>>45557756

“Very well,” you say. You shrug your spear off of your back and replace it with Song of the Deep. The bladed head of the weapon ripples like liquid quicksilver in your grasp. Modi's brass wiring still surges with power just beneath your skin. Broken-toothed flywheels churn at the base of your spine and the nape of your neck.

> “If you'll agree to consult with me before making any further strikes against my domain, I think we're done here.”
> “The sword is mine by right, Avasi. I understand its importance to your mission, but I must have it.”
> “If you're intent on keeping hold of my master's blade I'll need it turned to my purposes. I have an excellent hunt in mind.”
> “Let's not be hasty. Tell me more about the ruin you claimed the blade from.”
> Write-in

---
You are Osyki, journeyman Totemist and first line of defense for your village against the rabid Behemoths wandering the land. Your master, the previous Totemist, fell in a battle against a terrible Behemoth, leaving the duty of defending your settlement to you. A tense confrontation with a powerful hunter of Behemoth spawn carrying a fragment of the holy blade has given way to an uneasy truce for the time being.

[[Previous Threads: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=totem

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Quest Twitter: @TotemistQuest ]]

>>45557786
>“Let's not be hasty. Tell me more about the ruin you claimed the blade from.”

>>45557786
> “Let's not be hasty. Tell me more about the ruin you claimed the blade from.”

>>45557786
> “Let's not be hasty. Tell me more about the ruin you claimed the blade from.”

>>45557786
> “The sword is mine by right, Avasi. I understand its importance to your mission, but I must have it.”

So this raises a disturbing question. How much of our masters aggressiveness was actually him and how much was exposure to that artifact?

For all we know he might have been smiting things and possibly even died at the behest of that blade. That thing might just be poison to any and all who wield it.

List of shit to do:
> Figure out how to kill the behemoth
> Look into the seal on waifu's eyes before they explode
> Find a guardian spirit for the village
> Get back to the moon kingdom at some point to nail down the fine points of our trade route

>>45557786
> “If you're intent on keeping hold of my master's blade I'll need it turned to my purposes. I have an excellent hunt in mind.”

>>45558095
No it was all him.

>>45558108
>Find a guardian spirit for the village
Just use a rock turtle jesus christ. Get one for ourselves as well for the defense.

>>45557786
>> “If you'll agree to consult with me before making any further strikes against my domain, I think we're done here.”
> “If you're intent on keeping hold of my master's blade I'll need it turned to my purposes. I have an excellent hunt in mind.”
> “Let's not be hasty. Tell me more about the ruin you claimed the blade from

>>45558095
I think you're looking at it the wrong way. Ayren's failing wasn't aggression, it was stubbornness. The man was too certain in his actions, too unwilling to consider other ways of doing things. Nothing we saw of him indicated that he was smite-happy, if anything he tried to avoid having to get into huge battles. Rather, he just ran roughshod over enemies and allies alike, because he had a job to do and he was the only one who could do it right. Part of that could have been influenced by Ilithuvia, wielding a holy blade would definitely convince you of the righteousness of your actions. I recall it reassuring him during the "Ayren Kills A Behemoth" interlude, too, so it might have been doing so more directly. But I don't think it's inherently trying to get people to smite and cleanse. More just that it gives you a sense of duty, and a lot of people would go "purge the unclean" in response to that.

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You lean against your spear comfortably. It's pointless to make any attempts to disguise your purpose so you stare openly at the naked blade in Avasi's hand. Sunlight reflects in dazzling geometric patterns from tiny chips of something crystalline embedded in the sword's surface.

“Before we get into the nitty gritty here, I'd like to learn a little more about that sword. You said you happened upon it in Asalaria. I'm not familiar with the region.”

“You wouldn't be. It's near to the inner sea far to the southwest. Further still than Eluneia, past the Twil.” He grimaces at your puzzled expression. “A great chasm dividing the two kingdoms,” he elaborates bluntly. “The Eluneian plains taper off into flatlands before they reach the Twil. Past it is the desert. Further still, Asalaria. The blade was lodged within a ruin in the desert near the capital.”

Was Ayren so well traveled? You suppose with a network of recall totems it would be possible, though you can't remember a time when he was gone for so long. “What manner of ruin?”

Avasi shrugs. “I'm not an archeologist. War ruins. Asalaria isn't exactly a stable regions. Regimes and cities sink into the sands almost as quickly as they rise.”

“What were you doing combing war ruins in the desert?”

He huffs, amused. “Hunting. Bounty hunting, this time.”

“Asalarian?”

He nods. “The desert isn't short of monsters. Trade caravans go missing, husbands and wives disappear.”

“So you were on a rescue mission?”

“Extermination.” The fingers of his free hand curl into a fist. “The damage had already been done to the caravan. I was to ensure no further setbacks in the region. The worst of the desert-dwellers use a fairly expansive network of tunnels beneath the dunes. Old city transit networks that haven't collapsed under the weight of the sand. I found the sword there.”
(cont.)

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>>45558413

You can't fathom what might have caused Ayren to lose Illithuvia in such a place. An ambush, perhaps? Or a willing decision to separate himself from the sword in a distant locale.

“A lucky find.” You don't have the heart to smile wryly thereafter. Avasi only nods in response.

> “I'll need the sword. I'm open to helping you find a replacement for it. Maybe a Behemoth-bone blade.”
> “Keep it. I will need your help if you're going to be carrying around that kind of power, though.”
> “That's all I needed. Safe journeys, wherever you fly. Be sure to check in before you hunt here next time.”
> Write-in

>>45558426
>> “That's all I needed. Safe journeys, wherever you fly. Be sure to check in before you hunt here next time.”

I don't think we'll get away with much else.

>>45558426
> “Keep it. I will need your help if you're going to be carrying around that kind of power, though.”
If Ilithuvia is really so determined to slay Behemoths, they might as well stick around for the next hunt.

>>45558426
> “Keep it. I will need your help if you're going to be carrying around that kind of power, though.”

