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. You are currently in the spirit world, residing in the true incarnation of Boand's spring, a massive pool fed by a quadret of waterfalls. The hours grows late, however, and you ought to return to your home soon. Sleep in your own bed is an appealing prospect.

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

What ho, I just finished reading the archived text of this, huzzah!

Not much to say, except that sleep is a good thing. And maybe setting a time to make up for the date that Sylviannis interrupted.

>>20636297
I think we ought to get home.

Effusively thank Boand for inviting us to her home. Tell her that we ought to get home so a ride back to the real world would be appreciated and promise that we'll bring her something nice in the near future.

>>20636381

You glance at the sky. The sun here is hidden behind a haze of cerulean clouds, but even through the veil you can see that the hour is growing rapidly late. You slide into the water and wait for Boand to pass you on her laps around the island. She pauses as you tap her shoulder.

"Hey," you say with a small smile. "Thank you again for inviting us here. It's amazing."

She smiles in return, and this time doesn't bother to hide the blush that colors her cheeks. "Don't mention it, Osyki. Whenever you need to get away for a while, my door's open to you."

She glances up, following your gaze.

"I suppose you'll need a trip back. Alright, gather up your entourage."

You nod. With a quick flex of willpower and a moment of concentration your spirits fade from reality, returning to their foci.

"I'll bring you something nice the next time I visit." you say. Boa gives you a wide smile and wraps her arms around you.

"Damn right you will," she says. Then you can feel gravity grip your ankles and you slip below the waves once more.

When you come to on the shore of the pond, Boa is nowhere to be found. You quickly dress again, feeling refreshed, if a little sore and tired. With your equipment back in order, you set off for home.

>What will you do when you return to the village? You will reach the gates around sunset.

>>20636482
I think we should start by heading home, dropping our travelling gear off and switching to fresh clothes.

Visit Quinn, see what's happened since we were gone.

Then find Elana and see her again.

Woo! Diarca's back!

>You quickly dress again, feeling refreshed, if a little sore and tired.

Oh, I'll bet he does.

Reiterating my vote to find Elena. Maybe it's time to do some asking about "seeing beyond".

>>20636596
This works.

>>20636596

The village gates greet you like an old friend as you step around the bend in the path. The sentry posted atop the gate, one of the Slayers that you recognize (though you do not remember his name), gives you a grin and a wave. He shouts down below him, and the gates slowly slide open for you as you approach.

Quinn stands on the far end of the portal, smiling widely. "Glad to have you back, Osyki." he says. He extends his hand, and you return the gesture with a firm shake. "We worried a bit when you disappeared in the night."

You walk with Quinn, making your way toward your home. He tells you that the last two days have been quiet in your absence, with only a single Raptor wandering too close to the gates in the absence. He leaves you at the door to your workshop, promising to catch up with you in an hour or so.

You lock the door behind you as you enter the workshop. You unpack your supplies, making a note to clean the scraps of soggy bread from the inside of your haversack later, and change into a fresh pair of clothes. Though your bed calls temptingly to you, you know you have much work to do before you can rest.

You head out, making your way down the road toward the healer's. Soon, you find yourself knocking on the door.

Elana opens the door with an uncertain look. When she sees it is you, a mixture of relief and something unidentifiable floods her face.

"Welcome back," she says.

>>20636707
Hug her.

>>20636707
"It's good to be home Elana. It's good to be home."

Give her a tight hug, lift her off the ground and spin her around a few times.

>>20636738
>>20636729

With a weary smile you wrap her in a hug, lifting her slightly from the ground. You feel her tense for a moment as you do so, but she relaxes as you return her to the ground. There is a faint tinge to her cheeks, but she doesn't exactly look ecstatic to see you. Certainly not as pleased as she was when you returned from your last battle.

"It's good to be home," you say. She glances to the side, staring at something behind the wall.

"Are you hurt?" she asks, unable to keep the concern from her voice. She continues to look off to the side, avoiding your gaze.

>>20636824
"No, I managed to get through with only some scratches and scrapes. Is everything okay?"

>>20636824
"A few scrapes, here and there, but nothing serious."

>>20636824
Not in the least. No injuries worth noting, negotiations and diplomacy went well.

How've you been? You doing okay?

>>20636824
For once, no. It's a nice change. I just got back, and wanted to see you before I go to bed for the next two days.

You frown, shaking your head. "No, I managed to get through alright. A few scrapes and bruises, nothing worth noting. It's a nice change. I figured I'd stop by and see how you were doing before I went to rest." You note her tense posture and lean forward slightly. "Is everything alright?"

She shrugs, turning to look you in the eye again. "Fine. I'm glad you're doing better, Osyki. I've got a few slayers to patch up from the raptor incident yesterday, so I'll talk to you later, alright? Sleep well."

You take a step back as she closes the door. Well. That could've gone better.

>Where to, Totemist? Bed, or do some research / training beforehand?

>>20636936
We'll have to talk with her in the morning.

For now I think we should have a quick chat with the Ykree we picked up during our trip.

>>20636936
We should definitely get to bed, we're exhausted and prolonging sleep isn't going to help us with our duties tomorrow.

>>20636966
>>20636951

You stare at the healer's door a few seconds longer before turning and making your way back down the road to your workshop. As you step inside, the exhaustion of the previous day washes over you. You glance toward your bow on the workbench, but decide that tomorrow, you will have plenty of time to meet your new spirit. You lock your door and fall into your bed, not even bothering to remove your boots before your head hits the pillow. Soon, you feel sleep claim you.

You awaken to the sounds of birds chirping. A seemingly dreamless night has come and gone, and you glance out the window to find the early morning waiting for you. The day is yours to prepare for.


Your current obligations:
* Negotiate with the Rain Spirits for a good harvest this season
* Pay a visit to the spirit of the mountain, in regards to this "Deal" (s?)he brokered with Ayren
* Take your three potential apprentices to Boand for help with narrowing down the best choice
* Speak with the small Nature Spirit about Boand
* Craft replacement totems for Duryn, the village Bowyer
* Provide Thane with a cup of your blood boiled and reduced to a paste at the new moon.

To-Do
>See if we can make something useful for the village, from the monsters that attacked
>Spend time with Elana and Aurora
>Reschedule dinner with Elana
>Keep training Quinn
>Continue training with the Slayers

>What is your plan for today?

>>20637136
Talk to the Ykree, then make two or three totems, and then Rain Spirit time.

>>20637136
Okay, let's start with breakfast.

Then talk to the Ykree. Get to know him better.

Then try to find the design for the saw totem that the Bowyer was asking for. If we have the material on hand we can get working on the totems for him, maybe start introducing Quinn to making totems.

When is the new moon?

Where are the rain spirits? How far away are they and how have negotiations with them traditionally gone in the past?

>>20637136
So I guess breakfast, train with slayers in the morning, then look for designs for Bowyer's totems, and make the totem we know how to make. Then spend time with/reschedule the dinner with Elana. Then look into the rain spirits.

>>20637136
What i think should be prioritized:
1. Talk to fresh spirit (ykree)
2. Totems for bowyer
3. Rainspirits
4. Elana (use the true sight thing (close eyes) if she acts like she is seeing something weird)
5. Blood for the blood spirit.

>>20637347
Seconding this.

>>20637167
>>20637189

You roll out of bed, moving through your routine of morning stretches quickly. You take a sagebrush from the table by your bedside, walking around the workshop and inspecting your materials as you perform a ritual of cleansing. The air in the workshop seems to clear as you do so, and the light flooding in through the windows seems brighter.

You prepare a simple breakfast, a small piece of bread and some fresh fruit, before unbinding the bladed fin from the Snakebite.

A coil of sickly green smoke winds its way through the air as you call for the spirit, two burning yellow embers at its head. There is a soft hiss that fills the air around you.

"Greetings, spirit." you say to the wispy apparition. "I am Osyki, Totemist."

You gain no response from the spirit, though the hissing around you does seem to intensify. It slithers through the air until it coils around you in lazy loops, its head creeping over your shoulder. It rests there for a moment before dispersing entirely, returning back to its focus.

You frown. Either the spirit is incapable of speech or unwilling to speak with you, like your rock turtle spirit. You've never really researched the varieties and intelligence of various bound entities. Perhaps some investigation is in order.

>>20637417

For now, however, you have a more immediate obligation to attend to. You scan the bookshelves immediately above your workbench, pulling a thick tome labeled "Totems of Utility" from it. It is penned in Ayren's usual shorthand, though at least the script in this volume is legible. You confirm the recipe for a heat resistance totem, then flip through the book until you happen on the second set of instructions.

[Flameward Totem:
Bind one scrap of drake's wing to a wooden or iron amulet (pref.), and call a minor flame spirit to negotiate a pact. Seal w/ drop of blood, expended ember.]

[Edgesharp Totem:
One spiral totem (metal, sharp), mounted on backing of whetstone slicked w/ oil. Channel essence of earth approx. 3 minutes, seal w/ bind ritual.]

It takes a few more minutes of cross-referencing to discover that channeling "Essence of Earth" means to spiritually enrich a pot of clay, then submerge the totem in it while feeding it spiritual energy. The binding ritual in question is a simple affair, involving only five runes and a few lines of rote. You copy down a few notes, and stand up to gather your materials when a knock comes at your door.

>>20637426
Well, so much for these plans. Have the spirit check who it is.

>>20637426
Have Amal check who it is, inform us, and have the door seemingly open on its own as we greet the person without looking.

Unless it's Elana, then just open the door normally and see what's up.

>>20637426
Aright, lets get to making some totems!

>>20637483
>>20637494

You draw Amal from his focus, and he flies outside to subtly check the identity of your visitor. He reports back quickly, and as the door opens of its own accord you snap your book shut, rising from the desk.

"Good morning, Quinn," you say, turning to greet your apprentice. He smiles, giving you a wave.

"Morning, Osyki. I stopped by last night, but I guess you were passed out by then. I'm off patrol for today, so I figured we could do some catching up on practical training."

You consider this for a moment. The flameward totem is simple enough to construct, and if Quinn aids you, you can make twice as many totems. You may even have some time to devote to researching new ideas, or delving through some of Ayren's more esoteric tomes.

"Sure. Close the door behind you," you say, waving him over. You open to book to the instructions for a flameward totem and explain the basic mechanics of it.

Quinn leans in to inspect the instructions, furrowing his brow. "Sure, I could put something like that together. How do you call a flame spirit, though? Spirit calling's not really my forte just yet."

"I'll handle that," you assure him. "I'll just let you handle negotiations."

The two of you nod to one another, then get to work. As Quinn retrieves the materials you will need from the various bins he has organized them into, you clear off space on your workbench and pluck an expended coal from your fireplace.

(Cont)

>>20637586

You instruct Quinn on the proper knots to use in the cord binding the wing membrane to the amulet even as you begin polishing the circular metal disk for your own totem. He is deft with his hands, and a quick learner, and soon the base totem is assembled. You draw the sigils for him to carve into the amulet's back, and as he works on the inscriptions you retrieve one of several small whetstones from your personal supply. You dip the whetstone in the polishing oil, then lash the metal disc to it.

Quinn proffers the completed amulet to you, and you lead him over to a separate table. You call on Tryd's power to light a small candle with a snap of your fingers, then draw the window covers shut and place a small mirror before the fire.

"Spark of light, born of the beginning blaze, come forth and speak with me," you call into the mirror. "I offer you tribute of fire's ravage, and ask a boon."

