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 upgraded your village's defenses, trained your mind, and spent some time grooming your apprentices for duty. You are about to embark on a trip into the forest to gather ingredients for a Totem.

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

(Hell yea, totemist quest)
That's not good if the seal is breaking, but I feel like we shouldn't do anything RIGHT THIS MOMENT, but maybe later tonight/earlier tomorrow morning when we have time, do some research on the seal

>>20803182
Bugger, this is bad but not something we can deal with right at this moment so we move on with our life and research the fuck out of it later.

Tell Elana that we saw something odd happen with the seal and that we would like it if we spent as much time together as possible in the future so that we know immediately if something changes and it isn't a change she could notice.

Then go out harvesting with Elana and the rest of the gang.

Before we do anything with the Seal, we should tell her first, including Arren's warning.
Like whether she wants us to find a way to maintain it or break it, that's up to her and not us.
After all, it's her eyes.

>>20803208
Completely agree, with one addition. I the chance arises to use i appropriately, we mention 'getting lost in her eyes'.

>>20803182
>And you're left wondering if you saw anything at all.

Not after our near freak out over those eyes in the pool we're not.

There's not much we can do except redouble efforts to figure out what Oyski's master did to her eyes in the first place and continue strengthening the village's defenses. Right now we should ask Elana how she's feeling and later on we should pull her aside and quietly let her know that we think her seal might be breaking down. What's important is that she know that it could happen and not be frightened by any changes it brings on.

Also, good to see you Diarca. How much time do you think we'll have today?

>>20803364
Speaking of Arren, I'm smacking my forehead in frustration that we forgot to ask him whether there was any last words he wanted us to give to Boand.
I'm getting the feeling that she actually grew to love him.

>>20803371
>>20803372

You swallow hard and take a moment to compose yourself before cheerfully shrugging, your face a mask of pleased indifference. "An extra pair of hands certainly couldn't hurt!" you say with a shrug. "Welcome aboard."

You narrow your eyes slightly looking at her. "How are you feeling?"

She looks a little taken aback, and she shrugs. "Well enough, I suppose. Why? What's up?"

You shake your head. "Nothing. I just wanted to make sure everything was solid."

"Shall we, then?" Quinn asks. Terra is practically bouncing in place at his side. You nod, and the four of you set off through the gates.

It's just past mid-day now, and the forest is alive all around you. Brilliant flowers and patches of mushrooms bloom in the shaded gardens and groves, and shafts of golden light lance through the canopy overhead in a kaleidoscopic array.

>2d100, one for spot, one for ingredient gatheran'

rolled 50 = 50

>>20803455
Rolling for spotting stuff
gathering stuff sounds like an easy way to take her away from the others to talk to her about the seal breaking

rolled 41 = 41

>>20803455
Knowing our luck, separate rolls might be best.

rolled 64, 87 = 151

>>20803455
If we can get some time alone with Elana do so and inform her that something strange is up with the seal.

rolled 72, 68 = 140

>>20803455
Here goes.

>>20803493

You and Quinn lead Terra through the forest, explaining to her the various pathways that criss-cross the labyrinthine brush. Every so often you and Elana stop to cut a vine or pick a few blooms, explaining to Terra as you do so the various curative or antiseptic or alchemical properties of each. The girl seems to pay rapt attention to the lessons, nodding slowly along with each explanation as her eyes drink in the gestures you make.

When Quinn leads her off to a side path, showing her a set of animal tracks, you pull Elana aside for help gathering a few roots. The two of you crouch on the forest floor, up to your wrists in rich black earth. She looks happy as she tugs at the base of the bulbs, fighting to expose the root system beneath. Her brow is furrowed in concentration, but a smile breaks across her face as she finally frees the creeping tendrils from the ground, and she lets out a small chuckle as she falls back with the bulb clutched to her chest.

It's a difficult conversation to start, but you don't have time to waste. You dive right in. "I think the seal in your eyes might be breaking."

The smile drops from her face, and she stares at you for moment, uncomprehending. "What? Why do you think that?" she asks carefully.

"Back in town, your eyes were glowing. There was a spark in them for a few moments. I'd wave it off, but given recent events..."

Her lips form a thin line and you can see her fingers sink into the yielding surface of the bulb in her hands. "I see."

You open your mouth to continue when something catches your eye. A cave, one vaguely familiar to you. The memory carries the faint sweet taste of amynicia. You've been here before, though not for a long, long time.

And faintly, you can hear strains of music in the air.

>>20803607
It's Sylvia! We haven't heard her play the harp since we were a kid.

Take a very quick look around, see if we can find any amynicia mushrooms, if not it's not a big deal, but if we find some we can bring them with us when we go in the cave to say hi to her.

>>20803607
...Should we consult Sylvannis with this matter, or leave it up to Elana what she would like to do with this?
Right now, I would say that she'd prefer to be normal, but I'm not completely sure.

I say we get Quinn and Terra and take Sylvia up on the standing offer of a music lesson.

>>20803696
That works as well.
Although we would have to really make sure Quinn's on his best behavior, because Sylvia isn't the kind of person you offend.

Elana must see the way your face lights up, because she glances behind her with a confused smile of her own. "Osyki?" she asks, a little confused. "What?"

You wave for her to follow you, rising to your feet. She trails behind you, still clutching the bulb and its roots to her chest like a security blanket. Quinn and Terra look up to you as you approach.

"Osyki!" Terra says. "Look! Ykree trails!"

You nod. "So they are! Listen, I know I said that this was just supposed to be a materials gathering trip, but we have an opportunity to see something very special. Come with me, and be very quiet."

She and Quinn both look just as confused as Elana, but they nod all the same. The four of you make your way toward the cave's mouth. The others seem to catch on to the faint notes fluttering through the air as you cross the threshold.

You're a little taller than the last time you found this scene, but it could otherwise have been transplanted directly from your memory. Sylvia sits on a platform of rock, fingers gently weaving across the strings of her harp. The droplets of water in the cavern strike stone and pools in perfect rhythm with her strums, and combined with the echoing acoustics of the chamber her song transforms from something simple and beautiful to an alien, faerie dance. You hear Terra let out a soft gasp behind you as the faint glow radiating from Sylvia's skin waxes brighter, sending rippling reflections across the pools of water ringing the room and painting the wall in an aurora of light.

>>20803839
Nothing to do now but appreciate the music I'd say.

>>20803839
Appreciate the music, just listen to it.

When the song comes to an end say "I'm sorry, but I didn't bring any amynicia this time."

>>20803897
>>20803868

You have never, and likely will never, hear anything like the queen of the forest's harp. The strings ring like crystal when strummed, but sigh like the wind when tapped. The strange echo-chamber of the cavern seems to alter the music slightly with each rebounding wave, so that Sylvia seems to harmonize with a hundred unseen accompanying players, or perhaps with the forest itself. Her eyes and closed, long lashes pressed tight as her fingers wander across the strings of the instrument. You feel a small hiccup next to you, and turn to find Elana hastily wiping her eyes.

The song comes to an end shortly thereafter. You wait for the guardian of the forest to lower her harp before speaking up.

"I didn't bring any amynicia this time, but I suppose I did somewhat grow your audience."

She turns with an ethereal smile, only looking at you from the very corner of her eye. "So you did, Osyki. I don't often find you in this part of the wood. Who are your companions? Come, sit. We have much to discuss."

>>20803975
"Allow me to introduce my Apprentices Quinn and Terra, as well as Elana one of the village healers."
...Did we tell Sylvia about Elana being the one the Magus wants?

>>20803975
Looks like Oyski's is a working vacation. We really ought to be used to this by now. Not much to do but sit down and hope no one does anything we'll regret.

Welp, there goes sleeping for the night.
> Love you Diarca.

>>20803975
Sylvia ought to know who Elana is, if we haven't told her Boand has.

"Well I can't say I was on an adventure this time, just picking herbs and the like.

This is my Co-Totemist Quinn or Cotemist Quinn, my not yet formally inducted Apprentice Terra and my dear friend Elana who was the child born atop the mountain.

Everyone, this is the Lady Sylviannis, this is her forest."

Sit down and motion for everyone else to sit down as well.

>>20804054
Is there a way we can really stress to Quinn and Terra that Sylvia is not to be trifled with?

>>20803975
"Much to discuss? I do hope Siperco hasn't misbehaved at all."

>>20803975
Sit and motion everyone to sit, " These are Terra and Quinn, my apprentices, and you have already met Elena.Terra, Quinn, This is Sylvia, Lady of the forest."

Ask her what specifically she needs to discuss.

>>20804107
Explain how it was Sylvia's power that held us together and kept us on our feet during the fight with the Magus and that without her, we'd all be dead, or worse.

>>20804041
>>20804130
>>20804251

You nod, moving further into the cavern. "Allow me to introduce my Apprentices Quinn and Terra, as well as Elana one of the village healers," you say, pointing to each member of your party in turn. "Everyone, this is Lady Sylviannis of the Wood, Guardian of the Land. This is -her- forest."

Quinn and Terra's eyes go wide in perfect synchronization, as if they had rehearsed it beforehand. Elana simply bows deep, which your apprentices quickly copy.

"Sylvia was the only thing keeping me on my feet in the battle against the Magus," you explain. "Without her, I'd likely have keeled over then and there."

Sylvia's smile creeps further up her face. "And you've repaid that debt in full, Totemist. Besides, I will not take all the credit for your victory. The spirit within your weapon proved much more help than I was."

You all seat yourselves on the rocky pedestals that ring the center of the room, Quinn lifting Terra to seat her on her perch.

"So, things to discuss? I do hope Siperco hasn't been making any trouble." you say, sitting with the best posture you can manage.

