic absorber.

>>42485875
Rolling smarts
>>
>>42485988
>crit!
Possibly. I think the pill we took eliminates wound penalties due to it's painkilling properties, but it might not. If it doesn't, then we were one short of a crit due to wound penalties.

Again.
>>
>>42486023
The pill should work, it removes the pentalty that we would have in exchange for possible side effects later on.
>>
Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>42485875
Smrts
>>
>>42486057
Actually the pill is to prevent passing out from lack of sleep. The side effect you guys rolled is that they also make you numb to pain. This means that while taking these pills you can ignore wound penalties from major wounds. But it also means that until you stop to check yourself, if you get a wound, you get wounded and have no idea how bad it is unless it knocks you out.
>>
>>42485941
>>42486065
crit on spirit and 18 on smarts, now that's a turnaround if i ever saw one.
>>42486126
Ah, so it's a "Go untill we drop" kind of medicine.
>>
>>42486126
So what you're saying is we crit.
>>
>>42486148
Yep. You crit hardcore.
>>
>>42486160
>inb4 we just choke that lava right back down and pretend it is perfectly normal to vomit flaming goop
>>
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You grit your teeth and close your eyes, trying to fight back the fire. You can feel it inside yourself, raging out of control, searching for an exit, searching for a way out as your body soaks up more and more of it the closer you get to the storm. For a brief instant you think you're about to pass out, and perhaps you do. The face of Allegiset flashes before your eyes, grinning, watching, waiting to see what you do as if this is some trial he expects you to overcome.

You aren't about to disappoint him, or yourself for that matter.

You snap back to your senses, eyes open and alert, and you feel the throbbing ache across your whole form. The cage is supposed to direct the energy away, but it's still leaking through to affect you. You have just enough sense left in you to wonder if it's being trapped inside by the cage as well. You grip the bars tightly and brace yourself, trying to center yourself. The flames inside are swelling, burning brighter, and you feel as though you're about to explode. You close your eyes, take a deep breath, and let go.

As you relax you feel the pressure begin to subside, bit by bit. You slowly move to a sitting position, legs crossed, hands on your knees, breathing in and out gently. You can feel the massive amount of magical energy in the air weigh down on you, feel it trying to force its way into you, and in equal measure you let it out again, coercing it out with each breath. Your nose tickles a bit, and you can hear the soft crackle of fire with every exhalation. You're not sure when the cage stopped or when the door opened, but all at once the weight vanishes completely, and you find yourself enjoying a sense of ease in the heavy air. Epsi is just staring at you in shock.
>>
Gained a new trait!
Your exposure to intense ambient magic and subsequent mastery over the flow within yourself has granted you the Flowing Magic trait. Instead of taking an action, you can brace yourself and make a Spirit roll to absorb an incoming magical attack or effect. Beating the opposed roll by 5 gives you 1 SP, +1 for each additional 5 you beat the roll by. This roll is modified by your Focus skill.

-

You rise to your feet slowly and step out of the cage, stretching a bit. Your throat feels a bit strange, but aside from that you actually feel pretty good now.

“You remembered my picnic, right? Because I'm gonna need something to eat in a bit.”

Epsi pats her stomach, the metal of her armor echoing.

“I... It's in here... Um... Sh-Shall we get going?”

>Snack first
>To the lab!
>Other (write-in)
>>
>>42486782
>Snack first
>>
>>42486782
>Snack first
We don't really know our "energy level" thanks to the pill, so we should probably eat something.
>>
>>42486782
We can eat magic spells.
Wizards beware, not even spells will escape my bite!
Lovely.
>>
>>42487005
Oh, god, when we later finally become a dragon we'd probably be able to absorb most of what's coming for us to then rain down firebreath on them. That's some good stuff if we increase our spirit and Focus
>>
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You decide to break for snacks and Epsi opens up her body to reveal a storage compartment where she's secured the basket. It's bigger on the inside, and she seems shy about it, so you don't press too much about it for the time being. Instead you sit down and open the basket to see what you have for lunch. Roast beef sandwiches, a bottle of good mead and some sort of bread disk with little lumps. Closer inspection reveals them to be sweet, and the lumps are some sort of brown substance which is pretty damn good. You will later learn the name of this substance is chocolate, and be pleased by the knowledge that you can now ask for it by name.

You finish up your lunch and let out a satisfied sigh, packing the trash into the basket and handing it to Epsi for the time being. She puts the basket back into storage and leads you off towards the lab entrance. Above you, you can see the swirling vortex of reactor five and the bubbling, viscous fluids pouring into it. You're pretty sure one of the streams is molten iron, and another is golden in color and crackles with some sort of energy.

