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>>38543374
Daniel leads you up to the third floor of the watchtower, explaining a few things to you along the way.

"Now, these lessons might be a tad difficult for you at first, but with patience and concentration, you should learn easily enough. However, it may take some time to effectively put what you learn into practice." He smiles the whole way, seems he's really looking forward to these lessons.

>"Sounds easy enough I guess. Still kind of tired from sparring earlier, will that be fine?"
>"Is it really that easy to learn magic? Erika said she had trouble with it, and I've only met a handful of mages back in Morsland."
>"So what exactly will I be learning today? You mentioned the basics, but what are the basics for magic?"
>Shrug. "I prefer normal sword fighting honestly. Is it really necessary for me to learn all of this?"
>Other

Pizza just got here, will count votes and write once I get back from eating.

>>38543398
>>"Is it really that easy to learn magic? Erika said she had trouble with it, and I've only met a handful of mages back in Morsland."
>>"So what exactly will I be learning today? You mentioned the basics, but what are the basics for magic?"

Hey sparks I got a question. You mentioned in a previous thread that tossing Galadriel would be like throwing an elephant at someone. Doesn't that mean when we fight we are pretty much swinging an elephant or does it change weight when in the Champ's hands?

If its the former we would have pulverized that bandits arm when he blocked during the first combat encounter.

>>38543398
>>"Is it really that easy to learn magic? Erika said she had trouble with it, and I've only met a handful of mages back in Morsland."

Can you ask if having an exhausted body have an effect on learning magic?

Back now, typing as I eat so sorry if I'm a little slower than usual.
>>38543489
As far as you can tell, Galadriel only really feels heavy when someone other than you tries to lift it. Otherwise, every time you've set the sword on a table or swung at a practice dummy, it would have shattered into a hundred pieces. In your own hands, it actually feels pretty light. You could ask Galadriel about it later on if you want more info on how it all works.

>>38543398
>>"Is it really that easy to learn magic? Erika said she had trouble with it, and I've only met a handful of mages back in Morsland."
>>"So what exactly will I be learning today? You mentioned the basics, but what are the basics for magic?"

>>38543398
>>"Is it really that easy to learn magic? Erika said she had trouble with it, and I've only met a handful of mages back in Morsland."
>>"So what exactly will I be learning today? You mentioned the basics, but what are the basics for magic?"

>>38543398
"Is it really that easy to learn magic?" You ask him. "I mean, Erika said she had trouble with it, and I've only met a handful of mages back in Morsland."

"Well, all living things have the potential to manipulate Aether, which is how magic works. It is the raw essence of the world, that which flows through all things, and so we have a limited ability to manipulate it. Not everyone knows how to do so though, and it's probably best that way, as magic can be very dangerous if one is not cautious. And as for Erika..." he scratches his beard, choosing his words carefully. "She is a good person, but she can be somewhat...impatient at times. The nature of magic requires caution and patience, both of which she has difficulty with, and so magic does not come to her easily."

Patience, huh? You could see why Erika would have trouble with that.

"So what exactly will I be learning today then?" You ask. "You mentioned the basics, but what are the basics for magic? I'm still kind of tired from sparring this morning, will that have any effect on it?"

"The manipulation of Aether is tiring, yes, which is why we will stick to something simple for today. First I will teach you the procedure for casting a spell, and then I will have you try to cast some very basic spells. If you at any point feel exhausted however, you should let me know."

The two of you finally stop in front of a large door that's been reinforced with iron. It's the only door you've seen thus far that's like that.

"This is where we will be practicing." Daniel says, opening the door for you. The heavy door creaks loudly when he opens it, revealing a very basic stone room inside with assorted tools and practice dummies lying about. Wait, are those scorch marks on the walls?

>"Uh...are you sure this is safe?"
>"Well, looks like this rooms seen some use."
>"Why are there scorch marks on the walls? Should I be concerned?"
>Shrug, step inside without a word.
>Other

>>38544320
>>"Well, looks like this rooms seen some use."
Probably just fireball practice.

>>38544320
>>"Why are there scorch marks on the walls? Should I be concerned?"

>>38544320
>"Well, looks like this rooms seen some use."
Magic used at its finest.

>>38544320
>>"Well, looks like this rooms seen some use."

>>38544320
>"Well, looks like this rooms seen some use."

>>38544320
>>"Well, looks like this rooms seen some use."
Sounds like something we'd say

>>38544320
>Shrug, step inside without a word.

>>38544320
"I've heard of working up a sweat, but this is ridiculous."
My internet is shitty, so when we get to the fireballs someone PLEASE suggest this pun.

>>38545403
I doubt we'll be slinging fireballs today but if we do I'll remember for you.

>>38545403
I think that's what we'll say when we fail fireball so hard we make waterball

>>38544320
"Well, looks like this room's seen some use." you quip, stepping inside.

"Indeed, this room is the designated area for magic practice inside the watchtower. It is not usually this empty, but the Knight-Captain decided it would be best to give you time to train here alone, as we're not sure how Galadriel will affect your spellcasting."

"Galadriel? How does Galadriel come into play with spells?"

"I will explain that in a moment. For now though, take a seat on the floor."

You oblige, finding a spot not covered in soot to sit down. You're not entirely sure, but you could swear one of those scorch marks on the wall is shaped like a person. You shrug it off for now though, it should be safe. Maybe.

Daniel clears his throat, before beginning his explanation. "As I said before, magic is the manipulation of Aether. This is usually done in one of two ways; the transmutation of the aether in one object into another, the focusing of another or one's own aether reserves to empower them, or the manipulation of another's aether reserves to weaken them. Examples of these are the transmutating the aether in the air into fire, to be thrown at one's enemies, or the empowering of the aether in another's muscles to provide a temporary boost to their strength. If you are not familiar with the nature of aether, this may sound confusing, but it will make sense as we go along. I will also answer any questions if you have any, but if possible I'd like you to hold them until I'm finished."

>>38545440
Definitely.

>>38545644
You shrug. You only know as much about Aether as any normal person would. It's found in everything, from the rocks to the air and especially in living beings. It all comes from the Void, and the world was made when Aureus shaped the raw Aether of the Void into solid shapes, like the earth and sun. You also know that it is never really destroyed, it just changes shape or returns to the Void until something changes it again. Beyond that, you don't know much, it was always a confusing topic that the priests would always go on about.

Daniel continues. "Now, as beings that were made from the aether, all living things have a certain amount of control over it. With practice, one can gain more and more control over aether, but it is always a tiring process. Like physical activity, you will be able to do more before tiring with practice, but at first even basic spells will be tiring."

>>38545671
His face grows serious now as he continues. "The important thing to remember when casting spells is to know your own limits. If you go over your limits, it is possible for you to fall unconscious from the strain. In battle, a spell will tire you as much as extended fighting, so choose when and where to cast a spell wisely. If you should go too far beyond your limits, however, the spell will seek a source of aether to drain in order to complete the spell. Once cast, a spell cannot be cut off until either it is complete or it runs out of aether to fuel it, which means when you cast a spell that is too much for you to handle, it will start drain your own aether reserves until it either has the necessary amount to complete the spell, or you run out. At best, this will shorten your own life span and knock you unconscious. At worse, it will kill you instantly. That is why it is important to practice, to boost your spell endurance and learn your limits. With experience, you will come to know what you can and cannot accomplish safely with a spell. At the start however, it may be difficult to measure your limits, which is why you should practice with small spells at first."

Daniel now sits down in front of you and holds his staff across his lap. "An important tool for the beginning spellcaster is the foci. A foci is an object which the spellcaster can use to focus his spells, which not only makes the spell stronger, but makes it less tiring to cast as well. A foci can be anything, from staffs and wands to rings and trinkets. In most cases however, the object must be enchanted before it can properly function as a foci, so one could not just pick up a stick and use it to channel his spells. Casting without a foci is possible, but difficult and potentially dangerous for someone new to magic. Even the experienced prefer to use them, as they make spellcasting much easier."

>>38545693

"So then what am I supposed to use for a foci?" You ask him.

"You already have one." he says, pointing to Galadriel. "Galadriel has an angel sealed inside. Angels, as well as demons, have a deeper connection to the aether than normal beings, and so magic comes easier to them. Because of your connection to your sword, and the power of Galadriel inside it, your sword should serve as a potent foci for spellcasting. Which is part of why the Knight-Captain wanted us to practice in this room alone, as we don't know exactly how potent it will be as a foci."

"Does that mean magic will be easier for me to use?" You ask curiously.

"In time, perhaps. But a foci is only as good as the one wielding it, so at first it will most likely only be as useful as any other foci. Once you are more experienced however, Galadriel should serve as an excellent foci. In theory, at least."

