>>45406438

Eventually, you are able to speak without all snot issuing forth from your face. “Look, you’re my dad,” you say, still staring at the table, head still in hands. “That’s how it is. R-Ranthix is just going to like... he’ll just have to grow up and just freaking deal with it.”

Your voice is uneven and annoying to your ears, but Isaac doesn’t seem to mind. You are encompassed in a sea of wonderful seasick bleh from him. “That’s my girl,” he says, his voice soft. “You know, I was going to tell you about something later, after we got this tucked under our belt. When I knew for sure.”

Your curiosity beats out everything else. There’s something to Isaac’s tone of voice, to his feelings. This is important.

“I’ve been pulling strings with some old friends and... remember how I said I’d find you a landmaster who could teach you?” he asks.

You wipe your face off on your sleeve so you can see clearly. “Yeah?”

“Well, I know you’re not really that excited about school,” he says. “So... I was thinking of other options. And well, I was talking to one. She’s a landmaster named Anaella Vakrusheva. She’s out all the way up in Kamchatka, you know, the peninsula north of Japan. The word ‘apprenticeship’ got thrown around. Said she’d like to talk to you.”

Wait, what?

Isaac continues speaking, putting on a more confidence face now that he’s going. “You’d likely have to... live there, you know. But we could fly you back and forth on weekends. That is if you don’t develop another mode of travel. I'm just saying. There's more ways forward than the Thultal."

This is not what you expected to hear right now.

>Say stuff (?)
>Other (?)

>>45406507
>this would be way cooler than study abroad!
>it'd be a long time to leave all this behind though
Try not to think about leaving Wolf behind

>>45406507
>Say stuff (?)
That's awesome, and if I can find an open well, we won't even have to pay for flights!
>other
We should go see what Ranthax wants to talk about "later" call him out on walking off like that.

I'm so excited, this is my first live thread, just finished the last of the archive earlier today.

>>45406507
>>Say stuff (?)

"Wow. That's . . . That's good. Good news. Haha, I wonder if I'll meet a bunch of Japanese demons while I'm there."

"But can we talk about this later? I kind of want to deal with this land well first. And Ranthix."

Engage going to talk to Ranthix as per our previous thread. Seriously, head in the game Dad.

>>45406695

Lots of new readers recently. It is a good feeling. What got you into the quest?

>>45406507
>Ranthix is a giant red flaming cock sometimes but he's still a good teacher about stuff and even if he's got some fucked up thought processes and he's more loyal to the idea of my future office than to me as a person, it still feels kinda fucked to just toss him aside.

>I'd still love to look into the apprenticeship thing. Closest I had was wringing a couple basc tips out of Cpt Canada and that helped out a ton.
If we can pick up a well or two in the area we could port back and forth. Hell, we already know that our [VE] side has some teleportation affinity, so maybe Wolf could help us set up a teleportation networky thing like he has inside SF, just longer range. Maybe have it hooked up to our wells so that we can go through without draining the charge completely.

>>45406784
I got rolling on Quests mostly because of the Sith Apprentice Quest and the Become the Vampire Quest. Got caught up on those, started looking around for more, most recently saw the last thread in the archive the day it went up, thought the premise was pretty freakin' neat and read through. Ashamedly I skip through most non-story posts but the Lawn adventures seem interesting.

>>45406507
>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.

I guess this was the result of these votes getting picked last time? So now we're going to go out and call Ranthix out on

> 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?

With maybe a little bit of reminding him that our Dad didn't even want us to do this but we still made the decision to?

>>45406880
>>45406832
Dude just shut up. Ranthix is being Ranthix and you're gonna have to deal with it. There's gonna be friction between demons and demonbane.

>>45406507
Ehh, tell him we'll consider it. But we're definitely not moving until we have all of our shit settled with The Big Three Baddies.

>>45406908
Right but I think it would be a good story point to start asserting ourselves to Ranthix. Do so about him riling Isaac up seems a very Sierra thing to do.

>Hellborn quest
Awww yeah!
>still at mcdonnelzz
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NF4azs25kUw

>>45406908
>>45406832
oops didn't mean to quote you

>>45406908
I guess you weren't there for the last thread.

Just reiterating my comment last thread since it didn't make it into the archive:

Sierra has a good reason to get where Ranthix was coming from. A loving parent who strives for their children yet, tragically, fails to be there for them when they are needed most? Naa that would never happen. Sierra would have no way of relating to such an outlandish concept, oh wait.

Like I said last thread: trusting in someone to always try is good faith, trusting them to always succeed is plain gullibility.

Recommending contingency plans or options so you don't have to rely too much on any one advantage is sage advice, not an indictment of Isaac's loyalty.

Also, something tells me this is a bit of a sore spot with Ranthix. He may have watched the person he all but worshiped fall to just such a mistake.

>>45406960
We are already "asserted" over ranthix. He does what we tell him. What you're talking about is changing someones personality.

That's like making your employess be best friends. You can't control them, just make them work together. Which they're doing, but there's bound to be friction every know and then that we just tell them to shut up about.

>>45406977
No i was there, i was just fucking stunned by how idiotic yall were being concerning Ranthix. He's not a human and doesn't think with traditional morals like yall are assuming. You're over thinking shit.

>>45406988
And Sierra definitely hasn't been sore in the past about how none of her parents friends or allies were there for her while she was going through her shit childhood or anything, and that Ranthix focuses his support around her being a candidate for the Imperiate not just for her.

