You are Osyki, newly promoted Totemist and first line of defense for your village against the rabid Behemoths wandering the land. Your master, the previous Totemist, fell in a battle against a terrible Behemoth, leaving the duty of defending your settlement to you. Now, you have traveled into the swamp beyond the woods surrounding your home to repay a debt to the great spirit of the forest, Sylviannis. You have spoken to the Mother of the Swamp, and with your impassioned words you have convinced her to forge a truce with Sylviannis, the Spirit of the Wood. In doing so, you have also forged a pact with a Naga spirit named Siperco to relocate him somewhere other than the swamp.

>What will you do?
----------
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=totem]]

>>20544792
Thank you very much. When I have prepared myself I will come again.

I have noticed that I am often called "spirit slaver" in your lands. Is there a particular reason for this term of address as opposed to Totemist?

Mother of the Swamp I must confess that I have bound one of your children. When traveling through the swamp I encountered a hostile Ykree. Upon defeating it I bound it, I hope this is not objectionable to you and I apologize.

>>20544923

"Thank you again, my lady." you say with a bow. "When I have prepared myself, I will return to you for your guidance."

She nods. "Prepare well, Totemist. The beast's lair is nothing to be trifled with.

You pause, your mind dwelling on Siperco.

"I have noticed that I am often called "spirit slaver" in your lands. Is there a particular reason for this term of address as opposed to Totemist?"

She nods. "The spirits of my land live free, unbound by contract or court. They see your arts as a form of enslavement, to slaughtered be bound for all eternity to an unfeeling object."

You grimace at that, your bow feeling weightier on your back. "Mother of the Swamp I must confess that I have bound one of your children. When traveling through the swamp I encountered a hostile Ykree. Upon defeating it I bound it, I hope this is not objectionable to you and I apologize."

The Mother frowns, but after a moment waves her hand. "The beasts of this swamp are not my spirits, merely the flock they attend. So long as you do not interfere with my subjects, I will not begrudge you the occasional unthinking creature."

>>20545000
I thank you for your understanding.

It is currently late and I am loathe to head back now as I will be forced to travel through your swamp in the dark, a danger I would prefer to avoid. May I beg hospitality for the night and set out at first light?

This is assuming that it's late enough after all of the travelling we've done that the sun is going to set rather soon.

>>20545109

You stop yourself from heaving a sigh of relief. "Thank you for your understanding, my lady. It is currently late and I am loathe to head back now as I will be forced to travel through your swamp in the dark, a danger I would prefer to avoid. May I beg hospitality for the night and set out at first light?"

The Mother considers this for a moment.

"Very well, Totemist. You may stay in one of the rooms of the Grand Bloom. In return, I ask that you carry a token of our new partnership to Sylviannis."

She reaches up and plucks a petal from one of the myriad flowers ringing her throne.

"A servant will show you to your room for the evening, Totemist."

At her word, a dryad -- not the same that you dealt with one the cliffs -- steps forward from a seed pod on the walls and beckons you to follow her.

>>20545360
Accept the token to be brought to Sylviannis, place it in a safe place in our bags where it won't be crushed or damaged.

Follow the dryad to the room. Don't touch anything on the way. Thank the dryad once we get there.

Once we're at the room message Boand and Sylvia, let them know that the negotiations worked out and we'll head back at first light. Also inform them that we were asked to bring a token of the new partnership back as well.

>>20545360
To the dryad
"So...uh, do you know if S.Mom is seeing anybody right now?"

>>20545401

You approach the Mother, gingerly accepting the petal It feels cold and smooth like a gem in your hand, and as you tuck it into an inner pocket of your bag you realize that it has become more rock than plant.

You follow the Dryad to your room, giving her a bow and your thanks as she parts the vines of the wall to reveal a surprisingly human-styled bedroom. The torches have been replaced by luminescent plants, and the bed appears to be made from a large, cushioned mushroom, but overall it's about as close to a human bedroom as you'd expect.

You turn to the tree woman who lead you to the chamber.

"So... uh, do you know if the Swamp Mother is seeing anybody right now?"

The Dryad stares blankly at you. "My lady is not currently in audience with anyone, as you know. We just came from there."

Without another word she leaves.

You shrug, palming your Link Pearl. Sylvia is relieved and surprised that you managed to negotiate such fair terms with the Mother, and congratulates you on a job well done.

"See you when you get back, Osyki," Boand adds with her impish smile. "Two days worth of my services means two days time with me in my pond, all together.~"

>>20545870
It was my pleasure to do so Sylvia, the swamp is actually a rather nice place once you get used to it. Would you mind teaching me how to play the harp some time in the near future? I haven't heard you play in quite a long while.

