>>45309116

You can’t have Isaac saying crap like that.

You snort, floundering to accentuate the humor of the comment. “Ro’s just too used to having you around,” you tell him. “I mean, you’re still badass as all get-out. Like. You’re like the coolest person ever. It’s just – you know. I mean you’re lame too is what I’m saying,” you say, immediately regretting the words coming out of your mouth.

Really - coolest person ever? Who tells anyone that with a straight face? Eughk.

The effect your blundering has on your paternal guardian figure is subtle, but noticeable. He smirks cockily and spins his helmet between his hands, before donning it and mounting up. “Why don’t we see who’s lame on the road,” he says, mounting his bike and keying the engine.

The motorcycle rumbles gloriously to life.

>>45309120

Unable to resist the call of multiple motorcycles riding together, you slip on your own helmet and hop on your own ride. Together, you glide down the driveway and out onto the road – Borislav throws his truck into gear and leads the way, Reeber hunkered down and barking excitedly in the back.

After your convoy negotiates its way out of the city, you find yourself out on the Golden Gate, sunset on the Pacific on your left. The orangey reddish burst casts all kinds of violet and pinkish shadows on the striated clouds in the sky. The cool temperature is accentuated by riding along out in the open, a strong ocean wind rushing past outside the visor of your helmet.

At your side rides Isaac, laid back and at ease on the road. He still looks kind of gay, but the same act probably looked badass back in the 70’s. Borislav’s beat-up pickup truck rumbles along in front of you, headlights cutting through the dimming shadows on the road.

>Enjoy moment for what it is. Appreciate the beauty of your domain and all that jazz.
>Race ahead – you don’t see no cops. Speeding is an age-old tradition older than the mountains.
>Try to tempt fate by wondering loudly where Ranthix is.
>Screw around with hokey road tricks. You could totally pop a wheelie on this thing.
>Stay frosty. You got to keep on your toes until you’re done with this thing.
>Other (?)

yus

>>45309116
>He gives you a slightly crestfallen look. “So Rowan’s finally gotten to you,” he says. The slight but tangible coppery vibes from him are like a punch in the gut.

Do not hurt the Isaac

>>45309150
>>Enjoy moment for what it is. Appreciate the beauty of your domain and all that jazz.
>Enjoy having a dad. Because the lawn is not a forgiving creature and he will be taken from you.

>>45309150
>Enjoy moment for what it is. Appreciate the beauty of your domain and all that jazz.

>>45309150
>Try to tempt fate by wondering loudly where Ranthix is.
>Enjoy moment for what it is. Appreciate the beauty of your domain and all that jazz.

>>45309150
>Enjoy moment for what it is. Appreciate the beauty of your domain and all that jazz.

Theme: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siwpn14IE7E

>Enjoy moment for what it is. Appreciate the beauty of your domain and all that jazz.

>>45309150
>Enjoy moment for what it is. Appreciate the beauty of your domain and all that jazz.
Relax and stuff

Something strikes you in that moment. The beauty of your domain and all that jazz, or something. This is home. You think in the end, you can boil life down to a few moments like this. Just being who you are, with people are also just being who they are.
You try to soak it in, draw it out. Maybe it’ll last longer if you do. (+1 sanity: 94) (-5 Stress: 10)

But it doesn’t. You make it to the other side of the bridge, and follow the highway into the hills.

You feel an aimless sense of discontent at this, but the memory’s still with you. You guess that’ll do.

You convoy along the highway until the exit comes for Muir. You aim your journey in that direction, and proceed into the forest.

--

The heart of the forest – the landwell. You feel it drawing to you as much as you’re drawing to it. You proceed carefully, mindful of every branch and rock under your tires. Isaac takes it slow as well, though his caution is more from experience than pure sensation. Not everybody can feel shadows and connect to the earth mother or whatever.

Borislav doesn’t seem to realize he’s not on a road, and drives in a calculating but reckless manner, until he pulls up beside the glade about the well.

>>45309905

Brilliant crimson light only you can see bathes the entire scene in blood red hues. You ride into the clearing before dismounting. You set up the kickstand on your bike, pull your head free of your helmet, and comb your hair out of your eyes. You take a deep, satisfactory breath through your nose, filling your lungs with the peace of Muir. (-1 Stress: 9)

Reeber leaps from Borislav’s pickup and charges forward toward you, light on his feet and tongue lolling with excitement. He knows he’s part of this quest.

>Shadow tackle him to the ground and apply belly rubs.
>Throw Monster at him.
>Who’s gonna help me claim a well? Who’s a gonna help get a well, huh?
>Woah woah, shh. Let’s be cool about this. We’re professionals.
>Reeber Reeber Reeeeeeber! Reeber!!!
>Agh, dog. It’s a dog. So dog right now.
>Other (?)

Thank goodness, caught a live thread. Just got caught up a week ago. Great quest.

A couple thoughts that occurred to me while reading that I beg for all to consider:

1 That whole Axos thing:
Ranthix is Sierra's knight, not her executioner. The classical political play (for any leader not desiring to appear weak) for dealing with a servant who takes radical action like this without explicit instruction would be to punish them/kill them; unless they are an especially valuable servant, case in point, where they simply have to suck it up and pretend it was their idea all along while maybe scolding them in private.

So unless she wants to deal with the occasional dead body she didn't ask for, she needs to take Ranthix aside and assert herself on this. He should continue to dispatch clear and present threats as he sees fit, but killing helpless individuals should not be something he does without unambiguous, explicit, orders -- if he ever does it at all. It is still not clear why he decided to off the guy, who fed them useful info, and why Sierra seems so unmoved by the action.

2 Poland:
So Sierra's fief has no friends but a lot of enemies, at least, not any friends on the scale concerning fiefdoms. Unless the spirit she is getting is going to be the equivalent of a nuclear bomb with a delivery system capable of reaching her enemies' territory, I don't see it solving much. Sierra has enemies with a lot of leverage on her, specifically knowledge.

If I was a Rasphelwhatsawhosit, and I wanted to make life hard for Sierra, I would just start leaking info to every radical demonbane and landmaster possible. E.G. "Yo Ossifera, yea, David is actually dead and the Pacific states are all up for grabs. Have fun." or how about announcing "There is a new-born imperiate rising in San-Fran that you might want to smother with lead before she starts backing ISIL or something." at a demonbane gun rally. Not exactly this but you get the idea.

>>45309924
>Who’s gonna help me claim a well? Who’s a gonna help get a well, huh?
>Reeber Reeber Reeeeeeber! Reeber!!!
>Woah woah, shh. Let’s be cool about this. We’re professionals.

>>45309924
>Shadow tackle him to the ground and apply belly rubs.
>Who’s gonna help me claim a well? Who’s a gonna help get a well, huh?
>Agh, dog. It’s a dog. So dog right now.

Maybe we'll be able to get him a boon.

>>45309924
>Who’s gonna help me claim a well? Who’s a gonna help get a well, huh?
>Use HANDS on DOG
>Agh, dog. It’s a dog. So dog right now.