Sylvia shakes her head. "Your friend has been perfectly quiet. He's spent the vast majority of his time building a home for himself. No, what we need to discuss points far more toward the future."
(Cont)

"I have communicated with the Mother, and for the first time in decades we have shared information on our surroundings with one another. She is troubled to hear of the Stone Emperor's trouble in Ikrin, and she has shared an interesting piece of news with me in return. There have been humans, scouting parties from the look of them, spotted to the far southern border of her swamp. They are organized, and from the armor and weaponry they bear they come from a large settlement at the very least."

Your eyes go wide. Another large settlement to the south? You're on good terms with the spirits of the Forest and the Swamp now, or at least speaking terms. If you could find this settlement, you'd be able to connect your village to the outside world for the first time in memory.

This is huge.

>>20804476
Where is our village in relation to the swamp? Are we to its north, east, west?

"See if Sylvia has any more details on this, size of the party, tech level, any noticeable insignia, if they fought any of the local creatures did they do it adeptly, what sort of armor and weapons, did they show any magical prowess in both wizardry or Totemist form.

>>20804476
"Has any contact been made with these other humans? Are they peaceful, or do they come with the purpose of bringing another war to our doorstep?"

Well we still need to up the village's defenses, and then deal with the Stone Emperor thing, as well as dealing with the river for the water spirits. All while dealing with the Elena/Magus thing. Then there is the thing of the people possibly being hostile or at least not friendly.

I say we tell her that we need to focus on securing our village and improving the defenses, then dealing with the Stone Emperor and Water spirits comes next. If the scouting parties are bringing any trouble we are more than willing to help, but for now we need to at least make sure that everything within our direct influence is being taken care of.

>>20804608
Yeah, that's one of the problems Arren noted with us deciding not to be inscrutable.
We can't just fuck off and investigate the first thing that comes our way, no matter how huge it is.

... Crap in a hat. We need to be careful about this and bring it to the Elders.

Try not to freak out in front of the apprentices.

Should we tell Sylvia about the recent things we've observed with Elana, and ask for her input on the matter?

>>20804719
Not for the moment, we should do a bit of our own research before asking for help.

I feel like unless we run into them or they start wrecking stuff, we shouldn't interfere with the patrols of the other settlement

>>20804577

Your village is to the north of the swamp and the forest, and to the south of the mountain.

>>20804608
>>20804599

You lean forward. "What more can you tell me about these people? Are they peaceful, or have they come to bring war to our land?"

Sylvia shakes her head, long green tresses rippling past her shoulders. "It is too soon to say. The scouting parties may have been peaceful, or the advance guard for a warband. They explored the southern edge of the swamp, briefly forayed into it, then returned in the same direction they came."

You sigh. "This is interesting news. However, I still have the matter of the village's defense to consider. Compound that with the river the Shepherds expect for a good harvest, the troubles that the Stone Emperor is having, and the fever that still lurks at the edges of the village, and I think that I have things to take care of more immediately."

You meet Sylvia's eye as you continue. "Still, I thank you for sharing this news with me. If the Mother sees these people again, please let me know."

She nods elegantly. "I expected as much, Totemist, and do not thank me. We are allies, and you have more use for this information than I do."

Terra, unexpectedly, raises her hand as if waiting for a matron to take her question during a lesson at the raising house. Sylvia arches an eyebrow, glancing to you. "Yes, Terra?" you ask, fighting a smile.

"Osyki, could you just ask one of the forest spirits, or the swamp spirits, to go look for these other people? Just 'cause you can't go, doesn't mean you've gotta forget about it. Right?"

>>20804751
...CAN we do that? I thought that spirits were bound to the land that they came from. Or at least, sending spirits outside their territory puts them at the mercy of other spirits.

>>20804608
An iron-spirit is pushing into the Stone Emperor's turf. A Stone Emperor already reduced in power. This may just be my natural paranoia but i think these may be linked. We have to be careful.

>>20804751
"That's an interesting idea Terra. It is clever and well thought.

However, I am not that well acquainted with forest spirits outside of Sylvia and Boand, and the only swamp spirit I know, aside from the Mother, is Siperco and it'd be rude of me to ask him to go all that way after he went through efforts to leave.

Not to mention that I would have to repay the spirit for such a favor.

I am guessing that the Mother is already going to keep an eye on them and relay any information back to Sylvia and me.

Nevertheless your idea was good and I should see if there is a good way to implement it."

>>20804847
That reminds me, could that seal on Elana's eyes somehow be made with the Stone Emperor's power?
Like we only really noticed her power after we were charged with Earth Energy

>>20804751
"Perhaps, but who knows how these people might react. Sending a spirit could be the beginning of a good relation between our groups... It could also anger them, or make them scared if they are unfamiliar with the true nature of spirits. What I could do, is send a spirit with a written message, and have the spirit leave it in a place they are bound to travel through. This way the initial shock of interacting with a spirit is lessened. What do you think?"

>>20804873
>I am not that well acquainted with forest spirits outside of Sylvia and Boand, and the only swamp spirit I know, aside from the Mother, is Siperco and it'd be rude of me to ask him to go all that way after he went through efforts to leave.
>
>Not to mention that I would have to repay the spirit for such a favor.
>
>I am guessing that the Mother is already going to keep an eye on them and relay any information back to Sylvia and me.
>Nevertheless your idea was good and I should see if there is a good way to implement it.

I'd just say that, everything else makes it sound a bit too mean to Terra.

>>20804847
>>20804886
I'd be on the paranoid train with you Grady, but I think it's more the Iron spirit taking advantage. The connection with earth energy and Elena however is interesting and something we should look into. Definitely not directly through Elena, but see if there is a way of using the pure earth.

"That's an interesting idea Terra. It is clever and well thought. However, I am not that well acquainted with forest spirits outside of Sylvia and Boand, and the only swamp spirit I know, aside from the Mother, is Siperco and it'd be rude of me to ask him to go all that way after he went through efforts to leave. Not to mention that I would have to repay the spirit for such a favor.

"I am guessing that the Mother is already going to keep an eye on them and relay any information back to Sylvia and me. Nevertheless your idea was good and I should see if there is a good way to implement it," you tell her. She seems pleased at this, and you turn the idea over in your head.

"In any event," you continue, "Who knows how these people might react. Sending a spirit could be the beginning of a good relation between our groups... It could also anger them, or make them scared if they are unfamiliar with the true nature of spirits. What I could do, is send a spirit with a written message, and have the spirit leave it in a place they are bound to travel through. This way the initial shock of interacting with a spirit is lessened. What do you think?" you ask, to the group at large, but most of all to Sylvia.
(Cont)

The forest spirit considers this. "If you share a written language, and if you intend on making contact with these people, then I would call that idea one with potential. Still, if you make contact with them, they will come to find you, whether their intentions are pure or not. Until you are ready to meet these humans, I would simply allow them to keep on their way."

You nod. "That's true. I suppose our only option is to continue as we were, then, and try to be as efficient as possible in our defenses. We should be on our way. Thank you for your hospitality and this news, Sylvia."

She nods, beginning to idly pluck at the strings of her harp again. "I'm sure we will be in contact again soon, Totemist."

The group bows to her once more, and you make your way out of the cave.

Once outside, Quinn lets out a breath he seems to have held for quite a while. "That is a terrifying woman, Osyki." he says to you in a low murmur.

>1d100

rolled 12 = 12

I roll. I do not know for what purpose my roll is for but I roll just the same.

rolled 64 = 64

>>20805155
Would you expect any different from the Guardian of the Land?
Although I'd say a more tactful term would be "awe-inspiring".

rolled 23 = 23

>>20805155
Why not.

rolled 45 = 45

>>20805155
"Really? I never noticed. She always seemed quite kindly. I think you just get used to it. Powerful yes, dangerous yes, incredible harpist yes, but I've never been scared of her.

I first met her I was a young kid, I was on an adventure and I offered her some mushrooms I found."

rolled 41 = 41

I know, but we need her. Besides, as long as you're on her good side, she's very kind and helpful.

rolled 29 = 29

>>20805185
"Ah, that reminds me, I haven't had my harp lessons yet!"

rolled 15 = 15

>These rolls.
Why.

rolled 88 = 88

>>20805251
We haven't made our sacrifices to the dicegods. They're spiteful things.

>>20805175

"Would you expect anything less from the Guardian of the Land?" you ask, eyebrow raised. Quinn considers this for a moment, then shakes his head.

"Well, no. I suppose not."

"Besides," you continue with a smile, "I'd say awe-inspiring would be a more tactful term. Especially when we may still be in earshot of her."

You fight to keep in a chuckle as Quinn goes white as a sheet, walking very quickly ahead of the group and down the forest path.

>64

Your detour has taken some time, but the four of you make good progress and soon find yourself in a meadow very near to the heart of the forest. The sounds here are muted, and the air is heavy with moisture and spiritual energy, though the two blend together at times. You brush aside a curtain of vines to reveal a perfectly circular clearing, a meadow where the thick canopy overhead opens up in a flawless ring to allow the sun in. Dozens of blooming yellow flowers reach their petals toward the burning sphere in the sky overhead, their stalks swaying slightly in the breeze. Elana and Terra both let out soft noises of elation, and you carefully step into the ring of Sol Blossoms.
(Cont)

"Hold it," you say, extending a hand in front of Terra as he moves to leap past you. "These flowers are very fragile, and very slow to grow. We'll only take exactly as many as we need. Otherwise, soon there won't be any flowers here at all."

Terra nods and takes a few steps back as you lean down, carefully plucking a healthy looking bloom from the dirt at its base. You drop the flower into a small jar, holding it up to the sun for a moment before stepping back across the veil of vines. "There. I think we have everything we need for your Totem." you say with a note of triumph.

"Shall we head back?" Elana asks, closing the flap of her bag. You can see a bounty of Whint bloom petals peeking out of her tote, a collection that will doubtless help to fight the last of the fever from your village.

>>20805272
CASE IN POINT.

>>20805326
Watch the [x]Take action [x]Do not take action choices, it encourages linear thinking.

Let's trace the Ykree trails back a little bit, see if we can find their nest. Disguise it by asking Quinn if he has any thoughts on what his familiar should be like.

