>>27105544

<did we build this?>

>[] Let's get started here and now. Wrangle up a bit of food.

no sense wasting any time.

>>27105544
<Wha? What did I teach?>

>>27105544
Return to the village, give the trade caravan fellow the remnant rune.

<Did we build this?> You ask, looking up at the dome.
<I did. The trees here are a lot springier than the ones back home.>
<Wait. What did I teach?>
<Languages. Or tried to, anyway.> Mal says. <You were talking in tongues, trying to get me to pronounce some lelan word right, and explaining gardian to Ann. Enough for us to introduce ourselves to eachother, anyway.>
<Well, let's grab some food.> You say.
<Back to the village, then?>
<No sense wasting any time. We have food that way.>

You and Mal make your way to the river, and you set him to catching fish while you grab a few handy plants and get a fire started. It's only a few minutes until you have enough to make a small, simple meal. However, when you search your bag, you notice something is missing.
<What happened to my rune?> You ask. You faintly remember taking your Remnant rune out of your bag...
<You gave it to the caravan driver.> Mal says, knife in hand as he stripped the bones out of the fish. <Said something about E.E.>
You nod, dimly.
<You're not a very good drunk, are you?> He asks, and laughs again.

>>27105786
<Yea. I've never been a heavy drinker.>

>>27105786

<Never been to great with alcohol but an occasional drink can't hurt.>

inspect the weather and the surroundings, maybe there is something interesting nearby.

>>27105786
<So! Noble district today bro?>

<Never been too great with alcohol.> You say, and start to eat.
Time passes as you eat and drink, stretching your body. You examine your wounds, and your arm is actually rather fine, now. You keep the bandage on just in case, but you're relatively certain that won't reopen if something goes wrong. Your back still burns, though. Eventually, Mal pulls you to your feet.
<Where to now, comrade?> He asks. His intonation of the galdian word 'bro' is markedly different- more formal, almost.
<Noble district, today?> You ask.
<I'm kind of curious about that portal under the temple, actually.> Mal says. <We could grab Steve and have him go in with a note or something, can't we?>
You tap your chin and think.

>[] Temple. We should go now, and the Noble District will stay where it is.
>[] City. If we wait to go to the temple, Cromwell will finish his translation and that might come in handy.
>[] Jackolope den. We *really* want that cub.
>[] Other?

>>27105947
<Pretty good idea.>
[x] Temple

>>27105947

>Temple

<that is a very good idea actually.>

we know where to touch the ring now so we might as well.

>>27105947
<Problem. The gauntlet went in with me. We'd have to give Steve the gauntlet, and then he might not come back. Plus, it may be the gauntlet that the big, armored Remnants responded to.>
[X] City

>>27106180

the gauntlet was used to open the gate, we don't need it to step inside.

>>27106212
Hmm, I may be misremembering things then. Eh, we've had worse ideas, then.

<That's a very good idea, actually.> You say.
<Alright, bro. Let me get finished dressing and we can break camp.>

Camp broken, the two of you start to walk, wandering through the trees for some time. Once or twice Mal needs to climb a tall tree and look around, but eventually you're able to navigate your way back to the road, and from there, back into the village.
"I'm glad to see you're alright." Miriam says, leaning out of her window as you walk by. You give her a wave. Up on one of the hills, Dalton is hard at work smithing something, Ann sitting on the building's rooftop. Bruno is in her arms, squirming to get away, before he finally gives up. You call Steve, and he enters your retinue as well.

You make your way all the way past the village, to the temple on the outskirts. Leroy's farm seems to be prospering, you note as you unlock the temple door.
Inside, it's just as humid and closed in as it was last time. You wander down the steps, oil lantern in hand, and make your way into the chamber.
<This all goes by pretty fast when you know where you're going.> Mal notes.

You're standing in the chamber from before, both enormous remnants standing guard at the double doors, and they simply look at you as you stand in front of the circle.
<... You ready?> Mal asks. <Though I'm not sure what to put on the note... And I don't even know if someone inside would be able to understand the language. What did you end up speaking in the mansion?>
<Lelan.> You say, and pause... <I think.>

>[] The note's contents should be ___
>[] Fuck the note, let's walk in ourselves.
>[] Fuck the note, let's push Mal in. With his permission, of course.
>[] Other?