I'll have to spread that time out over a while Boand, I can't exactly spend 48 hours straight in your pond. I'll bring a book to read or experiment with binding spirits to different items so I can get some work done at the same time. I'll see you when I get back.

I can't think of anything else to do. So eat some rations from our pack and get some sleep. We leave as early as possible.

>>20545870
I...I was joking
sorry.

>>20545870
Huh? When has Boand provided any help other when we asked the question about the path?

>>20546305
She put Sylvia on the line...

>>20546305
Maybe it's how she's kept a line to Sylvia open the entire time or something like that.

>>20545977

Sylvia agrees that a lesson might be nice, though she warns you that she may be out of practice. You tell the two of them to expect you around midday tomorrow.

You feel your stomach rumble, and remember the rations in your pack. The bread has been thoroughly soaked by your trip into the river, but the salad seems to be fresh enough. You crunch on some greens, feeling slightly wary about doing so in your current location.

The need for sleep eventually claims you. You crawl onto the soft surface of the mushroom, relaxing into its surface. It releases a soft perfume as you relax your weight onto it. It is not the intoxicating scent of before, but a soft lavender scent. As your eyes drift closed, you think you can smell another flower. Something familiar.

Lilacs, maybe?
(Cont)

You fall through a veil of red mist, your back making sharp contact with the rocky ground below. You roll over, feeling your spine groan in protest, and look out over the destruction.

The land is on fire with the light of chaos.

The open wound in the sky weeps black ichor in sheets. The blasted lands have cracked and split, malignant conjurations pouring from every crack, every fissure. They sweep the land like a black plague.

You turn and catch a glimpse of the messenger, its fragmented visage disappearing behind the descending curtain of ash and vaporized flesh.

It nods before everything dissolves into darkness.
(cont)

>>20546848

You awaken with a start as you feel your back make contact with the soft palace floor. The glowing plants tell you that it is still the middle of the night by their brilliant shine. You pick yourself up from the floor, nursing a throbbing headache.

The figure in your dream nags at you. You've seen it somewhere before, though you can't quite put your finger on where.

Suddenly a knock comes at your door, faint and repeated only twice.

>>20546880
Guess whoever decided to knock will have good reasons for it. And we're in the domain of the Lady of the Swamp, so I doubt anything can harm us here.
So let's answer the door.

>>20546880
That was a rather ominous dream. Was the figure that strange thing we met in the forest the other day?

Answer the door. They probably have good reason to talk to us. Open it up, greet them politely, ask why they came to see us at this hour.

>>20546880
man we really should tell someone about our vision and the gem/flower

>>20546880

You pull yourself to your feet unsteadily, trudging across the spacious room to the door. You unlatch the vine rope holding the portal in place, allowing the wall to fold open.

Another dryad, this one purple of skin with cascading flower petals in her hair, looks up at you.

"Are you alright, Ser Totemist?" she asks. "I heard shouting from all the way down the hall. Is everything alright?"

She peers in past you, as though confirming the room to be empty.

>>20547013
I am well. It was nothing more than a bad dream, I'm sorry for disturbing you.

Did you happen to catch what was being shouted?

>>20547013
"Yes, thank you. I just had a very unpleasant dream. My apologies if I woke you up, Lady Dryad."

>>20547013

You smile at the flower girl, shaking your head. "Yes, thank you. I am well. It was nothing more than an unpleasant dream My apologies for disturbing you."

Her expression softens. "Ah. My apologies, Totemist."

"Tell me, did you happen to catch what it was I was shouting?"

She thinks on this for a moment. "It was through the walls, and so very muffled, but you repeated one phrase several times, Totemist."

"Yes?" you prompt her.

"You kept shouting about a 'Last Light Past Dawn', and a girl's name."

She wrings her hands nervously. "Do you require companionship for the evening, Totemist? Perhaps something to ward off further dark dreams?"

>>20547144
blush and politely decline. "I'll be fine, but thank you for the offer. Did you manage to catch what the Girls' name was?

>>20547144
I doubt we'll be able to go back to sleep. So yeah, talking to her for an hour or two might be nice. If only if she wants to, of course.

We never had the chance to really talk with a Dryad, after all.

>>20547144
In my line of work I would be a fool to try and ward off bad dreams, sometimes they're all the warning you get of dangers to come.

As for companionship if you wished to stay and talk before I went back to sleep I wouldn't mind in the least.

>>20547204
And I do mean talk.

>>20547144
invite her in to talk. Might as well learn about the swamp as much as we can while we're here.

