>>Previous threads can be found at: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Sorceress%20Quest
>>Character sheet and artifact list can be found at: http://pastebin.com/Fk0iR5bN
>Fate Points: 1
>Signature spells: Summon Elemental, Control Magic, Soulfire
>Funds: Medium
>Location: Jormungandr, Venus Province

The morning light awakens you- you're lying on the deck of the Jormungandr. It seems, after your talk with Raziel, the two of you had fallen asleep. Raziel's standing on the edge of the railing, looking out toward the dawn- Just as she usually does.
"Morning." She said. "I can see the coast of Venus from here."

>Meanwhile
King Abel the third had his sword in hand, crouching down behind the tree, alongside three of his knights. He twisted his head out, and the demons crowded around one another, murmuring in a non-language.
"How is the refuge?" He asked.
"My leige, the refuge is safe.. but not for long. The demons are on their way." The knight responded.
"Damnit. How many soldiers still live?"
"Not enough. Just us."

The king of Arcturus sighed.
Then he gripped his sword tighter, and it sparked with arcane power.
"Then I suppose we'll have to buy them time, then, shouldn't we?" He asked.
"But, my leige. . ."
"If you want to go back to the refuge, do it." Abel said.
The knight shook his head.
"Then. . " the king shrugged. "We go to battle."
He stood, blade in hand, and the demons twisted their heads toward him.

That's when the flaming, violet elemental tore out of the sky.

>>19737164
Hell yes. And Vanko said that elemental was a waste.

>>19737164
Oh, we aren't a queen yet after all. Also: Daddy!

Too bad Ishelda doesn't know that.

So are we meant to control the King or are we just waiting for the next post or what?

>>19737164
Look upon the demons as if they were naught but INSECTS. Hesitate only a moment, crackling with energy, to let them realize the full, terrible gravity of their folly as they look upon our greatness. With a booming voice, "NEW ARCTURUS SENDS ITS REGARDS, HEATHENISH HELLSPAWN. RIP AND TEAR!" Then, give the seething masses their own personal hell with a colossal wave of arcane fire, and begin the slaughter.

>Back on the Jormungandr!

Captain Grimmauld came above deck, Ell on one side, and a soldier on the other.
"So, we should be at Venus province soon, captain." Ell said. "At least, if Bubbles is telling the truth. Which he usually does."
"I see." Grimmauld responded. "Then I'd better get the men awake and ready."
He nodded to you. "Lady." He said, and then went back below.

>>19737261
"You know, Sir Kristoph, I'm starting to like this Grimmauld fellow. His men can be cads, but he is clearly a man of martial honor. Like you, actually."

>>19737279
Kristoph isn't up yet, is he? There's us, Raziel, Ell and a generic soldier on the deck.

Soon enough, the rest of your companions started coming above deck, as well as a few soldiers, and breakfast got into full swing.
"You know, Sir Kristoph, I'm starting to like this Grimmauld fellow." You tell him. "His men can be cads, but he is clearly a man of martial honor. Like you, actually." You say.
"Indeed." Kristoph said. "Hopefully Venus will listen to him, rather than dismissing what he says out of hand." He adjusted his armor. . and you notice a blue cloth wrapped around his upper arm. Marigold notices too, and then grins.

>>19737311
Raise an eyebrow with a smile and look at him, when he asks what, "Nothing. Just wondering if I should modify my armour in some way..."

rolled 63 = 63

>>19737311
"but until then we should make ready "

"ell do the canons have a non-lethal setting? something we can repel guards with without killing them? I don't trust lord venus to let the hobgoblins go without a fight..."

(timeskip til the landing using the time to polish armor and clean the leather on graysons saddle.)

>>19737311
'Oh, please. Venus will surely listen. Grimmauld is obviously one of his best soldiers, and the High Lord is clearly another man of martial honor at heart. One at his limit; I wouldn't be so forgiving of the Hob if I did not know what I know, yet had seen them in combat. They really are terrors. They had to be to fight the demons."

rolled 48 = 48

>>19737164
I do hope you'll occasionally give us such glimpses from time to time...I'd love to see what havoc our glorious minion wreaks...

>>19737396
>"ell do the canons have a non-lethal setting? something we can repel guards with without killing them? I don't trust lord venus to let the hobgoblins go without a fight..."
Whenever you go into a new situation, you must always believe the best until you find out exactly what the situation's all about. Then, believe the worst.

"Oh, please. Venus will surely listen." You say. "Grimmauld is obviously one of his best soldiers, and the High Lord is clearly another man of martial honor at heart."
You raise an eyebrow and smile at him, with a meaningful look at the cloth.
He notices, but just winks. He almost seemed. . smug.

Breakfast was soon finished, and you spent the last bit of time you had polishing your armor, and the leather on Grayson's saddle- which he had outgrown, so you had to adjust the straps quite a bit. Finally, you arrived in Venus City, and just in the courtyard, you set down.

"And you've returned so quickly?" High Lord Venus said, stepping out of the double doors that served as the entrance to the citadel.
"High lord!" Grimmauld said, saluting. "Captain Grimmauld, reporting. Me and my men still live."
The high lord blinked, and for a moment, was speechless. Grimmauld climbed down the gangplank, and ... hugged the high lord. Huh. That's rather strange.

>>19737470
"So, about trusting Hobgoblins..."

>>19737470
Did I end up with more nobility on my ship without even realizing it again? That keeps on happening.

It's lovely to see you again High Lord Venus, I trust you believe what I said about the Hobgoblins now.

>>19737470
Oh my. Grimmauld must be the High Lord's son.

"Does this satisfy your understandable skepticism, High Lord? I do hope so, and that we can begin to walk the path towards lasting peace."

I was reading through last night's post-thread chatter this morning and Exabyte mentioned Gehenna taking Eidolon's blood from the past to resurrect him with. I looked through the archive and as far as I can see it was never mentioned again after we saw the memory. We should probably teleport that to us before any of Eidolon's other agents find it. I guess it's still with the kobolds or they left it in the tower?
We could even use it. If we reanimate him then nobody else can, right? Problem solved once and for all. We don't have a crew any more so he can do all the deck-scrubbing and dish-washing and stuff like that.

"Did I end up with more nobility on my ship without even realizing it again? That keeps on happening."
"He isn't nobility." One of the soldiers said. "He's adopted. There's a difference."
The soldier chuckled, and then he and the rest of the freed slaves climbed out of the Jormungandr.

"It's lovely to see you again, High Lord Venus." You say. "I trust you believe what I said about the hobgoblins now."
". . .I do." The high lord said, and turned to some of the guards. "Set the couriers free. Give them back their belongings, and tell them I'll meet them in my halls. I've got a war to end."
He turned around, and with Grimmauld at his side, went back into the citadel.
"Psht. Didn't even say thank you." Kristoph said. "Still don't like him."

>>19737563
"And he still thinks it was war between them. Oh well, some things are better left in the dark, I suppose, I don't think he could handle the truth."

rolled 80 = 80

>>19737563
neither do I, and I'm not even sure a meeting over tea would change that...

>>19737563
"Evidently, he has two general moods; stubborn and fiery-hearted, and comedically stoic yet befuddled. It was unsaid, but certainly implied."

>>19737563
No one said you had to like him, he's not that bad a guy and he just makes you look better in comparison Kristoph.

Now it looks like I have some diplomacy to oversee, would you care to come along you and Grayson can stand behind me and look scary while I look regal.

