The journey so far - http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Collective+Game%2C+Nomad+QuestCharacter Sheet - https://docs.google.com/document/d/19WFzVGIfXWIffszrRdltfYZyIJn_l_zJTCJW9Swl3tw/edit?pli=1Alchemy Info - http://nomadsland.wikispaces.com/Alchemy+RecipesYou are Thol of the Lolua Nomads, last of your tribe.You, Eames the novice caster, Siobhan the Druidic Princess and Cu the guardsman are still in Vol Itolstein, Capital of Vanthania. The Vanthanian Princess's birthday celebration is tonight and you are to be her first dance. You and Siobhan have bought your outfits for tonight (luckily, your will actually be useful on the road, too), and now you've returned back to the house you're staying at.Eames has become somewhat more distant and quiet since you arrived. No doubt because you told him that telling Siobhan to abandon her quest will most likely not succeed. It is progressing into early evening. Siobhan has retreated almost entirely to her room, Eames stands outside, leaning against the wall as his thoughts lead him. Cu's lying across a couch inside. He had indulged in just a little more drinking after you finished dance practice.You have around an hour until you have to meet Guin in the Conduct District below. What will you do for now?
Bump incase any players are here.
>>19203325Chat it up with Cu. Eames is being kind of like a tool. Ask where we can get some training weapons if we didn't get any yet.
We should totally go shopping for armor and practice swords with Cu and do manly things.
>>19203535You enthusiastically greet Cu. You're finding Eames stand-offish and Siobhan's probably still drying her eyes from your last attempt to spend time with her, so certainly the stout guardsman should be a much more pleasant way to spend you time."Mother of Us All, Nomad!" He winces, shielding himself from the assaulting waves of sound. "Indoor voices. Infact, monastery voices."He slowly lifts himself from his seat, taking a moment to steady his breathing."Mighty good wine, that stuff from last night." He glances towards you. "Training weapons..? Should be some in the Commerce District. Want to go get some?"He stands, straightening his back somewhat and stretching out his arms."Perhaps we can find a nice tavern at the same time. Ease myself back into the day, hm?">>19203638You sure you don't want to do more dress shopping?
>>19203643Oh hell yeah just want we need at a time like this
>>19203697Better specify I want to shop for training weapons and go to taverns. avoiding the hue that way
Only if it's the kind of dress that can protect us from getting stabbed or burned, because that sucked."That sounds good, ready to go?"
>>19203717>>19203780"Yes, yes. Let us hit the cobbles, then."He heads for the door, with you following. As you pass Eames, Cu turns to the summoner and pulls out his money bag. You see him give Eames quite a bit of money,"Remember, something classy, but not fancy like some Settehem girly-man."The ponytailed summoner glances up at you both, twirling a stray flower between his fingers."Alright. Remember, the celebration starts at sunset. So be here by then."You make your goodbyes to Eames, before stepping out of the garden. Cu grabs the attention of a man in a straight black jacket and a flat, white cap. After a few words, the same man blows on a tin whistle, making a terribly screeching din. But it's effective, for it's not long before a carriage pulls up. Cu forces his squat body in, taking up one entire side. You decide to sit across from him and soon, are on your way."Say, Nomad, you have to meet that magician fellow today, don't you? I'm still surprised you convinced him to join us so easily. What's his angle, exactly?"
>>19203859Love dropping my trip.
>>19203859What do we really know about the guy beside him hating his old lifestyle and he needed an excuse to leave. I think that's his angle
He seems to be a freedom loving spirit that got traped in that town. He seemed honest enough. I trust himWhatz with all the eames hate? Seriously
>>19203900"His old lifestyle...? What's that, then?" Cu gives you a questioning glance. You had almost forgotten how much of a grumpy adult supervisor he could be.>>19203971"Key word there is 'seemed'. This is Vanthania. You can't trust a 9-year old Druid girl for fear of having your pockets lifted. But I'll leave it up to you to judge your company. If he endangers the Princess or her mission, however... well, you already know."Indeed, you do. You come to the edge of the Noble's District, overlooking the first level of the city. Or as it is otherwise known: the ground. There are a lot more houses and other buildings down there compared to the spacious levels above. You take a road the zig-zags down the side of the city's center. There's just enough room for carriages to pass eachother if they're heading the opposite direction, and a steep drop beneath. You certainly wouldn't like to come up here on a windy day.
>>19204013WHY DOES IT KEEP HAPPENING
uhh...fast travel to tavern or weapon shop? Whichever we see first.
