>>21886740
I can't remember, is this where Lyra was supposed to be going to?

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>>21886758
>Lyra, as well as the rest of the initiates and Crios, went south to Angvard. Currently, you're in Garamon.

>>21886775
Ah. Then this is none of our business.
Let's just make sure we stay inconspicuous and near the back of the crowd.

>>21886740
"Never a boring day eh?"

>>21886740
>We are not evil. We are not cruel. We can use our Gifts to help. Now let me heal the damage by buddy did shredding up your face so we can burn down this building!

Really glad we didn't get involved with them earlier, they're clearly crazy. Let's just stay out of it.

>>21886784
Also make sure Ariana doesn't do anything rash

>>21886800
What, like yell something like "Yeah, not all of us are bad!" or doing something equally stupid like drawing any sort of attention?
Yeah, good idea.

>>21886740
I think we should not interfere for now. I am interested in how the villagers will react.

"Never a boring day, eh?" You say, and put a hand on Ariana's shoulder. She looked up at you for a moment.
"... We shouldn't get involved." Ariana said.

"You say that as you burn down our homes!" The burly villager responded.
"Not your home." He said. "Just the Order."
"The Order protects us! From things like you!" A young woman cried.
"You mean they murder children and say 'oh, it was a witch all along'." Eldin said, his eyes glancing across everyone, meeting everyone's eyes for a moment. "They do nothing but burn the innocent. Poppy." He said, suddenly pointing out at the young woman. She froze.
"H-how do you know my-"
"When you were a child, you got lost in the forest. A thin, wild boy about your age led you about for an entire day, feeding you and keeping you safe. Do you remember? He was an elf. Fey."
"I..."
"Would you wish him killed for no reason?"
Without waiting for a response, he moved on, meeting eyes with the others, as the maenads started pillaging the order building, leaping in and pulling out metal, supplies, and armor- rarely, people.
Eventually, Eldin met your eyes. He froze, and twitched, and didn't look away.
"... Is he ... staring at you?" Cass asked.

>>21886883
"I hope not, but it looks like it."

>>21886883
shake the head, I guess? Let's not get involved, please?

>>21886883
"Uh, hello there."

>>21886927
No, do not do this. Do not engage with him if at all possible. The guy is trouble and I don't want us getting dragged down with him when the Order catches up with his Magical Revolution Cart.

>>21886883
Looks like i can't avoid the trouble, huh. Step forward. "What are you staring at?"

>>21886956
No. Make him start it.

>>21886969
yeah, let him initiate something if he wants to

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>>21886956
Are we seriously starting on the guy who has a dozen werecreatures backing him up?

>>21886982
Yes. what could go wrong.

>>21886980
Agreed. We don't wholly agree with him, but we're not going to pick a fight when we're outnumbered.

>>21886982
You're right, we shouldn't try anything.

Besides, these guys are on our side even if we or they don't know it. They just eliminated the Order out of this city meaning that we can act more freely now.

And we really don't need him calling us out about hanging out with a witch and a changeling while we're in a crowd of magic haters.

>>21887034
Until the order comes back and cracks down on their faces.
We really should leave the city as soon as possible.

>>21887047
That is my main concern. I can just see him going "You'll join us, won't you, after all you travel with a witch and a changeling." and you'd better believe when the Order comes to town later and hears reports of what happens, someone will remember him saying that.

>>21887047
He's in the middle of pointing out that magic is *not* all inherently evil, actually.

>>21886883
If he does drag us into it, point out both sides of the coin.

Like the ghouls in the marsh, and the Changelings who, until recently, made a point of putting them down.

"I hope not." You say, and shake your head. Thankfully, he nodded and moved on, meeting everyone's eyes. You start to hear the sound of chainmail rustling, and the clack of metal boots against the pavement.

"Helved." He said, meeting eyes with a scrawny, young boy. The boy backed up against the city wall, eyes wide. "You were born in Kefford, were you not? Do you remember-"
"Ey, what's all this then?" Someone asked, and the crowd parted. Multiple soldiers stood there, with a burly, armored man, eyepatch on his face, and a wild beard, leading the troop.
"It's quite simple, merchant lord." The warlock said. "We're here to kick out the Order. I hope you don't mind."
"I'm going to ruddy mind when they burn down my city for fear o' magic."
"Are you going to mind when you get to be the only person trading with Sanctuary?"
"... Sanctuary? That fairy tale? Preposterous."
"And you're happy?" The warlock asked. "With having to hide your daughter's tail? With having to hide her very nature?"
"... 'ow do you-"
"It's called the Gift of Names. I can see everyone's pasts from here. The order would kill your daughter if they could. We, the maenads, the warlocks, the changelings. Every being in hiding throughout the entire civilized world... Well, they'd protect her."
"... Damn you." The tall, burly man said. He took a deep breath, and then... started to think.

>>21887063
Thats why i'd say be slightly aggressive towards him. He cant really flay us alive with the townpeople he want on his side watching and it might stop him from doing something stupid, like revealing our nonexistance.

>>21887079
Let's just watch how this plays out for now.

>>21887079
>can see everyone's past
Well I guess that explains why he's looking at us funny.

>>21887079
lets just see how this turns out. Also, don;t give our real names just in case.

>>21887079
If we do decide it's time to get involved - and I'm not advocating such, mind you, just offering a contingency suggestion - point out that it's not as simple as either side makes it out to be. Not every Order knight is a fear-mongering zealot, a certain knight of our acquaintance as evidence. Don't give his name, just say it's someone we know personally. Nor, for that matter, are all magical beings 'good.' There are things such as ghouls, and changelings and witches are still -people,- with all that implies, both good and bad.

>>21887079
Looks like he has this city well in hand. The question is, what do we do about it? If the order marches on the city you can bet your boots our sister will be drafted...

What he seems to want to do is noble, but getting cought up in a war against the order...