>>27106270
put the same thing on the note in every language we know well enough to speak.

<"we're not getting attacked by the guards, can one of us come in? unless this is a trap of course.">

if we have enough space on the paper.

>>27106270
'Will we be attacked if we enter this portal? on the note.

>>27106270
>[x] The note's contents should be <Who currently resides within this portal realm?>

"We're not being attacked by the guards." You say as you write. "Can one of us come in? Will we be attacked if we enter this portal? Is this a trap?"
Then you translate it into Galdian, Nysta, and in as much kystaran as you know- which isn't much.
<That looks good.> Mal says, reading over your shoulder.
<One more line.> You say.
"Who currently resides within this portal realm?" You write. Then you fold it, and hand it to Steve.
Your spine tingles, vibrating in the back of your head, and it feels like some strange electricity inside of you is writhing, trying to burst free. You step closer, and the feeling grows stronger...
It's just like before, in the mansion. But this time, you steel yourself, very deliberately stepping closer... and pressing the palm of your gauntlet into the unglyphed part of the stone.
And that feeling burst free within your mind, like a dam breaking. Awash with some strange urge you feel, you step back, away from the portal.
In front of you, it shimmers, violet iridescent light swirling in the stone.

You wait, weapons at the ready... But nothing comes out.
Then you take the note, fold it into Steve's hand, and order him to go in.
He does so, climbing into the portal.

It isn't long until it returns, a second note clutched in its other hand.
You take a look at it- and it's written in Lelan. Strangely written lelan- like the writer was much more suited to writing glyphs.
<My name is Tarda. Pleased to meet you! This Domain of mine is no trap, and you're allowed both in and out freely. Though I don't have any food here, you're welcome to my hospitality.> You say, translating to Mal. <As for the trap... You wouldn't believe me if I told you it wasn't. But it's not, I swear!>
<Seems friendly.> Mal says.

>>27106539
<That's how it always starts. Let's leave, then try and blow up the portal at another time.>

>>27106539
<You think it's worth the risk?>

Prep for domain dive.

>>27106539

<It does doesn't it?>

well, I'm not against entering but we should still be on our toes.

<It does, doesn't it> You ask. <You think it's worth the risk?>
<Might be.> Mal says, thoughtfully. <We're entering an entirely unknown area with only the tools on our back... But even if we do have to kill the master inside, we'll get their runes.>
You're on the edge- you can't decide if this is really a good idea or a bad one, but the strange portal keeps calling to you...
<We could leave, and blow up the portal at another time.> You say, finally.
<And waste more time?> Mal frowns. <We can't just keep leaving and coming back just to get cold feet. I'm going in.>
And then, without waiting for you, he climbs in to the violet, effervescent liquid. With a flash, he was gone.

And that pushes you over the edge. Mal's saved your life- twice, at least- and he's a handy person to keep around. After some hesitation, you climb in.

You're in a strange, violet world. A long hall spans in front of you, and glass windows sit at either side, letting in quite a lot of light. You peer out, and in the distance is the same pale sand, the same purple sky as before. Remnants- scrawny, small ones- wander about, doing small jobs like dusting the hall, and outside, it looks like they're adding to the structure you're in. Behind you, the portal stays open, shimmering with warm, orangel ight.
"Nothing's attacking me." Mal says, waving at you. He's just a little bit down the hall, a remnant grabbing at his hand, trying to lead him somewhere.

Down the long hall, passing doors among doors among doors, you eventually reach a dead end- one covered in soft, fluffy pillows. Sitting in the pile was a strange, pale-haired woman. Her skin is grey, and her eyes are a brilliant red. Her features are strangely rounded, making her look unusually young.
"Are you the gentlemen who sent that messenger? Hello!" She says, with a wave.
"... Why are you speaking Gardian?" Mal asks.
"It's a feature of the domain system." She adds. "Language doesn't quite exist, here."

>>27106915
"Huh. Well, that's convenient."