>>20547144

You feel your cheeks heat in a blush, but you swallow your hormones and nod. "I could use someone to talk to for a while, just until my mind settles." you say. "Please, come in." You step aside to make room for her in the doorway.

The dryad nods, stepping past you into your room. The wall folds up behind her, latching itself shut once more. She sits on the edge of your bed, while you seat yourself across from her in a chair that seems to grow from the floor.

"I don't mind the dreams," you say with a shrug. "In my line of work, sometimes they're all the warning you get of dangers to come."

"It must have been terrible for you." she says with a sad smile. "Are you sure you're alright? I could make you some tea if you like."

"That would be nice," you assent, swallowing with a dry throat. "Thank you. What is your name?"

"My lady calls me Orchid," she says. She places her hand on the wall, muttering softly. A moment later a long vine drops from the ceiling. A small flower unfolds into Orchid's palm, and a draught of steaming water pours from a hole in the vine into the flower, which folds its petals at the heat to serve as a watertight cup. She plucks a few leaves from the vine, placing them into the steaming water.

"My lady tells me that you come to her in the wake of a great battle."

>>20547392
It's lovely to meet you Orchid, I am Osyki, Totemist.

Your lady tells you truly. In my short time as Totemist I have spent much of my time locked in one battle or another, though the one your lady is referring to, the one against the splinter, was by far the most dangerous foe I have faced. There are going to be more battles in the future, some of which will be against foes just as deadly.

>>20547392
Thank her for the tea, and explain why we were sent here.
Ask her about her duties.

>>20547491
>>20547483

You nod, accepting the bulb of liquid from the Dryad. "A pleasure to meet you, Orchid. Call me Osyki."

You smell the piping hot liquid. Chamomile. How thoughtful.

"Your lady tells you truly. In my short time as Totemist I have spent much of my time locked in one battle or another, though the one your lady is referring to, the one against the splinter, was by far the most dangerous foe I have faced. There are going to be more battles in the future, some of which will be against foes just as deadly." you say grimly. "It is a duty I do not look forward to, but I must perform it."

The look on the Dryad's face is that of rapt attention. She catches herself staring and quickly looks away. "That sounds very valiant, Tote- Osyki," she corrects herself. "I'm sure your people are grateful to have a protector such as you."

You smile. "What of you, Orchid? What do you do here in the castle?"

"I am one of my lady's handmaidens," she explains. "I keep her needs sated and the Grand Blossom in proper condition. I suppose you could call me a gardener as much as a maid."

She pats one of the plants fondly.

"The blooms around here are very regal and softspoken. It takes a special touch to work with them well."

You smile. "You do seem to have a way with them," you say, sipping at your tea gingerly. The bloom seems to absorb much of the excess heat, but the liquid is still quite hot.

"Tell me, Totemist, have you traveled beyond the swamp?"

>>20547579
In all my life I have seen my village, some of the mountains, the forest and this trip into the swamp is the farthest I have ever been from home.

I have never traveled far, though I shall probably have to range farther afield in my new-found duties.

>>20547579
We've seen the mountains, and Saylvia's domain, the forest. And our home, which belongs to neither of the two.

Now that the Ladies of the forest and swamp have allied, maybe the more curious spirits of their respective domain could visit the other's?

>>20547626
>>20547660

You shake your head. "My life's experiences have been limited to my village, the Ikrin peaks, and the forest that shares the border with the swamp. This is my first foray into unknown territory."

"I hope you have not found it too taxing, Totemist." Orchid says with a smile. You shake your head again.

"Though I've never traveled far, I think it likely that I'll need to expand my borders if I'm to keep up with the demands and duties of my new profession. Perhaps now that the Ladies of the forest and swamp have allied, maybe the more curious spirits of their respective domain could visit the other's?"

Orchid's face lights up. "Perhaps! I have often wished to speak with the flowers of the inner wood. They are so beautiful, and graceful. I imagine a common swamproot like myself would be laughed out of court."

She catches herself daydreaming, and a pink tinge spreads over her cheeks. "Ah, but I am keeping you from sleep. I will be on my way, with your permission. Sleep well, Ser Totemist."

She scampers out of the room without a word. You smile, sipping at your tea.

Sleep finds you shortly thereafter.

>Would you prefer to detail the trip back through the swamp, or skip back to Osyki's arrival at the village?

>>20547809
I think a trip through a more beneign swamp could prove interesting.

>>20547809
We can gloss over the trip back somewhat. Keep Nocturne's Embrace on, and Warden's Disregard equipped due to all the pollen and scents and so we can take waterways if needed. Avoid conflict, be careful, it should be easier now that we aren't hunted.