>>21887079
Check Ariana and Cass.

>>21887060
Order is just a guild not a national force. If something does happen, we can always skedaddle.

>>21887157
I'm not sure how noble this is going to be in the long run. I mean his werecats apparently consider saying "don't shove me" to be grounds to rip someone's face up.

I can see things getting out of hand in short order.

"That's why I was sent here." He said. "Because... because every human, every person, is connected with someone that the order would like to kill. And I can see that. Old friends who vanished, dreams, stories, someone's favorite aunt... Everyone is connected, and the order just wants to kill things without reason. The order of Kristoph. That vaunted hero who slayed demons, fought evil, and saved thousands of lives. The one who started the Order? He was a good person. But the Order's been twisted. We need to excise the ones who create problems."
You give both Cass and Ariana a glance- Cass was almost starting to smile, but Ariana was pale. Very pale, and she had a deathgrip on her dagger. She met your eyes.

"... We need to talk to the crones." She said. "Or- or- my sister, or-"
"What's wrong?" Cass asked.
"He's talking about trading with Sanctuary! That warlock plans to tell everyone where it is!"

"... Damn you. Go on. Burn down the order if you wish." The lord merchant said. He grumbled. "I expect your... shapeshifters to help if anything goes wrong."
"Of course." The warlock responded, with a grin, as the burly man and his troops stomped off, to the town center.

The warlock turned about, examining the order's wooden building, as more maenads, fur singed, pulled the last few objects out of the building as the entire thing collapsed. The main show over, the citizens started to make their way home, for safety.
Then the warlock turned back to you. And continued to stare.

>>21887235
"Personally I want to leave before the order shows up. Cass? Ariana?"

>>21887235
"I wouldn't be surprised if the crones already know about this whole thing. They probably have a plan for this group, and I'm willing to bet that it's not going to be pretty."

>>21887235
*sigh* Well, wave him over. Clearly he's not going to leave this alone short of us leaving posthaste, and we should probably talk to him anyways.

>>21887235
I think thats our cue to go. We need to talk to Ariana and Cass in private.

>>21887235
"Your sister should have been watching and know everything."

In response, you grab Cass and Ariana's hands and drag them away from the main gates, going as quickly and as deeply into the alleyway of the city as possible.
"Personally I want to leave before the order shows up. Cass? Ariana?"
"... Why don't we help them?" Cass asked. "I mean, they look organized enough, and they were able to free one city..."
"We should make sure the crones know- or maybe my sister."
"Your sister should have been watching and know everything." You say.
"... Then if she's watching us, I hope she tells the crones."
"I wouldn't be surprised if the crones already know about this whole thing. They probably have a plan for this group, and I'm willing to bet that it's not going to be pretty."
"If they knew, they never would have let things get this far! They would have... I don't know, shot lightning at the wagon or something. Burned it down." Ariana said.
"Unless they want this to happen too." Cass added.

>>21887331
"We don't know what the crones want. This could be their plan to begin with, and even if it isn't, it's not our place to deal with them. All we have to worry about is not dying."

>>21887331
>"Unless they want this to happen too." Cass added.

"Hmmm.... That's not unlikely. We're just jumping to conclusions. What if your crones condoned this?"

>>21887331
"I dont really want to fight against the order. My sister is a member..."

>>21887331
I see what he wants to do, and it's noble enough, but the way he's going about it seems far too brazen to work. All that's going to happen if we stay here is he's going to drag us down with him.

>>21887331
"You're right, Cass, they were able to free one city. But how many more times will they be able to do it? This town is near the Order's headquarters and I doubt it'll be pretty when the main force shows up to retake the place."

>>21887331
"We're not going to find out either way without talking to him and/or Astora. Unfortunately, between the two, he's the one we can easily make contact with."

"Hmm... that's not unlikely." You say. "We're just jumping to conclusions. What if your crones condoned this?"
"Then... um, then it's not so much a secret where my home is anymore." Ariana said. "It's a city.
"I don't really want to fight against the order." You say. "My sister is a member..."
"We could find her." Cassandra said. "Make her... quit. Or something."
"You're right, Cass." You say. "They were able to free one city. But how many more times will they be able to do it? This town is near the Order's headquarters and I doubt it'll be pretty when the main force shows up to retake the place."

"We have plans in mind." The warlock said, stepping into the alleyway. You look this way and that, but you can't see any cats near him. Though, knowing what happened with Astora, being alone didn't mean he was helpless. "I'm sorry I was impolite earlier, with the staring. My name is Eldin. May I ask your name, sir?"

>>21887498
> "It's a city. Named Sanctuary."

>>21887498
"I am Death, destroyer of worlds."

>>21887498
"You can ask, but that doesn't mean I'll answer. We're trying to avoid trouble if you couldn't tell."

>>21887498
"Shouldn't you know?"

>>21887498
"I didn't figure someone with the Gift of Names would need to ask."

>>21887525
Don't say this stupid thing.

>>21887498
"You said you have the Gift of Name, I'm not sure what that entails but do not take offense if we don't want to share my real name for now"

>>21887498
"My name is not important."

>>21887498
"Personally, I rather like the idea of being the nameless man who travels with a witch and a half-troll. Makes me seem rather special, doesn't it?"

"Shouldn't you know? I didn't figure someone with the Gift of Names would need to ask."
"I should know." He said. "And yet, I don't. It's very ...vexing."
"You can ask, but that doesn't mean I'll answer. We're trying to avoid trouble if you couldn't tell."
"I could." He said. "Which is why I didn't bring any maenads with me, and why I didn't confront you on the spot. This isn't any matter of politics, just a simple curiosity. There've only been one other like you, so far. I look for your name and find only... wild noise, like crunching parchment. Unlike you, I couldn't find him in this city after he ran off."
"We want to stay out of trouble." Ariana said. "Please leave us be."
"As you wish." He said, and bowed. "Good luck with your coming of age, Ariana."

