>Current objectives:
-Find your way back to the crossroads.
-Find your way back to Earth.
-Find the Kema, who can tell you more about using magic through machinery
-Discover what this huge war is about, and how it's threatening to destroy the universe.
-Learn more about the Corruption.

>Current inventory
-1 KV-09 Combination assault blade/energy pistol. Modified with the Void Knight Shield
-1 Screwdriver
-1 Adjustable wrench
-Various spare parts
-A pouch of gold coins
-Another pouch with 18 "Calling Crystals"
-4/10 full oil can

>Current energy stored
-3 Aether tanks
-1 Void tank
-1 Apotropeia tank
-0 empty tanks

>Calling Crystal contacts
-Jodo, chief of Yujun village (Palia)
-Rose, interplanetary drifter (Currently on Dergrume) (Travelling with Oz, Savvi, and Thorn)

"The Unchosen... I remember Zeshua calling me that before he attacked me..." You say, stroking your chin with your metal hand in an attempt to look pensive.

"Yeah, Zeshua is pretty firmly in the 'kill you and take the shield back' camp. I'll be sure to inform the sages about this, see if I can't get him contained for a while."

"You'd do that for me?" You ask, surprised. You haven't exactly recieved much in the way of kindness from the wayknights snce you started travelling.

"Not entirely. I'd be lying to you if I said that I wouldn't enjoy seeing him tossed in the cells for disobeying orders." He says with a shrug. "The 'wait and see what he does' camp is the prevalent one at the moment, so orders are to leave you alone."

So there seems to be a bit of political turmoil over in the Crossroads... "Still, the Unchosen..."

>[ ] I like it

>[ ] I hate it

>>29908464
I like it.
I the heating are going to be calling us that we may as well own it.

>>29908713
*hecatun

>>29908464
Like it

>bit slow tonight, though I suppose that is partially my fault.

>writing

>>29908464
>[ ] I like it

Suits us. He also might want to spread around that the next one that comes after us wont get off so easy. Might decide to take a leg or something

"I like it, I suppose. Though I doubt that you'd all just find a new name for me if I didn't." You say, scratching your head. "So what are you doing here anyway?"

"I'm here on orders to investigate the corruption. We may not have decided to kill you, but nobody is too keen about relying on an outsider to handle this. What about you?"

"Same reason. I got the location for this world from some other travellers and I figured I'd check this out first." You say, making your way over to a rock that looks less sick than all the others and sitting down.

"You jumped right into this didn't you? It's been what, 2 days since you left the Crossroads and you're already investigating the Corruption. This'll knock the old man's pants off, he was expecting you to try and complete the initiation first." He says, following suit and finding a rock of his own to sit on.

"The old man... Nosim?" You ask. Jax nods, so you continue. "I considered that, but I have no idea how to go about completing the initiation. I figured it'd be a better idea to just start being the Void Knight." You say, laughing at yourself a bit.

"That's a good attitude. I'll let you in on a little secret. You don't earn the respect of the Way Knights by completing the initiation. You complete the initiation by earning the respect of the Way Knights"

"That's... fairly cryptic. But I think I get it... I don't suppose you have some other tips for me that are less cryptic." You say.

"Unfortunately, that's all I'll be telling you. I can help you out a bit though. For instance, your arm. Want me to take a look at it?"

>[ ] Sure.

>[ ] Nah, I got this.

>>29909692
If he's got healing magic, then yes.
also ask if there's any way for us to learn healing magic. As it would definitely come in handy

>>29909692
Sure. Could be interesting.

>>29909692
Let him help

sure, seems like a helpful fellow

>writing

not sure if aether magic is going to work on our non aether oriented physique

"What, you got some fancy healing magic or something?" You ask with a hint of sarcasm.

He gets up and walks over to you. "Well it's nothing fancy, but..." He motions for you to give him your arm.

He holds his hand a few inches over where the wound is, and his hand emits a white light. And then nothing happens.

"The hell..." He tries it again to no avail. "That's unusual... I may have to get a little fancy." He tries it again, but this time the light comes from his hand as a jet.

The effect is fairly immediate, you feel a slight burning sensation as the wound closes. "That seemed effective." You say once he's finished.