>>20805326
"I believe we shall. It was a nice outing and I think Terra learned quite a bit.

Also I got to introduce all of you to Sylvia, I still need to find the time to get the harp lessons we agreed upon."

>>20805326
"I think we have everything we need, so I guess we will, though it's a shame I didn't get my harp lessons from Sylvia"
When we come back, we work on the Sun Totem for Terra, and then depending on the time of the day it is, either do some research or help Quinn with his familiar quest

>>20805364
Excuse me, it encourages BINARY thinking; lines go somewhere while binary goes on or off.

>>20805364
I'd rather not track down the Ykree while we have Elana and Terra with us, we can keep note of where we saw the trails but investigating further down them just seems like a bad idea considering who we're with.

rolled 13 = 13

>>20805364
No ykree, lets head back and make Terra's totem.

>>20805403
Good point, I'd rather not give Elana and Terra the bad kind of excitement just yet.
But maybe after we drop them off at the village (maybe have Amal/Tryd watch over Terra?) we can return with Quinn?

You nod. "Yes, I think it's about time we return. After all, we've got a very important totem to make."

Terra sticks close to you on the walk home, and as you walk she asks you a cascade of questions about the spirits and beasts indigenous to the wood, the trouble on the mountain, and how Sylvia learned to play the harp so well. The first two you answer in carefully vague terms, sating her curiosity without worrying her with the gritty details. The third you profess no knowledge to, though you tell her that you do intend on taking the Guardian up on her offer for harp lessons the next time you see her.

You arrive back at the village gates a short while later. Elana breaks off from the group as you pass the Healer's home, promising to meet back up with you as soon as she has used the spoils of the trip.

Speaking of spoils:
>LOOT:
>5x Whint Bloom
>6x Nightcap
>1x Sol Blossom
>15x Resortative Herb Bundles
>3x Radia Spores (Grow into bio-luminescent mushrooms)

As you arrive back at the workshop, Terra looks up at you.

"Can I help?" she asks, pointing to the Sol Blossom.

>>20805546
"Of course, it's your totem after all."

>>20805546
"Of course, after we did say that we'd help YOU make the totem, didn't we?" So how do we do this, let her build the totem and then we infuse it, or do we build the totem and let her do the ritual? I'd prefer to do the former, since we have more experience in that matter

>>20805546
Ask her what are thing that symbolize the sun and light, that can be found in the room. If we can add any symbolism and make it more hers its a win-win.

>>20805577
This.

>>20805546
"Yes, this is your totem we're making.

But you have to do exactly what I say and follow directions carefully.

I'm not saying this to be mean or anything but because making this is going to be difficult and I want to instill a habit of being very careful while you're still working with safe materials."

>>20805546
"No, you can't. I have to help YOU."

Also, let's find a place to grow some glow-in-the-dark mushrooms, I can think of all SORTS of uses for those.

>>20805657
Hah, I like this one.

>>20805657

"No, you can't." you say, unpacking the rest of your supplies. Terra's face begins to fall and you turn to face her with a sly smile. "I have to help YOU." you elaborate, pulling up a stool for her at your workbench. Her look of disappointment dissolves, and she clambers onto the stool beside you.

"Now, this is -your- totem we're making." you say. "So I want you to follow the directions carefully. Making totems is a finicky art, and it can be dangerous, so I want you to learn how to be precise while we're still working with safe materials."

She nods, pulling the book of totems close to her and reading over it carefully. When she looks up, you gesture around the room.

"Totemcraft is an art of symbolism. Can you think of anything in this room that would make your totem more symbolically powerful?"

Terra thinks for a moment, then nods. She reaches across you to pluck one of the Radia Spores from the dish you had placed them in, then clambers down from her chair and plucks a piece of coal from the cold fireplace.

She sets these down in front of you, looking up at you expectantly.

> Further instructions for her, then 1d100 for totemcraft.

rolled 16 = 16

>>20805757
"Terra, we have a big advantage in this in that Ayren left incredibly detailed notes for everything he made. So follow the directions carefully, we can veer from it somewhat to incorporate the new elements but the base of our creation will be what's written down.

Be very gentle, don't try to force anything to fit where it shouldn't, just carefully ease it in. This is a Totem of light and warmth, so you should put yourself in a mindset to suit that."

rolled 97 = 97

>>20805757
Have Terra read off the instructions as we go through the process.

rolled 9 = 9

"Concentration is probably the most important part in crafting a totem, as well as properly doing the ritual and speaking the right words and "absorbing" the essence of the totem

rolled 32 = 32

>>20805757
Sunlight Totem... Ah. "That's good. But think about whether you're trying to capture the heat or the light from the coal. Move over to the window, and try to work in the brightest spot you can find. Paint one side yellow, it shows up better in fog or mist than any other color, though it fades easily."

>>20805803
>>20805822
>>20805827
Why.

>>20805836
People need to learn to refresh before posting.

>>20805836
See >>20805272

>>20805804

"We have an advantage in this: Ayren, my master, left incredibly detailed notes for everything he made", you tell her as you gather the materials in front of you. "So follow the instructions carefully. We can improvise a little to add the new materials, but the base should stay true to what's written here."

Terra nods, a look of determination on her face. Step by step she reads off the instructions, and the two of you cobble together the base of the Totem while Quinn stashes away the rest of your herbal bounty.

When it comes time to incorporate the Radia Spore, Terra insists on placing it into the totem herself. You suggest painting one side of the amulet yellow, the color of sunlight, and she agrees. Within twenty minutes you have the base components placed into a working shell. Now you just need the spark of energy.

>[ ]Provide the spark yourself (Use the 97 result)
>[ ]Allow Terra to make an attempt (1d100, best of the first five)
>[ ]Other

rolled 70 = 70

>>20805923
...On the one hand, that's a 97.
On the other, she IS our apprentice and should learn to do things on her own.
If this is under a 50, I'd say best not to risk it.

rolled 1 = 1

>>20805923
Both seem to be valid decisions, so I'll let the die decide.

>>[ ]Provide the spark yourself (Use the 97 result)
=1
>>[ ]Allow Terra to make an attempt (1d100, best of the first five)
=2

>>20805923
Ask her. It's her totem, she should be allowed to decide whether she wants it to be all her or if she'd rather have the professional do the last step.

rolled 74 = 74

>>20805939
...I'd say that's respectable for a first attempt.
And should be enough to complete the Totem.
So yeah, let her make the attempt, could be interesting.

rolled 31 = 31

>>20805923
[X]Allow Terra to make an attempt (1d100, best of the first five)

It's her Totem. Hold her hands, show her how to do it, guide her along but let her provide the mojo.

rolled 79 = 79

>>20805923
Unless this best the 97, go with the 97.

>>20805923
Ask her should be the option, though I lean towards giving her an attempt

rolled 82 = 82

>>20805956
Agreed, especially since I'd say 74 should be past the success threshold.
So really we're just seeing how much better it can be?

>>20805962
82 is fine.
It doesn't have to be perfect.

>>20805996
I'll agree, 82 is worth it. I just didn't want her to botch her attempt, or a 97 to go to waste.

>>20805996
I'd guess anything short of a nat 100 will be worse than a solid roll by Osyki, but it's her totem, so let her have some fun.

>>20805981
>>20805996
Good grief, that is the fifth. Sorry Scales, looks like Terra was the right choice after all.

>>20805981

"Alright," you say, sitting back. "Now it's all up to you. You've put this together, poured your skill into it, and now you've just got to take the last step."

Terra narrows her eyes, taking the semicircular amulet into both hands. You allow your second sight to take over and see, for the first time, the first sparks of a spiritual aura unfolding around the young girl, deep aquamarine with sparks of brilliant cyan and streaks of slate. She grits her teeth, takes a deep breath in, holds the totem up in the air...

And nothing happens.

She sits, stunned for a moment, then frowns. She closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, and bites her lip.

You can see now the slow ebb of her energy pouring into the totem, slowly at first and then with greater speed. When it is nearly full to bursting she spins around, thrusting the totem into one of the sunbeams dancing through the workshop window.

>82

A warm yellow glow settles over the amulet with a sound like a crackling campfire. Terra opens her eyes, for a moment a vivid blue, and grins. The glow seeps into the totem, and Terra cradles it close. As she does a circle of light manifests on the floor around her, beams of yellow sunlight filtering upward. She winces at the sudden light and, unexpectedly, the beams fade, replaced by a field of gently floating teal orbs the color of Radia Spores.

> [[Totem Created: Solspore Amulet. Creates a field of sunlight or a circle of luminescent spores on command. ]]

>>20806107

Not a bad totem that, gratulate her for her first successful totem :)

>>20806107
Well done! How old was Oyski when he made his first totem? (does he still have it?) Use the comparison to praise her, and tell her that she's going to make a fine totemist.

If you don't mind me asking, would the result have been the same if Oyski did it?

>>20806107
Praise her for creating a variant form of the Totem.
Everyone knows that variants be where it's at.

>>20806107
Praise Terra for her brilliance. ( No pun intended ). Ask her if she wants to stay for dinner, if so do a dinner party with all the girls. If not take her back and prepare for totem making marathon.

>>20806107
"You've done a great job! Keep the totem, since it's your first success, and remember that you have to continue to work hard, since at one point you'll have to do more complicated totems later on."
With all the time taken going into the forest and all, I think she should go back to the Matrons and the other childs, so we can either help Quinn with his familiar, or do some research on the seal on Elena

>>20806107
Surely we must Praise the Sun, for He has decided to bless Terra with his Grossly Incandescent Light.

File: 1348205619545.png-(178 KB, 500x420, Jolly Cooperation.png)

>>20806190
....You realize what this is a prime example of?

If your grin were any wider you think it might split your face in two. You ruffle Terra's hair with a delighted laugh.

"Well done!" you shout, rising from your seat. "That's hands-down the finest Sun Totem I've ever seen."