>>21887633
"Wait. Who was the other in this city?"

Why are you guys not telling him our name? Its not like he could actually do something with it. Just tell him its Abel.

>>21887633
"Where did you meet the other man like me? Did he look like <insert description of Garret>?"

>>21887650
He could spread it around.
He could reveal it if the order catches and tortures him.
It's just not a good idea.

>>21887650
In a lot of fiction, names have power over someone. True names especially so.

>>21887658
Did you mean <Gabriel>? The one who almost erased us out of existence?

"Wait." You say. "Who was the other in this city?"
"Tall, wild man. Very old, but spry and moved like he was younger. Sky blue eyes, like yours. Your father, perhaps?"
With a start, you realized he was describing Gabriel.
Ariana caught your expression.
"What's wrong?" She asked.

>>21887675
Ohh, that was his name. I thought Garret for some reason.

>>21887648
Eldin doesn't know. Chances are good it was Gabriel. We should possibly tell him that, by the way...something along the lines of:

"The other is probably the one calling himself Gabriel. I can't be sure, but he seems to mostly have chaos on the mind."

>>21887679
"Gabriel. He's nothing but trouble."

>>21887679
"Well I can tell you his name. Gabriel, right bastard. Tried to steal me."

>>21887679
"You don't remember the man who was watching you in Sardin?"

Turn to Eldin. "He calls himself Gabriel. At least, he does to me. Near as I can tell, he has chaos on the mind, but he's almost as inscrutable to me as he is to you."

>>21887679
"What was he doing when he left?"

"You don't remember the man who was watching you in Sardin?" You ask.
"I do, but..." Ariana said. "I didn't even think about him."
"You know him?" Eldin asked.
"Well, I can tell you his name." You say. "Gabriel. He's nothing but trouble. Near as I can tell, he has chaos on the mind, but he's almost as inscrutable to me as he is to you."
The warlock tilted his head. "Strange. I was considering that you two didn't even have names. I suppose I was wrong."
"What was he doing when he left?"
"He was teetering like a madman, just staring at everyone, wild-eyed. I thought for a moment that he'd forgotten his name, but I couldn't see yours either a moment later."
"... What are your Gifts?" Ariana asked, taking a step forward.
"I have the Gift of Names, the Gift of Life, the Gift of Tapping, and the Gift of Vermin. I am Ravenhearted."
"I see. I have the Gift of Vermin, the Gift of Truth, and the Gift of Shadows." Ariana responded.
"... Shouldn't he already know that?" Cass asked.
"It's only proper." Ariana responded.

>>21887817
What does Ravenhearted mean? The familiar?

>>21887817
"Well, I'm Abel, by the way."

>>21887817
"Hey, perhaps he can give few tips on the Gift of Vermin."

Ask Eldin. "Did the crones condone your actions here? What are you going to do if the Order retaliates?"

>>21887860
nah

>>21887817
"Gift of Tapping? I'm not up to date on all the wizard powers but that sounds like a cool one"

>>21887817
"Technically, we don't, I don't think. It has to do with the nature of our existence."

>>21887860
Nope.

>>21887817
>>21887877
Wild speculation: The Gift of Names tells him peoples' Names, as in True Names. Whether or not this gives him power is another matter; Gabriel and Abel, while they have names they use, do not have Names because they are not tied to - or, in fact, native to - this Reality.

>>21887839
"What does Ravenhearted mean? The familiar?"
"Yes." He said, and flicked his fingers. A small black raven flashed down from the sky, landing on his shoulder, staring at you with eerily glimmering eyes.
"Hey, perhaps he can give you a few tips on the gift of vermin."
"The Gift of Vermin is the most popular gift." Eldin said. "Almost half of all witches and warlocks have it, but for different creatures. I happen to only be attuned to ... cats."
"... So those shapeshifters..." Cass said.
"Yes, it works on shapeshifters as well." He said. "Including the Maenad. They're quite fond of me."
"Gift of Tapping? I'm not up to date on all the wizard-"
"Warlock" "Witch" Eldin and Ariana corrected you, simultaneously."
"-powers, but that sounds like a cool one."
"It allows me to tap into someone's lifeforce, and... feed it with my own, or drain it for my own good." He said. "With my own Gift of Life, I cannot die, even when I am given rosemary."
You nod.
"Did the crones condone your actions here? What are you going to do if the Order retaliates?"
"The crones do not forbid it." He said. "I spoke to them before this endeavor."
"Good to hear." Ariana said.
"And if the order retaliates... Well, we have some human allies within the order itself. A few templars, some initiates, and quite a lot of scholars. They will slow them down and complicate their logistics, and in the worst case, turncoat."

>>21887860
Tell him. Its only polite.

>>21887948
>Whoops, missed like an entire half of a sentence.
>"With my own Gift of Life, I cannot die, even when I am given rosemary, so I use my Gift of Tapping to heal others freely."

>>21887948
"So what's different between a wizard and a warlock?"

>>21887948
"My sister joined up with them, so it's something I have to care about."

"My sister joined up with them, so it's something I have to care about." You say.
"Well, if you'd tell me her name, I could make sure the others there get a notice about it, and speak to her." Eldin said, and shrugged. "I could even send her a letter from you, if you wish. Even to the heart of Angvard. My familiar can be there and back in a day."
"So, what's different between a wizard and a warlock?"
"Wizards... are a bad idea that should never have been considered." Eldin said.
"We don't talk about them." Ariana said. "Normal people given Gifts."
"They end up mad." Eldin said.

>>21888079
"Sounds bad. I don't think my sister is particularly devoted to the ideas of the order, but I'd still rather not be mentioned unless she actually decides to help with this...plan. Lyra [herlastnamehere] She's an initiate."