In the mirror the image of the candle's flame shifts. The dancing point of light warps into a small quadrupedal shape, its dimensions vaguely lupine. An ashy voice echoes from the mirror.

"What is it you would ask of me, Totemist?"

You gesture for Quinn to speak with the spirit, stepping back to finish your own totem and watch carefully. Quinn offers the mirror a bow, introducing himself as a second Totemist and asking the flame a boon of protection from its fellows.
(Cont)

>>20637707

As the two barter, you pull a drawer in one of your workbenches open. Inside is a small clump wrapped in cloth. A fine waterfall of dust flies from it as you lift it out of the drawer, and you stifle a sneeze. You unwrap the dusty clay and place it in a small bowl, pouring water over it to return it to its malleable state. Carefully, you place your totem into the clay, folding it over the surface of the whetstone until it is obscured entirely.

"That is amenable," you hear the spirit behind you say. "I will expect this offering before the sun dips below the horizon."

"It will be done," Quinn says. He bows again, and the candle flame gutters out.

"Well?" you ask, drawing back the curtains.

"He wants ten wild flowers fed to a bonfire before sundown, with each piece of kindling carved with his seal." Quinn reports. He gestures to the scorched pattern smudged onto the wood next to the candle.

"Simple enough," you say with a shrug. "Why don't you get on that?"

He nods, copying down the sigil, and heads out of the workshop.

You turn to the pot of clay.

>Roll me 1d100.

rolled 6 = 6

>>20637714
Rolling for Totemist MAGIC.

rolled 4 = 4

>>20637714
Oh god I can't look.

>>20637728
I'll just go kill myself now, thanks.

rolled 20 = 20

>>20637728
>>20637721
Well, uh, fuck.

>>20637728
>>20637721

You settle down in front of the pot. Now, if you remember correctly, Ayren always fed things his essence fairly easily. It was just a matter of channeling your aura and willpower into the object in question.

Easy enough.

You place your hands over the pot, closing your eyes. How hard could it be?

>6

You topple over sideways, clutching your head. The room spins around you, and on the table the pot rattles unsteadily as energy courses through it. You slowly rise to your feet, staring at the receptacle. The clay appears to be aflame with wisps of silver light. There is a series of loud popping sounds.

That isn't good.

>4

The clay pot -shatters-, throwing shards of pottery and bits of clay in all directions. With a sharp crack you can see the whetstone snap down the middle, a deep green crystal jutting from its core. Your totem will have to be rebound.

Well. That could've gone better.

rolled 31 = 31

>>20637812
Ah hell, let's read the book again and try it one more time. Here's a roll to start things off.

rolled 39 = 39

>>20637812
We've done better. Let's try that one more time.

>>20637829

You groan. Amal shimmers into being at your call, surveying the carnage with what you can only imagine is an amused expression.

"Having some trouble, Osyki?" he asks wryly.

"You're hilarious. Help me get this cleaned up while I set up a new totem," you grumble, already unlashing the metal disc from the cracked whetstone. Curiously enough, you can feel the green crystal the stone has sprouted humming slightly as your hand passes near it.

You pull another book from the shelf and pore over it as you coat the second whetstone in polishing oil. The process Ayren describes for manipulating raw spiritual energy is surprisingly complex, and he warns that any catastrophic mistakes in the process can lead to what he calls "Elemental Anomalies".

You glance nervously at the green crystal again, and scoot a little further down the workbench.

A trip outside to dig up some clay later, you find yourself in front of a fresh totem setup.

Alright. One more time. This time, -carefully-.

>Roll me 1d100+10

rolled 96 + 10 = 106

>>20637989
This can only end poorly.

>>20638002
I'm not going to touch it after that roll.

We should investigate the anomaly later.

>>20638002
Or everything can go better than expected. We ought to have enough to make TWO with that kind of crazy roll.

>>20638002
>Mother of God

You close your eyes, opening up your senses to the world around you. Where before your sixth sense took time to fill in a picture of the world around you, today it seems to snap into focus immediately. You can still see wisps of green-yellow energy in the air from our last failed experiment. A hazy grey-green aura pulses around the crystal to your left. For now, you ignore it. You focus your senses inward, taking note of every heartbeat, every inhalation and exhalation. The feeling of the blood coursing through your veins echoes through your being, and your heartbeat echoes out a steady wave of percussion into the ether. Slowly, your own aura fades into view, a silver-red haze of sparking energy and mist. The more the cloud around you fades into focus the sharper it becomes, until as you become fully aware of it it snaps into a perfect outline of your being.

You extend a hand, sending a tendril of this energy questing outward with a thought. The line of crimson grows and traces a design in the air at your beckoning, a series of complicated mandalas that pull the gravity from the air around it inward. The pot before you begins to levitate slightly, and you can see a deep green energy leaking from the clay. You continue to perfect the design from strands of your aura, weaving concentric designs into the air above, around, and below the now levitating pot. Something within you has clicked, something before fundamentally missing. You instinctively understand the interaction of the angles and shapes your body weaves with a mind of its own. A sphere of runic design slowly takes shape in the veil around the hovering pot, focusing the green light that leaks outward back into the clay, which begins to emit a steady verdant glow.
(Cont)

File: 1347060673666.jpg-(90 KB, 600x600, Shinmaic Array.jpg)

>>20638105

You manipulate the raw elemental earth inherent in the clay of the pot. As you do a single line breaks away from the increasingly complex design, forming a circle over the sickly green crystal your failed experiment has produced.

The color drains from the crystal for a moment, and it looks to be crumbling for a moment before you feel your heart speed up. The runes pulse once, twice, and the green shard slowly liquifies, reshaping itself into a glassy green sphere. Simultaneously the clay in the pot lets out a brilliant emerald glow, and the sphere of mandalas around it dissolve in the burst of light. You feel your sixth sense go hazy for a moment, and you open your eyes.

Sitting on the desk before you, you know, are two things. One is a perfectly created Edgeguard Totem, one that will shatter the bowyer's expectations. The second is a sphere of contained, modulated, raw elemental earth.

"Damn." you mutter to yourself, glancing down at your hands. For a moment a soft pattern of green lines form a series of linked runic circles on your arms before fading from sight.

Haha. We are the best Totemist.

What can we use raw elemental earth for?

>>20638191
I shouldn't gloat, considering all I did was roll a high number on an electronic dice roller, but goddamn. I suggest we look at the Elemental Anomalies book again; because I want to know what having a piece of raw elemental earth means, and more importantly, what we can do with it.

>>20638231

[Elemental Anomalies]
by
Ayren Overwake

Chaper One:

"It's Magic, I ain't gotta explain shit."

THE END

>>20638208
>>20638231

You pluck the Edgeguard totem from the clay, nodding at the spiraling, jagged edges the metal disc has developed. The whetstone has fused entirely onto the back of the blade, creating one solid piece.

Now, of course, you need to figure out what to do with the crystal sphere you unconsciously created. You examine the emerald orb as best you can without touching it. It has a cloying, damp earth smell hanging around it. You put on a thick leather glove and lift the sphere from the table. It's heavier than you expect, and it seems to leave slight trails of green light in the air as you move it.

You hold the orb in one hand, scanning the bookshelf with another. It doesn't seem as though any of the practical manuals out here will have information on this particular piece of work.

Will you:
>[ ]Devote more time to researching this new discovery
>[ ]Put it aside for later. You have other work to be doing, and new totems to be delivering.
>[ ]Ask Quinn to research the orb and deliver the totems while you move on to the next item on your agenda.

>>20638320
>>[X]Put it aside for later. You have other work to be doing, and new totems to be delivering.

>>20638320
[X]Put it aside for later. You have other work to be doing, and new totems to be delivering.

I think that this, whatever it is, is a bit beyond Quinn and he's our assistant, not our research monkey. We'll check it out later.

>>20638320
Let the new apprentice play with what is possibly a unique prototype created by an explosive failure to develop a totem and a beautiful success to create the same? This is a terrible idea, though the plot of more anime than I care to remember.

Let's go make our deliveries, after asking Quinn if he'd be up to making another totem pact.

>>20638330
>>20638345

You shrug, setting the stone aside in its own container for now. It wont be going anywhere, and you have other obligations to fulfill before you can spend time on research. You strip the glove from your hand, pocket your new totem, and head out to find Quinn.

You locate him in the field behind you hut, setting fire to a pile of carved wood planks. He throws a handful of wild daisies into the flame and steps back, wide eyed, as the small flame roars upward in self-sustained pillar. You give him a nod.

"Toss the ward into the fire, then a drop of your own blood," you instruct him, walking to his side. He stares at you for a moment, then complies. The drake-wing glows like heated metal as it lands in the fire, and as the drop of blood from his thumb makes contact with the flames, they funnel into the amulet like water drained from a basin.

"Well done!" you say, clapping him on the back. You lift the amulet from the still smoldering logs without care, noting the cool sensation of the totem protecting your skin from the residual heat. "I'll get these down to Duryn."

"What happened in there?" he asks. "I heard what sounded like a glass breaking."

"Bit of an accident," you say with a shrug. "It's alright. I got it worked out."

He nods uncertainly. "Alright. Anything else you want me to do while you run those over to Duryn?"

>>20638425
Have him read up on spirit calling. If he can call and negotiate with spirits we can have him do a lot of totem creation, and get him ready to create his own foci.

>>20638425
Educate yourself on the basics of spirit calling, I'll fill in any gaps and help you get the hang of it later today. Calling spirits is the basis of a lot of things so you should pick it up.

>>20638460
>>20638475

You nod.

"Go into the library cross reference the Greater Almanac with "The Veil and Those Beyond". Brush up on your spirit calling basics. It's the basis of much of our work, and the sooner you can get a handle on it, the sooner you can aid me in more advanced duties. I'll be back later today to fill in any gaps and help you get the hang of it."

He nods. "Alright. I'll get to work on that. When will you be back?"

You shrug. "A few minutes, but only briefly. I need to get supplies together. There are two errands I need to run up on the peaks."

He cocks his eyebrow, so you continue. "The spirits of the rains and I need to have a chat, and there's the small matter of this deal the spirit of the mountain brokered with Ayren."

He nods. "Best of luck, then. Let me know if I can help you out."

The two of you part ways, and you head south. You pass the healer's hut and give it a long stare before walking further south. Within a few minutes you are rapping on Duryn's door.

The dark-skinned man opens the door, admitting you inside. "Good afternoon, Totemist. What can I do for you?"

>>20638544
"The Totems you asked me to replace are done. It wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be, I hope you like them.

Thanks again for the bow. It was extremely helpful for the swamp.

I can't really stay for long, I've been gone for a bit so I have a lot of work to catch up on."

>you have no idea how happy seeing this starting back up made me.

Read up on the basics of spirit calling. That's honestly more than half a totemist's job. I'll help you fill in any gaps when i get back. And whatever you do, do NOT touch the green thing on the work bench, no matter what. If it does anything unusual i want you to run and get me immediately. Other than that, relax and read for now.

>>20638576
>>20638598

>[[Hey there, O'Grady. Long time no see.]]

"The Totems you asked me to replace are done," you tell him, handing him the pair of small amulets. "It wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be. I hope they serve you well."

"I'm sure they will," he says with a broad smile. He moves to his personal saw, placing the edgeguard totem into a slot that looks to have been carved specifically to receive it and locking it into place with a twist. The flameward amulet is hung in an inconspicuous place above the door.

