>>22026173
"Haha, I guess all that flying around has made you weak"

>>22026214
How about no.
"Maybe you should spend more time on the ground." has a much lower chance of getting us fried.

>>22026247
This

>>22026173
"Does anyone know anything about Amberway? Are we going to have trouble getting in?"

"Maybe you should spend more time on the ground." You say, strapping the breastplate to your well-worn pack. It was heavier than you'd thought, but it wouldn't slow you down at all.
Astora shot you a glare. "Just because I can't walk long distances doesn't mean I'm weak." She said.
"... It kinda does." Ariana said, grinning. "That's the definition, kind of."
Astora crossed her arms and frowned, the fire of her Gift flickering against her other arm, doing no damage.
"... You don't burn?" Cass asked.
"I don't." Astora said. "But even if I could, I wouldn't now. My Gift is the same temperature as this jungle, right now."
"It's a swamp, not a jungle." Ariana said.
"... Right, sorry." Astora said.
"And it looks like it's thinning." Cass said, snuffing out the torch. As you walked, you notice the trees thinning, and the ground beneath your feet hardens. Cass stops near a pool to rinse off her feet and to put her boots on, and then the group continues out of the swamp. A bit to the north you can see a small village, bustling in the distance, next to a gently curving river- the same river you'd crossed earlier today, you suppose- and what looked like a forest. To the southwest, you could see the city of Amberway, nearly another day away.
"Does anyone know anything about Amberway? Are we going to have trouble getting in?"
"... There's probably a way to sneak in, if we have a problem." Tannis said. "Anakata's pack got in somehow, and they'll leave markings for us."

>>22026289
"Their way of sneaking in probably involves turning into a cat."

>>22026289
Keep on walking, as we get closer try to stay off the main road.

>>22026289
"I don't think Anakata's method is going to work for most of us."

"Their way of sneaking in probably involves turning into a cat." You say.
"It's not turning into a cat!" She said, frowning at you. "We aren't cats. There's a difference, and it's very offensive."
"I don't think Anakata's method is going to work for most of us." You say, finally.
"... It's a port town, I think." Tannis responded. "You could swim up to the port, can't you?"
"... I can't swim." Ariana said.
You continue walking along the main road, and enter the village. Astora focused, and the flaming hand blurred, becoming a mirage-like human hand, keeping them crossed.
"Well, if you can't swim, then we'll just have to see if we can make it through the gates." Tannis said.
"Or, um, my gift." Ariana hissed, and looked about to make sure nobody was near.

The village was small, and actually quite minor- most of the houses were made of wood, and the enormous forest to the north gave them a good reason to be like that. There was a simple fishery, a general store, several carpenters and tailors, and the road continued going north to northwest.

>>22026401
Let's just pass through.

>>22026415
This, unless we need anything. I don't think we do.

>>22026415
Actually, check out the general store, we should be on the lookout for the chemicals to make blackpowder and the items to make a gun.

"Wait here." You say, and make your way into the general store. Other than the occasional few candles, and lantern oil, you can't find anything of note. The storekeeper looks at you expectantly, but after a basic scan of the shop itself, you can't find anything useful. Apologizing to the storekeeper, you make your way back outside, and continue walking. Eventually, you left the village, and the road suddenly curved west, and into the forest proper, the shrubs around thickening into stumps and trees.
"What were you looking for?" Ariana asked.

>>22026537
"Just a few items that might be useful. I think I'd need to visit an alchemist to find most though."

>>22026537
"Sulphur, saltpeter, [other gunpowder ingredients that I can't remember off the top of my head]

>>22026556
If we're making blackpowder, it's sulphur, saltpeter and charcoal.

The mixture ratio isn't too important but the purity of the charcoal is the main factor in gunpowder/blackpowder explosivity.

"Just a few items that might be useful." You say. "I think I'd need to visit an alchemist to find most, though."
"Amberway should have one." She responded, and the group continued.

"I'm not used to so many slopes." Cass said, walking down the road. "Or the trees. Or the smell. Things are so different than what I'm used to."
"The key to a long life is having a lot of new experiences." Astora said.
"That's what one of the crones always say, at least, and she's a hundred years old." Ariana said. "So I'm inclined to believe her."

As time passed, eventually you reached another small village, but in the village center there was quite a commotion. Standing on some gallows as if it were a stage was a strange, short man, with brown skin and bright green hair, laughing heartily. Surrounding him was dozens of women, each calling out to try to be noticed.
"No need, ladies, no need." He said, grinning- only then did you notice that his ears were pointed. "It's long been a personal code of mine to only go with one who catches my attention. Only one who's perfect!"

>Roll 1d6.

Rolled 2

>>22026617
"Is he peddling common street-harlots?"

Rolled 4

>>22026617

"Is he peddling common street-harlots?" You ask, and Cass raised an eyebrow.
"I think he's peddling himself." She said. "They're all trying to get his attention."
Again, the darkskinned, green-haired man looked this way and that, examining the people crowding around the gallows, beaming out a brilliant smile.
"... Hmm. I think I've chosen!" He said, laughing, before taking a gliding, dextrous hop off of the stage. The group went silent, and he approached you.
"Good day, sir." He said, bowing low. "I must say, you're a beautiful young man."
What.