>>21888079
"Thank you for the help, Eldin. Her name is Lyra, she joined only a few days ago."

>>21888079
"Perhaps you know a knight named Crios? I think he would be one of those within the Order who would might not agree how it does things"

"Sounds bad." You say. "I don't think my sister is particularly devoted to the ideas of the order, but I'd still rather not be mentioned unless she actually decides to help with this... plan. Her name is Lyra Tolstoy. She's an initiate, and she joined only a few days ago."
"Then I'll make certain she's not harmed." He said, and for a moment he looked... tired. "Somehow."
"Perhaps you know a knight named Crios? I think he would be one of those within the Order who might not agree with how it does things." You say.
He raised an eyebrow.
"You know Crios?" He asked. "He's... the mastermind behind this whole operation. Found me during my rite of passage, swarmed by black cats. He was about to burn me when I told him my story. He was... moved, to say the least."

>>21888211
"Well damn, I was passing through a village when he save Ariana here."

>>21888226
saved*

>>21888211
"Huh, is that so?"

>>21888211
"Guess that explains why he "couldn't" determine that Ariana is a witch."

>>21888211
Heh, and you were scared of him Ariana.

>>21888211
"I got him to promise to keep an eye on my Lyra. Well, that shortcuts that issue."

>>21888211
"What was your story if you don't mind asking?"

"Huh, is that so?" You ask.
"Spent the rest of my rite of passage with him. Took him home when I'd gained my familiar, and he met with the Crones. Came back determined to fix the order. How do you know him?"
"I was passing through a village when he saved Ariana here." You say. Eldin laughed.
"Glad to hear he hasn't changed."
"Heh, and you were scared of him, Ariana."
"Well I thought he'd heard me when I told you what I was."
"He probably did. He has keen hearing." Eldin said. "Even through that helmet of his."
"I got him to promise to keep an eye on Lyra." You say, suddenly remembering. "Well, that shortcuts that issue."
"... I am entirely lost." Cassandra said. "I don't know these people."
"Don't worry, Cass." Eldin said. "If things go off right, you'll get to meet them eventually."
He bowed to the three of you again.
"I know you three want no part in this, and so I'd best leave before I'm seen speaking to you. If you wish to get in contact, just speak to one of the Maenads." He said.

>>21888374
"Thank you, Eldin. Be well."

>>21888374
Now that i know all of this isnt some insane plot but actually has a chance to succeed i for one wouldnt mind throwing our lot in with Eldin and Crios.

>>21888441
We should just quietly support them. Meaning not getting in their way or selling them out.

>>21888441
nah, we're not committing to anything yet

>>21888374
"So what do you girls think of this?"

>>21888374
"Cass? Ariana? What do you two want to do now?"

"Thank you, Eldin." You say. "Be well."
He nodded. "You as well, nameless mysterious one." He said, and left. The crow sat there, and continued looking at you for a moment, before flying off.
"So what do you girls think of this?"
"... I'm not sure what to think." Ariana said. "I kind of just want to... stay out of all of this. Go off somewhere else."
Cass's lips twitched, and she leaned on her new spear. "I wish I'd heard of this plan before now. I know that most of the changelings in the swamp would've helped, if we only knew. But now it's too late, I suppose..."

>>21888501
"Yeah..."

>>21888501
"It's probably better if we just stay out of it."

>>21888501
"There might be more in the swamp somewhere you know."

"Any suggestions where we go now?"

>>21888539
>"Any suggestions where we go now?"

We just got here, do we really want to go wandering so soon? It would be at least a week till Order retaliates. Lets not rush things and lets just see where this goes.

>>21888539
Don't say this, its inconsiderate. If there were other changelings in the swamps she would know and she would have sought them out after her family died.

You leaned up against the alleyway wall and stretched. "It's probably better if we just stay out of it."
"Better for us." Cassandra said. "But not for everyone."
"If you want to help them, we're not going to stop you, Cass." Ariana said.
"But..." Cass said, and then met your eyes for a moment before shaking her head. "Nevermind, I'll just stick with you two, whatever you want to do."
"Any suggestions where we go next?"
"After we're done here, we might be able to buy passage on a boat east." Ariana said. "Or south. Or something. A boat's one of the fastest ways to get around, and we should be gone before the Order gets here."

>>21888653
"I've never kept myself up to date on the local geography too much, what is south of here? another isle?"

Just for the consideration, we ARE the Main Character. our involvement in this is going to determine the outcome. The narrative demands it.

So the question is, do we really want to not get involved and leave the chance for the Evil Order to prevail or do we try to help free from persecution and protect innocent people?

>>21888653
>east
>West, even. Whoops.

>>21888718
That's not necessarily true. We aren't anyone important (yet) just because we're the player character.
Hell, Exa's even said that if Abel dies, we'll be playing as whoever takes up the Sword next.

>>21888738
>We aren't anyone important
Considering we came into existence a few days ago, I'd hazard a guess that we are

>>21888765
Being something special and being someone important are two very different things.

>>21888738
We're technically the MC, we're always important. When Abel dies though, next person to take the sword is going to be the MC but I don't think Abel will die so easily.

"I've never kept myself up to date on the local geography so much, what is the south of here? Another isle?"
"Another nation." Ariana said. "And it's not local. It's across the ocean. It's called the Atlask... something. Council, maybe? Six really big cities surrounding a desert, with a big forest to the east. The Order might not even be there."
"Well, that's an idea." Cass said. "A rather good one."
"They might speak a different language though." Ariana said. "I don't know. I wish I'd done better studying on things like this."

>>21888832
"Why would you want to go so far?"

I say we head west and travel from town to town, setting wrongs right while living as outlaws.
Steal from the rich and give to the poor.
Survive as soldiers of fortune, if the people have a problem and nobody else can help, and if they an find us... maybe they can hire... the Abel Team.