"Damn man, do you even know what we usually use that spell for?" He looks at you like you're some kind of freak. You shake your head, and he keeps talking. "That spell is used to seal up the holes in corpses to prepare them for burial!"

That's... fairly morbid. Also incredibly scary. "So what was the first one then? And why didn't it work?" You say, only a bit freaked out.

"That spell usually draws Aether out of its recipient in the form of healing energy. I tried to do that, and you've got nothing to pull. So I had to try that other one. Sure it worked, but it's way less efficient."

You're not sure how to respond to that. "I remember Oz saying something like that... about how I had no energy running through me. I didn't think it would be so detrimental."

"It really isn't too bad. It was just a bit unexpected. I mean, Nosim said your makeup was strange. But he didn't say you had NO Aether."

>[ ] Is it really so weird?

>[ ] I don't suppose you can teach me that spell...

>[ ] How did Zeshua know where to find me?

>>29910256
I'm genuinely curious, is it really so weird?

>>29910256
>[ ] Is it really so weird?
followed by
>[ ] I don't suppose you can teach me that spell...

>>29910256
is it really that weird
we really need to start with some fundamentals about aether here, as it seems to be in EVERYTHING and humans have none.

>writing

"Is it really that strange? There must be other creatures that don't have Aether in them." This is a question that needs an answer.

"Well, yes. Every single living thing has Aether in them. No exception. In fact, Aether has gone hand in hand with the idea and definition of life for as far back as history goes on the crossroads. And then we meet you." He ends there, from the look on his face it seems that point should've been self explanatory.

"So what you're saying is... I don't technically fit your description of a living thing?" You ask.

Jax nods. "Thus the corpse healing technique."

"I don't suppose you could teach me that, could you?" It's worth asking.

"I'm not even sure where to begin showing you that. You can't channel Aether organically, so my methods wouldn't work. But..." He stops. "I assume that Nosim told you about the Kema."

"That he did. He mentioned that they knew how to use magic through machines. Though I'm afraid I have no idea where I might find them."

"I think I can help you out there as well..."

>[1/2]

>>29910799
wait why do the kema have machines if they can use aether? so far we havent seen any use of machines or even the wheel really. maybe the kema are humans that have been out in the multiverse for some time?

"You know where I can find the Kema?" You ask. If you could learn how to actually use magic it might make this journey a lot easier.

"Yeah, Memny found a world a little while ago where they had settled. I'll give you the coords in a second, but first..." He stops and pulls a piece of armor out of his pack. "Put this on."

He tosses you the armor. It looks like a chest piece. "The hell's this?" You ask, examining it. Then you see the gash in the left side, with a blue stain running down. And you know. "Is this the old Void Knight's armor?"

"It is." He says.

"Why are you giving it to me?" You ask. You're not even sure this would fit you...

"Because you can't walk around in... that... forever. Now put it on."

It's just a chest piece, but he seems pretty insistent...

>[ ] Put it on now

>[ ] How did you get this?

>[ ] Just the chest piece?

>>29911019
>HOW DID YOU GET THIS!
this means he has been back to earth! as much as i enjoy the journey and the exploration of these worlds, there are issues at home and nescessary parts to fix our totally alien machine bits. so a trip back to earth might be a very good idea
however i get the sense it cant be that easy...

>>29911128
This

>>29911128
Most definitely this.

>writin'

>>29911128
i have to agree with this post, we have no idea what the hell is going on and as much as taking it all in stride is going, a chance to see home might be nice
than again it may not be how we left it...
(is it just me is captcha getting harder to understand)

>>29911019
>put it on
comon! where is your RPG spirit! always stick on every piece of equipment anyone give you!

>>29911306
derail away my good sir

It hits you like a pile of bricks and you jump from your seat as your heart leaps up into your throat. "Woah woah woah. You've been to earth? Why didn't you say so!?!"

"Earth, wha-... Oh. Right, that's the last place you saw these. Sorry man, I haven't been there. Even Nosim can't seem to find the place." He says apologetically.

"Oh..." You heart drops back down again. "So close, yet so far. How did you get this then, if you none of you can find earth?"

"When a Wayknight dies offworld, their body is transported back to the Crossroads by the Milestone. Normally their armor is brought back with them. For some reason Thitu's armor decided to take a detour... Well a few detours. I found this piece not too long ago on this planet, and I've heard that others have been found elsewhere as well."