>>45558426
> Write-in
We should probably have a look, possibly a talk with that spirit before we let him hold onto it,for safety though.
Make sure everythings intact, its not off its head or something.

>>45558426
> “Keep it. I will need your help if you're going to be carrying around that kind of power, though.”

>>45558426
> “Keep it. I will need your help if you're going to be carrying around that kind of power, though.”
But let me know before you go destroying chunks of territory that I'm responsible for next time. Ask if we can speak to the spirit about our master too.

>>45558615
Yeah, that's a good idea. We should ask to speak with Ilithuvia, see if we can get any useful information. At the very least we should show proper respect to a long-time ally of our master.

>>45558647
Really, in regards o this, unless we know the area will recover afterwards, he should really be doing that at all.
Am I the only one who sees possible really bad repercussions from that?

>>45558615
>>45558647
>>45558663

Didn't he say last thread that the sword doesn't talk except through his dreams?

>>45558716
Doesn't talk to him. But he seems to have a lot less training in the spiritual arts, if any. We might be able to interact with it.

>>45558716
Hes also not a totemist, or the apprentice of the guy who conceivably bound it.

>>45558426
>> “Keep it. I will need your help if you're going to be carrying around that kind of power, though.”
>> “That's all I needed. Safe journeys, wherever you fly. Be sure to check in before you hunt here next time.”

>>45558426
>> “Keep it. I will need your help if you're going to be carrying around that kind of power, though.”

With some effort you pry your eyes away from the sword. You don't have any reason to doubt Avasi's story, nor do you have the time or inclination to get into what will no doubt be an enormously destructive slugging match with him over a potentially homicidal blade. When you meet his gaze you find him watching you suspiciously. His body is turned in such a way that he can keep both you and Sylvia in his sights at the same time.

You heft Magni's spear. “I'll be honest with you, Avasi. I think I'm full up on my quota of mouthy spirit-filled weapons for the time being. Keep the sword.”

Both he and Sylvia look surprised at that. Sylvia folds her arms beneath her bust, while Avasi lifts the blade to rest on his shoulder plate.

“If you're going to be hauling around an artifact that potent, though, my village will be needing your help.”

He stares you down. “I'm not great with babysitting.”

You shrug airily. “I figured as much. Bounty hunting should be right up your alley, though. Emphasis on the 'hunting'.”

“I'm listening,” he says. His stance shifts, his feet resting a little more solidly on the ground.

“I'm planning on taking down something big. Basilisk sized, actually.” His eyebrow climbs a fraction of an inch. You have his attention. “The why and where aren't of any concern to you at this point. I'm getting ready to hunt down the Tyrant Wyrm. I think your pigsticker could make the difference in that fight.”

“I've heard of it,” he says. “Big. Lots of teeth. Nasty attitude.”

“That's the long and short of it,” you agree. “It was last sighted in Asalaria as far as I know. You know the region. Maybe your blade can even carve up the bubble of death that surrounds it.”

“What's the pay?” Straight to the point.
(cont.)

>>45559329

“Your pick of the spoils, aside from the thing's heart. Behemoth bits make for excellent forge materials, I hear.”

He mulls it over, drumming his fingers on the hilt of the sword.

“I'm still putting the fine details together. Can I count on you when I have a plan?”

“I'll consider it,” he says. “The Tyrant would be an excellent mark on my record.”

You smile. “I'm sure. You have a reliable way for me to contact you when we're ready?”

“I don't make a habit of leaving contacts. I'll circle back in a week. Unless you're planning on moving on the Wyrm sooner?”

“I very much doubt that,” you say. “A week suits me fine. I'll see what I can put together in the mean time.”

Avasi's wings flare out to either side. He glances at Sylvia, then turns back to you. “We done?”

You wave him off. “Off you go, Excorcia. Watch where you're swinging that pigsticker.”

He lifts of with a ripple of force, throwing up a thick wall of gritty dust as he ascends. By the time the air clears he's a gleaming speck in the distance.

“Was allowing him egress without consequence wise?” Sylvia lowers her arms to her hips.

You shrug. “I wasn't here to be a jailer or an executioner. Just looking for answers.”

“I imagine the Mother will be as well.”

> “I'll pay her a visit.”
> “She's got spies all across the swamp. I'm sure she knows the score.”
> “And what's your opinion of this?”
> Write-in

>>45559350
> “I'll pay her a visit.”
> “And what's your opinion of this?”

>>45559350
Really should have investigated more, but, whatever, I guess other didnt agree

>>45559350
>> “I'll pay her a visit.”
> “And what's your opinion of this?”

Honestly, we did what people usually do to Ayren, give him a mildly threatening scolding and then let him on his way because lets fucking face it, nobody wins in that fight.

>>45559350
> “I'll pay her a visit.”
>think he was telling the truth about Illithuvia?

Hey Diarca, Monster Anon here. Just wanted to say sorry for not getting the next batch of creatures along to you as planned, and hoping you got the last 2(4?) batches I sent. Had some obvious trouble getting them to go properly.

>>45559350
>> “I'll pay her a visit.”
>> “And what's your opinion of this?”

You can imagine the Mother of the Swamp paying you a visit in the middle of the night, needle-teeth gleaming in the low hearth light. Better to get in front of this.

“I'll pay her a visit,” you tell Sylvia. “Let her know personally. Pay my respects.”

Sylvia's expression lets you know you've made the correct choice. “I believe this is the last smoldering hole in the veil we'll see.”

“Let's hope so,” you tell her. Stepping out of the dead zone is a breath of fresh air. Your third eye snaps open instinctively as you pass into the veiled space once more. “Any clue on who he was connected to?”

Sylvia shakes her head. A rain of flower petals falls with the motion. “What makes you think he was connected to anyone? He seemed irritated by any company, human or otherwise.”

“He reminds me of Elder Mayhew. Straight-laced. And he mentioned a record. I doubt he's the type to keep score for himself.”

Sylvia nods. “He carried a number of auras with him. I wasn't able to get a clear glimpse, but I know his wings carried a similar tone to your panoply.”