>>27106915
"That's good."

"So, um."

>>27106915

Introduce ourselves

"Forgive me for being suspicious, the last time i entered one of these realms, the owner tried to kill me."

ask about her, why these portals exist and what is behind the large door in the portal room.

>>27106915
"Why's the entrance to your house in the bottom of a catacomb full of skeletons?"

"That's good." You say, and repress a shiver when those beady, malevolently intelligent eyes look toward you. "So, um. Forgive me for being suspicious. The last time I entered one of these realms, the owner tried to kill me."
"Who was the owner?" She asks, pulling herself to her feet. She's small, almost smaller than even Mal, but her stature... Something about it gives you the impression that she carries with her a great power. "No, no need to ask. It was the High Lord, most likely."
You nod.
"Why do these portals exist?" You ask. "What's behind the large door in the portal room? Who are you? Why is the entrance to your house in a catacomb full of skeletons?"
"I have my own questions, too." She says. "How has the war fared? Did the wall save us? Have we won, or are my people fallen?"
"Um." Mal says. "I don't have good news. The Kystaran people are gone."
She pauses, fear dwelling in her eyes.
"... Gone?" She asks, stressing that particular word. Mal nods, and she pales.
"I-... Answers. You deserve some answers, for taking the risk of coming here." She says. "These portals, as you call them, are entrances to Domains. They were experimental. Private universes, from which we can control everything. With enough, one could create utopia. In theory. The theory was wrong."

>>27107119
"The wall fell from disrepair, and when scouts were sent in, the Kystaran people were simply... gone. No trace could be found of them. Golems and... these things (Indicate remnants) wander the country, but the only people are a few colonists who have moved into some of the nearby countryside."

>>27107119
"So, I guess you're out of the loop as well then. The walls crumbled one day, and people come here to seek fortunes in rare runes and such."

"What was flawed in the theory?"

"So, I guess you're out of the loop as well, then." You say. "The walls crumbled one day. When scouts were sent in, the Kystaran people were simply... gone. No trace could be found of them."
She grows more and more pale as you speak.
"Golems, and... these things wander the country. But the only people are a few colonists who have moved into some of the nearby countryside."
"So they're all gone, then." She says. "How long has it been?"
"Ten years since the wall fell." Mal says. "Twenty since the wall rose."
The woman closes her eyes.
"What was flawed in the theory?" You ask.
"I'm unable to leave. Anybody with their own domain is. Not to mention the fact that we're unable to eat, or sleep... or age. The sun never sets completely, and the air grows more stale as time passes." She says. "The settings have been improperly calibrated, and I'm unable to leave so that I can change it. As for who I am, My name is Tarda Lyfwyn, and I am the third wizard and the design head of the Runic Project."

>>27107318
"So, you made these domains? Do you know how to fix them? I know someone who could, uh, liase with you."

>>27107318
"So, can the setting be re-calibrated, or would you have to do that? Also, what is the 'Runic Project?'"

>>27107318
"What happens if you leave? And for that matter, do you want to?"

"What happens if you leave? And for that matter, do you want to?"
Those brilliant red eyes meet yours, and slowly, she nods. "I do. More than anything, I want to breathe real air... But I can't."
You wait for her to continue, but she doesn't.
"So, you made these domains? Do you know how to fix them?"
"No, I'm not the one who made them." She says. "I'm just a helper, and I got this one for my trouble, but... the creator likely Gone by now, too."
"And what is the 'Runic Project'?"
She's quiet for a moment, and then shakes her head.
"I can't tell you that. Not yet." She says. "I need to know if I can trust you, first. I have something I need you to get."
You wait for her request.
"In the city, near the coast, there should be a dungeon under the town hall." She says. "In the Heart district. At the very bottom, there should be a book under lock and key. I need it."

>>27107593
"Town hall. Got it. I guess we'll be back in a day or so, depending on how long it takes us to fight through all the golems and remnants."

>>27107593
"We'll see what we can do, but the city has become rather dangerous. Remnants like these attack on sight in huge swarms. I don't suppose you happen to know of a way to make them friendly, do you?"