>>45310061
inb4 he gets functional wings

>>45309924
>Agh, dog. It’s a dog. So dog right now.
>Reeber Reeber Reeeeeeber! Reeber!!!
>Shadow tackle him to the ground and apply belly rubs.

>>45309924
>Shadow tackle him to the ground and apply belly rubs.
>Who’s gonna help me claim a well? Who’s a gonna help get a well, huh?

>>45309973
I more or less just finished reading through the first couple of 130 threads on the archive myself.

I remember there being a ton of things I thougt of like this, but I can't remember them. Other than Xan invoking feelings of "My Thultal can't be this cute."

Also, I don't remember if this has been brought up. But what's the chance that dad was the Verwelken that killed Isaac's dad and was killed by Isaac?

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>>45309924
>>>Who’s gonna help me claim a well? Who’s a gonna help get a well, huh?
>>Reeber Reeber Reeeeeeber! Reeber!!!
>>realize that you look forward to the ride back?

>>45309973

Valid points. One thing about the demonbane thing though addressed in game is that demons don't go around selling out other demons to angels or demonbane. Ushola would be incentivized not to do this, as it would be a quick way to make enemies in the courts.

However, if she knew about Ossifera, it would be an interesting strategy for her to set the dragon against Sierra.

>>45310165

Shadowruns gonna shadowrun

Also thanks for taking the time to read everything. Always happy for more knowledgeable players.

>>45310241
All players start out that way desu, we just forget details over time and usually don't go back to reread because it's 100+ threads and the 50-thread-summary isn't really good for catching subtleties like that.

>>45310165
Xan is objectively best girl, but she quit Demon Thultal Hogwarts in order to hang out with Sierra, so she's not really a Thultal.

>>45310241
Well it was a fun read, it even made me feel feels. I've considered going through the whole thing and putting every update on a form of text file so it can be read like a story.

>>45310241
I am trying really hard (and failing) not to be a smug ass as I point out that Waldric literally just did precisely that; never say never.

So, at best, you can say they'd never do it without plausible deniability or something. I think at least one of her enemies is enough of a schemer to try it, if they had good reason.

>>45310531

Wally didn't sell Sierra out to angels/demonbane.

He sold her out to another demon.

>>45309924
>>Who’s gonna help me claim a well? Who’s a gonna help get a well, huh?
>>Reeber Reeber Reeeeeeber! Reeber!!!
>>Agh, dog. It’s a dog. So dog right now.

>>45310573
He got Satter involved though, that's kinda getting a little iffy.
Then again the fact that was working pretty openly with Isaac wouldn't have won him any friends in the demon courts either.

>>45310531
>>45310241
>>45309973
Ratting out demons to demonbane is some pretty top tier blood traitor snitching. And snitches get stiches, demons are pretty street like that. They're also unscrupulous and hypocritical like that, especially if they're dirty court rats.

>>45310573
He let another demon sell her out to an angel. Close enough!

I am kind of curious what will happen when the magical government at large realizes that the daughter of their biggest historic enemies is slowly expanding her territory in California.

>>45310669
>>45310769

We might have different definitions of 'selling out'.

To me, if he or Lucy had called up Sattler and explicitly told her Sierra was Hellborn, that would be selling her out.

'Just' arranging for them to be in the same area is not quite that, though it's still UTTER dickery.

>>45310573
From 131:
“Lucifer had other, worse plans,” says Waldric. “I managed to talk him into using Sattler instead.”

Under duress, but still counts.

>>45310889
Technically he just talked another demon into it.

>>45309116
>coppery
What does this mean?

>>45310944
That it tastes like copper.

>>45310944

Like copper.

Blood is often described as having a 'coppery' or metallic taste because of the stuff in it.

>>45310847
>>45310889
>>45310927
>>45310573
>sold out in such a complicated manner that even when knowing exactly what happened people are still confused about what happened or how bad it really is

Damn, Wally, knows his shit.

>>45309973
>Ranthix is Sierra's knight, not her executioner.
He had it coming.

>>45309116

>>He gives you a slightly crestfallen look. “So Rowan’s finally gotten to you,” he says.
>>The slight but tangible coppery vibes from him are like a punch in the gut.

I'm honestly surprised that he took that at all seriously. Damnit, Isaac, why are you so cute?

>>45310963
>>45310981
No I mean what emotion is copper?

>>45311034
Disappointment
At not being cool

>>45311034

Oh.

Sadness, I think.

...what does it say that sadness tastes like blood to Sierra given how much she likes blood?

>>45310994

The fact is he could have done a hell (heh) of a lot worse to us with little effort.

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>>45311117
>Sets up our assassination
>Eh could be worse

>>45311117
I remember when he actually thought we were competent at demon politics when we showed up at the Crowther's house when we met Moriah, under the impression that we were getting close to his loved ones to threaten them, when we actually just played a star wars TTRPG

>>45311216
I've always loved that Mr Crowther took the time out to pretend to be a kill bot for his youngest daughter's Star Wars TTRPG.

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>>45311151

>Doesn't actually tell Sattler who we are
>Doesn't rat out the Hallows
>Keeps Lucy from doing worse
>Only did what he did in the first place because Maviel was being threatened

>>urgahur his crimes are unforgivable

>>45310927
>>45310847

While I respect and understand the nuance involved, I don't think such an excuse would hold up under scrutiny in something equivalent to a court of law, let alone the court of public opinion.

That weasel took action that put her in Sattler's path. The thing that most would remember in the hypothetical event where Sattler had killed Sierra would be that she was there to do the deed only because Waldric knowingly put Sattler in possession of the knowledge that she acted on that resulted in Sierra's death. That sounds like proximate cause to me. Now, while he claims he had every confidence in her, he should have known better than to think doing so wasn't risky and treacherous in the extreme. In fact, he as good as admits it by keeping the information a secret out of fear of retribution.

Tl,DR: Waldric did enough to qualify himself to be charged with Sierra's murder if things had gone bad. That is selling her out in everything but name.

>>45311083
It was evolved as a predatory thing, so bad emotions like fear taste good while love is sickening, IIRC.

>>45311267
>his crimes are unforgivable
Yeah, attempted assassination is.

>>45311281
I think that it was more that Sierra didn't know exactly what love tasted like and it was disorientating her.

>>45311267
Hey, we did forgive him, otherwise he'd be dead

>>45311268
>>45311295

I ain't saying what he did was okay, just that he consciously and deliberately avoided doing worse.

>>45311370
You get that is like saying "well he could have kill more than one person"?

>1 hour
Languid does battle with the lawn again...

>>45311295
I doubt he even wants to get rid of Sierra, but I don't doubt for a second that there's anything he wouldn't do to protect Maviel. I can respect that, and as >>45311370 pointed out, he could have done worse.

>>45311401

Yep.

Though I'll repeat what a lot of people seem to be forgetting and mention that Maviel was being threatened. If we were as weak as the weasel and someone started threatening Wolfgang, can we honestly not say we'd consider arranging his death to protect our Wolf?

>>45311470
He could have told us he was being threatened.

>>45311419

Naw, hour long times are normal.

It's when he gets to >2 that we need to start worrying over the vile turf.