Our first stop once we get back should be Boand's pond, it'll give us a chance to wash up and pay off a bit of the time we owe her.

>>20547809
I don't think we have anything specific to worry about the trip back, since we aren't stopping at the Wyrm's lair. Lets just time skip to the village.

>>20547809
Just sort of gloss over it, maybe toss out one encounter or something.

>>20547846
I think the first thing we should do, is to see if Sylvia has a place for our snakeman/spirit/thingy.

>>20547864

The trip back through the swamp is remarkably pleasant. You set off at first light, escorted by a pair of the Mother's Lizardman guards and Siperco. Though the guards do not speak to you, they seem amiable enough. They chat with one another in their barking, hissing tongue throughout the trip, interacting with you only once, to stop you from stepping onto a particularly unstable piece of swamp. You arrive at the border of the swamp just before mid-day, guided by a pair of beings who regularly traverse the unstable environment.

As you and Siperco continue into the forest, you can see the tension leave his shoulders. He smiles wide, glancing around from time to time to spy the fauna of the area.

As you near Boand's pond, a slight rustle to your right draws your attention. Sylviannis steps from the bark of a massive oak, looking between the two of you.

"Totemist," she says with a small nod. "Who is your companion?"

"Sylviannis, may I introduce Siperco. He seeks to make the forest his permanent home, rather than living in the swamp."

Sylviannis considers the Naga for a moment. To his credit, Siperco has the sense to bow and look nervous.

>Roll 1d100 for charisma

rolled 18 = 18

>>20548004
Milady Sylviannis, Siperco was of great aid to me in completing the task you assigned me. He was the one who ferried me between worlds so I could cross the bridge. He is a good person who simply seeks a place to call home where he doesn't have to live in paranoia. Please.

rolled 51 = 51

>>20548004
I'd feel so bad for this guy if we fail this roll.

"He was the one who made it possible for me to reach the Lady of the Swamp. However, he is tired of the dangers of her domain, and asked me to take him with me.
Please consider that I would have most like failed in my task without his help."

>>20548034

Milady Sylviannis, Siperco was of great aid to me in completing the task you assigned me. He was the one who ferried me between worlds so I could cross the bridge. He is a good person who simply seeks a place to call home where he doesn't have to live in paranoia. Please.

>18

"Absolutely not." Sylviannis says, incredulous. "I have forged a pact with the Mother, not twelve hours since. Do you know how she might react if she thought that I was poaching spirits from her precious domain? She'd set the waters of the swamp boiling, Totemist."

Siperco looks crestfallen. You steel your resolve.

"He was the one who made it possible for me to reach the Lady of the Swamp. However, he is tired of the dangers of her domain, and asked me to take him with me. Please consider that I would have most like failed in my task without his help."

>51

Sylvia looks stern for a moment, then relents. "Very well, she says. "He may stay close to the border of the realm until my pact is complete. After that," she says directly to Siperco, "We will discuss the nature of your more permanent residency."

"Thank you, my lady!" he says in relief, bowing again. "Your hospitality is appreciated beyond measure."

Sylviannis turns to you. "Consider our debt squared, Osyki. You've done exceptionally well."

>>20548111
"Thank you, milady. I would be lying if I said it was an easy task, but I am glad you consider work adequate. I am grateful for the trust you placed in me."

Bow, don't mention that if she'd given us a bit of information about our task, the whole thing might have been a lot less stressful for us.

>>20548111
Diarca, can I just say how nice it is to come home after a ridiculously long day at work and find this thread?

You're a lifesaver, man.

>>20548111
Thank you Lady Sylviannis. The Mother of the Swamp gave me this petal as a token of your new partnership. I believe you should have it.

When may I start the harp lessons that I requested before I left? I would dearly love to hear you play again as when I was a child. Perhaps I could find some more amynicia for us to share.

>>20548229
I think we should apologise to a certain somebody in our village before taking harp lessons.
Might be wise to visit Boand as well, and we'll have to see if Siperco needs any help building himself a home. No clue if he just sleeps on a treee, in a cave, or plans to build himself a little hut.

>>20548189

[[Glad to have you on board, anon!]]

>>20548183

You return her smile with a one of your own.

"Thank you, milady. I would be lying if I said it was an easy task, but I am glad you consider work adequate. I am grateful for the trust you placed in me."

You dig in your bag from a moment, withdrawing the petal token. It has hardened into a rose-colored gem. "The Mother of the Swamp gave me this petal as a token of your new partnership. I believe you should have it." you explain. She examines the petal for a moment, then accepts it.

"I expect Boand will be awaiting your arrival at the spring, Totemist. It does not do to keep her waiting."