>>27107593
"Surely you must have a plan on how to fix this 'stuck here forever' business?"

"We'll see what we can do." You say. "The city has become rather dangerous. Remnants like these attack on sight in huge swarms."
"... Servants? Attacking people?" She asks, her eyes widening. "Yours seemed under control."
"They also talk." Mal says. "They... mumble. Whisper. Gibber. They're almost insane."

"... Couldn't be..."
"Surely you must have a plan on how to fix this 'stuck here forever' business?"
"I've had a long time to think on it, yes." She says. "After the first year, I figured they weren't coming for me. What I do need is that book. If you can get it to me, I'll teach you as many things as you want."

>>27107816
"Think we've got time to hit the city before it gets dark, Mal?"

"Think we've got time to hit the city before it gets dark, Mal?"
"We woke up early and got our own food, so I think we do." Mal responds.
You turn to Tarda. "Town hall? Heart District?"
"The center district. The town hall is the tall, wide tower." She says.
"I guess we'll be back in a day or so, depending on how long it takes us to fight through all the golems and remnants."
"Well, then we'd best hurry." Mal says. He bows to Tarda, and the two of you turn to leave.
"Wait!" She says.
You turn back.
"Um. Hurry back. And don't die!" She says. "You have no idea what it's like here... alone."

"We will." Mal says, with a confident grin.
And then the two of you start making your way back toward the portal. You walk through as you did before, and land in the bhamber of the catacombs. The shimmering portal behind you hums, and becomes smooth stone once more.
<She was cute.> Mal says. <If you ignore those eyes. But did you notice? She didn't have any runes on her. None of them anywhere. I checked. Not like that dress could've hidden anything, anyway.>

>>27108092
<Yeah, I noticed. She was a wizard though, so maybe she can make runes as she needs them?>

<Yeah, I noticed.> You say, making sure you have all of your belongings. You order Steve to follow you. <She was a wizard though, so maybe she can make runes as she needs them?>
<I don't know anything about wizards.> Mal says. <Can they make runes?>
<I don't know anything either.> You say, and shrug.
<Wasn't your mother kystaran?>
<Doesn't mean she taught me much. I don't even know the language.>

The two of you make your way up the stairs and outside of the catacombs.
<Wait, isn't that your job? To find out how runes are made, I mean.>
<Yep. Basically.>
<So if you get this book, you could probably just have her teach you.>
You nod.
<Seems like this'll be easy, then.> He says, taking a deep breath of air. You make your way outside, and look up at the sky. The sun is bright, and there's not a cloud in the sky.

Then the screeching started. Trained eyes look out into the distance, and you can see them.
A swarm of four-winged remnants are flying toward you and the village, screeching all the while.

Rolled 64

>>27108320
Crap. Bust out the steamsling and go for the wings as soon as they're in range!

Rolled 98

>>27108320
<We should probably kill those things.>

Rolling for SHOOT

Rolled 26

>>27108320
<"Let's haul ass.">

<Let's haul ass.> You say. <We should probably kill these things.>
<Probably!> He says, and pulls himself up onto the temple roof. It's a lucky thing he still has the rope hanging down from yesterday.
The two of you stand up there, watching the swarm get closer and closer.
Carefully, you wind your steamsling, topping off the pressure. Mal simply kneels and starts filling his musket with pellets. A simple galdian pistol comes out from his clothing, and he loads it as well, setting it aside.

>DC: 80. Success!

You count the swarm carefully, turning your mind to steel. There are a full eight of them, all screeching and angry. Each has four wings, and you guess you'd need to take out two wings to stop them from flying. From what you saw the other day, they're extremely clumsy on the ground.
So, with a calm, simple smile, you wait.
And wait.
And wait, until they're just close enough... Mal raises his own rifle.
You fire sixteen times, and miss four of them.
The other dozen shots from your steamsling tear through wing membranes, causing their owners to slam into the ground below, screeching and writhing with pain. The last four start swooping at you, but you dive aside. Mal's pellets blast two of them out of the sky, causing them to fall to the ground below.

Off in the distance, the downed remnants start crawling toward you... Until two golems burst out of Cromwell's house and start attacking them.