Not to mention that he's smart enough to bring this shit up in a much better way than how he did it, like a pouty kid.

Or that him and Isaac haven't really had that much friction in the past like >>45406908 was claiming, as if he hasn't even read the quest and is writing it off.

>>45407041
Ranthix is acting contrary to his own stated morals for one, by being passive aggressive about this shit. And those same morals and teachings that he's been trying to impart to us would demand that we go pull him up short for how he handled this. Rather than directly tell us he has a problem he pulls this "you didn't ask" shit and then starts a fight with Isaac right after Isaac tries to mediate, and then goes outside after speaking at less than deafening volume?

Have you just paid zero attention to his character this whole time, or are you intentionally shit posting?

My memory might just be fuzzy, but was Ranthix really all that out of line?

I mean more than he usually is. Really just seems to boil down to conflicting paternal approaches.

>>45407163
He's not being passive agressive. We told him to shut up and drop something he was angry about and he did.

That's all there is to it. Nothing more.

Hey guys, new thread awesome . . . .

> insert bitching and 180 from end of last thread

This is why it's not a great idea to end mid-vote, it seems.

Whelp. I don't want to deal with shitposting so I guess I'll let Y'all fight it out and catch up in the archives.

>>45407349
Well, all the votes so far, bar 1-2 dissenting voices, has been to say "Great, Japan, Yay!" and go see what's up with Ranthix.

>>45407301
Check out the thread, it's in the archives.

“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.

>>45407400
Still wanna wait till we have most of our shit settled before doing anythign major.

Dont wanna have one of the big three enemies attack while we're overseas.

>>45407400
I think this is actually more Russia than Japan. It said "peninsula north of Japan", not that it was on Japan, and that name of the landmaster sure as fuck ain't Japanese.

So I hope you're hype for wandering around Siberian wastelands looking for wells.

>>45407458

“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)

>>45407458
All ranthix is saying is make yourself as strong as physically possible.

>>45407503
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?”

>>45407490
nah it's not russia. I used to know the name of it but theyre asian.

>>45407458
>>45407503
>>45407529
Just link the posts, you cock.

>>45407503
>>45407458
Honestly. Ranthix is kind of right here. It's great to trust people but relying on one thing to much is asking for it to fuck you over.

>>45407529
Ranthix ws just irriatted we didn't get his message. which was "it's fine to trust a tool, but dont relying on it for everything"

>>45407093
>>45407163

Honestly, Ranthix is also acting like a parent. One of the biggest parental fears is the knowledge that you can't always be there for your children and therefore you must do everything you can to equip them to handle themselves.

Ranthix knows, perhaps better than Isaac, what kind path lies ahead of her because of her bloodline. As such, he wants her to be prepared. If everyone just does everything for her, what good is she?

I see some people think Ranthix was acting juvenile, I think that opinion overlooks the deeper motivations he has.

To me it is far more plausible that Ranthix was hoping that Sierra would have discovered this on her own in the course of doing some research/intelligence gathering on her enemies, a habit that is going to be vital in her future.

He wanted to see her overcome this challenge under her own power as much as possible. If there is one thing that we know for sure about Ranthix, he hates mollycoddling. Just reread what he said, he doesn't sound like a petulant child, he sounds like a lecturing teacher . . . just in all caps.

Isaac was the one who took offense and turned it adversarial. Ranthix was the level headed one who excused himself.

>>45407518
Yeah, but it's how he's going about it that made people want to call him on his shit.

He's not just a big dumb slab of meat and he's shown that many times before. Dudes like some Viking priest of war, he's got surprisingly deep and complex motives for why strength is important and the different kinds of strength.

So the fact that he's pulling this shit is kind of left field. And jumping from the last thread to this one I think kind of broke the flow we had going.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/45309116/#p45314451

I suggest people read so they remember where we're at, or at least can see where I'm coming from regarding how people were taking it the last thread.

Or we can just ignore all that and fuck everyone who was involved last time.

>>45407591
Nobody said he wasn't right. But that doesn't mean he gets to hold back information like that, or talk shit to our Dad.

That's why we were going to talk to him and see what's up, but we are also pissed at him and going to let him know that. If he has a problem, he should be able to tell us directly instead of playing games like holding back information or starting fights with other people.

Being right doesn't excuse being an asshole.

>>45406507
>let isaac know that canada = awesome
>give ranthix a stern talking to

>>45407649
Yeah, when we're going up against a murder spirit that drowns people and we're weak against in a bid to jump our power levels isn't the time for that shit. If he insists on doing that, then yeah it's childish. It isn't a teaching moment if the person dies.

It's like that Discworld post where death gives a kid a sword and he's all smug about how if the kid cuts themselves it'll be a good lesson. Well, in reality that shit can also result in the kid dying and where's your smug then because the cut hit an artery. Dead kid, that's where your smug is.

>>45407734

How was Ranthix talking shit to Isaac? Isaac's ego got bruised when Ranthix insinuated that it was even a possibility for him to fail Sierra.

>>45407860

Give him a stern talking about what? Maybe just ask him what it was all about. Ask him to enlighten us, he has never shirked in his duties when asked, directly, for knowledge.

>>45407951
different anon than you're talking to
>Isaac's ego got bruised when Ranthix insinuated that it was even a possibility for him to fail Sierra.
I think it's more that Ranthix opened up an old wound Isaac's been kicking himself over, namely that he feels he failed Sierra when he took the shot to kill Meckor instead of saving her from the snake pile which led to her bloodraging and killing a ton of people. Less of a pride thing more of a shame thing.