The door itself is pretty plain, carved from wood and covered in runes and symbols. Epsi pokes a few of them, taking extra care with the sequence, and the door swings open slowly. A large cloud of smoke escapes and she gasps, running into the lab and shouting.

“Professor! Professooooor!”

>Follow the screaming construct
>Your work here is done, turn around
>Other (write-in)
>>
>>42487576
>>Follow the screaming construct
>>
>>42487576
Join the screaming construct in out screaming her.
>>
>>42487576
>Follow the screaming construct
>>
Sleuth roll
>>
Rolled 15 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42487845
>>
Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>42487845
>>
Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>42487845
>>
You chase after Millie, running into the thick smoke. It burns your eyes and throat, but you manage to make your way through it without incident, sidestepping rubble and debris. You follow the sound of Epsi's voice until it stops, and you find her kneeling in front of a large hunk of rock. There's a hand sticking out from under it, with a single silver ring on the left hand.

“P-Professor... no...”

There are voices nearby, voices drawing nearer through the smoke. One of them sounds vaguely familiar, and it sounds like they're calling to Epsi. She turns to you, looking absolutely mortified.

“It's all my fault... He's gone because of me... I... I c-can almost still hear him...”

She gently takes hold of the hand and squeezes gently, whimpering quietly. The voices get closer, and the smoke clears a little bit. After a moment you see that it's being sucked into a small bag being held by Professor Ulvirahoy. He drops it the moment he spots Epsi and lunges for her, almost knocking her over and hugging her tightly.

“Epsi! Epsi, you're alright! It's ok!”

Epsi's crystal head glows brightly as he hugs her, before she returns to embrace with a quiet, muffled “Professor...?” muttered into his shoulder. The hand under the rubble turns to dust, the ring tumbling to the floor, and Ulvirahoy discretely slips it on while gesturing to you to keep quiet.

“I'm fine... That was just one of my temporal clones. Sure, exactly like me in every way from that point in time, but it's not the original me from this timeline, so everything is as it should be.”

Part of you wonders if he's outright lying and is in fact a copy, and part of you wonders if the real one would have turned to dust like that. Ulvirahoy, you decide, is a man not to be understood fully, only experienced. You dust off a bit of the smoke that's clinging to you and walks towards them.
>>
>You're looking better than I expected after exploding like that
>I brought your construct back for you
>Where's the nearest way out of here?
>Other (write-in)
>>
>>42488670
>You're looking better than I expected after exploding like that
>I brought your construct back for you
>Where's the nearest way out of here?
>>
>>42488670
>>I brought your construct back for you
>>Where's the nearest way out of here?
>>
>>42488670
>So, why did I almost explode back there?
>>
>>42488733
>"Hey, wait a sec, isn't it the older clone that's always in more danger of exploding?"
>>
>>42488733
>You're looking better than I expected after exploding like that
>I brought your construct back for you
>Where's the nearest way out of here?
>>
File: Concept-HighDragon.jpg (73 KB, 1200x662)
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“You're looking good for a man who just got blown up and crushed to death. I brought Epsi back. She got thrown through the door you made, and I had to take her all the way here myself. You're welcome for that. Can I get a ride home? I've already burnt through most of my afternoon lesson and I'd like to get home before dinner.”

Ulvirahoy nods slightly, continuing to hug Epsi.

“For bringing back my Epsi, you have my gratitude. I thought I'd lost her... Help yourself to something while you're here. As for the way back, there's a wooden door back the way I came. You can use that as a portal to get back home. Just declare your intended destination as you open in.”

Epsi smiles at you.

“Thank you so much... I-I'll bring back the carriage and basket for you later...”

You nod a little bit and decide to leave the pair alone for the time being, heading in the indicated direction. On a table near the door are a few items. You have no clue what any of them do. There's a metal rod with a crystal at the end, a pair of gemstone earrings, a set of six crystal spheres joined together in a cube-like shape, and what looks sort of like a pen with a crystal nib.

>Write-in
>>
>>42489413
Earrings, stealth magic item.
>>
>>42489413
Definitely the earrings. Can we ask what they do before we decide, though?
>>
>>42489413
Cube.

