>>41179223
>Last time on Magus Hunter Quest: You went up North to find the final Magical Circle made by Tobias Patterson, and after a short stop at the entrance of the Fae-addled caves, found the man himself in a gigantic magical circle. He seemed to be quite mad but non-violent, and after promising him to meet Wooster again you took him home with you.

>Minor retcon: I said Wooster and Tobias were in the common room. My mistake, they’re now in one of the empty rooms on the ground floor.

There’s a few things you have to tell your team, so once dinner is finished you gather them up and take them to the common room, where you face 6 curious faces.

“Something’s been going on, and while I’ve told you all of the reality bending things, I haven’t really kept you in the loop on the more recent developments. There’s some kind of outsider being that’s keeping track of me. Some kind of reality-scale Abyssal, and apparently I’m one of the few people that resist its influence. So that’s why it’s sent something to observe me. I have no idea what exactly it is, but Wooster was unable to detect it.” You tell them of when your window was openend, and briefly summarise what you spoke of to the Oculus Primus, glossing over the exact nature of your communication channel. “I don’t want to alarm anyone, but I want you to be prepared. Whatever this thing is, for now it’s just observing, learning more about me. It could have killed me and it didn’t, but that might still change.

You can tell your team doesn’t really know how to deal with the news. Milly knew already of course, but she was the only one. Raphael and Katherine get worried for your sake, and Raphael promises to double-check all the warding spells and add new ones, Katherine mostly just worriedly inquiring after your own mental and physical health. Nathan and Liam stay quiet. Nathan feels it’s out of his comfort zone and just doesn’t know what to do, but Liam has a calculating look on his face. You didn’t outright state that this was a global threat, but Liam seems to have picked up on it.

Then there’s Blake. Blake is unusually quiet and withdrawn. You can’t read anything off of him at all. While not that unusual considering his abilities, his emotional responses are normally strong enough to break through that.

With that bomb dropped, you dismiss the team to have the afternoon off and you withdraw to your office. While you’re still in the early stages of your report about Tobias, someone knocks on the door. You let him in and it’s Blake.

>1. Yes Blake? What’s wrong?
>2. Have a seat. What can I help you with?
>3. Could this wait? I’m rather busy with reporting on the morning’s events.
>4. Write in.

>>41179264
>>1. Yes Blake? What’s wrong?

>>41179264
>2. Have a seat. What can I help you with?

>>41179478
>>41179588
Back from food, and writing.

>>41179264
>2. Have a seat. What can I help you with?

“Have a seat, Blake.” You gesture to one of the chairs in front of your desk. “What can I help you with?”

Blake looks uncharacteristically serious as he sits down. “I think it’s the reverse actually.”

You’re not entirely sure how to respond to that, and he takes your silence as permission to continue. “What you described earlier, it…” You notice it’s a bit emotional for him. “It sounds a lot like what I went through. The whole ‘Being stalked by otherworldly entity’. When I was ‘marked’ as they later told me it was called, I often felt like things weren’t the way they were supposed to be. Feeling as if someone was following me. I even called the police once because I thought I was being stalked.”

You nod, not entirely sure where he’s going with this. “So yeah, I was thinking that it seemed suspiciously similar, and When I was first deployed, I noticed that Abyssals were afraid of me. Or at least the closest thing those creatures have to it. I fought a few of them, and they seemed confused around me, not quite committing to any attacks and defending poorly against my own. I might be good against whatever you’re dealing with as well.”

>1. Thanks Blake, I appreciate that.
>2. Thanks, but we’ll see when we get there.
>3. Sorry Blake, but I think this is out of your league. Hell, it’s probably out of my league as well.
>4. Write in.

>Captha: mark 2 with soup. Check the box, only 1 with soup. FFS.

>>41179806
>2. Thanks, but we’ll see when we get there.

>>41179806
>4. Write in.
"You're not proposing to bunk with me, are you?"

>>41179903
>>41179905
writing.

“You're not proposing to bunk with me, are you?" You smirk at him. He lets out a bark of laughter. “And thanks, but we’ll see when we get there.”

Blake nods. “I understand. And I suppose I was being a bit gloomy there. Thanks sir.” He gets up and moves to the door. “Now unless you have anything you want to talk to be about, I have a computer game with my name on it waiting for me.”

You let him go, and turn back to your report. You wonder just what you want to tell the Order. It’s a delicate matter, and as you’ve noticed from your father’s involvement, it’s a very politically high profile matter now. The Oculus probably isn’t to be trusted with it. They’d study it, then most likely hijack the circles for their own experiments. The Cerebrum will turn things into a political game, and the Vindex will check it out and try to pawn it off to either of the other two unless they can weaponise it. An image of a magical nuke of some kind flashes through your mind. They wouldn’t go that far, but someone else might. It's a LOT of magical energy being channeled to that place. That makes it your duty to make sure it’s locked up for good.

And with that, you call Lilliana.

>You’ll tell her about finding the circle, but do you also:
>1. Tell her you have Tobias with you.
>2. Tell her it was meant to resurrect someone but it failed.
>3. Tell her everything, completely uncensored.