>>45311370
He could certainly plea that, but I don't think anyone would be impressed with such a plea if Sierra had died.

My point is that he would be less guilty if he had done nothing and instead shared his info with Sierra or the conclave asap if he knew she was in danger. Instead he acts alone and CLAIMS that his actions were the lesser of two evils to letting Lucifer do his thing, whatever that was, which is inherently a false dichotomy.

I am just saying, he sold her the fk out, regardless of how sly he was about it.

You lean over, hands on your knees, and begin feinting to and fro to. Reeber to leaps about in reaction, trying to head you off. “Who’s gonna help me claim a well?” you ask, interrogating him in depth. “Who’s a gonna help get a well, huh?”

“Bark bark!” says Reeber, that sly fox. Or should you say... dog?

It’s time to get hands on this enigma.

You slip your shadow underneath him and hurl him onto his side, descending immediately and without mercy, rubbing his belly in a frenzy, tendrils and knuckles moving in tandem. “Agh, dog!” you cry. “It’s a dog! So dog right now!” You are unable to express the sheer amount of dog happening before your very eyes.

Reeber dies a little bit and ascends to whatever the canine version of nirvana is.

Borislav and Isaac walk over, chatting in Russian. You even make out some of it. “Borya, smotri. Vot tak tviordo lyubit ona sobakku,” says Isaac. Witness how firmly she loves that dog.

“Znayu. Posmotril uzhe mnoga raz,” Borislav says with a smiling shrug. He has seen more than his fair share of evidence.

You scowl back at them, though without giving Reeber a break. “Hey, shut it. You’re ruining the moment,” you growl.

You become aware of a very angry presence.

“THE MANIFEST MOMENT OF DESTINY IS AT HAND,” Ranthix proclaims impatiently, appearing at the edge of the clearing and storming forward with great confidence. He wheels a motorcycle with him, a Harley Davidson saddled with packs and packs of who knows what equipment. “LET THE IMPERIATE GO FORTH AS RAVAGING CONQUEROR AND LAY CLAIM TO ARCANE MIGHT!”

“When the heck did you get here?” you ask, forgetting to rub Reeber’s stomach for a second. A toothy snap from him reminds you of your duty, and you continue.

The Thultal regards you with burning eyes and a scowl of displeasure. “I HAVE BEEN SINCE THE BEGINNING, SPAWNLING, AND I WILL CONTINUE UNTIL SUCH A TIME AS I DEEM FIT,” he shouts.

>>45311470
He's taken action against us. Unless we can prevent this behavior in the future, it doesn't matter why he did it. We're always going to watch him for betrayal.

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>>45311267
You forgot to mention the fact that he didn't rape our dog, castrate our brother and make a mask out of our sister's face.

Truly, he's a saint among sinners.

>>45311501

>If you tell anyone we'll kill her.
>Hurr durr hey Sierra-

Really, man? You don't think that "don't tell anyone" was part of the threat?

>>45311522

Isaac regards the Thultal with a grave expression, then you with a softer one. “We should leave as soon as possible,” he says.

“One minute, please,” says Borya, skipping off into the dark – you see him throw a tarp off something, and climb atop it. The buzz of another engine signals his approach. A headlight blinds you as the park ranger rides into the clearing on a bike of his own. His, however, sports a side car.

He beckons to Reeber, patting the connecting seat. “Come, friend,” he calls.

You grab Reeber’s face. “You are so lucky. Go get in there, Reebs.” You release him and give him a solid pat on the shoulder so he knows what’s expected of him.

Reeber pops up and trots over to Borislav’s motorcycle, sniffing at the wheel for a second. Then, at Borya’s insistence, circles about and climbs in nose first.

You head over to help Reeber not be stuck with his butt up in the air, pull him out, and set him back down so he’s comfortable and appropriately situated. “Don’t jump out,” you order.

Reeber licks his chops and continues panting in reply. You waggle his snout and leave him be for the moment – Isaac’s addressing everybody.

“This is a very old, potentially very clever spirit we’ll need to deal with tonight,” he says, opening up the briefing. “From what I understand, the anchor well might belong to the Great Lynx, a spirit that’s rumored to dwell on Michipicoten Island just under thirty miles off. Allegedly it likes copper, so I’ve taken the liberty to arrange a delivery of a 2000 pound tribute we’ll take to the coast.”

Ranthix narrows his eyes at this. “A POWERFUL SPIRIT WILL BE MOLLIFIED BY SHOW OF POWER,” he argues. “EARTHLY TREASURES WILL NOT ALLAY YOUR LAKE CAT.”

“Eh. Nature elementals are not so particular,” Borislav says, leaning forward on his handlebars and wobbling a hand. “Tribute is not bad idea. Perhaps not good idea either, but yet all the same it is idea.”

Hmm. This sounds like it concerns you.

While you are all arguing over how bad Waldric is, I would just like to take this momentum to say that I told you that Waldric would betray us and you all called me a paranoid shadowrunner, and what happened? Exactly what I said.

>>45311550

It's better to think about this now than when you have a Great Lynx trying to scratch your eyes out.

>I don’t know. We’ll see how we’re feeling when we get there.
>Happiness can’t buy money. If the spirit likes copper, let’s copper it up in this.
>Do we know anything else about this Great Lynx? What’s so great about it, anyway?
>Ranthix is probably right. Power is the universal language. I’ve got that, I just need to flaunt it.
>What constitutes a good idea, Borya? You got any druid wisdom for me? You’ve dealt with natural stuff before.
>I’m not sure whatever we plan will last more than two seconds. The last landmaster who tried the well got spun off.
>Assuming worst case, would we be capable of killing it? I don’t know. Maybe I could even eat all it’s power myself.
>Other (?)

>>45311539
Because he couldn't have said it in secret.

>>45311564

Pics or it didn't happen.

I want to see multiple (You)s. With proper .jpg artifacting.

>>45311597
Because they don't have magic.

>>45311579
>>Ranthix is probably right. Power is the universal language. I’ve got that, I just need to flaunt it.

It's going to be hard enough to get the throne, nevermind challenging the culture of ruthlessness behind it. Let's act the Imperiate.

>>45311579

>Happiness can’t buy money. If the spirit likes copper, let’s copper it up in this.
>Do we know anything else about this Great Lynx? What’s so great about it, anyway?
>What constitutes a good idea, Borya? You got any druid wisdom for me? You’ve dealt with natural stuff before.
>I’m not sure whatever we plan will last more than two seconds. The last landmaster who tried the well got spun off.

>>45311579
>I don’t know. We’ll see how we’re feeling when we get there.
>Do we know anything else about this Great Lynx? What’s so great about it, anyway?
The delivery is already on its way, no sense turning it down. The money is spent. It can't hurt to have it as an option, unless it turns out the spirit is stronger in the presence of copper or something.

>>45311539
You know how when people kidnap someone they tell you not to tell the police?

You should totally tell the police.

>>45311579
>Do we know anything else about this Great Lynx? What’s so great about it, anyway?
>What constitutes a good idea, Borya? You got any druid wisdom for me? You’ve dealt with natural stuff before.