You double-take. “Are you implying--”

“Totemistry,” she says with a sharp nod. “No mistaking it. It wasn't the only spiritual aura shrouding him.”

“He seemed familiar with the concept, at least. Knew I was a Totemist. Who could have tutored him?”

“I doubt Ayren was the last Totemist roaming the world.” I hope, her expression seems to add.

You stare after the retreating figure. Avasi is little more than a dot in the sky now.

“You know where to find me.” Sylvia turns, sweeping her cloak behind her. “Come see me when the rains come, Osyki.”

You bow to her retreating form. She melds with the woodwork of your surroundings seamlessly.

Alone again.
(cont.)

>>45559350
> "I'll pay her a visit.”
> “And what's your opinion of this?”

>>45560405

-Allowing him to retreat was a mistake.-

Well, nearly.

You can feel the brass circuitry of Modi's blessing peeling away from your innards. A thin conduit of quicksilver and brass flows back into the spear in your hand from your wrist. You draw your cloak up over your head again and disappear into the encroaching fog.

–-

The Grand Blossom looms before you. A host of lizard-faced guards patrol the borders of the Mother's realm. You leap over the pollen-laden fields and come to rest at the edge of the great crater. With a moment's work you pull Cordia from her home to pull you across the veil in kind. Though the Road of Flowers is breathtakingly lovely as always you can't spare the time to stop and appreciate it. Your elemental companion hovers wordlessly by your side, staring into the ravine filled with floating blooms.

How are you going to approach this?

> Apologetic. You may have overstepped your bounds.
> Confident. You dealt with the situation, as is your right.
> Neutral. Present the bare facts.
> Write-in

>>45560427
>Neutral. Present the bare facts.
Neutral as fuck.

>>45560427
> Confident. You dealt with the situation, as is your right.
We are not the Mother's retainer. It is not our duty to seek vengeance for her. We have prevented the problem from reoccurring, should she desire more that is her own business.

>>45560427
>> Confident. You dealt with the situation, as is your right.

>>45560427
>Neutral. Present the bare facts.

>>45560427
> Confident. You dealt with the situation, as is your right.

>>45560427
>> Neutral. Present the bare facts.
If anyone was going to deal with a human, it is us, afterall. I'm sure there would be more collateral damage of we let spirits get hostile with him. I wouldn't say it was our right to intervene, but we did the best thing.

>>45560427
>> Neutral. Present the bare facts.

>>45560427
> Confident. You dealt with the situation, as is your right.

>>45560427
>> Neutral. Present the bare facts.

We dealt with him the same way The Mother of the Swamp would've dealt with Ayren, expressing frustration, trying to keep them from repeating it again, but more importantly, not wrecking half the surrounding area in a pointless conflict.

Don't say this however.

>Neutral. Present the bare facts.

Whoohoo! Didn't miss half of totemist quest!

The petals of the Blossom unfold to allow you entry. As always, you're immediately struck by the overpowering odor of nectar, subtly undertoned by rot and decay. Dryads peer at you curiously as you stride down the plush sylvan interior of the entryway, beelining for the throne room. The doors are already open. No need to be announced, clearly—Mother is expecting you.

You stop between hovering pillars of water. The fish within seem to watch you hungrily. Flanked by dryad attenants on either side the Mother turns to face you. She's descended from her usual perch atop her ivy throne, rooted in place by thick creepers that snake from between the overlapping petals of the floor below. You can see where the thick fibrous tendrils have grown into the base of her spine. Her dew-drop eyes are clouded with glittering liquid as she turns to face you fully, her lips curled into something that would resemble a smile if it were on anyone's face but hers.

“Totemist.” She purrs your title, crooking a finger to gesture you closer. “I thought you might stop by.” The vine wither away from her spine as you approach. The glittering fluid remains in her eyes, though you cans make out the pin-pricks of her pupils within them now.

You bow low, Cordia mimicking your movements at your side. “It's my pleasure as always. After rooting around in your domain as I have, it was the least I could do.”

She nods, stalking forward. Her bare feet fail to emit the barest whisper as she glides across the throne room toward you. “So considerate.” She circles you once before settling to rest before you. Even standing a few inches shorter than you do she manages to somehow loom over you. “The interloper has been dispersed?”

You nod. “With a warning to keep his blade firmly in its scabbard should he choose to return. The damage is significant, but localized. The last of the wyrmlings seem to be slain as well.”
(cont.)

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>>45561819

The Mother flicks her wrist dismissively. “As it should be. Tell me more about our intruder.”

You give her a rough sketch of Avasi—the armor, the sword, the burning rune. She listens attentively, interrupting you periodically to ask a clarifying question.

“I hope the damage to the swamp is not irreparable,” you finish somewhat lamely.

She takes a step back, turning on her heel to approach her throne once more. The train of meaty flowers flowing behind her quivers with amusement. “No. It will be difficult to mend, of course, but that is what we retain your services for.” She glances over her shoulder at you, teeth glinting in the suffused light. “For the time being the damage is contained. I'll not mourn the loss of the Lair. In time, the land can be reclaimed. As it stands, of course, I will require certain considerations for my loss.”

The last sentence is thrown in so casually that it almost slips past your radar. You square your stance. “Such as?”

“My patience wears inevitably thin concerning our bargain,” she tells you airily. “The fragment I promised so graciously to you yearns for fertile soil. Your last trip was eventful if the heresay is to be believed, and I am not unsympathetic, but I do take our contracts -terribly- seriously.”

A petal shudders to life, lifting her onto the throne above you.

> My plans take me to Eluneia's border soon. I'll plant your seed then.
> My apologies for the delay. I'm unsure when I'll be able to return to the kingdom afar.
> There were no suitable candidates in that direction. Too many hills and dales. I'll continue searching, as promised.
> Write-in

>>45561845
>> My plans take me to Eluneia's border soon. I'll plant your seed then.