>>45407951
Isaac tried to defuse the situation by saying Ranthix would have told us about the whole title thing, and then Ranthix threw it back in his face and told her to not trust Isaac. Borislav caught that shit and choked on his french fry.

Poor Borislav, this has got to be awkward as fuck for him.

>>45407888
Except he did tell her, well before she reached the well I might add. He was giving her every opportunity to discover things on her own. He still had plenty of time to let slip that fact if it looked like she was truly hopeless, which she wasn't. Sierra still may have had a chance at it even if Ranthix had never told her anything. She might have succeeded without his help.

If you think he was going to willfully withhold information in a manner that would actually get her killed, what are you basing that off of?

What does he say immediately before and after? It was a lesson about seeking all possible council and not relying on any one person.

He had a reason for doing what he did, fair enough. But what makes you think that that reason was poorly thought out let alone malicious or juvenile?

>>45406507
>>Say stuff (?) I dunno if I could. I mean, I barely hold stuff together here, with you guys, and it would be so different.

>>45408018
. . . That is a good point. I may have been dwelling too much on Ranthix to catch the layers with Isaac.

But still, the way things are going it looks like Ranthix is the one who is going to catch flak for the exchange and I ain't havin that. Sierra should have empathized at least a little with what Ranthix was saying.

>>45408140
Well, for there's the fact that he said he wouldn't have told us if we didn't ask. Also the fact that his stated reason for doing so and his preaching about accepting more than one input is bullshit since like I said, Isaac already didn't want us to even go but we did anyways.

And since we know he isn't actually a walking one note caricature, it's kind of hard to believe he didn't know what he was doing when he picked a fight with Isaac.

So it's pretty insulting that he treats us like this and tries to proxy fight by under cutting Isaac just because we aren't taking his side every time. That's a shitty passive aggressive way to go about things and he should be better than that.

>>45408230
Your demon waifu was acting shitty. He had a valid point, but he was an asshole about it and he shouldn't have been. That's why he's going to catch flak.

“That’s... awesome,” you say, having difficulty comprehending the scope of what Isaac is suggesting. “I mean, I’m not going to ditch everyone. You need me to help handle Sulkrasph and those chumps. But I mean, I could just grab a well or two over there and pop back any time. I mean, I’ve just been wringing stuff out of what Canada guy told me, but this is... this is great.”

Somebody who knows what they’re talking about. You’ve had to figure out a lot of what you can do on your own. But another landmaster? She probably knows all kinds of crap. Maybe she’s a million years old or something. Who knows?

“She still wants to interview you. She knows a little bit about your circumstances, but there’s no telling how that will hold up,” says Isaac. “Try not to get your hopes up too much.”

“Right, of course,” you say. Maybe you can get Wolf to help you figure out some teleportation thing with whatever stuff you learn. If you passed him a boon, maybe he’d even be able to come get you. Or maybe you could just start using wells more efficiently.

And you’d get more opportunities to practice your Russian. Although, you begin to wonder. “This Anaella,” you say, “is she human?”

“She’s Archirist,” Isaac replies.

You are slightly less eager. “So an angel.”

“But don’t worry,” he continues, sensing your stance on the matter. “She’s trustworthy. She isn’t the type to get involved in the war between Pardisca and Halth.”

“Well. If it works, it works,” you say. “I mean it beats study abroad. I’d rather be a kickass landmistress apprenticer any day of any week.”

Isaac smiles. “I thought you’d say something like that.”

Now that you have some perspective (and something cooler to think about) you feel a little more insulated from Ranthix’s earlier outburst. “You know, I don’t know why Ranthix was saying that crap earlier, but I do know that if it weren’t for him I’d be dead,” you tell Isaac, standing up from the table.

>>45408420

“I’m going to go talk to him. He hates HATES being all indirect or whatever. It’s not like him.”

“You do what you need to do,” Isaac replies.

“And... one thing,” you say, turning briefly as you walk away. “I know Ranthix has his own motives, but he’s always been up front about it. That’s more than most people I’ve met. Doesn’t mean he can be an ass about it though.”

He begins sweeping up the leftover trash onto a tray. “I’ll give you space to talk. I’ll wait a minute before coming out.”

You nod and pat your leg, Reeber coming chasing after you as you head outside. You find Ranthix and Borislav in the parking lot by the bikes. Ranthix scowls with his massive arms folded across his chest, while Borislav stares skyward at a deformed cloud.

Reeber runs over to pester Borya. As for you, you walk up to Rax. The demon glowers down at you, his eyes burning as he waits for you to speak.

>So apparently there’s some landmaster who might take me on as an apprentice.
>What’s up with you? Is there something you need to talk to me about?
>Talk to me. I’m not a fucking mind reader. The only thing I’ve ever picked up from you is fiery indignation.
>You were being kind of a huge jerk in there. Like. In a noncool, court-rat kind of way.
>Ranthix, if you’re pissed off at me or I’m being a crap student, you talk to me. You don’t pick a fight with my dad.
>Fuck you, okay? You don’t own me.
>Give respect where respect is due. Isaac could wipe the floor with both of us if that’s what he was going to do.
>Other (?)

>>45408420
>She’s Archirist
Fun...

>>45408452
>What’s up with you? Is there something you need to talk to me about?
>You were being kind of a huge jerk in there. Like. In a noncool, court-rat kind of way.
>Ranthix, if you’re pissed off at me or I’m being a crap student, you talk to me. You don’t pick a fight with my dad.