"My thanks, Osyki. You'd do well to ensure that everyone has at least a totem to keep flame at bay in their homes, if you have the spare time." he tells you.

You nod. "I will, soon. For now, though, I have other business to attend to. I've been gone for a bit, so I have some work to catch up on. Thank you again for the bow, it saved my life on my last journey."

He beams at this. "Glad to hear it. Off you go then, Totemist."

You exit his shop. You have some preparations to make.

>What supplies will you pack for your climb to the Ikrin Peaks? You'll be climbing further than the Rock Turtle nest this time

and

>How will you bind your totem spirits?

>>20638675
We are still Osyki the well prepared. Rope, more rope, pitons, hammer, chisel, lantern, oil, rations, chalk, ritual dagger, basic first aid stuff.

Cloudwalker's Stride is a given. I think that Nocturne's Embrace is also a good thing to have around.

Now the question is what to do with the Ykree and Cordia.

What bindings do we already know for those two?

>>20638738

> Bone Warden Focus:
Mirror: Mirror of True Sight, pierces illusions and reveals spirits
Cloak: Ribcage Wrap, conjures a sphere of darkness around you. Lightning only seems to brighten this sphere slightly.
Boots: Skeletal Step, carries walker twice as far with each step, makes noise of clicking bones
Fruit: Heart of Darkness, did not test further. Deep red fruit, covered with spines. Unbound quickly.
Amulet: Warden's Ivory, disables the wearer's ability to feel pain. Does not resist damage in any way.
Bow: Nether Storm, Fragments ammunition into a cloud of razor-sharp shrapnel. Accuracy is compromised for raw damage.

> Swamp Ykree Focus:
Chainmail: Fisher-man's Wrap, The orb of light at its front acts as a swim bladder, allowing the wearer to control how they rise and sink in the water.
Bow: Snakebite Aqua, Fires bolts of poisonous essence. Usable underwater.

I kind of want to see what the nocturne embrace totem would do with our chain mail armor.

>>20638754
I'm thinking the mirror of true sight could be very useful. We're planning on negotiation with rain spirits, seeing their true form or being able to see them should they conceal their presence would be helpful.

As for the Swamp Ykree the bow could work, but I'd like to experiment a tiny bit. Maybe try attaching it to a knife of some sort or the Verdis Wyrm Stinger we have lying around.

I'd go with skeletal step boots and snakebite aqua bow.

>Cloudwalker's Stride is a given. I think that Nocturne's Embrace is also a good thing to have around.
Yes.

Let's try attaching the Ykree charm to amulet and remake the Mirror of True Sight.

If we had a Ykree from a different area, would a similar foci create different totems?

>>20638802
If we have the skeletal boots can we keep our KAMEN RIDER lightning boots at the same time? Because In the mountains I would prefer the vertical mobility and face kicking those provide to the faster running speed.

>>20638817
True. Ignore my previous post. My derp.

[[So the consensus seems to be:

Rock Turtle: Cloudwalker's Stride
Fanged Stalker: Nocturne's Embrace
Cordia: Mirror of True Sight
Ykree: Bow? Amulet? Knife? Wyrm Stinger?]]

>>20638890
EXPERIMENT. Let's try the Amulet and the Knife, see which gives the most interesting results.

Any interesting monsters in the higher climes? Curious about hunting birds.

>>20638914

Quinn gives you a nod as you return to your workshop. You clear off space on a workbench, laying out your current bindings.

Cloudwalker's Stride and Nocturne's Embrace you leave bound. You retrieve the hand-mirror from the study, binding Cordia's skull Focus to it. The flash of light causes Quinn to shield his eyes and curse, clearly caught by surprise.

You toy with your new focus for a few moments, debating what binding would have the most utility. You take a knife from the bench and a spare totem amulet and array them on the bench. First, you place the blade of the fin flush to the blade of the knife, concentrating and chanting the words of binding.

The weapon that emerges from the resulting, blinding union looks to be slightly longer than your original knife. The blade has been replaced by the fin, shrunken and molded into the approximate shape of a butcher's knife. The edge seems to be constantly on the verge of dripping some sort of brilliant green liquid, and the handguard is in the shape of two fins.

[[Binding Successful: Constrictor's Fang. Possibly poisonous?]]

You decouple the knife and the fin. Next, you hand the amulet from the side of the appendage that is not bladed. Quinn has the good sense to shield his eyes. When the light clears, the amulet has shifted into the rough shape and size of a Ykree's eye. You drop it around your neck and instantly, the world around you shifts. You feel something hard press against your sinuses, and the world suddenly has a deep blue filter over it. Quinn, yourself, and a few shapes beneath the floor glow a deep red color, while the fireplace, with its fire burning, shows up in blinding white. You do note, however, that it is difficult to discern fine details while the world is heat-shifted.

[[Binding Successful: Hunter Vision. Grants crude thermal sense.]]

>>20639048
Somehow less useful than anticipated/hoped for. Rebind it to the bow and let's start out for the mountains.

Oh, did Ayren leave behind anything about the Rain Spirits, like preferred offerings or tasks?

>>20639048
As cool as the Hunter Vision is the lack of fine vision is annoying. I think the bow is our best choice for now, but I do kind of like the Fang, maybe later.

Don't forget about our chainmail guys. I'm really curious to see Fanged Stalker and Rock Turtle bound to it to see what effect they have. Though I get we may not have the time/energy to try that today.

>>20639096
>>20639108

You let out a sigh of relief as the pressure vanishes from behind your eyes when you unbind the amulet. You lift your bow from the bench, fuse the fin to it, and strap it to your pack.

"Alright," you announce to Quinn. "I'll be back, hopefully later tonight. If anyone's looking for me, you know where I am."

He nods, not looking up from the book. "Keep safe, Osyki." he says with a small thumbs up.

You poke your head into the library and decide to do some reading on Ayren's dealings with the spirits of the rain while you go. The book on the Ikrin Peaks seems the most promising, so you snag it on your way out the door.

As you walk, you page through the book.

>Roll 1d100. Taking the second roll.

rolled 30 = 30

>>20639311
Rolling.

rolled 76 = 76

Rolling

rolled 41 = 41

>>20639311
Upwards we go.

Oh hey, Totemist quest is up

Before I read the thread and get into things, here's a .txt of what I think our current obligations are:

* Negotiate with the Rain Spirits for a good harvest this season.
* Pay a visit to the spirit of the mountain, in regards to this "Deal" (s?)he brokered with Ayren.
* Spend time with Terra, a possible apprentice.
* Spend time with Quinn, a possible apprentice.
* Spend time with Elana, a love interest and future McGuffin
* Spend time with Aurora, a family member.
* Spend time with the Slayers, training our body.
* Blacksmith needs his totems repaired.
* A cup of blood, every new moon, to keep our name hidden.
* Talk to the Ykree
* Spend time with Boand
* Play some rounds of Village Totem Tower Defense to protect the villiage

>>20639486

As you walk, you gain some valuable insight into the spirits that control the rains in your region.

>76

The head Rain Spirit is a Slyph who goes by Auraen. She marshals the winds and the waters to create rains, and she decides where to send them. Your village has been on decent terms with her, making regular sacrifices to the nature spirits as a whole at your annual festival, but she's never interacted directly with the village Totemist. Instead, she sends one of seven or eight different Cloud Sprites to confer with those who would speak with her. To call one of these sprites you'll need to climb to the highest point you can manage on the peaks; the less of their time you waste on flying down to meet you, the better. You glean that the proper title for one of these spirits is "Shepard".

You arrive at the base of the mountain and stow the book in your pack. You have a long climb ahead of you, and the day has yet to reach the peak of its heat. You take a sip of water from your waterskin and head for the goat path. In the interest of keeping your strength for later in the day, you'll walk as far as you can manage before resorting to sheer vertical climbing.

>[[Sorry for those anons who just showed up, but I have to be off to work. I'll be back in ~6 hours to pick this back up if anyone is still here, and I will be running a continuation of this quest or a new thread for the majority of tomorrow. Catch you all later tonight!]]

>>20639637

[[As a side note before I head out the door here, would anyone be interested in a Q&A thread / section of tomorrows thread? I'm pleased to note that Totemist Quest finally (-finally-) made it to 20 threads, and I'm sure you all have more questions about the world at large and the lore.

>>20639978
I can think of some questions I'd like to ask. Not enough for a full thread but having a section could be nice.

>>20639978
Sure.

>>20639637
gogo

>>20639637
>. I'll be back in ~6 hours to pick this back up
*poke*

> I'll be back in ~6 hours
*poke*

>>20644138

[[I return! After closing an hour and a half late. A thousand apologies. Anyone still around to play?]]

>>20644237
Yes, a thousand yeses.

Ascending should be easy, we can jump our way up much of it.

>>20644237
Fuck yeah, Internet gaems

I wonder why the persons with a position of power in this world are all female. I suppose that's just how this world is.

So, we go to the tippiest top of the peak, ask for a Shepard, and go for it.
Time to Cloudwalk that Stride.

>>20644269
We've met three of them and only from the local area, Auraen, Sylvia and the Mother of the Swamp. We don't know anything about the mountain spirit, the warlord planning on taking control there, and anything outside of this. Also Madi Mogni isn't female.

>>20644245
>>20644254

[[Rad. Away we go, then.]]

The walk to the Rock Turtle nest is quicker than it was before. There are several shortcuts previously unavailable that you're able to take due to Cloudwalker's Stride, bounding up the cliff-face with easy leaps and bounds. You pass the Rock Turtle nest on your way up the mountain, noting with pleasure that the local populations seems to be doing well, even in the absence of their elder turtle.

As you climb higher, rebounding from handhold to handhold, aided by your powerful leaping enhancements, you note the air beginning to chill. Every so often you send Amal to scout ahead for possible routes. You pause in your ascent as he returns from one of these trips, rotating rapidly.

"Trouble," he says in a low tone. "A haft of Skyscythe Drakes is flying toward this peak. If you keep climbing, you might run into them."

You pale. Skyscythe Drakes are the undisputed kings of the skies in this region, tearing apart anything but spirits that challenge them with ease. You don't fancy your chances with a group of them.

>[ ]Wait out their passage.
>[ ]Try to beat them to the peak and hide out.
>[ ]Confront them.

>>20644329
[X]Wait out their passage.

We are not in so much of a hurry that we're going to risk a big fight with a group of murder flying dragons in their territory.

>>20644329
>[X]Wait out their passage.
Difficult mobs? Better just let them pass for now.
Time to read more books I suppose.

>>20644370
>>20644360

You let out a small sigh, pulling the hood of Nocturne's Embrace more snugly over your head. There aren't many shadows this high up, but it makes you feel a little safer anyway.

"Well, I guess I'll just have to let them pass," you say with a hint of exasperation. "Keep an eye on them, and let me know when they're past."

"Will do, Osyki." Amal says, vanishing from sight.

You swing to the left, clambering onto a ledge wide enough to sit on. You press your back against the cold rock wall, pulling the book from your pack again and resuming where you left off.

>1d100, taking second roll.

rolled 57 = 57

>>20644389
Rollan.

rolled 12 = 12

>>20644389
I'm afraid to roll the second one.

>>20644437

You skim through the tome, but the air is thinner than you're used to here. Coupled with the fact that every passing cloud causes you to glance up, body tensed, and you quickly find yourself skimming the text. You give up a short while later, replacing the tome in your haversack with a sigh.