Huh. You don't quite understand all of this, but you think you have the basics down after listening to him. Spells use aether, casting them is tiring, don't go overboard or it'll be bad, and Galadriel should help with spellcasting.

"Do you have any questions?" Daniel asks. "If not, then we can begin your training."

>Ask about (specify)
>No questions, get started
>Other

Sorry for the long wait and TL;DR update, magic systems apparently take longer to explain than I thought.

>>38545722
>No questions, get started

>>38545722
>Ask about
"Shouldn't this be done in the open, instead of an enclosed space?"

>>38545722
>No questions, get started

>>38545722
If I cast a huge spell, is that going to drain Galadriel?

>>38545671
>>No questions, get started

>>38545722
You shake your head. "No, no questions for now at least."

Daniel nods. "Good, then we can get started. For now, we will start with a very simple spell, illumination. When you are more experienced, this spell can be used to create a bright flash of light to blind others, just as I did when we were attacked by bandits. For now though, I want you to just try and create a small orb of light. Visualize it in your mind, get a good mental picture of it, and then recite this incantation."

Daniel explains the incantation to you, and has you repeat it until you get the pronunciation right. After that, you close your eyes and take a deep breath, visualizing a small floating orb of light, and recite the incantation as Daniel taught you.

>Roll 1d100

Rolled 66 (1d100)

>>38546168

Rolled 10 (1d100)

>>38546168

Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>38546168
MAGIC

>>38546239
BLESS ANON

Rolled 48 (1d100)

I'm scared to look

>>38546357
Open you eyes anon, we're fine.

>>38546357
Didn't link it anyways

>>38546375
Phew

>>38546168
>>38546239
You recite the incantation, and suddenly you feel yourself grow a little tired, like you'd just finished running. When you open your eyes, there is a large floating orb shining very brightly in front of you.

"Very good." Daniel praises. "Not only did you complete the spell without incident, but the light you summoned is quite bright. Most new spellcasters I've had cast this spell could only summon a very dim light on their first try. Perhaps you may have a talent for this."

>"Huh, maybe you're right."
>"Eh, it was probably Galadriel more than anything."
>Shrug "I dunno, I probably just got lucky."
>"Damn, that was really easy. Any other spells you can teach me here? I think this one is easy enough to cast."
>Other

>>38546448
>>"Eh, it was probably Galadriel more than anything."

>>38546448
>>"Eh, it was probably Galadriel more than anything."

>>38546448
>>"Eh, it was probably Galadriel more than anything."

>>38546448
"Damn, that's pretty tiring. I can keep going, but how do I tone this down?"

>>38546448
>>"Eh, it was probably Galadriel more than anything."
>>Shrug "I dunno, I probably just got lucky."
>Other
Lets try a little more difficult one.

>>38546529
He said earlier that its practice, practice, practice.

>>38546552
I was focusing on the reaction. Being scared of overuse, etc.

>>38546448
>>Shrug "I dunno, I probably just got lucky."

>>38546448
"Eh, it was probably Galadriel more than anything."

Daniel shrugs. "Perhaps. But regardless, you did a fine job for someone new to spellcasting. How do feel though, are you tired?"

You shrug. "Sort of. It feels like I just got done running down a long corridor."

He nods. "I see. In that case, we can keep going if you would like, but if you feel you need to call it a day, I understand. I believe you have another training course after this, so if you feel you must conserve your energy for that, I do not mind."

Hm. Well, you feel like you could keep going, but you remember that you have lessons in horseback riding after the break, so you wonder if you should keep going or conserve your energy.

>Keep going, practice Illumination until you get the hang of it
>Keep going, ask to learn a new spell
>Call it a day, you need to keep your energy for horseback riding later
>Call it a day, ask Daniel a question about something before you go (specify)
>Other

Gotta go walk my dogs real quick, will count votes and write when I get back.

>>38546726
>>Keep going, practice Illumination until you get the hang of it

>>38546726
>Keep going, practice Illumination until you get the hang of it

>>38546726
>>Keep going, practice Illumination until you get the hang of it
Basics, fundamentals, etc.

>>38546726
>Keep going, practice Illumination until you get the hang of it

>>38546726
>>Keep going, practice Illumination until you get the hang of it

>>38546726
>>Keep going, practice Illumination until you get the hang of it

Alright, I'm back.

>>38546726
>>Keep going, practice Illumination until you get the hang of it

>>38546726
You figure you'll be fine and decide to keep going. Daniel has you keep casting Illumination until you get the hang of it. At first you do fine, creating more floating orbs of bright light, but as you continue you grow tired, and the orbs you create start getting dimmer and dimmer, until Daniel has you stop.

"That is enough for now, I think you've gotten the hang of this spell. Perhaps next time we will see if you can use the spell to create a bright flash of light, but for now I think it's time we called it a day.

You nod in agreement, trying to catch your breath. You feel as though you'd just run up and down the whole watchtower multiple times.

"Now, I believe this hour you have free time. I would recommend getting some rest if possible, but it is up to you what you do with your time. Just try not to strain yourself."

Well, you're tired as hell now, but at least you have an hour before you have to head to your next training session. What should you do with your free time?

>Go find someone (specify)
>Stay and ask Daniel a question (specify)
>Go back to your room and get some sleep
>Go to the library
>Other

>>38547348
>>Go back to your room and get some sleep

power naps ftw

>>38547348
>>Go to the library
See what they got and also a good place to catch our breath.

>>38547348
library
a bit of research on galadriel, etc

>>38547348
How about we try meditating again and try asking Galadriel some questions?

>>38547348
>Go back to your room and get some sleep

>>38547348
>>Go back to your room and get some sleep

>>38547404
I think the last thing on our training schedule last thread was Meditation, so I'd imagine we'll do that there.

>>38547404
i was thinking about doing that after learning a bit more on what we CAN ask.

>>38547348
>Go back to your sleep and get some room

Counting votes now.

>>38547348
>Go to the library
Magic, anything that catches you eyes.

>>38547542
We should see if we can't find a sleep spell.

>>38547348
You're dead tired now, you could really go for a nap. Trudging up the staircases to your room, you drop Galadriel next to you bed and fall into it, dozing off almost instantly.

-----
A while later, you open your eyes, feeling much better now. You stand up, grab your sword, and wonder how much time you have until your next training session.

The answer to that, unfortunately, comes when you pass by the window in your room. You see a collection of people on horses riding around the field, either practicing with lances and bows on horseback, or running laps around the field.

Shit, you're late!

>Run down to the field as quickly as you can
>No point in hurrying if you're already late. Head down to the field at a normal pacee
>Fuck it, you don't feel like going to this lesson anyways. Go somewhere else instead (specify)
>Other

>>38547701
>>No point in hurrying if you're already late. Head down to the field at a normal pacee

>>38547701
>>Run down to the field as quickly as you can

>>38547701
>>No point in hurrying if you're already late. Head down to the field at a normal pacee

>>38547701
>Run down to the field as quickly as you can

>>38547701
>>Run down to the field as quickly as you can

>>38547701
>No point in hurrying if you're already late. Head down to the field at a normal pacee

>>38547701
>No point in hurrying if you're already late. Head down to the field at a normal pace

We totally got lost, right guys?

>>38547701
>No point in hurrying if you're already late. Head down to the field at a normal pacee

>>38547814
Just be honest. First time casting wiped us out.

>>38547873
Honesty eh? OKAY! Let's -actually- get lost first, THEN say we got lost! Fool-proof plan. Ah yeah.

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>>38547701
Well, no point running if you're going to be late anyways. You make your way down to the ground floor and outside at a normal pace, heading towards the field where everyone is training.

A man who's been sitting on horseback watching while the others drill sees you approach, and rides over. He doesn't look too happy.

"You there!" he calls out to you as he pulls up. "Where in the void have you been, training started thirty minutes ago."

>"Uh...lost?"
>"Sleeping. I had magic training before this and was worn out, sorry."
>"No excuse sir, won't happen again."
>Other

>>38548047
>>"Sleeping. I had magic training before this and was worn out, sorry."

>>38548047
>>"Sleeping. I had magic training before this and was worn out, sorry."

>>38548047
>>"Sleeping. I had magic training before this and was worn out, sorry."
>"Uh...lost?"
Why not both?

>>38548047
>"Sleeping. I had magic training before this and was worn out, sorry."

>>38548047
>>"Sleeping. I had magic training before this and was worn out, sorry. It was my first time casting."

Our magic cherry was just popped, it should be expected we would get worn out.

>>38548107
"I was lost in your eyes."