She beams up at you, lit from beneath by the glow of her totem. "I did it!" she shouts, throwing her hands into the air in elation.

"You sure did!" Quinn yells, picking her up and spinning her about. She shrieks with delight and laughter, and you settle back into your chair. For the first time, you feel a little more confident about your teaching, and a little more confident about the village's chances. Terra seems to be a natural at this.

"You've done a great job! Keep the totem, since it's your first success, and remember that you have to continue to work hard, since at one point you'll have to do more complicated totems later on." you tell her. She nods, extricating herself from Quinn's bearhug and placing a hand on your knee. "Thanks, Osyki," she says. "I never knew I could make something like this. Now I just want to keep making more!"

You feel another laugh bubble up. "One thing at a time, Totemling." you say. "I think it's about time we got you back to the raising house. It'll be dinner time soon, and I'm not helping you get out of your last lessons there."

She looks as though she wants to pout for a moment, but she catches sight of the amulet in her hands and breaks into another grin. "Alright." she says, acquiescing with much less of a fight than you expected.

Once you return her, will you...
>[ ]Plan with Quinn on what he wants for a familiar spirit and a feral bind
>[ ]Continue researching and crafting totems for the village
>[ ]Experiment with the elemental earth
>[ ]Other

>>20806286
[X]Plan with Quinn on what he wants for a familiar spirit and a feral bind

Bro it up with our Cotemist.

>>20806286
Ask Quinn what he's in the mood for.
I figure that those tracks he found might still be useful.
Plus if we do that now, we won't have any more diversions.

>>20806286
Time to level Quinn up. If we score ourselves a Ykree we can crack open the first drawer.

>>20806286
Going with Quinn should be next I feel

>>20806316
One thing we should make clear now, we call dibs on any Avatars should we see any.
Like for now at least.
Like explain to Quinn our master's secret drawers, and how that could open two at once.

>>20806298
>>20806301
>>20806316
>>20806326
Quinn Mind.
Let's get him to bro it up.

File: 1348206213190.jpg-(71 KB, 640x433, 1346650935349.jpg)

>>20806233

The two of you see Terra off to the raising house soon thereafter. You leave her with explicit instructions not to show off her new totem unless it would be completely unacceptable by the rules of cool to keep it hidden. She nods, giving you a firm salute, and you part ways laughing. When you return to your sanctum you turn to Quinn, who has automatically moved to pick the Almanac from its resting place.

"Have you given it any thought?" you ask.

"What?" he looks up at you, momentarily confused. "Oh! Your offer. Yes, I have. In fact, I think I've got it narrowed down to two pairs of options."

You gesture for him to continue as you take a seat on your bed.

"As familiar spirits go, I'd like either a nature sprite like Amal or a Cloud Swallow to use for scouting. The Feral bind..." He swallows hard, but continues. "I think that a Raptor would be a solid choice. It seems like a good place to start."

"What's the other option?" you ask. "You said you had two."

He shifts in place for a moment, then looks you in the eye.

"If you think we could do it, I want to bind a Wyrm." he says. "Either a Drake or a Verdis Wyrm would be a huge asset for me, and... if we could bind a Skyscythe Wyrm, I can't even imagine how strong it might make me."

>>20806454
I feel like Raptors are what we can do, not sure Quinn can do any of the wyrms right now, so let's focus on the easier Creature

>>20806454
Hmm, how tough were Verdis Wyrms and Drakes again? The Skyscythe is a bit out of the question due to them flying around and us really NOT wanting to fight them in their territory.

>>20806454
"You certainly don't aim low.
But I would say that a Wyrm would be a solid challenge even for me, so for it to be your first binding might be a bit...
See I know I've done a bunch of really impressive things, but I've had a bit of extra help, with Modi Magni here."
Now gesture to the spear, explain who and what Magni is if we haven't already.
Like Quinn probably say Magni fighting the Magus, but not more than that.

>>20806454
As much as I'd love going full dragonslayer, Quinn's a fighter in a Monte Cook system, a human to our Dragon-Blooded (Earth Aspect of course). Killing a wyrm would be awesome, but more than likely we'd be the one doing the fighting, and I doubt that new feral bound spirits would particularly care to be handed off to a new Totemist.

How about this: Like our master gave us the test of drawers, Quinn has to prove himself. Two feral spirits bound all by himself and three personal use utility totems of quality. At that point he'll be an asset and not a liability.

>>20806522
>>20806573

You consider this, taken aback by your Co-temist's ambition.

"You certainly don't aim low! But I would say that a Wyrm would be a solid challenge even for me, so for it to be your first binding might be a bit... well, impossible." you confess, looking a little unhappy.

"I know I've done a bunch of really impressive things, but I've had a bit of extra help, with Modi Magni here." you say, tapping the shaft of your spear.

"I understand, Osyki," Quinn says, looking a little embarrassed. "I figured it was just fantasy."

"I'm not saying it will be impossible forever." you tell him, shaking your head. "Just right now. How about this: When you pull off two Feral Bindings by yourself and make three good quality personal defense and utility totems for use in the field, we'll take on any Wyrm you want."

Quinn's eyes widen, but the shock in his gaze tempers itself into steely determination. "Alright, Osyki. I think I can make that happen. It's probably too late in the day to get a move on now, isn't it?"

>[ ]"No, we still have a few hours of daylight."
>[ ]"Yes, and we don't want to be caught by surprise. Let's go over the binding process a few more times."
>[ ]Other

>>20806573

True. Than again, aiming a bit higher than what you are able to do, and using preparation to compensate for the lack ability is another way to go.

>>20806642

Maybe living up to our name Osyki the Prepared would be the wisest choice here:

[x]"Yes, and we don't want to be caught by surprise. Let's go over the binding process a few more times."

And if possible, practice the actual carving of the runes somewhere so that I won't be that hard when in an adrenaline infused turpor.

>>20806642
I think we're quite late, I feel like we don't want to be taken aback by the sudden darkness, so let's do it tomorrow, preferably early so we have time to do stuff after.

>>20806670

Also, maybe we could consider getting us another Feral Binding while we're at it. It might not be the strongest of totems, but everything is our way specially considering that there are some trouble abound.

>>20806670
>>20806672
Good grief, you two anons are making me feel bad for wanting to go GUNG-HO and start the hunt tonight.

>>20806642
Here's an [x]Other: Bind Quinn's familiar, a Cloud Swallow I think. This way we're getting him his start and increasing our capabilities at the same time.

>>20806701
Yeah that's a good plan.
We bound Amal pretty early on didn't we?

>>20806701

I'd say it's either 'target something easy now' or 'tackle something harder but prepare'.

>>20806701
If binding a cloud swallow isn't too hard or too time consuming, change my vote to that

>>20806735
That reminds me.
I'd still kind of like to try Binding Amal and Tryd to some things.
Like not permanently, but just in the interest of science.
I'm pretty sure it doesn't hurt the spirit does it?

>>20806759

Not a bad idea! How are they actually bound to us anyway? Can't seem to remember any lore on that.

>>20806792
Pretty sure Amal and Tryd bound like most spirits, their focuses are a piece of amber and coal respectively.
We just have them manifested most of the time, like Cordia can be.
Although I'd say if we do go through with it, limit ourselves to one binding per Session at most, both to conserve energy and not give Diarca more work.
Like I'm not really expecting much from Amal, who just seems good for being a scout and a conversation partner (and to be fair, he is good at both those things), but who knows?

>>20806738 >>20806735 >>20806701

You nod. "Yes, and we don't want to be caught by surprise. Let's go over the binding process a few more times. Don't want any foul-ups when you're trying to carve sixteen letters into a squirming Raptor, after all."

Quinn nods, grinning. "No, we sure don't."

The two of you spend an hour or so reviewing the process by which the sixteen runes of binding interact with the vital spirit of a potential Focus, stabilizing and chaining the beast's untamed spiritual energy into a more manageable, malleable form. You take him outside and have him carve the runes into the ground with a knife, first on his own and then while dodging small pebbles that you lob at him. He does fairly well at it, though a bad stumble leads to a pebble clocking him in the forehead. He's alright, but he seems embarrassed. You don't say anything, but you both know that a trip like that could spell death in a real encounter.

"Alright," you say as he completes the runes for the fourth time in an unsteady circle. "Let's give this a test run. Go get the book on Calling, and let's see if we can't summon a Cloud Swallow."

Quinn nods, darting inside with all the nervous energy of a child at the Ceremony of Selection.
(Cont)

>>20806845
I forget, didn't we once have Tryd paint the sixteen runes of binding on at least one creature we fought, using his soot powers, and it worked?
Is that kind of a loophole?

He flings the door open a minute later, book in hand, and lopes over to you. Wordlessly he relinquishes the tome to you, and you flip through the hefty text until you find Ayren's chapter on calling minor spirits.

[[ "Calling a minor air spirit like a Dervish or a Cloud Swallow can be a simple task or a nightmare, depending on the day and the direction of the wind. You need to crush something sweet-smelling into a powder, then sprinkle it through a loop of five binding runes. It all has to flow over the circle, and it can't touch the ground the entire pile's blown across. The bigger the pile the better your chances of success, but the more you're at the mercy of the direction of the wind and fluctuations thereof." ~ Ayren Overwake, "Calling, Binding, and Reinforcement"]]

Quinn produces a handful of dried berries and a pestle. While you begin to carve the runes of air binding into the ground, he sets to work grinding up the berries.

>1d100 for Calling.

rolled 90 = 90

Let's do this!

rolled 97 = 97

>>20806907
Powers of the wind, help us and our apprentice!

>>20806920
>weredonehere.jpg

>>20806907
Nicely done Cotemist, nicely done. I'm hoping he gets an Air affinity some time to compliment our Earth.

rolled 45 = 45

>>20806929
>>20806935

NOW we're done ;)

>>20806951

Well I'll be damned, that dice thing actually stays in your email field.