You hear, rather than see, when the haft of drakes passes overhead. There is a ripple in the air, and your ears pop suddenly as the quintet of serpentine shapes scream overhead.

"They've passed," Amal helpfully informs you.

You resume your climb with gusto, mindful of the fact that the haft could circle back at any time. As you near the peak, the handholds become fewer and further between.

You finally arrive at the lowest peak of the Ikrin Range. This is higher than you've ever climbed. You could leap up and touch the clouds above you if you tapped the aid of your boots, without much difficulty at that.

>[ ]Attempt to call a Shepard first.
>[ ]Seek out the Spirit of the Mountain
>[ ]Other

>>20644489
[X]Attempt to call a Shepard first.

We're all the way up here anyways. We'll talk to the mountain spirit next.

>>20644496

You draw the chalk you were clever enough to pack from your haversack, sketching a rough square of runes on the ground around you. You kneel in the center of the polygon, nose pointed to the clouds drifting lazily above you.

"Lord of Sky, Shepard of Storms, hear my call," you intone in a loud, clear voice. "I ask an audience of you, that I might curry your favor."

The runes around you burn brilliant white for a moment before settling into a dull silvery glow. You remain in your kneeling posture for a few minutes before a small figure breaks through the clouds above you, hovering down to your level. It is difficult to look directly at, a humanoid seemingly composed entirely of glass and drifting wisps of glowing ribbon.

"Ah, the new Totemist," it says in a pleasant voice. "What can I do for you, Ser...?"

>>20644543
Osyki. It's lovely to meet you. And yourself?

I came here for two reasons, first to introduce myself and make myself available if you had any requests or anything you wanted me to know. Second for the usual reason to negotiate for good rains that will lead to a good harvest.

>>20644564

"Osyki," you say, completing the sentence for him. "It's lovely to meet you. And yourself?"

"Cumula." the creature says simply, its voice like the soft whisper of the wind through the cracks in a wall. You nod, offering a small bow.

"Shepherd Cumula.
I came here for two reasons, first to introduce myself and make myself available if you had any requests or anything you wanted me to know. Second for the usual reason to negotiate for good rains that will lead to a good harvest."

The shepherd decreases in altitude, offering you the courtesy of hovering at your level rather than far above you. "Well, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Totemist. I was sorry to hear of your master's passing. My condolences. In regards to the rains, I will need to gather that information from Auraen herself. I can say with some certainty, however, that with the strife currently aggravating the spirits of the mountain in the state that it is, a larger sacrifice than usual would be prudent to catch my lady's attention. Particularly, erecting a windmill or diverting a river through the village would be an excellent method to show your respect to the lady of wind and water. These are only suggestions, of course."

>>20644619
Of course, thank you for the advice. I will do my best to ensure that the sacrifice is to her liking. Aside from flowing rivers in the village and windmills, both of which are of benefit to us, what would she be interested in?

I was also wondering why Auraen did not speak to Totemists herself, consider it youthful curiosity.

>>20644645

"Of course, and I thank you for them." you say with another deep bow to the shepherd. " Aside from flowing rivers in the village and windmills, both of which are of benefit to us, what would she be interested in?"

The man of glass and wind considers this for a moment, the strands of ethereal breeze which blow within his transparent form flaring for a moment. "More than anything, Auraen wishes for a quick resolution to the strife on the other side of the mountain. Though she is loathe to admit it, the politics of earth do effect those of us up here in the clouds."

You nod, storing this information away for later.

"Call it youthful curiousity, but I have another question. Why does Auraen not speak to Totemists herself?"

Cumula chuckles. "My lady is quite often across the continent on business with other major entities of sky and storm. She delegates meetings such as this, those deemed too important to miss, to us. We are her most trusted advisors. I beg you, do not feel snubbed by the lack of her presence."

>>20644693
I understand completely. I do not feel snubbed in the least.

I must apologize as I am unlikely to deal with the situation on the other side of the mountain, at least not for some time. I am new at this profession and I have much work to do to prepare things so that I could embark on such a journey and still feel my home is safe.

Since I'm here I figured I would talk to the Spirit of this Mountain. What can you tell me about him or her?

>>20644700

One eyebrow shoots up your forehead, and you cannot stifle a small incredulous chuckle. "I understand completely," you say resasuringly. "I am not offended in the least."

You think of Boand's advice to you, and Duryn's similar words earlier in the day. "I must apologize as I am unlikely to deal with the situation on the other side of the mountain, at least not for some time. I am new at this profession and I have much work to do to prepare things so that I could embark on such a journey and still feel my home is safe."

Cumula nods as if this is the most natural thing in the world. "Hopefully, the situation will resolve itself. My contacts in the earth court tell me that the guardian is preparing to pay this interloper a visit himself."

"Speaking of this guardian," you say, suddenly excited, "Where I might find him? What can you tell me about him?"

"They call him the Stone Emperor. He rules the entire Ikrin Range. Beyond that, I don't personally know much that you might find of use, Totemist. Is there anything else?"

[[If the posting leaves off for a few hours, it's likely because I've fallen asleep, as it's 5:30 AM local time. I may take a nap and pick up your talk with the spirit of the mountain in a new thread a few hours from now. I could also continue in this thread. Thoughts?]]

>>20644753
"I can't think of anything off the top of my head. Convey my best wishes to Auraen and have a nice day."

Now we need to go looking for the Stone Emperor.

>>20644771

You search your mind for further questions you might have for this being, but end up drawing a blank. With a shrug and a small smile, you say, "I can't think of anything off the top of my head. Convey my best wishes to Auraen and have a nice day."

Cumula beams, offering you a bow which you quickly return. "And you as well, Totemist. When I have more concrete requests from my lady I will send them to you by courier. I hope your search bears fruit."

He ascends again, his shimmering form difficult to track against the background of clouds until you lose sight of him entirely.

What a pleasant spirit.

You glance around. From your vantage point, it might be possible to spot a good are to attempt an audience with this Stone Emperor.

>Roll 2d100.

rolled 63, 7 = 70

>>20644809

rolled 73, 48 = 121

Rolling

>>20644842
>>20644819

[[Okay, definitely going to take a short nap. Back in a hour or two, anons.]]

>>20644866
I'll probably be asleep by then, see you next time, probably.

rolled 52, 47 = 99

>sleep well, Diarca.

And onsider this my dice roll for when you return.

Righteyo.

*Figure out what to do with the earth sphere
*Build a windmill or divert a river
*Talk to the mountain
*Take the 3 children to Boand's spring
*Spend time with Elana and Aurora
*Make useful totems for the village
*A cup of blood, every new moon
*Keep up the Slayers training

We should probably try to arrange a group trip - Aurora, Elana, Quinn, Terra, and ... those other 2 children that aren't as cool as Terra ... should head over to Boand's spring.

Boand, being a lady of water, might know how to divert a river to go through the town. If we can get a direct river connection between Boand's spring and the village, that should benefit all parties involved.

>>20645269
As long as we make it clear that the water must remain clean at all times. No dumping.

Also: I don't think we ever arranged that game of tag with Tryd and Amal for the kids. See which ones can anticipate the spirits' actions, outwit them, or are just clever enough to do well. That should tell us who's quick-witted, clever, and spiritually attuned enough to become an apprentice.

>>20646312
We did do that. It was a few threads back.

>>20646388
Just read through the archives and saw it. My bad. Disregard.

Bump.

>[[ Be Totemist Quest GM
>Set alarm for an hour and a half
> -Several Hours Later-

Alright. I'm back and ready to run. Shall we continue in this thread, or a new one?]]

>>20648337
Up to you. I'm fine either way.

>>20644842

>73

Your eyes alight on a likely spot, a perfectly flat clearing carved into the side of the cliff face, as if someone had taken an axe and sheared a portion of it away. A small cave leads further inward. Yes, that will do.

You take the time to scrub the runes from the rock around you, then leap in a cloud of lightning and ozone down to the mouth of he cavern.

"Hello?" you call into the abyss.

>48

A low, rumbling reply echoes out from within the cavern. You cannot make out its exact nature, but it carries the cadence and general pattern of speech as far as you can tell.

>[ ]Enter the cave
>[ ]Call out again
>[ ]Other

>>20648484
Enter the cave.
What could go wrong?

>>20648484
Go right on in.

>>20648541

You shrug. No point in dallying around outside. The sooner you get this sorted out, the sooner you can get back to your village, and the people of it. Besides, this directly involves Elana's safety. You're not exactly a paragon of temperance in that department.

You push forward into the cave, you eyes quickly adjusting to the gloom. The light from the entrance peters quickly enough, but every so often a glowing crystal or patch of luminescent fungus crops up to conveniently light your way. The cavern is deep, much deeper than you had expected, and you find yourself wandering for several minutes before the narrow tunnel opens up.

You turn a corner and suppress a small start of surprise as you are faced with an enormous cavern. Small arachnid creatures crawl along the surface of the walls, the glowing rock of the cavern casting eerie, dancing shadows across the ground. Pillars of the same radiant rock sprout from the ground every so often in even intervals, creating a sort of walkway to the raised platform where a truly monolithic boulder is perched. The boulder shrugs, and you realize that you are staring at the back of an enormous mole, its hide of black stone. It turns to look at you, silent, with eyes of blazing ruby.

>What say?

>>20648615
Pardon my intrusion. I came to speak with the Mountain Spirit. If you can point me towards a place where I can speak to him clearly, then I'll disturb you no longer.

>>20648674

You bow again, an action that you note you've been delivering an inordinate amount in the past few days. When all is said and done here you're going to have to spend some time among people who don't require the sight of your scalp to converse with you.

"Pardon my intrusion. I came to speak with the Mountain Spirit. If you can point me towards a place where I can speak to him clearly, then I'll disturb you no longer," you say in an even, respectful tone.

The sudden rumbling makes you worry for a cave-in, but after a moment you realize that the tremors are the result of a soft chuckle from the beast before you. It turns to face you entirely.

"I am the one you seek, young Totemist," it says in a voice of gravel and slate. "What is it that you would so unexpectedly seek my audience for?"

You try not to stare. You're used to your spirits being a little more... humanoid in nature. The feeling of this mole speaking directly into your mind is uncomfortable at best.

>>20648753
"I come to inquire about the nature of a deal you made with a particular magi. You see, it concerned the life of my friend and I'd greatly appreciate it if you were to shed some light on things..."

Actually, saying "shed some light on things" to a subterranean creature might be a bit of a faux pas. Replace that with "share with me the details of the arrangement."

>>20648753
Emperor of stone, it is an honor to meet you. I am Osyki, apprentice of a man you once knew as Aryen Overwake. I've come to inquire after the terms of a deal you once brokered with my former master. I've also heard disturbing news of a warlord coming to do battle with you- In the interest of fostering good relations, I would ask what I can do to help.

>>20648817

You take a deep breath, composing yourself. It would not do to lose your temper in the conversation to come, though the temptation is certainly present.

"I come to inquire about the nature of a deal you made with a certain Magus," you say, placing stress on the term. "You see, it concerned the life of my friend, and I'd great appreciate it if you would sh- share with me the details of the arrangement."

From the moment the Magus is mentioned, you see a change in the creature. The soft crimson glow behind its ruby eyes dims, and the spiders on the walls around you cease their movement as one. The mole takes a step toward you, and it is only then that you realize how very large it is for something so far away.