>>22026676
"What?"

>>22026676
"I'm not interested, pal."

>>22026676
"I seem to be missing some very important context here."

>>22026676
Just a plain "What."
and be wary of agility enhanced stealings

>>22026676
"I am certain this cannot end well for both of us. I will be leaving."

>>22026676
"Is this another of your attempts to get the sword, Gabriel?"

"What?" You ask. "I seem to be missing some very important context here."
He went silent.
"You mean you don't know who I am?" He asked. "A pity, a pity."
He shook his head from side to side.
"My name is Kale! I've arrived to travel with an adventurer, and here I've found one. The unshaven beard, the belts, the pouches, the knives, the piercing eyes... You're perfect! Much better than that heavily armored fellow who tried to hang me."
"... I am certain this cannot end well for both of us." You say. "I will be leaving."
His brilliant faltered for a moment, then came back in full force.
"No worries, I'll be gone in... seven years, and no longer than that! I must go back to my burrow sometime, after all! Until then, lead on, sir!"
He shoved his hands into his pockets, and kept grinning at you.

"... Is this another of your attempts to get the sword, Gabriel?"
"Sword?" He asked. "No, no, I have no desire for no silly sword. I'm not a *dwarf* after all. And my name is Kale, as I already said. Pleased to meet you, whatever your name is."

Your group was just as silent as the group at the gallows.

Obligatory it's not gay if it's an elf.

>>22026768
"Cass, is this what you meant when you tried to explain Elves to me?"

>>22026768
I like the cut of his jib. Straightforward, to the point, no nonsense.

"Uhhh, well, I guess that's no problem."

"Cass, is this what you meant when you tried to explain Elves to me?"
"You knew I was an elf?" He asked, grinning. "You're very, very perceptive! Good on you, fellow!"
"... Yes, yes it was." Cass said.
"And that glamour!" The elf said, grinning as he grabbed Astora's hand, and you hear the singing of flesh. "It's almost seamless, I can't see what- ow- what hides behind- ow-" She drew her sword with her other hand, and pointed it at him, and he quickly let go. "Yes ma'am."
He grinned again, putting his burned hands in his pockets again, and leaned to the side, taking a look at everyone.
"So, sir whatever-your-name, I hope you don't mind if I join your little party here."
"Uhh, well, I guess that's no problem." You say.
"Exultation!" The elf said, and beamed again.

>>22026872
>By singing, I meant singeing. Whoops.

>>22026872
"I'm guessing you've been in this town longer than us, anything interesting here before we leave?"

>>22026872
"...right. Is there an alchemist in this town?"

>>22026872
"Exsultō. Do you know alchemy, by chance?"

"I'm guessing you've been in this town longer than us." You say. "Anything interesting here before we leave?"
"There was a small pond that reflected the sunlight just right, and it was dazzling!" He said. "But that's one of those momentary beauties."
"... Right." You say. "Is there an alchemist in town?"
"A what?"
"... Alchemist." Ariana said. "One of those beings who mix different things together to make different effects."
"Not at all." The elf said, beaming. "Nor was there one last time I was here. I know how you mortals change things up, so I like to keep an eye out for new things every time I leave my home. The steel armored fellow was very interesting. Oh, here he comes!"
The elf pointed a hand out, and you can see a bulky knight push himself to his feet, as the villagers scattered. The order knight drew a long claymore, and started walking toward you.
"Oh, I hope he doesn't have any cold iron." The elf said, and shot you another smile. "That would be rather troublesome for me."

>>22026954
"Top o' the mornin' ser knight"

>>22026954
Step away from the elf.
He can handle it. Probably.

>>22026954
"I would prefer not to have to do this. Let's try and talk to him first."

"Hello, sir!" The elf said, beaming.

You and the rest of your group quickly step aside.
"I've had enough of your tricks, fey." The knight grumbled, and swung his blade, shearing the elf in half. The split-in-half elf suddenly burst into butterflies, and drifted off into the sky.
"That was a pretty glamour." Kale said, suddenly appearing on a stump. "Don't you think, sir?"

The knight didn't hesitate. He simply charged- and tripped over the stump that seemed to move, and then started struggling to his feet again, trying to get up despite his heavy plate.

"We'd best go, mister adventurer." Kale said, appearing next to you. "We only have so much time before the sir gets back up!"

"Enough of your tricks!" The knight snarled, and if you could see his face, you'd be certain that he was frothing from the mouth.

>>22027017

I like this elf.

>>22027017
"Hah, very good, Kale."

"Knock him out for now."

>>22027046
Let's not say anything that'd make the knight attack us. He might have buddies around, and he'd come after us once he wakes up.

"Hah, very good, Kale." You say.
"I thought so!" He responded, and beamed some more.
Astora shrugged, and clenched her fist. The knight started screaming as red flame shot from his visor, and then went still.
"Let's move on." Astora said, and started walking.
Ariana looked between her and the knight. You couldn't tell the expression on her face, as she followed her elder sister.