>>21888879
That's a stupid idea. Doing good things here or there's okay, but become bandits is a good way to get hurt/killed.
Also that pun is horrible.

>>21888832
I would like to stay here and help out with the Anti-Order Revolution.

>>21888879
That's retarded. if we're going to do dangerous stuff, we might as well help Eldin. At least we'd be doing something more meaningful."

>>21888832
"Well, have you though how we're going to pay for that? I doubt I have enough money, its running low already."

>>21888832
"We could go, or we could stay and help. Not sure how much help we could really be, but..."

>>21888927
Given the choices are to wander around aimlessly forever, I have to agree. Though we shouldn't commit immediately.

"Why do you want to go so far?" You ask.
"Well... because that's what traveling is." Ariana said. "We have to go somewhere, and it's a good way to see the world. Also, I've never been on a boat before."
"Well, have you thought how we're going to pay for that? I doubt we have enough money, it's running low already."
"Maybe we could pay for our ride by helping the crew... or giving the captain the ring that the otters gave me." Ariana said.
"We could go, or we could stay and help. Not sure how much help we could really be, but..."

>>21888989
>Whoops, got cut off.

"I think we could be a lot of help." Cass said. "I have my troll blood, and Ariana has her Gifts. And Abel, you could... um..."
She thought for a moment, and changed the subject. "Eldin might even pay us for helping."

>>21889037
"Whatever we do, we really need more money, especially if we intend to head south."

>>21889037
"How about we stay here for a while, maybe a week and see how thing play out?"

>>21889088
i second this.

"How about we stay here for awhile, maybe a week, and see how things play out? Whatever we do, we really need more money, especially if we intend to head south."
"Sounds like a plan." Ariana said.
"Maybe we could go hunting." Cass said. "Sell leathers and food to people. Or something. We do need more money."

>>21889202
Hunting's what I'm good at."

>>21889202
"If there's anything I can do, it's hunt."
Man, we should've gotten the spear. We could hunt boars with a spear.

>>21889240
>You *did* get the spear, and got it for damn cheap. Cass has it.

"Hunting's what I'm good at." You say.
"Me too." Cass said. "I used to take down boars near the foot of the mountains, back home. Just wait while Thor starts rushing around through the brush to startle them, and then the boars come out and you get one right in the chest."
"I can help too." Ariana said. "Somehow. Maybe I could do something with my Gift of shadow..."

>>21889240
I'm still rustled that the choice got to be the sword. Boring as fuck.

>>21889258
"You could try to set up Shadow traps or something!"

>>21889258
Lets explore the city then. See if we can find any job opportunities.

>>21889258
Maybe we should try tracking down Gabriel as well? I want to find out what his deal is.

"You could try to set up shadow traps or something." You say.
"Maybe, if I could figure out how to do something like that." She said, and the three of you started wandering. After leaving the alleyway, you go down a long, stone street, with a multitude of stores nearby. A glassblower, a clothing shop, a sculptor, a physician, and what you're certain might be a bakery, but it was too crowded to be certain. While you walk, looking for a place to find a job, you see Gabriel, looking about to make sure nobody was watching him, before entering a large warehouse.
"Did you see him?" Ariana asked. "It was that creepy old guy that was watching me back in Sardin. He went in there."

>>21889416
"Yeah, I saw him. I want to go after him too."

Do we go in after him?

>>21889447
yeah.
Carefully.

>>21889416
"Yeah, I saw him"

>>21889447
dunno, it seems unlikely that we /just/ happen to stumble on him. He might be trying to lure us in

>>21889513
or he might have critically failed his spot check

>>21889447
Yes.

"I'm going to see what he's doing. I guess you two should stay here"

"Yeah, I saw him." You say. "I'm going to see what he's doing." You say. "I guess you two should stay here."
"But.." Ariana said. "Alright, I'll stay here."
"If you take too long," Cass said, after a moment. "I'm going to follow you."
You nod, and make your way down the hill to the warehouse. Sneaking an ear up against the door, you can hear him walking away and grumbling to himself, the warehouse's floorboards creaking.

>Continue? If so, Roll 1d100 for stealth.

Rolled 66

>>21889609
Oh boy here we go [again]

Rolled 26

>>21889609
I suppose we are skilled at that?

Rolled 20

>>21889609
Stealth it up.

>>21889626
I'd imagine we are, hunting would require a lot of stealth.

Rolled 49

One hand on the sword, and one hand on the magic weapon.

>>21889743
So two hands on the sword?

Slowly, carefully, creaking open the door, you sneak in and gently shut it behind you, seeing a dark, long hallway. Making sure not to put too much weight down before stepping on possibly-creaky floorboards, you make your way through the halls, before ending up in the doorway to a large, dimly lit room. You put your hand on your sword, but don't draw it quite yet.
In there, you see Gabriel, as well as two others- a stocky, bulky man, shirtless and heavily muscled and a small, scrawny woman, enormous bags over her eyes and her fingers stuck in her mouth, moth-eaten veils covering her body.

"Apparently." Gabriel said. "I've been deemed as the rival."
"That's what you said last time." The bulky man said. "Just tell me when to fight and I will. That's all I care about."
"Good to hear it." He responded. "That's exactly what I need you to do."
"Who and when?" The bulky man asked, and the scrawny woman giggled, high-pitched, apropos of nothing.
"The Changeling." Gabriel said. "Don't worry about the silver. The potions I stole will keep those from affecting you."
"Good to hear!" The bulky man said, and grinned fiercely- his teeth were pointed. "Good to know those order is worth something!"
Paranoid, the woman started creeping around, eyes wide in the darkness, peeking behind crates and underneath tables, looking for something.

You, perhaps?
>Roll again!

