>>28449699
The sensation of being turned inside out, elsewhere in, is not even slightly painful to you, though it is dizzying. But even this body is no longer the same. The sensation of your mind bolstered by that of your symbiont, protected by that otherworldly presence that fills the ether around you is comforting, rather than invasive. You can feel the iron hard will of the symbiont meshing seamlessly with your own, ready to protect you from mental anguish and pain. And the sheer strength of your body! You were no weakling, but you are nineteen and a girl. Yet you can feel your body is tougher, the sheer power in your tendons and flesh in a flex of your hand. You would be a match for almost any Human or Nazzadi man twice your size. Even if they did hurt you, you know instinctively you'd recover in mere hours, even from broken bones and knife wounds. Even in human form you can tell the difference between Tager and Human after a moment. You have been told you can do the same for other monsters.

As you look around, you see the others transforming as well, Phantom becoming the soldier Holmes, Mirage transmuting from Irren, Spectre shifting back to Yen, Rechert out of nowhere making him a Shadow, Viss emerging from gleaming Whisper, and Jakob returning from the sharklike Echo. They too are looking at their human frames, marveling at their new bodies, their new spirits. Others are slipping into the room, medics and other sorcerers, as well as human-formed Tagers, assisting those whom the ritual has drained or even injured, congratulating the new-born warriors.

Now, however, there are other matters to attend to.

[] Speak with Mordecai.
[] Gather your Pack – or Murder – and speak with them.
[] Speak with the Elders who are present.
[] Other – Write in

>>28449710

Er, who's Mordecai again?

[X] Gather your Pack – or Murder – and speak with them.

>>28449743
>Mordecai is the head sorcerer of this Society, who lead the ritual.

>>28449710
> [x] Gather your Pack – or Murder – and speak with them.
Let's see how everyone's holding up.

>>28449710
[X] Gather your Pack – or Murder – and speak with them.
Consolation and hugs.

>>28449743
>>28449770
>>28449815
[X] Gather your Pack – or Murder – and speak with them.

While the others are given robes, cloaks, and congratulated or given restorative drinks – odd, you don't feel the slightest bit hungry or thirst yourself – you make your way and touch each one on the shoulder or wrist, gesturing over to the side, so you can speak with them before they too are overwhelmed. The people – even the Elders – respect your apparent wishes, and allow you and your comrades some space.

In a somewhat disturbing turn of events there is a measure of deference – even from Holmes and Jakob, two of the strongest and most dangerous of your friends – as they approach you. Viss and Rechert are distracted by the bloody smears and tatters that are all that remain of your friend, and Irren is obviously wounded inside from the loss. It takes very little to draw their attention to you however. Robes and cloaks have been given to most of them, but body shyness isn't at the front of anyone's minds right now.

[Con't.]

>>28449867
“We'll give her a wake to be proud of, never fear. She was a good person, even though she wasn't strong enough for the ritual. I spoke with her, last night.” This seems to surprise several of them, even though they know you roomed together. “She was much more worried about losing us – any of us.” You lock gazes with Jakob and Irren individually, making sure they know you mean them especially. The others acknowledge your revelation with solemn nods, and a few tearful ones. “So we will make sure that we honor her will in this by protecting each other and supporting one another as she wanted us to, even if we join other Tager Packs.”

You can feel the symbiont's agreement in this, not merely for your reassurances to the others but also accepting their deference, their willingness to allow you to guide them. Her death, horrifying and shocking as it was, was an honorable death.

It's obvious Rechert and Viss are taking this the hardest; knowing about death and the possibility that it could happen to you is one thing, but first hand experience with it is another. Rechert and Holmes were on either side of Fanzi, but Holmes has seen it up close and dealt with it personally, as you have. Irren has been hit hard by her death – so strange that the distant and elegant Nazzadi was so attached to her – but Jakob, her other lover, is dealing with it well, having been in the war himself. Yen seems distracted, but coping.

[] Take the youngest aside and speak with them.
[] Take Irren aside, comfort him.
[] See what's bothering Yen.
[] Other – Write in.

>>28449871
> [x] Take Irren aside, comfort him.
Followed by:
> [x] Take the youngest aside and speak with them.