>>45561845
> My plans take me to Eluneia's border soon. I'll plant your seed then.
Yeah that's our bad for forgetting.

>>45561845
>There were no suitable candidates in that direction. Too many hills and dales. I'll continue searching, as promsed.

She wants us to plant the seed? Okay, but I think she'd pike it in the bestplace we canfind, andon the doorstep of Elunia might not be a good idea.

>>45561845
> There were no suitable candidates in that direction. Too many hills and dales. I'll continue searching, as promised.
> Write-in
"Fortunately, I will be exploring new territory in the coming weeks. If you could provide me a means to contact you upon finding a spot I believe suitable, I could bring the fragment with me so as not to waste your time any further."

>>45562374
Were there really no suitable candidates, or did we just not try?

>>45561845
>There were no suitable candidates in that direction. Too many hills and dales. I'll continue searching, as promised.

>>45562408
Both.

>>45562437
Both isn't really a valid answer dude. What I'm asking is are we lying right now to cover our ass? Because that seems stupid. That seems really fucking stupid.

>>45562473
We didn't see or hear of any valid swamp locations. We didn't look terribly hard either.

>>45562408
We went exploring near Eluneia, remember? That's how we found Fourth and got Boand her river. It really isn't good land for a swamp. We'll have to explore further afield from there.

>>45561845
>> My plans take me to Eluneia's border soon. I'll plant your seed then.

>>45562499
What the fuck is a valid location for a swamp? Anywhere that isnt actually on the side of a mountain?

>>45561845
> Write-in

"The Iron Tyrant left naught but devastation in his wake, the lad beyond the Irkins is Barren, But wide open for reclamation. If your seed could bloom there it would see little resistance in the expansion of it's influence."

>>45562575
Generally you need water for a swamp.

>>45562559
Probably low, flat land but near a decent load of trees, preferably not in another spirit's territory. Also, she wants it near on in a leyline of energy.

>>45562575
Magic? it's worth asking. If her spawn could speed up the lands healing, it would be killing two birds with one stone.

>>45562621
Just dump it somewhere halfway reasonable, its a fucking swamp.

>>45562559
Somewhere at or below sea level with a large, slow moving river inlet. Or a floodplain. Or an existing shrub swamp but those are rarely not adjacent to a proper swamp.
However she also asked for a leyline, and we specifically want to find a place that isn't going to piss off everyone for having a swamp there.
We probably could've found such a place if we'd traveled down Boand's river long enough to find a delta.

>>45562671
I mean, if it was tha spirit thats been stalking boand, sure, but this is the Swamp Momma.

She is a rival for Sylvanis, and making her happy isn't one bit a bad idea.

>>45561845
> There were no suitable candidates in that direction. Too many hills and dales. I'll continue searching, as promised.

Boand suddenly has access to a much wider swath of water, and thus information pertinent to this. If we ask her, We could give her a more definitive answer?

>>45562713
Pretty sure as long as we stick it on a leyline somewhere that isnt a goddamn barren wasteland she will be happy.

>>45561845
> My plans take me to Eluneia's border soon. I'll plant your seed then.
Though maybe add in that we'll need to make sure the land around Eluneia is suitable first. Like get an idea of what she thinks it needs to thrive, beyond being on a leyline?

“As do I,” you assure her. “I left my lodgings in the city of Eluneia to explore the countryside surrounding. Unfortunately no suitable locations were present. The land around the capital is too hilled a terrain to be a proper swampland. Too many dales, not enough ley-line intersection. I've installed one of my allies in the area to getter a better lay of the land. With her report I should be able to find something close to an existing water source with enough spiritual concentration to make it worth your while.”

Not an outright lie. Not your original intent, of course, but Boand would certainly know better than most where the best place to drop a piece of the Mother's court would be. You'll just have to make it a priority again.

The Mother looks bored with your explanation. It's difficult to tell if she doubts you or if she wasn't expecting a substantial answer in the first place. “See that you do, my dear.”

A flower grows from the floor before you, sprouting from shoot to blossom in seconds. In its heart, nestled between vibrant purple-pink petals, lies a small ball of brown-green moss. You pluck it from the flower. A surge of spiritual energy shoots up your arm as you do. A moment later it's tucked safely away in your pack.

“If there's nothing else, Mother? I hate to make such a brief appearance but I am demanded of elsewhere.” You glance upward. Her dewdrops eyes are half-lidded as her dryad handmaidens braid the vines of her outfit into a new configuration.
(cont.)

>>45563145

“Constantly, I should think.” A tinkling laugh follows the statement. She must think herself very astute. “I won't keep you. I expect good news soon.”

You bow to her, resisting the urge to back out of her audience. Turning your back to the Mother may be dangerous. Letting her smell your fear is assuredly more so.

Cordia fades away with a fond wave as you exit the blossom, safe in her Sphere once more. Lizard guardians watch you carefully as you ponder your next move.

> Return to the village. You have totemwork to be done.
> Stop by Boand's spring. You need a little recon.
> Head to Azeo Sicros. Zahn may know more about Avasi and the Holy Blade.
> Send a message to Saeri. As long as you're gathering your allies, you may as well get her in the loop.
> Write-in

>>45563169
> Stop by Boand's spring. You need a little recon.
Might as well just get that out of the way before we forget again.

>>45563169
> Stop by Boand's spring. You need a little recon.

>>45563169
> Stop by Boand's spring. You need a little recon.

>>45563169
>> Stop by Boand's spring. You need a little recon.
>> Head to Azeo Sicros. Zahn may know more about Avasi and the Holy Blade.
Boand first because I'd like to have something positive happen for us before we go and give #1 grandpa an aneurysm about illegal totemists

[[Stepping out to grab some dinner. Be back soon.]]

>>45563540
Okay, see you when you get back.

>>45563169
>> Stop by Boand's spring. You need a little recon.
on the way
> Send a message to Saeri. As long as you're gathering your allies, you may as well get her in the loop.

>>45563298
> #1 grandpa
Can we give him a mug that says this while we're at it?