>>45311539
>>45311445
>>45311470
Waldric never confirms or denies that Maviel was threatened. We came to that conclusion on our own.

Even if it were true, which it does not appear to be, killing someone because someone else has a gun to you or a loved one's head is still murder. That's not even my opinion, it's common law.

>>45311535
oops, I accidentally linked to a comparatively non-retarded anon. nevertheless, you get my point.

>>45311522
>The Thultal regards you with burning eyes and a scowl of displeasure. “I HAVE BEEN SINCE THE BEGINNING, SPAWNLING, AND I WILL CONTINUE UNTIL SUCH A TIME AS I DEEM FIT,” he shouts.
Ranthix is best girl.

>>45311667
I don't have a lot of respect for using law as an argument here.

>>45311680

>best girl

Bitch please.

Rathix is best. Period.

>>45311749

It's sort of the argument of applying judeo-christian law, morality, and standards to a bunch of demons from hell. Or just from anyone not from modern times.

>>45311890
Judeo-christian or not, setting up an assassination is still shitty.

>>45311921

Not as shitty as telling the assassin who their target is, or that she was supposed to be targetting a specific person at all, WHICH HE NEVER DID.

>>45311921

True. But remember Ranthix was General Meckor's right hand man until he betrayed him, snapped his trident in half, and threw him through a window. People do crappy things.

>>45311957
>It could be worse.
It can always be worse.

>>45311858
This guy gets it.

>>45311991
Yeah but I don't give a shit about doing shitty things to Meckor, in fact that is a good thing in my book.

>>45311991
>He was mean to that demon who wanted to kill us and a whole bunch of other people.
Good.

>>45311991
frankly, Ranthix would've realized how short Meckor's reign was going to be even if he was half as smart and duty-bound as he is, whether Meckor died that day or the metaphorical next. guy was stirring too much shit.

>>45312051
>>45312085

The congitive dissonance is astounding here.

Completely understandable, but still astounding.

>>45311890
>>45311749

I'm sorry you feel that way and I regret pointing it out for no good reason, but the fact that it happens to fall under the legal definition of murder is not really integral to my point, merely incidental.

My point being that Waldric sold out Sierra to a demonbane, and my definition of "sold out" being "supplying information to a demonbane that could have foreseeably resulted in Sierra's death."

>>45311579
>Do we know anything else about this Great Lynx? What’s so great about it, anyway?
>What constitutes a good idea, Borya? You got any druid wisdom for me? You’ve dealt with natural stuff before.
>I’m not sure whatever we plan will last more than two seconds. The last landmaster who tried the well got spun off.
>Maybe deliver the copper with a show of power.

>>45311579
>>>Do we know anything else about this Great Lynx? What’s so great about it, anyway?
>>Ranthix is probably right. Power is the universal language. I’ve got that, I just need to flaunt it.
>>What constitutes a good idea, Borya? You got any druid wisdom for me? You’ve dealt with natural stuff before.
>>I’m not sure whatever we plan will last more than two seconds. The last landmaster who tried the well got spun off.

My vote is to make it bow by demonstrating power, then rewarding its obedience with the offering of copper as a surprise.

>>45312187
>>45312190
>stick-and-carrot-mind

How useful is a spirit that we can cow with a mere display of power going to be?

We are either going to get smacked for our insolence or we are going to win over a useless wimp.

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>>45312280
...Or it's going to be less powerful than Sierra, Borya, Issaac and Ranthix combined, but still powerful enough to be useful. There's a frankly massive amount of distance between too strong and too weak here, and if the primitive cluster of nerve cells you call a brain had a shred of common sense in it you'd have realized this before you clicked "submit."

>>45311991
However, given that Meckor wanted to honor the memory of the late Imperiate he was so fiercely loyal to by slaying her hapless daughter in anger, Ranthix's actions weren't just defensible, they were downright paragon.

He very reasonably could have thought he was preventing Meckor from doing something he'd regret.

>>45312414

No, it was quite clearly "Wait a tick, this fuck is going to kill the last remaining blood of the Imperiate. FFFFFFUCK HIM!"

>>45312439
Going by Ranthix's excitement when he ran off from the raid on the slaver bitch, it was probably just as much a "Fuck yes, I can honor the memory of best Imperiate and preserve her true legacy instead of being uselessly mad about the past like Meckor."

>>45312550
Except with more FURIOUS CAPSLOCK of course.

>>45312439
Sounds Judeo-Christian approved to me.

>>45312590
Remind me, are there any tales in either testament where the good guy stabs his boss in the back?

“What’s so great about this lynx anyway?” you ask, frowning. “I mean, what do we know?”

Isaac rubs the side of his head. “It drowns people who anger it,” he says, hesitating. “It’s killed anywhere from 50 to 100 people in the last two centuries. Likely higher – those deaths were just the ones I found recorded on public record.”

It drowns people. Of course. (+5 Stress: 14) “Oh. Is that all?” you say, suppressing a shiver.

“That won’t happen to you,” Isaac promises. “The Great Lynx isn’t always the bad guy – it’s spoken of to be fiercely protective, especially against anything involving the Thunderbird or the elements of air. If we can convince it to show that side of itself, I think we won’t any troubles moving forward.”

“That’s... good,” you say, a little relieved. (-3 Stress: 11) “What about you, Borya? You got any druid wisdom for me? You’ve dealt with natural stuff before.”

“I fear my wisdom is not of practical kind,” Borislav demurs. “Spirits do not perceive our world as we do. They do not think or feel like humans think and feel. Most important aspect of conversation to spirit is to recognize that each entity is itself unique. Knowledge, understanding, these are your greatest tools.”

>>45312145
Doing bad things to others isn't doing bad things to us.

>>45312637

Ranthix chooses this moment to strike. “MY WISDOM IS OF THE PRACTICAL KIND, SPAWNLING,” he informs you. “AS THE IMPERIATE, YOUR WILL CAN LAY LOW ANY OBSTACLE AND DESTROY ANY FOE BY MEANS. DO NOT ALLOW A WATERY CAT DICTATE TO YOU WHAT IS AND IS NOT POSSIBLE. THAT JUDGEMENT IS YOURS ALONE.”

Isaac rubs his ear with a finger, not so big a fan of Ranthix’s preaching. “We’ll discuss more on the way. We have a long ride ahead of us.”

“Agreed,” Borya says, nodding. He turns and rubs Reeber’s head, to let him know the talking is almost done.

>What are we standing around here for then? Let’s ride.
>Okay. Well in the end, I am actually the Imperiate, so whatever happens happens.
>I’m pretty sure we packed enough firepower to handle a watery cat, so, not so worried.
>Regret your total ignorance of swimming skills.
>Meditate on the totality of your will, and the power thereof to open the way for you going forward.
>Contemplate the meaning of knowledge and understanding in reference to an incomprehensible being.
>Wonder how the hell you can convince the Great Lynx it can protect you from the element of air.
>Other (?)

>>45312664
>Meditate on the totality of your will, and the power thereof to open the way for you going forward.
>Wonder how the hell you can convince the Great Lynx it can protect you from the element of air.
Time to catch some wet pussy.