>>45408452
>Talk to me. I’m not a fucking mind reader. The only thing I’ve ever picked up from you is fiery indignation.
>You were being kind of a huge jerk in there. Like. In a noncool, court-rat kind of way.
>Ranthix, if you’re pissed off at me or I’m being a crap student, you talk to me. You don’t pick a fight with my dad.
>Fuck you, okay? You don’t own me.

>>45408452
>>You were being kind of a huge jerk in there. Like. In a noncool, court-rat kind of way.
>Give respect where respect is due. Isaac could wipe the floor with both of us if that’s what he was going to do.
>What’s up with you? Is there something you need to talk to me about?

>>45407553

what

>>45408321
Take it easy there, that's a wall of assumptions.

Assumption 1: He wouldn't have told us if we didn't ask. O RLY?

Assumption 2: You have somehow parleyed his lesson into being about ACCEPTING more than one input not SEEKING more than one input which is, indeed, bullshit and furthermore nonsense.

Assumption 3: He was picking a fight with Isaac. Hard to call it a picking fight when Ranthix does not rise to any of Isaac's provocations and continues to plainly assert his position and does nothing to specifically insult Isaac.

>>45408452
>>Talk to me. I’m not a fucking mind reader. The only thing I’ve ever picked up from you is fiery indignation.
>>You were being kind of a huge jerk in there. Like. In a noncool, court-rat kind of way.

>>45408452
>What’s up with you? Is there something you need to talk to me about?
>Talk to me. I’m not a fucking mind reader. The only thing I’ve ever picked up from you is fiery indignation.

>>45408602
Huh... well it didn't used to be russian. i remember doing some history bullshit about the natives from there trying to invade japan and japan totally wrecking their face

>>45408710

Protip: 95% of Russia didn't used to be Russian.

>>45408452
>Talk to me. I’m not a fucking mind reader. The only thing I’ve ever picked up from you is fiery indignation.
>Ranthix, if you’re pissed off at me or I’m being a crap student, you talk to me. You don’t pick a fight with my dad.

>>45408363
Okay. Sure. Fair enough. That being the case, what should Sierra say then? Is there some specific thing Ranthix did that made him the asshole in this situation so we can tell him to stop? Be specific mind you, because telling someone to just generally be less of an asshole without specifics is ACTUALLY being passive aggressive.

>>45408630
He outright told us he didn't say anything because we didn't ask, and dodged the question when we confronted him so Isaac said it for him.

The second statement nobody argued against so I don't know why you brought it up.

And for the third, refusing to clarify your position when someone is offended isn't "refusing to rise to provocations" it's being an asshole, and in real life often serves as a confirmation that you meant what the person was accusing you of.

Ranthix is acting like a shitty edge lord and we know that's not what he's really like. So the question is why, especially before we have to go deal with this spirit instead of after because that's the PERFECT time to drive a wedge between people. You know, because Ranthix suddenly can't into basic tactics or politics.

Get off his dick.

>>45408872
> If you have relevant information, spit it out don't play 20 fucking questions with us.

> If you're going to talk shit, be specific don't hand out cryptic fucking statements then act like you're above having a Goddamn conversation about it.

Could have resolved the problem before it began, but instead he's playing petty power games like a court rat. If he wants to be a court rat, then he'll get treated like one.

Guys, we're about to go fight something based in a rather large body of water.

Y'know.

Like the one that the last Imperiate drowned in.

>>45409238
Hopefully shadow us doesn't have to breathe.

>>45409238
Ideally we're not going to be fighting it at all since it fucking hates air-aligned things and Sulksraph(howeveryouspellit) has Prince of Air as a title.

>>45409326
NO YOU MUST MURDER FUCK EVERYTHING BECAUSE MUH DEMON DICK IS DELICIOUS AND YOU CAN'T GET OFF IT.

>>45409238
Yes. We covered this in the last thread. It also has a habit of drowning people!

And we still can't swim.

>>45408452
>>Talk to me. I’m not a fucking mind reader. The only thing I’ve ever picked up from you is fiery indignation.

>>45409300
>>45409326
>>45409395

I kinda meant maybe that's why Ranthix is being bitchy?

>>45409423
We can use Stepping of the Aether to jump out of the water.

Come to think of it, we should really learn to use our shadow self as a flipper. I bet we could get going wicked fast with that.

>>45409445
Can we please just get it out in the open so this can be put to bed. Been some good theories but a lot of shitposting too.

>>45409445
Maybe. Or he feels guilty because he was the traitor before. I mean, he betrayed Melkor and he's loyal to the idea of a strong leader not us or our mother personally.

Maybe this spirit could help us find out what happened and he doesn't want that.

Full shadow runs.

It takes you a second to compose your thoughts on exactly why you’re mad at Ranthix. You don’t know if really said anything wrong, but it came off in a weird passive-aggressive kind of way. You find your voice. “You were being kind of a huge jerk in there. Like. In a non-cool, court-rat kind of way,” you say. “Ranthix, if you’re pissed off at me or I’m being a crap student, you talk to me. You don’t pick a fight with my dad.”

“I PICKED NO FIGHT WITH THE DEMONBANE,” Ranthix says. “THE DEMONBANE PICKED A FIGHT WITH A PHANTOM.”

“Yeah, well, you knew how he’d take it,” you say. “You never didn’t get along with him until now. You’re only tactless when you want to be. So tell me why. I mean, I’m not a fucking mind reader. The only thing I’ve ever picked up from you is fiery indignation.”