Kale simply started humming to himself, as he followed you, looking up to the sky, keeping an eye on the clouds. No matter where he walked, he didn't trip over anything- as if he had knowledge of all of his surroundings- or, perhaps, a supernatural grace.

>>22027139
"So, Kale, what were you doing up on that stage when we arrived?"

"So, Kale, what were you doing up on that stage when we arrived?"
"Oh, the sir had dragged me to the gallows to hang me, but I had a little fun with him and my glamors. Then the womenfolk arrived, so I glamored them as well. Rather frightful what the miss did to the sir, wasn't it?"
"...He would've followed us and caused problems." Astora responded.
"Yeah, that was probably best." Cass said.
Tannis shrugged, and Ariana frowned.

>>22027220
"We could've just knocked him out."

"Tell us some more about yourself, Kale. Where do you hail from?"

>>22027220
"Yeah, I have a feeling he wasn't interested in diplomacy. Thanks in large part to you, Kale."

"We could've just knocked him out."
"And then he remembers our faces." Astora said.
"Tell us some more about yourself, Kale. Where do you hail from?"
"This very forest!" He said. "I was born here! During the spring, some centuries back. I'll need to return in only a few years, but I'm out to explore the world."

>>22027288
"Oh? why do you need to return in a few years?"

"How much further is Amberway?"

>>22027288
"You okay, Ari?"

"Oh? Why do you need to return in a few years?"
"It's in my nature." He said, and beamed at you. "And I'll have to tell those mortals to stop chopping down trees, eventually."
"How much further is Amberway?"
"A day." Ariana said, in a quiet voice. "We'll be there sometime tomorrow."
"... You okay, Ari?" You ask.
Silently, she shook her head, but Astora didn't seem to notice, already back to sweating and panting, exhausted and pushing herself along.

>>22027344
Drop back/speed up so we're next to Ariana.

"Want to talk about it?"

You speed up to the front of the group, and walk along next to Ariana.
"Want to talk about it?"
"... I... I can't put it into words." She said. "It's just that... nobody hesitates. You don't, Cass wouldn't... even Astora doesn't."

>>22027415
"Well its in your sisters nature to do things as they occur. And I think for much longer then you would expect before I do anything."

Because, you know, we get 10minutes between posts. Also when we gave the sword to ari she did plenty without thinking.

>>22027415
"I probably should have, but I really don't think we were getting out of that without someone dead or injured."

>>22027415
"We can't afford to hesitate in situations like that."

"... Well, it's in your sister's nature to do things as they occur." You say. "And I probably should have, but I really don't think we were getting out of that without someone dead or injured. We can't afford to hesitate in situations like that."
She sighed, and put away the map again.
"... I wish it wasn't necessary." She said. "Astora would just say 'because there was no other choice' and she'd be right, there isn't."

She sighed again, and was silent for a long time. You notice Kale snag a few leaves from a lowhanging branch, and start munching on them.
"...I wish one of my gifts would make it so that we don't have to fight or kill anyone." Ariana said, finally.

>>22027523
"That would be pretty nice, honestly. Be pretty easy to abuse, though."

>>22027523
"You haven't unlocked all your gifts yet so there's hope there. The Gift of Shadows does it quite well already, you could just drop a person you're fighting in there, right?"

"That would be pretty nice, honestly. Be pretty easy to abuse, though."
"I wouldn't abuse it." She said. "I swear."
"You haven't unlocked all your gifts yet, so there's hope there. The Gift of shadows does it quite well already. You could just drop a person you're fighting in there, right?"
"... But they'd drown, eventually." She said. "You can't breathe in there. And I'd have to pull them out eventually, or it'd be a prison."

>>22027523
That would be a very powerful gift.

Astora said you would be powerful, maybe you will get your wish.

>>22027626
"I was wondering, Ariana, what determines what gifts a person recieves? Is it personality or based upon what you do during your coming of age?"

"I was wondering, Ariana, what determines what gifts a person recieves? Is it personality, ro based upon what you do during your coming of age?"
"A witch's gifts are in the blood." She said. "It doesn't have anything to do with what they do or how they act. It has to do with their parents and their parents' parents."

Suddenly, in the back of your mind, a word swims to your lips. Genetics. Suddenly, phrases and concepts burst into your head- DNA, Nucleotides, amino acids, proteins, the research of Mendel... and you shake your head.
"-and since the house is so old and it's been in the family for generations, I was able to look things up. The family's been warriors." Ariana continued. "All about war and fighting. That's what's in my blood, so... it's not likely I have a Gift that can help stop fighting. It might even be the Gift of Flame."

>>22027706
"A good warrior always needs support powers though, so you might end up with something that lets you avoid fights."

>>22027706
"So it's...genetic?"

>>22027706
Maybe you'll get a gift so amazingly powerful that nobody would dare fight you.

What other gifts does your family possess?

>>22027706
"The best battle is the one that doesn't begin."