>>20806907
Hm, that reminds me.
I'd kind of like to copy Ayren's books and store them in a safe place.
Like even with all the crazy defensive totems and wards, there's still a chance of it being destroyed, which would fuck us over big time.

>>20806929
>Youngster Quinn: My Cloud Swallow is different from regular Cloud Swallows. It’s like my Cloud Swallow is in the top percentage of Cloud Swallows.

>>20806951
My mistake. And yes, the name and e-mail fields stay filled. It's why you'll see people with dice rolls in other threads.

>>20806943
Maybe Terra can be light, Scales can be water, and Warren can be fire.

Oh yeah, Aryen's spirit can be Zordon.

GO GO TOTEM RANGERS

>>20806929

Quinn stands at your side, a handful of berry dust cupped between his palms. You nod and step aside, allowing him to stand before the circle of runes you've carved. He looks up to the sky wordlessly for a moment before taking a deep breath in and closing his eyes. He waits that way for nearly a minute before a gust of wind picks up behind him. Exhaling, he opens his hands, allowing the dust to fly as a single cloud over the circle of runes.

The etchings give off a faint yellow radiance, and from above you hear the sound of flitting wings. A swarm of tiny white birds, no bigger than your closed fist, swarm down from the clouds, seemingly birthed from the fluffy white barrier. The flock dives toward the ground, hurtling through the spreading cloud of berry dust. The vast majority of the swarm blows through the clouds, sending the dust scattering in every direction, but as one bird flies over the glowing runes the letters snap from the ground, wrapping around the four-winged bird and holding it fast in place. In a flash Quinn advances on it, muttering the chant of binding under his breath and producing another dried berry. He offers the berry to the bird, holding it just outside of the swallow's reach.
(Cont)

>>20807037

"Your freedom and this boon of food for your service. You will fly at my side and be my aid, and I will show you worlds unknown." Quinn says, placing the berry in the struggling bird's beak. It snaps the berry up, cocks it head to the side, then chirps once.

"Fine," it says in a voice barely above a whisper. "I will travel with you. I like you. You smell like home."

The runes dissolve into a swirling golden chain, and the Cloud Swallow shrinks until it has become a shining opal bead. The chain links itself to the bead and becomes whole, the necklace dropping into Quinn's outstretched hand.

He stares at it for a moment, utterly dumbstruck.

>[ ]"Well done!"
>[ ]"I can't believe you pulled that off."
>[ ]Other

>>20807075
"So you smell like a cloud? I'd always wondered what they smelled like. Good work. Why can't my binds be that easy? It's always either hours of work or a life or death battle with me."

rolled 29 = 29

>>20807075
"I honestly thought you were going to have much more trouble, but you bound him incredibly well, congratulations on your successful Binding!

>>20807075
"I'm proud of you Quinn. You've taken the first step to becoming a great totemist. Come, let's head back- The bird is right you know, you -do- smell."

Cue mock nose pinch

Cool. totem quest is up.

>>20807075
>>[x]"Well done!"
"HA HA! Excellent! You've really got a talent for this. Some day, you'll be the one writing the books everyone will use to teach Totemic magic. What's with the look, didn't expect it to be that easy?"

"Good work!" you say with a grin. This seems to snap Quinn out of his trance, and he nods excitedly. "Why can't my binds be that easy? It's always either hours of work or a life or death battle with me. I honestly thought you were going to have much more trouble, but you bound him incredibly well, congratulations on your successful Binding!"

Quinn laughs, slipping the fine gold chain around his neck. "Osyki, you bind things like Bone Wardens and Rock Turtles. Maybe if you lowered your sights a little, to say, a bird, you'd have an easier time of things." Quinn says with a chuckle. "Thanks, though. I never thought I'd be wearing an air spirit 'round my neck. It's a little surreal."

You clap him on the back. "Well, hell. It seems like you've got a real talent for this. We'll be hunting Drakes in no time, eh?"

He nods, apparently still a little dazed, and turns the amulet over in his hands. With a sudden burst of spectral white feathers the shape of the Cloud Swallow erupts from the opal, flitting in the air around Quinn.

>[ ]Take the night to celebrate.
>[ ]Get back to work researching new totems
>[ ]Experiment further with the elemental earth
>[ ]Other

>>20807202
We celebrate with alcohol and experimenting with elemental earth. WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG?!

>>20807202
"You should take the rest of the day to get acquainted with your new friend, and to rest after what you did. I still have some time to do some research on some other stuff, but soon enough we're going to do your first Feral Binding, so take as much rest as you can for now.

>>20807202
Back to work. We'll work on something really special for Quinn later. I've got an idea for a celebration that will blow his mind. But like I said- later.

>>20807227
And then I forget to do what we're going to research... I think we should maybe research quickly on the Elena seal, see if we can't find something about it

>>20807202
PARTY! Get some alcohol, the good stuff.

>>20807228
>>20807242

Yes, some work for our part and then celebrate with Quinn. Sounds pretty good.

I'm still reading the thread, so some of this may be outdated.

Shit we still have to do:

* Dig that river, with Rock Turtle + Earth Ball
* Spend time with Elana, Aurora, Quinn, Terra.
* Spend time with the Slayers, training our body.
* A cup of blood, every new moon, to keep our name hidden.
* Spend time with Boand [We probably have 24 hours remaining]
* Keep building those village totems
** Hunt for more reagents
* Look into that Behemoth lair where Aryen got fatally poisoned
* Bind an 'avatar'
* Look into that Irken territory dispute
* Make contact with that scouting team to the south of the swamp

"You should take the rest of the day to get acquainted with your new friend, and to rest after what you did. I still have some time to do some research on some other stuff, but soon enough we're going to do your first Feral Binding, so take as much rest as you can for now," you tell Quinn. He looks up at you even as he extends a hand for his companion to alight on.

"What are you going to do then, Osyki?"

"First, I have some research to do. After that, I think you and I are going to celebrate. Why don't you take your friend and see what the brewer has for sale today?"

A wide smile splits Quinn's face and he nods. "Alright. Best of luck with your research, Osyki."

"Hurry back," you respond with a grin. "I can only research for so long."

You head inside, slipping into the library.

>[ ]Look into Elana's seal.
>[ ]Look into the Elemental Earth
>[ ]Look into further totems to protect the village
>[ ]Look into spirits of iron
>[ ]Other

>>20807411
Look into Elana's seal

>>20807411
We were on a roll with totem building last time, let's see if we can't compound on that success even more.

rolled 50 = 50

>>20807411
[X]Look into further totems to protect the village
continue repairing totems

I'd say we should skim a bit on all topics, and pile books according to subjects for further reading. Not much we can do before the party hits us (or what we remember afterwards).

Better to prepare well for a day's study. Makes Quin's life a little bit more easier too due to not having to go trough all the books, only those that we missed.

File: 1348214535818.jpg-(39 KB, 500x400, A_mob_from_WoW_obsessed_w(...).jpg)

>>20806573
Personal use totems.
Hmm. That reminds me.

Are there such things as Totems that increase spiritual potency, or physical strength, or speed, or allow one better senses?
Perhaps a totem that allows you to "Store" a burst of energy, and release it later?
Maybe a totem of luck?

I'm not saying we should go full TRINKETS, but carrying around some totems on our person to make us a better forager and hunter would be one way to get stronger.

You stare at the impressive volume of books stacked on the shelves. Even in a room as small as this, the volume of literature seems overwhelming. You wonder what the papersmith even -does- now that Ayren isn't constantly flooding his workshop with material and bindings requests.

You pull likely books from shelves, separating them into a few likely piles. One for Elana's ocular seal, one for elementals and elemental earth, and one for useful totems. You lay into that last stack before long, scanning the books for totems that look useful and feasible to make.

>[[Totem Recipe Learned: Lightstep Stone. When walked over, this stone generates a small burst of energy that provides a minor boost of energy to the walker. Good for high traffic roads.]]

>[[Totem Recipe Learned: Sky Shield Totem. Placed in even intervals along an area, this totem creates a barrier of howling air when approached by hostile entities.]]

>[[Totem Recipe Learned: Forge-spark Totem. Placed in a forge, this totem grants an air of inspiration and skill to anyone working within. Rare materials required.]]

>>20807411
[x] Talk to Village elders to inform them that there's humans to the south of the swamp

[x] Look into totems for personal use - to give us keener senses, stronger spiritual energy, or greater strength and speed.

>>20807596
I have an idea.

What if we make a totem out of stuff that keeps on going, no matter what?

For instance. A tree that grows in the harshest location.
An animal that fought really hard to survive.
A trickle of water that, over centuries, broke through stone to make a cave.
The last ember of a burning fire - the one that won't go out.
A chip of stone from a building that should have fallen, but remains strong.
A group of Ants - tireless, eternal workers.
Blood from a person who has remained resolute and stalwart, always moving forward despite obstacles.
Plus some words scrawled into a signpost, which reads "keep going".

I figure a totem of resolute dedication would be a great help to people of the village, since mental health is often as important as physical health, and I doubt this town has access to a psychiatrist.

>>20807623
Oh.

To make the totem, we have to be tired after a long day's work, but dedicated to finish it before we go to sleep.
That should be the right mindset.

>>20807623

We could need one too for those desperate time. Though planting one near the village square is not a bad idea at all.

What I just realised actually now that someone mentioned before that they might be related.. that Sylvanis mentioned those guys had Iron Armors.. which could coinside with the fact there is an Iron Spirit roaming and causing trouble.


>[[Totem Recipe Learned: Forge-spark Totem. Placed in a forge, this totem grants an air of inspiration and skill to anyone working within. Rare materials required.]]

This one would benefit in the longrun, eventually we will need more equipment. The chainshirt we have won't cut it in the end. Some nice gauntlet's/brazer's, maybe leg guards or a helm would probably go a long way when properly linket.

>>20807623
>>20807670

Struck by sudden inspiration, you feverishly fish out a piece of parchment and sketch out the rough outlines of a totem of iron determination. It's a complex thing, and a lot of energy would need to go into it, but you can't help but think that something like this could revitalize the village as a whole.