>>45312664
>>Regret your total ignorance of swimming skills.
>>Meditate on the totality of your will, and the power thereof to open the way for you going forward.
>>Contemplate the meaning of knowledge and understanding in reference to an incomprehensible being.
>>Wonder how the hell you can convince the Great Lynx it can protect you from the element of air.

>>45312650

Eh, not the point I was trying to make, but whatevs.

>>45312637
>it’s spoken of to be fiercely protective, especially against anything involving the Thunderbird or the elements of air

Great, something to fuck up Ossifera if needed

>>45312664
>Regret your total ignorance of swimming skills.
>Contemplate the meaning of knowledge and understanding in reference to an incomprehensible being.
We're going to be openly hostile, and we can expect it to either try to drown us, pacify us, or run away; so, it's not completely incomprehensible.

>>45312664
>>Regret your total ignorance of swimming skills.
>>Meditate on the totality of your will, and the power thereof to open the way for you going forward.
>>Contemplate the meaning of knowledge and understanding in reference to an incomprehensible being.
>>Wonder how the hell you can convince the Great Lynx it can protect you from the element of air.

>>45312664
>>I’m pretty sure we packed enough firepower to handle a watery cat, so, not so worried.

>>45311597
Lucifer was a hybrid of Verwelken and those demon seers who's name I forgot. Do you think it sounds smart trying to have a secret meeting hidden from one of those?

oh yeah, before I forget, put the scope of true sight into your pocket so you can see its true form. just for curiosity's sake.

>>45312776
If you got the right shit, then yes.

>>45312776
Considering that Ranthix could just kick his ass, it seems dumb to not do so.

The other factor in operation was that Waldric wanted to keep Mardusia's support of the fief to keep away other players.

>>45312984
Could Ranthix kick his ass before he teleports to Maviel and rips out her spine after magically knowing that he told, though?

>>45312664
>>Meditate on the totality of your will, and the power thereof to open the way for you going forward.
>>Wonder how the hell you can convince the Great Lynx it can protect you from the element of air.

>>45313047
I'd bet he could.

Also I don't think Lucy could teleport that well.

>>45313047
>Could Ranthix kick his ass before he did thing
Yes.

>>45313047
>implying Lucy is omnipresent and omniscient where Waldric is concerned

>>45313352
Is there no possibility of a spell that lets you know when someone breaks an oath existing?

>>45313446
is there no possibility of a spell that would counter such espionage? is there no possibility a guy like Waldric is exactly the type to know a such spell?

>>45313352
He doesn't need to be omniscient, you nib, he just has to make it seem too dangerous to Waldo. Which he did

>>45313495
Is Waldric a proficient enough mage to know of such a counterspell and be able to execute it by himself (as obviously telling anyone about the oath would be a condition which breaks the oath) with enough reliability that it presents less danger to his waifu?

I actually can't remember, my brain's cycled out a lot of information related to this quest because it runs so infrequently.

>>45313446
That seems like an angel thing.

>>45313527
if it's this easy to intimidate Waldo into betraying us, maybe we shouldn't have him covering our back.

>>45313550
No shit shirlock.

>>45313539
I'm fairly certain that enchanted objects are ubiquitous enough for a guy like Walther to have acquired one during his time in Belphegor.
>>45313568
Doesn't really seem that obvious to most anons here, since covering our back is one of Waldo's current job descriptions, a thing anon voted to keep that way after the whole Lucy thing.

>>45313544
I could see the demon seers having something like it, what with their thing about knowing things. Magic as a larger whole might also have something for it under mental spells, divination or blood magic.

You’ve received a lot of good advice, some of it contradictory. One thing’s for sure though, you regret being unable to swim. Why’s it always have to be water-themed monsters? Why not fire? You’d fight a fire cat any day. Stupid water cats.

“Let’s get going already then,” you say. “Talking’s not going to solve the world’s problems.”

“IF YOU’RE IN SUCH A RUSH, OPEN THE WAY!” demands Ranthix.

Which is a good idea. “Team huddle over here,” you say, walking your bike over to the landwell. With some namecalling, you get everyone else to follow suit. If this works like it did last time.... “Team, give me some skin,” you say, holding out a fist.

Everyone present joins their fist to yours, with various degrees of enthusiasm.

“Marshal, druid, Thultal, and paw combined,” you announce, “I am the Imperiate!” You reach out and touch the landwell with your other hand. With a flare of will, the light engulfs all assembled.

A flash and thunder later, you and everyone are somewhere elsewhere entirely. Your feet and the tires of your bike dig into sand – great dark dunes rise up in the night before and behind you. Their minute, grainy texture is perfectly tangible to your shadow sight.

And then Isaac ruins it by switching on his headlamp. He glances upwards at the stars to get his bearings, then points off in the dark toward the road you know is there, but he couldn’t possible know of. “We need to head south-east,” he says, donning his helmet. “Move out.”

Borislav and Ranthix start their engines, and you follow suit. Ultra badass roadtrip is a go.

--

The night ride is great. Stars above, traffic limited to you and your posse. You feel like a predator stalking the night to some inevitable prey, guided only by intuition, instinct, and google maps. The meditative stillness of the vast stretches of Canadian plains are graced by the sounds of your engines as the group drives onward.

>>45313601
I am fairly sure those are just rejoicefags.

>>45313622

The solemnity gives you time and time to spare to consider how you’ll deal with the Great Lynx. Of course Borislav’s understanding thing is important, as is Ranthix’s advice to always be true to yourself, but the most practical aspect you focus on is Isaac’s words about the protectiveness of the spirit. If you could show you were being menaced by the elements of the air, maybe you could get the cat thing to leap to your defense and allow you to share in its powers.

Ossifera’s a dragon. Starts tornados. Seems like a jerky air move thing to do. But do you need protecting from her? She was kind of kooky, but you think you did good disarming her. What other air-related things are you afraid of? None, really. Hassatur is more of a water element thing. And Ushologuissa... you guess is more like earth? And you’re sort of like fire. If the river cat is water, that doesn’t bode well for you.

Isaac signals only a few stops along the way, once to fill up on gas, the other to stop for breakfast as the sun begins rising again.

You’re wired with excitement as you head into McDonalds, fatigue not even beginning to set into you from missing a night of sleep. You order Big Macs for yourself and for Reeber because he deserves it, and go pick out a table while Ranthix demands more and more condiments from the hapless cashier, and Borya mixes juices at the soda fountain.

Isaac stares out the window, not eating anything at all as the rest of you consume nourishment. You surreptitiously feed your extra sandwiches to your sneaky hellhound.

>>45313682
As you enjoy breakfast after your long drive, you start considering the problem of air again – you feel the answer is just out of reach, and it frustrates you.

>You need more brain food. Finish your Big Macs.
>Can air be a metaphor for something? Like. Something threatening stability or whatever?
>Anybody have any bright ideas about somehow linking air to one of the people who wants me dead?
>I think I'll throw Ossifera under the bus. She's a dragon, she's a jerk, she's similar to a Thunderbird.
>Perhaps rubbing Reeber’s head more intensely will produce results.
>I'm honestly not convinced the air thing's going to work out.
>Isaac, couldn't you just like, I don't know, order more copper? Like all the copper? I don't know.
>Other (?)