"And who are you, that I might share those details?" it asks, its tone like a boulder teetering on the edge of a rockslide.

"I am Osyki, apprentice of a man you once knew as Aryen Overwake. My master brokered the terms of this arrangement, and now I find the life of my closest friend in peril."

>Roll 1d100 for diplomacy

>>20648541
announce ourselves as we enter

rolled 12 = 12

>>20648858
Rolling.

>>20648858
It's not first roll only, right?

rolled 94 = 94

>>20648886

>>20648893
>>20648872

>12

The cavern dims around you, and you can see the pillar of stone nearest you crack. You feel the rumble of stone under your feet as the massive mole approaches you, shouldering aside columns of glowing crystal to approach you. You can feel the discontent radiating from every crack and vein in his rocky exterior, a near physical wave of displeasure that chills the stone around you.

And yet, all you can seem to feel is a sense of quiet, tired exasperation.

The low rumble begins again as the Emperor speaks, something about interfering beyond your scope and trifling with forces you do not comprehend and you feel that spark of exasperation grow into irritation. You have been talked down to and ordered by Walther, by Sylviannis, by the Mother of the Swamp, since you took up this post. You are the one who gets things done. When a terrible beast comes to destroy everything these spirits hold dear, -you- are the one to drive it back. Cumula's respectful treatment of you made you realize the severe lack of courtesy that has been shown to you. Powerful or no, these spirits are ungrateful. You think, perhaps, it has been too long since some did anything but bow respectfully and grovel.

And still, the Emperor rants.

And you can feel the patterns and mandalas of green energy glowing just beneath your skin.
(Cont)

File: 1347137047545.jpg-(327 KB, 1920x1080, Binding Array.jpg)

>>20649117

Slowly, you rise from your deep bow. Carefully, you raise your head to stare into the eyes of the monolithic stone beast before you, a beast currently calling you things such as disrespectful. Things such as foolish.

Things such as weak.

And you can feel the patterns and mandalas of green energy burning beneath your skin.

>94

You take a deep breath in and step forward. One hand comes up, and you can feel a wave of spiritual pressure pour off of you, a green-tinged aura of complex circles manifesting in the ether around. The Emperor stops in his tracks, cutting himself off mid-sentence, watching you with careful eyes.

"My lord Emperor," you say in a low voice, "I think perhaps you have misunderstood my purpose in coming here."

You take another step forward.

"I have not climbed the mountain of your domain to suffer your abuse. Certainly, I have not scaled the sheer cliff face to sit in silence while you tell me that I have no right to ensure the safety of those I hold dearest in the world. You are correct. I am inexperienced. I do not hold a full understanding of the intricate politics of the spirit world."

You advance another step. The spiders on the wall behind you have begun to chitter nervously.

"But young or not, inexperienced or wise, I -am- the Totemist of this land. I am the Link to the World Without, the bridge between your realm and mine. I have shown you all the respect and courtesy that your station affords, and you have not shown me the same courtesy."

You feel the soft lines of green energy burn into being on your skin.

The Emperor takes a step back.

(Cont.)

>>20649251

Around you, two of the pillars of glowing crystal shift slightly in their positions. You can see the energy of your aura carving into their surface, soft points of green light burning through rock to trace circles of binding across their surface.

"Now, you will tell me of the deal that Ayren Overwake brokered between you and the Magus. You will tell me of this in full, unadulterated detail. Or I will show you what it means to bridge the worlds. I will show you just precisely how far my power extends."

The crystals on either side of you flicker, and the light within them dies. Nocturne's Embrace wraps you in shadow, hiding your form, leaving only the emerald energy on your skin burning through the darkness.

>2d100

rolled 58, 89 = 147

>>20649300
Damn, we badass now.
Let's see if my luck holds...

>>20649335

>58

The Stone Emperor takes another step back. You can feel wary eyes on you from every corner of the room, the servants attending to his majesty watching your every move.

After a moment, the massive stone mole inclines its head ever-so-slightly. Perhaps three inches downward. The effect is instant. The presence of a hundred compound gem eyes lifts from your presence as the servants scuttle back to work.

"Very well, Totemist," the Emperor says, its voice less booming than before. "Some time ago," it begins with barely a preamble, "perhaps twenty winters, a shadow swept the land. A man, once a being much like yourself, terrorized the country. From my perch on the mountaintop, I could see the unnatural fires spread. The shadow of a terrible dragon flew, and where its shadow touched, death followed. Your predecessor was well aware of this being's approach toward our corner of the world. He and I forged a pact, and for a time I served as one of his companions."

The mole sits back on its haunches as it continues the story.

>89

For a moment you feel yourself drain of energy, exhausted, but you shake it off. You will keep up this display of power, wherever it came from, until his story is done.

"Your master wielded a terrible weapon in those days, a cursed blade forged in the foulest depths of the pits to the southwest."
(Cont)

rolled 29, 63 = 92

If the opportunity comes up in conversation: "Do not make the mistake of thinking that just because i show you respect that I am weak. I am not Ayren Overwake, but I am a totemist and you will respect me."

>>20649533

"When the shadow of the dragon swept toward my peak, we forged an accord and set out to drive it back. I recall there being some debate between your master and the spirit of the woods below as to whether she would accompany us. Ultimately, she did not. He and I confronted this Magus here, atop the Ikrin Peaks, and did battle with him."

The Emperor pauses at this, turning to face you more entirely.

"You must understand, your master was a terrible thing to behold in battle. He and I were at the height of our skill, in my place of utmost power. We fought like demons."

He sighs.

"It was not enough. The Magus was backed by forces far beyond our understanding. He struck me down, and nearly your master too before Ayren offered him a tribute to leave the region in peace. It was a pact forged mutually assured destruction. The Magus would kill him, certainly, but not without suffering terrible wounds and curses. My power was used to seal an accord: Ayren would provide for The Magus a suitable apprentice, and in exchange, he would leave the land in peace."

The Emperor sighs. "Does that answer your question to your satisfaction, Totemist?"

>>20649618
The Magus said that the girls he sought could see the "true order", what does this mean? Does this ability have anything to do with her being born on your peak at the height of the solstice?

If my Master couldn't fight him and I could barely defeat a splinter, with major assistance from others, what chance do I have? Is there any way to improve my chances should I come to blows with him?

>>20649618
"Yes, Stone Emperor, I thank you for revealing the full details to me." Slowly, carefully release our hold on the power. Show that we have control over it, even though we don't really. "You say your power was used to seal the accord, what do you mean? Is a portion of your power sealed away?"

>>20649618
"Perhaps...
But Ayren is no more, I am not bound by his pact, this means I am free from offering the magus an apprenice, but it also means the magus is free to bring terror and destruction."

I've got that, but to be honest, I'm not seeing how we are going to deal with this magus. Fighting it outright seems way beyond us. Tricking it would be very difficult.

Sicking something nastier on it would be a classic mistake too.

What else can this Lord of the Mountain tell us of the magus?

>>20649707

"The Splinter that invaded our realm mentioned that the girl he sought could see the 'true order' of things. What does this mean?" you ask, your tone level but strong.

The Emperor rumbles slightly at this. "The solstice is a time of great spiritual resonance. When the girl was born, a significant outpouring of energy occurred. The Magus sought an apprentice. I assume that she has the potential to wreak the same havoc as he has."

This troubles you, for obvious reasons. You wonder if Elana has any inkling of this.

"If Ayren could not defeat him, and I could hardly fend off a splinter with major assistance from outside forces, what chance do I, do we have, should he return in force? What can I do to improve my chances, should he return?"

"Your master had two great advantages that allowed him survival in his confrontation: Myself, and his accursed blade. My power has waned somewhat since that pact was formed, but I imagine that a sufficiently powerful ally, or collection thereof, could turn the tide of a battle. I don't suppose Ayren left that damnable sword just lying around, but it would also be a significant boon."

"So a portion of your power was sealed away," you say. "When will it return to you?"

"When the deal is honored, and the pact fulfilled." The Emperor says with another tremor.

You consider this. "Perhaps. But Ayren is no more. I am not bound by his pact, which means I am free from offering the magus an apprentice. It also means, however, that the magus is free to bring terror and destruction."

"And so my power will remain sealed away. Forever, I imagine, or until this interloper slaughters me for my crown."

>>20649865
"I do not believe I will let a warlord usurp your throne. When the time comes I intend to stand with you. However, this limit on your powers is troubling."

>>20649865
Just a thought here guys, but if we help the interloper (who may be more powerful) It could gain us an ally against the magus and resolve the conflict here.

This guy wasn't exactly forthcoming. We don't have to but taking that path may work out better than siding with a spirit who's power is partly bound.

>>20649701
>>20649707
Seconding these (sorry for my slowpoke-ness, postin from work).

Also, as long as we're here, ask if he would be willing to channel some of the snow and rainwater he accumulates into a small rive we can channel down into the village (might as well get a head start on making missus Mistress of Wind and Water happy), and if he knows any young, adventurous spirits he thinks will benefit from travelling with a totemist as a companion, as he once did with Ayren, though we will try to show more respect and friendship. Also ask if there are any messages he wishes to convey to the guardians of the swamp or forest. Also, offer to begin spreading the masking totems around his mountain to make it invisible to the magus.

I teally think we should expand that stealth-network across as wide an area as possible, if only to frustrate the magus.

>>20649951
This newcomer is completely unknown though, and from what we've heard he's just bullying lesser spirits into following his lead. He's conquering everything is sight, who's to say he'll stop at the Ikrin Peaks?

>>20649865
"This is remarkably inconvenient. I would prefer to have you at your full strength to help me against any foes, but the thought of the Magus having an apprentice is not acceptable, if he is this dangerous alone then I fear what havoc he could cause if he made another into a being like him.

What can you tell me about the cursed blade? Where was it found? How was it made? Was there a spirit bound to it?"

>>20649951
That could work, but I don't really like the idea of giving the power to the interloper, this guy we know we can work with and is amenable to working with our village, the interloper doesn't sound like a nice guy who we can bargain with as easily.

>>20649998
I guess we should avoid affirming one way or the other for the moment then.

We kinda need to ramp our defences at home quickly. That and gain more power. Come to think of it, if there is more than one Totemist that'll make things quicker.

When we get back we should show those kids to our friendly local water spirit.
For now getting as much info out of this mole as possible seems good.

>>20649910
>>20649978
>>20649998

""I do not believe I will let a warlord usurp your throne. When the time comes I intend to stand with you. However, this limit on your powers is remarkably inconvenient," you say. The Emperor snorts, as if to say, 'I had no idea'. "I would prefer to have you at your full strength to aid me against any mutual foes, but the thought of the Magus having an apprentice is unacceptable. If he is this dangerous alone, I fear what havoc he could cause if he gained a second."

The Emperor nods. "I understand well, Totemist. I did not descend the mountain when the splinter came for a reason. I will stand by your decision."

"What can you tell me about the cursed blade? Where was it found? How was it made? Was there a spirit bound to it?" you ask, your questions coming rapid-fire.

"The only thing I know of it was its name. Your master would talk to it as if it were a living thing. For all I know, it was. It may have had some spirit or other lashed to it."

"What did he call it?" you ask, growing impatient.

"Illithuvia." the mole responds.

Was Ayren's body ever recovered from the Hydra Basilisk's lair? 'cause if not, that's probably our best bet to find his sword.

>>20650133
He made it back to town before he died.