>>45563540
What are you having?

>>45563298
Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if Zahn
a: knows about Avasi already
b: likes him better than us

>>45563872
I really wouldn't be surprised.

>>45563872
I feel like Osyki would be a mixture of Relieved and Disappointed. He's *the* totemist, which isa lot of pressure, but he kind of likes the theatrics of that.

>>45563872
I doubt Zahn would like that cunt since he created a dead zone. He's come across as a moron that got lucky and had too much power.

>>45564209
I think it would be more annoyance at some other totemist coming into his territory. If Avasi was just some random chump then it's excusable for him not to know the protocol. If he's a totemist himself then he's being unprofessional an also insulting Osyki somewhat by saying he needs someone else to do his job for him.

>>45563872
Zahn's probably going to tell us to get back that sword. It was made in his forge, was it not? he probably doesn't like the idea of it in just anyone's hands.

>>45564294
Hopefully he dies fighting the behemoth.

>>45564294
We could get Avasi to talk to Zahn? It might work. or backfire horribly.

While we wait on an update, what doyou all suppose we should do if we have off time? Gather foci materials, hunt down new spirits, go mining?

>>45565982
"Off time", what a silly idea. Osyki's never going to have time off again.

>>45566039

this

>>45565982
Actually train our apprentices

So should we give up on finding an Avatar of niceness and settle for the biggest Rock Turtle we can find as Land Guardian?

>>45566267
I don't know, I'm a bit wary about a Rock Turtle. Some other powerful beast, maybe. I just worry about living in an Earth-aspected area when we have Earth Corruption. In retrospect, it's probably a good thing that Cordia wants to keep adventuring with us instead of being enshrined.

>>45566489
On the contrary, I think the only way for us to vent earth corruption is meditation in earth aligned areas.

>>45566489
I don't know, I don't really think that living in the town under its protection is the kind of thing that would worsen our corruption, since, if anything, meditating in an area rich in elemental Earth is how we REDUCE corruption.

>>45566577
>>45566585
I know, I guess I just suspect that having it be an artificially-created domain instead of a "natural" one like the Stone Emperor's might change it, somehow. I'm probably worrying over nothing, though, just letting my paranoia run wild.

>>45566983
I believe they're talking about getting a non-mutant one. You know, like that whole herd we have up in one of the mountain valleys? There are plenty of Rock Turtles in the Ikrins.

>>45566267
It doesnt have to be a nice Avatar, it just has to be non-malicious.
Im still of the opinion we can find something more suitable.

[[Back. Writan'.]]

>>45567044
So far we haven't seen any non-negative Avatars. Do they even exist?

>>45567257
They aren't Grimm, and it said large concentrations of emotional energy and such.

Honestly it seems like it might be a good idea to consult with Zahn on this? Since considering Grisoch's auspicious location, any Guardian we enshrine might be responsible for more than just a small town.

>>45567306
Well yeah but I feel like taking the effort to find one is something we don't have time to do on top of everything else, and the sooner we get Ayren's drawers open the better.

But then again, I also think it is completely fucking insane that we're going to fight the Tyrant Wyrm in a week.

>>45567414
I feel like things started getting a bi trushed when we met Zahn.

>>45567257
We havent seen a full grown behemoth either, pretty sure those exist.
And word of god is they exist anyway, as is word in game. I dont even understand how this is a question?

>>45567378
That is a good point. He would know better what to do in regards to the local spiritual ecosystem.

>>45567414
We're not fighting it in a week, we're meeting back with Avasi again in a week.

File: Boand.png (1.8 MB, 1000x1379)

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The trip out of the swamp is quicker than the trek in, at least. Cloudwalker's Stride and your Greaves eat up the distance between you and the Brush/Swamp border in a few electrified leaps. As you jump you consider your offer to Avasi. A week may be far too short a span of time to be prepared to launch an assault, but you should at least have your co-conspirators on the same page. You'll need to reach out to Saeri and Tybald, at the least.

With the former firmly in mind you finally get around to recalling Tryd. The soot imp glows cherry red, emerging from a cloud of ash that pour from the center of the charcoal charm. He looks relaxed—his movements are less agitated than the norm, and his slitted pupils have mellowed into a pair of brilliant yellow lines.

“Welcome back,” you tell him. “Enjoy your vacation?”

He nods, blissful. “Those springs are damn good. Can't wait to have 'em a little closer to home.”

You grin at the imp. This may be the calmest you've ever seen him. “Glad to hear. I hate to throw you back on the job like this, but I have a task for you.”

He brushes off his shoulders in a spray of sparks. “All goods things come to an end. What's it to be?”

“I'll have Amal fly you back to the village. Ask Quinn to call the General and request an audience with Saeri when I return. I shouldn't be longer than an hour or so.”

“Can do. Anything else?”

“That should do it. I'll ease you back into the drudgery.”

The imp mutters something about small miracles before Amal manifests, dragging him along in his wake toward Grisoch.

You land at the edge of Boand's pool in a spray of sparks. She's already submerged once more. You spot the fan of cerulean hair surging toward you beneath the water before she breaks the surface in a plume of water.

“Forget something?”

You nod. “Something rather important, as it happens. I need a real estate recommendation.”
(cont.)

>>45567531

“It's good to move out of your parent's house,” she says with a knowing nod. “Helps broaden the horizons.”

You strip your boots off by the poolside, dipping your feet into the spring. “I already took care of that at the ripe old age of six months. I'm looking for something a little spiritually enriching. It's for a friend.”

You pause a beat.

“Well, an acquaintance.”

Boand rolls her eyes, gesturing for you to get on with it. You explain your agreement with the Mother. The look of distaste on the water spirit's face grows with each sentence.

“Ugh. Like helping a mold colony flourish.”

You shrug. “A deal's a deal. Got anything in mind?”

She drifts to the edge of the pool, hauling herself up to sit beside you. “I'm not exactly keen on the idea of us being neighbors in two differerent neighborhoods, but I'll ask around. I think you might find something to your liking a little further west of Eluneia. The ground levels out there. Plenty of flood plains and lakes.”