>>45313655
>I disagree with a decision, therefore it's rejoicefags/samefags/yurifags/hetfags/fagfags/etc
I also disagree with that decision, but fuck you anyway.

>>45313710
>Can air be a metaphor for something? Like. Something threatening stability or whatever?
I'm personally not seeing it but hey.

>>45313710
>Can air be a metaphor for something? Like. Something threatening stability or whatever?
>Anybody have any bright ideas about somehow linking air to one of the people who wants me dead?
>Perhaps rubbing Reeber’s head more intensely will produce results.
>Perhaps rubbing Reeber’s head more intensely will produce results.
>Perhaps rubbing Reeber’s head more intensely will produce results.
>Perhaps rubbing Reeber’s head more intensely will produce results.
>Perhaps rubbing Reeber’s head more intensely will produce results.
>Perhaps rubbing Reeber’s head more intensely will produce results.

>>45313655
>>45313742
...what's a rejoicefag, if you don't mind me asking?
>>45313710
>You need more brain food. Finish your Big Macs.
>Can air be a metaphor for something? Like. Something threatening stability or whatever?
>Anybody have any bright ideas about somehow linking air to one of the people who wants me dead?
Ossifera isn't an immediate threat, but she looms over our head anyway. We could pitch the angle to those present, but I don't think it's a good enough answer.

>>45313710
>Perhaps rubbing Reeber’s head more intensely will produce results.
>Other (?)
Even though we have wings, the air still won't let us fly.

>>45313806
Specific brand of fag that votes for the options most likely to result in suffering, IIRC.

>>45313742
>implying it isn't rejoicefags.

>>45313710
>Can air be a metaphor for something? Like. Something threatening stability or whatever?
Been thinking about it, but I don't have any bright ideas.

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Psst. Hey. Guess what I did.
I'm planning to do the whole family. Any ideas for Issac's class?
Sadly, Rowan did not survive her third mission.

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>>45313682
SITHEDESERVESITHEDESERVESITHEDESERVE

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>>45313940
>that will

Sorry pal, not seeing it.

>>45313940
>Having any deaths
Stop being such a fucking scrub at XCOM.

>>45313994
Some of us are man enough to not savescum.

>>45313975
Oh, don't worry, she'll end up shaken sooner or later. I don't think she's finished a mission uninjured yet.

>>45313994
Man I'm on my third black site and I don't even have armor yet. I'm constantly broke because every time I start scanning a supply drop, a dozen missions pop up.

>>45314094
>Man I'm on my third black site and I don't even have armor yet

!!!!!!!
You really should have mag weapons by the time you're on blacksites. Do you at least have a ton of exosuits?

>>45313994
Those god damn motherfuckers keep mind controlling my shit.

>>45314076
Some of us are man enough to git gud.

>>45314124
Kill it with blademasters.

>>45314124
FLASHBANGS NIGGA

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>>45314134
>Some of us are man enough to git gud.

>>45314166
What?

>>45314124
>What is a Mindshield

>>45314201
Flashbangs stop sectoids from mind control. It's neat as hell.

>>45314119
You can kind of see the mag shotgun right there in the picture, m8.

I just can't spare the dosh for armor between constantly needing to shell out for power relays and then radio beacons and then scrounging for intel instead of supplies because there's another facility finished in Australia while I'm still trying to take out one in Brazil and the Avatar Project has seven dots.

I had to choose between mag weapons and armor, so I picked shooty. I've got a couple medical specialists who are clearly blessed by the RNG who take up the slack.

>>45314201
Flashbang the sectoid to break mind control. Kills their zombies too.

ITT: offtopic shitposting without even the manners to spoiler it

>>45314243
my mistake sorry.

>>45314261
You must be new here.

You rub Reeber’s head intensely for a moment, hoping that it will perhaps it will produce results, but really all it does is produce a lot of Reeber drool as he’s still licking at bits of sauce on his lips. It was worth a shot.

“Ugh. I don’t know,” you say, throwing your hands up in surrender. “Can air be like, a metaphor for something? Like. Something threatening stability or... whatever?”

“Not in any culture I’m familiar with,” says Isaac, looking over at you. “But I’ve been thinking – if you could identify yourself with the land or the lake itself somehow with your landmastery, Mishipeshu might identify you as being a friend or ally.”

“I already thought of that, I’m too fiery. Water hates fire,” you say miserably.

“I do not think water hates fire. I think it is fire that hates water,” says Borislav, swabbing his French fries in ketchup.

You scowl. “Fire/water don’t get along is what I’m saying. Geeze, I’m trying my best here. What about you guys, huh?” you ask, glaring at Borislav, Ranthix and Reeber. “Haven’t seen any of you offer any bright ideas about how to link air to somebody who wants me dead.”

Ranthix scowls heatedly at you, the remnants of his chocolate shake turning to mush in his suddenly heated cup. “YES, THIS IS BECAUSE YOU CHOSE NOT TO EXERCISE YOUR FREE WILL TO SEEK COUNCIL EARLIER,” he informs you at volume.

The other customer in the store and the lone cashier glance awkwardly in your direction at the sudden yelling.

>>45314451

“WHEN YOU GO TO HELL,” Ranthix continues in explanation, “YOU WILL FACE TIMES WHEN YOU MIGHT HAVE SOUGHT THE ALLEGIANCE OF THOSE WHO YOU ASSUMED WOULD NOT WILLINGLY SUPPORT YOU, AND CHOOSE NOT TO. IF YOU DO NOT SEEK SUPPORT YOU WILL NOT FIND IT.”

You screw up your face at him. “What are you talking about?”

Ranthix slams a fist down on the table, causing your empty drink cup to fall over, and thunders in reply. “SULKRASPH’S FIRST LANDS AFFORDED HIM THE HONARY TITLE, ‘PRINCE OF THE POWER OF AIR’!” he thunders.

This might’ve been helpful to know about maybe five hours ago. (+2 Stress: 13)

>Ranthix, I’m really not in the mood right now for Imperiate lessons.
>Why the hell did you hold that back until just now?
>I’m trying my best, you know. Excuse me if I’m not fucking perfect.
>That’s... great. Really great, actually.
>Ugh. Good thing I chose to seek support this time.
>Check the box for lesson learned, I guess.
>So uh. Just to be sure though, if I didn’t ask, you still would’ve told me, right?
>You have any other sage wisdom I should know before I finish this Big Mac?
>Never pull something like that on me again.
>Other (?)

>>45313940

I appreciate the thought and the fact that I get to know about it. I'm delighted by all forms of fan works.

>>45314464
>That’s... great. Really great, actually.
>Check the box for lesson learned, I guess.
Next up, on ask ranthix!

>>45314464
>Ugh. Good thing I chose to seek support this time.
>You have any other sage wisdom I should know before I finish this Big Mac?