Ranthix’s expression shifts to one of dissatisfied contemplation, and he cracks his massive knuckles, which pop loudly in series. “THE PATHS OF THE IMPERIACY ARE SOLITARY WAYS. WILL IMPOSES ITSELF ON THE WORLD, BUT SUCH IMPOSITION DEMANDS SACRIFICE AND TIME,” he replies. “FAMILIAL BONDS OF LOVE BREED RESOLVE, AND CHAIN YOU DOWN TO A SINKING WEIGHT BETIMES.”

“What, so never love anything? What the hell are you talking about?” you ask.

Your naivete angers Ranthix further, but you can’t imagine anything not angering him further. “YOU MUST FOSTER VIGILANCE, SPAWNLING. VIGILANCE! YOU ARE YET WEAK IN THIS REGARD. LIKE A SOJOURNER IN A DESERT AFFLICTED WITH THIRST, YOU DRINK DESPERATELY FROM A PRECIOUS WELL. BUT YOU MUST REMAIN READY TO WEATHER THE SANDS, TO CONTINUE WITHOUT AND SURVIVE ON SAND ALONE, SHOULD A DAY TO SOJOURN ONCE MORE COME.”

>>45409900

Since Ranthix probably isn’t talking about eating sand and drinking water, he probably means something else.

>What’s that got to do with you insinuating Isaac’s a crappy parent? Or keeping information from me all coy and crap?
>Rax, I’m not infinitely wise. I barely pulled off a B- in English. I can’t just will myself to understand Inferian parables.
>Okay, so I ask you to just tell me what you mean, and you start throwing metaphors at me? What part of being up front do I need to explain?
>Listen, I’m trying to understand you. I am. But I need you to give me a little more than that.
>I’m not getting weaker just because I have people around to help out, Ranthix. I’m stronger than I’ve ever been before.
>Okay, I admit if all my landwells got taken, I’d be in a bind. But this whole thing isn’t just for wells. I’m networking. The Great Lynx might be a really good ally to have.
>Well, what if I don’t have to sojourn anymore, huh? What if I’m just fine with my precious well? Fuck the desert.
>You saying this is about you? Look, if you couldn't be around for some reason, I'd manage. You already taught me tons of crap.
>Other (?)

Well that makes sense, Ranthix is asking us to steel our heart for the idea that we may go back to having no family at all. Either from having them taken, or from having to give them up in order to keep them safe.

>>45409951
>>I’m not getting weaker just because I have people around to help out, Ranthix. I’m stronger than I’ve ever been before.

>>45409951
>Other (?)
"You're saying one day I may have to go on without a family? Without the Hallows?"

>>45409966
Well I'd say that'd be Sierra's biggest "weak point", sure. Take out her family and you might just take away her will to continue living at all.

>>45409951
> I spent enough time alone as a child to know to rely on myself.
> When every single one of my mother's retainers and my father's friends had better things to do then look after the daughter that got left behind. I sure as fuck didn't see you there.
> And they sure as hell aren't crawling out of the woodwork to help me now. Do you think I haven't noticed that they're here for you or waldric

>>45409951
>Take Ranthix's concern for what it is and tell him we'll try to take his advice under consideration.
>Understand that he's not telling us to not love our family, he's telling us to be prepared for the possibility that there will come a day that we can no longer rely on them.

Ranthix is an excellent example of what I'd consider a Sith should be like. Sure it's all about strength, but you can't really function as a person if you're spending all day every day eating live babies. There's room for compassion and understanding, but not coddling or affection.

>>45409951
So he's trying to look out for us because he knows with our rage and control issues that if our familial circumstances change rapidly we'd be in a pretty bad spot. And given that we have a bunch of very bad dudes out for our head we can't really afford to lose control.
I mean think about how Sierra would flip out if someone shot Reeber.

>I’m not getting weaker just because I have people around to help out, Ranthix. I’m stronger than I’ve ever been before.
>Just because I let my family help me doesn't mean I'm weak for it, I mean that's why we're here taking this well, so I, singular, am more powerful. Having support in that doesn't detract.

>>45410309
There's certainly a similarity in culture, we just haven't seen Ranthix become a gibbering capital E evil retard yet.

>>45410449
Well that's my point, Sith shouldn't be gibbering Evil retarded baby-eating pseudo nazis, they should be like portrayed like Ranthix.

>>45409900
>>45409951
Ranthix is right again.

Use it but do not rely upon it.

“I’m not getting weaker just because I have people around to help out, Ranthix,” you reply, trying not to take him the wrong way. “I’m stronger than I’ve ever been before. Just because I let my family help me doesn't I can’t huff it anymore. I mean that's why we’re here to get this well. So I, myself, have more power. People supporting me doesn’t detract from that.”

“YOU ARE THE IMPERIATE, SPAWNLING. POWER FLOWS INEVITABLY TO YOU, SUPPORT OR NOT,” replies Ranthix.

Wait, so if Ranthix isn’t talking about being weak from relying on power, he’s talking about depending on people. About how depending on people might drag you down. “You’re talking about what would happen if I had to go on without my family,” you realize. “Without the Hallows.”

“DO NOT MISTAKE ME. THIS SETTING IS SPLENDEROUS FOR YOUR CONTINUED RIPENING. HOWEVER, THE SHADOWS LOOM. THE COURT-RAT’S TRAITOROUS GAMBLE HAS CONCLUDED, HAVING ACCOMPLISHED NOTHING MORE THAN TO EXTEND HIS OWN SELF-DELUDED SENSE OF DOMAIN,” says Ranthix, his hatred for Waldric smoking from every inch of his body. “THE SUM EFFECTS OF MY OWN LABORS ARE LACKING. MY ABILITY IS INSUFFICIENT TO SAFEGUARD YOUR DESIRED POSITION.”