>>38548140
Did you just hit on the drill instructor?

>>38548140
This

>>38548140
>>38548107
Voting against both of these. Sounds like an excellent way of being made to run laps until our legs fall off.

>>38548208
Yyyeee... nnnnn.... mmmm

So, what kind of horses are these?

>>38548140
Backing.

>>38548047
You decide honesty is the best course of action here. After all, you just started learning magic, if everyone here has learned magic to some extent, then he should understand.

"Sleeping. I had magic training before this and was worn out, sorry."

He observes you for a moment, probably trying to tell if you're lying or not. Evidently he decides your being honest, because he starts to let up.

"Alright then, in that case I will make an exception for your tardiness. From now on though, either get someone to wake you up before training starts, or find a different way to rest after magic training."

You nod. "Yes sir, won't happen again."

"Good. Then head to the stables over there and mount up. Have you ever ridden a horse before?"

In truth, you hadn't. You'd lived in Morsland your whole life until now, so there was never really a need to. "No sir."

"In that case, once you get mounted up I want you to practice doing some laps around the field, get the hang of basic riding."

You do as he says and head to the stables he pointed out. Someone there helps you get a horse saddled and you ride out. You've never really ridden a horse before, so it takes you a little getting used to. Out on the field, you see that some of the recruits are actually racing each other around the track, while others are taking it slow, trotting around slowly or galloping at a medium pace, getting used to riding.

>Go at your own pace, you're not here to show off.
>Eh, it'll make the training session more interesting. Join the race.
>Other

>>38548600
>>Go at your own pace, you're not here to show off.

>>38548600
>Eh, it'll make the training session more interesting. Join the race.
Why not have fun before you die, am I right? Maybe have a natural talent for it.

>>38548600
>Eh, it'll make the training session more interesting. Join the race.
We are a winner and we should act as such.

>>38548600
>>Go at your own pace, you're not here to show off.

>>38548600
>>Go at your own pace, you're not here to show off.

>>38548208

Ahaha.. were going to be hit on too. Literally.

>>38548600
>>Go at your own pace, you're not here to show off.

>>38548600
>Go at your own pace, you're not here to show off.

Riding accidents were the pre-industrial equivalent of car crashes.

Test

Test #2 I think we are back

Ugh, finally. God dammit Moot, stop tripping over th-
Oh. Right. ;_;

Anyways, post coming up in a sec.

>>38548600
You shake your head. Trying to race when you're just now learning how to ride is a pretty dumb idea. You could get yourself or someone else hurt if there was an accident.

You make a few laps around the track, getting the hang of riding. Once you get the hang of trotting, you try moving at a faster pace. By the end of the training session, you think you've gotten the hang of riding for the most part.

"That will be all for today recruits." The instructor who stopped you says to everyone at the end of the training session. "Be ready to ride again tomorrow and remember, be on time." He looks at you as he says this. You probably shouldn't be late next time, or you doubt you'll get off with just a warning.

With that over though, it's time for dinner.
>Go find Erika and Daniel, eat with them.
>Go find Justine, eat with her.
>Try to find all three of them. Things were kind of tense at lunch, but maybe things will go better this time.
>Try to make new friends. See if one of the other recruits wants to join you.
>Other

>>38549021
>>Try to make new friends. See if one of the other recruits wants to join you.

If we see Daniel, though, we should talk to him about our next lesson, and see if we can't get a bit of a headstart on it.

>>38549021
>Go find Erika and Daniel, eat with them.

>>38549021
>>Try to make new friends. See if one of the other recruits wants to join you.
Time for socializing!

>>38549021
>Other
Convince Erika and Justine to have a drink with you and put the past behind or just see them fight it out for funnies.

>>38549021
>Try to make new friends. See if one of the other recruits wants to join you.

>>38549021
>Try to make new friends. See if one of the other recruits wants to join you.

>>38549021
>Try to make new friends. See if one of the other recruits wants to join you.

>>38549155
>"Hey everybody! Catfight at the new guy's table!"

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>>38549021
So far the only people you really know here are Daniel, Erika, and Justine, so you decide it's time you did some socializing. As you and the other recruits head back to the saddle, you make small talk with one of the other recruits. You recognize him as one of the recruits that was racing earlier, in fact you think he was at the head for the most part.

"So, did I miss anything important during the first half of training?" You ask, trying to start a conversation.

"Hm? No, nothing particularly important. Just listened to Sir Wilhelm teach us how to saddle a mount and stay seated on a charge. Simple stuff really."

"Simple, huh? Can't say I know how to do either of those really, so I can't say."

"Ah, never dealt with horses before?"

You shake your head. "Nope, this was a first. Think I'm starting to get the hang of it though."

"That's good then. Say, forgive me for the sudden question, but do I know you? I feel like I've seen you somewhere before."

Ah crap, he's probably talking about when the Knight-Captain introduced you in front of everyone. Seems he doesn't immediately recognize you though, at least not yet.

>"No, don't think we've met before."
>"Remember yesterday, that temporary champion the captain was talking about? That was me."
>"Dunno, I was a guard back in Morsland, maybe we ran into each other there some time?" Change the topic.
>"Maybe. Name's Siegfried, I'm from Morsland. You?"
>Other

>>38549668
>"Dunno, I was a guard back in Morsland, maybe we ran into each other there some time?" Change the topic.

>>38549668
>"Maybe. Name's Siegfried, I'm from Morsland. You?"

>>38549668
>"Maybe. Name's Siegfried, I'm from Morsland. You?"

>>38549668
>>"Maybe. Name's Siegfried, I'm from Morsland. You?"
I KNOW NOTHING!
Except that this is a good opportunity to get to know our fellow recruits.

>>38549668
>"Dunno, I was a guard back in Morsland, maybe we ran into each other there some time?" Change the topic.

>>38549668
You shrug. "Maybe. Name's Siegfried, I'm from Morsland. You?"

"I'm Roland, from Galloway. I think I passed through Morsland on my way here, so maybe we ran into each other at some point."

Galloway? That's the kingdom north of Iseria. You thought his accent sounded a bit strange for an Iserian, but what's he doing this far from home?

"Galloway?" You ask him. "That's pretty far from here. Why did you come here and not go to the Red Watchtower then?"

"And sit around guarding old, half-burned tomes? No thanks. I felt it was my duty to join, but I want to help with the fighting, not with book keeping."

You shrug. "I guess that's fair enough, though I don't think I've ever heard someone say they -want- to fight demons."

"What about you? Why did you join then?"

"It's a long story." You tell him, evading the question. The two of you continue to make small talk over to the dining hall, where the crowds are already starting to gather.

When you both finally make it through the line and into the dining hall, you see Daniel and Erika sitting at one table, and Justine and another girl you haven't met before eating together. Neither groups seem to have noticed you yet.

>Go sit next to Erika and Daniel with Roland
>Go sit next to Justine and the other girl with Roland.
>Find a separate seat for the both of you.
>Other

>>38550259
>>Go sit next to Justine and the other girl with Roland.

>>38550259
>>Go sit next to Justine and the other girl with Roland.
More new friends, sounds good.

>>38550259
>Go sit next to Justine and the other girl with Roland.

>>38550259
>>Go sit next to Justine and the other girl with Roland.

Mystery box!

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>>38550259
You decide to go and sit next to Justine and the new girl. You are out to meet new people, after all.

"Hey, Roland. You mind if we sit next to a friend of mine?" You ask your new friend.

He shakes his head. "I don't mind. Who are you talking about."

"My friend Justine. She's over there." You point over to where Justine and the other person you don't know are sitting.

"Ah, I think I've seen the one with the spear at the training field before. You know her?"

"Sort of. Met her earlier today, she's alright. Never met the one she's sitting next to before though."

The two of you make your way over to the table they're sitting at. Justine is reading a slip of paper when you arrive, and doesn't notice you until you're close.

"Oh, you again." she says with her usual calm tone. "Wasn't sure I'd run into you again after that incident earlier."

"What, you mean the thing with the turkey legs?" You ask. "Yeah, sorry about that. Just needed to get you two to calm down, and that was the first thing that came to mind."

She shrugs. "Well, it worked I guess. Don't do that again though."

"What do you mean? Are you saying you didn't like the turkey?" you say jokingly. No response, well at least that means she's not particularly mad about it anymore.

You and Roland take a seat across from her and the new girl. Roland asks you about the turkey leg incident, and laughs when you explain it to him. As you and him are talking however, Justine and the new girl keep passing a slip of paper between the two of them, jotting something down each time before passing it back. Justine says little unless directly spoken to, and the new girl says nothing at all.