If you work over the next few days, you could feasibly assemble quite a few of these ingredients.

You have time for one more round of research before Quinn returns. Will you continue looking into totems, research something new, or cease researching altogether and busy yourself with other matters before your Cotemist arrives with the drinks?

>>20807756
Cool.
Are there totems of inspiration for other jobs besides blacksmith?
With Determination, Inspiration, and Physical health, you can really get shit done.

>>20807756
I'd say stop researching, cook up some food.
Always gotta have food at a party.

>>20807756

We've got the inspiration, maybe we'll go with flow for now? Not that much time before Quinn comes so we might as well feed our imagination with possible new totems!

>
>With Determination, Inspiration, and Physical health, you can really get shit done.

That is an Awesome idea.

>Always gotta have food at a party.

If I remember correctly we are a terrible cook :D

>[[Totem Recipe Learned: Forge-spark Totem. Placed in a forge, this totem grants an air of inspiration and skill to anyone working within. Rare materials required.]]

Wait. I have an idea.

[[ Totem-Spark Totem.
Placed in a totemist's workshop, this totem grants an air of inspiration and skill to anyone working within. Rare materials required. ]]

We'll make Totems of being better at making Totems.

No doubt Aryen already did this, and left his totems in the walls/floors of his workshop. The totems probably lost energy and died along with him, but if we can get them back up and running, we'll have a much better workshop.

[[Argh. Apologies, folks. I'm nodding off, and rather than fall asleep midthread as is my custom I think I'm going to have to call it here. I'll run a continuation tomorrow around 2 PM PST, and we will open up with a list of Osyki's currently known Totems and new discoveries. Also in the works:
> A map of the village
> A body-chart of Osyki's bindings
Catch you all tomorrow.]]

>>20807877
Good night Diarca. Good night totem people.

Imo, what to do in order:
Make totems to upgrade the shop,
Make totems to upgrade ourselves,
Make totems to upgrade the town.
Technology is an iterative process, and so too (I assume) is totemism.

rolled 70 = 70

Quick bump

Bump for continuation.

rolled 12 = 12

Rolling to locate op.

>>20812318
Bad news guys, no op today.

>>20812325

[[Little did this anon know, the OP feeds on low numbers.

Getting some things set up for the quest. Should begin in an hour or less. Would you all prefer to stick with this thread, or should I make a new one?]]

>>20812379
We've got over 100 replies left in this before autosage, no need to change quite yet.

I won't be here for the first bit but I should be back in a few hours.

>>20812379
I feel like we should stay on this thread, since we still have a ways to go

>>20812379
Probs stay here.

I'm going to sleep soon, but hopefully everyone else can keep the game moving forward without me. I bet I'd make dumb decisions anyway.

>List of currently known totems:

>Defensive totems:
Rock Turtle Warding Stone: Deflects structural damage onto the surrounding environment, protects stone from crack and chipping

Minor Veil Totem: Creates a mirage which manipulates an invader's sense of scale and distance.

Bastion Totems: Minor wards of variable strength. When placed within a wall or similar barrier, those fighting to defend that barrier are given a boost in strength and endurance, as well as a slight spiritual charge to their weaponry to aid in defending against foes of an intangible nature. It does not defend the structure on its own, however.

Impressive Beast Ward Totem: Will repel beasts up to the size of a large bear without trouble, and weaken natural creatures larger than that.

Flameward Totem: Protects a structure from flames and burning. When worn as an amulet, can repel natural flames from a body.

Sky Shield Totem. Placed in even intervals along an area, this totem creates a barrier of howling air when approached by hostile entities.

>Utility Totems:

Edgeguard Totem: When lashed to a bladed object, protects that blade from rust and dulling. Wears out over time.

Lightstep Totem: When walked over, this stone generates a small burst of energy that provides a minor boost of energy to the walker. Good for high traffic roads.

Forge-spark Totem. Placed in a forge, this totem grants an air of inspiration and skill to anyone working within. Rare materials required.

>[[And now, back to our regularly scheduled questing.]]

With only a short time before Quinn returns, you resolve to study one more totem before he returns. You flip through the dogeared pages until an illustration leaps out, arresting your attention.

>[[Totem Recipe Learned: Cellar-Forge Charm. When placed within a home or enclosed building, this charm will generate a basement of the same size directly beneath the original structure, replete with proper supports and an entrance. *Experimental Totem: As of yet untested*]]

...Interesting.

You take your notes with you as you move into the kitchen. You begin chopping vegetables, mulling over the day's events in your mind. With a few more totems the village should be fortified enough on its own for you to venture into the Ikrins and resolve this business with the Stone Emperor. With his favor, perhaps you can contract with an earth spirit to dig the river for your village. Your mind wrestles with the twin mysteries of the markings that burn beneath your skin and the humans sighted south of the swamp. It has been a full day already.

>1d100 for cookan'. What are you making for dinner, Totemist?

rolled 21 = 21

>>20813076
Meat + veggies for a balanced dinner

rolled 57 = 57

>>20813076
Pehaps a stew or roast, something hearty and filling. Fit to share with a good friend.

rolled 41 = 41

>>20813076
Hopefully something edible.
I don't think we've eaten meat for a while, so perhaps something including that?

rolled 3 = 3

>>20813076
Sweet this is back!

>>20813108
>>20813121
>>20813127
With these kinds of roll we're goin to poison ourselves

rolled 14 = 14

No reason not to go for broke with tg dice.

>>20813109
>51

It's not your best work, and it certainly wouldn't stand up to Elana's cooking, but you've got a decent enough stew bubbling over the coals, Tryd alternately stoking and bathing in the coals, by the time Quinn shows up. Amal opens the door for him as he waddles in, a cask of something clutched in both hands. You help him settle it onto a table, help for which he thanks you.

"Cask of the brewer's finest!" he says, thumping the wooden container fondly. "He'd like to speak to you soon about some help with his broken Totems," Quinn adds with an eye-roll, "But who in the village wouldn't?"

You nod. "Maybe you can take up some of those orders, now that you're nearly a full-fledged Totemist yourself." you say. "And hey, if you need help you can always ask Terra for a little push. She's got the craft in her blood, or so it seems."

He cocks an eyebrow, moving to collect a mug for his ale. "Maybe. I'm starting to reconsider the whole Cloud Swallow route, in any event. He isn't loud, but he doesn't shut up. I had to stick him back in his Focus for some peace and quiet on the way back."

You chuckle. "Well, that's what you get for binding a bird-brained air spirit. At least he's not surly like Tryd." you say, jabbing a thumb over your shoulder toward the fire. The imp returns your gesture with a wonderfully obscene one of his own.

The two of you settle down to a hearty meal and a cask of good ale. It's a good way to unwind after the day you've had. Elana stops by about an hour later, true to her word, and the three of you drink and joke late into the night.
(Cont)

>>20813197
(cont)
Something's about to go wrong, isn't it?

>>20813197

You awaken the next day slumped haphazardly on your bed, the beginnings of a headache buzzing angrily in the back of your skull. Quinn is passed out on the floor by the fire, and as you sit up you find Elana curled up on the foot of you bed, a blanket draped over her. The morning light filters in through a crack in the curtains, with a thought Amal quietly hums into being and sets to work gathering the dishes from last night and placing them aside to be washed.

It's early yet. What is the first priority for the day?

rolled 18 = 18

>>20813245
Probably wake the others, make a decent enough breakfast to get some strength back

rolled 57 = 57

>>20813245
GO GO GADGET ARYEN'S SECRET NOTEBOOK OF HANGOVER CURING TOTEM STUFF

>>20813262
Hydration, then make some food and wake everyone up.

>>20813262
I should just stop trying to roll dice with making food, cause i'll just kill Osyki with food poisoning

>>20813280
...Yeah you'd think he'd have made something like that.
Also, not offering Elana your bed?
Poor form Osyki.

>>20813366
They shared the bed. Oyski took the top half and Elana took the bottom.

>>20813245
And yes, hangover cures for everyone, then the brewer's totem orders. And then, WE HUNT.

You roll out of bed, careful not to disturb Elana, and tiptoe over Quinn to the barrel of water you keep in the corner. You dip a mug into it and take a long sip, thankful that at least the totems within the workshop seem to have survived Ayren's death. Two small charms hug the side of the barrel; one to keep the water within clean, and one to keep it cool.

With some water in your system, you make your best attempt at breakfast. Hung over as you are, though, it doesn't come out as your best work; you can't seem to keep a knife-hand steady enough to reliably chop. Frustrated, you decide to simply reheat the remains of last night's stew.

>>20813366

You did, in fact, offer Elana your bed for the evening when it was clear that you were all far too drunk to stumble home. You aren't sure how you ended up there as well.

Elana soon awakens as the smell of food fills the air. She sits up on your bed, sleepily rubbing her eyes and yawning. "Mornin' Osyki." she murmurs with a small smile. "W'time 'sit?"

"Still pretty early." you say, already at work hunting through Ayren's book of utilitarian totems for something to ease a hangover. "How's your head?"
(Cont)

She considers this for a moment, then winces. "No good. Got any amynicia?"

You raise an eyebrow, but nod and hand her a handful of the small mushrooms. She stands, nearly stumbles over Quinn who groans in protest, then moves to one of the tables in the room to grind the mushrooms. After a few minutes she taps you on the shoulder, shoving a cloth filled with pale blue paste into your hands. "Boil it with some honey." she instructs. You hop to, and soon the three of you sit on the floor in front of the fireplace with bowls of stew and mugs of sweet-tasting relief.

"So," Quinn says in a gravelly voice. "Once we've recovered from death, what's the plan for the day?"

"First, I figure we'd best get the brewer his new totems since he so thoughtfully provided us with such a fine night of entertainment." You say with a small smile. You run your fingers through your disheveled hair and wince. "Maybe a bath before that. Once that's taken care of, we ought to get moving on your Hunt. The sooner we get on that, the sooner you can start building your own repertoire of spirits."