"Neither do I, and I'm not even sure a meeting over tea would change that..." You say, then shrug. "Evidently, he has two general moods; stubborn and fiery-hearted, and comedically stoic yet befuddled. It was unsaid, but certainly implied."
"Eh, I'm sure we can trust him not to screw anything up- at least while Grimmauld is with him." Kristoph said. "Last night, Raziel was talking about getting some kind of book. Were we planning to go there to get it?"
". . What happened last night with Raziel, now?" Marigold asked, with a sly, knowing grin.
Kristoph started spluttering.

>>19737706
"That's between him and her, Mar. Really, what happens in our room isn't anyone's business either."

rolled 51 = 51

>>19737706
I want to see how our elemental is doing in our world rolling for that and making him spawn next elementals upon killing demons

>>19737706
Don't bother trying to hide it. Marigold always finds out in the end.

>>19737706
Now Marigold, it's not polite to pry. I'm sure Kristoph's intentions are purely honorable.

You are being perfectly honorable and gentlemanly right Kristoph?

>>19737751
>"That's between him and her, Mar. Really, what happens in our room isn't anyone's business either."

TEAPARTIES. WE HAVE TEAPARTIES IN OUR ROOM. NOTHING MORE. STOP THY IMPLYING OF IMPLICATIONS, BEING OF CHAOS.

>>19737751
seconding this, Ishelda is too innocent to get the implications of saying such anyway...
>or is she?

>>19737810
She lives with Marigold. What do you think?

>Actually, other than sleeping in the same bed once or twice, you two have different quarters and cabins.

"That's between him and her, Mar." You say. "It's not polite to pry. I'm sure Kristoph's intentions are purely honorable."
"Mine may be, but. . ." Kristoph said, trailing off, and then he slipped his helmet on.
"But?" Marigold asked.
Kristoph turned around, suddenly very interested in Venus City.
"Can't say I'll miss the soldiers." Ell said. "I got a bit tired of disparaging remarks about not being very strong." He said.
"They were interesting." Nahzit said. "Are all humans like that?"

File: 1341431869007.jpg-(78 KB, 600x774, hmph.jpg)

>>19737863
Awwwww you're no fun Exa

>>19737863
"Kristoph, Marigold and I are humans, so I surely hope we aren't!"

>>19737863
Humans are a pretty diverse people, what is true of one is often not true of another. We have some traits in common, but I wouldn't say all of us are like those soldiers.

>>19737863
"No. But they're probably a good gauge for the men of Venus."

"Humans are a pretty diverse people." You say. "What is true of one is not true of another. We have some traits in common, but I wouldn't say all of us are like those soldiers."
"I see." Nahzit said.
"They're likely a good gauge for the men of Venus Province, however." You add.
"Of course, those were only soldiers. There are also tradesmen, crafters, merchants, nobles, farmers. . ." Marigold said. "Everyone does what fits their personalities."
"That's actually rather interesting." Nahzit said. "I may spend some time in human lands, once my job here is done."

>>19737982
"The way you're talking makes me feel like Lizardfolk with individuality or personality is an aberration, Nahzit. It's actually scaring me a bit."

>>19737982
That's wonderful. When you do that make sure to keep in contact with me and not to be afraid to ask for my help if you need it.

"That's wonderful." You say. "When you do that make sure to keep in contact with me and not to be afraid to ask for my help if you need it."
"I will remember that." Nahzit said.
"The way you're talking makes me feel like Lizardfolk with individuality or personality is an aberration, Nahzit." You say. "It's actually scaring me a bit."
"It's not that we don't have indivuality or personalities, we're simply. . encouraged not to show them around the Mothers. In our own camps, we can carouse and be ourselves, but it's too much of a dishonor to do something without being ordered, near a Mother."

>>19738065
"But that's downright nonsensical. Showing respect to your leaders is one thing. Acting like spineless, servile pawns is another. How haven't the male Lizardfolk revolted en masse against the more tyrannical of the mothers if that's how you have to act to avoid getting executed for 'dishonor?'"

>>19738065
That seems remarkably inefficient, though I guess the fact that you don't do that is why you were told to come with me.

"But that's downright nonsensical. Showing respect to your leaders is one thing. Acting like spineless, servile pawns is another. How haven't the male Lizardfolk revolted en masse against the more tyrannical of the mothers if that's how you have to act to avoid getting executed for 'dishonor?'"
"Executed?" He asked. "Why would we be executed? It's just that they're wiser than us, stronger than us, and more long lived than we are. It's simply foolish to act as if we were equals- we're not. If we all focus on our own ideas and initiative, it weakens our kind. Instead, we leave it to the Mothers. It keeps us united."

But surely a male lizardman gets a good idea occasionally. Still I admit I don't know enough about your people.

>>19738163
"Maybe so. But some of the Mothers are hardly worthy of their titles or powers. How wise can they be if they seek to sire war against the elves in some doomed landgrab? Sometimes, it seems like it's more tradition itself that drives the Mothers rather than the wisdom behind the traditions."

>>19738163
"My apologies for making an assumption."

"My apologies for making an assumption. but surely, a male lizardman gets a good idea occasionally." You say. "Still, I admit I don't know enough about your people."
"When we get a good idea, we tell it to the other males." Nahzit says. "And we, as a camp, decide if the idea is good enough to bring to the mothers."
"Maybe so. But some of the Mothers are hardly worthy of their titles or powers. How wise can they be if they seek to sire war against the elves in some doomed landgrab?"
"It is not my place to say. . . but Kalach seems to be. . enamored of the past, when we were an empire that spanned the continent." Nahzit said. "She simply seeks the most direct way to return us to our former glory. There is a reason I follow Vithriel."

>>19738253
Well I like Vithriel as well, the fact that she recommended you and your siblings based on your independence and initiative really sets her apart.

We should probably join the hearings in the hall, make sure that the Hobgoblins and Lord Venus can come to an understanding.

>>19738253
"Well. Hopefully, Vithriel will be able to stop her- politically, not militarily- and we'll be able to restore some of the Lizardfolk's old glory with a good chunk of the cleansed Warped Lands. What's your opinion of the Old Empire? I admit I know little of it, save that its rule was harsh enough at one point or another on men and fey that they revolted. Other than that, nothing."

"Ah so you can choose whom you follow?" "What happens if nobody wants to follow a certain Mother?"

"Ah, so you can choose whom you follow?" You ask.
"Indeed. The most reasonable mothers usually end up with the most followers, and the largest camps, and end up with the most political power. We are not slaves." He said. "And the worst mothers usually end up with nobody but her own children."
"What happens if nobody wants to follow a certain mother?"
"Then she is not a Mother, but merely a female." He said.
"Well. Hopefully, Vithriel will be able to stop her- politically, not militarily- and we'll be able to restore some of the Lizardfolk's old glory with a good chunk of the cleansed Warped Lands. What's your opinion of the Old Empire?" You ask. "I admit I know little of it, save that its rule was harsh enough at one point or another on men and fey that they revolted. Other than that, nothing."
"The old empire was large, and we had temples and roads built throughout the entire empire. . but that is all I know. Much has been lost to history. And. . I believe she will be able to gain the upper hand over the other Mothers."
He dug his toes into the dirt, somewhat meekly.
"I informed Vithriel of the hobgoblin couriers sent to our land." He said. "So she could catch them en route and take the message, and thus be seen as directly responsible for the slaves returning."

>>19738365
"That's nice. I hope everything goes well. Speaking of couriers, would you like to join the meeting, and make sure Venus doesn't accidentally kill everyone?"