>>20650141
Then we need to look through his things, ask the elders what they did with the items he had on him when be died, etc.

>>20650114

You slowly release your pent-up energy, allowing the burning green runes to fade from your skin. The crystals on either side of you slowly resume their glow, and you fade back into sight.

"My thanks for your cooperation, Lord of the Mountain. Would you consider diverting some of the rain and snow runoff to my village, should I ask it? I would build a river through it, to provide drinking water for my people and honor the spirits of water."

The Emperor considers this. "Perhaps. Should your annual sacrifices prove sufficient this autumn, I will channel the rains to you."

You nod. "Then I wish you luck in dealing with the pests that hound your borders. Farewell."

You give him a slight bow, turn, and exit the cavern.

You didn't quite think you'd get away with that one.

What now, Totemist? Back to the village, of course, but what to do when you arrive?

OOC, we know that Aryen's Holy Blade was lost months before he died. As such, I think that any attempt to find that sword should be focused on remembering when Aryen returned one day without his sword (since it was his most faithful companion, it should have been with him for always).

Not that I believe we can find it. Aryen was a better Totemist than Osyki, with more and better Totems, more capable than Osyki. As Illithuvia was Aryen's most powerful weapon, he would have devoted much of his resources and skill toward reclaiming it. That he failed, I think, should be an indicator of the improbability of Osyki finding that blade.

Also, Sylviannis, given the better relations she has with Osyki than with Aryen, would probably assist the Stone Emperor in fighting the Magus, if he comes again.

>>20650374
Kidnapping children.
...
What?
The sooner we have that apprentice the better.

>>20650374
Make a bee-line for our workshop and the 'elemental anomaly'. I don't know what just happened, but i think that greenish energy looks similar tothe earth-energy we spectacularly mis-channeled earlier.

Blah, almost forgot about that, we should do this post-haste. Loose ends like that could be the death of us.

>>20650374
We should definitely get working on more totems, our village needs those more than ever. Also who would we talk to about getting started on digging out that river through our village? Could we do it with our freaky earth connection?

>>20650390
There's a chance that he let it go. We don't know much about Ayren, but i he somehow foresaw his death, or more likely intended to retire soon, there's a chance he unbound that spirit and let it go. We should ask Sylvia if any unusually powerful and unbound spirits traveled her wood on the day in question.

>>20650543
>asking Sylvia
>Not asking Boa
You alright there son?

>>20650427
Also, we should check up on Elana ASAP. If she seemed distant yesterday, it might be smart to check up on her. To make sure she doesn't suddenly gain huge amount of power and go on a magical rampage...

>>20650588
Ask both. This is big info. We know too little about the whole thing. I'm assuming Ayren never bothered to introduce us to his most trusted spirits the way we introduced Quinn to the stalker spirit.

That reminds me, we need to start working on a book of our own. Ayren's almanac has a lot of great academic information, but no so much on the practical stuff. We need to start on Osyki's Omnibus: Everything You Didn't Know You Needed To Know. Walking the spirit world, seeing it when you close your eyes, pretty much everything we had to figure out on our own. And start. Aking a list of every totem and item we've made for the village so that our (hopefully eventual-in-the -distant-future) successor knows what needs replacing when, and what deals we have with whom.

>>20650588
It might help to establish a better rapport with her, if she sees Osyki is actually willing to consult her and even seeking her advice.

If she doesn't want us to, I'm sure she'll say so.

>>20650374

The descent is, of course, much easier than your climb. You needn't worry about falling with Cloudwalker's Stride encasing your feet and shielding you from any scrapes you might take from a long fall. It's a few hours past noon when you find your way back to your workshop, thoughts churning like a maelstrom in your head.

You open the door to find Quinn reclining at your desk. In front of him, a small scorch mark gives away the telltale presence of a minor fire entity. You raise an eyebrow, and he grins at you.

"Success?" you ask, gesturing to the desk. He nods, unable to hide his triumphant smile.

"Consider my first spirit calling a success. I feel like a regular Totemist." he says, gesturing to the brand new flameward totem around his neck. The two of you laugh together, and you shake his hand firmly.

"Well done!" you congratulate him, grinning. "You picked that up a hell of a lot faster than I expected you to."

He shrugs modestly. "What about you? How did your meetings go?"

You tell him of your twin confrontations with sky and stone, though you leave out the fact that you intimidated the lord of the mountain into spilling decades old secrets.

"Well, then. Sounds like we've got some work to do. If you like, I'll go talk to the elders about getting that windmill put up, or maybe about getting some men together to dig a trench for that river."

>>20650676
Making of list of every Totem in the village (along with who made it; e.g. Pierce made that fire-ward, Osyki made that edge-guard) and any obligations to maintain the totems as well as a list of deals with various spirits and obligations from those deals sound like a great idea.

>>20650795
I think the river river would be the most beneficial thing for the village. We could fish in it and create a water wheel and all sort of stuff. Rivers rock!

>>20650805
Like I said: Osyki's Omnibus: Everything You Didn't Know You Needed To Know.

So, Totemist. What will your first order of business be?

>[ ]Investigate the Raw Earth Stone
>[ ]Seek out your three potential apprentices for Boand's inspection
>[ ]Begin work on Osyki's Omnibus
>[ ]Experiment with new Totems
>[ ]Check in on Elana

>>20651039
Let's check in on Elana first.

>>20651039
[X]CHECK IN ON ELANA
THIS IS IMPORTANT

>>20651039
>[x]Investigate the Raw Earth Stone
This first. We need to know whether or not we channeled it by accident i the cave and if so, how, and how not to. we have no idea what it's capable of, right now it's a potential nuke sitting in the middle of the village.
>[x]Check in on Elana
This second. We need to sit down, have a heart-to-heart with her, tell her what we've learned, and ask about what she's been seeing over our shoulder and why she's been so edgy.

>>20651039
1. We start the omnibus: We get Quinn to write and Amal to do the information. This way we can let the book write itself for a while and Amal tutor Quinn.
2. We write a short letter to the village elders regarding building the river. Have our little imp deliver it.
3. We check on Elana, make sure everything is alright.
5. Check with the general populace about what totems needs to be crafted.
4. Get back to workshop, check how Quinn and Amal is doing and start experimenting with the Raw Earth Stone.

>[ ]Check in on Elana
>[ ]Investigate the Raw Earth Stone
>[ ]Seek out your three potential apprentices for Boand's inspection

This order seemss good.

>>20651120
uh number 4 and 5 should switch, they were written in front of the wrong sentence

"I'll be back," you tell Quinn. "I'm off to run some errands around town. You go talk to the elders, see what they see of constructing our own river. Meet back here when you're done."

Quinn gives you a nod. "On it, Osyki. See you in a bit."

The two of you go your separate ways, heading in opposite directions down the main road. You resist the urge to leap to the healer's hut, greeting your fellow villagers as you walk down the street.

One, a boy you recognize from the raising house, stops you.

"Ho, Osyki." he says with a smile. "How've you been?"

"Afternoon, Sazen," you return. "I'm doing well. What's up?"

"Well, seeing as you're the big chief Totemist now, I was wondering if I could get your help with something."

You glance down the road to the healer's hut.

"I could do that," you say uncertainly. "Right now?"

"Not necessarily." Sazen says with a shrug. "Let me know when you've got a bit to talk."

You nod, and he continues on his way down the path.

You knock on the healer's door. Elana's master herself opens it, unusually, and gives you a smile.

"Good afternoon, Osyki," she says warmly. "How do you fare?"

"Fairly well!" you report cheerfully. "Is Elana around?"

The healer nods, ushering you inside. You can see Elana in the back room, mixing together a tincture of some sort.

Hahaha oh wow, this is still going! Good to see. Lemme catch up on the new stuff, but I think we might want to see about building a rapport with the spirit of the zones we haven't been to yet.

Or wait, or wait! What if we found the Greater Spirit of our village and empowered it?

Are we supposed to do something now?

>>20651398
squad morale broken!

>>20651398

[[How would you like to start this conversation off, given your chilly reception last time?]]

>>20651443
Personally speaking I've got nothing. I'm here for the hunting. To be honest, she isn't making a great case. Not like we can help being around spirits of a eye-pleasing nature.

This has been the voice of unempathic thought, thank you for listening.

>>20651443
Normally, don't really go out of our way to change our standard behavior towards her, we don't want her to think that we're changing or being different.

Sit down nearby, ask how she's doing, if she needs our help with anything. Ask how the Slayers she patched up are, and after we've fallen into a comfortable conversation ask if there's anything wrong.

>>20651509
I think we give her a chance, we try to have Osyki stick to the normal world and as that slowly fails we retreat more into the spirit world and become more like Ayren.

Well, this adds a bit to our list of shitttodo.

Ongoing:
*Spend time with Elana and Aurora
*Make useful totems for the village
*Spend time with Boand
*A cup of blood, every new moon
*Keep up the Slayers training

Once:
*Take the 3 children to Boand's spring
*Figure out what to do with the earth sphere
*Build a windmill or divert a river

Long term:
*Investigate that Basilisk lair
*Find Aryen's sword
*Deal with that interloper

I hope we can start reducing our obligations over time instead of increasing them.

>>20651196
Wait until she's done, we don't want to disturb her.
Just say "Hello." and see how it goes. If she's still displeased, she'll throw us out anyway. If she doesn't ask if she's alright.

>>20651535
Could we ask if anything is different instead of anything is wrong?

>>20651569
That would probably be better. We asked if anything was wrong earlier and didn't get anything out of it.

>>20651443

>>20651509
is pretty much right. Unfortunately, we have a problem, which is that Elana is the magi's target and she needs to know why.

"Elana, we have to talk. Totemist business this time. Healer, do you mind if I borrow her for a minute?"

Take her outside. Then, "Elana, the spirit of the mountain told me why the Magus attacked. My master promised him an apprentice born under very specific circumstances to take as an apprentice. You were born to be a living sacrifice for the village. My master's death has freed the creature from the need to wait, and he will come for you again."

Wait for a reaction, then ask about the "seeing truth" bit. We might have to hold off on younger apprentices after all...

>>20651443
Hi! What's up?
I found that Aryen brokered a deal with the Magus that, in exchange for the Magus leaving this land alone, you'd be taken as his apprentice.
It seems you've got a lot of magical potential!

(I want to look at Elana with the Mirror of True Sight, and also practice our seeing-through-the-worlds trick on her.)

You gave me a cold reception earlier, and that made me sad. :(
I want to have more happy times with you.
I was sent on an adventure to the Swamp. It was really cool. I wish you could've been with me when I met new spirits at the Lady of the Swamp's castle.
It would've been awesome to walk through the worlds with you at my side.

I'm going to take a bunch of people to Lady Boand's spring. She can show you what the World Without is like, and we can hang out together. Boand's spring is even more awesome in the World Without. You gotta come with me!

You cross the room, knocking gently on the doorframe. Elana glances up, gives you a small smile, then looks back down to her mixture.

"Evening, Osyki," she says, most of her previous clipped nature gone. "What can I do for you?"

"Just thought I'd stop in and check on you. See how those Slayers are doing."

She pours out a vial of the mixture, capping it with a small cork cylinder. "Once I get this over to the training house, they should be patched up just fine. Would you like to walk with me?"

You nod, and she throws a cloak over her shoulders as the two of you head out of the hut and up the road.

"So," you begin as you proceed, "Is everything alright? You seemed to be a little tense earlier." you say, trying to choose your words carefully.