>>19204206this, also maybe we should just be on the look out for some interesting characters(future NPCs). seeing as how we are in such a huge city we are bound to find some
>>19204206You descend along the inner wall of the city, until eventually you come onto the wide streets of the Commerce District. The change in scene is immediate. For one, it's much more crowded down here. Carriages and horses travel up and down the streets at surprising speeds. The walkways are crowded with men in suits, tunics, long coats, tophats and all kinds of clothing. The women tend to wear dresses, but more simple compared to the elaborate outits of the noblewomen above. Occasionally, one has some item of flair, like a ruffled skirt, a gem brooch or a lace parasol.As you travel further in, you find yourself passing many a public house, all kinds of merchants, stalls, tailors, endless businesses with customers drifting in and out from them. No doubt almost everyone who lives in this District lives above a shop of some kind. And despite the speed of the traffic, people cross without hesitation, jumping infront of horses, dodging between carriages and generally making the place seem like a giant accident waiting to happen. Eventually, you come to a building bearing the sign 'Mannfred At Arms'. You and Cu step out the carriage and make your way inside. Immediately, you are greeted by all manner of metalwork. You've never seen such a diverse range of swords all your life.(continued)
>>19204410Spears, of varying lengths and different tips, swords, both one handed and two handed, symmetrical or single edged, barbed or straight, thin and piercing or curved with a keen blade. You even see a dao amongst the more exotic section. It's good work, but you can tell it doesn't have the durability or the keenness of your own."Here, Nomad. This is what we're looking for."Cu draws your attention to a table bearing a wide range of weapons. The hilts and guards are all perfectly real, but the blades are made of dull wood. The choice isn't as diverse. Cu picks up a training greatsword, smacking it on his palm lightly. But you can't see a dao. There are some similar blades, like the training falchion, which, too, bears a single edge, or the training flatblade, which is a straight sword around the same size as your dao. There's even one called a training ramdao. It's similar in shape but bigger than your own weapon, looking more like a two handed sword than anything.
>>19204420so 24, sorry if this has been already stated but, besides the Ram, what aspects do the other spirit animals represent? I'm sorry if it seems random but it could help us out if we are on the lookout for future ingredients
Does the shop have any armor available? If not, how about a shield? Also ask Cu for advice on what we should get.
>>19204495>>19204420Preferably some light armor, right? As to a shield would we prefer something more like a buckler?
>>19204491Since you're an Equius Nomad, this information isn't beyond you. You spent most of your life learning about the Spirits, after all, where as most culture know of them, but specifically worship one or two spirits as their Patron Gods.Rat (1, 13, 25) - Of wealth, power, keen sight and cunningOx (2, 26) - Of dependability, preservation, stubbornness and perseverence.Tiger (3, 15, 27) - Of ambition, strength, courage and bloodlust.Rabbit (4, 16) - Of peace, love, fear and laziness.Turtle (5, 17, 29) - Of steadiness, caution, wisdom and calm.Snake (6, 18, 30) - Of secrets, manipulation, spirituality and pleasure.Horse (7, 19, 31) - Of freedom, dependability, strength and whim. Ram (8, 20, 32) - Of dignity, grace, pride and nature. Monkey (9, 21, 33) - Of fun, energy, innate talent and entertainment.Rooster (10, 22, 34) - Of observation, intellect, ego and duty.Dog (11, 23, 35) - Of honour, loyalty, sincerity and concern.Boar (12) - Of honesty, mirth, materialism and haste.Buffalo (14) -Of industry, patience, conceit and judgement.Pig (24, 36) - Of happiness, honesty, vitality and indulgence.(cont.)
>>19204559Cat (28) - Of talent, ambition, curiosity and mischief.Owl (37) - Of austerity, resolution, reflection and close-mindedness.Frog (38) - Of zen, enlightenment, forward thinking and hedonism.Butterfly (39) - Of enigma, revelation, emotionlessness and hermitism.Wolf (40) - Of bravery, justice, foolhardiness and light.Crow (41) - Of death, romance, rebellion and aloofness.Phoenix (42) - Of life, rebirth, regeneration and jubilation.Fish (43) - Of tranquility, familial bonds, unrestraint and liberty.Lion (44) - Of respect, diligence, intimidation and suspicion.Dragon (45) - Of creation and destruction.
>>19204533That sounds great, just as long as the buckler is enough to stop a fireball.
>>19204495>>19204533There are, indeed, shields. From bucklers and targes to wooden kite shields, metal emblem shields and even great tower shields. There are also some kinds, like a metal kite shield with a bladed edge and a large, circular shield, with mirror polished steel on the front, and a thin, but deadly sharp edge. Looking close, you can see it's called the battleshield. Which rather makes sense. There's no armour, however. Not here, at least.You ask Cu's advice."Hrm... well... if you want to stick to your dao, I wouldn't begrudge it. You're certainly good with it. But at the same time, you've got a damn good swordarm, Nomad. You're strong, despite looking so scrawny from a distance. You could no doubt wield a bigger blade with ease."