>>19738365
Well done, it's wonderful to see my friends get ahead in the world.

If I keep this up most of the major leaders in the world will be unable to go to war as I would be friends with them and friends with whoever they were going to attack and they wouldn't want to make me sad.

Now for the meeting here, would you like to come along?

"Well done." You say. "It's wonderful to see my friends get ahead in the world. If I keep this up, most of the major leaders in the world will be unable to go to war, as I would be friends with them, and friends with whoever they were going to attack.. and they wouldn't want to make me sad." You say.
"Very reasonable." He said. "I almost think that peace would be greater than an empire."

Your ring vibrated.
<It's Kyvann, borrowing Kiyara's ring. You need to get to elven lands. There's . . someone asking for Azariel. Something.>

>>19738365
"That was quite the initiative, Nahzit. Though I would have liked to have been informed sooner. Thank you. It's not entirely dishonest; it was with your help and by extension Vithriel's that I managed to get this far. Were it not for Vithriel and you I may not have even been aware of the needs of the Lizardfolk."

>>19738386
>>19738394
>Taking a lizardman to a meeting with a highly conservative human
This will either go swimmingly as we explain that he's from one of the more progressive schools of thought and is trying to merely seek political allies to help peaceably rebuild, or terribly because FUCKING LIIZZARDS.

>>19738438
<What? I'm afraid I'm a bit busy with a peace conference with the High Lord Venus. Who or what is asking for Azariel and why?>

>>19738438
Tell them to go to a dark place and say his name.

I wonder if it couldn't be Tyr. Look slike we might have to make a side trip before getting that book.

<What? I'm afraid I'm a bit busy with a peace conference with the High Lord Venus. Who or what is asking for Azariel and why?>
<A giant. . thing. Made out of stone. It calls itself a dwarf, and says it has a message for Azariel, From a man named Tyr. Do you know how to get a hold of him?>

>>19738484
Yes I do know how to get a hold of him. Ask if he can pass the message on to me and I'll get it to him.

>>19738472
Oh nononononono, we shouldn't let that stuff out to just about anyone.
>>19738438
<Oh. Tyr. Ask if it can give it to me to deliver to Az, if not, try telling it that Ishelda is in the Game.>

>>19738516
in the game. If that doesn't work either, tell it that I shall come there as soon as I can.>

<Yes, I do know how to get a hold of him. ask if he can pass the message on to me, and I'll get it to him.>
<Okay, one moment.> Kyvann said. <Also, the vote went through- You're the queen of New Arcturus.>
There was nothing but silence for a few moments, and then he came back.
<This is the message, word for word- 'Dear Azariel, Dear Eidolon. You know as well as I that we're back to playing the game. But in the interests of evening the playing field, I have this warning to give you. The Wanderer is immortal. I don't know how, but he does not die. It was not an illusion- I'm certain of that, and it was not an artifact. Sincerely, Tyr Ironhand.'>

>>19738516
But we're not playing their stupid game.

>>19738541
Yes we are, we started playing it the moment we butted heads with Eidolan. Their game is basically over the fate of this world and possible more.

>>19738516
>>19738532
We have repeatedly regarded the Game as a bunch of stupid horseshit brought about by bored, powerful fuckheads with nothing to do. We are not playing the Game, we're ending it.

>>19738539
<Give Tyr my sincerest regards and that I will pass the message onto Azariel as soon as possible. That's good information to have; I have to figure out a way to rectify the Wanderer's troublesome antics, and him not being able to die pokes a hole in a whole lot of prospective plans. And, ah, tell the dwarf to tell Tyr as sincerely as possible that he can shove his damned Game up his arse! Thank you.>

>>19738539
Tell him Azariel's lost the game.

>>19738539
<Can you ask if it can deliver a message back to Tyr? Tell it to tell Tyr, word for word, "Tyr, on the same interest as the message to Azariel, which I will deliver as soon as I can, I will tell you this. Wanderer has a Mask. It is part of him, his Face, he calls it, and it can not be destroyed as long as he lives, and he can not die as long as it exists. He searches for it. And Eidolon is no longer a participant of the game. Ishelda.">

>>19738580
Eidolon's still a participant as soon as he comes back to life again.

>>19738539
"Please tell him that both Eidolon and Azariel have died and therefore lost the game as far as I know."

>>19738597
I hope you are not confusing Eidolon and Azariel. Or do you know something about Eidolon that i am not currently aware of?

>>19738606
Eidolon didn't give up last time he died, and probably had more than two minions with one rubbish plan as a backup.

>>19738606
Theorethically both of them could come back. However Eidolon lost all his (known) followers and Azariel does not want to come back (or at least says so).

<Give Tyr my sincerest regards and that I will pass the message onto Azariel as soon as possible. That's good information to have; I have to figure out a way to rectify the Wanderer's troublesome antics, and him not being able to die pokes a hole in a whole lot of prospective plans. And, ah, tell the dwarf to tell Tyr as sincerely as possible that he can shove his damned Game up his arse! Thank you.> You say.

<. . The dwarf responded with an 'ach, bloody elves' and now he's storming back to his ship.> Kyvann said. <I think he considers his message delivered.>

>>19738653
<His ship, hm? Air I assume?>

<His ship, hm? Air, I assume?>
<No, it's some kind of ceramic, with strange gears on the outside. And it floats in the water. Well. . it doesn't really float. It just sinks. But it's water based. And. . .there he goes.>

>>19738698
Well isn't that interesting, I'll have to have tea with a Dwarf sometime. Thank you for passing it on.

So I'm officially recognized as Queen by the elves now, that's lovely. How are things going with you and Kiyara back home?

>>19738698
Dwarves in submarines? Neat.

<So, I'm officially recognized as queen by the elves now, that's lovely.> You say, <How are things going with you and Kiyara back home?>
<Well, I'm busy corralling the councilors, and Kiyara is working on her Sparrow some more. Not much has changed for us. Anyway, I'm rather busy- I hope I can trust you to deliver the message for me.> He said, and then cut off the connection.

"Lady, are you okay? You were simply talking, and then. . ." Nahzit said, shaking your shoulder.

>>19738775
"Yes, sorry, got a message through the ring."
Did we give the lizards rings? Do they have fingers?

>>19738775
"Oh! Terribly sorry, Nahzit." Flash the ring at him. "Kyvann had urgent business with me over the ring, I had to answer and deal with it. Now, let's get to that negotiating table, hm? I'll leave it to you if you want to come with or not; I'm not certain Venus would be appreciative of your presence. He's more than a tad conservative about nonhumans."

>>19738775
Oh dreadfully sorry for doing this in the middle of a conversation. I received a call from the Kyvann who asked said a dwarf had a message to pass on to Azariel.

Have I forgotten to give you a ring, it lets me stay in contact with people and have messages send quietly between them.

>>19738798
>Yes, he has a ring. That's actually how he told Vithriel what was going on. And yes, they have fingers.

"Oh! terribly sorry, Nahzit." You say, raising your hand and showing him the wooden ring you wear. "Kyvann had urgent business with me- I had to answer and deal with it."
"I see." He said, and chuckled.
"Now, let's get to that negotiating table, hm? I'll leave it to you if you want to come with or not; I'm not certain Venus would be appreciative of your presence; He's more than a tad conservative about non-humans."
"I may as well come." Nahzit said.

A few minutes later, you, Grayson, Kristoph, and Nahzit step into the high lord's hall, the bear grinning menacingly at everyone- His teeth are very large, and despite the hat, he's still... rather unsettling.