>Don't worry about it, keep talking to Roland.
>"What's with the note passing? Something you don't want us to hear?"
>Talk to Justine
>Talk to the new girl
>Other

>>38550847
>>"What's with the note passing? Something you don't want us to hear?"

>>38550847
>Don't worry about it, keep talking to Roland.

>>38550847
>Don't worry about it, keep talking to Roland.

>>38550847
>>Talk to the new girl

>>38550847
>"What's with the note passing? Something you don't want us to hear?"

>>38550847

>Don't worry about it, keep talking to Roland.

Calling the votes here.

>>38550847
>Ignore it, start passing notes to Roland

File: NewGirl.jpg (1.01 MB, 1062x1314)

1.01 MB JPG

>>38550847
Eh, you figure it's probably not your business anyways. If it concerned you, they'd probably have said something, so you continue talking to Roland while they pass notes back and forth.

"So you said you came from Galloway?" you ask him, getting started on your food. "What did you do there, before you decided to join the Watchtower?"

"I was actually a squire back in Galloway."

"A squire huh? That explains why you seem to know a lot about horses."

"Of course. I used to practice with my teacher every day to fight from horseback."

"So why'd you come here then?"

"Well, in Galloway it is a sort of tradition for squires who are ready to graduate to knighthood to serve at one of the Watchtowers for a year. It is an old tradition from back when the Crusades were still in effect. Most nowadays choose to serve at the Red Watchtower for a year before coming back to be knighted, but I did not want to spend an entire year of my life sitting in an old tower guarding books, so I decided I'd come here instead."

"Seems weird you'd choose fighting demons that cross the border over an easy job guarding books. Have you ever actually seen a demon before?"

He shakes his head. "No, but I can't imagine there would be any particularly dangerous ones crossing the border here. Why, have you?"

>"Yeah, once. Nearly got killed by it too."
>"Nope, but I've heard enough stories to know they're dangerous."
>"Would you believe me if I said I cut one's arm off?"
>"Course not, and I wouldn't mind if it stayed that way."
>Other

>>38551611
>"Yeah, once. Nearly got killed by it too."

>>38551611
>>"Yeah, once. Nearly got killed by it too."

>>38551611
>"Yeah, once. Nearly got killed by it too.
>"Would you believe me if I said I cut one's arm off?""

Insert maximum deadpan as well, please.

>>38551611
>"Yeah, once. Nearly got killed by it too

>>38551611
>"Yeah, once. Nearly got killed by it too."
>"Would you believe me if I said I cut one's arm off?"
>"Course I wouldn't mind if it had stayed that way."

>>38551611
>"Yeah, once. Nearly got killed by it too."
Those were fun times.

>>38551735
He seemed a bit distracted, though.

Maybe he just had a lot on his mind.

This quest anyg ood?

>>38551611
>>"Yeah, once. Nearly got killed by it too."

>>38551611
>"Yeah, once. Nearly got killed by it too."

>>38551805
No get out while you c an

>>38551832
>"Yeah, kill. Nearly got onced by it too."

>>38551805
Flee for the hills!

>>38551840
Is it PGQ bad?

>>38551929
Nothing is that bad

>>38551929

Nah just messin' with ya.

>>38551611
"Yeah, once. Nearly got killed by it too." You tell him. The memory is not a very fond one, so your tone gets more serious when you mention it.

"Whoa, really?" Roland says, legitimately shocked. "What happened? Did it get away?"

"Would you believe me if I told you I cut it's arm off?"

"Wait, seriously? What did it look like, how big was it? How did you run into a demon in the first place?" Roland fires off several questions at once. Clearly he's not very familiar with demons, but then again neither were you until recently. It seems even Justine and the new girl are curious, as they've stopped passing notes and are listening to you.

>Tell him everything, including the part about Galadriel.
>Tell him what happened, leave out the part where you picked up Galadriel
>Tell him you'd rather not talk about it.
>Other

>>38551971
>Tell him what happened, leave out the part where you picked up Galadriel

>>38551805
No, of course not. Run while you can.

>>38551971
>Tell him everything, including the part about Galadriel.
Might as well come clean.

>>38551971
>Tell him what happened, leave out the part where you picked up Galadriel

>>38551971
>>Tell him everything, including the part about Galadriel.
Might as well bite the bullet. Or possibly the turkey leg.

>>38551971
>Tell him what happened, leave out the part where you picked up Galadriel
>>38551995
ok, i will run.

>>38551971
>Other
"He just showed up in Morsland during the festival. I got in a lucky hit while he was facing Erika."

>>38551971
>Tell him everything, including the part about Galadriel.

>>38551971
>>Tell him everything, including the part about Galadriel.

Counting the votes now.

>>38551971
You go ahead and tell him everything, from Andras appearing in a flash of lightning, to your sneak attack from behind, to borrowing the gloves and cutting his arm off with Galadriel, and then finally to how you accidentally picked up Galadriel after you recovered, this time without the gloves.

He listens to you intently through the whole thing, then when you finish he groans in self frustration. "Damn, I knew I heard your name somewhere before. I'm sorry, I wasn't paying much attention to the knight-captain's speech yesterday, so I didn't recognize you."

You shake your head. "Don't be sorry. I'm just some random jackass who picked up a magic sword by mistake and got dragged into all this. I'm not some big damn hero, so don't treat me like one."

He starts to say something, but stops himself. "Well, I don't know. If some 'random jackass' could injure a powerful demon, we probably would have won the Crusades a long time ago."

"He's got a point." Justine finally adds. "You managed to beat me in a sparring match even without Galadriel. Even if it was because I'd gotten careless, that's still pretty good."

The new girl, who still hasn't said anything this whole time, opens a journal she had lying on the table in front of her and rips out a new page, then jots something down. She then hands the paper to you.

[Lucky or not, you should give yourself more credit.]

Okaaay, you don't know why she'd pass you a note and not just say what she wanted to say, but whatever.

>"Whatever you guys say I guess, thanks. Don't start treating me differently because of it though."
>"It doesn't matter. On a different topic though, why the note?"
>"No seriously, just ask Erika. I really was just a random jackass from out of nowhere. You should have seen the look on her face when I came from nowhere and stabbed Andras in the head."
>"I still think there's people way more qualified for the job than me. As matter of fact, anyone want to take this thing off my hands?"
>Other

>>38552485
>"No seriously, just ask Erika. I really was just a random jackass from out of nowhere. You should have seen the look on her face when I came from nowhere and stabbed Andras in the head."
"She was none too happy, let me tell you that" bitch

>>38552485
>>"Whatever you guys say I guess, thanks. Don't start treating me differently because of it though."
>"No seriously, just ask Erika. I really was just a random jackass from out of nowhere. You should have seen the look on her face when I came from nowhere and stabbed Andras in the head."

Ask if the other girl is a mute or under a vow of silence or something.

>>38552485
>"No seriously, just ask Erika. I really was just a random jackass from out of nowhere. You should have seen the look on her face when I came from nowhere and stabbed Andras in the head."

"If you don't mind me asking what's with notes?"

>>38552485
>>"Whatever you guys say I guess, thanks. Don't start treating me differently because of it though."
>"On a different topic though, why the note, Miss... Uh..."

>>38552485
>>"No seriously, just ask Erika. I really was just a random jackass from out of nowhere. You should have seen the look on her face when I came from nowhere and stabbed Andras in the head."

>>38552485
>"No seriously, just ask Erika. I really was just a random jackass from out of nowhere. You should have seen the look on her face when I came from nowhere and stabbed Andras in the head."
>"Whatever you guys say I guess, thanks. Don't start treating me differently because of it though."

>>38552485
>>"Whatever you guys say I guess, thanks. Don't start treating me differently because of it though."

>>"No seriously, just ask Erika. I really was just a random jackass from out of nowhere. You should have seen the look on her face when I came from nowhere and stabbed Andras in the head."
>>Find some way to get quiet girl's name.

>>38552485
You shrug. "No seriously, just ask Erika, I really was just a random jackass from out of nowhere. You should have seen the look on her face when I came from nowhere and stabbed Andras in the head."

This gets Roland and even Justine to laugh. The new girl, however, looks like she's laughing, but no sound comes out.

"I can just imagine the look on her face." Justine says, smiling.

"What was it you said you did when she asked who you were?" Roland says, striking a sarcastic pose akin to what you did back then. "Just some jackass with a sword I suppose." he says, trying to mimic your voice.

"Yeah, something like that." You say with a laugh. "In any case, now that I've told you guys what happened, just do me a favor and don't start treating me differently because of it.

"Oh don't worry." Roland says. "It'd be kind of hard to treat you like a hero anyways after hearing all of that."

