(Sup guys, just wanted to apologise for being unable to make it last night. My excuse is pretty shitty. Basically, I fell asleep. Two weeks of not getting much/any shuteye (my players can probably vouch for that) caught up to me and I fell asleep in the goddamn chair. But enough of that. On with the show.)(continued)
>>19229176We Prom today?
The journey so far - http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Collective+Game%2C+Nomad+Quest (How d'you like that incorrect chapter naming?)Character 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. Now, truly, you are prepared for your final fate. The dance awaits.Or rather, you await. For all the fuss that Siobhan made about getting ready in time, you're the first and only one actually at the carriage. Dressed up in your sheer black tunic, your newly prepared mantle and, of course, hanging your dao from your tiger-pelt swordholder, you've been standing at the gate for a good ten minutes. The manner in which the town was oddly quiet today made you wonder if everyone forgot that it was the Princess's birthday, but you imagine they must have been saving the jubilation for the sunset. For indeed, the bells have rung non-stop for a good half-hour, there have been parades in the lower sectors, confetti drifting from the higher sectors and bands playing everywhere. Now, amongst the dull hum of cheers, you see shots of coloured light shoot up in the sky from the Royal Palace.(continued)
>>19229446At first you panic, watching the green ball of flame ascend to the sky. However, as it lets out a popping sound and splits into a mix of blue and red lights that fizzle out against the darkening sky, you calm. It's followed by another, and another, decorating the dark blue canopy with as many lights as there are colours, one for each, and many inside them. You've never seen such a dazzling array and are entranced with a certain child-like wonder as they pop and crackle high in the air again and again."First time seeing fireworks, eh?" Guin makes his way down the garden path, turning to watch with you, the lights reflecting from his glasses. Given his state of semi-undress, his coat discarded, the top button of his shirt undone, it's rather obvious he won't be attending. "Be careful up there, won't you? I've been talking to Eames about this celebration, and it's come to my attention that they never quite explained how they knew you and the Princess would be coming here. I fear not all is pleasantries and dancing, here.">>19229235We Prom. But is there room for two (Prom) Kings?!
>>19229455"Yes... is that what they are called?""I see, that you for the warning."
>>19229455"Eh, I got a sword. Of course, I'll try to handle things with my tongue before I go whipping out my blade... That sounded rather dirty."
>>19229529"Well, it is a party, after all." He grins.>>19229477"Don't mention it. Just remember to be careful in what you say, to whom. Vanthania's known as the 'Rat's Nest' for a reason. You can't trust even the rulers. Or rather, should I say, especially the rulers."The front door of the house opens again. This time, it's Cu and Eames. They're both wearing similar outfits. White shirts, with ruffled stock neckties, and blue jackets whose tails hung low at the back. You felt all stifled and restrained just looking at them. Cu didn't look too comfortable, either. However, Eames was pulling it off rather impressively, looking particularly clean cut, his hair combed neatly and his poise impeccable."Not bad, Thol." He nods approvingly and smiles. He's looking less distracted than he seemed earlier today, at least. "So... ready to dance with the Princess?"He mentions the word 'dance' with some hesitation in his voice. He has reason to be nervous. He has seen what you can do.(Wee, router problems)
>>19229670"I'm ready to dance her socks off. Er... do people wear socks in this country?" Are we wearing socks? Are socks a thing?