"Yes?" The High Lord asks, sitting at the table. "I am in the middle of negotiations, you see."
And you do see- The three hobgoblin couriers are sitting at their own end of the table, looking much healthier and happier than they had been in the stockades.

>>19738861
Idly pet Grayson and scratch behind his ears.

Don't mind me, I am simply keeping an eye on the proceedings and making sure that the peace I brought about remains stable and healthy.

>>19738861
"After trying to shoot us from the sky for talking, I hope it is alright for me to watch the negotiations."

>>19738861
"I apologize for my lateness, High Lord Venus, I had other business that delayed me. I'm merely here to oversee the negotiations and possibly take part, if necessary. It seems you have everything under control, though, so please, don't mind me."

"Don't mind me; I am simply keeping an eye on the proceedings and making sure the peace I brought about remains stable." You say.
"It's fine, we were almost done anyway." Grimmauld said. "In the interests of making certain we all know," He said, with a glance to you, "What sorts of reparations you're giving us, let's re-state what we've already agreed."
"We are giving the humans the isle of man, and the two smaller, unnamed islands near it." One of the couriers said. "We are returning all captured humans to their rightful homes, or giving them the choice to stay where they are. And finally. . ."
"Finally, the names of all captured beings- men, elves, and lizardmen, will be engraved into the wall." A second courier said. "It will stand as a monument for all time."

"And the war will be over." High Lord Venus said. The third courier nodded.

>>19739003
Smile and nod, "That sounds great."

>>19739003
"Excellent. It's beautiful, don't you agree, High Lord? The Hobgoblins will no longer have to kidnap people to work the fields and industry to support the war against devilkind and the people of the south will no longer have to fear kidnapping. I'm honestly a little surprised I managed to bring this about so quickly."

"Excellent. It's beautiful, don't you agree, High Lord?" You say. "The Hobgoblins will no longer have to kidnap people to work the fields and industry to support the war against devilkind and the people of the south will no longer have to fear kidnapping."
"I can't say I'm happy about it." He said. "But I'll do what's best for my people. We have an accord, couriers. Go and tell your. . leaders or whatever."
". . We don't have leaders." One of the couriers say. "We had warchiefs, but since there's no war. . "
"So, what, you just decided to do this all on your own?"
"Of course. We all agreed."
"Fine, go and tell your peers, then." Venus said, and grumbled.

>>19739108
What a novel system of governing.

Now cheer up High Lord Venus, this ought to be an occasion of joy not grumbling. How about some tea and biscuits.

>>19739129
I'll second this, minus the 'novel system of governing' bit. That's just disrespectful.

"Now, cheer up, High Lord." You say, as the three couriers leave the hall. "This ought to be an occasion of joy, not grumbling."
He fixed his eyes on you. "Fair enough. It just leaves a bad taste in my mouth. After losing so many people to them..."
"Calm down, Venus." Grimmauld said. "We're getting more land, and the hobgoblins are formally apologizing. I think this is probably the best thing that could have happened."
"You've got a good point." High Lord Venus said. "So, now what? You want to talk to me about Sirius' inane coalition?"

>>19739256
"Inane coalition? Well, why not. What do you think of it?"

>>19739256
Well I suppose we may as well. I just dealt with the Hobgoblin problem, I'm fixing the warped lands and the mutants that come from them and I have some plans for dealing with Sirius's troll issues.

Given how long they have been at conflict with something else I want to make sure that the transition period goes smoothly and results in a lasting peace between everyone.

I'm sure you've already heard my plans to turn the warped lands into New Arcturus where everyone can live together peacefully.

What are your thoughts on it?

>>19739304
Uhh, do you know what the word 'inane' means?

rolled 78 = 78

As Vanko said our elemental cant do shit we should upgrade it so it can creare more elementals or something and he will probally horribly mutate rest of humans left in our world

>>19739256
"It's not Sirius's, though he's a major supporter, it's mine. And I didn't know you were interested, let alone aware. If you are, then, yes, we could talk about the coalition. The entire idea is a combination of mutual expansion, rekindling of diplomatic talks and trade between the West and the East, and the extension of one colossal olive branch between states and empires. At the moment, plans are to divvy up the magically cleansed Warped Lands between men, orcs, fey, kalak, lizardfolk and possibly hob, though they may not need much since I plan to similarly clean their mainland. There will be some neutral lands under my control that will be left undivvied for the time being. I've also got related plans in the works to end the threat of wild trolls by way of systematically controlling and awakening them with a troll of my own, Kell, possibly later putting them to work, and of course to get rid of the mutants."

>>19739311
in·ane
Silly; stupid

>>19739371
in·anus
Very pleasurable.

>>19739357
>I've also got related plans in the works to end the threat of wild trolls by way of systematically controlling and awakening them with a troll of my own, Kell, possibly later putting them to work, and of course to get rid of the mutants.
No need to spoil all the fun.

"Inane coalition? Well, why not. What do you think of it?"
"I just said it's inane. I think it's worthless, no matter how much Sirius says it'll solve all of our problems." He said. "There's a reason we split into provinces. One for food, one for steel, one for protection, one for war, and one for lumber. That's how it worked, and it's worked for the past five hundred years. There's no reason to change anything."
"It's not Sirius's, though he's a major supporter." you say. "It's mine. The entire idea is a combination of mutual expansion, rekindling of diplomatic talks, and trade between the east and the west. At the moment, plans are to divvy up the magically cleansed warped lands between men, orcs, fey, kalak, lizardfolk, and possibly hob, though they may not need much since I plan to similarly clean their mainland. There will be some neutral lands under my control that will be left undivvied for the time being."
"The way he was talking about it, he only focused on the provinces. How will this effect me and mine?" He asked.

>>19739426
That's exactly it. You won't benefit at all if there isn't a coalition to increase trade between the provinces.

>>19739426
"Simple. You'll get a child state to administrate and benefit from. A second, smaller Venus Province. In addition to the benefits of trade of goods and ideas through the coalition lands, since the astral fire will no longer block easy trade routes. Everyone stands to benefit, High Lord."

>>19739426
"New trade opportunities with the Orcs and Elves primarily, and new land to expand into, should you desire it. Given your personal opinions, I could attempt to ensure the only borders you share are with other humans.
Or if you really wish to, you can simply reject all of that and stay the way that you are. But I wouldn't advise that, your province would be left in the proverbial dust."

"Simple. You'll get a child state to administrate and benefit from." You say. "A second, smaller Venus Province. In addition to the benefits of trade of goods and ideas through the coalition lands, since the astral fire will no longer block easy trade routes. Everyone stands to benefit, High Lord."
". . My first instinct is to be reluctant." He said. "But if you can cleanse the wastelands, be my guest. I won't put any of my people to work for you, and I won't give you any support, but I'm not going to argue with it. Do what you want."

>>19739553
"It might take some time, but my method is tested and sound."

>>19739553
That is acceptable, I'll invite you to visit once I've cleansed it.

I think you'll end up liking the opportunities this brings.

"That is acceptable. It might take some time, but my method is tested and sound."
"I don't doubt it involves magic." He said, frowning, then stood. "Never was a fan of that kind of thing. Well, I've got to go make an announcement. Draft letters, and probably supply some taverns with extra ale- The soldiers will be off duty today. Good day, girl."
He walked away from the table, just leaving you, your companions, and Grimmauld.

rolled 19 = 19

>>19739553
so I have your word on it that should I be successful you will bear with the other powers involved and move peacefully?


excellent.