Elana looks a little embarrassed at that, and nods. "I was... unhappy about our dinner being called off for your work. It was silly, I know, but I couldn't help feeling as though you didn't actually want to have dinner with me. When I managed to come to my senses, though, I realized that I was being foolish."

She shoots you a sidelong glance. "So, sorry Osyki."

You shrug. "Hey, no big deal. I just wanted to make sure everything was alright."

The two of you walk in comfortable silence for a few houses before you pipe up again.
(Cont)

>>20651640

"I spoke with the spirit of the mountain today. Asked about what the Magus was talking about, in regards to the whole kidnapping situation."

"And?" she asks, tilting her head.

"Seems like you've got some special magic potential about you," you explain, "Potential that the Magus is itching to get his hands on."

She stops dead in her tracks at this. Her face is concerned, and you can see some genuine fear building. "Me? Magic potential? Don't be ridiculous, Osyki, I'm not a Totemist."

You shrug. "That's just what the spirit told me. The Magus believes that you have the potential to become his apprentice of sorts, and now that Ayren's dead he'll stop at nothing to come reclaim you."

"So... what do we do?" she asks, staring at the ground.

>>20651649
We keep you safe!

(Samefagging my suggestions from >>20651599 , if we get her to view herself in the world without, she can't deny her power after that)

>>20651649
...and then we turned her into a monster worthy of fighting the magus and there was no happly ever after.

>>20651649
"Well, I'm sure as hell not letting him take you without a fight. So I do what I was already going to, build up defenses, research the hell out of the Magus and any other related subject, get on good terms with any nearby major spirits so I can call for their help if needed. I also need to become stronger and bind stronger spirits in order to fight him.

As for you we need to find out what it really means by you being able to see the "true order" of things. If we can understand that we might understand the source of the Magus's power and possibly use it against him.

We do what this village has always done, we endure."

We should look at Elana through the mirror of true sight and also through our second sight.

rolled 57 = 57

>>20651649
I'm not going to let him get his hands on you, now or ever. We do need to work on bolstering the villages defences and I will see about a totem for you to hide you from the Magus' radar. I am not sure when he will show up but we need to start preparing. Do you trust me?

>>20651649
We could create some totems for her. Like suppress evil magics totem. We could do regular checks and keep track of any magic that appears. Right now we could do that thing where we close our eyes and see if we see anything different.

I also suggest we take her with us when we visit Boa. Although this could cause problems as since the last meeting between them was slightly awkward.

AND we could possibly try to ask our shadow-thing spirit about what to do to hide her from the magus.

>>20651649
In the short term? Not worry about it. If the Magus could send a splinter immediately after the destruction of the first he would have already. Once the wards are back in place you'll be as safe within the village as you were when Aryen was alive, for a little while. But since what kept the Magus away was his pact with my master more than anything else, we'll have deal with him in a more permanent fashion eventually."

"My duty as Totemist is to protect the village. My duty as your friend is to protect you. Don't worry, I have a plan."

And I do! We need to buy time to make Osyki into a god killing badass, so I suggest binding a spirit of the wind to take a totem with Elana's "essence" and play tag across the continent. Worked for Dresden, I think.

>>20651719
Won't work, probably.

When Thane hid our name he said that anyone who knew to look and had power greater than ours would be able to break it. Magus would know where to look, and he's many times stronger than us. This is assuming this protection is under the same restrictions.

>>20651719
>Although this could cause problems as since the last meeting between them was slightly awkward.
Psh. Elana totally has a crush on us and is just jelly of Boa's hot body. All we need to do to fix that is point out that we ain't tappin' Boa, and all awkwardness should pass.

>>20651714
>>20651706
>>20651700

You put an arm on her shoulder, your face serious. "We keep you safe. I'm sure as hell not letting him take you without a fight. So we do what we've always done. We build up our defenses. We learn about our enemies. We make friends with powerful allies. We endure."

She looks up at this. You smile, looking her in the eye.

"Do you trust me?" you ask gently. When she nods, you continue. "Then we'll find out just exactly what makes you so appealing to this Magus, and learn to use it against him. We'll do some research together, talk to Boand. She seems to know what's what. Maybe visit her spring in the spirit world. I think you'd like it, and that should give us a clearer picture of what we're dealing with."

She swallows hard. "Alright, Osyki. I'm... sorry for being the source of such trouble."

You shake your head. "The source of this trouble was the decision a few men made before either of us were born. Don't blame yourself. For now, go deliver that medicine. The slayers will need it. After that, why don't you come by the workshop? We'll have something to eat with Quinn and hit the books."

She nods. "That sounds fine to me, Osyki. I'll see you soon."

She wraps you in a tight hug for a moment before walking quickly toward the Slayer's headquarters.

>>20651774
We got Quinn telling the elders "Yo we need a river up in here".

>[ ]Investigate the Raw Earth Stone
We should go to our workshop, experiment with that Earth sphere, and see if there are any rituals or totems for digging Earth.
Like, maybe we can use the Raw Earth as some kind of Katamari for faster digging or somesuch.

The Omnibus, I think, will take a lot of our time and not really help us. It may be selfish to say this, but this quest dies with us, and writing a journal of our adventures won't help us on our quest.

>>20651774
Let's head to the workshop and fiddle with the Raw Earth. What could possibly go wrong?

After our meeting with the spirit and us summoning up the green patterns under our skin I think we can have a better understanding of it. We seem to have a pretty strong connection to earth which is pretty cool. Try looking at it with our second sight, attuning ourself to the idea of earth, that sort of thing.

You make a beeline for your workshop. Quinn has yet to return when you arrive, so you carefully retrieve the Raw Earth gem from where you stowed it. It looks the same, and still feels heavy in your hands. You recognize the shade of green as the one glowing from beneath your skin just a few hours past. What -is- this thing?

You summon Amal and Tryd and send them to scour the library for potential solutions while you turn the orb over in your hands. Closing your eyes, you can see the raw earth energy radiating from it. You prop up the Mirror of True Sight behind it, and stare with interest at the binding circles still hovering in the air all around it in the shade of your personal aura. Whatever you did to this, it isn't going anywhere any time soon. You're pretty sure you're relieved by that.

Amal and Tryd return, talking animatedly between themselves. Tryd hops up onto the table, laying a thick tome down in front of you.

"I think I've got it," he says, leafing through the pages of 'Experimental Bindings'. "Ayren talked about totems producing anomalies if you fuck them up, but in here he also mentions the possibility of harnessing those anomalies to safely channel the raw essence that they bleed into the world. The notes are scattered around a few chapters, but this might be a good palce to start."

>1d100 for research, and ideas on how to test the Earth

rolled 41 = 41

>>20651845
Poke it, mold it in our hands, try adding a tiny bit of normal earth or dirt to it, examine how similar the circles on it are to the mandalas we've been making, try communicating with it or seeing if there is anything else like that.

After that we could try things like adhering it to a weapon and seeing what happens. At some point I'd like to try combining a bound spirit and using the Raw Earth, but not until we have a much firmer understanding.

rolled 53 = 53

>>20651845
See it with our second sight.
Call Cordia and the Rock Turtle to see if they have anything to say. The rock turtle may be stubborn but it's very much an Earth creature and might give us some clues.
This may sound bullshit, but we could always try to talk to the earth.
We could try to draw forth a minor Earth spirit, much in the same way that Quinn drew forth a fire spirit for the drake wing. If we talk to an Earth spirit, they'll have more of an idea.
We could always put the raw Earth on a patch of soil, and see what it does.
When we summoned those red or green tendrils to create this thing, or to talk to the Mole, we could try to do that again. Get a red and green link to the Earth core.
Maybe try to touch our spirit to whatever's in it?

Oh, and reading. Reading is good.

rolled 5 = 5

>>20651845
Oh boy oh boy.

How about we try channeling it into a Totem? Or we try channeling our energy into it?

File: 1347151523233.jpg-(10 KB, 500x300, Ultros.jpg)

>>20651878
>but not until we have a much firmer understanding.
>firmer

>>20651892
ON SECOND THOUGHT LET'S NOT AND SAY WE DID. Jesus I either roll in the single digits or the 90s.

>>20651878
>>20651879
Good work you two.

rolled 46 = 46

>>20651892
>>20651879
>>20651878
Damn /tg/ dice.

rolled 81 = 81

On last venture into the rdg

HA take that unfeeling program!

rolled 77 = 77

>>20651845
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elUVA0O93Oo

You close your eyes, allowing your second sight to take hold. The gem appears much more radiant behind your eyelids, a burning sphere of emerald energy. Small motes of verdant light occasionally attempt to arc off of its surface, only to be repelled by the field of your aura containing it.

You unbind Cordia from your mirror, summoning her from the Focus. She fades into being, arms wrapped tight around herself, and raises an eyebrow.

"Yes, Osyki?" she asks.

You explain to her the conundrum you're having, and ask her if she has any insight into the crystal.

"I feel oddly drawn to it," she says with a small frown, "As if I were missing a piece of myself. I'm not sure why. I've never seen anything like that before."

You tap your chin at this. It's a long shot, but the Rock Turtle is, at its core, a creature of earth. You unbind your boots, wiggling your toes at the strange sensation of ordinary shoes as you hold the crystal Focus in your hand.

The massive eye of the Rock Turtle comes again with some mental tug-of-war, staring down at you. You proffer the crystal to it, and it seems to draw nearer. No sound follows this, but the eye does glow the soft blue you have come to associate with the energy contained within your Focus.

As you sit down to flip through the book Tryd brought to you, Quinn returns. He tells you that the elders would be willing to entertain the idea of constructing a river, given your assistance in crafting totems to ease the process.
(Cont)

>>20652007
Sweet. If we can find a way to use this Earth to aid in digging, we'll have shit made, yo.
Plus, Boand is a lady of rivers and springs. She probably knows how to get a river up.

Next up: Summoning a minor Earth spirit, adding a bit of dirt to the raw Earth, molding the Earth, talking to the Earth.

If Cordia feels that the Earth has a part of herself, we could bind her to it and see what happens.

>>20652007

You explain your current line of experimentation to Quinn, but before you can get too into the details he holds up a hand.

"That sounds like work a little over my head, Osyki. I'll get some food going for us while you work. You'll think better with some grub in you."

You nod, feeling the pangs of a neglected stomach. Thanking Quinn, you turn back to your research.

Shortly before Elana arrives, you believe you've begun to piece together what Ayren was talking about. After observing the method by which Anomalies leaked raw planar energy into the world, Ayren theorized that if properly contained, that energy could be harnessed. He talks of these refined anomalies as potential powerful fuel sources for like-aspected totems, or even powerful channels for Foci if the Totemist in question were strong enough to maintain such an unstable binding.

Elana's knock at your door draws both of your attentions. Quinn answers it, giving Elana a friendly wave and allowing her inside.

She looks a bit of a mess. She's obviously been worrying away since you revealed your conversation to her, and she sits down heavily beside you.

"So," she says, staring at the gem in your hand, "What've you got there? It's beautiful."

>>20652051
>powerful channels for Foci
>the anomaly is magicite
...Anyone interested in a giant turtle summon?