>>19229670Thumbs Up to Eameswe are BORN to do this
>>19229670"Yeah, I'm ready."we're not nervous at all
>>19229739They should have called you the Chaosseeker, because none are leaving that dancefloor unrocked.>>19229748Well, you're a little nervous. You understand the importance of royalty, after all. As your father once said, a King is like the Elder of Elders. The Nomads never had autonomous rule, of course, but you got the picture. >>19229690You're not wearing socks. You're wearing cotton footwraps. Socks are too oppressive, nomad boys need to run free, after all."I think they do...," Eames responds, pondering the matter. "I should hope they do.""I'm pretty sure, but now that I think... to be honest, I spend more effort taking clothes off than paying attention to what they have on." Guin adds."Socks are for women." Cu nods sagely.A silence descends over the group, however, as the door opens. You all know who it's going to be, every man standing just a little straighter and making their chest just a tad more robust. As Siobhan's all-too-plain handmaiden, with her fat nose and lips that seem to be smooshed together by her own cheeks, steps out, you all let out an audibly disappointed sigh. She notices. She didn't ask for this. She was only sent here courtesy of the King to help the Princess of Thulstry. Hiding the pain of a lifetime's worth of rejection, she curtseys before making her way down the path and taking the one-man carriage she came in. Then she appears.(continued)
>>19229826Looking every bit as resplendant in that achingly soft white dress, her small feet laid in sandals, and the skin of her neck and collarbone shaded by the translucent silver-white of the Aridottan silk, she manages to draw the breath from each man's lungs with a single glance. Once more, her hair is tied up, held together by soft braids, whilst just a few loose spirals of red are allowed to fall over her ears. Unable to wear the wreath she had prepared, she instead has one pinned in her hair, just over her temple.As she makes her way down, Guin leans toward you."... is it too late to come to the party?" You can tell he's joking. But you can also tell some part of him wishes he wasn't.Finally, the redheaded teen stops before all of you, smiling at your gormless expressions."You look rather dapper, gentlemen. Shall we be on our way?"
>>19229839Let's do this
>>19229839Time to BECOME THE PROM KINGS
Time to DIVE KICK
>>19230029Your throne awaits. As does your Princess. [spoiler]She's twelve, you sick nomad.[/spoiler]>>19229947You manage to retrieve your collective jaws before making your way to the carriage. Guin watches, hands in his pockets, waving you off as you clamber in. You and Eames sit on one side, across from Siobhan and Cu. The carriage finally begins to make its way.This is not your usual carriage ride. One corner seems to radiate beauty and grace, the rest of you peasants sullying the light. But in reality, it's quite awkward. Cu has his eyes thoroughly diverted out the window. Eames is the opposite. He seems unable to tear himself away. Begin to feel her face come ablaze in this stifling atmosphere, the Druid looks to you, instead."Sir Thol... are you sure about bringing your sword? After all, you may scare the Princess..."
>>19229839"Yes. Lets be on our way."
>>19230158And it was thus that Priest of the 24 discovered spoilers do not work on /tg/.
>>19230158"Are you trying to take me away from my baby?" Hold the sword defensively
>>19230158"Nonsense, it's the finishing touches on my outfit! Plus, when everyone is drunk I can swing from the chandelier. 'ARR ME MATEYS, HEAVE TO AND PREPARE TO BE BOARDED!'" Then grin, and shake our head. "No, just kidding. Nomads aren't really like that."Act goofy to lighten the mood, anybody?
>>19230172they totally [spoilersdontworkontg]do not work[/spoilersdonotwork]"This Dao is very important to me.It's like part of me.you can't separate it from me"
>>19230194This one was mine but>>19230202Let's go with this one instead
>>19230158"Hey, this outfit was designed specifically to go along with my dao. Why would I not take it?"
>>19230194>>19230204Eames pats your shoulder comfortingly. Siobhan simply stares."It's alright, Thol, no-one's attempting to take you away from your sword."Proxy for your family, much?>>19230202Your jesting ways seem to fly over the party's heads. Apart from Eames, who is very clearly stifling a chuckle threatening to break through his lips. Siobhan is about to nod and graciously accept your plan, when you make it clear you're not entirely acting serious."O-oh... yes, ahaha." The confused girl smiles, quickly lowering her gaze.>>19230245Eames lifts your mantle, in a non-scandalous manner, to check out your belt."Goodness, Thol. Dressing to impress, are we?"You can see the Royal District now. Unlike yesterday, it seems to be littered with folks. The men are all dressed similarly to Cu and Eames, but appear to each have a hundred rings on each finger, a gem at the top of their neckties and feathered hats. The women wear dresses more elaborate than you've seen before, with several shawls, bodices, puffy shoulders, trains that require handmaidens following them at all times. They are all heading for the front of the palace. Already, you can hear the music from inside."I'm beginning to think we're a little underdressed, Thol...," says Eames, watching the procession down the road.