>>19739708
>I'm a Queen and I'm going to graciously give you some of my lands
>K I guess I'll take them, now I'm busy bye little girl
Fucking douchenozzle.

rolled 1 = 1

>>19739708
so master grimmauld...I have an offer for you...I could go on about my reasons first, but here it is.

would you like to travel with my merry band?
I promise you there will be no end of fun!

>>19739708
Grimmauld, lovely to see you, I hope you enjoyed your time on my ship.

I have a favor to ask of you, your father seems somewhat set in his ways and there may be things in the future that he objects to or people he has trouble negotiating with, could I ask you to keep an eye on him and to smooth these things over.

>>19739708
We probably shouldn't have just offered land straight up, hey nazit. Of well, at least he won't bother us for some time.

>>19739708
"I think that went swimmingly. He might even come around fully to the idea! I'd hate to see him and his people lose out on this opportunity. I think he's paranoid that I'll have some great deal of power over New Arcturus, if that 'put my people to work for you' remark is anything to go by, though."

>>19739759
He's just reunited with his father after however many years and you want to immediately take him away again?
I think it will do Venus good to have somebody sane in his court who he might listen to occasionally.

>>19739759
Change that to invite anyone he would recommend.

>>19739797
I agree with this.

>>19739794
I'll note he is utterly right to think that we'll have a great deal of power over New Arcturus. We're going to be ruling New Arcturus, it's our new kingdom. We aren't going to abuse our authority, but it is ours.

rolled 73 = 73

>>19739797
I see what you mean

>>19739802
and I like this, but it seems to me that we'll end up with (random NPC swordsman/pikeman/halberdier/ etc... )

"Grimmauld, lovely to see you. I hope you enjoyed your time on my ship."
"That I did, your highness, that I did." He said.
"I have a favor to ask of you."
"Oh? And what would that be?"
"Your father seems somewhat set in his ways, and there may be things in the future that he objects to, or people he has trouble negotiating with. Could I ask you to keep an eye on him and to smooth these things over?"
"Heh. That's what I've been doing my entire life." He said. "At least until I became a soldier."
"Right, right, right..." The high lord said, swooping back into the room. "Grimmauld, come with me. There's a few things I need to tell you."
"Uh. . okay?" Grimmauld said, getting up and following his father. "It was pleasant to meet you, Queen Ishelda."

>>19739872
Take care Grimmauld. We should probably give him a ring so he can let us know if there's we should hear about happening in Venus.

rolled 94 = 94

>>19739872
and you as well.

to the ship!
stop and resupply then take off for the crescent island.

>>19739872
And you, lord grimmwald.

"Take care, Captain Grimmauld." You say. He bows, and follows his father back out of the room.
Just as the doors close, you hear Venus say something.
"Kid, you're going to be the new high lord."
Judging by the knowing look Grayson gave you, he heard it as well. But you doubt that Kristoph, with his helmet on, and Nahzit, with his lack of proper ears, could have heard those last few words.

The four of you spend some time in the marketplace, resupplying, and then you make it back to the Jormungandr in one piece. You reattune the compass to Crescent island; It's time to get that book back.

"What are we heading back there for?" Ell asked.

>>19739947
"A book."

>>19739947
A book I'm interested in got hidden there.

Is there anywhere that you want to visit?

>>19739947
"We need to get the Book of Lineage. We have to keep it out of the wrong hands and it might be useful to us. Then, it's off to inform the Venerable King and Queen of everything that's happened while we've been away, as we've been trying for... How long now? How many times have we been detoured?"

>>19739947
I don't know, couldn't we just teleport the book here? It's a small item and there's nothing else to do on the island.

>>19739980
It's not a detour if its adventure!

Seconded.

"We need to get the book of lineage." You say. "We have to keep it out of the wrong hands.. and it might be useful to us. Then, it's off to inform the Venerable King and Queen of everything that's happened while we've been away, as we've been trying for... how long now? How many times have we been detoured?"
"Around two weeks, I'd guess." Marigold said. "Speaking of time. ."
She held up a fresh, orange leaf.
"The first leaf of autumn has fallen. Happy birthday!" She said.

>>19740014
>Happy birthday.
Think about Arcturus in a melancholy manner. No tears, just a half-hearted smile.

Then cut back to the Astral Fire elemental's birthday party. The one where he slaughters oodles of demons.

rolled 77 = 77

Thank you Marigold.

Since this probably reminds us of home lets see how our vengeance is going and look through our Elementals eyes. Rolling for success and to give it more power.

"Thank you." You say, giving her a half-hearted smile. You instantly start thinking about Arcturus, and the many, many festivals you remember- the festivals and tourneys that would normally start this day. . .

But perhaps, you can experience the most satisfying tourney.. with scrying. You close your eyes, and scry for your elemental.


The sky is dark, there- it must be nighttime, and there are many, many piles of ash on the ground- demons, your elemental explains. You're in some kind of forest, and you see a figure in the distance. . with a glimmering golden blade. Your father's. For the time being, you find yourself in control of the elemental.

>>19740082
Get close enough to confirm identity, but not so close as to do him harm by radiation.

>>19740082
Approacheth figureth

>>19740082
He's going to flip the fuck out when a terrifying elemental throws it's arms in the air and screams "Daddy!"

>>19740082
He's alive. How is he alive. That's not possible. HE'S ALIVE.

Just stare, slack-jawed. Then wave groggily, and say "Hello, father" through our elemental if possible.

rolled 39 = 39

>>19740082
look around once...

any demons? BURN THEM.
if not then stroll up to the figure "I recognize that sword."

>>19740014
Must be a dream, for he is dead. Approach and see if the elemental can speak. "Father?"

rolled 84 = 84

>>19740135
damn roll...

I'm getting into bad habits here...Re-Rolling

You instantly urge the elemental to get closer to the figure. They're.. not a demon, you can tell that from here. And your father's blade. . it couldn't be. . .
"Father?" The elemental warbles.
Then they turn around.

A long, black, swirling cloak writhes around their figure. Tall. . statuesque. . . It's not your father. It's a woman.
She's wearing a bracer. It looks exactly like Bubbles. . but covered in rust.
Before you can catch sight of her face, she slams her palm into your elemental's forehead.

You literally get shoved out of the Seering, and fall onto your backside, your armor clanking loudly.
"Ishelda, are you alright?" Marigold asks.

>>19740151
That bitch killed our dad!

>>19740151
MOTHERFUCKING

VOID QUEEN

rolled 79 = 79

>>19740151
"how rude."

does/did ishelda have any sisters?

give the seeing another try.
step back from the figure.
"lets try this again; if this is a paradox say so."

rolled 68 = 68

>>19740169
AWW SHIT
SHE DEAD NOW!
Rolling to teleport to our homeworld.

rolled 83 = 83

>>19740183
no, just to see though the eyes of our making.

going there alone would be bad...

You close your eyes, and try the seering again. Close your eyes. . focus on the elemental.. . and let the magic show you what you need to see. . .

Nothing. Nothing but fog. Either your will isn't strong enough to bridge the gap between worlds... Or the elemental is dead.
You're not sure how you feel about that. You're sure, that at that last moment, you saw your mother. . .
But that can't be. She's dead, isn't she?

Isn't she?
"Ishelda?" Marigold asked. "Please answer me."

>>19740169
Damn you exabyte!

>>19740234
Can't be mother mother died before exile.
"I... someone has my father's sword. And.... Bubbles?"

>>19740234
I was looking through the eyes of my elemental back home. There are people there and I saw someone with my fathers sword, it looked like my mother.

rolled 12 = 12

>>19740253
the woman might be us...have you concidered that?

we won't be a 13 year old for ever guys...