Something catches onto your arms, and tugs you into the air. One of the surviving, flight-capable remnants have tugged you into the air, and is flying carefully upward... and toward the city.

You absentmindedly note that it isn't gibbering, and it's careful not to hurt you.
Behind you, Mal screams, the second airborne remnant tearing into his arm.

>What do? Also, roll required.

Rolled 98

>>27108643
<Put me down!> in Kystaran
Help by shooting the one attacking Mal

Jumping from fairly high up is not recommended.

I think we should wait until we get over a building before trying to get loose.

>>27108643
Uh...call me crazy, and this is probably a bad idea, but I kind of want to find out where it's taking us.

So let's try to help Mal out but try not to get dislodged.

>>27108797
Maybe I misread it but when I posted this I assumed Mal was still on the ground and our arms were kind of locked by the remnant. So if we can hit the attacking one whilst still flying, go for it.

>>27109003
We should yell at him asking if his is gibbering. If is is attack it if not is may be wizard lady helping.

>DC: Invalid, because we only had one roll. I'll start rolling my own dice if they take too long, though. The 98's high enough to pass the DC even if I cut it in half, though.

<Put me down!> You call in half-remembered Kystaran.
It tightens its grip, and screeches loudly. You grab your steamsling, and twist as best you can, firing toward the remnant atop Mal. The creature falls back, smoke spewing from its side, while Mal starts attacking it with the butt of his rifle. The white strips of cloth he wears are now stained with blood.

Below your feet, the golems are trashing the remnants, Cromwell standing behind them with a rune in hand. You twist your shoulders, trying to look around, but not trying to break loose.

The tavern screams, and you turn back. A remnant- a very large one, with a rear abdomen like a spider, is reaching inside it. Miriam screams again, and you hear something smash.
One of those ball-of-arms remnants are climbing inside... And from the forest to the east, the twisted mutated ones are hiding.

The Remnant carrying you sped up, and the village got further away. You aren't sure you'd be safe if you broke free from the remnant now...

With a clear, confident voice, you hear Ann say the Kystaran word for Fire.
>Continued!

>>27109082
The ball-of-arms reaching into the tavern explodes, flame bursting from every pore. Ann says the word for Fire again, and more flame pours out of the remnant.
The remnant carrying you screeches again, and takes you even higher, drifting toward the city.

Eventually... Time passes, and you couldn't see the village at all, anymore, save the plumes of smoke rising from it. The city itself gets closer and closer, and you pass directly over the entrance district, then the Heart district, and finally, finally enter the Nobles district.

Unceremoniously, the remnant dumps you onto one of the tallest towers in the city. You land badly, brusing your knee, but you're not hurt.
In front of you stands a simple Remnant, eyes cold and intelligent. It's humanoid, almost like it was sculpted to look like a human. A glyph marked his forehead, a symbol you don't know. His arms are crossed... And then he speaks.
"What, precisely, did that woman speak to you about?"

"She wants to leave."

Say notihng of the book. Try to memorize that symbol. Its probably a possession rune. Useful if we want to scout through Steve.

>>27109121
"What was the point of attacking the village?"

>>27109121
"She said she wants to leave, but she's not sure how. She asked me to search the city for a way. I told her I'd keep an eye out, but that I couldn't make any promises.
Who are you?"

>>27109121
"Apparently she's trapped in the portal, and wants to leave."

>>27109121
"You know, there are more endearing ways to get someone's attention."

"What was the point of attacking the village?" You respond, crossing your own arms.
"I attacked nothing." He says, his accent thick. "Simply ordered some of my servants to capture you. As only one of them returned, I assume you killed most of them."
You focus on the glyph in the remnant's head, memorizing it...
"She said she wants to leave." You say. "But she's not sure how. She asked me to search the city for a way. I told her I'd keep an eye out, but that I couldn't make any promises."
You pause. "Who are you?"
"My name is Kaederi. I am the head of the Domain Project." He says, and those cold red eyes grow colder. "That's my Access Device you're wearing. I shall allow you to keep it, for now. What did she ask you to find, specifically?"