>>19230349"We're elegant in our simplicity, Eames. Any more and it would be too much.Besides, my outfit does not restrict my movements so in an unlikely case of hostilities I will be able to perform at top form."
>>19230349"Pff, yah. Whatever. You fools might be but me and Siohban are stylin'."
>>19230349"Don't worry Eames, just relax and have a good time."
>>19230409>>19230390"Hostilities...?" Siobhan casts a confused look at you. Clearly, she hasn't had the same suspicions as you and the others. Eames, however, has, and gives you a wide smile, reaching inside his jacket. He pulls out the rod of will and a few squares of paper with Summoning patterns on them."Well, we should at least be prepared, no?"Cu lets out a sigh and leans forward to reach under the padding of his seat."Well, since we're all being honest, now." He pulls out the wooden greatsword he had bought just today. "I thought it might be a little too far to bring the real thing, but if something happens, I'll be able to do some damage at least."Siobhan can only stare, her lips parted and green eyes blank."I DON'T THINK THIS IS HOW BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE, EVERYONE." The frazzled redhead tries to push Cu's sword out of sight before someone glimpses through the window. You arrive at a line of carriages. They're each waiting to approach the long red and golden strip of carpet leading inside the palace. You begin to realise that none of these fancily dressed nobles are actually heading inside the palace. Makes one wonder why they bothered to get so dressed up in the first place.
>>19230565>>"I DON'T THINK THIS IS HOW BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE, EVERYONE."I lol'dShall we escort Siobhan then? Since we be stylin' so much
>>19230565>"I DON'T THINK THIS IS HOW BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE, EVERYONE.""You should seen the birthdays at the Reach Siobhan. Fun for everyone"
"You never know, birthday parties can be a dangerous thing." What were Nomad birthday parties like anyways?
>>19230600Second this all day
"As long as you don't drink any alcohol, Siobhan, then we wont have to resort to violence"
>>19230666>>19230600Use these two
>>19230666This is great to
>>19230606>>19230600For once, you're right about the crazy Nomad traditions you keep talking about. As peaceful as your people are considered, one birthday ritual is when the center of the celebrations chooses five partners to spar with, to show what they've learnt over the years. You accidentally sliced off your childhood friend's ear during one of these bouts. She wasn't happy about it, but it was healed thanks to one of the other tribesmen who knew Restoration."I... well, actually, it's the same in Thulstry, really...">>19230666"I would never!" She exclaims as if you have mentioned something unspeakable. Then, realisation and acceptance slowly overtake her shock. This time it is shame that weighs her head down. "Hm... keep an eye on me. I feel I would be unable to reject should I be offered."Unwilling, more like. Finally, you pull up to the carpet."Alright... all of you, enter after me. Three paces between each." She looks between you all to make sure you have it clear.What part of the order do you wish to be, first, second or third? CHOOSE YOUR FATE.
>>19230729FIRST!
>>19230729We Tiger WarriorWE OPEN THE WAY
>>19230729I guess first, I dunno
>>19230729first, then offer her your arm?