Rolled 62

>>21889810

Rolled 60

>>21889810
I still assume we are skilled in this

Rolled 53

>>21889810
this cannot be good

Slowly, she started getting closer to you, and you creep back, trying to get out of her sight, when-
"Kalla." Gabriel said, and she froze. She ran back to Gabriel and giggled sheepishly. "You need to stay right here. Don't move, don't wander. Got it?"
"But I hear a mouse." She said, her voice hoarse and lilted "It's being very sneaky."
"For god's sakes, can't you just chain her down?" The bulky man said. "I don't feel right with this... thing near."
The woman grinned at him, and then leaned up and gave the bulky man a kiss on the shoulder. "Oh, but I'd slip the chains, dear Corwidious."
"That's not my name." The bulky man said.

"Anyway, Kalla, your job will be to keep the witch from doing anything."
"Which witch?" She responded, tilting her head.
"The one with the rats."
"They all have the rats, dear lover." She responded. "Just like the one I hear..."
She craned her neck around to look toward you, and Gabriel groaned, pushing on his temples.
"Cor, hit her." He said, and the bulky man did so, back handing the scrawny woman across the room, where she smashed into the crates.
"Anyway, that's all the orders I have for now. You'll know when I need you. For now, just keep watch out for the sword. If you can get it, bring it to me."
"Yes sir, Gabriel."
"Of course, lover." The girl responded, springing up, her fingers in her teeth again.
Gabriel started to make his way toward you, and quickly, you crept out of the warehouse and made your way back to Ariana and Cassandra.

>>21889810
Exabyte, I have been loving this quest so far and I hope to enjoy it for many installments to come. That being said, I really hope you know what you are doing with Gabriel here.Because if you are going the direction I think you are, I fear we might end up how things were in the first thread and that would be a tragedy.

Like I said, loving things so far and I could be wrong, but my terrible cliche sense is tingling.

>>21889963
"I don't know what he's planning but they're coming after us."

>>21889963
"Gabriel's got a pair of really powerful goons in there, and they're coming after us for some reason. We might want to leave town."

>>21890017
leave town? Why? So that they can get us in the wilderness?

>>21889963
"Okay, sword. Start talking. Why do they want you?"

"I don't know what he's planning, but they're coming after us." You say. "Gabriel's got a pair of really powerful goons in there, and they're coming after us for some reason."
You look down to the sword.
"What sort of powerful goons?" Cass asked.
"Okay, Sword, Start talking. Why do they want you?"
<We don't know! You asked us this before and we could give you no answer!> The first voice said.
<Perhaps it's related to the way he tried to steal your identity earlier, and how you reasserted your own identity with this sword.> The second one said. <But we wouldn't know why.>
<We don't know much of the world or it's rules, I'm afraid.>
"... Abel." Ariana said, and snapped her fingers to get your attention. "What sort of goons?"

>>21890136
I don't know, but one of them knocked the other one clear across the room, who then got up without so much as a scratch.
I think one of 'em's a changeling, because old Gabe mentioned how silver won't work on him anymore, and the other one can stop witch powers apparently."

>>21890136
Some sort of creepy woman called Kalla that seems pretty impervious to being smashed through several crates and some huge brute named Corwidious whos a changeling and has received potions from Gabriel that cancel his vulnerability to silver. He's supposed to attack Cass.

>>21890136
A very big guy, and some sort of sexy cat lady.

>>21890136
An old-looking woman that knows too much about witches, she's supposed to neutralize you. They know of your Gifts.

A large burly man who wants to fight. He will fight you, Cass. He's immune to silver due to potions from the Order. Likely a changeling himself. Very very strong.

>>21890136
The woman seemed to be insane..... can women be wizards?

"I don't know, but one of them knocked the other one clear across the room, who then got up without so much as a scratch." You say. "Some sort of creepy woman named Kalla that knows too much about witches. She's supposed to neutralize you."
"Rosemary?" Ariana asked. "If she starts throwing rosemary about then I should wear a mask or veil or something to block it." She said.
"... This sounds like bad news." Cass said.
"There's also a large burly man, Corwidious, who wants to fight, and he's very, very strong. He's likely a changeling, but he's recieved potions from Gabriel that cancel his vulnerability to silver. He's supposed to attack Cass."
"If he's a changeling then he's probably a troll." She said. "But if he was strong enough to throw someone across the room, then he might be berserk. Or his blood is thick enough that he has his strength all the time..."
"The woman seemed to be insane." You say. "... Can women be wizards?"
"Wizards haven't been made for hundreds of years." Ariana said. "And even people with the Gift of Life still age. If she was a wizard, she'd be dead by now."

>>21890305
"Should we wait for them to come to us?"

>>21890305
"In any case I suggest we attempt to escape for the time being. If we do get into a fight though, we should immediately switch targets. Don't try to fight the person hand picked to neutralize you."

>>21890417
I don't think the 12 year old can take on a troll.
Just saying.

>>21890305
"Try not to fight them if you can. I don't even know what Gabriel's problem is, so I'd rather not drag anyone else into it.

Might be prudent to rethink our stance and talk with Eldin

>>21890519
Might be. He could maybe deal with the catgirl at least, and the maenads would be useful if we could get their help.

"Should we wait for them to come to us?" You ask.
"I have my spear, Ariana has her rodents and her Gifts, and you have your sword and bow." Cass said. "It's best if we fought them now, and get the element of surprise rather than them."
"But I don't know how to fight, and I can't control the Gift of Vermin." Ariana said.
"Let's try not to fight them." You say. "I don't even know what Gabriel's problem is, so I'd rather not drag anyone else into it."
"Well, if you have to fight, I'm fighting with you." Cass said. "And you can't convince me otherwise."
"What she said." Ariana said.
"Mostly because I have to make up for burning your tongue." She said, raising an eyebrow.
"... But the soup wasn't that warm this morning, was it?" Ariana asked.
"... Um."
A dawning look entered Ariana's eyes. "It was the acid, wasn't it." She said, and giggled.