Always the Cube.
>>
>>42489538
You could risk activating your gaze in a place loaded with magical energy that might blind you. Or you could let fate decide.
>>
>>42489613
But can we ask the mad wizard what they do?
>>
>>42489613
I'm good with the cube and lookin at it when we get home.
>>
>>42489654
If you want to double back, sure.
>>
>>42489776
I think we should do that before we just grab some random magical item from a crazy wizard's worktable.
>>
>>42489776
I don't, personally. The mystery is part of the fun.
>>
One vote for mystery, one vote for doubling back to find out. Tiebreaker vote is?
>>
>>42489413
>>42489776

Nah, let's leave it to chance.

I vote Earrings. Maybe the cube.
>>
>>42489901
MYSTEERRYYY
>>
>>42489901
Fine. Earrings, if we're just gonna YOLO it like idiots.
>>
>>42489996
You mean the mystearrings?
>>
You grab the earrings and turn your attention to the door. 'Home' seems too vague to you for this one, but 'my estate' feels pretty clear to you, so that's what you declare as you open the door. You step through it into your bedroom. It's about mid afternoon, enough time for some shenanigans before dinner and another ass-kicking.

>Potion time please
>Investigate your treasure
>Other (write-in)
>>
>>42490190
>Potion time please

Let's knock that out first.
>>
>>42490190

>Potion time please

So how specific is that door? Could we just say the town of Schmindi or something and be on our way at some point..?
>>
>>42490190
>Potion time please
>>
File: WindDragon.jpg (56 KB, 452x640)
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You decide the first order of business is to get yourself healed, especially with that pill wearing off. Ow, by the way. You suddenly realize just how badly you got hurt by the magic overload earlier. In a fit state it would have only hurt a little, but it made your already bad condition much worse.

-

You have 3 minor wounds and 2 major wounds

-

You head down to the lab and find a note and three bottles.

"Here you go, fresh from the cauldron. These will speed up your healing processes. They're meant for helping you recover more quickly overnight, but I suppose you could chug all three and hope for the best if you like pain. Went into town with Gil and Sena again, will be back before bed."

You're pretty sure that chugging all three will restore your body completely, but the mention of pain gives you pause for thought. Passing out from shock would mean missing another lesson.

>Drink one
>Drink two
>Drink three
>>
>>42490516
>Drink three
>>
>>42490516
>Drink three
Need to be in shape for swording later.
>>
>>42490516
>>Drink one

Let's not this time. Think he'll understand if we have to call off one lesson, and we might could use the others later.
>>
>>42490516

>Drink two
>>
Strength roll
>>
>>42490617
This is me, I'll throw my lot in with >>42490619
if it'll at least tie. I just don't want to blow all three.
>>
Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>42490660
>>
Rolled 20 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>42490664
>>
Rolled 3 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>42490660
rolling
>>42490676
>>42490690
crit!
>>
>>42490690
Heal like Wolverine.
>>
>>42490699
The painkiller wore off
>>
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You've been through a lot today, you decide, and a little more pain isn't going to ruin things further. You down the first potion and gasp a bit as you feel the effects kick in, your wounds tingling a little bit as they slowly begin to mend. A full night and one or two potions and you could be right as rain. You slam the second one and feel the tingle turn into a burn, and you pant softly as your wounds feel like acid, and fire, and flaming acid. You fumble for the third potion and knock it back with shaking fingers, biting back a scream as the pain erupts across your whole body. In a moment of perfect clarity you take the earrings and, remembering you haven't pierced your ears before, push them into your earlobes, the flesh knitting back together as you push and leaving you with two fully healed piercings when the order is over. You struggle to the stairs as the pain becomes manageable, heading for the den to ride the rest of this out.

>Ride it out, use your focus, work through the pain
>District yourself, it's easier that way
>Other (write-in)
>>
>>42490864
Ordeal, not order
>>
>>42490864
>>Ride it out, use your focus, work through the pain
>>
>>42490864
>>Ride it out, use your focus, work through the pain
>>
That'll be a Smarts roll plus Focus then
>>
Rolled 11 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42490991
>>
Rolled 14 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42490991
>>
Rolled 12 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42490991

Well, since no one else is rolling...
>>
One more roll?
>>
Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>42491206
>>
You sit down in your chair and try to do what you did on your walks with your father, turning your thoughts inward, trying to ignore the pain or accept it or whatever it is you have to do to escape it. Bit by bit you figure it out, and by the time the maid is calling you for dinner you've got it under control again.

-

We've hit the bump limit and it's almost 1 AM for me, so I'm gonna call it here for the night. I've nearly finished the story about Sir Black, so that'll probably be up tomorrow. Until next time!
>>
>>42463125
>@BecomeQM
Account added to directory.



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