>>20652051
Man, if you think THIS is beautiful, you should see the True Spring. You should visit it with me once I'm done here!
This is the result of a botched binding. It's a piece of Elemental Earth. I'm seeing if I can use it to help dig a river through the town.
Did I tell you? The spirits of Rain for the harvest want us to build a river through the town in tribute to them. If we do that, we get good rains for the harvest.
Work, Work.
Hey, Elana. See if you can read through these books, finding any totems about Digging.
(Cuddle Elana as she does this)

Also, continue our experimenting as per >>20652044 , even though linking that is blatant samefagging on my part.

>>20652092
Not right now. I think
>or even powerful channels for Foci if the Totemist in question were strong enough to maintain such an unstable binding
Doesn't apply to us, yet.

>>20652051
A happy accident.

I was enriching a pot of clay, made an anomaly and then fixed it. It's the most earthy earth you'll ever see. I'm not sure what exactly I'm going to do with it, but it could be used for a earth totem or I could bind a spirit to it, though that'd be much harder.

Always something new in my line of work.

>>20652051
Now we can Second Sight Elana. Cordia's unbound, but if we rebind her to the Mirror we could show Elana her "true form".
We need to Second Sight that Earth as well, and perhaps see the true form of it. Why not?

Seconding binding it to a dig totem and talking to a minor earth spirit.

[ If Elana can see the true form of things, and the mirror shows you the true form of things, I wonder what would happen if we give her the mirror?
Do we see the DOUBLETRUE form of things? ]

>>20652051
>>20652051
lets try binding. it to some gloves

>>20652199
I think we should try binding it after we have a bit more information. We continue fiddling, and then try binding it to something, maybe adding it to an existing focus like our Cloudwalker's Stride to make them super stompy boots of death.

I say we give it to Cordia, she said it felt like a missing part of her.

Doooo it DOOO ITTTT!

You grin. "This? This is a happy accident. I botched binding a totem for the Bowyer, and managed to salvage this out of the mistake. It's a piece of raw, elemental Earth. I'm fiddling with it to see if I can use it to help dig a river through town."

"A river?" Elana asks, eyebrow raised.

"Oh, didn't I tell you? When I met with the Rain Spirits this afternoon, they promised us excellent rains in exchange for a river through town in tribute to them. Work, work." you say with a wry grin.

She peers closer at it, enraptured. "Interesting."

"If you think this is beautiful," you say, nudging her, "you should see the True Spring. Maybe we can take a trip this evening."

She nods. "If you think Boand can help us, then I'm up for it. I never want what happened to the village to happen ever again. It felt like the world was ending."

Quinn looks over his shoulder at that, nodding grimly. "We'll just have to work doubly hard, then, yeah?" he says with a sudden smile. Elana nods, and you pass her a book.

"Here. Flip through this, and see if you can find any totems related to digging or stamina." you say. She nods, cracking open the book.

The three of you work together as the smell of cooking stew wafts through the workshop. Elana occasionally asks you to translate a particularly arcane piece of Ayren's shorthand, and she brings the book over to Quinn to discuss ideas with him when you seem particularly involved with your book.

Quinn serves the food about an hour after Elana arrives, and though you put aside the books to eat, you discuss your plans over dinner.

"If the men of the village worked in rotating shifts, we could have a proper channel dug from the base of the peaks through the village by the snows," Quinn says through a mouthful of stew.
(Cont)

>>20652263
Does snowmelt count as a river, though?

>>20652263

Elana passes him a cloth to wipe his mouth on, nodding. "Maybe, but between that and the harvests, they'd have no time to rest. I think it'd be better if we could find a way to harness that earth gem."

"Every minute Osyki spends on that is one less he has to upgrade our defenses," Quinn retorts.

"That's what I've got an assistant for, isn't it?" you say, teasing Quinn. He laughs at this, nodding.

"Fair enough. Fair enough."

"Speaking of assistants," you continue, "We should round up Terra, Warren, and Scales when we head to the spring. Boa said she'd help me narrow down the candidates."

Elana nods. "But really," she says moving back to your previous conversation, "What about that earth gem?"

You shrug. "I may see if it works as a Focus channel this evening, or tomorrow morning. If I can get it to work, I might be able to just dig the channel myself."

"What do you think would work best for that?" Quinn asks.

>[ ]"The Rock Turtle world probably be able to clear a lot of ground."
>[ ]"Cordia's speed might be beneficial for that. Besides, she seemed enamored with it."
>[ ] Other

>>20652291
[X]"The Rock Turtle world probably be able to clear a lot of ground."

It's not a permanent addition, and I'm thinking the Turtle will be able to dig the channel faster and then we can give Cordia a chance with it to see what happens.

>>20652291
Rock Turtle Gigas go! Cordia would be interesting, but given how utterly creepy her previous forms have been...

>>20652291
>[o]"The Rock Turtle world probably be able to clear a lot of ground."
I'm sort of wondering what happens if we attempt to bind OURSELF to it, but with no quicksave function I'm thinking that's suicidal.

Now, when do we get that Second Sight on Elana, and that minor Earth spirit chatting?

>>20652276
>It's what most of the rivers on Earth start as. The water comes fro somewhere, and all rivers flow from high elevations to low. Get a topographical map. Almost every river will start at a mountain and flow elsewhere, usually a sea or major lake.

>>20652324
seconding this.

>>20652324

"The Rock Turtle would probably be able to clear a lot of ground." you muse. "It's powerful, and it has an intrinsic connection to the earth. It'd probably be our best bet."

Elana sighs. "I wish I knew how I could help."

"Hey, you're our healer!" Quinn says with a jab of his fork. "You keep us on our feet. Don't discount that. We'd be dead without'cha."

Elana smile, and you nod. "That, and we've still got to see what the Magus wants you for so badly. I think you may end up being a lot more helpful than you think. The Splinter said he was looking for the girl with the talent for 'seeing the true order of things'. Any ideas?"

Elana shakes her head. "Not really. I've always been pretty organized, I guess? I hardly think he's looking for someone to write out his daily schedule for him."

You scratch your head, allowing your eyes to drift closed. Elana looks as she always has to your second sight, though you learn that her aura is a lovely, rich purple shade. A quick glance at Quinn reveals his to be a soft tan color.

You open your eyes again and take another bite of soup. "Well let's finish up here and be on our way, then."

She nods, and the three of you tuck in to your dinner with renewed gusto.
(Cont.)

>>20652400

Elana leaves before you do to collect the potential Totemlings. Quinn raises an eyebrow as she goes.

"Well, boss-man? Anything special we should bring along?"

You think on this for a moment. "We should bring the books we have to show Boa. Bring something water-resistant. We should also bring..."

> What else -should- you bring along?

>>20652419
Something nice. something she'll appreciate. do we have any blue jem-like stones? Anything well-polished? Also, can we cobble together a small toy boat? something we could light a candle on and it not sink or burn? I think she'd enjoy having it float around a bit, a tiny piece of fire at the mercy of water, but shedding light and beauty as it floats.

>>20652419
Books, a water resistant bag, something shiny, expensive, and gift like for Boand, rope, some toys to distract the kids for a bit if needed, our standard array of Foci with the Mirror of True Sight being the most important, bring the blob of Raw Earth, Boand might know something about it being spiritually attuned, not as much as an earth spirit would but maybe something.

We need to get around to the Sylvia harp lessons eventually, maybe we should see who in the village sells them, later of course.

A gift! One that isn't romantic.

>>20652475
An ambiguous gift would be fitting for Boand.

>>20652496
Don't forget, we also have the gift of information: I don't think she knows she has a secret admirer. Remember the tree spirit who was willing to fling himself at Quinn and us and challenge us to combat to the death for 'his lady's honor'? If that's doesn't have 'lovestruck-dope' etched into it like graven runes I don't know what does.

>People choosing rock turtle over cordia
But I got the feeling if she had it she'd be a bit less creepy!
Meh, I guess it is fine as long as it isn't permanent.
Isn't it a finite thing though? Seemed like it was from the descriptions.

Cordia seems to have wholness problems. (and we still haven't gotten anything out of her about that other settlement.

Rockturtle seems good in the short-term.
But Cordia strikes me as a better long-term choice.
Now I'll stop harping on about it.

>>20652458
>>20652460

"... something for Boa to repay the questions I've asked of her, some rope, and maybe a little toy boat. A candle, too."

Quinn nods, moving without question to gather the items from around the workshop. You open the small bag of gems you keep atop Ayren's locked chest of drawers, fishing out a particularly impressive chunk of turquoise. You place it, and the Raw Earth, together in the safest pocket you have in your pack.

Quinn shoulders his pack, and you take a moment to rebind the mirror of true sight and Cloudwalker's Stride.

"Right then," you say. "Elana should be about ready. Let's head out."

In fact, Elana is waiting for you at the gate. Terra and Warren are chatting, obviously excited to be out after sunset, while Scales clings close to Elana's skirts. She gives you a wave as you approach.

"Any trouble?" you ask, eyeing the trio. She shrugs.

"The Matrons were a little wary, but they're coming with a Slayer, a Healer, and the Totemist. It doesn't get much safer than that."

You nod. Taking a knee, you put yourself on eye level with the children.

"Are you all ready for some adventure?" you ask. They all nod, Terra more excitedly than the other two. "Good. Tonight the three of you are going to meet a good friend of mine."

You fish the Link Pearl out of your shirt, shooting a message to Boa warning her of your impending arrival. She responds delightedly, telling you she'll be ready to recieve the six of you.
(Cont)

>>20652551

The trip through the forest is quiet, though your and Quinn keep your heads on a swivel. With three children with you, watching for potential dangers is that much more important. All three grown members of your party carry torches, however, and that seems to do much to ward off the night element of the forest.

When you arrive at the spring, you smile. The water glows softly with radiant cerulean light, and Boa (who even had the courtesy to cover her chest with a wrap of large leaves) gives you a wave.

"Evening, Osyki." she says, leaning lazily against the side of the pool. "Elana, Quinn."

Your companions give her a pair of bows, and you notice Elana seems a bit relieved.

"So, Totemist. What's first on the agenda?"

>>20652593
First introduce Scales, Terra, and Warren to Boand. Assure her that she's a good friend of ours and is a nice person and give Boa the turquoise as a gift.

Put our stuff down, remove some clothing, get in the pool, invite the others to join us.

We want to start by getting everyone comfortable together, get everyone in the pool, relaxed, all that.

Once that's taken care of we can move onto business.

>>20652643
Yeah, probably the best course of action.

>>20652643
Thirding.

>>20652643

You gesture to the assembled children. "Boand, I'd like to introduce you to Terra, Warren, and Scales. Kids, this is Boand, the spirit of this spring, and a good friend of mine."

"I've been here before, and I haven't seen her." Warren says quietly.

"Ah, but I've seen you, little one." Boa says with a small smile. Warren takes a step back, and you chuckle.

"Here," you say, pulling the gem from your pack and tossing it to Boa. She catches it, and her eyes light up. "For your assistance in the past few days."

"It's perfect." she says, winking at you. "I know just where to put it."

You drop your pack to the ground, beginning to strip down to your trousers. Quinn follows suit, and after a moment, so do Elana and Terra. You dive into the pool, feeling the cool embrace of the water, and surface to see that Warren and Scales have also entered the water.

The seven of you swim around for a short time, with Boa keeping a subtle eye on the children. It rapidly becomes apparent that Terra is not as strong a swimmer as the other two children by the way she keeps close to the shallower rim of the pond, but she seems to be enjoying herself none the less.

After a bit of swimming, you call Boand over.

"Would this be better done here, or on the other side?" you ask in a low voice.
(Cont)