We can talk with Yen later, if that's possible. First the guys most hit by Fanzi's death, then the kids.

>>28449871
[X] Take the youngest aside and speak with them.
[X] Take Irren aside and comfort him.
Talk later, comfort now.

>>28449897
This sounds like a good idea. Have my vote

>>28449871
Take Irren aside right now, but leave talking to the others for later.

>>28449897
>>28449973
>>28449984
>>28450002
[X] Take Irren aside, comfort him.
[X] Take the youngest aside and speak with them.

As you step into the circle and take Irren by the hand, Jakob takes his robe off and places it over your shoulders, giving you some measure of modesty. He ties it closed with the simple belt around the waist, allowing you to place your hands on Irren's shoulders. It is strange, being between Fanzi's lovers like this, yet somehow not entirely inappropriate. You can't take her place, but you can take her feelings to heart. “Irren, I am sorry. I wish I could have helped her. I almost did help her.”

That shocks both Viss and Yen who look up at you, and Jakob's hands come to rest on your shoulders, giving a grateful squeeze. Irren's crimson eyes glitter with tears, and he murmurs softly, “I know you would have, if it had been possible.”

Yen speaks up softly. “That would have killed you, or worse.”

You shake your head – though the revelation makes you go cold – and look up at Irren. “She was a wonderful, loving person. But I don't think she would have wanted us to do more than grieve a short while for her. She was unspeakably brave. She was more afraid for us than herself. She would want us to remain strong.” He nods, slowly, taking a deep breath. And while they are platitudes and simple truths, they seem to have an effect on the stoic Nazzadi. Despite that he smiles, and steels himself, pulling himself together for you. For her. You smile, glad he can be strong in public a while longer.

[Con't.]

>>28450011
You've dealt with the realities of death and the loss of loved ones not once but twice, both times at the hands of monstrous creatures far beyond any child's capabilities to deal with, so you understand exactly what is happening with Rechert and Viss. They're both smart, incredibly so, possibly smarter than you, but being smart and being experienced are far, far different animals. You take Rechert by the hand, and in conscious imitation of Fanzi, gently grasp Viss by the elbow, pulling them away from the others.

Though Rechert is only two years younger than you, and Viss three, you go to one knee before them, and speak quietly as the men talk softly nearby. “Death sucks.” Viss chokes a soft sob of laughter, and Rechert looks at you, wide eyed and shaken. “The worst part is that we can't do anything but say goodbye to her. You know what she was like; if it were her, instead of me, she'd be hugging you both and telling you that it would be all right.” Rechert nods, and Viss wipes her tears away. “I wish I were more like her. I've....seen a lot of things like this happen. And it is always this bad, when it's your friends. But we'll get through it. She'd want us to.”

“We'll all have to do what we can to make her proud. She was one of the best of us.” Both Viss and Rechert nod, and you stand up. Viss suddenly hugs you, and Recher slowly comes up and hugs you both; you have to respond, of course.

[] Hug them back.
[] Shoulder pats.
[] Cope as best you can with surprise hugs.
[] Other – Write in.

>>28450026
> [x] Hug them back.

>>28450026
[X] Hug them back.

I think we've established that we're cool with some intimacy.

>>28450026
[X] Hug them back.
Fanzi would approve.

>>28450066
>>28450072
>>28450105
[X] Hug them back.

Hugging them back is strange for you, not just because it is something you did so rarely, but because, for some reason, you feel more like a guardian angel than a mother to them. It is hard to tell if that is because of the symbiont or because you are older than they are. Well, you FEEL older, more than actually being older. Then again, it won't take too long before the bonds that you share are much, much stronger and deeper. War will do that to some people, and the sense of camaraderie you already share has become deeper in the short time you've been a Tager than n the three years you've shared with Rechert and the two you've shared with Viss.

You disentangle yourself slowly, and take a deep breath, looking into Rechert's blue eyes and Viss' crimson ones. Seeing more than Human and more than Nazzadi there; even now Rechert easily fades into the background, silent and graceful as a shadow, while Viss' gaze is penetrating, even knowing.

[Con't.]