>>22027706
"You shouldn't worry about it, its not the gift, but how you use it."

"So it's... genetic?"
"It's what?" She asked.
"Nevermind. A good warrior always needs support powers, though, so you might end up with something that lets you avoid fights."
"That's probably the Gift of Shadows." She said. "The books only had the common ones, the ones that every family has, or the mythically strong ones."
"Maybe you'll get a gift so amazingly powerful that nobody would dare fight you." You say.
"Maybe." She said. "But I hope not. The really powerful ones are hard to control. Like the Gift of Breath, which means you can create the greatest storm seen in the entire world, but only once a year. But that means you can't practice it."
"What other gifts does your family possess?"
"The Gift of Flame is what we're most famous for." She said. "There's also the Gift of Earth, and the Gift of Breath. I don't know more, since I'm not the eldest daughter of the family."

>>22027855
"How many are there in your clan?"

"You've said there's witches, warlocks and wizards, what about sorcerers though? Are they a thing?"

File: 1355435090413.jpg-(339 KB, 1300x1000, 1315824187234.jpg)

>>22027886
>mfw they're the ones behind the Crones and every witch, wizard and warlock have orders/brainwashing to murder everyone who says the word in public

>>22027855
So i should be asking Astora then?

Hey Astora, come talk with us.

Arianna's wondering about what gifts she might get, can you tell us what sorts of gifts you know of I'm your family?

Were your parents witches?

"How many are there in your clan?"
"... Just us two." She said, and shook her head. "One of the crones might have been our grandmother, but she gave that up when she became a crone."
"You've said there's witches, warlocks, and wizards. What about Sorcerers, though? Are they a thing?"
"... Sorcerers?" She asked. "I don't know. It sounds familiar, though. I don't think they have Gifts."
"So, should I be asking Astora, then?" You ask, and turn back to raise your voice. "Hey, Astora, come talk with us."
"... Might as *huff* well." She said, speeding up to the front of the group. "That elf was talking my ear off about the weather."
"Nice weather, isn't it?" You hear Kale ask Cassandra."
"Ariana's wondering about what gifts she might get. Can you tell us what sorts of gifts you know of, in your family?"
"The Gift of Sight is one, as is the Gift of Flame." Astora said. "There's also Breath, which is incredibly rare, and Earth, which is useful but not very good in combat. There was also one that lets you swim in shadow, but I forgot what it's called."
"... Were your parents witches?"
"They were." Ariana said, while Astora went silent and looked very pointedly away. "Our mother wasn't in any great family, though."
At that, they both went silent, reluctant to talk more about their parents.

>>22027944
There should be a 'both' in that last lone, but I think captcha ate it.

>>22027992
Ah ha! Time for a cunning redirect. Tell them a story about our parents.

>>22027992
>"There was also one that lets you swim in shadow, but I forgot what it's called."
"You mean Gift of Sticking Your Hand In Rocks? What do the Breath and Earth do?"

>>22027992
"Heh, a bit like my mother too, I guess."

>>22027992
"... well, um, what do you know about Sorcerors or Druids or any other Magicusers?"

>my theory is that we're a construct of somekind put on a world in times of change in order to make sure things go smoothly.

>>22028064
This is the best name.

"do new gifts ever occur?"

"Heh, a bit like my father, I guess." You say, and relate the story about how your parents met. Your father was apparently adventuring, hearing rumors of ancient tombs and treasures in the vale, when he got 'attacked', in his own words, by a tree that fell on him.
"How can someone get attacked by a tree?" Ariana asked.
"He was too proud to say he didn't notice it falling over." You respond, remembering your father- a slightly overweight, scarred man. He was never the cleverest, and came up with horrible ideas often. You shake your head.
"Well, um, what do you know about sorcerers? Or druids?"
"I don't know what druids or sorcerers are." Astora said.
"Druids are a cult of tree-worshippers." Ariana said. "They worship some god of the forest. No magic involved, just religion."
"And do new gifts ever occur?"
"Quite a bit." Ariana said. "That's why each family has an ancient book, where they describe the gift of every witch or warlock in the family. Mostly new ones. I haven't seen it, though."
"You're not allowed to, until after your coming of age is over." Astora said. "Unless I deem it okay."
"Yeah, I know." She responded.

>Gabriel is a rebellious construct who we have fought before. While we were being placed on this world, Gabe interfered and caused us to lose knowledge of our abilities.

>>22028187
"Damn, there's too many rules in witch-ville."

Requesting ETA to Amberway

>>22028192
>Or, we are a novice construct sent to this world to influence it in a certain direction. It is quite possible that Gabriel saw an oppurtunity to gain some power and messed with the summoning ritual.

"By the shadow gift, you mean Gift of Sticking Your Hands In Rocks? Also, d'you know what the Breath and Earth gifts do?"

>>22028187
What is the reason for the secrecy?

That elf is to damn fabulous. If he keeps drawing attention to us, we should kick him out or murder him.

I hope he's got some useful skills or abilities besides being FAAAABULOUS.