You nod. “I'll keep that in mind. Think you can get me a map of the major energy lines thereabouts?”

Her lips curl upward. “I think I can whip something up for you.” Then, after a moment, “Stay for dinner?”

> Sounds lovely. What's on the menu?
> I'd love to, but I'm needed elsewhere. Rain check?
> Not tonight. I've got a date with an electric woman.
> Write-in

>>45567551
> I'd love to, but I'm needed elsewhere. Rain check?

>>45567551
> Sounds lovely. What's on the menu?

>>45567551
>> I'd love to, but I'm needed elsewhere. Rain check?

>>45567551
> I'd love to, but I'm needed elsewhere. Rain check?
Going to have to step up our plans, don't think we'll have time for any relaxation any time soon. Sorry, Boand. You know you're a priority, though, right? Just not a life-threatening one, so those ones kind of automatically skip above you on the chart.

>>45567551
>> I'd love to, but I'm needed elsewhere. Rain check?
"A Totemist's work is never done."

While a relaxing dinner with Boa doesn't sound like the worst way you could spend your evening, you already have plans. It occurs to you that your recent rash of free time is very likely coming to a close. It seems like it hardly even had a chance to begin.

“I'd love to,” you tell her, “But I'm needed elsewhere this evening. You know the way it is. A Totemist's work is never done. Maybe I can take a rain check on that?”

She shrugs, tossing her hair over one shoulder. “Whatever you need to do, Osyki. Just don't forget to stop by every so often. You -are- contractually obligated for all the help I provide, if you'll remember.” The sly, teasing smile she flashes you somewhat undercuts the serious speech. You bump your shoulder against hers before climbing to your feet.

“I remember. Soon as I'm not preparing to slice up a behemoth or negotiate inter-city trade policy I'm all yours.”

She nods, ticking off an imaginary check box. “I'll just pencil you in for the third of never, shall I?” Her eyes flicker up to meet yours, and the grin slides off of her face. “Besides, I thought we agreed the plan was -not- to fight a Behemoth? You were going to track down Ayren's initiation spark. Right?”

You glance to the side, unable to meet her gaze. Truth be told you'd largely dismissed the concept of tracking down your initiatory spark. You can't tell her that, though. She'd probably throw a fit.

“Right,” you tell her. “I'm just making contingency plans. You know me. I like to be prepared.”

“Hmm.” She glances down, cleaning an imaginary speck of dirt from beneath her nails. “If you say so.”

You're not fond of being under examination like this. With a rushed farewell you pull your boots on and light out for Grisoch. You can feel Boand's gaze boring into the back of your skull well after you cross the treeline.

–-

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>>45568060

Your workshop is largely as you found it. Minor additions include a fire crackling in the hearth, a rich smell that suggests freshly baked bread, and your younger apprentice making sketches with a charcoal stick on the floor. Terra's Salamander sits atop her back curled into a loose donut. The two of them peep up at you as you enter.

“Working on your architecture?” you ask her, gesturing to the nest of geometric figures.

“Tryin' to memorize some of the fancy binding circles.” She gestures to the Almanac propped open on the workbench above her.

You take a seat beside the book. “You know it'll be a few years before you can put any of this into practice, yeah? We'll have to get you equipped, trained—“

“I know.” She wipes a hand across her brow, smudging it black. “But I gotta learn it now so I -know- it later.”

Sometimes you wonder if Terra might have made a better apprentice for Ayren than you did.

“Did Tryd come through earlier?”

She nods, indicating the library door with the charcoal stick. “He's in there with the noisy can.”

> Thanks kiddo. Keep up the good work.
> Let's have a bite to eat before I get back to work. Tell me more about these circles.
> Have you seen Quinn?
> Write-in

>>45568076
> Let's have a bite to eat before I get back to work. Tell me more about these circles.

>>45568076
> Thanks kiddo. Keep up the good work.

>>45568076
> Thanks kiddo. Keep up the good work.

>>45568076
>> Thanks kiddo. Keep up the good work.

>>45568076
> Let's have a bite to eat before I get back to work. Tell me more about these circles.

>>45568076
>> Let's have a bite to eat before I get back to work. Tell me more about these circles.
just something quick. We gave a rough timeframe, and we haven't chatted with her in a bit.

>>45568060
When did we commit to hunting a Behemoth, anyway? Was it when we were trying to hone Hunger?

>>45568076
>> Let's have a bite to eat before I get back to work. Tell me more about these circles.
>> Have you seen Quinn?

>>45568076
> Let's have a bite to eat before I get back to work. Tell me more about these circles.

>>45568309
I don't know, I'm pretty sure anons had a burst of retardation and became convinced the Behemoths are an imminent threat and now we're stuck on a suicide mission.

I hate it.

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You glance at the library door. Technically you told Tryd you would return in an hour. You've half that time to kill still if you're going to make good on that timetable.

“Why don't we have something to eat before I get back to work, Terra?”

Her head pops up from the floor. “Okay!” she chirps, rising to her hands and knees.

“Wash your hands,” you tell her. “And your face, while you're at it. You've got soot smeared all over.”

She shrugs in typical preadolescent fashion. While she freshens her face in the basin on the far wall you track down the source of the savory scent. A basket is steaming on the countertop. Drawing back the cloth draped over the top reveals four loaves of herb bread. The heat radiating from them tells you they've been baked very recently.

“Elana left those four us,” Terra tells you. She wipes her hands off on her shirt. “She said she made too much dough.”

You can't help but smile. The scent wafting from the loaves is enough to make your mouth water. With some dried jerky and a handful of fresh fruit apiece the two of you have a respectable dinner.

“So tell me more about the circles you're trying to memorize.”

Terra nods, speaking around a mouthful of raptor jerky. “The Almanac says they're meant for trapping spirits. The designs are big versions of some of the sixteen runes bound together with straight lines and circles.”

“And what purpose would those serve?”