You smile. "Yeah, I guess it would be. On a different topic though, I've been meaning to ask something."

"What?" Justine asks.

"What's with the notes, if you don't mind me asking." You ask the new girl, who's still silently chuckling from Roland's impersonation of you. "Can you not talk or something?"

Justine nods. "She's a mute, she can't talk."

The new girl nods to confirm this, then scribbles something down and hands it to you.

[This is how I communicate].

"Okay, that makes sense then. I was wondering why you hadn't said anything this whole time, miss, uh...?"

[Joan.] The new paper says. [Sorry if I seemed distant, I didn't really know who you were.]

"Nah, don't worry about it." You reassure her, going back to the meal you'd been neglecting while telling them your story.

>>38553165
For the rest of dinner, everyone just chats a little (or writes, in Joan's case). Eventually, dinner ends and everyone heads their separate ways. It seems most people are finished with training for the day, but you believe you still have one more thing to go. You look at the schedule you were given this morning, and indeed there is one last thing listed before you're done for the day.

"Meditation, in the chapel on the 5th floor."

Meditation, huh? You suppose they're talking about meditation with Galadriel. You have about a half hour left before you have to head there, so you wonder if there's anything you should do before hand.

>Go there now, get finished early.
>Check the library, see if there's anything you can learn about Galadriel there before you go.
>Find Daniel, see if he knows anything about Galadriel before you go.
>Other

>>38553182
>Check the library, see if there's anything you can learn about Galadriel there before you go.

>>38553182
>>Check the library, see if there's anything you can learn about Galadriel there before you go.

Lore.

>>38553182
>>Check the library, see if there's anything you can learn about Galadriel there before you go.

>>38553182
>Go there now, get finished early.

>>38553182
>>Check the library, see if there's anything you can learn about Galadriel there before you go.

>>38553182
You decide to head to the library real quick and see what you can learn about Galadriel before you go. After all, there isn't really much you know about her or the sword except that the church reveres her and it's really good at killing demons.

The library is past the double doors down the corridor from your own room. Stepping inside, you see several rows stocked with books ranging in size from small journals to large tomes. There is a front desk, where a familiar face is sitting. Joan, the mute you'd just recently met, is sitting there, reading a book.

>Get her attention and ask for help.
>Look around yourself, see what catches your eye
>Other

>>38553417
>Look around yourself, see what catches your eye

>>38553417
>>Get her attention and ask for help.

>>38553417
> Get her attention and ask for help.

>>38553417
>Look around yourself, see what catches your eye

>>38553417
>Get her attention and ask for help.

>>38553417
>Look around yourself, see what catches your eye

>>38553417
>>Get her attention and ask for help.

>>38553417
>Get her attention and ask for help.

>>38553417
You'll probably find more stuff directly related to what you're looking for if you ask for help, so you approach the front desk and get Joan's attention.

"Long time no see." You joke, causing her to look up from her book. "Didn't know you were the bookeeper here."

[Yeah, I am. Is there something you need?]

"Actually, yeah. I was wondering if you could help me find some books about Galadriel real quick."

She thinks for a moment, before scribbling something down on her sheet of paper again. [The sword, or the angel?]

"Both" you answer.

She nods, then scribbles something down again. [Alright, give me one moment]. With that, she gets up and disappears behind the huge shelves. A little later she returns, carrying three books of varying size.

[These should have some relevant information for you.]

The three book covers read "The History of the Crusades", "Angels: A Compendium of the Children of Aureus", and "Heroes of the Crusades".

"Thanks" You tell her. She nods, and goes back to reading her book while you take the books to a nearby table.

>Read "The History of the Crusades"
>Read "Angels: A Compendium of the Children of Aureus"
>Read "Heroes of the Crusade"
>Other

>>38553678
>>Read "Angels: A Compendium of the Children of Aureus"

>>38553678
>Read "The History of the Crusades"

>>38553678
>>Read "The History of the Crusades"

>>38553678
>Read "Angels: A Compendium of the Children of Aureus"

>>38553678
>>Read "Angels: A Compendium of the Children of Aureus"

>>38553678
>Read "Angels: A Compendium of the Children of Aureus

Writing now, this might or might not take a bit.

>>38553678
You figure that "Angels: A Compendium of the Children of Aureus" will probably have the most direct information about Galadriel, so you decide to start there.

The compendium has a table of contents which has the names of various known angels, most of which you have never heard of before, and a listed page number. There are also chapters about the general types of angels there are, as well as chapters dedicated to their hierarchy amongst other things. It seems like there's a lot of interesting info in this book, but you're here for a reason, so you find Galadriel's name in the table of contents and turn to the appropriate page. The page features Galadriel's name in large gold lettering, and bears an illustration of her. It's not entirely accurate, but you do recognize the six wings, large eagle shield, and longsword as hers.

>>38554177
"Galadriel. Type - Seraph. Position - Second member of the first circle of righteousness. Approximate age - 2000 years. Status - Alive, sealed within a sword of the same name.

"Galadriel, known the world over as the patron of the Crusades. She is revered by the church for her dedication and sacrifice in the name of the Crusades. In the First Crusade, she fought alongside her fellow angels as well as humans to repel the invading demonic hordes. Records of the time are sparse, but it is reported that she is responsible for the deaths of at least 300 minor demons, and 20 major ones. Heralded as a hero of the Crusades, she was beloved by both mortal and angel alike, and loathed by demonkind. After the death of Aurelius, the firstborn of Aureus, it was decided by the new Celestial King, Rathanael, that the cost of angelic involvement in the war was too great, and it was declared that the angels were to retreat, never to partake in the Crusades again. Galadriel, furious with this decision, managed to circumvent this new law by sealing herself in her own sword, so that she may indirectly aid the mortals in their struggles against the forces of Malaphas. She has sponsored 27 champions since then, the selection of which has spawned 27 Crusades. Ever since the betrayal of Andras in the 28th Crusade, a ceremony has been held on the day of the Festival of Creation in the hopes of finding a new champion. However, a champion has not been declared for the past 198 years (you check the front of the book. This was published two years ago). Due to the Disaster of the Red Watchtower shortly after the conclusion of the 28th Crusade, no records of the sword's capabilities remain outside of legends surrounding her former champions. These legends are though to be highly exaggerated, but the one consistent factor is it's potency against demons, allegedly searing their flesh on contact."

>>38554200
The entry ends there. So Galadriel was an actual participant in the First Crusade, that would explain why she's so adamant about continuing them. You faintly recognize the other two names mentioned as well, Aurelius and Rathanael. You remember hearing from the priests that Aurelius was the old Celestial King, the original king of angels much like Malaphas is the king of demons, and that Rathanael is the current Celestial King, and actually not very well liked by the church. Beyond that, you don't really know much.

You believe you have enough time to read one more entry before you need to go to the chapel if you wanted, so you decide to

>Read the entry on Aurelius
>Read the entry on Rathanael
>Read the entry on the Circle of Righteousness
>Read the entry on Seraphs
>Read one of the other books (Specify)
>Go to the chapel now, you can read more later.
>Other

>>38554242
>>Read the entry on Seraphs

>>38554242
>>Read the entry on Seraphs
>Read the entry on Rathanael
>Read the entry on the Circle of Righteousness

In this order of relevance.

>>38554242
>>Read the entry on Rathanael

>>38554242
>Read the entry on Seraphs

>>38554242
>Read the entry on the Circle of Righteousness
or seraphs.

>>38554267
>You believe you have enough time to read one more entry

>>38554242
>>Go to the chapel now, you can read more later.

>>38554342
Not really, the implication was to read as many of those in the time we have, I wouldn't expect Sparks to combine 3 options in one post. He writes up any one of those I'll be happy.

Writing, one moment.

>>38554388
I don't think anyone would have gotten that from your vote.

>>38554428
Fair point, I shall endeavor to make my votes clearer and more concise in this quest in the future.

>>38554242
The entry mentioned that Galadriel was a Seraph, so you decide to look at that entry and see what you can learn.

This entry also starts with an illustation, depicting a man with six wings which appear to be on fire, with a large disk of light surrounding his head. He is wearing armor, but no helmet, which is where things start getting weird because you see six eyes on his face, all white and pupiless.

"Seraphs. Number of Wings - Six. Typical Role - Powerful warriors and wise tacticians. Ages - Most living Seraphs range from 1500 to 3000 years old."