Quinn grins, though his enthusiasm is somewhat dulled by his fading hangover. Elana glances between the two of you and shakes her head, amused. "Stop by when you're done with that, Osyki." she says fondly. "I think the Healer has a few things she wants to give you."

>[ ]Transform and roll out
>[ ]Send Quinn off to the brewer's while you walk Elana home
>[ ]Spend a little more time recovering
>[ ]Other

>>20813497
>[ ]Send Quinn off to the brewer's while you walk Elana home
Let's send Quinn off with the pretense to get more specifics about the totem, meanwhile let us walk Elena back and get what the Healer wants to give us. Also let's make sure that the Healer's totem's aren't in disrepair.

>>20813497
Oyski the Prepared has to live up to his reputation. Clean up, then roll out. Maybe do a quick check on Elana?

>>20813575
Yeah that sounds good.

Spend some time alone with Elena, since we're going to spend time for most of the day with Quinn. At the same time, we can see the Healer so she can give us what she wants

You part ways with Quinn at the door. He tells you that he will return the now-empty cask to the brewer and pick up the orders. If you don't return before he does, he'll begin work on the totems. That last sentence is delivered with much subtle waggling of the eyebrows and loaded glances at Elana, something that the both of you bear with a matched set of rolling eyes. You turn and walk with Elana down the main road, marking in your head locations where a Lightstep Stone or a Skyshield Totem might provide benefit to the villagers.

"Be careful on your hunt today, Osyki." Elana says as you walk. "I know there will be two of you, but accidents do happen. Don't come back too cut up."

You shake your head. "You worry too much. I'll be just fine. If I can trade blows with a Bone Warden, a raptor should be like hunting a rabbit."

"-A- raptor, maybe. But remember, those things hunt in packs, and they're quiet. Don't get surrounded. You may be made of iron, but Quinn's only got his mace and his wits."

"Yeah, I know." you respond, a little more serious. "I'll keep an eye on him, don't worry. He'll be safe with me."

She loops an arm around yours, walking a little closer to you. "I know he will. I trust you." she says, smiling up at you.

>[ ]"About your eyes..."
>[ ]"About the trip..."
>[ ]"About the healer..."
>[ ]Other

>>20813717
I feel like 1 day is too early to worry about the eyes for now, and we still haven't done our research just yet. We could probably ask her if she knows what Healer wants to give us, if not we can just relax in her company. We should also give a visit to Aurora and Terra before we go back to do the totems and prepare for the Feral Binding

>>20813717
Which trip, the one we were just on? I suggest asking her how she liked our party either way. No need to worry her more than she will be.

>>20813766
Why visit the kids? We're adults, they're children, they live in the raising home for a reason. We don't need to coddle them or give them daily reports. The matrons won't appreciate it much either.

>>20813717
For now let us enjoy each others company, upon arriving to the Healer's ask her about what the Healer wants to give to us.
Subtly let it be known that we want to see her later in the day, since we lost that chance upon getting the supplies right now.

When we finally talk to the Healer, ask her if there is anything that we should keep an eye out for just in case we happen upon it.

"About your master..." you say as the two of you proceed down the lane. "Do you know what it is she wants to give to me?"

"A few broken totems, and some supplies to keep you healthy, I think." Elana says. The weight of her on your arm is nice. You think you could get used to walking like this. "You always come back with scrapes and bruises at the least, and that's if people don't have to carry you back. She just wants to make sure that you're staying healthy. She worries, you know."

"I know," you say with a nod, "And I appreciate it. Now that I've got the ball rolling in terms of repairing the village's totems and training some assistants, I intend to start focusing on the safety of the village as a whole, and that includes fixing up any broken totems. I know we got put back quite a ways when Ayren died and most of the village's totems went out. Hopefully we'll be back to where we were before long."

The two of you regress into less serious talk as you near the Healer's hut, enjoying one another's company and joking about the night before.

>[ ]Fastforward to the Hunt
>[ ]Keep the speed where it is. Time to chat with the healer.

>>20813923
Chat with the healer

>>20813923
>>[ ]Keep the speed where it is. Time to chat with the healer.
The pacing is good, unless you are leaving some time soon.

I'm not sure if this was brought up, but do Raptors pretty much look like Jurassic Park style Velociraptors?

>>20814004
I always assumed they did. I mean that or they are a bit of a cross with the birds of prey and a velociraptors.

[[Not leaving, but I am popping out for a bit to get some lunch after this post.]]

You step into the Healer's hut, Elana in tow, just as she straightens from apply a thick salve to one of the farmers' legs. He gives you a wave as you enter, his smile a little pained.

"Afternoon, Osyki!" he says with a forced grin.

"Ospren," you return, raising a hand in greeting. "What happened to your leg?"

"Oh, it was just a piece of clumsiness on my part. One of the hoe blades was cracked, and I swung it a little too hard. Ended up breaking it, and cutting my leg besides."

You sigh. "Sorry to hear that. Shall I stop by Merich's on the way back and ask him to make a new one for you?"

Ospren looks surprised. "Well, that'd be right kind of you, Osyki. Thanks a lot."

The healer steps between the two of you now, a warm smile softening her usually harsh features. "Osyki. I was wondering where you and Elana had disappeared to."

Elana flushes a little beside you.

"Just a bit of revelry that took us late into the night, ma'am. Elana said that you wanted to speak with me?"

"I do indeed. I have a favor to ask of you, and some compensation to provide in return. Here," she says, sweeping past you to lift a trio of broken wooden dolls from the table. "These have cracked in the past few days, which I take to mean that they need replacing. And here," she says, handing you a heavy canvas sack, "Is a collection of medical supplies for your personal use. I trust you to look after yourself, especially with Elana around you as often as she is."

You heft that sack and pocket the defunct totems with a grateful smile.

>[ ]Free

>>20814142
Thank her for the supplies, semi-seriously joking about how we might needs it soon enough, though we'll be very careful in the hunt.

>>20814142
We should make a list of which totem survived Ayrens death and which did not and write it down in Ayrens books. This is research Ayren couldnt do himself as it would require him dying first.

>>20814142
"Thank you very much for the supplies Ma'am. I wish that I'll never need them but my life never goes that smoothly. Aside from her being cute, funny, intelligent and many more positive qualities there's a reason I spend so much time with your apprentice. Just think of it as me giving her a canvas to practice her craft on.

What type of totems were these? Should I prioritize any of them above the others in terms of which you would like done first?

I'll get to them as soon as I can, but I am running around like a headless chicken sometimes and I have quite a lot to replace so it may take longer than I like."

"Thank you very much for the supplies Ma'am," you say, adjusting your grip on the bag. "I really hope that I'll never need them but my life never seems to go that smoothly. Aside from her being cute, funny, intelligent and many more positive qualities there's a reason I spend so much time with your apprentice. Just think of it as me giving her a canvas to practice her craft on."

Elana lets out a squeak and elbows you in the ribs, nearly causing you to drop the bag. She's turned the color usually reserved for beets or thick cranberry sauce.

"What type of totems were these?" You continue, unabated. "Should I prioritize any of them above the others in terms of which you would like done first?"

The healer shakes her head. "I wasn't told what any of the totems in my workshop were specifically geared toward, only that they all had to be active to operate at full efficiency. Your mentor, unlike you, wasn't fond of explaining his process. I didn't even know he had -installed- the totems until I found one whilst organizing my supplies on evening."

You sigh. That sounds like your master. "I'll get to them as soon as I can, but I am running around like a headless chicken sometimes and I have quite a lot to replace so it may take longer than I like."


The healer nods. "Of course. Is there anything that you need from me?"

You think for a moment, then gesture with your head toward Elana, who has busied herself sorting salve jars. "Keep her out of trouble."

You dodge a thick glob of antiseptic salve on your way out the door, laughing all the while.
(Cont)

After a quick pop into Merich's forge to let him know that Ospren will be needing a new hoe head, you continue back to your workshop. Quinn is already there, pouring a mixture of ground wheat and purified water into a small vial to replace a totem.

"The ladykiller returns." Quinn says with a small grin, handing the vial off the his Swallow familiar for a moment. "What'd the healer want?"

"Oh, you know. This and that. Mostly she wants me to keep my dumb ass alive," you say, thumping the bag of first aid supplies onto a workbench. "Something that's much appreciated. What did the brewer need?"

"The totems keeping his brewing vats at a steady temperature blew up. Nearly ruined a batch of ale before he caught it. I'm about halfway through the first of three. I'll try to speed it up so we can get hunting before the day's out."

"Take your time," you admonish him, taking a seat next to him with your own set of broken totems. "You don't want to have to make a totem more than once. They last if you make 'em right, so focus on that. We'll get out of here in plenty of time."

>2d100 for totem research and repair

rolled 54, 74 = 128

>>20814655
Rollan.

Let's get these done quickly so we can go out HUNTING!

rolled 33, 69 = 102

>>20814655
Lets make these repairs good and quick, so we can prepare and roll out

rolled 17, 35 = 52

>>20814655
Let's go!

rolled 47, 94 = 141

>>20814655
rolling

>>20814685 >>20814752
>54

It takes a good thirty minutes to ferret out which totems are which from the books based on their rough physical description and vaguely intended purpose. You begin by hunting through the list of utility totems, but Quinn points out that there is an entire book of totems, small though it is, devoted to Health and Wholeness. You discover that he is correct after a brief search through the library, and you set to work.

>97

The totems are meant to be made as a set, which is good news for your limited time-frame. The primary component of them consists of the healing herbs you gathered not twenty-four hours ago, which is even better. You gather your components and begin weaving together small humanoid dolls.