You hear a slam, and see the bulky man leave the warehouse, shutting the door behind him, and leave into the alleyways, broadshouldered.
"... He's not a changeling. Not trollblood, at least." Cass said, all serious now. "No tail, and his breeches are too tight to be hiding it."

>>21890603
"Then what the hell is he? Orc or something?"

>>21890603
"We could jump him." Whispered.

>>21890603
"Hey voices, is this sword actually magical or would we need to get something else to deal with him?"

>>21890603
To Ariana: "Something I'm unlikely to repeat in a hurry."

To Cass: "Are werewolves real?"

>>21890640
What are you talking about, we're going to risk acidmouth again as soon as we can.

>>21890628

No, he might be so much stronger than we can imagine.

I still say we need some help in the matter. No one else to ask than Eldin, though.

>>21890673
We'll probably lose him if we go for help now. Which would leave us the scrawny girl, since we know where she is.

>>21890671
just messing with her.

"Are werewolves real?" You ask Cass.
"They're extinct, I thought." Cass said. "They were the first thing the Order wiped out... or so I thought. He could be, I suppose..."
"Hey voices, is this sword actually magical, or would we need to get something else to deal with him?"
<The sword is not magical.> The first voice said.
<We've said this many times.>

"... Might be prudent to ask for help in this matter." You say.
"Ask who?" Ariana asked. "My sister?"
"... I was thinking Eldin." Cass said. "And his maenad. Come to think of it, I wonder if a witch or warlock with the gift of vermin with lizards would be able to effect trolls."
"Well, since you're not giving me gifts, I'd think not." Ariana said. "Every morning there'd be newts on my windowsill. My gift works on lizards."

>>21890742
"I'd be willing to bet that he regenerates, and since he's immune to silver, I guess the only thing we can do is ask Eldin for help."

>>21890742
Maybe she has been giving you gifts, you just didn't notice.

"I'd be willing to bet that he regenerates, and since he's immune to silver, I guess the only thing we can do is ask Eldin for help."
"Right. So how do we find him?" Cass asked.
"... Like this, of course." Ariana said, and looked up into the sky, pointing toward a small black speck. "I think that's his familiar, so..."
She waved at it, and it quickly dove down. The raven screeched to a stop, and landed on Ariana's shoulder.
"Hello." Eldin's raven said, in his voice. "You need anything?"
"Well... I think I'd best let A-... the nameless fellow over here talk." Ariana said, and the raven hopped on your shoulder."
"Well, I might not have much time." Eldin said. "But go ahead."

>>21890912
"The other nameless fellow, he's...uh, after me, I guess you could say. I'm not sure when but I think they're going to attack us, he's prepared his goons to take down Ariana and Cass."

>>21890912
"Right. Basically, Gabriel's got himself a couple of goons with abilities that could beat us easily, and he's coming after us for some reason. We need help."

"The other nameless fellow, he's... uh, after me." You say. You swear that if the raven could raise an eyebrow, it would. "I'm not sure when, but I think they're going to attack us. He's prepared his goons to take down Ariana and Cass. We need help."
"And you want me to help you- for free- when you didn't even help me right a simple wagon?" Eldin asked. "I'm sorry, but you could probably send Ariana and Cass away. That would keep them safe, at least. I don't want to cause the maenads any harm, and I'm not going to risk my own life. There are more important matters than you nameless ones."
"There's no way I'm going to let him get eaten by a werewolf or whatever." Cass said, angrily."
"I still can't help." Eldin said. "Unless you made it worth my while somehow."

>>21891082
"We were thinking of sticking around and helping you out in the first place, would that be enough?"

>>21891082
"Oh, you thought I was asking a favor? No no, I'm willing to reciprocate."

>>21891082
"Well, I don't think I have anything you'd want, so..."

>>21891082
Look, I'm not asking for much, he's tailored his team to beat me. I just need a surprise, like one of your cats.

>>21891082
I wasn't going to risk Ariana's secret helping out some random traveller on the road!

"Look, I'm not asking for much." You say. "He's tailored his team to beat me. I just need a surprise, like one of your cats. And we were thinking of sticking around and helping you out in the first place. Would that be enough?"
"... I can do that." He said. "Though... the maenads get hard to control sometimes, so I'll need you to meet, well... you'll know her when you see her."
The raven cawed, and jabbed it's beak down a street. "This way. She'll be sleeping this time of day."

>>21891224
Many thanks.

>>21891224
Follow.

"Many thanks." You say, as the raven led you through the streets, until you reached an abandoned alleyway, and there was a young woman asleep, on her back, snoring loudly, with strange, pale blue hair, and pale lips, wearing nothing but rags.
"Tannis." The raven croaked. "Tannis, wake up."
The girl opened an eyelid, then closed it again. In response, the raven leapt off your shoulder, and started poking at her head. She sat up, and looked up to the raven.
"Yea, Boss? Sorry, Is sleep."
"I have a very important job for you."
"Yes boss?" She asked, saluting, before whirling around, trying to find out where he was standing. "I can do it, count on me!"
"... Help those three in front of you with whatever they need."
"Right! I can do that." She said. The girl met your eyes, and tilted her head for a moment. "Can I have have the guy afterwards?"
The raven sighed. "We'll talk about it then."
"Okay!" She said, and giggled.
The raven got off of her head, and soared back to you.
"There you go." He said. "Tannis... isn't the cleverest-"
"Hey!"
"-But she's very loyal. Hasn't scratched me once."
"Yet! I'll do it someday!" She responded, frowning- and still looking around, trying to find Eldin.
"You need me for anything else?"

>>21891385
"I don't think so."

>>21891385
"No, I think that's it."

>>21891385
"I'll make sure to keep you updated as to what happens. Thank you, Eldin."