>>19204680Nah, we're keeping our dao. It's signature Tiger weapon. I thought we were asking about advice on shields or bucklers. Dao is a one-handed weapon, right?
>>19204765Yes, your dao's a one-handed, single edge blade, wide but flat and particularly sharp. The swing is not as strong as other types of sword, but it's shape makes it durable and it slices through flesh with ease, even with relatively slow strikes. As a trained dao combatant, you rely primarily on your strength, but also your agility, in battle. You ask Cu about a shield."Hm... well... given the way you fight, no doubt you'll want something light...they have good metal bucklers here... but, if you train for it, I imagine this might do just fine for you..."He reaches up and picks a shield from the wall. It's a strange shaped one, rounded like the tip of a dome, slightly larger than a buckler, but thin. It's also folded, ridges zig-zagging the entire length and circumfrence."It's a parriete. Light, a little weaker against heavy weapons, but against smaller blades..."He runs his finger in one of the divots."They get caught by these ridges, and the curved shape makes it all too easy to deflect them and throw your opponent's swing off."You kinda wish you had Cu as a trainer from the start. He knows his stuff.
How about looking into that smithing thing?Now that we are in the city & it was 1 of our rolled skills
>>19204853we don't have money but is Cu is willing to pay for it, lets take it and later we will train diligently with Cu.>parrieteDo you have an image of the thing? Google doesn't show anything.>There are some similar blades, like the training falchion, which, too, bears a single edge, or the training flatblade, which is a straight sword around the same size as your dao.Isn't falchion two-handed?If not, then take it. If it is, then take flatblade.Ask the shop-owner if it is possible to order/comission a training Dao which will be ready in two days, or where we could find it elsewhere.
>>19204886Oh man, I completely forgot about that one.God damn, arguably even more useless than alchemy since we can't haul an entire forge with us during our travels. At least we can make potions on the road.
The shield sounds perfect, we deflect the lighter weapons and dodge the heavier ones.
>>19204886You ask Cu about your weapons crafting."Certainly, there should be a smith who'll allow you to use his tools. I'm not sure your blade needs it, though. It's in prime condition... come to think of it, that's a rather good sword you got there."Damn right it is. You strengthened it yourself. Well, with old Dulang's help.>>19204902Cu's willing to pay. Originally, he was just given the funding for himself and Siobhan, but it seems like he has the yee to spare for you, too. You just keep seeming to find friends with money. You turn to the shopkeep. There's no-one behind the counter. Rather, in the corner, there's a small, rather thin framed old man. His skin is bronzed and weathered, and despite his short size, his tunic shirt clings to a firm body that hasn't yet deteriorated. He nurses a thin pipe under a wiry grey moustache, a dark, beady eyes look up at you. The deep crows feet make him look like he's constantly squinting."Aye, I could ready one in two days. One if you particularly want it."You look back to the training falchion. It's one handed, and roughly the same shape as your dao. Lacks the curve of the non-bladed edge, however.(As for the parriete, here's what I based it off. Only without the spike, and with many more ridges.)
>>19205000>"Aye, I could ready one in two days. One if you particularly want it."If Cu is willing to pay, then yes. He has the money, he makes decisions.If he does order it, maybe we should rent the training falchion instead of downright buying it? Are we going to train before the comissioned 'blade; is ready anyway?
>>19205026You can't rent a weapon. As for whether you're going to train before tomorrow, that's not very likely. You have to meet Guin and get back in time for a celebration that will take all evening, no doubt.Price wise, it'll take 200 to buy the training scimitar, and 250 to order the training dao. As for the pariette, it'll cost 540 yee. Cu doesn't seem to mind at all, having forked over the 300 for his training greatsword. He has around 4000 yee left, so this won't break the bank. After all, he only needs enough money to reach Homme, and it was originally intended to have the Princess stay in only the best inns. But clearly, that's no longer an option.
>>19205131>and 250 to order the training daoLets order a training Dao and ask politely for it to be ready in a day.If we spar before the dao is ready, we will focus on buckler use and dodging.
>>19205171"Aye." The shopkeep nods again. Do you want to go for the buckler or pariette? The buckler's 70 yee cheaper, for reference.
>>19205202Pariette.Cu recommended it after all. He knows his stuff.
Get the parriete and order training daoCan wemake money vby forging weapons
>>19205276>>Can wemake money vby forging weaponsI don't think so. namely because smithing requires a lot of time and a forge. Both of which we do not have.
>>19205236You go for the shiny, round shield. Like a child in the markets with their mother, you gesture it to Cu and he nods."Trainin' dao made to order and a pariette. That'll be 790 yee."It sounds a lot higher a price when he says it out loud. But still, Cu pays the price and soon, you leave, your new shield fitted to your arm. It's not too heavy, but still, you're used to being entirely free when you wield your dao. It'll take a little acclimation.>>19205276It's a handy talent to have, and blacksmiths are usually pretty gracious in letting travellers use their wares for a minimal price. But they won't let you capitalise off their own business. Besides, you can't forge weapons at the moment. You have the training to repair weapons (which you can also do on the road, providing you have a buffalostone) or to reinforce (which requires you to be at a forge). Forging and runing are still beyond you.Cu glances down at you."So, anything else you'd like to see here? Or shall we go ahead and find the magician?"