>>19230755give her such a shit eating grim while doing this
>>19230741>>19230744>>19230748If you could, you would throw Siobhan off the carpet and stride ahead of them all. But you are pretty sure that shoving a Princess is frowned upon in Vanthanian society. As you take three steps behind Siobhan, you realiise that quite a lot of eyes are on you. Most are confused, some are in flat out disbelief and, looking amongst the ladies, you can see more than one fan a-flappin'. Then, as you step inside, you hear trumpets sound your arrival. Then, in a most regal voice, the herald calls above the fading chatter of the crowd."Introducing, Her Highness and Her Grace, Princess Siobhan of Thulstry, Green Lady of the Oak Table. Followed by her three guardsmen."She steps aside from the carpet, making way for you. Inside, the others marvel at you. They are mostly dressed in the same style as those outside."Thol of the Lolua Nomad Tribe."You make way for the others, attempting to take Siobhan's arm. She lowers it, however, leaning to speak into your ear instead, nodding towards the throne."I think there's another waiting for you, Sir Thol. You are her first dance, after all, it's best if you approach." You can see her gesturing towards Princess Tessa. The girl sits in the throne beside her father's. She wears a simple, but excellently embroidered dress, green with golden thread and a white skirt beneath a v-shaped opened. Her flat-soled shoes dangle lightly over the ground, as her blue eyes focus on you. When she meets your eyes, she panics and attempts to hide behind her hair. However, it's not so succesful, given that she's wearing essentially the same style as Siobhan. Her father is nowhere to be seen. Instead, Prince Regulus stands by her side."Be sure to bow low, Sir Thol. And... give a kind compliment."
>>19230897Well, let's do thisLET'S DO THIS PEOPLEAll that last thread culminated into thisWalk in her directionand bow when sufficiently close to her and the prince
>>19230942"Your Royal Highness, i must say that is an honor to be invited to such celebration, and a even bigger honor to be the first dance of, Your Highness, your beautiful sister"
Compliment the king on his party and thank him for inviting you. Obviously, compliment the Princess on her dress in the most nonthreatening / suggestive way a guy who oozes sway as ourselves can do
>>19230942The Princess pushes herself off the high throne, landing on her feet when you draw near. When you bow, you find yourself at face level with the girl. She stares at you like you are some majestic beast, her eyes wide in wonder as she looks over your attire. She manages to curtsey, teetering a little to one side as she does. When you stand up and turn to Prince Regulus, the blonde teen nods, a small smile on his lips."We are glad to host you, Nomad Thol. Please, enjoy the party and take care of my sister." He chuckles.>>19231016You don't get away with that cheapness, here, son. You gotta write your own swag.
So when exactly the dance starts?i'm not very good on the english language so please give me a break on polite talking"Your Royal Highness, Rest Assured, Your Highness, is in safe hands"
>>19231072Dance time? 'cause I think that it is time for Thol to bust out the moves of his people. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPTUpn9ait8
>>19231171Please only after the normal dance
>>19231171http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVNTPJKuVQg
>>19231072"If your royal highness allows, may i ask where your majesty, you dad is located?"
>>19231153The dance is the highlight of the night, of course, but it seems it is not the only attraction. Great rows of sweet meats, flavoured breads and exotic fruits line the sides of the hall. And of course, trays of wine are taken from place to place. A rise of raucous laughter from behind you reassures you that the King is, indeed, present, mingling somewhere amongst the crowd. So you return to Prince Regulus."I have no doubt. Father always said the people of your tribes were honourable and the friendliest peoples he had met." Despite his rigid tones and excellent annunciation, the Prince's voice belies his age. He looks to be perhaps a year or two younger than you, given his height and stature, but his voice makes it clear he is not long out of adolesence. For a moment, he looks between you and his sister."... Nomad Thol, I believe my sister is attempting to catch your attention."So she is, as you can tell by the faint movement of her lips. You lean down to hear her better."Please... tell Princess Siobhan her dress is... lovely." She nods gravely, as if she had told you to 'take care' of Siobhan. More trumpets sound as the herald announces further guests. The Ambassador of Shulong, Jao Je Xhang. Sir Amastrus of House Voxellus. Duchess Ophelia of Korres, from the Driscoll States. Sounds like a lot of important names.
>>19231279"Well then, if you excuse me then, i'll give Your Highness message to Princess Siobhan."Well, bow to the twogo meet with Siobhan and the party
>>19231279Does the princess want to meet her?