>>28450117

“Go and get dressed, we're supposed to meet with the Elders in an hour or two. You too, guys.” That directed at the men, who seem to have collected themselves and are looking far ore calm and not a little dangerous despite their varying states of undress. “Make it....two hours.” It is standard operating procedure, not simply because you are now their agents but because they want new Tagers to be aware that all losses are felt by them, not just those whom fall in battle. Two hours gives them a little time to experiment and get used to themselves too, as well as grieve in private; you know you're curious, despite the tragedy and terrors you've been through. The solemn and changed companions and friends slowly separate, though Yen hangs back a moment, approaching you after the others leave.

“I'd like to speak with you before we talk to the Elders together, if you have some time,” he says quietly, his deep voice troubled. You glance at the other Tagers in the room; the Elders, along with the Head Sorcerer Mordecai, the Head Loremistress Geolei, and the Head Speaker (a polite term for spy among the Society) Redissa, are all here, and several of them are looking towards you. Not your pack, or you and Yen. You.

[] All right, but later.
[] Go ahead, I’ll make time.
[] I have a question too, about Fanzi.
[] Other – Write in.

>>28450124
[x] Go ahead, I’ll make time.
This quest has got me interested in CthulhuTech. Is the system any good?

>>28450139
>System sucks, actually, and you can really only play one of the types of games in it and have it work well - tagers, or mecha, or government agents, or sorcerers and secret agents.

>>28450124
> [x] Go ahead, I’ll make time.

>>28450124
Later.

Right now the important people have been patient enough, I think. We should give them some time.

>>28450124
[X] Other - Make it quick, the elders want something.

>>28450139
>>28450163
>>28450169
>>28450238
[X] Go ahead, I’ll make time.
[x] Make it quick, though.

Yen glances at the direction of your gaze and nods, as you offer to make time despite the Elders. “It's about our Pack. Our Murder.” He considers and then looks seriously at you. “I don't think we should keep Viss and Rechert with us, even as useful as they could be. Maybe not even Irren.” It seems a bit strange for him to say so, and you gesture for him to continue.

Under your scrutiny he seems a little more nervous. “Rechert and Viss aren't combat ready. Certainly they're well trained and smart, but I think they're not really combatants. He's a Shadow, and she's a Whisper, as well. Stealth and information gathering are important, but I'm not sure they would really have a place with the rest of us.”

“Irren is a Mirage – not exactly a high profile combatant either,” you point out.

He hesitates, rubbing his temple with one hand. “Yes but he's still older and more capable than they are personally....but he's really broken up over Fanzi. I wouldn't want to see them cause anyone's death because they're not capable, Anne.” Yen looks at you, and then seems to realize he's acting almost subservient and pleading. His expression becomes more stern and he speaks in a much more firm tone. “I don't think you should allow them to remain with us at all, Anne. They're a liability and it will cause trouble.” If he thinks he's going to cow you into agreeing, he's wrong; but there seems to be more to his opinions than just combat.

[] They're still Tagers, they'll do fine.
[] I see your point, they're weak.
[] Is there something you're not telling me?
[] Other – Write in.

God lord, I actually manage to catch this quest while its running, and I have to go to work in ten minutes. Damn it all!

Also, someone's archived this quest just as it started, cutting off most of the content that's followed from the OP. Someone might want to rear hive this thread when it finishes.

>>28450262
> [x] Is there something you're not telling me?
> [x] They're still Tagers, they'll do fine.
Teamwork beats single combat. If we stick together and watch out for each other, we'll be far stronger and effective. That's what a team is.

>>28450273
suptg automatically updates every 2 hours or so, no need to worry.

>>28450285
this

>>28450285
Put it far better than could explain. Have my vote

>>28450262
[X] They're Tagers, they'll do fine.
This group has a nice mix of utility too.

>>28450352
>>28450346
>>28450293
>>28450285
[X] They're still Tagers, they'll do fine.
[X] Is there something you're not telling me?

Despite his somewhat accurate description of them being less high intensity fighters than Jakob, Holmes, you and himself, there really isn't such a thing as a weak Tager. If anything, you make up for their lack of strength twice over, all on your own, and anythign that can surprise a Whisper or sneak up on a Shadow and survive the experience could do the same to almost any other kind of Tager. His quick changes in attitude are also troubling, almost as if....could he be jealous? Or is he trying to protect them from something else?