"So why did Thitu's armor decide to bugger off?" You ask.

Jax simply shrugs. "Could've been any number of things. If your planet is as weird as you are, then that probably had something to do with it."

You're still disappointed, but for now...

>[ ] Suit up

>[ ] More questions (specify)

>>29911518
>put it on! put on all the equipment!

>>29911518
Suit up.

>writing

You begin to put the chest piece on, before you relize something. "So... howexactly do I equip this?" You don't see any straps or buckles. Come to think of it, there doesn't actually look to be any way to actually attach the damn thing.

"Just jam it on and let it do its work. It's magic, remember?" He says, looking annoyed once more by your hesitance.

"Okay..." You put it on your chest, and it erupts with gold light.

>Integrating...

The light fades after a few seconds, revealing a completely new chestpiece that's attched itself to your shirt. It looks much more modern than it used to, now featuring two thick metal plates roughly the same size and shape as your pecks. Your vest seems to have changed a bit as well, stiffening up in the front and looking much closer to the flak vest it was supposed to be (as opposed to the fishing vest you ended up with).

You hear Jax whistle, sounding impressed. "Lookin' good Void Knight! Is that what armor looks like on your world?"

"Well, yeah. Mostly. There aren't many who wear much armor though, a lot of the weapons we use tend to kill you regardless of how much protection you have." You say, continuing to examine your new armor.

"Sounds scary, but then again you guys probably don't have magic armor." He stops and thinks for a moment "Right, the Kema! Let me see your shield for a moment."

You hold out your weapon and Jax punches in a coordinate, causing your sword to glow gold once more. "Normally I'd have to give you a string of coords so you could follow the Aether line, but you don't need those right?"

"Pretty much, yeah."

>Anything you guys wanna ask Jax before you bugger off?

>>29912066
>Sensitive subject, but... That gash... Do you know what caused it?

>>29912066
Give him a calling card, or get one of his if he has one. I'm pretty sure wayknights get them.

Also ask if he can get us the other piecesof the armor. He did mention that others had been found.

>>29912066
calling chrysyal this guy he goes to report his findings we get crossroads

>>29912066
wait, didnt he just punch the coordinates? does that not mean we get sucked off to the next world?
it seems jax didnt want to talk...

>>29912174

"Not really." He says. "We know she got it when she got in the middle of a fight between the leaders of the Proclamation and the Kalkarri. But beyond that we don't know."

>>29912193
"Oh, here." You say, reaching into your crystal pouch.

"No need for that." He tosses you a half crystal. "Let me know if you need help. And don't bother trying to use that to get to the crossroads. I do get the option of not letting you through."

"Damn... I was sort of hoping that would work."

"Normally, it is. If you were a normal recruit, we wouldn't be having this conversation. But everyone has their eyes on you, I doubt I could just let you back to the crossroads without possibly getting kicked out myself.

>>29912182
"I don't suppose you could get me the other pieces of that armor, could you?"

He ponders that for a moment. "The ones that the others found? Probably not. But if I catch wind of where you might find one, or find one myself, you'll be the first to know."

>>29912198
>You have control over it now. If you don't cut the rift, the rift doesn't get cut. If you don't go in, you don't go in.
>You're fairly certain that Nosim was using some sort of spooky magic when you left the crossroads.


>Anything else?

>>29912373
thank you for siding with me...not against

>>29912468
This. Appreciation goes a long way.

>writing

"One more thing Jax." You say, beginning to cut the rift.

"What's up?" Jax replies.

"Thanks. For you help, and for siding with the 'lets not kill him' camp" You say.

"Don't worry about it. I was a bit skeptical about you after our... first encounter. But I guess you're alright. The fact that your here says a lot about you as far as your ability as a Void Knight goes. I'll be sure to tell the Sage Council about this. Just... try not to get yourself killed, alright?"

"Don't want Zeshua getting his way?" You say jokingly.

"A little. But there are a few in the Crossroads who have staked their hopes on you. There wasn't an abundance of hope to be found when news of Thitu's death spread. Having a wildcard around is comforting for some people when the signs point to destruction."