She has a sly sort of smile as she says this. She gives you and Siperco a nod, then melds back into the woods as though she had never been there in the first place.

Siperco gives you a wide grin. He runs a hand through his short, dark hair. "Thank you again, Totemist. I'll be around the forest. If you ever need anything from me, let me know."

>>20548246
"Of course, if you need help with setting up your new home, or anything else, just let me know. I hope the forest will be what you expected."

>>20548246
Of course. If I need anything I'll let you know, likewise I'm here if you need something. Take care of yourself, you might want to meet with Boand sometime, she's probably the one to talk to for getting set up here.

Visit Boand, strip our dirty clothes that have been soaked in swamp and take a nice long bath.

>>20548258

"Of course," you say with a smile. "Of course, if you need help with setting up your new home, or anything else, just let me know. I hope the forest will be what you expected."

"I think it will," he says jovially. With another bow, he slithers away.

You make your way to Boand's pond. She is waiting for you at the bank, tail flopping happily in and out of the water.

"Glad to see you made it back, Osyki," she says with a grin.

You drop your pack and your cloak, sitting by her on the ponds bank. "Glad to be back, Boa."

As you unlace your boots, you tell her of your travels in the swamp. When you get to the bit about Siperco taking up residence in the forest, she makes a bit of a face.

"Bleh. Corrupt water spirits? You must've really been on Sylvia's good side to swing that one."

You dive into the water, feeling its cool embrace around you.

>>20548522
He helped me an awful lot and he's currently on probation, Sylvia's still keeping an eye on him. I doubt she's just going to let him in without a few guarantees. Hell, I met another spirit in the Mother's palace that would like to try visiting here sometime. From an outside view you're more alike than it sometimes seems.

And of course Sylvia was in a good mood, I got her the deal she was looking for and she seems to like me. She might even teach me the harp soon.

I miss anything important while I was gone?

Start getting ourself clean, we probably smell like hell after our travels.

>>20548522
"I'm glad to be back Boand. Although you put a price on it, I'm glad you helped me."

>>20548594

You surface with a smile on your face, running a hand across your face to brush away some of the excess water.

"He helped me an awful lot and he's currently on probation, Sylvia's still keeping an eye on him. I doubt she's just going to let him in without a few guarantees. Hell, I met another spirit in the Mother's palace that would like to try visiting here sometime. From an outside view you're more alike than it sometimes seems."

Boa looks a little put off by the comparison, but she perks up again when you shrug and begin scrubbing some of the dirt from your arms.

"I'll get your back!" she says, disappearing under the water.

A moment later you feel soft, smooth hands on your spine.

"I miss anything important while I was gone?" you ask her. She thinks on this for a moment.

"Hmm. Well, your town's doing fine. They've repaired most of the fire damage by now. Sylvia's been a nervous wreck, of course, but you've seen to that. A few of my little birdies tell me that there's some rumble going on between spirits on the far side of the peaks, but it's nothing immediately concerning. All in all, pretty quiet."

>>20548658
That's good to hear, I was kinda worried.

Did Quinn stop by to see you while I was tromping through the swamps? Which by the way do have their nice points. Parts of them can be rather pretty.

>>20548658
Have we ever actually asked Boand what she does all day? If not, then we should do so.

>>20548731

"Good," you say, feeling the tension leave your shoulders as her hands pass over them. "I had worried. Did Quinn stop by to see you?"

"No, I've been all by my lonesome," she says.

"You know, the swamps do have their nice points. Parts of them can be pretty, even."

She scoffs behind you. "Yes, I'm sure brackish water and poisonous weeds are all captivating."

You sigh, shrugging. "Perhaps you'll come with me eventually, and I'll show you. What do you do all day, anyway?"

"Well," she says, scrubbing a little lower on your back, "When I'm not entertaining Totemists or serving as a glorified carrier raven, I'm acting as Sylvia's eyes and ears in the forest and beyond. You're not the only one I stay connected to, Osyki."

>>20548812
"And here I was, thinking I am the only one for you. You're breaking my heart Boand."

>>20548812
"I'm hurt, I thought I was truly special. I guess not."

Tease her a bit.

"I admit the brackish water isn't pleasant, but some of the flowers are beautiful, even without being able to breathe I could smell them."

>>20548812
"The brackish water was much improved by a cessation of my bodily functions. However, the bedrooms at the Swamp Mother's court were wonderful, big mushrooms that puffed out lilac perfume."

>>20548812

You turn, looking over your shoulder with a look of mock-hurt. "Ah! And here I was, thinking I was special. I guess I'm not the only one for you."