You've worked with Yen, during your mystic studies. He's never been anything other than polite with you, and he's never been interested in Viss either. You thought he was with Fanzi at one time, and perhaps he and Fanzi were an item some time ago, but that would have to be more than a year ago. You gaze at him coolly, and his facade falters a little. You weren't much of a pushover before you were an Efreet. With that backing you up, you're certain there are very few people in the entire Society that could stand up to you for long. “All right, what's really the issue, Yen. And don't say they're weak. I know they're not that.”

[Con't.]

>>28450386
Yen flinches, and runs a hand through his disheveled hair, grimacing as it comes away sticky with slave and sweat. “I didn't say-”

“Yes, you did.” Now he's being evasive, and he's not very good at it. Which is an odd thing for any Spectre; the ones you've met were never wishy-washy. “They're Tagers, and they're both damn smart, probably smarter than either of us.” Maybe not Yen, but they're both way past you. Still, he's being very weird about this.

He grimaces, and glances at the Elders. “Look, let's discuss this later. In private.” Yen turns quickly and starts walking away....

[] You don't get off that easily!
[] Fine, but you'd better get your head straight!
[] Whatever.
[] Other – Write in.

>>28450396

>See what the elders want

>>28450396
> [x] Fine, but you'd better get your head straight!
We need to see what's this about eventually, but we need to see the elders first.

Interesting, the Efreet has begun affecting our personality.

>>28450429
>>28450422
“I'll see you in my room in an hour. Get it together, Yen.” You didn't want to make it sound as ominous as it seemed, but the way he looked at you when he glanced back had a measure of fear it it....which is very weird. Shaking your head you straighten the robe which is at least a size too large for you, and walk to where the Elders are waiting, near the center of the ceremony room. Suddenly you can appreciate Yen's reaction a little more; Jewel and Towern, the Nightmare and the Efreet who had stood at the gate to the ritual room, are very intimidating even though Jewel is obviously amused by your display and Towern isn't trying to be intimidating at all. And they're in human form as well.

Of course, the seven other elders, all Tagers or exceedingly powerful people in their own right, aren't exactly a group that anyone would want to approach casually. Politely bowing your head when you reach them, you start to say something but Jewel and Towern each place a hand on your shoulder, cutting you off. Another Elder, a Nazzadi Mirage named Farsight, steps up to you between them. “Welcome sister. Have you determined your call-sign yet?”

You haven't had time to wash your face, much less figure out a new name. At the shake of your head, he nods agreeably. “When you have, let us know. For now, know that we are pleased to have such a force as yourself among us now.” At your murmured and confused thanks, Jewel and Towern remove their hands from your shoulder, though Jewel does give a reassuring squeeze. “When you come to us, you and your new brothers and sisters, you at least should be prepared to leave soon after. You and yours will be needed at another Enclave, far from here. As glorious as your power is, your strength will best serve us elsewhere.”

[] Will the others be sent too?
[] May I ask why?
[] I have concerns about....
[] Other – Write in.

>>28450543
> [x] Will the others be sent too?
> [x] May I ask why?

>>28450543
[X] May I ask why?
Lets see where this goes.

>>28450580
>>28450623
[X] May I ask why?
[x] Will the others be sent too?

Shocked by the announcement as you are, you still manage not to blurt out the immediate question of 'why' in favor of consideration. Obviously powerful Tagers are rare, and an enclave of the Society without one would necessarily be overjoyed to received even an unblooded Efreet, Nightmare, or Vampire into their fold. Still, to have to leave your comrades so soon after they've lost one of their own is hard, harsh even. Still, you've never heard tale of a Tager been separated from an enclave of the Society so quickly.

“May I ask why? It is a little unusual....and will the others be sent as well?”

To your surprise, it is Mordecai who speaks up. “I have asked that if you so desire, your companions be sent to accompany you. Or you may ask them if they wish to, yourself, after we have spoken with all of you.” You can't keep the relief out of your expression; it would be painful for all of you to endure that sort of separation with no warning at all. Several of the elders glance at each other, amusement and understanding alike in their expressions.