>>19205310>or to reinforce (which requires you to be at a forge)Maybe we can reinforce Cu's sword? We can't fail so much that we would break it, right?>"So, anything else you'd like to see here? Or shall we go ahead and find the magician?""I have no other plans for now. Lets go meet Guin."
>>19205339You wanna try the dice? No, I'm kidding, you can't fail, thanks to your training.But you decide to put off your thoughts of reinforcing Cu's weapons for the moment. Perhaps tomorrow. After all, you need either a basilisk eye (not a real one, of course) or a sharpstone to do that, depending on whether you intend to favour durability or sharpness.So you name your plans."Alright, then, let's be off. Driver, take us to the Hole in the Boot, Conduct District."You clamber in after Cu and again the wheels beneath you begin to take you through the busy streets. The wide, olive skinned male seems to be pleased with his purchase. But, as always, his conversational skills are lacking."So... Nomad... how is the... the whole Balanceseeker thing? How's that workin' out for ya?"
>>19205404"To be honest, I have no idea what I am supposed to do. Unlike Siobhan who had been trained and prepared since her birth for her grand mission, I just learned that I am this balanceseeker. At first I was skeptical if they had the right person, but now I know for sure that it is true.""I just hope that I do the right thing."
>>19205445"See, that gets me." He crosses his arms as you are momentarily dipped in darkness. You are travelling under the wall between the Districts. Torches light the way, but it's still a rather dark, dank place, and you feel somewhat sorry for those you see walking outside. "How do you know that? I'll be honest, I don't really know what a Balanceseeker is, either. Not big on my western myth or anything."
>>19205474"My patron spirit told me so."Honestly, I was kinda surprised that Siobhan didn't have any reaction when in previous thread we used this line:>"Besides, I forge my own destiny, I am free to do what I want. Ram told me so."It was a calculated bomb-shell what I dropped. Maybe she just missed it?
>>19205513"Patron spirit?" The light of Conduct District illuminates the confusion of the guardsman. "What is that, then, the Horse or something...? Does it... is it a voice in your head?"You're not sure Cu is getting this right. As for Siobhan, it seemed to fly right over her head. You begin to wonder if she even believed you.Nevertheless, you're coming into the Conduct District now. The buildings are packed just as tightly together, but the carriages travel somewhat more orderly and the level of dress on the streets is a little higher. Men wear jackets, waistcoats and cravats, ladies wear dresses with wide skirts and gloves that hold parasols of muted colour. There a few who seem like they might have come down directly from the Noble's District. It's not quite a packed street, but it's still full of life and low, serious voices in discussion. You pass legislation firms, trade organisations and all kinds of official looking buildings. As you go further, the atmosphere brightens, somewhat, as you pass cafes where young businessmen read newspapers and an inn where a family, clearly foreign given by their bright satin clothes and darker skin, are led on a tour.
>>19205595"In dreams. Sometimes he speaks to me in dreams where I am completely lucid and remember them afterwards. I used the opportunity to clarify if I am this 'balanceseeker'."
>>19205513It might have gone straight past her. Atleast it seems like it have done that.
>>19205657"Right. Right." The ponytailed guard gives a shrot nod. Then descends into silence afterwards, occupying himself with drumming his hands on his sword. Despite his skepticism, he can't help but raise his voice again. "But it doesn't tell you what exactly that means?"After a while, you stop at a crossroads. At first, you think you're waiting to turn, but Cu gestures out the carriage window."This must be it."Indeed, it has a hanging wooden sign with a picture of a boot with a hole in it. Someone's pouring ale into the boot, causing it to leak. All in all, not the most appetizing image. But the building certainly stands out. Bright red paint marks the wood, and stained glass windows hide the inside from your sight, but you can hear laughter and a steady wave of voices. Outside, two middle aged men smoke pipes and discuss the recent rise on tax for merchants of lumlilacs.
>>19205708"Nope."Go inside.
>>19205727"Fat bloody help that is, then," he grumbles, climbing down after you.You open the doors into a busy, rather lively tavern. Men sit with tankards of drinks around wooden tables and in fancy booths with cushioned benches. The lights of several lanterns filter through the stained glass at the top of these booths, adding a haze of colour that mixes with the haze of smoke to make a rather strange sight."Great. Let's get a drink then."As your companion heads right for the bar, you see another male sitting alone at the same. You can't make out much for the shoulder length white hair and long, blue coat that trails over his stool.