She giggles, rolling her eyes. "As if, Totemist! I see you chasing that pretty little brunette around your village night and day."

You laugh at that, scratching the back of your head. "You're breaking my heart, Boa."

She sticks her tongue out at you. "Cry me a river, Totemist. It'll go nicely with my spring."

The two of you collapse into giggles. After a time, the two of you float side by side in the spring.

"Really, though, the Mother's castle is beautiful. I slept on a giant mushroom, and a vine served me tea before bed."

Boand quirks an eyebrow. "You got into the Grand Blossom? I -thought- I felt you cross the veil. Congrats on your first trip to my side of the pond, Osyki."

>>20549220
I needed to visit the Mother, there was a bridge I couldn't cross, Siperco ferried me across.

It was an experience to be sure. Like closing my eyes and looking around but more so. It's like what was "real" didn't matter but instead everything was based on what it should be, on the truth of what it was.

Does Sylvia have a castle or anything like that? I haven't seen one.

>>20549220
"It was very interesting. I could kind of see it before I actually crossed, but crossing into the veil was much, much different than what I could see just through vague outlines. What is your spring like in the spirit realm? Does Sylvia have a castle?"

>>20549220

"It was fascinating. It was like opening my eyes for the first time. It was as if what was "real" didn't matter, and what should have been true, was. Does Sylvia have a castle like that? What is your spring like on the other side?"

For a moment Boand wears a guarded expression. Then, seemingly coming to a decision, she holds out a hand to you.

"Would you like to see?"

>>20549799
"Yes. Very much so."

>>20549799
If you're willing to show me I would be honored to see your true home. Thank you.

>>20549811

You don't even have to think about it. You nod, smiling wide. "Yes. Very much so. I'd be honored."

Boand returns your smile. She wraps her arms behind you, gives you a quick squeeze, then dives.

You don't even get the chance to hold your breath. You struggle for a moment, then allow her to tow you to the bottom of the pool, or at least where it should be. She swims for a long while, and just when you think you can hold your breatj no longer, you break the surface

You ears fill with the sound of rushing waterfalls, a much louder roar than the single fall that fills Boand's pool. You open your eyes, sputtering to find youself behind a waterfall. Boand releases you, swimming beneath the waves.

You swim around the waterfall and take in your surroundings. Four perfectly symmetrical waterfalls pour hundreds of feet into the massive basin that you swim in. The rocks of the wall are streaked through with sapphire blue. The pool is massive, easily the size of your village in its circumference. In the center, a slab of flat, smooth rock rises with a small shrine on it.

"Welcome to my pool," comes Boa's voice from behind you. You turn to see Boand, but it is not the same woman you know. Her features are enchanting, the rippling light of the water playing off of her face. Her eyes are a radiant blue-green, the color of the water just beneath the waves, and a soft aura of cerulean hangs around her shoulders.

>>20550194
Try to hide our surprise, fail miserably at it.
"Whoa."
Also, try to catch a glimpse of our own reflection. I wonder what we look like over here.

>>20550194
"It's beautiful!" Start swimming towards the rock with the shrine on it.

>>20550194
Gawk at our surroundings.

"It's beautiful. It's truly magnificent. Thank you for showing me your home.

I never would have even guessed that this was here, I guess I have a lot to learn.

This still technically counts as in your pool, right?"

Slowly swim around, meander towards the shrine.

>>20550194
Amazing. What do you call this place... besides home, I mean. Is this all -your- doing, or was it always this beautiful?

Would it be rude to invite company? Tryd, Amal, Cordia, and the others(Minus you-know-who). I mean no disrespect, It's just- Being called slaver? That's not who I am, I do not think of the spirits bound to me as merely tools. I want them to experience something other than war and death.

>>20550194
Just got home from a very trying day, and just saw your email Diarca. It literally made my night to just have more stuff to read. But better yet it's still on going! I would so buy you a beer or other alcoholic beverage right now.

Also this, >>20550298 along with a nice talk with Boa regarding how it works and if these places exist naturally. If they do could we try to practice trying to crossing the veil during the 2 days? Since it is a legendary thing just the practice should get us more attuned to the other side.

>>20550298

You can't help it. You gape. At the surroundings, at Boand, at your situation.

"This is... incredible." you say with a silly grin. You swim past Boand. The water seems easy to move through, buoying you to your intended destination. You haul yourself onto the side of the shrine island. To your surprise Boand follows suit, her tail shifting into a pair of shapely legs as she leaves the water. She tosses her hair over her shoulder, sitting next to you.

"This is the true nature of my realm. The spring in your world is... it's an anchor, and a fuel. It supplies the energy and the matter. The rest is up to me."