Ranthix’s anger turns inward, then. The frustrated impatience he’s feeling is for himself.

You don’t want that. Nobody could hope to work harder than he undoubtedly does. “Hey. Nobody was there for me after my parents died,” you explain. “I spent enough time alone to know how to rely on myself. I mean, having a family is... it is what it is. But I’m not ignorant of how it’s like. Because I know how it is.”

>>45409951
Strength is pointless if you don't have anything to protect with it.

>>45411741

The Thultal blazes with rampant anger, anger at the whole situation. “YES, CERTAINLY YOU DO,” he replies, surprisingly supportive. “BUT REMEMBER THIS. THE CORE OF POWER RESIDES NOT IN WELLS OR ARCANA, NOR IN FOLLOWERS OR WIT, AND NOT EVEN IN FLESH OR BONE. IT IS WILL.”

You feel like Ranthix is about to launch into a lecture you’ve heard before, but then he becomes frighteningly grave.

“MY INVINCIBILITY IS AN ARTIFICING CHARADE, BUT YOURS IS ABSOLUTE,” he tells you in a grim tone. “NO MEANS FORGED IN THE THOUSAND HELLS OR IN THE CLOUDS OF ANGELLIC MAGESTIES CAN SLAY YOU. THE GATE TO DEATH IS BARRED BY YOUR WILL TO LIVE. THE ONLY ONE CAPABLE OF KILLING THE IMPERIATE IS THE IMPERIATE, BY CONSCIOUS ACTION.”

Is he saying what you think he’s saying?

>This is another metaphor, right?
>This seems like... kind of an important thing to mention.
>Why are you telling me this now?
>Wait. So like. I’m ultra-immortal, then.
>What about all the Imperiates that came before me, huh? Don’t tell me a thousand tyrants were like, yep, time to off myself.
>What about my mom? She wouldn’t – she wouldn’t choose that.
>Ranthix, stop freaking out.
>The river panther thing will work out. We’re going to work it out.
>That doesn’t make any sense. You could tear my head off right now and I’d be dead.
>Other (?)

>>45411749
Family is pointless if you don' have the strength to protect it.

>>45411786
Just say Yes.

All those options are shit.

>>45411813

write your own option, geeze

>>45411786

Motherfucker

We aren't Sierra

We're Cordi possessing her

That's why our memories are fucked to the degree that they are

>>45411786

>That doesn’t make any sense. You could tear my head off right now and I’d be dead.
>What about my mom? She wouldn’t – she wouldn’t choose that.

Get him to clarify if that's a metaphor, or something actually special to imperiates, or if we're some kind of chosen one spawned from our mothers dabbling into eugenics.

>>45411786
Can we just like agree with him for once?

Those pretty much all question of doubt him in some way. We understand his point so just acknowledge it.

>>45411786
>>This seems like... kind of an important thing to mention.
>>What about my mom? She wouldn’t – she wouldn’t choose that.
>>Ranthix, stop freaking out.

>>45411847
Well there it is.

I agree and understand. Seirra doesn't always have to be a snarky shit with wording.

>not bashin on you just noticed you rarely have direct/simple options posted.

>>45411864

We do?

I sure as fuck don't.

>>45411786
>This is another metaphor, right?

>>45411863
>>45411877
he's being metaphoric dummies.

>>45411899
He's saying a true imperiate is a pinnacle of power and to be the imperiate we need to be so strong (personally strong, not allies/weapons/etc) that nothing can challenge us. that is what we have to become.

>>45411864

That's what the
>Other (?)
is for. I'm perfectly happy with taking write-ins. A lot of the time I'm counting on it, it can be hard to figure out different options for what you guys (plus Sierra) want to do.

>>45411898

Sierra is a smartass. Just because she responds with humor doesn't mean she doesn't respect/agree with the person she's talking to. I mean, you can interpret her in a different way, but that's how I'm trying to write it.

>>45411964
It's still worth pointing out that if that was true then why did mother die.

>>45411786
>>The river panther thing will work out. We’re going to work it out.
>Other (?) I get it, only letting myself get weak will kill me, but emotions are a thing, man. I've lived with a lot of bad ones, my family helps. You and Waldric and Wolfgang and my friends all help.

>>45411898
>he thinks that preprovided options shouldn't be written in-character
What exactly are you advocating instead here, friend-o? Do you want Languid to write the options generic/simple as possible and then characterize it after it gets voted in so that you can then bitch about the options being misleading? Or do you just not like her personality and are thus trying to change it through meta bitching?

Looking this over, the one that pretty much takes Ranthix at face value and believes him without questioning is the 'Wait. So like. I'm ultra-immortal then.' Sierra's internalizing it in language she understands, and double-checking that she's got her Ranthix facts right before she jumps off a bridge.

>>45411786
>Wait. So like. I’m ultra-immortal, then.

File: 1452115843305.gif (1.91 MB, 441x207)

1.91 MB GIF

>>45406853
Ugh. Get the fuck out, you faglord.

>>45411786
>What about all the Imperiates that came before me, huh? Don’t tell me a thousand tyrants were like, yep, time to off myself.
>>What about my mom? She wouldn’t – she wouldn’t choose that.