>>19205828>"Great. Let's get a drink then.""Sounds like an idea.">you see another male sitting alone at the same. You can't make out much for the shoulder length white hair and long, blue coat that trails over his stool.That's not Guin, is it? Or maybe someone else we know from the past?If not, IGNORE HIM.
>>19205858Well, Guin has white hair, but it was a little longer the last time you saw it. Regardless, you glance over at him as you join Cu in taking a seat. Indeed, it is the moon-rimmed glasses wearing caster, wearing a coat over a simple white shirt and grey waistcoat. As Cu pays an extortionate 60 yee for your drinks, the Aridottan glances across at you and smiles. Soon, he is off his stool and standing before you."Well met, Nomad. Wasn't sure you would find me. How's Vol Itolstein treating you?"
"Pretty good, got a prom with the king's daughter on the first day here."
>>19205924"You seem different. Harder to recognize you. Some kind of a disguise?""It has been treating me well. As soon as we arrived, we got to meet the King, his children and High Council, and got invited to the celebrations this evening. I will be hard-pressed to find another way to get better first impression of a place."
>>19205984>>19205965"A disguise? No, no. Would be hard to disguise this hair, after all." He grins. "I just thought, since I'll be on the road, why not take a more practical appearance? Kind of you to notice, though."He chuckles, setting his somewhat small, but tightly packed, bag beside a stool. Then you mention your experience of the capital."That's..." His smile freezes. Then drops entirely. He glances over your shoulder, towards the Sersipan. "Is he serious?""Aye." Cu pulls himself begrudgingly away from his drink to smile broadly, before wiping his lips with his sleeve."Well... bloody hell. Nicely done." He snickers again, before offering a hand to Cu. "Don't think I've formally met you or the other two, my name's Guin Salessanderson. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance.""Cu," he replies, grasping his hand for a solid shake."Oh, Thol, before I forget. Here."He passes you a scroll of parchment."It's a map of the two continents. I told you I'd bring you one, right?"He smiles again as you roll it open.
>>19206118"Thank you, this will certainly be useful.I trust your journey was without problems?"
"So, about the offer to travel with us. I'm not sure what lies ahead, but it will almost definitely be interesting and maybe dangerous. Still interested?"
>>19206158"Not at all, not at all. I mean... I got slapped a couple times. I may have promised one girl I would marry her. Or maybe two. Oh, and the paid a couple duelists to come after me. They seemed to have forgotten that I lost my matches by choice." He smirks, busying himself with his drink. Then, he glances around. "Where are the others? The caster? And the lovely young maiden? I was hoping particularly to see her again."Luckily, Cu didn't seem to hear that, busy ordering another drink. It's not like he has anywhere to go tonight. Oh wait.>>19206270"Bloody hell, yes. I haven't felt danger since my master caught me sneaking a peak at his Drake's Breath scroll. So, what is it, then. Clashing swords with many a formidable foe, slaying the dire wolves of the country and plundering loot and women alike? Honestly, as long as it's not being in that ring again, with the bar and the bells and the same boring spells, time and time again..."
>>19206293"Ah, you will meet them later.""Danger? There will be a plenty where we are going. Our journeys should take us to the north, Rooksland"
Tell him about Siobhan mission to plant some tree in the spooky land of the undead, but they won't let her. I dunno, it's much too complicated for our simple mind.>>19206367This works too.
>>19206367and now he ditches us
>>19206367"Rooksland... Rooksland?" Disbelief slowly stretches over the man's features. "As in the Rooksland, the Frozen North, that horrible place that no-one wants to go ever? Here?"He points at it on the map. After a moment, he settles down, staring off into the distance, blinking to himself."Well... right.... why Rooksland?">>19206414"Ah... she's a Druid. Well, that makes sense. Forgive me for my imprudence but... this doesn't seem entirely related to the Rakshasa. Infact, there hasn't been a single sighting of them north of Vanthania. So... what is it about this Siobhan girl, then? You in love or something?," he asks with a flippancy like it's as natural and everyday as finding a coin on the road.
>>19206452"Hah. Not at all.But it seems that several paths of fate lead me towards that place. I feel it is connected with what happened to my tribe, I don't have any definite proof.Besides, my status as a "balanceseeker", whatever that might be, leads me towards that horrible place.""of curse, first we are going to travel to Homme."
>>19206508"Well... Mr. 'Balanceseeker'. If you ask me, I would focus primarily on hunting down the ones who killed my tribe... but you don't have to. I'll follow along with you. There are a few things about Homme that interests me, anyway and... well... if you're really heading to Rooksland, you'll need all the help you can get." He sighs, about to take a drink, before he suddenly holds a gloved finger up. "Just one thing. If I decide to part ways at any point, I don't want to hear a word against it. To be perfectly honest, we're strangers and I'm hitching a ride. If I don't like where that ride is going, for example, the Dead City Gutessen, then I'm going to hop off and make my own way, yes?"