>>45314464

>>>Why the hell did you hold that back until just now?
>>That’s... great. Really great, actually.
>>Ugh. Good thing I chose to seek support this time.
>>You have any other sage wisdom I should know before I finish this Big Mac?
Ask Ranthix more about Sulkrasph.

>>45314464
>>That’s... great. Really great, actually.
>>Ugh. Good thing I chose to seek support this time.
>You have any other sage wisdom I should know before I finish this Big Mac?

>>45314464
>That’s... great. Really great, actually.
>Check the box for lesson learned, I guess.
>Never pull something like that on me again.
Time to enforce our authority over him, he'd probably appreciate it.

>>45314464
>>That’s... great. Really great, actually.
>>You have any other sage wisdom I should know before I finish this Big Mac?
Ranthix is the best.

>>45314464
>Ugh. Good thing I chose to seek support this time.
>Never pull something like that on me again, though, I don't have time for a pouty thultal or a counselor that holds his tongue when he has pertinent information.

>>45314602
This is probably a test to see how we react to it. The dude isn't JUST our teacher, and we're going to have to pull him up short when he pulls shit like this.

Time and place, asshole.

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>>45314986
we do need to be more assertive around Ranthix desu

so, the next time we get a boon, who do we give it to? my vote's for Reeber desu

>>45315097
I agree, he's been at our side for a long time. And of all the characters, he's not going to complain if we lend it out to someone else for a bit.

Also, booned Reeber sounds absolutely badass, he might even end up being better at dog than before.

>>45314464
> Ranthix, you're here right? One of my trusted companions and friends to help me out? Then why would you think I wouldn't want your council?
> Everybody, I'm going in somewhat blind here, so if you have ideas let me know.

“That’s... great. Really great, actually,” you say, struggling for sincerity. You can’t believe Ranthix hoodwinked you like that. “I mean. Wow, good thing I just happened to choose to seek support just now.”

Isaac gives Ranthix a distrusting look. “I’m going to do you a favor and assume you were going to tell us that eventually, regardless of whether Sierra asked you or not.”

Ranthix glowers furiously at the implied condemnation. “ASSUME WHAT YOU WILL, BUTCHER,” he says darkly. “IT MATTERS NOT TO ME.”

Borislav ducks out of the conversation, focusing instead on enjoying the last of his fries.

The conflicting and severe emotions from your table companions mix strangely in your head – the sour, nauseous care from Isaac, Ranthix’s smoking indignation, and the bland distaste of Borislav’s discomfort in being trapped in the middle of it. (+2 Stress: 15)

You ignore them for a minute and focus on Reeber instead. His spark of warm happiness, mixed with only mild alarm at the sudden contention, gives you something to hold onto mentally. (-1 Stress: 14)

When Isaac and Ranthix are done hating one each other, you pipe up. “So uh. Ranthix,” you say, sparing a momentary glance to Isaac, who is still not happy with the impromptu leadership test, “you have any other sage wisdom I should know before I finish this Big Mac?” You take a bite of said Big Mac immediately after.

“WISE OF YOU TO ASK SUCH A QUESTION. DO NOT DEDICATE YOURSELF TO ANY ONE PATH FORWARD,” he says. “TO RELY ON ONE PLAN OR PIECE OF INFORMATION IS A WEAKNESS. YOU LIMIT YOURSELF TO THE STRENGTH OF SOMETHING WITHOUT, SOMETHING WHICH WILL PROVE ITS FAULT AT THE CRITICAL TIME. TRUE POWER BUILDS FROM WITHIN. RELY ON YOURSELF AND YOU WILL NEVER BREAK.”

Isaac isn’t feeling the power of the Ranthix. “So you’re saying we shouldn’t rely on your information,” he says.

>>45315353

“I AM SAYING WHAT I AM SAYING, NOTHING MORE NOR LESS,” Ranthix replies, patience wearing thing. “SIERRA WOULD DO WELL NOT TO TRUST HERSELF OVERLY TO ONE TITLE OR ONE LANDWELL, OR EVEN ONE GUARDIAN. TRUST ENTAILS ACCEPTING THEIR WEAKNESSES, KNOWN AND UNKNOWN, AS HER OWN. ”

Borislav chokes on a French fry.

A cold edge enters Isaac’s voice then. “You don’t have the faintest idea of what family means,” he says, his voice low, hands fists on the table. “Don’t you dare lecture me in front of my daughter ever again.”

Ranthix’s scowl intensifies.

You can’t believe this is happening. This takes you all the way back to the Fowlers when you were fourteen – your old foster parents could never stop screaming at each other, or you. They’d pick a fight over the stupidest things. (+6 Stress: 20)

>Screw both of you, you’re better than this. (Storm out)
>Hey everybody, look at me! Look at this girl! Remember me? Yeah? No?
>Wow, I’m done! Well why don’t we fucking get going already, am I right?
>Both of you shut up! This is my quest, no fighting allowed or you’re out!
>Ranthix, can you just be chill just this once? For me?
>Let’s not do this in a fucking McDonalds.
>Stop. Time out. Whatever. Take a chill pill or... fucking something.
>Dad, just – just stop. Okay? Just seriously stop.
>Hey Borya, remember that time you cleaned my prints out of a car with squirrels? That was really something!
>Other (?)

Copper and air and water.

Fucking electricity.

It's a water cat who drowns people and zaps.

Yes, I know, I'm completely retarded.

>>45315376
>>Let’s not do this in a fucking McDonalds.
>>Stop. Time out. Whatever. Take a chill pill or... fucking something.

>>45315376

...Jeeeeeeeeeesus, Ranthix.

I mean, he's not wrong, but this is a little over the top even for him.

>Hey everybody, look at me! Look at this girl! Remember me? Yeah? No?
>Ranthix, can you just be chill just this once? For me?
>Dad, just – just stop. Okay? Just seriously stop.

>>45315376
> Ranthix has a point, but we've seen him be subtle about shit before and he clearly grasps the concept of politics. So what's his deal bringing it up like this?

>>45315376
>>Both of you shut up! This is my quest, no fighting allowed or you’re out!

>>45315376
>Let’s not do this in a fucking McDonalds.
"Yo Ranthix, I'm the Imperiate, if I want to trust a demonbane you don't get to comment on it."
And then this >>45315478
Tell him to work out his issues on his own time, and ask if there's anything in his little thultal bible about letting your emotions put a mission at risk.

Then maybe tell Isaac that his family insult is unfair, that he has Xath and Xan, or something, just so we're not purely aiming our scorn at Ranthix.

>>45315376
>>Stop. Time out. Whatever. Take a chill pill or... fucking something.
There is gonna be no salvaging this. Ranthix and Isaac are products of two different cultures and they're not going to be convinced they're wrong by a teenager.

>>45315610

Surprisingly insightful (for a teenager).

>>45315376
>Stop. Time out. Whatever. Take a chill pill or... fucking something.
>Ranthix, can you just be chill just this once? For me?
>Dad, just – just stop. Okay? Just seriously stop.
>Let’s not do this in a fucking McDonalds.