>>19740296
It's obviously Void Queen.

rolled 58 = 58

>>19740299
that does not bear thinking on.

>>19740296
>You're 14 now, technically.

"I... someone has my father's sword." You say. "And... Bubbles, it looked like."
You shake your head.
"I was looking through the eyes of an elemental back home. There was.. someone there, with my father's sword. It looked like my mother.. but it can't be her. She died when I was born."
"Unless..." Marigold says. "She came back."

>>19740331
More importantly, people are still alive in their old world it seems.

>>19740331
Oh god dammit Exa
"But... how? No... but... she had father's sword and... destroyed my elemental..."

>>19740331
Conspiricy time here guys, what if Ishelda's mother reincarnated herself as her child, and that's why we have this silly amount of power?

> WIVES fininea
>Captcha agrees, she's dead now.

>>19740381
What if Eidolon was the real father and this is all part of his plan?

What if Eidolon and Wanderer are the same person in different points of time?

What if Grayson is a spy for VQ?

If you're gonna go conspiracy, you might as well go full retard with it.

rolled 17 = 17

>>19740331
"I...I don't know what to think right now..."

lets take it off our minds with some sparring, perhaps nahzit can show us the rudiments of Running' as he calls it...or we can try out a pole arm for some practice...

roll in the post is to create from nothing an appropriate pole arm...

File: 1341444912427.gif-(2.89 MB, 177x117, 1338010698786.gif)

>All dese gnarled plotlines
>All dese possibilities
>All dis meta
I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON ANYMORE WITH ALL THESE SIDEPLOTS

WHEN ARE WE GOING TO GET SOME DAMNED EXPOSITION, EXABYTE? CALL AZARIEL. HE NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT TYR'S BULLSHIT AND WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE WANDERER.

rolled 79 = 79

>>19740433
dammit my luck is less reliable than normal today...

that roll should have been higher...

rolled 98 = 98

>>19740433
I support this idea, if not the roll.

>>19740473
>captcha:success longreem
Well then..

>>19740445
>You have no idea how tempted I am to go 'END OF SORCERESS QUEST' right now.
>But actually, there are only three major sideplots I can think of. tentatively titled The Void Queen, The Game, and The Coalition. Most recent events are related to one of these three.

"But- how? No- but- she had father's sword and... destroyed my elemental..." You say, spluttering and confused for a few moments. "I- I don't know what to think right now." You say, shaking your head.
"Raziel." You say. "Tonight, we're summoning Azariel. I need to talk to him."
"You've got it. And until then?"
"I train."

Kristoph drew his blade, and started teaching you on your form- making sure to keep your stance just right. He starts to teach you that disarming manuvuer he used during the duel, but after a few tries, he claims that you need more training first. For a few hours after that, you repeatedly your bones broken, limbs kicked in, and you're sure you got at least a single concussion from training with Redglare.
Panting, Marigold heals you up for the final time, as you bite your lip- you're trembling and pale- the bloodloss from your severed arm is making you rather dizzy.
"Ishelda, I don't think I can do this much longer." she said. "I'm stronger, but. . this is exhausting. I had to regrow your *arm!* This is insanity!"
"She's already improved." Redglare said. "She's at the point we would put her up at the wall, by now."

>>19740527
"How old are hobgoblins when they would be put to the wall?"

>>19740527
"Really now, Redglare. That's... Fan... Tastic... But I think now's... A good stopping point... I've reached my limb-loss... Quota... For the day... We'll start again sometime tommorrow or the day after. Marigold and I both need rest. I hope you understand, Redglare."

>>19740527
"How much longer?"

>>19740527
See I'm getting better, but I think I've had enough for today, you look tired Marigold.

Would you all care for some tea, I would dearly love a nice cup of tea and some dinner.

rolled 24 = 24

>>19740527
well redglare. if marigold cannot keep up then I guess I'll need to train with Kristoph, Nahzit, Velrid join in if you wish. I need to get better, I must. there are people left in my world alive even after the demons.


I must be better....

I must be stronger...

Why are we suddenly so driven? It's our birthday, and we havn't even had cake.

>>19740626
because drowning thoughts away so that we don't have to think of them now

"Really, now, Redglare... that's fantastic.. but I think now is... a good stopping point... " You say, trying to get your breath back. "I've reached my limb-loss quota for the day. I'm curious, though- How old are hobgoblins when they would be put to the wall?"
"We don't pay attention to age." Redglare responded. "It's when their trainer thinks they're ready. And you are- even if I discount the magic."
"It's getting dark, anyway." Raziel said. "You have a thousand year old, undead kalak to talk to, remember? and will you need privacy for it?"
"First, I would dearly love a nice cup of tea, and some dinner." You say.
"And cake. It's your birthday, Ishelda, you need cake." Marigold said. "Luckily, while you were training with Kristoph, I made some! With Raziel's help."
"Evocation makes a nice oven." Raziel murmured.

>>19740638
I thought we were getting over that...

rolled 25 = 25

>>19740638
but, since the only stuff good for drowning thoughts on board is swamp brew we're drowning the thoughts in the endorphins and light headedness of blood-loss

>>19740649
"Oh, darn it, you know how I feel about my birthday. But thank you, Marigold, that was very kind of you. Though, I think after this, we should slow down on all the cake. Right, shall we all have a slice, now?"

>>19740649
Let's make sure our severed arm is adequately destroyed. Incinerated, preferably. We don't want no hoodoo-voodoo antics using such a big part of us.

"Oh, you know how I feel about my birthday." You say. "But thank you, Marigold, that was very kind of you. Though, I think after this, we should slow down on all the cake."
"What?" Marigold said, pouting "You can't insist on tea and then deny me my cake. But. . okay. It uses up too much sugar, anyway."
"Right, shall we all have a slice, now?"

You and the rest of your companions eat dinner, supplemented with cake- the best Marigold has made yet, you notice.

"Go ahead." Ell says to Marigold. "Try some. It's delicious."
"You're not going to get me to drink swamp brew, Ell." Marigold said, frowning.
"But it will be hilarious." He responded. "Even Bubbles agrees.

>>19740720
"Try ahead, it's not so bad."

>>19740720
Well Bubbles does know a lot.

>>19740720
Drunken marigold hitting on kristoph? lets see this

rolled 84 = 84

>>19740720
it would be Marigold, you should see raziel when she's had enough...pricelessly funny

>>19740720
"That's a terrible idea. It's... An acquired taste. I don't like it very much and I love tea."

"Well, bubbles does know a lot." You say. "Try it- it's not so bad."
". . . fine." She said, and took a small sip.

She instantly started coughing into a napkin.
"How did *gurk* you even drink this, Ishelda?" She asked, almost angry. "Scholar, it went up my nose."
Ell started chuckling.
"You should see Raziel when she's had enough." You say. "It's pricelessly funny."
"Ah. . .let's not go there." Raziel said. "I have to summon Azariel tonight, remember?"

>>19740769
Let's have a small sip ourselves.
It's really not that bad.

>>19740769
It's not that bad, and last time I had it I could understand Grayson's harrumphs. He really is a gentlebear.

>>19740775
Oh, yes. Aside from it being the tea equivalent of fruity moonshine, it's not so bad. We're going to stun our growth and kill our liver, damn it.

rolled 14 = 14

>>19740769
indeed, but afterward we can take some in a bucket up to the crows nest and have a good drunken conversation...

rolled 65 = 65

>>19740804
>indeed, but afterward we can take some in a bucket up to the crows nest and have a good drunken conversation...

indeed, but afterward we three can take some in a bucket up to the crows nest and have a good drunken conversation...