>>19206610"Of course." Smile and raise a glass.
>>19206610Yeah it's not like it's your obligation or anything. I can't make you do a damn thing.
"Of course, it's not like we're paying you to stay. Just give us a heads up before you ditch us."So how much time until we dance?
>>19206645>>19206651>>19206685"Very good." He returns both the smile and tankard raise. "And of course I'll let you know. You've given me a ride, it would be most rude of me to show you discourtesy. Besides, that Eames fellow looked eager to learn some magic. And it's about time I took on an apprentice."Suddenly Cu sweeps in, clashing his own tankard against yours and spilling quite a bit of ale."Cheers, you bastards!" You're beginning to wonder if he ever really stopped drinking the wine. Perhaps he was doing it to ensure Siobhan didn't. "Here, listen, listen... a Sersipan and an Aridottan, right? They're sitting at a bar. The Sersipan looks over at the Aridottan, seeing the Aridottan use his magic to float the wine right out of his goblet and into his mouth, and thinks 'okay, I'll play along'. So he uses his illusiony magic to make his own wine look like it's on flames...""One second," Guin interrupts. "There's no school of magic taught in Aridotte that can make wine float.""So?" Cu barks in response."Well... at the start of the joke you...""What joke?" Cu screws his brow up at him quizzically, before leaning on you. "Nomad, your friend is strange. If he were not your friend, I might punch him. But we have a celebration to get ready for."He finishes his tankard and stands. Guin looks up at the two of you as you prepare to leave."Well, seeing as you're busy, shall we meet back here tomorrow, before we leave?"
>>19206742Yeah that makes it easier on me as well if we are meeting in a place I been before. (It's late Op I don't know how you are up right now)
>>19206742"Where will be you staying, Master Guin? [Can we call him that since he is a mage of excellent skill? If not just go with 'Guin'.]"Since you're our companion, maybe you could stay with us? We got a place provided by the king in Noble District.""Hey, maybe we might do something so that you can go to the celebration with us later this evening?"
Can he come along to the prom? I can't wait to see Cu do some drunken dance.
>>19206780"Of course," Bellows Cu, sweeping the man up off his chair. Despite his height, Guin still makes a much smaller man and is easily lifted. "Stay with us, why doncha.""Alright, alright..." He slips out of the guardsman's grasp and dusts himself off. "I hadn't rented any accomodation yet, anyway, so that's a weight off. The Noble District, you say? Don't mind if I do."He reaches down and picks up his bags. As you all make your way out, you mention the celebrations, that perhaps he could also manage to go. He quickly shakes his head, chuckling."I don't think you quite understand how few people get invited to those things. Come to mention it, how did you get invited in the first place?"Cu barrels into the carriage first, laying across one side. You and Guin share the other as it sets off again.
>>19206777I murdered the concept of sleep. I'll be playing as long as you guys want to. Or until I feel tired, if that happens.
>>19206855"I'm not sure myself. Well, that 's not entirely true. Siobhan is a princess, you see, so she was invited. We tagged along, then it turns out His Majesty is quite fond of the nomads so he wanted me to dance with his daughter."
>>19206892"A-a princess?" He almost falls off his seat as the carriage makes a sudden turn. "Ye gods, to think I planned... well... crisis averted. Phew. Honestly, though, Thol, this is quite the trip. Travelling with a Thulish Princess, getting a personal invitation by King Edgreiss himself... even dancing with Princess Tessa. If I've missed all the fun parts of this journey, I will be sorely disappointed."Just as you descended on the inner-wall, you begin to climb this one, too. It takes a little longer, given the steepness of the hills, but soon you are above the rooftops of the first level of Vol Itolstein."I must admit... for a Princess and her crew, you don't exactly... well, give off an impression of wealth. I would've expected a golden chariot and fifteen white horses and trumpeters at every city gate."
>>19206934"Well, they were planning on going low key. But it seems it wasn't low key enough, if you ask me.""There are people who seek young druid's death, you see."