"What is the reason for the secrecy?" You ask, looking high in the sky- it wasn't quite sundown yet, but it would be in a few hours. You guess that you'll be in amberway in a day or so.
"To keep witchlings from hoping for a certain gift and getting let down." Astora said. "Mostly. It's actually one of the rules that I agree with."
"There's too many rules in witchville." You say.
"The crones are actually pretty wise, most of the time." Astora said, and huffed. "They don't meddle too much, and respect people's independance."
"And by the shadow gift, you mean the Gift of Sticking Your Hands in Rocks? Also, do you know what the Breath and Earth gifts do?"
"The breath gift lets you call a thunderstorm. Or snowstorm. Or tornados. But only once every year and a day." She said. "The earth one just lets you manipulate rock. Create giant walls of stone, or throw small boulders about. It's one of the more exhausting ones, though, but it's one that built most of sanctuary."

>>22028306
He can see through glamours fairly well and he should be good with a bow. Plus awesome knowledge of plants and animals I'd assume. And he's a damn good troll for non-lethally defusing minor situations.

>>22028360
"But isn't disappointment part of what they should be learning though?"

>>22028360
"Earth seems most useful, per se, considering when in combat you could just whip up a wall to block attacks or gain high ground to get away or create a maze when you're strong enough to gain distance from hostiles."

>>22028460
"Or throw a boulder at them."

Is the elf... a chocolate elf by any chance?
And did we confirm he's male?
Though then again, it's not gay if it's elf, but getting brown on lil' abe would be a shame.

>>22028487
We're going for dat tail, man.

Rolled 17

>>22028494
But dat tail gets us clawed, dem ears gets us roasted and dat claw gets us acid'd.

Brown elf might offer a way out...

>>22028494
unless she's okay with sharing

>>22028487
>Kale is indeed a chocolate elf. And he *looks* male...

"But isn't disappointment part of what they should be learning, though?"
"Not when it results in them resenting their gifts, and refusing to use a certain one because it wasn't a different gift. Witches have died for less."
"Earth seems the most useful, considering that when in combat you could just whip up a wall to block attacks or gain high ground." You say.
"If you can still stand afterward." Astora said. "All Gifts take your strength, but Earth is the worst at doing it, by reputation. From what I can tell, Flame is actually incredibly easy, though Sight is rather tiring compared to it."

>>22028510
Only after/for 7 years though

>>22028510
wat?
I think you got something mixed up there.
And what's a little acid between friends?

>>22028518
"Thank you for this engaging conversation."

>>22028518
Harrumph.
"Do you know of Sorcerers?"

>>22028529
I was trying to imply that if we pick one of them, then the other two will murder us.

>>22028518
What's the fanciest gift a witch alive at the moment has?

>>22028494
>>22028487
B-but chocolate elves!
Now we have to choose between a stoner witch who's a nudist half dragon, touch scaly tail (while avoiding acid spit), meeaowww, and DCE (delicious chocolate elf). No, Ariana does not count you perverts.

>>22028545
We already asked.
No she doesn't.

>>22028561
That was Ari, not her big sis

>>22028545
We asked that already.

>>22028559
Nudist?

File: 1355437854248.gif-(69 KB, 240x320, cry.gif)

>>22028559
>no delicious tiny loli

>>22028573
>"Well, um, what do you know about sorcerers? Or druids?"
>"I don't know what druids or sorcerers are." Astora said.

>>22028589
m'bad

>>22028518
I want to get to Amberway so we can start making gunpowder.

>>22028583
The dragon body is as much her as her human one is, being her familiar and all. She acknowledged herself that it's always naked too.

>>22028630
I really think you're pushing it a bit. It's not like we can grope the dragon half.

File: 1355438163419.png-(272 KB, 1855x3088, challengeaccepted_small.png)

>>22028641

>>22028652
That's a good way to get burned.

>>22028663
By acid or fire?

>>22028685
yes.

File: 1355438395809.gif-(1.39 MB, 245x217, everyone.gif)

>>22028685

>>22028641
>Says who?

"What's the fanciest gift a witch alive at the moment has?"
"Fanciest?" Astora asked.
"... The crones have all kinds of gifts." Ariana said. "Probably one of them, but they don't tell us much about their gifts. Sansa back at the tower had this gift that brought clay things to life, which was fun."
"Thank you for this engaging conversation." You say, and nod.

Time passes, and eventually you get near the end of the forest, as the sun slowly starts to set.
"I think we should find a clearing to camp about now." Cass said.
"Oh, there's a place I know not far from here, if you don't mind bats." Kale said. "Unless the mortals changed it since I've been gone."

>>22028716
Shrug, "Any estimations how far it is? If it's close enough, sure."

>>22028716
Yes, I think I see what you're doing here, Exa.

"That's good."

>>22028716
"How long since you were here, Kale?"

Go scouting for food, we can't leave it to Cass all the time.

>>22028777
Go scouting for food together with Cass?

>>22028716
Now I want to ask why the crones are no longer witches/family/whatever, but i guess i'll have to wait.

>>22028785
Sounds like a good idea.