>>19231379yeah ask thischange Princess to Your Highness if necessary
>>19231379"I..." She looks to her brother unsurely. He gives her a kind smile and nods in return. When she turns back to you, she looks equal parts enthused and confused. "Yes, that would be very kind, thank you.">>19231332Regulus bows slightly as the Princess cursteys yet again before easing back into her seat. Many of those entering seem to be heading in her direction. Amongst the crowd, you see the King shaking hands and forcing goblets of wine upon unsuspecting guests. He looks no less regal without his crown, a mane of golden hair reaching beared chin and, even without his rich red cape, holds plenty of presence.You avoid him for now, returning to your group. Already, they have a goblet of wine in their hand each. Siobhan makes to hide it behind Eames's back as soon as she sees you, but realises the futility."His Majesty offered, I couldn't exactly decline." She bitterly remarks before you have a chance to admonish her. Eames looks about the room."What do you think, Thol? See anything you like?" He chuckles. Meanwhile, Cu lets out a grumpy noise, standing akwardly stiff and more upright than you've ever seen him."I don't know any of these people. Danger could come at any moment!"
>>19231436"Just talked with the princess and the prince a little Eames. Nice people""Hey Siobhan, the princess wants to meet you"
Cu should relax a little, we haven't been attacked in like 2 whole days. We should grab a wine goblet for him.
>>19231475Nope Cu need to be sober for Siobhan
>>19231475>>19231497It's not like you have a choice, he already has a goblet in hand. Whether that's a good idea or not is another matter but, hey, feel free to try take it off him. Besides, it's only his first. In the last three hours. And whatever Siobhan did earlier, he seems much more sober now.>>19231458"Is that so?" Eames casts a curious look towards the two. "Regulus is much beloved by the people, I hear. Already, he has been accepted as the next in line to be King."Then as you mention Tessa's request, Siobhan glances over too."Oh, goodness, what am I doing... Thol, you're supposed to make sure I don't drink!" She shoves the goblet into your hand before making her way towards the throne. Cu slips off to the side of the room, leaving you and Eames alone for the moment. He leans close, talking in a lower tone."You should be gentle with the Princess, however. Her mother, the Queen, passed when she was only eight years old. Apparently, she was desolate... she wouldn't attend court for two years and the King began to act erratic and lose the trust of the people. That was when Regulus became a much more public figure. Anyway, it seems Her Highness has recovered some, since then, but it's obvious she's still quite a... fragile girl. So no teasing, understand?" He gives you a look like he's telling a dog not to hump legs.
>>19231587"Ok, no problems Eames, a Tiger can lay low""So what you've been doing?"
>>19231587I'm a little offended by his constantly talking down to us."Please, Eames. A fool could see that the girl is shy. I have some common sense. Besides, I can sympathize.""Anyway, how you enjoying the party? You see anything you like?"
>>19231711He seems rather offended by your own curt reply, but soon deflates. Perhaps it was the dead parents card you just used."Well, yes, you're right. I was just letting you know, it's not your average bashful femininity or courtly modesty. I'm sure you'll do just fine." He gives a nod.>>19231646As you ask of his enjoyment of the party so far, a slight smile returns to his lips. He has been looking towards the throne the whole time, but you doubt his eyes are on the Vanthanian one."Well, I can't say I'm not enjoying it. She really is magnificent, isn't she? Still..." His expression darkens a little as he looks back to you. "I couldn't do it. I couldn't even ask her to come with me, nevermind ask her to abandon her mission and join us. I didn't want to make her suffer, make her question her faith. Am I being weak?"He takes a drink from his goblet to avoid having to look at you. But he seems rather earnest in the question.
>>19231790"Don't worry man...Look, there is always tomorrow right?"