"I suppose I'll take that for what it's worth." You say staring into the darkness before you, as you take your first step towards it. "I'll be in touch."

"May the way guide you onwards." He says with a slight smile.

And then the darkness is all around you, as you sail on to your destination.

>[1/2]

>>29912823
sooooooo, how much of a beard do we have?
bearded saviour of the universe?

You come out of the other end to the sight of green grass as far as the eye can see. It's remind you of Earth. If the sky wasn't, y'know, purple.

In the distance you can vaguely make out a mountain range, adding a feeling of... largeness to the scene.

Off in the other direction you can see a small town, though you can't quite make out what the buildings look like from here.

Well, we're on a new world. Might as well...

>[ ] Head to the town

>[ ] Other (specify)

>>29913024
Ask Vicky why we come out of the rifts where we do. And if there's any way to control where we come out

While heading to town.

>>29913060
This

>writing

<I don't suppose you know why I came out of the rift here as opposed to somewhere use, do you?
>The rift opens at a leyline convergence point when there is no intended destination.
<So I can come out wherever I want?
>No. You can come out in places you have been to before on the world you're travelling to.
<So if I wanted to say... go straight to Hovum rather than get jammed into the middle of nowhere...
>You could go straight to Hovum. So long as you kept it in your mind as the desination while you are in the void.

Sweet, I suppose that'll make things much easier.
> Anything else before I continue on to the town?

>>29913391
Oh fuck, you're asking us.

No, I think we're good.

>I meant to space that out a bit more.

>writing

The walk to the small town doesn't take very long at all, and it isn't long before you can start to make out the details of some of the buildings.

The buildings are all fairly large, with a lot of spacing in between. The shape of each one is different, but they all vaguely remind you of the clocktowers you used to see in books.

The some of the walls on each of the buildings have seemingly random holes in them, showing off the systems of gears that lay within.

As you get closer you can make out the shapes of people milling about. It actually makes the town look fairly quaint.

Entering the city's limits, one of the people you saw approaches you.

As it approaches you, you see that it is in fact, not a person.

It is a robot.

>[ ] OHFUCKROBOTSFUCKFUCKFUCK

>[ ] Friendly greetings

>>29913846
> masters of magic through machines.

Are... are the kema robots?

Also friendly greetings. Suppress robokill reflex.

>>29913846
PTSD Mode Engage. Target Lock Aquierred.

>>29913846
0_0'' Oh my... I play it cool. Friendly greeting... Maybe there are some organic dudes around.

>writing

You have to stop yourself from grabbing your weapon.

Keep cool. This isn't earth, machine out here does NOT mean what it did there.

Who knows? mabe they're friendly.

"Good day stranger. It is not often we get travellers from the fields. How came you by this place?"

Okay, they can talk... Good. Maybe you can ask them if there's a non-robot you can talk to around here.

"Y-yo..." You say, doing your best to supress your panic. "I don't suppose you know where I can find the Kema, do you?"

"I do. We are the Kema."

Oh good.

>roll 1d20

Rolled 5

>>29914293

Rolled 19

>>29914293

Rolled 3

>>29914293

>writing

You can feel sweat dripping down your brow, your breathing is steadily getting heavier.

"S-so you're the Kema?" You ask, attempting to power through the nausea creeping up on you.

"We are. Are you feeling distress?" The robot- no the Kema asks you.

"It's nothing..." You wipe your brow and do your best to catch your breath. The Kema are very much robots, but they don't look like anything you'd see on earth.

They're humanoid in form, and looking around you can see that iron and brass seem to be the prevailing colours. In their joints you can see the occasional gear. Like their buildings some of them have holes in their 'casings', through which you can see more gears. The one in front of you appears to have a ribcage-like pattern, and in his chest you can see a clear glass ball glowing with purple energy.

"I was told that you're the go to guys when it comes to channeling aether through machines." You say, regaining your composure.

"We have not yet come upon another who has channeled aether into machines" The Kema says, tilting its head slightly to indicate confusion.

"You have now." You say, holding out your left arm. "And I need you to teach me."

>End of Chapter 8

>That's all for tonight folks!

>Next thread will definitely be on Sunday this time.

>I'll stick around for a few minutes if anyone has questions

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Cheers OP, it was a nice thread!