She thinks about this while she finishes chewing. “I guess you could use 'em to trap bad spirits,” she ventures. “So they couldn't hurt people.”

You nod. “That's one application. Not all of the binding circles are meant to contain hostile spirits, though. Can you think of another reason you might want to lay binding runes over a wide area?”
(cont.)

>>45568881
honestly, I'm only for it if we can't find the one we had used.

>>45568899

Her brow furrows as she attacks the berries on her plate. “Keeping spirits out?”

You nod. “Right. Binding circles are a two-way barrier. They keep their designated class of spirit from crossing their boundary, in or out. They don't have to be drawn in charcoal or chalk, either. We have a few circles like that built into the road structure of the village to repel angry earth spirits.”

Her mouth forms an “O”, displaying the half-chewed mess within. “Really?”

You nod. “The people who built this village were smart. They knew the Ikrin range could be dangerous, so they laid out the city in a way that made it difficult for angry mountain spirits to interfere with our daily lives.”

She's star-struck. “Wow!” She rapidly retrieves the book and lays it open beside her plate, poring over the various configurations of warding circles.

When your meal is done you light a candle for her to read by, then step into the library. Tryd and Amal are busy reshelving books—that is, Amal is reshelving while Tryd amuses himself by tossing the Iron General's communication cylinder to himself.

“Having fun?”

The imp starts, nearly dropping the artifact as he does. “Gotta put a bell on you,” he mutters. “You ready for your audience?”

> I am. Fire it up.
> Not quite. I need to change first. (Swap bindings?)
> Let's you and me talk first. We should pay a visit to the Hall of Reflections.
> Write-in

>>45568925
> Not quite. I need to change first. (Swap bindings?)
Our social binding set. Boand in mask, Emperor Cobra in amulet, others designed to look pretty and impressive..

>>45568925
Do we have that one binding on that gives our Charisma bonus?

>>45568076
>Let's have a bite to eat, Tell me more about the circles.

>>45568309
I don't think we COMMITTED to it, per se. We focused some spiritual research on them, and when we asked for Zahn's advice, he told us "I'm not explaining both, because you'll just waste time prepping for both fights. Which do you wanna hear about?"

We have since treated that information as a "only one path remains" situation.

Personally, I still hold out hope on finding something good in the drawers, but once we learned there's a Soul-Crushing Godzilla just wandering around, it kind of ate up our attention.

Really though, we've basically only taken two steps to address it, the honing of Hunger and the recruitment of Avasi just now.

And besides, we just gave ouselves a WEEK to find other options! This'll be EASY...

Hold me, anon.

>>45568925
>Let me change first.
>Remind me afterwards to talk to you about the Hall of Reflections.

>>45568881
Yeah, I'm not liking it, either. In a way I feel like it's my fault, somehow, since I'm the one who proposed telling Zahn that we were having trouble finding Ayren's spark. Kind of feels like I set off the "oh shit oh shit, we have to get prepared RIGHT NOW" train that lead to the Hunger debacle.

>>45568925
bindings like
>>45568974
and hall of reflections talk after like
>>45569007

>>45569034
As long as we prepare properly beforehand, I dont have a problem with it. I just dont want to to jump into it without being in top shape, with a solid plan and backup. Assuming we do it, it'd be good to have for future generations so they wouldnt have to deal with it.
I think everyone needs to calm down a bit, on both sides.

Just caught up, apologies.

We haven't asked Mr First Totemist about the Mage, have we? Or about Elana? Because we should do that, eventually. Along with fixing Hunger.

I feel like we've been undercutting Boand as of recently. I know we're busy, but I feel guitly for it.

Also, couldn't we not find anything about opening this other two drawers, so that's why we're doing this?

>>45569223
Opening the next easiest drawer was enshrining a guardian spirit -- the sole available candidate we had was Cordia, and we accepted her desire to not to do it. So, that's what the 'hunting for an Avatar' is for, though we haven't been focusing on that for a few weeks...? So, the options are a bit up in the air, but we're trying to ensure that we can do both, if necessary.

>>45569223
We didnt even try the other drawers, we still have no idea what the Gates of Mu are

>>45569007
Technically Zahn was after we made up our minds on fighting a Behemoth, and were deciding between Tyrant Wyrm and Allmother Mud

>>45569409
We didn't ask for his input at all on opening the other drawers, even though that's the smart play.

>>45568925
> Let's you and me talk first. We should pay a visit to the Hall of Reflections.

>>45568925
> Not quite. I need to change first. (Swap bindings?)
Social binding suite.

>>45568925
>> I am. Fire it up.

Right now I think Osyki's own pride is pretty much chaining him to fighting Godzilla, since the more people he talks to about it, the weaker he might look if he reconsiders.

can't even stop an avatar from eating us and you want to go after a dinosaur with instakill spirit beams baka

>>45569709
I don't understand why some of you anons are all about presentation now. Just because we don't kill it now doesn't mean we won't kill it later.

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A glance down at your soot-stained clothing gives you a moment's pause. “Hold on a moment.” Tryd's claw hovers over the activation panel on the cylinder. “Let me change first.”

Amal bobs, the interior of his prism pulsing an amused green-yellow.

You dispel your more overtly threatening bindings and cobble together what you can to make yourself a little more impressive. Boand's Pearl fits snugly into your mask, and the Emperor's Crown merges into the amulet round your neck. You adjust Aria Nymph to rest comfortably against the countours of your face, then nod to Tryd. He taps the panel on the side of the cylinder and hurls it into the air.

The hair on your arms stands on end as the tube greedily eats up latent spiritual power in the air around it. After a moment a bubble of force forms, followed by a messily traced humanoid frame in electric blue light. You watch with some fascination and a little embarassment as the figure fills out with decidedly feminine proportions. Another zapping noise renders Saeri in lines of electric force, gown glittering with electric feedback in place of the usual jeweled sparkles. Her form moves from a seated position to standing in a fluid motion, and after a moment she seems to register your presence. A pleased smile curves across her lips.