>>45406853
>>45412235

Don't worry anon, I won't tell anyone if you keep playing.

>>45411786
>>Wait. So like. I’m ultra-immortal, then.
I don't find it truly important at this point to see if we're really invincible. Let's just get on the road and fight that damn spirit.

>>45411786
So we are the ones our mother allowed herself to be slain, then. Hassatur had us, and her love for us got her killed. It makes sense that Ranthix would be desperate for it to have not been for nothing, that our existence means something worthy of the Imperiate's demise. And how afraid he is for us to consciously adopt the same weakness our predecessor fell to.

Poor guy. It's a wonder he resents us as little as he does. Shit, it even makes Meckor seem less dickish in retrospect. They were both equally loyal in their own way.

>>45412498
Fucking tablet grammar. I hope this post gets my point across.

>>45411786
>>This seems like... kind of an important thing to mention.
>>Why are you telling me this now?
>>What about my mom? She wouldn’t – she wouldn’t choose that.

Unless >>45412498

>>45412039
I just kind of see it that sometimes being a snarky shit isn't always best. Like serious situations requires serious responses ya know.

ask ranthix if hassatur has any known scissor-wielding vassals

“Wait. So like. I’m ultra-immortal, then?” you ask, not sure you can dismiss this as simple metaphor. He’s being too direct.

And Ranthix continues being direct. “YES. THIS IS YOUR ESPECIAL QUALITY AS THE TRUE IMPERIATE. THE ABILITY TO ARBITRARILY ASSIGN TO YOURSELF THE LENGTH OF YOUR OWN LIFE, REGARDLESS OF OUTSIDE INTERFERENCE.”

“I thought Imperiate was a contest of willpower,” you say.

“TO REVEAL WHICH TRULY HAS A WILL PURE ENOUGH INDEED TO BE AN IMPERIATE, AND OUTLAST ALL OTHERS,” he clarifies. “IT IS NOT COMMON KNOWLEDGE, IF IT IS KNOWLEDGE AT ALL. I TELL YOU THIS ONLY AFTER DISCOVERING IT AMONG YOUR VARYING QUALITIES, AND COMPARING THEM WITH YOUR PREDECESSORS.” He lets this sink in for a second. “SINCE THEN I HAVE DECIDED THAT SOME IMPERIATES WEREN’T IMPERIATES AT ALL, BUT RATHER IMPOSTERS MASQUERADING UNTIL THEIR INEVITABLE OVERTHROW BY A TRUE IMPERIATE. TRULY, THE GREATEST INSIGHT OF THE LAST TEN GENERATIONS.”

Something about this true immortality theory of Ranthix’s doesn’t sit right with you. That something is what happened years ago, when you were just a stupid kid. “What about my mom, then?” you ask, scowling. “She wouldn’t – she wouldn’t choose that. Are you – are you saying she wasn’t who she said she was?” (+2 Stress: 22)

“NEVER!” Ranthix shouts, glowering as his hands clench into fists. “NEVER WAS THERE A TRUER IMPERIATE THAN SHE WHOM IT WAS THAT CHOSE TO BEAR YOU TO THE WORLD. SUCH WAS HER WILL, THAT - IMPOSSIBLE. DO NOT DOUBT CORITHIS.”

“Well she died,” you reply, a sour feeling in your gut. “Your theory doesn’t work.”

“FINE. KNOW MY THEORY DOES NOT WORK, BUT BELIEVE THAT IT DOES,” Ranthix retorts. “SUCH IS SUFFICIENT. SO LONG AS YOU CONSERVE WILL IN YOURSELF, MY PRESENCE WILL REMAIN SUPURFLUOUS.”

You narrow your eyes impatiently at him. “That’s not how it works. If it didn’t work for Mom, it won’t work for me.” (+1 Stress: 23)

>>45413147

“IT WORKS FOR ALL TRUE IMPERIATES, IT WILL WORK FOR YOU,” Ranthix replies, rushing to counter your doubt.

Your impatience burns out into anger. (+2 Stress: 25) “So is that so?” you ask shortly. “Great. Then you can tell me why Mom drowned.”

Ranthix’s confidence burns out at the demand. “I WILL TELL YOU WHAT I TOLD YOU BEFORE. I DO NOT KNOW,” he replies, his scowl turning into a deep frown.

But unlike the last time you asked him, this time you actually understand the vibes he’s putting off. In the midst of the inferno of smoking anger, there’s a brief flicker of coppery guilt.

You spot Isaac walking out of the McDonalds, then. Time’s up.

>Yeah, that’s what I thought.
>Hey. I’m not saying you’re wrong. I just don’t think I should count on any one thing – just like you said.
>Okay. Listen. I hear what you’re saying. I’ll try my best to keep on my toes.
>I’m doing what works for me. I’ll make it work, any way it takes.
>Just... don’t be so excited that you get into fights with Isaac again, got it?
>Well, talk to me about it when you do know.
>Are you... lying to me?
>Other (?)

>>45413169
>Hey. I’m not saying you’re wrong. I just don’t think I should count on any one thing – just like you said.
>Okay. Listen. I hear what you’re saying. I’ll try my best to keep on my toes.

>>45413169
>Hey. I’m not saying you’re wrong. I just don’t think I should count on any one thing – just like you said.

>Just... don’t be so excited that you get into fights with Isaac again, got it?