>>27109311
"Notes on the subject of domains, mostly. Nothing in particular."

>>27109311
"Books from the library or some shit like that."

>>27109311
"Why do you care?"

>>27109358
This but more polite. Something along the lines of, "A variety of books that might be of use."

>>27109311
"A book. Why, is there something wrong with that?"

>>27109358
oh god he'll just ask us what books and we'll have to come up with names.
'metaphysics and you: advanced runic application'
'orgone energy manipulation for the uninitiated'

>>27109481
Respond with, "Anything that has rune, science, or applied in the title and might be relevant."

"Notes on the subject of domains, mostly." You say. "A variety of books from the library. Nothing in particular... Why do you care?"
He pauses, and starts to think.
"I care because the last time she tried something like this, she killed every living person in the country for her Runic project." He says. "And her goal is to do the same to the Lellwind Republic. Didn't you wonder why she was imprisoned within her jail cell?"

He's lying, something in the back of your head says.

"Did she ever explain the goal of her project?" He asks, quietly.

>>27109549
"She didn't. Of course, I didn't really ask, either."

>>27109549
"Aren't you imprisoned as well? I mean, you're probably locked up in some Domain somewhere as well. Not to mention, she's the only one that hasn't attacked us on sight."

>>27109549
At this point, it seems like every Kystaran we've met is a dick. Let's kill this guy, get some explosives, blow up his portal, then go and blow up her portal as well.

>>27109549
Respond something like, "Ah the keeniving bitch, I knew she was trouble," under our breath as a bluff.
Then try and get him to info dump, "And what was she plotting?"
We need to get this guy on our side. We know from past travels how much shit openly siding with someone gets us in.

Please don't tell me she is trying to create a god?

>>27109549
"If I may ask, why was your access device at the mansion?"

"She didn't." You say. "Of course, I didn't really ask, either."
"I know full well what she told the High Lords every year." He says. "Supposedly, The goal of the Runic Project is to supposedly give the power of magic to all men and women in the world. The runes you carry are an example of that research. Magic wasn't limited to wizards anymore. But that's not the real goal."
"Aren't you imprisoned as well?" You ask. "I mean, you're probably locked up in some Domain somewhere as well."
"I'm not." He says. "Not locked up, I mean. I don't have any crimes to answer for. I'm simply... cautious."
"Not to mention, she's the only one that hasn't attacked us on sight." You say.
"I couldn't be sure you weren't acting as her agent." He says. "There's more to this than meets the eye, I'm sure you can realize."
"And what was she plotting?" You ask.
"She's trying to become a god." He says.
Somehow... you knew he was going to say that.

>>27109821
"..."

>>27109821
"If you were the head of the Runic Project, then why didn't you know what was going on?"

>>27109821
"Do you have any proof?"

>>27109821
"What do you want me to do about it then? Just, not do anything?"

>>27109821

"Well, the last I saw of YOUR servants in the village, one was attempting to tear my friend's arm off, another was attempting to pull a woman from her home and into the forest before it was forcibly stopped.

The only other Kystaran I've met here was in the coastal mansion, and he immediately demanded that I surrender my belongings, my life, threatened to place me into his eternal servitude, and in retrospect I strongly suspect he was planning to capture and rape an innocent woman in the village who's done nothing but care for me.

So when you tell me that literally the only amiable Kystaran or Kystaran related creation I've met in this place is in truth a monster bent on world domination, I hope you understand why I'm not only extremely skeptical, but currently inclined to believe her side of things."

>>27109821
"Okay, do you mind starting from the very beginning? When did the Runic Project start? Why did Kystara go to war? Why did the walls go up?"

>>27109821
"All this magic shit is really terrible."

"Do you have any proof?"
"I'm sure you can find the transcriptions of the wizard meetings in the town hall, but that will only inform you what she *said* she plans." He says.
"The only other Kystaran I've met here was in the coastal manion, and he immediately demanded that I surrender my belongings, my life, threatened to plae me into his eternal servitude." You say. "So when you tell me that literally the only amiable Kystaran or Kystaran-related-creation I've met in this place is in truth a monster bent on world domination, I hope you understand why I'm not only extremely skeptical, but currently inclined to believe her side of things."
"That's *precisely* what she wanted. Let me guess. First she brought forth a powerful servant, and blatantly had it do nothing to you?" He asks.