“Osyki!” she curtsies. “Glad to hear from you. Couldn't wait until I was in the neighborhood?”

You shake your head, smiling guiltily. “Sorry for the rushed audience. I know you must be mad with preparations for the big move.”

She nods, tucking a wayward strand of hair into place behind her ear. “Things have been busy, it's true. It's an exciting time, though! I can't believe we're finally bringing Pointsmar topside.”

“The General said he would be sending you along with the advance party.”

She nods, checking something out of the view of the communications device. “I'll be making my leave in a few days to survey the site and oversee the groundwork.”
(cont.)

>>45569832

“That's convenient timing,” you remark. “I was going to ask if you could be in this area in a week or so. I have a... let's call it a project. An undertaking of a magnitude that I probably can't conquer alone.”

Saeri smooths her dress under her as she takes a seat again. It's odd to see since the device doesn't render the chair. “I'm listening,” she says.

You relate to her your plight concerning the need for a Behemoth's vital spark and your inability to locate Ayren's old spare. You can see lines of concern creeping down her brow as you relate your tentative idea to hunt down and extinguish the Tyrant Wyrm before it can wreak any further devastation on the world.

“That's...” she searches for the diplomatic phrasing for a moment. “A pretty monumental undertaking. I don't mean to downplay your skill, Osyki, but you got roughed up by a Deep Siren. I don't know if a Behemoth is really in your grasp right now.”

“It's not a short-term plan,” you reassure her. “I'm not planning on diving into this half-baked. I want to start making preparations and laying the groundwork -now- so I don't have to scramble or die.”

Her worried gaze lightens somewhat, though you can see she still has her doubts. “If you're looking for groundwork you've come to the right place. Do we have backup?”

You nod. “It's in the works. I have a contact in Eluneia who may be up to the task, and a bounty hunter who seems like he may be interested.”
(cont.)

>>45569848

“Must be a desperate bounty hunter.”

“Cocky,” you correct her. “Very sure of himself.”

“Not really an improvement.” She taps her index finger against her chin. “This isn't really the best medium to hold a drawn out conversation. We can go over the fine details of it when I arrive. Can you keep your spear in your pants for a week?”

You snort, caught off guard by the unexpected innuendo. “I think I can contain myself.”

“Let's hope.” She winks at you, looking enormously pleased with herself. “I'll see what I can dig up in terms of high-scale weaponry in the mean time.”

“I thought I was meant to be giving -you- the housewarming gifts.”

She chuckles. “I've never much been one for tradition. Call it an investment in Grisoch's future as a trading partner.”

> Ask after how she's been. It's been a while since you've spoken.
> Tell her more about Avasi. She may know more than you do.
> Ask her about the groundwork for Pointsmar's arrival.
> Cut the call short. She said it wasn't meant for extended conversation.
> Write-in

>>45569863
> Cut the call short. She said it wasn't meant for extended conversation.
> Write-in
Thank her and wish her well, then.

>>45569863
> Tell her more about Avasi. She may know more than you do
Im very curious. We still dont really know what the deal is with Saeri is either

>>45569863
>> Ask her about the groundwork for Pointsmar's arrival.
Make it quick though; We should be seeing her again in a relatively short time.

>>45569863
> Ask her about the groundwork for Pointsmar's arrival.

>>45569863
> Cut the call short. She said it wasn't meant for extended conversation.

>>45569863
> Tell her more about Avasi. She may know more than you do.

>>45569848
So both Boand and Saeri think the idea of us fighting a Behemoth as we are now is completely insane. Will that slow anons down?

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[[I believe I'm going to have to end things here for the evening, folks. I've got an early start for work tomorrow. My apologies for the short thread, and thanks as always for playing. I'll see if we can work in a bonus session this week so make up for the brevity of today's session. Keep an eye on the twitter.]]

>>45570311
That's fine. Have a nice night, Diarca. Thanks for the thread.

>>45570311
Thanks for running!

>>45570311
Thanks for running!

Anyone else feel like we should check out the mine soon? It should be a relatively fast and easy accomplishment and lets us have something to show for ourselves when we return to Zahn.

I think we should really not be going after a behemoth.

>>45570641
Holy crap you people, Stop cringing at the slightest hint of a challenge. No ones even forcing us to go, If we do it, we'll do it when we're ready, but unless something changes, at the moment its our only feasible option for the spark, save finding Ayren's.
Sack UP

>>45570796
Except you're not even trying to find Ayren's even though literally every item on the drawers we know is probably a lot easier than fighting the Tyrant Wyrm.

So no, it's not fucking feasible you jackass.

>>45570796
I doubt even unleashed Modi could murderise the Wyrm.

It sounds tuff as fuk and I don't think we can do it.

>>45570863
Theres quite a bit of area between "murderizing"something and not even having a chance, and Modi isnt even our main, or only tool, We still have a bunch of other stuff and techniques to learn that can help, Friends, incomplete spirits, Help from the guy wielding the sword Ayren used to defeat a behemoth before, apparently solo, A plan to be worked out. Zahns knowledge of the Wyrms sire, and some other stuff I might be forgetting.
Im not even Sayign we could definitely do it at this point, and I can get being cautious, but I super dont get why people seem to be so fearful of even the IDEA of maybe fighting it at some point in the future.

>>45570947
Because two of our wisest allies think it's a terrible idea? Because it's still only been a couple months in quest? And yeah, we're gonna kill the Wyrm in the future, probably gonna also kill Mud, but to think we'll be ready in a fucking week is madness.

>>45571067
Osyki Just said, In the last post, Right up there, that the MEETING is planned in a week.
Not the fight. Not even being ready for the fight.
the Meeting to PLAN for the fight. Someone else even pointed that out. Are you just not reading?

>>45571104
Yeah but with Boand it seems like Osyki resigned himself to fighting the Tyrant Wyrm "soon"

>>45571512
Thats youre own incorrect assumption. The issue your problem never existed.
Accept it. Move on.

>>45572208
*your