>>45413169

>Hey. I’m not saying you’re wrong. I just don’t think I should count on any one thing – just like you said.
>Okay. Listen. I hear what you’re saying. I’ll try my best to keep on my toes.
>Just... don’t be so excited that you get into fights with Isaac again, got it?

>>45413169
>Are you... lying to me?
> Whatever. All things end and everyone dies eventually. But if anyone wants me to die, they're going to have their work cut out for them.

>>45412604

Sierra doesn't do people so good.

>>45412436

I feel ya. I've had things I wanted to do since the start of this quest that I'm still working toward, and can't wait to get to. But it's the little things that will make the payoff worth it in the end. I guess life's all about the journey.

>>45413169
>Ranthix, please level with me. What aren't you telling me? Will you at least promise you WILL tell me eventually?

>>45413169
>>Hey. I’m not saying you’re wrong. I just don’t think I should count on any one thing – just like you said.
>>Okay. Listen. I hear what you’re saying. I’ll try my best to keep on my toes.
>>I’m doing what works for me. I’ll make it work, any way it takes.

>>45413326
I'm still waiting for a real trip to Halth.
That business on the hill doesn't count.

>>45413326
>Sierra doesn't do people so good.
Wolfgang didn't complain.
Before we eviscerated him at least.

>>45413431
And he won't dare complain after. That boy's simply going to have to become a masochist.
Before something kills him.

>>45413169
>I’m doing what works for me. I’ll make it work, any way it takes.
>Just... don’t be so excited that you get into fights with Isaac again, got it?

>And you come talk to me when turn those coppery, guilty feelings into words I can understand.

>>45413427

We're going to Halth once we have shit on Earth neatly wrapped up and we can safely make a power play for rightfully assuming the Imperiacy.

>>45413169
>>Are you... lying to me?
>implying we haven't figured out why he's being like this

>>45413169
>Are you... lying to me?

“Hey. I hear what you’re saying, and I’m not saying you’re wrong,” you say, letting him down easy. “I just don’t think I should count on any one thing – just like you said. I’ll try my best to keep on my toes though.”

Ranthix inclines his head deferentially. “THUS IT IS,” he says.

“Just be more careful around Isaac,” you say. “I want you to work together. He’s touchy about some stuff, though, so.” You pause, remembering the strange fluctuation in Ranthix’s powerful rage. The flicker of something sad. “And if... whatever that was ever turns into words I can understand – you know what I’m talking about – you come talk to me.”

He scowls wrathfully at you. “I WILL ATTEMPT TO GIVE GREATER HEED TO THE DEMONBANE’S PARTICULAR SENSITIVITIES IF THAT IS WHAT YOU REQUIRE,” he promises, not sounding so enthusiastic about it.

But that’s okay with you. You just need them to get along.

Isaac comes up, shrugging his riding jacket back on. “We all ready to ride?” he asks, addressing both you and Ranthix.

“Sure are,” you say. You wave over to Borislav, who sits at the side of the building with Reeber beside him. “Hey! What are you louts lazing around for? Time to go!”

Borislav raises his hands heavenward. “At last!” he says thankfully, relieved at being free from listening to Ranthix shout demonic wisdom at you from just a few yards off. He pats Reeber’s furred side as he gets up. “Dog, poyekhali!”

Was it some Russian thing you don’t know? “Did he just call Reeber ‘dog’?” you ask.

Isaac smiles wryly. “He learns from the best,” he says, nodding at you as passes toward his bike.

>>45413949

“Oh. Well that’s a relief,” you say, taking your helmet off your own bike and fitting it over your head.

As everyone mounts back up and heads out into the road, you think about what Ranthix said, and maybe a bit about what he didn’t say. If the fief situation is really bad enough that even he’s worried, things are worse than you thought.

Your plan isn’t really a great one, but it’s what you’ve got. And if the extra magic winds up pushing the balance in your favor, it’s worth all the trouble. You won’t mess this up. You can’t. No Wyrmwrither is going to swoop in and save you. You’re not brokering any deals with archdukes or running away when the tides get mad.

You’re on your own path. And anything that gets in your way – anything that threatens you or your family – is going to die.

--End Part 139--

>>45413965

Next thread next Saturday, but there's a chance I'll run before then sometime as well. I'll keep you updated on Twitter.

>>45413965
>You’re on your own path. And anything that gets in your way – anything that threatens you or your family – is going to die.

ah Sierra, this is why you're my favorite QMC.

>>45414006
Thanks for running, Languid!

>>45413965
>anything that threatens you or your family – is going to die.
AS IT SHOULD BE

>>45414006
thanks for running
can you make us a picture of Orias?

>>45414180

I can promise you at least one new piece of art within roughly the next month and a half.

>>45414180
We should ask that guy about scissor demons.

>>45413965
Thank you, lawnguy

I honestly can't think of a single Quest MC that's more fleshed out and interesting to read about than Sierra.>>45414233

>>45414180
I've been picturing Orias as that one OC Donut Steel demon hot guy you find plastered all over deviantart because the guy who dreamt it up spends all his autismbux on paying every artist he can find to draw it. I'd post it but I'm on my phone right now and CBA to go find a pic of the thing on a touchscreen.

>>45416113
whut

>>45418413
You've never seen someone with more money than sense commission dozens of pictures of their shitty OC?

>>45419865
N-no, not really. And the "whut" was more directed to your comment taking all that effort to talk about a picture, but never supplying it. Just seemed like an out of place random rant.

Also, what if that guy is lawnguy?

>>45419930
I'm a different guy, actually.

>what if that guy is lawnguy?
Then we stage an intervention.