[Con't.]

>>28450660
“As to why,” says Farsight, “we need to bolster our strength in another city. The Chrysalis Corporation managed to draw a significant number of Tagers into a trap, and while they can survive it, having one of the great ones will make a significant difference to both their safety, and their morale.” It makes sense, you had guessed as much, after all. “Even unblooded, there is little doubt you will make a difference should the enemy chose to press an attack.”

Redissa, an elderly Human and spymaster, looks seriously at you. “A situation has come to our attention that would be very well suited to certain members of your group as well. If you wish, I will make arrangements for you to stay here long enough to see them through it, if you like.” Towern turns to him, eyebrows raised. Redissa, unfazed by the attention of the single most powerful person in the entire enclave, shrugs mildly at the huge Human. “If we're giving her the chance to drag them along, we may as well give her the opportunity to see them in action beforehand.” You have the feeling it isn't that simple. There are plenty of Tagers similar to those your friends have become, save Echos; you doubt they'd need him since you're in a landlocked city.

[] I'd like to take them all with me.
[] I'll stay long enough to see them through it.
[] I need some time to think.
[] Other – Write in.

>>28450668
> [x] I'll stay long enough to see them through it.
We'll talk with our team, if they want to join us, they can come. And this will allow us to see if Yen was right about the kids.

>>28450668
[X] I need some time to think.
Let's not make any hasty decisions.

>>28450701
>>28450722
“I would at least like to stay long enough to see them through it. I owe them that much.” You manage to sound very sure of yourself and very calm, almost authoritative, despite the slightly surreal experience. The Elders make themselves available to any member of the Society, and they are the driving force behind all the Tager's battles, but this particular batch of trouble has the sound of executive decisions made awfully quickly to you.

Before any of the other Elders respond, Jewel lays her hands on your shoulders, turns you around – you allow her to, you might be strong but struggling with a Nightmare is begging for trouble! – and pipes up with, “Of course you can. You lot, let the girl get a breath of air. And a shower too!” She pushes you in front of her as she walks away from the elders, ignoring your mild protest. The Elders looks as shocked as you are. She doesn't even give you a chance to say a proper farewell.

“Don't worry, you can be proper and decorous when you've gotten things taken care of.” A glance behind you shows the Elders, non-plussed by your sudden and enforced departure, are once again speaking amongst themselves. Jewel keeps you going until your are in the black hall, and then relents, letting go of you. As you turn to say something, she bows her head and makes the Voorish sign before you. “My apologies for manhandling you.”

That's the second time someone has done that to you. Not manhandling. The other thing.

[Con't.]

>>28450829
Jewel looks at you more seriously and speaks softly, mindful of the sorcerers and medical personal in the ceremony room. “Don't make any snap decisions. Redissa is almost as much of a danger to you as any dhohanoid can be. He is a spy, and there is nothing he does that doesn't have consequences for anyone and everyone involved, on every side.” She looks at you, her eyes a sharp, wicked green color that makes you wonder if her call-sign has anything to do with them.

“It's a little hard to believe a human can be more dangerous to me than a dhoanoid.”

“Dho~han-oid.”

“What?”

“It's Dhohanoid, not dho-~an-oid.'

Her correction isn't unfriendly, or even severe, just an offhand sort of thing, and yet you feel an urge to be annoyed by it far out of proportion to the situation. She's right of course, which is probably why it irks you so much. “Sorry. It still seems very strange.”


“Intelligence people are dangerous because they'll take unnecessary and dangerous risks for the slightest advantage. You could probably take him apart without changing, but give him an hour and you'll be on the most wanted list of the N.E.G. With photographs of your tattoos and possible hairstyles. That makes him more dangerous than it makes you – or me.” Her piercing gaze is steady and you nod your understanding, the situation becoming very clear. “Good. Go and take care of your people, and yourself. We'll hold the funeral after the meeting with you all.”

[] Thank you for the warning.
[] Aren't you breaking protocol?
[] Why are you interested?
[] Other – Write in.

>>28450848
>[X] Why are you interested?

>>28450848
> [x] Thank you for the warning.
> [x] Why are you interested?