"Seraphs, the third highest in the angelic hierarchy. They typically serve as lieutenants in angelic armies, though many have served on the front lines as well. Roughly equivalent to Demon Lords in power, they are powerful angels to be respected and feared. Like most angels, they have both an eldritch and humanoid form, which they will switch between depending on the situation. Seraphs in humanoid form typically look like fair members of one of the humanoid races. They assume this form when dealing with mortals, their disarmingly good looks helping to ease mortal concerns when they appear before them. Their eldritch forms, by contrast, often look grotesque and fearsome. They assume this form when in combat. Both forms, however, bear six wings, which not only allow flight but are also razor sharp, allowing them to be used as weapons while in flight. Seraphs, like Archangels, are also often seen wearing celestial armor and bearing celestial weapons.

>>38554769
"Seraphs are charged with the supervision of a larger area of influence than Archangels or Messenger Angels, watching over entire kingdoms or leading entire battalions to battle. They are quite proud and bear immense power, though they are limited in how the exert these powers just as all angels are by the Celestial Code. They are often the leaders or high-ranking officers of their circles, and embody the virtue of their circle to the best of their ability. Like all angels, they feed off of positive emotion, and are empowered by their circle's virtue.

You finish reading this entry and think on what you've learned. Galadriel is a Seraph, she served in the First Crusade and sealed herself inside her sword, which you are now carrying, after the Celestial King ordered that they pull out of the crusade. Apparently, her wings are razor sharp, and she has two different forms, neither of which you have seen since she's always wearing her armor.

You want to read further, but you have to head down to the chapel soon. You can probably check out one or all of the books Joan brought you and read them later if you want.

>Check out the Compendium
>Check out all three books
>Check out none of them, you've learned most of what you were after anyways, and you'll probably forget about them later.
>Other

>>38554778
>>Check out all three books
Why not? Could be useful.

>>38554778
>>Check out all three books

>>38554778
>Check out all three books

>>38554778
>>Check out all three books
Mental Note: when hit the meditation chambers, ask if Galadriel can show us her eldritch form.

>>38554778
>>"The History of the Crusades"
>>"Angels: A Compendium of the Children of Aureus"

Checkout these two, we have firsthand accounts of the heroes and a lot of people still remember them, anyway.

>>38554778
>>Other
Ask if we can borrow the book to read later

>>38554818
That is what 'check out' means. Because we are in a library. A library we can check books out of. So we can bring them to our room and read at our leisure.

Writing now.

File: Priest.png (355 KB, 900x630)

355 KB PNG

>>38554778
You take all three books up to Joan at the front desk and ask to borrow all three books. She jots down your name as well was the titles of the three books, then passes you a note.

[Done. You can only borrow three books at a time, so make sure to bring these back before borrowing any others. Take care of them.]

You nod. "I will, don't worry." You tell her, before leaving. You drop off the books at your room down the hallway, then head down the stairs to the 5th floor, where your schedule says the Chapel is located.

You step inside, finding yourself in a large room lined with pews. There are stained glass windows in the chapel, depicting scenes from the creation and the crusades. At the front, you see an elven woman in blue robes reading a large tome, who looks up at you when you enter the room.

"There you are." She says with a smile. "I was starting to wonder if you would ever show up."

"Sorry." You apologize. "I just came back from the library, thought I'd do some quick research."

"That is fine. Do you know what you are here for though? From what I heard, you weren't told much about your schedule except where and when to show up."

"I'd imagine it's meditation with Galadriel."

She nods. "Correct. The Knight-Captain would like for you to set time aside to meditate with Galadriel regularly, so he's asked me to keep the chapel open at this time so you'll have a quiet place to meditate. You're free to stay here as long as you like, but the captain would like for you to stay here at least an hour each day. Oh, and before I forget." She picks up a small journal and a quill, then walks over and hands it to you. "I was told to give you these when you arrived. Daniel said that you wanted to keep a record of what you learned about Galadriel's capabilities."

Right, you'd almost forgotten about that. You thank the priest, and find a spot to sit down and meditate. The priest goes back to reading her tome, while you close your eyes and start meditating again.

File: Galadriel.png (359 KB, 512x746)

359 KB PNG

>>38555073
-----
Once again, you are sitting on top of clouds, though this time the sky is orange as the sun is starting to set, just like outside. Galadriel, as always, is standing on top of a mountain peak, observing you.

"You have returned again." she says in your mind. "What brings you here this time?"

>"Nothing really. The Knight-Captain wants me to set time aside to meditate with you, so here I am."
>"I had questions for you." (Specify)
>"Can we just chat? Or do I need a specific reason to come here?"
>Other

>>38555080
>"Nothing really. The Knight-Captain wants me to set time aside to meditate with you, so here I am."
>"Can we just chat? Or do I need a specific reason to come here?"

>>38555080
>>"I had questions for you." (Specify)
ask her about the first crusade and the other things you've learned from the books so far.

>>38555080
>>"Nothing really. The Knight-Captain wants me to set time aside to meditate with you, so here I am."
>>"I had questions for you." (Specify)
"Could you show me your eldritch form? Considering we'll likely be fighting demons I'd like to get some idea of what an otherworldly entity looks like when it means business."

>>38555080
>"I had questions for you." (Specify)
I want to learn more about your ability as a foci, and about a question posed earlier about your weight, and why you don't hit like a truck when you are being held by your's truly...

>>38555080
>>"I had questions for you." (Specify)
First Crusade.
>>"Can we just chat? Or do I need a specific reason to come here?"

>>38555080
>"I had questions for you."
Are you unbreakable and undullable? If I turned you into a rapier or something, would I never have to worry about you bending or breaking like with normal ones?

I read a bit about you in the library. What's up with the angels being called back to heaven? Is there another battlefield somewhere where you and the demons are doing battle?

What ARE demons, and what are angels? Is the difference solely in the traits you represent?

>"Oh, and the Knight-Captain wants me to set time aside to meditate with you, so here I am. Can we just chat and stuff everyday, to get to know each other better?"

>>38555089
>>38555129
>>38555139
these.

Counting votes now.

>>38555080
You shrug. "Nothing really. The Knight-Captain wants me to set time aside to meditate with you, so here I am. Can we just chat and stuff every day, to get to know each other better?"

She observes you for a moment, and you get that strange impression you've gotten from her before that she is confused. "It is unusual for a mortal to ask an angel to 'chat', but I do not mind."

You shrug. "Alright then. I did have a few questions for you though, if you don't mind."

Galadriel shakes her head. "Not at all, what questions do you have for me then?"

Actually, you have a lot of questions for her right now, so you decide to start with a simple one.

"Are you unbreakable and undullable? If I turned you into a rapier or something, would I never have to worry about you bending or breaking like with normal ones?"

"The sword is linked with me, so long as I live it will neither dull nor shatter." she responds matter-of-factly. "Even before I sealed myself in it, it would have taken much to damage it."

You nod. "Okay then, now for my other question. I read a bit about you in the library. Could you tell me about what happened in the First Crusade? Why did the angels get called back to...wherever angels live?"

Galadriel is silent for a moment, before she responds. "In the First Crusade, the Children of Malal rallied under the banner of Malaphas. Not content to live in the Void like us angels, he invaded the Earth, killing or enslaving all in his path. When the mortals could not fend them off, we angels intervened, joining the mortal cause to drive the demons off the Earth. It was a long and bloody war, I have never seen more death in my entire lifespan. Both angels, demons, and mortals fought and died in that war. I myself was a warrior in that war, leading a battalion of my kind into battle. We slew many demons, but the horde seemed like it would never end."

>>38555520
She goes quiet again for a long time, before continuing. "The last great battle of the war was when we met the demonic armies at the place your kind now calls Aurelius's Rest. Malaphas led his armies, and Aurelius, the oldest of my kind, led the mortals as well as the angels. It was the bloodiest battle of the war, and it ended when Malaphas, gravely wounded but still breathing, killed Aurelius and routed our armies." Her tone grows sad as she recounts it. "With Aurelius dead, the title of Celestial King fell to Rathanael, the second born of Aureus. Grieving the death of Aurelius and countless others, he declared that the cause was lost, and ordered that my kind withdraw from the war, back to the Void. I was furious, I did not want their deaths to be in vain, but Rathanael was my king, and I could not disobey him. So I used a loophole in his command, that no angel go to war with Malaphas ever again, and sealed myself within my own blade. I would aid the mortals in their fight against Malaphas, while doing so indirectly enough to still obey Rathanael's command. And that is why I am here, and why my kind no longer aid yours in the Crusades."

You listen to her recount the whole story, then when she finishes you continue on to your next question. "What exactly ARE demons, and what are angels? Is the difference solely in the traits you represent?"

Galadriel shakes her head. "No, there is more to it than that. We are very similar to each other, but our origins are different. Are you familiar with the story of Creation?"