>>19231790"Man relax, Eames, we're in the Royal Party.Relax for today, you have the entire trip to talk to her"
>>19231917Second this
>>19231790"We'll be on this trip for many more weeks, Eames. There is plenty of time to ponder and decide if it is the right course." Pat him on the back, take a swig of wine.
>>19231864"Yes, I'm sure tomorrow it will magically become easier to tell the woman I love that I believe her religious cause is dubious and downright suicidal." He replies dryly.>>19231917>>19231939He sighs, nodding quickly and gulping down more of the wine."You're right. I've been thinking about this all the time, lately. Perhaps I just need a night of recuperation. Oh... don't look now."He suddenly summons a rather honest looking smile before you feel a hand clasp on your shoulder. If you were a weaker man, you feel like the thing might've popped right out. When you turn, you find King Edgreiss, grinning down at you."Well met, Nomad!" He grasps your hand with his own, much larger, grasp. "You look splendid, I must say. And I hope you find my daughter's effort pleasing. She spent all day in her room with the handmaidens trying to make herself presentable to you." He chuckles, jabbing his elbow at your ribs."Please, your Majesty, you'll embarrass our guest." Interjects the instantly recognizable Emiel. The smooth-headed male is once again dress in loose robes, this time donning himself in a sea of navy and gold. He bows lightly upon turning to you two. "I hope you two enjoy the party. Needless to say, this is not the standard procedure of things around here and we don't tend to have so much wine on offer, so I hope you can follow the King's lead and relax. Well... don't follow the King's lead too much." He smiles as the King lets out a roar of laughter, slapping his advisor on the back. Emiel must be good, because he doesn't flinch for even a millisecond.
>>19232000"Don't worry, to be in such party is already a relaxing thing, and out of the group, me and eames aren't the biggest drinkers even if my Dao might imply that"Take a a sip of winein honour to our old teacher
>>19232046(Terribly sorry about the wait. Was making a late supper/early breakfast.)
>>19232046I like this, yessss. Do this.
>>19232046do thisi'll have to go sleep soon OPwhen you will do the next thread?
>>19232235Emiel gives a good natured smile as you gesture down to the sword at your hip."I was going to ask what kind of man brings a sword to a party but, if I remember correctly, the answer is 'a careful one'." He taps the straight sword sheathed at his own hip. The King frowns, glancing down at your weapon."Of course, I would never be allowed to wear a sword to any of our celebrations... especially not one such as threatening as that beauty. Anywho! Enjoy the party, gentlemen, I'm sure we'll speak again and, good Nomad, be sure to give my daughter one hell of a dance!"And so the King makes his way off, chortling as he does, with Emiel following. As you look over the party, you think back to your old weaponscraft teacher as you take a sip of wine.Not like you really need to honour him, though. He's still alive. Infact, you can see him right now, talking to Thilbas Hestwell, the treasurer, and some others. His trimmed beard, shaggy hair and thick sideburns may have turned from black to grey over the years, but it's easy to remember the first Eastern you've ever met. Not to mention, you'd recognise that gut anywhere.
>>19232277Well, I'm actually going to end it here for now, so good timing! Next thread will be either Saturday or Monday. If I can't make Saturday, I'll post about it and it'll definitely be Monday. Also, gonna aim to get on 2/3 hours earlier from now on. Wish to catch a few more people, if possible.
Anywho, sorry the quest has actually been shorter than usual, guys. I've been distracted all night and not writing as well/as fast. But next time I'll be on the top of my game. This next part's gonna be a big one, so if you miss it, be sure to read up.>>19232336I seriously like how this guy thinks.Anyway, thanks for stopping by and I hope y'all drop in again. Priest out.
>>19232359The post I quoted intended to get Princess Tessa drunk. YOU CAN'T HIDE THE TRUTH.
>>19232369Well we'd get drunk too, because that's how Nomads party. "In Wine, There's Truth!"
>>19232359This was great op. Too bad I had to go to sleep somewhere in the middle of the thread.Next thread we will show these hoighty-poity nobles How To Dance.