>>45315376
>>Stop. Time out. Whatever. Take a chill pill or... fucking something

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>>45315636
>tfw senpai noticed you

I don't know if sierra is thoughtful enough to realize it in character, now that you mention it. Maybe a roll or something?

>>45315376
>Let’s not do this in a fucking McDonalds.
>Stop. Time out. Whatever. Take a chill pill or... fucking something.

>>45315376
> Ranthix. If your feelings are hurt or you think I'm not giving you enough credit, you talk to ME, you don't start a fight with my Dad.
> My Dad. The guy who fucking saved me and was there when I needed someone, anyone at all, even though he didn't have to, even though I was technically his enemy.
> No fucking offense, but not a single one of either my mom or my other dad's friends came to help the entire goddamn time I was growing up, and it was shit and I could have
> Fuck you, Ranthix. You don't get to pull this shit. Don't try to hide behind making a point, you could have helped and . . . what, you would have held your tongue if I hadn't come to you? And then you decide to have a dick swinging contest right before I have to trust BOTH of you to have my back?

STRESS +20

>>45315963
Oh snap, this would be fun. Too bad it came in so late.

You’re never doing that again.

“Stop. Time out. Whatever,” you shout, interceding directly. “Take a chill pill or... fucking something. Let’s not do this in a fucking McDonalds.”

Ranthix and Isaac turn their attention to you, though it seems more like momentary distraction than anything.

You won’t lose them. “Yeah, remember me?” you ask, pointing violently at yourself. “Dad, just - just stop. Okay? You’re not being fair. Ranthix has Xath and Xan or whatever. And Ranthix, could you just be chill just this once? I’m the Imperiate, I get to trust a demonbane if I want. I mean I can’t not trust my dad. He’s... he’s my dad, okay? So let’s just not... let’s not do this right now, cause I really don’t want to.”

Ranthix gives you a simmering look, then stands. “I will be outside,” he says, picking up his jacket and stalking out.

Borislav dismisses himself and follows suit, hurrying to catch up to the Thultal.

You’re not sure what prompted Ranthix’s outburst. He can be subtle when he wants. Was it just a slipup? What was he trying to get at.

Isaac leans over the table toward you, his expression serious. “I know you respect Ranthix, but you know he’s... he has his own motives. If you weren’t the Imperiate’s daughter, he wouldn’t be your friend,” he says quietly, expression shifting to one of worry. “Lord knows I’m not perfect, but I can get pretty close on this. I’m always be here for you, Sierra. Whatever’s going on. You know that, right?”

>You uh. You stuck around a longer than anybody else ever has, so.
>You don’t have to be, you know. I’m just... I don’t know sometimes.
>I don’t know, you’re pretty close, like. I mean, I wouldn’t change anything.
>I don’t know why Ranthix was saying that crap. It’s... not like him.
>If it weren’t for Ranthix, I’d be dead. Do you remember that?
>It didn’t used to matter with people arguing like that but... I can’t handle it anymore.
>Yeah, I... I know.
>Let’s just... go bribe some lynxes already.
>Other (?)

>>45315985

*What was he trying to get at?
*I'll always be here for you

Wow, can't type anymore. I guess it's a good thing I'm done for the night. Thanks to everyone who participated. Next thread probably next Saturday. Trying hard to get back to once a week (at least) and a little more often if possible.

>>45315985
>Yeah, well being the imperiate's daughter isn't something i can stop being
>If it weren’t for Ranthix, I’d be dead. Do you remember that?
>I don’t know why Ranthix was saying that crap. It’s... not like him.

>>45316001
Thanks for running! Hellborn quest is my favorite!

>>45315985
>>If it weren’t for Ranthix, I’d be dead. Do you remember that?

>>45316001
Are we voting here or picking up next thread?

>>45315985
>I don’t know why Ranthix was saying that crap. It’s... not like him.
>If it weren’t for Ranthix, I’d be dead. Do you remember that?
> But you're my Dad. That's always going to be how it is, so he has to deal with it. God knows it took me long enough to accept someone might actually care about me.

Then we go out and talk to Ranthix and say >>45315963
And tell him that "I'm listening now, so say your piece. That's what you asked for, that's what you're getting, and as pissed as I am right now I know you deserve at least that much."

>>45315985
We respect Ranthix BECAUSE he has his own motives. Yes, he's primarily invested in us because of his whole Thultal philosophy trying to make sense of the universe thing, but he's also a badass mentor of ours.

Maybe that's compartmentalizing the good and bad we take away from our dealings with him, even knowing that his motives aren't pure, but he's still our teacher in the ways of being a tyrant.

>>45315985
>It didn’t used to matter with people arguing like that but... I can’t handle it anymore.

>>45316061
This.

>>45316061
>>45316282
It's not a horrible idea, I'll admit.

>>45314486
Can you do us up a picture of Orias?

>>45316123
We don't respect Ranthix because he has his own motives, we respect him because he's been straight with us and he's a pretty smart dude underneath all the shouting. As evidenced by

> Ranthix gives you a simmering look, then stands. “I will be outside,” he says, picking up his jacket and stalking out.

So he's acting all fucking wonky here.

This passive aggressive bullshit isn't him.

I think that where you're getting us respecting him having his own motives, is that he's always been open and honest about it. Although we've seen that in a way, with his brash declarations and always in your face aggression and apparent thought to mouth operation is a smoke-screen for the deeper philosophy he applies to his actions and a persona he CHOOSES to present rather than him being unable to control his volume.

That's why I'm pissed at him. He has a point, but he seems to be making it in the worst way possible, and we KNOW he knows what he's doing.

Also, come on dude, Isaac was the first one to cut him some slack and say he would have brought it up anyways.

>>45316282
>>45316311

this

>> No fucking offense, but not a single one of either my mom or my other dad's friends came to help the entire goddamn time I was growing up, and it was shit and I could have
>> Fuck you, Ranthix.

and

> But you're my Dad. That's always going to be how it is, so he has to deal with it. God knows it took me long enough to accept someone might actually care about me.

This strike me as 100% Sierra. Just the right amount of self-deprecating and really fucking angry, and not wanting to talk about it.

I don't think we've actually gotten mad at Ranthix before, but this is pretty much the one button he could have pressed to do it.

>>45316697
Would make for a great scene and a nice moment to show how her character has progressed.

>>45315376
>>45315985
Just trying to take Ranthix' side here, but in this case I think it should be easy for Sierra to see where he is coming from.

It's not unreasonable for him to caution her into having contingencies and not rely too much on any one advantage, family included.

I think the issue is Isaac is misconstruing trust with loyalty. After all, Sierra of all people would be able to appreciate that parents can be plenty trustworthy and strive for their children and still, tragically, fail and not be there for them when they are needed most.

Trusting in them to always try is good faith, trusting them to always succeed is plain gullibility.

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post your face when nobody in or out of character noticed this was the first time Sierra casually began to call Isaac her dad.

>>45319282
I noticed, and I know someone else who noticed
Isaac did

>>45319381
if he had, Sierra would've noticed his emotions. it's not exactly a casual thing you note in passing. now get the fuck out of here, namefag.

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>>45319409
you seem grumpy, have this laser-etched butterfly...