You shake your head. "Only in passing. The priests tell it at the Festival each year, but I never really paid much attention, too busy helping my parents set up shop when I was a kid, and too busy doing my job as a guard to listen."

>>38555533
"I see. Then I will be brief. All you need to know is that Aureus, the being who created your world, and his twin brother Malal, the being who created the various monsters that plague your world, went to battle a very long time ago, not long after your creation. The battle ended when they both slew each other. But both beings were born of the chaotic raw Aether in the Void, and so their very essence gave rise to new life. From the blood of Aureus came my kind, led by the oldest of our kind, Aurelius. And from the blood of Malal came the demons, led by the oldest of their kind, Malaphas. My kind, born of the benevolent creator, thrive off of prosperity and virtue, while the demons, born of the malevolent destroyer, thrive off of destruction and vice. We are similar, because we are both born from the original being who created this world, but we are different, because we are anathema to each other. Yet for a time there was a wary peace between us, living in the emptiness of the Void, until Malaphas came to Earth to wreak havoc upon your kind, the enemies of their progenitor."

Most of what she says sounds vaguely familiar to you. You recall bits and pieces of it from hearing the priests at the Festival of Creation, but you don't remember the whole story. If you wanted, you could probably ask one of the priests here, or find a book about it in the library.

>>38555539
"Is that all the questions you have for me?" She finally asks.

You think for a moment. "Hm. Well, maybe one. I remember when I was trying to learn more about you, it mentioned that your kind have two different forms, one for combat and one for out of combat. Could you show me that form? Considering we'll likely be fighting demons, I'd like to get some idea of what an angel looks like when it means business."

Galadriel studies you closely, and you get another weird impression that she is...cautious? "You read correctly. However, I will warn you now that our natural forms are terrible sight to behold. If you insist, I will do so, but are you sure you want to do that?"

>You're curious. Tell her yes.
>On second thought, this is probably a bad idea. Tell her never mind.

>>38555552
>>You're curious. Tell her yes.

>>38555552
>You're curious. Tell her yes.

>>38555552
>You're curious. Tell her yes.
As long as it doesn't make a mortal bleed from any of his various orifices I'm cool with that.

>>38555552
Take a moment to steel yourself.
>You're curious. Tell her yes.

Rolled 43 (1d100)

>>38555552
>You're curious. Tell her yes.
rollin for san loss!

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>>38555552
>You're curious. Tell her yes.
I see absolutely no way that this can go wrong...

File: OhShit.gif (2.21 MB, 200x174)

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>>38555552
Somewhere in the back of your mind, you know this is probably a bad idea, but you're curious.

"I'm sure." you tell her, even as you wonder if you really are.

"Very well then." She says seriously. Suddenly the orange sky grows dark, and you see the six golden wings on her back become wreathed in fire. The armor she's wearing begins to dent outwards, until she breaks free of it and ohshitohsitohshitohshitwhatthefuckwhyaretheresomanyeyeswhatevenarethoseAHHHHHHHHH

You awaken from your meditation in a cold sweat. You can feel your heart beating rapidly in your chest, and your eyes dart across every corner of the room in a panic. The priest approaches you swiftly, concern on her face.

"Is everything alright? Are you okay, what happened?"

>"Oh Aureus the eyes, why were there so many eyes?"
>"Nothing, nothing. Just...saw something kind of rough while I was meditating."
>"I'm fine, don't worry. Just...give me a moment to catch my breath, I think I'm done meditating for today."
>Other

>>38555596
Damn, you posted that gif before I could.

>>38555678
>"I'm fine, don't worry. Just...give me a moment to catch my breath, I think I'm done meditating for today."
>"Oh Aureus the eyes, why were there so many eyes?"

So I'm assuming the form she appears to us normally as is her out of combat form?

>>38555678
>>"I'm fine, don't worry. Just...give me a moment to catch my breath, I think I'm done meditating for today."
>"Oh Aureus the eyes, why were there so many eyes?"

>>38555678
>>"Nothing, nothing. Just...saw something kind of rough while I was meditating."
Talk to the sword and excuse ourselve for cutting the meditation short

>>38555678
>"Nothing, nothing. Just...saw something kind of rough while I was meditating."

Go back to meditating.
"You were right, that was very hard to look at."

Also Sparks you holding up over there okay. Its like 7 am where you are at.

>>38555678
>"Nothing, nothing. Just...saw something kind of rough while I was meditating."

>>38555696
It's her humanoid form, yes, though you've never really seen past her armor. Well, until now that is.
>>38555718
Oh shit, you're right. I'm holding up fine, I got some sleep in during the day just in case. How about you guys, you guys doing alright?

>>38555678
>"Nothing, nothing. Just...saw something kind of rough while I was meditating."
>"I'm fine, don't worry. Just...give me a moment to catch my breath, I think I'm done meditating for today."

>>38555678
>>"Oh Aureus the eyes, why were there so many eyes?"
>>"Nothing, nothing. Just...saw something kind of rough while I was meditating."

>>38555737
>Well, until now that is.
So is she all eyes all the time? I'm confused because it says they have two forms, one for combat and one out of combat and she showed us her 'true' form, so which is which?

>>38555737
>Our angel took all her clothes off for us.
>And it was soul rendingly terrifying.

Good times, good times.

>>38555678
>Other
"Nothing, just a bad dream. I seem to have fallen asleep, nothing to worry about"
No sense in scaring the poor priest with your psychobabble about the warp over taking Galadriel

>>38555754
Humanoid form is the form they use so they don't make every mortal that sees them roll a san check essentially. Eldritch form is their 'true' form, though they can switch between them at will so it's not a very true 'true' form if that makes sense. As for if she's all eyes all the time, I'll leave the details to your imagination.

>>38555785
So, its more like a disguise, to keep our brains at the proper consistency....
Works for me, let's never do that again

>>38555785
meh, I was hoping they only turned the eyesmode on just for srs bznz fighting and were otherwise humanoid, kinda shitty and a turn off that they are always terrifying abominations just using disguises

>>38555785
So no Swordwaifu? Me sads.

>>38555678
"Nothing, nothing. Just...saw something kind of rough while I was meditating."

The priest looks concerned. "Are you sure you're alright? If you feel you need to, you can go ahead and leave early, I'll just tell the knight-captain you weren't feeling well."

>"Yeah, I think I'm done for today. Thank you."
>"No, it's fine. I can keep meditating."
>Other

>>38555835
>>"Yeah, I think I'm done for today. Thank you."
let's go hang out with someone before we hit the hay.

>>38555835
>>"No, it's fine. I can keep meditating."

>>38555835
>"No, it's fine. I can keep meditating."
So, just how much of a SAN loss did we suffer?

>>38555835
>Other
i'm just going to take a short break.

>>38555814
Eh, maybe I'm just wording this poorly. When I say true form, I mean "this is what they look like when the chips are down and shit's gotten serious". They can switch between them at will, so really either from could be considered their true form. They typically don't pull out their eldritch form unless it's serious fight time though. And as for their humanoid form, it isn't so much a disguise as it is just another face they can put on when they feel like it. Angels are weird and confusing.

>>38555858
No actual mental damage, just "Holy shit what the fuck did I just see". I wouldn't get into a staring contest with her when she's like that though if I were you.

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>>38555826
Unless of course you're into that sort of thing...

>>38555835
"No, it's fine." You tell her. "I can keep meditating."

The priest looks at you worriedly, but gives in. "Alright then. Please do not strain yourself though."

You nod, then go back to meditating, trying hard to get the image of Galadriel's eldritch form out of your head.

----
Once again, you are sitting above the clouds in front of the mountain peak. The sun is close to setting, and so most of the sky is now dark, though there is a sliver of orange where the sun is setting. On top of the mountain peak is Galadriel, back in her normal form.

"I tried to warn you." She chastises.

>"Yeah, I probably should have listened, sorry"
>"Okay. Remind me never to do that again."
>"Sweet Aureus in the Void, what the fuck was that?!"
>"Sorry about that. Moving on though, I wanted to ask you something." (Specify)

>>38555972
>"Yeah, I probably should have listened, sorry"
>"Okay. Remind me never to do that again."

>>38555972
>>"Okay. Remind me never to do that again."
>>"Really though, why in Aureus' name do you need so many eyes in that form?!"

>"Sorry about that. Moving on though, I wanted to ask you something." (Her thoughts on the current king of angels and his political leanings)

>>38555972
>>"Sorry about that. Moving on though, I wanted to ask you something." (Specify)

"How does the current Celestial king feel about your action to become a holy weapon?, and will it ever be possible for angels to become involved again in the crusades?"