"I'll make sure to keep you updated as to what happens. Thank you, Eldin."
"It was no problem." The raven responded, and took off again. "Remember what I said, Tannis."
"Yeah, yeah, help these three." She grumbled, and kicked at a rock. As soon as the raven was gone, she looked to you three. You three looked back, and then she saluted.
"Well, I can turn into a person, and kill things." She said. "That's... about it. But I'm happy to do whatever you need if Boss told me to!"

"I'm Cassandra, this is Ariana, and Abel." Cass said, pointing to the three of you.
"Apparently we're being hunted by a man named Gabriel."
"And you need me to kill him?" She asked. "I can do that!"

>>21891527
"Well, he's got a changeling of some sort and some other woman. They're pretty much specialized to win against us, which is why we need your help."

>>21891527
"We need you to throw him off. He's planned for me, Ariana and Cass, he hasn't planned for you.

Ariana, can you drag the big guy into the shadows? Cass that'll leave you to deal with the freaky woman, preferably by stabbing her in the neck.

Me and our new feline friend can deal with Gabe."

>>21891527
"Turn into a person? Do you mean into a cat?"

"No, actually. He'll be with backup so it might be difficult, but if I can I want to ask him some questions."

>>21891527
If you can kill him I'll be impressed. I've already seen him die once and then turn up again later.

"Turn into a person? Do you mean into a cat?"
"No, that's stupid." She said. "Why would I turn into a cat? I'm maenad. We're better than cats."
"Anyway, we need you to throw him off." You say. "He's planned for me, Ariana, and Cass, but he hasn't planned for you."
"So I'm here to mess up his plans."
"That's what I gathered." Cass said.
"Ariana, can you drag the big guy into the shadows?"
"... Maybe." She said. "I can try, and even if I only do it halfway, that should take care of the problem."
"Cass, that'll leave you to deal with the freaky woman, preferably by stabbing her in the neck."
"That I can do." She said. "Though I'm used to aiming for the skull, because of the undead."
"Me and our new feline friend can deal with Gabe."
"Yes. We can." Tannis said, grinning. She looked up to the orange sky of twilight, and then back down. "Tomorrow. I'm tired."

>>21891694
"We don't know when they're going to move, so it'd be better to pick them off one by one while we've got the chance to. We know where the woman is right now."

Rolled 3

>>21891082
well hr is working for the order so you have a great reason to grab him

>>21891694
"I'd rather take them down while we still have the element of surprise.

Tell you what Tannis, you help us now I can get you some catnip, or mice, or something like that afterwards."

>>21891759
No he isn't. He stole those potions.
Also holy fuck, your connection is horrible or something. Goddamn.

>>21891770
Just leave it as "get you something nice afterwards."
That's probably kinda insulting as is.

"We don't know when they're going to move, so it'd be better to pick them off one by one while we've got the chance to." You say. "We know where the woman is right now."
"Oooh, so we just ... pounce!" Tannis said, grinning and hopping to the side. "Then we play with the woman until the rest come out to save her, and kill them."
"Tell you what, Tannis, you help us now, I can get you something nice afterwards."
"I'd be glad to I'll stay awake for something nice!" She said, and leaned on you, putting both hands on her chest, staring up into your eyes, uncomfortably close. "I never get anything good. So, which form do you need me in? My normal form, or my person one, or halfway between? I prefer the halfway between for hunting because I have claws, but I'm too big to hide anywhere. And when are we leaving? Now?"
In the corner of your eyes, you see Cass's eyes flash green.

>>21891876
>both hands on her chest
>On your chest, even. Whoops.

>>21891876
"Can you transform between them easily? And we're leaving now.

I was thinking we have Ariana preform recon using the shadows, you sneak in and wait for the signal, when the signal comes I shoot her in the throat, you pounce and Cass stabs her with her spear. And then we can move onto the rest of their merry band."

>>21891876
This could get violent.

>>21891923
I do not feel comfortable sending a 8-9 year old girl to scout out a dangerous unknown that was designated to take said young girl out.

"Can you transform between them easily?" You ask.
"Mhm!" She said, and took two steps back, before a small, white cat, with gleaming eyes stood where she did. A moment later, she was standing there again, albeit with enormous claws in her hands, two white ears poking from her head, and a long, swishing tail. Once again, she was human. "See? Easy as breathing."

"I'm thinking... you sneak in, and wait for the signal." You say. "When the signal comes, I shoot her in the throat, you pounce, and Cass stabs her with the spear. And then we can move onto the rest of their merry band."
"What can I do?" Ariana asked. "I could probably... keep watch from outside or something. Warn you through the shadows if someone comes in."

>>21892045
"Sounds good, if you feel comfortable making sure the coast is clear before we enter you can do that, but stay cautious."

Let's do this.

>>21892045
"That's good enough Ariana, I don't really want you too involved with the person who's meant to be specifically taking you down."

"That's good enough, Ariana." You say. "I don't really want you too involved with the person who's meant to be specifically taking you down."
"Okay." Ariana said. "But if there's a way I can help, I'm going to." She said.

The four of you made your way back to that same street, and eyed the warehouse, warily.
"Good luck." Ariana whispered, as the small white cat sat on your shoulder, and as Cass had her spear in hand.
"Are we ready?" Cass asked.
Tannis meowed in response, and bobbed her head, leaping off of your shoulder, and creeping into the warehouse through a crack in one of the walls, squeezing in.

Less than a minute later, the entire wall of the warehouse exploded, and a battered, halfhuman Tannis collided with the building on the other end of the street.

Standing in the rubble was Kalla, and she had four teal teardrops hovering behind her, looking vaguely like butterfly wings, sparks drifting from them
"Think happy thoughts!" The girl cried, her hands in her mouth. She had three long scratches on her face, bleeding copiously, but she didn't seem to care- she was grinning widely.

>End of thread!

>>21892240
it's kicking off now.