"That's good." You say. "How long since you were here, Kale?"
He shrugged. "Time passes in the barrow much differently than it passes outside. Could be a hundred years, could be more."
The six of you made your way off the road, led by Kale's graceful loping, weaving through the trees. He nearly vanished once or twice, and had to call out in order for you to see him- eventually he just created wisps of light to float there, letting the rest of you follow the visible path. Eventually, you reached a strange ravine, with a cleverly hidden hole in the rock, large bushes hiding it from view. Kale pushed the bushes aside, and peeked his head out. "It's clear of bears." He said, and the group entered. After going down the steep downwards tunnel, you entered a large cavern, with a small pool of water in the corner.
"I do hope I've been useful!" Kale said, grinning at you.

>>22028846
"This is nice. Yes, thanks Kale. How old are you?"

>>22028846
You could say that.

>>22028846
Yes, quite. But why don't we get down to buisness. Why are you REALLY following us, Kale?

>>22028846
Excellent. Time to chemistry.

Check the cave for bat guano, gather a sizeable amount and put that in a tin of water. That'll be our source of saltpeter/potassium nitrate.
Next up, charcoal. Simple enough, get some wood and put it in container with heat applied to it. Make sure there's a hole in the top so the wood gas can escape.

Bang, we've just made the ingredients for non-sulphur black powder.

This >>22028785
Then this >>22028883

>>22028883
I don't think we know that. Our knowledge about gunpowder seemed to be very specific.

>>22028928
these are all based on the common methods of gunpowder production before modern chemical synthesis. we should know it, because it is basic gunpowder knowledge.

"Yes." You say. "Thanks, Kale. This is nice."
"Glad to hear it!"
You start rummaging through your survival kit, finding the containers and supplies you need. This wouldn't be as easy as you'd thought it would, not without the proper equipment, but you could do your best.
"How old are you?" You ask, as you get things prepared.
"I've lived for a century and several decades under the glorious sun!" He said. "I lose count sometimes, so perhaps I'm older, but it's never been important."
You set down your makeshift alchemy gear, and sigh- you could do it later, after the fire gets started and after dinner. But for dinner, you need food, and rations alone would make for a horrible meal.
"Hey, Cass, let's go scouting for food." You say, and she looked up.
"Yeah, okay." She said, sticking the carved bit of wood in her mouth.
"I like plants!" Kale said, and grinned. "I don't mind what you bring for me, as long as it's green and healthy."
"Good to know!" She said, and the two of you set off into the forest.

>Roll 1d100 for foraging- skilled, since you know forests very well, and also whatever you want to talk to Cass about.

>>22028949
>Also, this is fine- as long as it's relevant to gunpowder production, Abel knows it.

Rolled 76

>>22028959
Let's get some deers.
Bitches- and elves -love deer.

Rolled 2

>>22028959

Rolled 15

>>22028959
tonight we feast upon bears!

File: 1355439916855.png-(239 KB, 2993x2147, are_you_fucking_kidding_m(...).png)

>>22028965
>>22028968

Rolled 56

>>22028959
So, what do you think about Kale? He is kind of confusing.

>>22028959
"Sooooo, Cass, is the acid...always on?"

>>22028959
We finally get some alone time, touch scaly tail.

Also talk about the rest of the group and her take on them, how she's feeling, if she has any worries she wants to talk about, if she's been enjoying the trip.

Also ask if her mouth is currently acidic.

This, "How's the uh... acidiceness?"
and maybe wiggle some eyebrows

File: 1355440265622.gif-(1024 KB, 257x199, 1351309920196.gif)

>>22029007

>>22028959
"Is that stick particularly tasty?"

"So, what do you think about Kale? He's kind of confusing." You ask, catching yet another rabbit with another arrow, putting it with the other two
"Riba was the same way." She said. "Except only sometimes. She'd get obsessed with a certain cloud, or rainbows, or the way water would drip from a certain stream, and she'd be very very deteremined to follow it." She said. "I guess a full-blood elf would act the same way. Except his obsession is with adventuring, or something."
"Sooooo, Cass, is the acid..." You ask, trailing off.
She sighed, and then took the carved stick out of her mouth, examining it.
"Nope." She said, and sidled closer to you, her tail wiggling, excited.
"Hey." Astora said, smiling pleasantly- At least, smiling the way you imagine a dragon would. Cass sprung away from you.
"... You don't need to join us when we're hunting." Cass said.
"You two took a bit, so I used my Gift of Sight to find you and make sure you weren't hurt." Astora said, and eyed the rabbits. "That looks like enough for tonight, don't you think?"

>>22029042
"I dunno. We've one extra tonight and I don't want anyone going hungry. We'll be back in a bit."

>>22029042
"I think while we have a nice cave we should get some extras, then smoke the meat and it'll keep for a few days. We don't know when we might get another chance."

Read: Push off Astora.

>>22029042
she wants the dick too.

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>>22029042

>>22029078
B-but...the troll is Cass?

File: 1355440717520.png-(26 KB, 1183x754, 1274542649020.png)

>>22029042
>pic

>>22029042
"You can never have enough food, with you around smoking it ought to be easy. Why don't you take this back and me and Cass will get some more."