>>38555972
>"Sorry about that. Moving on though, I wanted to ask you something." (Specify)
>"How exactly do you live in that sword without dying or going insane from boredom? Is this an angel thing or a lot of willpower?"

>>38555972
>"Yeah, I probably should have listened, sorry"
>"Okay. Remind me never to do that again."

>>38555972

>...that was AWESOME

>>38556127
Why do all the best write ins always come in last?

>>38555972
"Yeah, I probably should have listened, sorry. Remind me never to do that again."

"Indeed." She says. Through whatever weird connection it is that lest you tell what she's feeling, you get the impression that she's...amused? Wait, does she find your reaction funny?

You shake your head. "Moving on though, I wanted to ask you something. How does the current Celestial King feel about your action to become a holy weapon? Will it ever be possible for angels to become involved again in the crusades?"

She shakes her head. "He did not take it well. I believe he means well, he is only trying to protect my kind, but I do not agree with his decision. When I sealed myself inside my sword, he was outraged. But the deed was already done, and he could not take me back to the Void without enraging others who share my opinion on the war, so I he has allowed it. But as for my people becoming involved in the Crusades again...it is possible, but not by much. Rathanael is the oldest living of our kind, and he is not easily swayed once he has made up his mind. It would take nothing short of a miracle to change his mind at this point, and even if the others want to help, they will not oppose the king's decision."

>>38556298
"So much for that then." You say with a shrug. You didn't really expect much, if the angels were going to get back into the Crusades, they would have done it a long time ago. "But how exactly do you live in this sword without dying or going insane from boredom? Is this an angel thing, or a lot of willpower?"

"It is both." She says. "It may be hard for a mortal to understand, but to us angels who do not die from age, the passage of time means much less than it does to your kind. Though I will admit, there have been times when my resolve has been tested, but my will is like iron. I have seen too many die in the Crusades to give up now, and I have seen too many suffer in the Forsaken Lands under the tyranny of Malaphas to turn my back on them. Even if it takes an eternity, I will wait as long as it takes to slay Malaphas and drive the demons out of this world."

Well, while you don't necessarily agree with everything she's saying, you have to admit she's dedicated. Maybe it's an angel thing.

"It is getting late." Galadriel says. "Do you have anything else you wish to say to me? If not, then I would suggest getting some rest."

>You have nothing else to say. End the meditation.
>You have one other thing to say (Specify)
>Other

>>38556298

Ask her if the demon lords look as impressive in their final form and how are we supposed to not break down should we happen to end up facing one

>>38556310
>>You have nothing else to say. End the meditation.
lets go see if we can hang out with the others before bedtime

>>38556310
"How is your sex life?"

or alternatively
>You have nothing else to say. End the meditation.

in either case thank the angel for the chat before going.

>>38556310
>>38556326
>>38556335
Supporting both of these. They are both clearly relevant questions.

>>38556310
>You have one other thing to say (Specify)
>"Don't treat me like a stranger, if there's anything on your mind feel free to ask."

>>38556326
This
All of this

>>38556310
A thought occurs to you. "Do the Demon Lords look as impressive in their final form? How am I supposed to not break down if I ever end up facing one?"

"It should not come to that." She reassures you. "The remaining four demon lords do not leave the Forsaken Lands. If for some reason they did though, you need not worry about breaking down. My kind take a fearsome visage when we go into battle, but what demons are capable of doing something similar do not look like us in our battle form. They are terrifying, to be sure, but not in the same way as my kind is when in battle form. If you were to ever encounter one, your thoughts should be less on their appearance, and more on not being slaughtered by them."

Well that was...reassuring, you guess. With that, you have no other questions for her.

"Thank you Galadriel. I don't have any other questions for you."

She nods. "Very well then. In that case, I suppose we shall see each other again tomorrow."

With that, you end the meditation. When you open your eyes, you see that it is dark outside. The priest in blue robes sees you return to consciousness and walks over.

"Finally finished meditating I see. It's been a little over an hour now, you're free to go now."

"Thank you ma'am." You tell her, before leaving to

>Go find someone (Specify)
>Go to bed. You have training again tomorrow, so you need to be rested.
>Go back to your room and read one of those books you borrowed.
>Other

>>38556501
>Other
Get supper then head to bed.

>>38556501
>>Go find someone (Specify)
go find erebody, have a good time with all the friends

>>38556513
we already got dinner before meditating

>>38556501
>>38556513
supporting this

>>38556523
supper is not dinner, it is supper you plebian

>>38556531
and? we just ate, no need for that shit again.

>>38556501
Go back to the room and read a bit from the books before going to sleep
>>38556531
Are we a hobbit?

>>38556538
Truly you are a member of the peasantry... It is not merely 'that shit again'.

>>38556531
It's...not? Everyone I know has always used the terms interchangeably.

>>38556548
its like you want us to get fat.

>>38556550
It is not, supper usually refers to a light pre bed meal, usually not much but fulling nonetheless and helps to digest dinner fully.

While some people use the terms interchangeably incorrectly, supper is NOT dinner, nor close to being it.

>>38556514
I second this

>>38556553
Dude, we need to load carbs the night before training, and protein during the day because the training is going to kick our ass.

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>>38556513
psssh he still uses the word supper like an old person.

Looks like we have a tie, so here's the tie breaker. Reply to this post with the number of your vote, I'll be closing the votes in two minutes.

1.) Get supper
2.) Have a good time with your friends

>>38556639
1

>>38556639
2

>>38556639
2

>>38556501
You decide that now that you don't have any more training sessions left, you should go find all your friends and do something together. The question, what?

>See if Gunther will give you all some ale
>Go and spar each other
>Just hang out and chat
>Other

>>38556673
>Go and spar each other

>>38556673
>>See if Gunther will give you all some ale

>>38556673
>>Just hang out and chat

>>38556673
>>See if Gunther will give you all some ale
>>Just hang out and chat

>>38556673
Ale it is.

Or even better spar with each other while drinking ale!

You know, we should probably write down all the info we just learned.

>>38556720
>Or even better spar with each other while drinking ale!
thats a terrible idea

>>38556729
we should do that before getting too drunk or going to bed, try and keep a diary

>>38556673
Let's drink. Also tell one of the girls to wake us up in the morning.

Looks like another night of drinking it is. Writing.

>>38556729
Seconding this. We should write down everything we learn in meditation while we eat.

>>38556762
Ask someone to wake us up tomorrow, before we forget.

>>38555810
Actually, I'd put my vote against never doing that again.
We need to desensitize ourself to eldritch bullshit.

>>38556861
Then ask her next time to train our will power that way so next time we see some monstrosity we can laugh at it.

>>38556673
You decide that one more night of drinking with friends couldn't hurt, so you head down to Gunther's kitchen to see if he will give you another keg of ale.

"You want another keg?" He says when you get down to the kitchens and ask him. "I suppose it's fine if you take one more, but this will be the last one for a while, you can't be drinking every day after all."

It hadn't actually been your intention to do that, but you suppose he has a point. With that done, you go around the Watchtower looking for everyone. It takes a while to find them all, but eventually you manage to find Roland, Joan, Erika, Justine, and even Daniel and lead them back down to the kitchen.

>>38556906
"Keg's over there, and I left some mugs on the table for ya." Gunther says. "You can drink in here if you want, just don't leave a mess for me in the morning." After that, he leaves.

"You actually managed to talk him into giving you another keg?" Erika asks. "Nice."

"I didn't even know there was actual liquor here." Roland says. "I'm glad to be wrong."

Joan, of course, says nothing.

Justine stays close to Joan, passing notes with her from time to time, and generally avoiding Erika. "Thanks for inviting us." She says simply.

"Thank you for inviting me here as well Siegfried, you're very kind, as is Gunther." Daniel says. He then leans in and whispers to you "Just please, keep an eye on Erika. I'm sure you've heard what happens when she drinks too much."

Everyone grabs a mug and starts to socialize. Justine and Erika seem to be avoiding each other, but at least they're not outright hostile like they were at lunch. You grab a mug as well, but decide to jot down some things about what you learned while meditating with Galadriel in your new journal first. It also occurs to you that you should probably get someone to wake you up tomorrow morning, in case you oversleep. The others who have been here a while seem to have adapted to the tower schedule, but as you've learned from sleeping in during horseback training today, you still need to get adjusted.

>Ask Erika to wake you up tomorrow
>Ask Roland to wake you up tomorrow
>Ask Daniel to wake you up tomorrow
>Ask Justine to wake you up tomorrow
>Ask Joan to wake you up tomorrow
>Don't ask anyone, you'll be fine on your own.

Also,
>Talk to _____ about ______