You take a small sip yourself, from Marigold's all-but-untouched glass. It's. . almost worse than before. Like some kind of muck mixed with some kind of slime, all with the two dual tastes of mint and some kind of spice. You cough a little, but not from the taste- from the fact that it smells like spirit of hartshorn.
Raziel groaned. "I'm a bad role model." She says to Kristoph. He chuckles.
"No more than that glass, Ishelda." Raziel says.

>>19740811
>indeed, but afterward we can take up to the crows nest and have a good drunken threesome in a bucket...

>>19740826
"Well, I wasn't going to finish it in the first place, but now that you said..."
Bottom's up!

>>19740826
Lets get summoning, we can revel later!

>>19740826
"No. No, no, no. That sip is all I can stand. Oh, I think I'm going to be sick."

rolled 37 = 37

>>19740833
NO! BAD ANON,BAD!
YOU DO THAT SHIT IN PRIVATE!

>>19740837
seconding this...shot that shit back like we do it every day!

"No. No, no, no. that sip is all I can stand." You say, and set the glass down. "Let's get to summoning."
"Right you are." She said, and took a black candle out of her bag. "I enchanted this, after I had an idea. . If I light one of these, the energy should make it easier for him to materialize."
She lit the candle, and then waited a moment. . and then intoned Azariel's name.

"Yes?" Azariel asked, his wisp materializing.

>>19740884
"Tyr sent you a message. He She It found that Wanderer's immortal. I presume you don't know if or and when other participants die, then?"

rolled 77 = 77

>>19740884
message from tyr Ironfist for you.

(tell him the message), I told him to shove the game where the sun does not shine.

>>19740884
I have a message!
'Dear Azariel, Dear Eidolon. You know as well as I that we're back to playing the game. But in the interests of evening the playing field, I have this warning to give you. The Wanderer is immortal. I don't know how, but he does not die. It was not an illusion- I'm certain of that, and it was not an artifact. Sincerely, Tyr Ironhand.'

>>19740884
"I have a message for you, from Tyr. "Dear Azariel, Dear Eidolon. You know as well as I that we're back to playing the game. But in the interests of evening the playing field, I have this warning to give you. The Wanderer is immortal. I don't know how, but he does not die. It was not an illusion- I'm certain of that, and it was not an artifact. Sincerely, Tyr Ironhand." Considering the Wanderer is very, very cross with me right now and I have his face, this is something of a problem. Also, his face ate Vanko, somehow. And I have no idea if the Wanderer is completely insane with intentions to destroy the world or if his existence purely revolves around making people THINK he has such intentions for a laugh. And now Tyr Ironhand is getting back into that bloody Game you all started, and he despises magic, and I rather like magic, and you can see a clear conflict here that I really don't want. For the first time in a while I'm a bit out of my expertise here, Azariel, and I require your wisdom."

"Tyr sent you a message." You say, and look down to the scrap of paper you'd written the message on. "Dear Azariel, Dear Eidolon. You know as well as I that we're back to playing the game. But in the interests of evening the playing field, I have this warning to give you. The Wanderer is immortal. I don't know how, but he does not die. It was not an illusion- I'm certain of that, and it was not an artifact. Sincerely, Tyr Ironhand.'
"He's. . .immortal?" Azariel asked. "That.. can't be good. Back before the game started, he was perfectly human." He said. "But then we forgot his name and he became the Wanderer . . I don't think he's human anymore."

>>19740946
"I know his name."

>>19740946
Is his name important? I found his mask, and it keeps whispering a name, but I don't really know what to do with it.

>>19740946
"No. It's not good. It's very, very, very bad." Followed by >>19740938

>>19740962
"But I can't say it, because it makes him flip out and start translocating to me, and some giant force of pure DREAD starts pressing in around me."

rolled 29 = 29

"What significance does his name have?"

>>19740962
"Even a Dragon is afraid of it."

"I know his name." You say.
"What?! What is it?" He asked, reaching forward as if to grab your shoulders.
"Is his name important?"
"His name is very important." He said. "Before the game ever. . started, he had a name just like the rest of us. But then, the same day he took to wearing those cursed cloaks, we all. . forgot his name. I'm not sure how- it wasn't enchantment magic. I don't know how it's important, but he looked. . so smug, and then suggested the Game."
"Even a dragon is afraid of it."
"Dragon? What dragon?"

Awww shit nigga, when we said Garreth he turned immortal.

>>19740991
"Vanko, he was in the Ankh. He was so afraid, he tore himself out of it."

>>19741002
He's been immortal as long as his face has been separated from him.

>>19741006
"I think vanko was a player in this game before you were."

>>19740991
"Vanko. You know, the one that took up residence in the Ankh? Constantly goes on about 'THE TRUTH' and about how only very few things are truly objective, one of those things being true magic and related concepts? He's kind of... Gone, now. When I scry for him I just see the Wanderer's face, whispering that name. I think that the mask imprisoned him."

"Vanko. He was in the Ankh. He was so afraid, he tore himself out of it."
"The Ankh? That's. . preposterous." He said. "Tyr made the ankh, three hundred years ago. I was there. There was no dragon inside of it."

>>19741027
"What."

>>19741027
"Then... it was Tyr? Tyr... can use the same magic as I?"

>>19741027
"Is Tyr a dragon?"

>>19741027
"He was either a construct of The Wanderer, which is improbable as artifact's nature are not modified so easily, let alone by some cloak-wearing doof, or he was real and had forced himself in without the knowledge of you or Tyr, which is far more believable, what with him being a dragon and all. Is the name Vanko at least familiar? Big, red, eternally smug and dismissive with not-so-subtle but unsubstantiated threats? Had no real wings but instead skeletal ones?"

>>19741027
"Well there's no dragon inside it any more, either. It was some sort of illusion spell. Probably why the Wanderer wanted it in Marigold instead of destroyed?"

"Then... it was Tyr? Tyr... can use the same magic as I?"
"What? No, Tyr uses evocation and alchemy."
"Is Tyr a dragon?"
"Not at all. He's a dwarf." Azariel said. "Why are you asking these?"

>>19741061
"Then who the hell was I talking to?!"

>>19741061
"It's just that Vanko, the Dragon in the Ankh, had the same magic as me. And he taught me about it."

>>19741084
He claimed to have the same type of magic. We never saw him cast anything.

"Is the name Vanko at least familiar? Big, red, eternally smug and dismissive with not-so-subtle but unsubstantiated threats?"
"I've. .never met a dragon before, let alone this 'Vanko' you're talking about."
"Then who the hell was I talking to?!"
". . . I have no idea." Azariel said, after a moment. "But I know that whoever you were talking to, most likely wasn't real. And that certainly is the wanderer's mode of operation."

I suspect you're right about him being the Wanderer's tool. But he was a real dragon at some point, I scried him.

>>19741099
"So the Wanderer creates a helpful fake undead dragon who feeds me information about the workings of the universe and advanced forms of magic, does everything possible to help me keep his mask hidden, and generally made the Wanderer's job harder? Why. That doesn't even make sense."

>>19741099
If Vanko was a tool of the Wanderer's, than it likely means he knows we have the mask. Which means he wants it hidden away by us... So would that mean re-uniting him with the mask would actually be a bad thing for him? Maybe he's immortal since he has no face and name.