An hour and a half later, you and Quinn set your completed Totems aside in triumph. It's been a productive morning, and you're more than satisfied with your craftsmanship. The healer should find it much easier to keep wounds clean and lull sick patients to sleep with these in place. Quinn heads out to drop off the totems, while you stay behind to prepare for the trip.
(Cont)

File: 1348271899326.jpg-(61 KB, 640x383, Raptor Swarm.jpg)

[[ "Raptors are among the most common predators of the brush, but don't let that fool you. They are vicious, bloodthirsty pack hunters with a mind for tactics and tearing claws as long as a man's forearm. Fighting a single raptor is a task easily accomplished by a trained slayer; fighting a pack of raptors is a Totemist's work indeed. They are bundles of lean muscle and bone, equally adept in the use of claw, tail, and tooth to slay unsuspecting prey. Keep a sharp eye out for raptors with crests on their heads; these are the alpha males, and they've been known to pull tricks that make the standard raptor look like a drooling toddler." ~ Ayren Overwake, "Beasts of the Brush"]]

>What will you bring with you? How will you bind your Foci?
> Remember that you still have the gauntlets you commissioned from Merich sitting unused in your study.

>>20814921
I'd suggest we see what Cordia can do in the Gauntlets.

>>20814921
Okay for Foci, Cloudwalker's Stride and Nocturne's Embrace are givens.

Let's keep Snakebite A as it is and bind Cordia to the Gauntlets.

As for gear the normal assortment, Rope, food, knife, lantern, lantern oil, chalk, basic medical supplies, machete or something like that to clear brush, torch.

rolled 39, 27 = 66

>>20814921
Cloudwalker's strife and nocturne's Embrace are probably our best assets for now, but if we have time we can probably put cordia or the Ykree in the gauntlets

>>20814962
>>20815002
Speaking of Cordia, I think we should do stuff involving the Elemental Earth with her. Like maybe 'complete' her?
I mean, she seems to be a nice ghost woman, but the things we make with her kind of creep me out.
Like is there any way the combination of Cordia and Gauntlets won't be terrifying?

>>20815071
If by terrifying you mean AWESOME! then yes. I mean we could get bone claws. I happen to like the stuff she makes, it's really damn useful, Warden's Disregard is half the reason we made it through the swamp with minimal trouble.

>>20815097
That is a good point.
Plus the Mirror of True Sight seems like the kind of thing that could be very useful under certain circumstances.

One thing we could research is if it's possible to break the pact made by another Totemist.
Like if we can destroy the contract Aryen made with the Stone Emperor and the Magus, the Stone Emperor might be at full power again.

rolled 92 = 92

>>20814921
bind the green orb to the gauntlets

File: 1348273579287.jpg-(327 KB, 1920x1080, Binding Array.jpg)

You pack your bags first. The normal assortment of gear for the prepared Totemist goes into each bag: Rope, food, knife, torches, chalk. You pack away an extra supply of medical supplies as well, drawing from your newly acquired stash.

The ritual knife you pack for Quinn is one of Ayren's old blade, a curved weapon with the blade on the inner edge. The small totems festooning its pommel are still active, and it seems to feel right.

Ensuring that your own ritual knife is in its sheath at your belt, you turn to your Foci. You leave the Rock Turtle, Thane, and the Ykree bound just as they are. Ranged capabilities, stealth, and maneuverability are assets too valuable to give up. Cordia, though... You unbind her from the hand mirror in a flash, then don the gauntlets you commisioned from Merich. In one hand you hold the Notched Skull Focus. In the other, you tightly grip the marble of elemental earth.

"In the name of Osyki, Link to the World Without, I unite the spiritual and the mundane. Grant this conduit your blessing, spirit, and work through it to influence the material world."

There is a crackle of green energy from your right hand, seemingly in place of the usual flash of brilliant white light. The orb in your hand seems to pull toward your Skull focus as if magnetically attracted, and as you slacken your grip it flies between your hands to settle like a third eye at the very apex of the notch in the bone. For a brief moment Cordia materializes in front of you, her form wreathed in electric green arcs, gasping for breath, before her form dissolves into mist and funnels itself into the green gem.
(Cont)

>>20815192
>92

The flash of light catches you by surprise now, delayed as it is, and you squeeze your eyes shut as a blast of wind rushes out from the gauntlets wrapping your hands. You can feel the earth shaking slightly beneath your feet, and a the now-familiar smoldering burn of elemental earth energy pulses beneath your skin.

You open your eyes to find your hands encased in a coating of liquid black. As you flex and bend your fingers the mercurial, reflective shell moves with them. Your hands feel leaden, though your dexterity seems unchanged. You clench your fist and watch as the liquid hardens into a gauntlet of obsidian and onyx, spikes protruding from your knuckles in stalagmites of twisted rock. Opening your hand bedews the rock with moisture, and in moments it has reverted to its liquid state.

>[[Binding Complete: Bone Touch E. Protects the wearer's upper body from harm, and can form into a powerful Earth aligned weapon.]]

>[[Binding Innovation Discovered: Elemental Infusion.]]

>>20815303
Level up?

>>20815403
Huh, that's pretty neat.
Not sure if it's especially useful right now though.

>>20815403
Write this stuff down, then keep it, since we don't know how often we're going to be hurt in the torso and its surroundings. if Quinn is ready, then I feel like we can depart and hunt some Raptors

>>20815420
Are you kidding me? We can punch Raptors to death with EARTH. This is amazing.

>>20815403
We are going to be the first totemist who considers weapons to be for wusses. We have lightning boots and earth fists, what else could we need.

Obviously bring our spear with when we go, just in case, but we're going to be punching raptors.

Get a feel for how they move, find a tree to punch, see how it responds, try making the liquid shell form into spikes or something like that.

rolled 29 = 29

>>20815403
This is amazing!
From what we know this is the first time this has EVER happened, write this shit down.
also we should unbind it later to see what effects it had on the spirit.

>>20815491
And on the elemental earth.

>>20815403
See what Quinn is up to/if he's ready. Grab our spear and the pack and be ready to leave. Try seeing what happens if we try to remove the grieves.

You reach out to take hold of your spear and notice the black liquid receding from your palm as you do, allowing you a firm grip on the weapon. It seems to respond to your intent, though no matter how hard you will it, it absolutely refuses to touch the shaft of Magni's spear. You strap your bow to your pack, take your spear in hand, and head out to meet Quinn.

There are a few villagers walking past your workshop when you exit, and they all react with various levels of surprise and awe. You look down and realize that you must strike an imposing figure; even if you aren't the tallest or broadest figure, you are wrapped in a cloak of softly sublimating darkness. Your steps leave sparks of writhing energy in their wake. You have claws dangling from your spear, a bow whose front resembles a serpent with fangs bared, and hands wrapped in inky black liquid gloves. The wind picks up, softly sending the cape of nocturne's embrace billowing into the wind. You give the villagers an earnest wave, and they seem to relax a little. Two of them go on their way, while the third, a carpenter, gives you a relieved grin. "Off to another battle, Totemist?" he asks, obviously impressed. You glance at your spear and nod with an easy smile. "Well, I pity the poor thing you're off to fight. Take care."

You give the man a wave and he departs as Quinn jogs up to meet you. "Man. I can't wait until I can be as kitted out as you are, Osyki." he says, accepting the offered pack. His mace is strapped to his side, and the Cloud Swallow flits in white streaks around his head.
(Cont)

You chuckle. "It's a little much, isn't it? Here, let's try something." You move to pull one of the liquid rock gauntlets from your hand. As if sensing your intent, the rock recedes until it forms a small rounded triangle on the back of your palms, solidifying into a matched pair of geometric shapes that hug the backside of your hands. Your fingers are free to move without obstruction.

"You just come up with that? I like it. So, where to?"

>[ ]Head into the forest.
>[ ]Move along the grasslands between the forest and the mountain to the west.
>[ ]Try to find a Raptor den
>[ ]Other

>>20815638
We go after a Raptor Den directly it's going to have a full pack, I'd rather not take that many on at once.

[X]Move along the grasslands between the forest and the mountain to the west.

This gives us enough mobility and view of our surroundings that we won't get a giant group of them up in our face without warning.

>>20815638
Raptor den.

If we head for the forest or the grasslands the raptors will just play some hit and run BS.

>>20815638
Walk roughly where the trail was found yesterday, then do a wide sweep around the village.

>>20815638
Grasslands sound good, but pay attention it wouldn't be nice to get a spike up the ass.

Time to hunt! Let's see... We go find a den we'll find the young, the old and the mothers. We want the fiercest fighters, so let's search the grasslands.

You nod in the direction of the Ikrins. "I figure it'd be best to sweep the grasslands. Raptors love to hunt there, and it's our best chance of finding you a proper beast to turn into a focus."

Quinn rubs his chin. "Alright, that sounds good to me." he says with a nod. "Do you think we should bring some bait? Just to lure them out of hiding."

You shake your head. "We're bait enough, trust me. If we brought raw meat or something with us we'd have all kinds of predators on our backs, and one pack of raptors is about all I'm feeling up to handling just yet. I think we'll be more than busy enough, you know?"

He grins, shrugging. "Yeah, I guess you're right, Osyki. Let's head out."

The two of you exit the north gate of the village. Your spear swings easily in your hand, and Quinn's mace dangles opposite the heavy wooden slats and iron studs of his shield. Your heads move on a swivel, scanning the plains as you walk between the sparse trees and into the taller grass.

>2d100 for track and spot.

rolled 48, 19 = 67

>>20815776
Shh, im hunting waptors

rolled 32, 25 = 57

>>20815776
Rolling for raptor

rolled 10, 74 = 84

>>20815776
>>20815798
My sides.

rolled 8, 4 = 12

>>20815776
Here's Raptor!

rolled 5, 84 = 89

>>20815776
Trackan and spottan.

rolled 79, 63 = 142

>>20815831
jesus christ how horrifying

>>20815839
Fuck that's me forgot to change it back.

>>20815831
All of these rolls. All of these rolls are so bad. The fact that mine is the worst makes me want to drop the name.

>>20815839
The fact that yours is the sixth reduces me to tears.