Damn cockblocking dragons.

"I think while we have a nice cave we should get some extras, then smoke the meat and it'll keep for a few days." you say. "We don't know when we might get another chance."
"Good point." She said, still smiling that eerie, hungry smile. "I might as well tag along while I'm here, after all."
"You'll scare the animals off." Cass said.
"I can use the gift of sight to hide myself." Astora said.
"But not move silently." She added.
"... You've a good point." Astora said, and her eyebrows met. "I'll take these three back, then. Don't take too long, or Ariana will worry that a bear ate you two."
Astora made her way back toward the cave.

"Now, before anything else distracts us." Cass said, and pushed you up against a tree with preternatural strength, and started kissing the hell out of you.

>>22029159
Stroke that tail.

>>22029159
The tail, the tail! For the love of goddess, THE TAIL!

>>22029159
Fuck yeah, she's probably still watching, but don't tell Cass that.

And TOUCH SCALY TAIL, for the love of all that is good and holy touch that scaly tail.

>>22029159
I was wondering what the stick was for.

>>22029197
Acid test I think. Or nervous habit, or both.

>>22029159
"Why don't you sleep next to me tonight? It'll keep that cat away."

>>22029237
ugh.

You give what you take, sending a hand down Cass's back to the tail- which coils around you, preventing you from getting away.

Some time later, she pulled away, eyes closed, obviously pleased with herself.
"Why don't you sleep next to me tonight? It'll keep the cat away."
"I think I will." She said, her tail pulling you closer for one last kiss. "But we'd best get some more meat like we told the meddling witch we would."

>Roll 1d100 for huntan! Since you'll be smoking whatever you catch, there's no DC for this- you'll just gain rations for it.

Rolled 84

>>22029279

Rolled 80

>>22029279
Life is good. No cats, dragons, or even elves will keep us from the scaly tail.

Rolled 53

>>22029279

>>22029295
>>22029343
All we needed was some tail to get our huntin confidence back.

Some time later, the two of you made your way back into the cavern, with spare wood for a fire and the extra day of meals slung over your shoulder- you were quite lucky, actually, finding this much.
Astora was asleep, her hand in the fire, keeping it lit, while Kale was juggling pinecones, his tongue stuck through his teeth, focusing, and while Tannis and Ariana were talking about what being a maenad was like.

>>22029377
Sneak up on tannis.

"What's it feel like when your fur is brushed the wrong way?"

>>22029377
"So, how's it been so far, Kale?"

>>22029377
Time to perform chemistry.
Reposting from earlier:
>Check the cave for bat guano, gather a sizeable amount and put that in a tin of water. That'll be our source of saltpeter/potassium nitrate.
Next up, charcoal. Simple enough, get some wood and put it in container with heat applied to it. Make sure there's a hole in the top so the wood gas can escape.

>>22029377
Let's start dismantling the animals we caught and smoking the meat. Maybe make some stew for dinner and tomorrow's breakfast.

We can see how everyone's doing, maybe check on Kale as everyone else is doing something important and we don't want to disturb them.

You immediately set to dismantling your animals, skinning them while Cass starts preparing dinner and smoking the meat you'd cut into strips.
"So, Kale, how's it been so far?"
"Exciting!" He said, looking to you- and forgetting to continue juggling. He panicked, trying to catch the final one, and accidentally knocked it across the room. "I'm excited to see how the mortal cities have changed since I was gone."
Shrugging, you prepare to make some gunpowder- if you can.

>Roll for alchemy! Considered unskilled because you don't have the proper equipment right now, and instead you're using cooking gear.

Rolled 68

>>22029524

Rolled 27

>>22029524

Rolled 94

>>22029524
And then we blasted our cooking gear to hell.

Rolled 75

>>22029524

>>22029524
A small amount please, not a bucket full..wouldn't want it exploding and hurting EVERYONE

>27-20=7
welp

>>22029556
Where are you getting -20 from?

>>22029524
If I remember correctly, skilled means he takes the highest of the first three rolls and unskilled means he averages the first three. It also affects the DC.

So our average is 63. Lets hope that passes.

>>22029554
The only time it would explode is if we exposed the finished product to an open flame. At no point will the reactants of the mixture combust in the same manner.

>>22029564
Untrained
Also if untrained he takes the lowest, or something.
I don't remember.
Either median and -20 or lowest and -20 or something.

>>22029575
I'll check the pastebin.

>>22029566
>Actually, I don't use the average- I use the median. So you guys got a 68.

Collecting water, bat guano, wood, and using some of your older pots and pans, you quickly get to work, despite the strange looks Cass and Ariana were giving you.

Getting the saltpeter was as easy as soaking the guano in water and filtering it, and the charcoal was easy enough- though you were wary of letting the wood gases build up in the cavern, but nothing bad seemed to happen. Deciding to be patient see if you'd done it properly in the morning, you set the container of charcoal and the guano to the side, ready to examine it tomorrow.
"... Are you an alchemist?" Kale asked, eyes wide. "Because what you're doing is completely strange to me. Dung is a good fertilizer... Are you making something that helps plants grow? I'd like to learn that."