You grin. Thinking on your companions, you frown for a moment. "Would it be rude of me to invite friends? Tryd, Amal, Cordia... I mean no disrespect. It's just- Being called slaver? That's not who I am, I do not think of the spirits bound to me as merely tools. I want them to experience something other than war and death."

Boa looks at you, surprised, and nods. "That would be fine by me. If you can summon them from where they are, I'd be happy to host. Or we could make a return trip, if you can't. Whichever you'd prefer.

You see a faint blush color her cheeks, and she dives back into the water, swimming in quick circles around the island.

>>20550516
[[Happy to have you on board, anon. Hope your day improves!]]

>>20550582
Try to bring out Tryd, Amal, Cordia.

I'd rather not unbind Thane as I think we left out cloak by the pond and it's annoying as hell to do so. The Rock Turtle won't talk to us so don't both unbinding him, and we shouldn't let our new Ykree out in public until we've had a chance to talk to him privately.

Take a look around the shrine, see what it's a shrine to, if there are any markings, that sort of thing.

>>20550631
It's been a bit. Is the rock turtle still displeased, or does it simply not speak?

>>20550641
We've tried talking to it and it hasn't answered, I don't think we have a definitive answer on why. It could hate us, it could just be a stubborn ass, it could not be able to talk, we don't know.

>>20550631
This sounds good.

>>20550582
Tease Boa a bit because we saw her blush. Bring out Amal, Tryd, and Cordia. Try to communicate with the turtle from here, I remember the insect people became more human like and talkative on this side. We might get to know him or her more. Then ask about the trouble of the spirits Boa talked about earlier.

>>20550649
Hm, okay. Guess this is not to right time to find out why. So I'd second >>20550631

>>20550631

You call for Amal, Tryd, and Cordia. The first two come to your side easily enough. Amal manifests in a wave of amber energy, a vague humanoid figure composed entirely of shimmering cyan waves of energy. Tryd manifests a short time later, a hound-like figure of glowing coal. Cordia appears as she did in the Grand Blossom, an incredibly thin woman with glowing eyes.

They look around happily enough. Tryd looks disgruntled at the water ll around, moving higher on the island.

"Welcome." Boa says with a smile. "Make yourselves at home."

Cordia sits, kicking her feet in the water. Amal moves to hover beside you, and Tryd sits grumpily next to the shrine.

You walk toward the shrine, examining it more closely. You don't recognize the script, but you know the seal of Sylviannis, and a few runes used in high-end communication rituals from Ayren's work.

>>20550827
Time to kick back and relax for a few hours, if Boa is okay with that.
And ask her if there's anything we could do for her, not as a tit for tat trade but as a kind act for someone we've come to like and rely on.

>>20550827
Boa, what's this shrine for? If I had to guess I'd say it's for communications, possibly with Sylviannis, maybe you can use it to route communications so that you can have two people who are talking to you talk to each other directly.

After we get an answer sit down by Cordia. Ask how she's doing, thank her for helping us in the swamp by letting us not breathe, see if there's anything we can do for her.

>>20550857
>>20550856
This

>>20550857


You glance over your shoulder to the splashing shape in the water. "Boa, what's the shrine for? Some kind of communication totem?"

She pauses in her laps, smiling. "Good guess, Osyki. That's how I keep my eyes and ears spread out through the forest. I work my magic through it."

Cordia looks over at the shrine in interest. "What a wonderful device. How did you come by it?"

"It was a joint gift, from Ayren and Sylviannis. It still functions on the magic of this place." Boa says with a sad smile.

You examine it carefully. It's an interesting device, and if you angle your head just right you can see the web of magic woven in tight, shimmering fibers around it.

You move to sit between Cordia and Amal. "Cordia, how have you been? Your help today was invaluable."

She shrugs, but a faint smile crosses her face. "Happy to help, Totemist. You saved my life, after all."

>>20551268
I do what I can. If you ever need or want anything please let me know Cordia.

Boand, you told me once that Ayren and Sylvia did not get along. Could you tell me some of their history, when they made this for you, when the rift between them was formed? When they made it were they on better terms?

>>20551268
Tell Cordia if there is anything she wants or needs to just ask, much like >>20551345 said.

But ask Boa about the problems with the spirits on the other side of the mountains.

>>20551345
[[Apologies for the slowness of posting. 4chan is giving me errors.]]

"I do what I can," you say. If you ever want for anything, please let me know Cordia."

The woman smiles, giving you the slightest of nods before turning to look deep into the pool.

You turn to where Boand now floats, her tail reformed. "Boa, what sorts of problems are the spirits having on the other end of the mountains?"