"Okay, do you mind starting from the very beginning? When did the Runic Project start? Why did Kystara go to war? Why did the walls go up?"
"The Runic Project started nearly fifty years ago, when Tanda was first named wizard. She declared she would bring magic to everyone, and invented the runes." He says. "Simply so that she could stave off later inquiries. She's always been hungry for power, and has seduced, lied, and sold everything she has to win more control. The war started due to her manipulation... And it's only my intervention that brought forth the Wall, to protect us from retaliation as we jailed her."
Then he pauses.
"Wait, what did you say earlier? About me attacking your village."
"Well, the last I saw of *your* servants in the village, one was attempting to tear my friend's arm off, and another was attempting to pull a woman from her home and into the forest before it was forcibly stopped."
"... What?" The remnant's eyes widened. "Those aren't mine. I sent a dozen winged servants. Nothing else."

>>27110142
"Well someone's been repeatedly sending in servants to attack the village since a little after I arrived here. That's why we've been working to get some golem defenders up to protect the place."

>>27110142
"You know what? I'm going to forget about this, I'm going to forget about her, I'm going to go back to the town, and keep on sending back runes just like my employers asked me to."

>>27110142
"Any way to find out who sent them, then?"

>>27110142
"So, what should I do now? Tea and Biscuits in your Domain?"

"Well, someone's been repeatedly sending in servants to attack the village since a little after I arrived here. That's why we've been working to get some golem defenders up to protect the place."
"It wasn't me, I swear." He says. "You say a little while *after* you came here? Did any attack before?"
"No, they said that the remnants stayed clear of the village." You say.
"So they only started coming after you arrived?" He asks, and you nod.
"Any way to find out who sent them, then?"
"One moment." He says. Just to show you my trust, I have a tool that may come in handy. One of my servants are grabbing it now."

Behind you, bursting into the air, a flying remnant soared above you. Gripped in its hands is a gauntlet... A right-handed gauntlet, as opposed to the left one you wore now.
"This will identify servants for you. It will identify their owner, the servants' construction, and how degraded they are through time or damage. Take it. It's yours."

You look down at the gauntlet. It simply sits there, quietly.
"You can even test it out on my servants- either of them."

>[] You know what? I'm going to forget about this. About her. I'm going to go back and do my job as I should.
>[] Take the glove- it may come in handy.
>[] Don't take the glove- it could be trapped.
>[] Destroy both remnants. Start trying to scale down the tower.

>>27110142
Sigh and explain what has been happening in the last week with the remnants.

>>27110452
>Forgot the >[] Other choice, of course.

>>27110452
Take it, then scan the man remnant.

>>27110452
>Take the glove, but don't put it on yet
We can test it out after we examine it for traps later.

>>27110447
>>27110452
Portal Party, the only option.

>>27110452
Take the gauntlet.
Scan Steve when we can.
Ask for a ride home and forget about all this shit.
Talk to our everyone.
Figure out from there.

>[X] Take the glove- it may come in handy.

>>27110561
Maybe dreamwoman can help us out?

You pick up the gauntlet, and pull it on.
"Then you just touch one with your palm. It can be dangerous, so be careful."
The glove doesn't bite down on your wrist immediately, so you press the palm against the remnant's head.
In your ear, buzzing quietly, something speaks.

>Minion Servant
>Created by Kaederi
>No degredation

"Okay." You say, and sigh. "Give me a ride home."
"As you wish." He says. "If you want to speak with me, simply knock on the door at the bottom of this tower. I'll send a servant to meet with you."

The flying remnant snags onto your shoulders, careful not to hurt you, and takes off once more. Absentmindedly, you touch the remnant carrying you- just curious. The whispering comes to your ear once more.