>>19206934"We are trying to keep it low key but it turns out the King had other plans." I guess this is the part where Thol just shrugs
>>19206949>>19206960>>19206968"No doubt... a Druid headed for Rooksland is a fish leaping into the mouth of a bear. Such a shame... she's rather lovely, too." He tuts, folding his arms as you come back up onto the clean, shining streets of the Noble District. Even Guin can't help but lean out the window and glance over it."Talk about fairytale towns, hm?" You soon realise his eyes are following the young genteel women under their parasols. You, too, notice the change on the streets. There are Vanthanian banners hanging from every house, and, in the distance, you see hundreds of blue paper balloons rising from the Royal District."Ah, looks like the procession has started. You have a couple hours until the celebration."(Continued)
>>19207032And it is at this time that you finally pull up to the house again. Guin steps out first, taking in a breath of the fresh, flower filled air with satisfaction. His hands on his hips, he steps into the garden and looks all around. Meanwhile, Cu stumbles out after you hands too much money to the carriage. Of course, that doesn't stop the driver from heading off.Siobhan appears at the door, glancing surprisedly at Guin."Oh... well met." Then, a more familiar smile appearing as she sees you and Cu. She's looking fresh faced and as good as ever. As if the conversation earlier had never happened. "Welcome back, Sir Thol, Cu. Ah, this must be...""Guin Salessanderson. A pleasure." He offers his hand. As Siobhan takes it, he bends on knee, placing a gentle kiss on her hand."Y-yes, I think I remember..." She withdraws her hand slowly, before looking to Cu, who is now leaning on you. "Oh, no... Thol, bring him to me, I know how to bring him back. Did you happen to meet Eames whilst you were out? I haven't seen him since we came back from the dressmaker's..."
"No I thought you were going with him to look for excitement rods or whatever they're called."
>>19207036Jesus Eames just great now is the time for a wild goose chase. Time for Thol the Handy Man to fix this problem kids.
>>19207036"I haven't seen him."Had over Cu.
>>19207077>>19207094"Oh, yes, we did plan to do that..." Her brow creases as she moves to the edge of the garden and looks over the city. As if she might find him that way. "I hope he isn't late. We should be getting ready. Well... since the weather's so nice, today, I've simply made a chicken salad, if you'd like to eat. But you should get dressed after that."Still distracted, she takes Cu off your hands, leading him inside. After a while, Guin lets out a chuckle."Like a mothering hen. She'd make quite the wife, hm?"
>>19207103Yup to bad about her vows.
>>19207103>"Like a mothering hen. She'd make quite the wife, hm?"smirk at him "I hope you're not having any dirty thoughts now."
>>19207128"Oh, she's just a little too young for me... perhaps if I'm with you for a year or so...">>19207113"Are you jesting? That makes it all the better. Less competition that way." He snickers and lands a good natured smack on your chest, before making his way inside. "So, where am I sleeping, then?"You follow to find him sitting at the table. As she said, Siobhan has left out a nice spread of lettuce, tomatoes, boiled celery root, truffles, chicken, bread, berry juice. Already he's ladelling himself a plateful.
Would it be to much to learn some proper combat magics?
>>19207165Before Prom? maybe
>>19207149Are there any free rooms for him to take?If not, we can share a room.
>>19207177Or learn the fireball spell our Wizardly friend has?
>>19207177Or learn the fireball spell our Wizardly friend has?Because the spirits did say to rely on our selves as much as possible
>>19207165>>19207192We can do that during the travels.
>>19207165Not at all. It won't be easy, though. Learning a second school of magic is more difficult than the first. As in, it takes more time per learning attempt/roll, and the roll isn't in your favour as much.>>19207180"Hmm.. sounds cosy." He chuckles. "Fine, I don't mind sharing a room. Had to do it more than once on my way to Rickenlist. I must've been about your age when I first set out, too. That's the thing I liked about the road so much. Plenty of people to meet and travel with. Well, here's to a good journey."He raises the goblet of juice in toast. Before looking at the gems encrusted in it."... wait a moment... are these...?"He prompty takes a knife and begins to pry the gems from the goblet.
>>19207206"Hmm, what is it?"lean in and look curiously
>>19207225"A bloody good find is what it is... emerald, sapphire, ruby and bismuth." He gestures the tip of the knife to each square gem. Out pops the first, the blue sapphire.
"It's a gem alright." Keep watching what he's doing.
>>19207239"I don't think it is a good idea to steal from the people who are hosting us."
>>19207251I'm sure nobody is going to miss a gem or two....or five. Also search for clues on where Eames could have gone. He better not be hiding in the closet.
Oh come onAt least wait till we leaveLaughSay cant you make a dfortune with yyour magic?
>>19207241After all four gems are out, the green emerald, red ruby and rainbow coloured bismuth, he downs the goblet of juice before tossing it over his shoulder. It goes straight through the open window and lands in a bush outside.>>19207251"Don't worry, no-one'll know.." He begins to dig in to the food. Realising that his answer most likely won't satisfy you, he sets his knife and fork down again, giving you a rather plain gaze. "Look, these are gems of magical quality. I can sell them for quite a bit to your regular backstreet alchemist. Then they'll get used for alchemy, or in runing, or Geomancy, or one of the dozens of legitimate ways to use them. Rather than being left to rot in a goblet. It's a waste.">>19207274"I'm not -that- great. I'm a good duelist, yes, but there aren't many jobs I could get otherwise. I suppose I could tutor the kids of rich parents who don't want to send their babies away to a real college. Or I could become one of those dreadful creatures that sit by a Man-at-Arms board waiting for someone who needs a caster. It's not easy living solely as a caster, you know. When people need you? Great. When they don't, you're worthless. Back home we respect practitioners of the arts a bit more." He gives an enthused nod.>>19207270You check his room. But, unsurprisingly, he's not there. All his stuff is, though. That's a good sign, right?