>>19741131
Of course! The wander wants the mask hidden. It's his identity, and the way that he managed to lose his name.

"So the Wanderer creates a helpful fake undead dragon who feeds me information about the workings of the universe and advanced forms of magic, does everything possible to help me keep his mask hidden, and generally made the Wanderer's job harder?" You ask. "Why. That doesn't even make sense."
"Most likely. . to make his job easier." He said. "Because then you'll trust this 'Vanko' persona."

That's when your ring buzzed.

<Ishelda!> Lewin's voice appeared. <I need your help! Lady Cerulean is dead. . .and they're saying that Fellwind did it!"

>>End of thread 36!
>>My twitter is @futureexabyte
>>And I'll stick around to answer non-spoilery questions, and respond to spoilery questions with cryptic comments.

>>19741099
"It was Vanko, who hid Wanderer's face from him."

>>19741131
>We tell Vanko we've found the mask
>He goes 'shit, hide it again and erase all your memory of it'
>Wanderer immediately shows up
>Leaves smugly as soon as we hide it and erase our memory thinking his name is safely hidden again
Some things really make sense that way. But some things don't.

>>19741165
But hey, at least we remember everything now.
Oh god dammit everything coming in our way to get to Orcs...

rolled 81 = 81

I believe we should tell Azariel about Gareth's real name before we hang up. What's the worst that can happen?

>>19741179
Why do we want to get to the orcs anyway? I thought the only unfinished thing with them was giving them Kell to clear our the trolls, but he's not finished yet.

We aren't getting to the orcs this month are we?

>>19741191
To tell them about stuff, mainly New Arcturus, elves and humies being okay with it, hobgoblins and stuff

>>19741190
The Wanderer will get ultra-pissed and show up. At which point we'll repeatedly shout his name at him and steal all the power he gets from being an abstract concept rather than a mortal man by reducing him to a mortal man once more.

>>19741156
Nope, we are not taking another detour. We can scry how she died and tell Lewin and then he can uncover evidence of it for the jerk. Then we can get that book before VQ moves it. And Eidolon's blood. What happened to Eidolon's blood, Exabyte?

>>19741213
We should save up manacrystals to cast the ultimate telepathy, and throw the word Gareth to every single living mind in the world at the same time.

>>19741196
we are not getting any new species till we leave this continent problem is crap keeps popping up that we have to deal apparently.

>>19741245
crap my bad read ogres and not orcs for some and nope doesn't look like it

>>19741225
I think the thing is that we need to get it into His mind. We need to remind HIM of who he is. That's why vanko was so adamant that we don't say it, in his presence. Assuming, of course, that the vanko = wanderer theory is correct.

which clearly it isn't, since everyone is Eidolon.

>>19741224
>You looted it from the kobolds- they were using it for their sacrificial ritual to bring him back.

>>19741224
Everyone is Eidolon, but fools are Vanko

>>19741269
We should burn it with Soulfire.
Or ask Mar if she still remembers Hellfire

>>19741245
>Something to note- after the next few problems are solved, and most sideplots resolved, I'm going to start up the timeskip- which means I'll start up the sequel to NFCQ. Once we're done with that, then we'll move back to SORQ. If I work too much on a single project, I burn out- but if I swap projects around every once in a while, I don't.

When you said
>You have no idea how tempted I am to go 'END OF SORCERESS QUEST' right now.
Were you being serious, or just messing with us even more?

All this in and out of character is really really messing with my head.

>>19741344
The timeskip would be Ishelda setting up/running her country, correct?

>>19741354
>That was a joke. I wouldn't stop everything like that without any resolution of any kind.
>>19741364
>Indeed- I'm thinking we'll start two years after we leave off. After the timeskip, you'll be able to travel to other continents, worlds, etc. I have some real nice things in store.

>>19741277
I'm still saying we should reanimate him. But I guess destroying it is fine too.

>>19741388
Sounds good, I look forward to the other continents.

>>19741419
>Just so you know. . when I said nice, I meant nice for *me*.

>Hehehehahahahaha

>>19741498
Well we'll see what the dice say about that.

>>19741498
There's no difference, right? You like cake, Ishelda likes cake...

rolled 21 = 21

>>19741498
>>19741531
rolling anal circumferance

>>19741498
Let me guess. The ogres are completely bonking mad and the dwarves are dogmatic motherhubbers?

Yeah. We'll deal with them just fine. We'll turn the ogres into the apes from The Jungle Book and start a sing-along about showing them how to use Ishelda's soulfire and befriend them, turning their madness from dangerous to comedic and their imposing stature to big lug-ness. Then, we'll help the Dwarves by providing an artifact to help them build/repair whatever King of Dragon Pass-esque world machine or whatever they might have, and teach them the power of friendship and cooperation, and that magic has a place alongside science; sure, it's a shortcut that sometimes weakens science's advance, but it's a useful shortcut that can be used for helpful, scientific purposes.

And then you'll cry because we befriended all the enemies you laid out for us except the especially dickish ones who we still outright tried to befriend before we regretfully put them down with an artifact brick to the face. And we'll all laugh. And laugh. And laugh. And then we'll do worse things to your plot once we get back behind the reins of Dave. You can't win this, Exabyte. The truth is, the quest was rigged from the start.

>>19741578
Can Ishelda even sing? Would we have to roll for that?

>>19741617
We'll learn from Feegul when we see the Kobolds again, obviously. And then we'll break the limitations of Kobold bard-sorcery with regular sorcery, bypassing the fact that our song shouldn't have any inherent power.

>>19741645
I reckon that if we had have asked them to write the song anyway, it would have turned out to have whatever power was needed, 50% of the time.

>>19741578
>I know your tricks, anon.
>I know your tricks, /tg/.
>The dice may ally with you
>The ogres and dwarves may ally with you.
>But you'll need more than a few nat100s and adorable loli-ness to beat me.

>>19741617
>Among other things, Ishelda was taught to sing, dance, paint, and embroider.

>>19741645
>Actually, kobold bardic magic can't emulate sorcery because sorcery is special. The only way to actually get it to work is if *you* sing the song, in which case you may as well just use the sorcery itself.

>>19741662
>embroider
Fuck yes

>>19741732
I vote we retroactively have started working on some amazing piece depicting all of our friends. Fellwind and Lewin's portraits are half completed, as we cannot bring ourselves to finish.

>>19741732
>Come on, you were raised as a princess.
>DID YOU EXPECT ANYTHING ELSE?!

But yeah slow thread today.

>>19741662
BRING IT ON. YOUR RAILS SHAN'T RESTRICT THE MUSICAL SHENANIGANS.

"Now I'm the king of the swingers
Oh, the warped land VIP
I've reached the top and had to stop
And that's what's botherin' me...
I wanna be a sorcerer, Ishelda
And stroll right into town
And be just like the other Fey
I'm tired of suckin' around!"

"Oh, oobee doo!
(Whoop de wee!)
I wanna be like you-oo-oo
(Hap de-wooby-dee!)
I wanna walk like you
(Deep!)
Talk like you, too-oo-oo!
(Weeby deeby dee!)
You'll see it's true-hoo-hoo!
(Shoopidy-dee!)
An ogre like me-ee-ee
(Shooby-wooby!)
Can learn to be sor-ce-rous too-oo-oo!"

"Gee, Warlord Whargaul! You're doin' real good!"

"Now here's your part of the deal, cuz!
Lay the secret on me, of your soul fire!"

>I have plan for you, Exabyte. MORE PAIN.

>>19741848
>Listen.
>I love you.