>Flight Servant
>Created by Kaederi
>Moderate Degredation

You finally get used to being carried like this by the time you land on the ground again, just outside the village. The remnant spares you a wave, and screeches, flying off again. You tromp back into the village proper... And small fires are smouldering, slowly being put out by Dalton. Cromwell is sitting on one of his golems' shoulders, tinkering with the second golem's core, and Ann and Bruno are sitting on the temple's rooftop, the girl sleeping.
"You're back." Dalton says. "That galdian man is the only one hurt, but Miriam is looking after him. Are you okay?"

>What say?
>Also, who meet?

>>27110734
"I am unharmed."

Let's go see our broooooo

>>27110734
"Good timing with the golems, Cromwell."

>>27110734
Aww, shit, bro got hurt? Find some alcohol to make it better.

"I'm unharmed." You say.
"Glad to hear it. You killed nearly half those things before they dragged you off." He says, and claps you on the shoulder.

You make your way over to the Cromwell and raise a hand. "Good timing with those golems, Cromwell."
"It's all because of your blood." He says. "Simple enough to tap the runes with a tool I made. There was a minor disaster earlier when I accidentally tapped a reverse movement command, but I'm getting more accurate."

You nod to him, and make your way into the tavern. There are smatterings of ichor and charred wood, but most of the creature's body had been removed- by the golems, you guess- and inside, you can hear Miriam talking.
<You okay?> You ask, walking in.
<I'll live.> Mal says. <No, wait, stay out there!>
Then you realize that the bandages on his chest had been removed. You thought you'd seen something strange this morning, but...
<It's not what it looks like!> He calls, putting his hands over his chest.
"Stop moving." Miriam says, and pins down his arm.

There's a massive, burned scar right through his torso, easily worse than anything you've sustained- twice over, even.
Mal just sighs, his intact arm covering the scar. <I can't reason with this lady when she doesn't even speak my language.>

>>27111022
"For a moment there, I thought you were hiding some boobs."

>>27111022
As long as I didn't cause it it is yours to keep secret.

>>27111022
<Woah. Sick scar, bro.>

>>27111022
<"You know for awhile there I was thinking maybe you were trying to keep a pair of pert, perfect breasts under those wraps. I'll have you know I'm massively disappointed.">

>>27111022
<Bad news. Turns out that woman in the portal might be hella-evil and want to kill everyone.>

>>27111133
Something like this.
<Woah, you've got one up on me, bro. That looks wicked painful.>

>>27111136
Can we not?

>>27111022
<She's pretty good at what she does, just let Miriam do her work.>

<For a while there, I thought you were hiding a pair of pert, perfect breasts under those wraps.> You say.
<I did say it wasn't what it looked like.> He says, frowning at you.
<I'll have you know I'm massively disappointed.>
<If I was, you'd be way too old for me.> He says, rolling his eyes.
<Woah. Sick scar, bro.> You say.
<It goes all the way through, if you're curious.> He says. <I have an exit wound on my back.>
"Alright. Your arm should be fine. Just don't strain it." Miriam says. Then she rolls her eyes, and turns to you. "Translate for me, will you?"
<Your arm is all cool, nag nag don't hurt yourself.> Mal responds. <Is that what she's saying?>
<Pretty much.> You say. <But also, I have bad news. Turns out that woman in the portal might be hella-evil and want to kill everyone.>
<... Aw, shit.> He responds. <Why do all the pretty ones have to be evil?>
<It's a part of life, bro.> You say, with a knowing look.

>End of session!
>My twitter is at @futureexabyte
>The IRC is #Exabyte on Rizon.
>And I'll stick around for a bit to answer questions!

>>27111226
Cooldude Mal

>>27111022
>There's a massive, burned scar right through his torso
So... Does Mal have a literal hole in his chest? Can you see all the way through it?
Or is it a horizontal gash that goes all the way across?
I'm having trouble visualising it.

>>27111323
It's a warped, star-shaped scar in the center of his chest. It's so distorted and gnarled that it's hard to tell if it was caused by fire, or some kind of spear, or something else.

>>27111226
What's Mal's favorite type of alcohol?

>>27111472
It's more like 'What type of alcohol ISN'T Mal's favorite?'
And in that case, it's none of them.

>>27111634
What an amazing man