Boand shrugs, the motion sending a ripple of water the height of your shins outward. "My birds don't fly that far often for fear of Drakes. All I know is that some massive metal spirit is in the process of beating the holy hell out of local earth spirits. Some kind of warlord. May be he's making a grab for the position of Land Guardian, though it's hardly the traditional route."

This is troubling news. A new land guardian could radically alter the geography and geomancy of the landscape, and that could affect the miners that travel into the caverns of the peaks to mine for ore.

>>20551698
Isn't that wonderful, just what I needed in my life, spiritual power grabs going on next door.

What is the traditional path of becoming land guardian? How long has Sylvia been running this place?

>>20551698
"Boa, How much do you know about these two spirits fighting?" While we might not know much of the situation of the fight might as well start preparing for that. Ask Bow if she has anything in particular that she wants as a payment for her services. And then along side that think about getting her a bracelet as a thanks for helping us out and just being a good friend. It's probably time we go and have dinner with our one friend.

>>20551784

You drop your head into your hands. "Perfect. That's all I need in my life right now, a spiritual throwdown on the other side of my wall. How much do you know about these spirits?"

"Little to none," she says, lifting herself out of the water and taking her place at your side again. You can't help but notice the way the droplets of water cling and shimmer against her skin. "The metal bozo's supposed to be enormous, tall enough to climb the peaks in a few hours if he was up to it. The earth spirits are the mountain spirit's lackeys. I'll be surprised if he doesn't go down there to deal with the matter himself soon."

"If the metal spirit defeats him, what'll happen? What's the usual path to becoming a land guardian?"

"Usually you inherit the title from another spirit that wants to retire or ascend. Some places form land guardians spontaneously when they gain enough spiritual power, and they stay in power over that place forever. That's what happened with Sylvia."

"So she's been the guardian since the forest was planted?"

"Not quite that long," Boa corrects you. "A a few thousand years. Just since the forest had enough collective energy to spawn a guardian."

>>20551853
It'd be horrifically impolite to ask Boa's age.

"So about yourself, how long ago did you and Ayren come to be acquainted? Did you know any people or Totemists before Ayren came along?"

I can't really think of any other questions, I suggest taking a nap for an hour. It'll count as time against what we owe Boa, it'll give us a chance to relax because I'm guessing the moment we get back home we'll have things we ought to take care of so we should take a small break while we can. And we didn't sleep that well last night anyways.

>>20551853
"I see. Do you think I should start looking into it Boa?"
After hearing her answer lets excuse ourselves for today and make our way back into town. Drop by the Healer's hut and see if our love interest is in. If not head to the workshop and finish off a batch of masks. Then go to bed.

>>20551853
I suppose paying the mountain spirit a visit has become a top priority, best to get this resolved as soon as possible. Bad enough that I've got to deal with more splinters later on, I don't need a metal monster knocking on our door too.

>>20551916
>>20551887

"Do you think I should look into it, Boa?" you ask. "You've got the experience here."

"I'd let it lie for now, Osyki." she says with a shrug. "It wouldn't do to leave your village again so soon. Honestly, if you're going to be running on longer errands you'll need to do what Ayren did. Set up networks of defensive totems, upgrade the village's facilities. Your people lost a lot of valuable totem power when Ayren passed. Maybe you should see about building that back up."

You lie back, thinking on this. "How long ago did you meet Ayren, Boa?"

"When he first came to your village. That was oh, what, thirty years ago? Forty? It's difficult to tell sometimes."

"Did you know any other Totemists before him?"

She nods. "One, an older man. He retired when Ayren took over for him."

>>20551853
>>20552007

This is awesome, I want to hear more!

>>20552007
It's hard to really imagine a time when Ayren wasn't around. When I was younger I just figured he had always been here and was immortal. Honestly I think he promoted that image as much as possible. Taking over has been liking putting on boots far too big and absurdly heavy, I've been clunking around off balance and just barely managing to walk in a not quite straight line. He always made it look easy.

You said he came to my village, where did he come from originally if he's not a native?

>>20552033

An older man..? Interesting, how was he like? Would anyone still living in the village remember him? How was Aryen connected to him? Perhaps you know other spirits that Aryen had dealings with?

I'm sorry for being so inquisitive.. there's just much that I don't know and sometimes it just feels I've only scratched the surface..

>>20552007

[[Calling the thread here for the night. Thanks for playing folks! next thread should be on Thursday, or before if I can swing it. Email this email to be added to the mailing list.]]

>>20552320
Thanks for running it. See you next time.

>>20552320

Cheers mate!