>>28450872
>>28450876
[X] Why are you interested?
[x] Thank you for the warning.

“I appreciate the warning, Elder Jewel....may I ask why you're interested? I may be an Efreet, but I'm not blooded, and while my past is a mess, it's not enough of one that you'd take such an interest, I’d think.” Keeping your voice down as she has hers just seems smart.

Jewel studies you for a moment, and it is a little like being considered as a potential meal. Unnervingly so. A very predatory, calculating look that makes your symbiont as nervous as it makes you, which is disturbing. “Radessi is a dangerous man, and I know enough of your past that I can easily see him using you as a way into Chrysalis in one way or another....or as bait.” That was a possibility you've always expected, of course, it would be foolish not to. “Yet he hasn't made a single advance or suggestion of it. Ever.”

That IS very odd. Unless he's keeping secrets from the Elders or making long range plans it would have been very simple and even agreeable to suggest it. You might even have agreed to it yourself, the opportunity to find out about your adoptive mother would have been something easy to fall into before. Even now it could make for a very potent weapon against the cult.

She can't read your mind, but it's obvious to her that you've picked up on her concerns. “Good. Glad that we're on the same page. Now go and take care of our new brothers and sisters.” Jewel bows her head, and you yours, before you turn and retrieve your clothing, then head upstairs to the showers....

TO BE CONTINUED....

Forthcoming: Some basic stats.

>>28451047
Anne, call-sign ?: 19 year old Nazzadi female. Our Heroine, EFREET.
(Scores are based on a 1-10 human baseline, 10 being human maximum; first number is in Nazzadi form. Second number is Efreet form. This is merely for purposes of comparison. Anne is considered fairly experienced.)

Agility 8/10
Intellect 6/6
Perception 6/7
Presence 7/7
Strength 8/14
Tenacity 9/10
Insanity 2/2
Regeneration: 1/1d6
Arrmor: 2/2 (Compare to Spectrashield Light Combat armor at +2)
Vision: Nightvision, Thermal Vision, and Targeted Genetic/Health/Life Scan.
Fire Breath, Spiked Fists
Limit Weapon: Meteor Strike – 400' area bombarded by summoned meteors. Can damage mecha and buildings.

>>28451114
I always come in when this already ends. Also, Anne STRONK. Her human form is a match for a lot of monsters alone.

>>28451114
Anne stronk!
Thanks for the thread

>>28451114
And we kinda have fire-aura. We're so hot that even being near us burns stuff.

>>28451342
I'll add that.

>>28451273
>>28451302
Her starting strength was 5....but her real strength lies in her tenacity. She'll cope with ease with things that could make even other Tagers hesitate.

New pastebin for part 2: http://pastebin.com/2Bx9yvhc

>>28451342
Incidentally, Anne has the ability to learn a second melee attack technique that is above average in either utility or damage.

>>28451416
And having an Efreet symbiont is only going to make her stronger and more tenacious.
There are already some minor changes in her personality, and we probably will see more of that as the story progresses.

>>28451446
I assume that's after we get Blooded and have some experience?

>>28451273
>>28451342
Actually it's kind of a good thing Anne's that tough and strong. We're ultra-destructive to things around us and we're going to be VERY obvious to the N.E.G. and O.I.S. no matter how careful we are.

>>28451475
Not so obvious in human form. But I suppose so, yeah.

File: 1385221276704.jpg-(113 KB, 548x720, zabuth.jpg)

113 KB JPG

>>28451469
No, you have the opportunity to learn one immediately.

Demonic Uppercut, while powerful, might not be her best choice. So I left the slot open for the players to chose between that or Fire-Lash, which doesn't do as much damage but has some reach and can entangle.

With growth other, much more interesting things are possible. Maybe not a metamorphosis without a LOT of development, but that doesn't preclude gaining other abilities.

>>28451517
Lets do that after our first real assignment.
I'd hate it if we chose now and our choice proves to suck balls, especially if we can't learn more stuff later.

Though Fire-Lash does sound nifty, I'll give you that.

>>28451545
I'm adaptable. Maybe the few players I have will decide something else might be more effective or interesting. I'm not using the actual system entirely.

>>28452374
Thank the heavens.