>>22029630
"No. I'm making something a lot different."

We've got our Potassium Nitrate crystals and our Charcoal, do we grind it up and test it now or should we wait till morning?

>>22029647
Let's wait till morning.

>>22029630
"I have a habit of suddenly remembering vast quantities of information. I don't know if this information is correct or not, so I'm testing it for the first time. If all goes well, this should explode when exposed to a spark."

>>22029662
Let's leave it as a disguise.
Just tell them it's sorta dangerous and they shouldn't mess with it.

>>22029671
>As a disguise
I meant as a surprise
I should go to bed.

>>22029630
Apparently gunpowder makes a good fertalizer, so we wouldn't be lying to say "Yes."

>>22029630
"Technically it does help plants grow, it also explodes.

Consider it a sort of magic that comes from understanding the natural world."

>>22029630
Long term goal should be looking into nitroglycerin as it's a component of a lot of more modern smokeless powders.

"No, I'm making something a lot different." You say, examining the guano. The potassium nitrate, however you know this, wouldn't properly form until morning, though the charcoal was done now.
"Oh, okay." He said. "That's sad. Maybe I'll be able to meet an alchemist that can make special fertilizer."
"It's sort of dangerous, and you shouldn't mess with it." You tell everyone.
"If you say so." Ariana said, confused.

Soon enough, you all ate- Kale refusing to eat meat, instead going outside to gnaw on some grass and leaves- and got ready for bed.
"... This will be another boring night, won't it?" Tannis asked, upset.
"We can go wander the woods, if you want!" Kale responded, grinning. "The mortals need their beauty sleep, after all."

>>22029766
>Kale and Tannis
Fucking perfect, if he takes her we owe that guy.

>>22029766
"Hah, there you go Tannis, you've found tonight's partner. You won't have to stick your claws into my chest anymore."

>>22029766
"Oh, you two don't sleep?"

>>22029788
What are you talking about? Tannis is awesome!

>>22029766
"Have fun you two. Don't cause too much ruckus while you're out, or set anything important on fire."

Maybe we won't wake up with her clawing our chest in the morning.

Get ready for bed, we're cuddling with Cass tonight.

"Oh, you two don't sleep?"
"I sleep." Tannis said. "For maybe a few hours."
"I don't." Kale added, grinning brilliantly, as always. "Otherwise I would miss the twinkling stars. And sunrises. It would be a sad life without those."
"There you go, Tannis. You've found tonight's partner. You won't have to stick your claws into my chest anymore."

You get ready for bed, pulling your blanket over you- to find a skirtless, tunicless Cass sneak up next to you, her tail wiggling excitedly.

"You have your own-" Astora started, before Ariana shushed her with a finger. "But-"
"Shhh. You're being a party-pooper, Tori."
"Don't call me that." Astora said, but crossed her arms and went silent, as Cass's tail wrapped around your back, pulling you close.
"Goodnight." Cass whispered, giving you a grin- a grin with troll teeth, pointed and obviously made for a predator.

>>22029880
"Night."

>>22029880
"Sleep tight"

>>22029880
Acid test, then kiss her. And cuddle and sleep together, and all that good stuff.

>>22029880
[X] touch scaly tail

>>22029880
"Please don't eat me."

"Sleep tight." You say, kissing her, running a finger along the underside of her tail. She shivered, and melted closer to you.

---
The dream that night was not like your normal dreams.

Not at all.

You were standing in a strange, unnaturally dark room, enormous in scale, and everything seemed nightmarishly sluggish- every time you tried to move a finger, it became more and more difficult the more you tried to move, becoming impossible to get anywhere with any strength. The voices of your sword were both gone, and with a flash of light, you saw a humanoid figure, with blazing blue eyes.
<... Well, this is strange.> Gabriel said, standing in front of you, struggling to move the same way you were. <How troublesome, Fortytwo over one.>

>End of thread!

>>22029961
Always ending on such a tease.

>>22029961
And god did say to the angels, "Fucking stop bickering."

Rolled 70

>>22029961
hey, I know it's late, but I only just got back off campus so I can only ask now.

back at post 1>>22026173
>"Carry this." Ariana suddenly huffed, and tossed her unclasped breastplate to you, determined to slog along despite being exhausted.

when did little Ariana get such beefy armor?

I don't recall when or if this happened...

>>22029994
That's how I roll.

>>22030070
... This was the first time I fucked up with their names, surprisingly. It was Astora. Astora's the only one with a breastplate- and it's only a breastplate, charred black. It isn't even very thick.

>>From my twitter, in case anybody cares.
Fun Fact- Gabriel, right now, looks like the same sort of 'figures with blazing eyes' from the dream after you gave Ariana your sword.

>>22030103
Thanks for running, Exa!

Rolled 91

>>22030103
ah yes, I remember it being mentioned in the sword "training" episode in the last city.

and now it makes sense, as always than you for taking a little time to clarify.