>>19207300"Alright, whatever you say.Speaking of alchemy, I'm a registered alchemist. Even have a permit to sell my wares." And then unenthusiastically "Great, huh?"
Let's take a few gems off our cup when nobody is looking. Would it be unwise to rummage through Eames stuff when he isn't here?
>>19207329I don't think it is a good idea to take the gems.Giun is responsible for his actions but I don't want us to be a thief.
>>19207311Guin lets out a long, slow 'pffffft' sound when you inform him. At least he knows you're not entirely happy with it, so he can express honestly"How lucky you are that they've deigned to allow a mere mortal to sell alchemy. Here..." He tosses the gems over the table to you. "As long as they're appropriately used, I don't mind where they go."
>>19207354"Too bad there were no mages in our tribe, perhaps I would have learned something better from them."
>>19207363"Now, now, Alchemy's a fine craft. Most versatile of the magic arts, if you ask me. The ingredients can be difficult to get hold of, sometimes... but that's why you're lucky you have me. I can help you with that. I'm guessing you're still quite new to it, hm? The disillusionment, the fact you signed up with the Guild," he speaks with a chuckle rising again. "Don't worry, we'll open your eyes to the truth of Alchemy, mark my words." He swipes another goblet and, despite the temptation, decides not to pry the gems from it, too, instead drinking.At this point, the front door opens, and who else would appear but good old Eames. Shirt sleeves rolled up, and his bag slung over his shoulder, he looks over the scene before. Whilst his features were in something of an unsteady state before, a bright smile soon hits them as he sees your company."Mr. Guin... it's good to see you.""Please, Guin's my first name. So just Guin.""Excellent. Well, glad to have you on board."He moves to join you at the table. Then he notices the shield lying beside you."... you're not planning on taking that, tonight, are you?"
>>19207408"Of course not."
"You don't like my shield? A man has to have protection ready at any moment. Anyways, where have you been?"
Also ask him if he was looking at rods all by himself.
>>19207423Are you sure? It is rather shiny.>>19207434"Like I said, I went down to the Commerce District. Had to buy suits for Cu and I tonight.">>19207450"... yes, yes, I was looking at rods. Here, see for yourself." And with that, Eames whips out his rod and holds it close to your face. Twelve inches long and made of sturdy wood, it looks like a simple stick. However, there's an odd red stripe along the grain, and towards the base, glittering etched characters. You can't read them, but you recognise them as the same kind of characters from the Alchemist's Permit you got."I only had enough money for one... sorry."Soon, Guin, too, is leaning over to get a better look at Eames's rod."My, a Rod of Will, is it? What do you do? Soulchemy?""Summoning.""Aah," Guin replies happily, clapping his hands together. "We can teach eachother, though. My Summoning is lacking and, if you like, I can teach you Elementalism, or what I know of Illusionism."They begin to chatter like the nerds they are about who knows what spells. At least one good thing comes of it, you hear the Guin is willing to share the workload of the horse, as long as Eames teaches him the spell. From an off chance, you glance to side. From behind a door, you see Siobhan watching through the open crack. When she realises you've spotted her, she visibly panics and disappears behind it again.
(Jesus, you people are still here. After seven hours. You are the true tiger spirit.)
>>19207489Heh. I guess we need to dress and prepare for the evening? Perhaps we should take a bath first?>>19207496You're the one who's writing the story, so I guess you're more of a tiger than we are.
>>19207508Why thank you. But this is where I'm going to end it tonight. Everyone's getting ready, everyone's getting EXCITE for the celebration! I don't want to have to cut it off halfway through, so that's where we'll leave it. I'll be on tomorrow, though. So you won't have to wait too long to show off your swagomancy and make all dem 12 year olds swoon.
>>19207528>show off your swagomancy and make all dem 12 year olds swoon.That.... doesn't sound right
Thanks OP for running the quest. Maybe next time we'll actually get to the prom.
>>19207533We're Tiger Warriors, we make everyone swoon, even the men.
>>19207537Well... by the beginning of next thread, you'll be ready to go there. I mean, it's not like something could happen that could put it off then, is there? IS THERE?
>>19207489>Are you sure? It is rather shiny.How the hell would we manage it during the ball? Wouldn't it be in the way?Besides, our outfit took dao into consideration and not the buckler
So OP if you're still hereby tomorrow you mean today lateror tomorrow?