>If you don’t tell her about Tobias but do tell her about the purpose, you might need to think up of a way how you could have found that out.

>>41180146
>3. Tell her everything, completely uncensored.

>>41180146
>2. Tell her it was meant to resurrect someone but it failed.
If the line's secure hint that Tobias is still alive

>>41180146
>3
I believe Tobias to be a danger to us of some sorts.
Keeping him here might get us into trouble later on.

>>41180146
>3. Tell her everything, completely uncensored.
yeah keeping information from our organization is the kind of stupid shit politics is made of.

>>41180185
I disagree. He could be extremely useful in our efforts against this abyssal.

>>41180216
I'm not saying he can't be useful but we're dealing with a madman here.
Saying he's unstable is quite the understatement and if anyone from the order finds out...

>>41180179
>>41180180
>>41180185
>>41180199
Saying everything it is.

>>41180280
he hasn't reacted to anything violently yet and we're part of the order. if they want him to go somewhere they will have to convince him but he's not a direct threat to us.

>>41180280
I think your opinions are stupid and ill informed and you should extricate yourself from premises forever.
filthy namefag

>>41180347
what he was doing has a name: necromancy
I do think people frown upon these practices

>>41180393
Very stupid indeed.

>>41180393
there is nothing inherently evil about necromancy.
He literally spent decades making the most complex magical circles in existence just to bring a single person to life and failed completely.

“Good afternoon Weston.”

“Hello ma’am. Is there anyone near you?” You ask. She immediately gets the intention and you hear her say something to the people around her and move away. A faint thump on the other end of the line probably indicates a door closing behind her.

“The line’s secure. What’s the matter?”

You tell her about the circle, about Tobias. Everything. Including your musings on how the different branches of the Order would use it.”

“Bloody hell Weston, what did you get us into.” She’s obviously not blaming you, more lamenting the fact that she has to deal with it. You can almost hear her head crunching as she thinks things through. “Ok, keep him with you for now. I’ll try to contact the Arch Magus directly. He’s often times not too involved in the down-to-earth business we deal with nowadays, but I think a three hundred year old mad genius might interest him. That way he’s out of reach of any of the branches, and I’ll urge Assistant Vindex Gilligan to put this towards the Vindex Primus and get him to secure the circles. Just keep him safe and let as little as you can slip out to any of the other branches.”

>Any Questions?
>1. Write in.
>2. Lay in the call.

>>41180481
>1. Write in.
I highly doubt I can keep this from Oculus considering my liaison.

>>41180439
>>41180404
>>41180393
There is nothing inherently evil about Necromancy, mostly because most of its forms are impossible. The closest thing to it would be animating corpses, effectively turning them into golems of some kind, which is highly inefficient to do with corpses and would more easily be done with most other materials.

Also
>spent decades
Centuries. Three of them.

>>41180481
I'll try. What should I do in case someone, maybe oculus, finds out?

>>41180527
>>41180564
Writing.

>>41180527
>>41180481
1. "I'll request that my liaison with the Oculus put off giving any more info to a degree."

“I highly doubt I can keep this from Oculus considering my liaison, so what do I do about it if they find out?” You ask.

“Shit. She that much of a snitch?” Lilliana asks. Oh right, she’s most likely not aware of the nature of Milly and her sisters.

“They keep a very close eye on her. I don’t think she’s capable of keeping many secrets even if she wanted to.” It’s true, and you’d rather not reveal Milly’s origin without her permission.

“Hmm, that might complicate matters a bit. I’m not sure how the Oculus would respond to this. I doubt they’d try to acquire him through official channels since that’d reveal his existence to the Cerebrum and it’d be a political battle. The main problem would be the circle, which right now falls under their jurisdiction considering they’re the ones monitoring the site. Unless they go directly for Tobias I doubt you can do much. If you think you can trust Agent Hackland herself, try to find something to keep it hidden. I’ll try to pull some favours to keep her out of trouble if they find out about it. Do inform me if you find out they know.”

“Very well ma’am. I’ll do my best.”

You lay in the phone and think about how to handle this. If you remember correctly, Milly only ‘uploaded’ her day’s experiences and knowledge in the evening, so she most likely hasn’t informed her sisters yet.

You’re about to get up when suddenly a book next to you flies open. You flinch back until you realise it’s Grebin’s catalogus. The Leprechaun’s voice rings out from it.

“GREETINGS CUSTOMER! I am pleased to announce to you that Grebin’s Emporium for Magical Goods and Services is open for business again!” It proceeds to spout marketing terms for a moment but after that it tells you the place he relocated to. It’s a lot closer to your place actually, only a five minute drive to the north-east if you’re not mistaken.

Eventually the book shuts up after proudly declaring that his new stock holds some of the finest ‘Grahak’ and ‘Kmitosh’, which sound like things vomited up by a troll. Curiosity overtakes you for a moment and leafing through the book reveals that you weren’t far off. Goblin Delicacies. Yuck.

>1. Go Talk to Milly
>2. Relax with the team for now.
>3. Go talk to Tobias.
>4. Write in.

>>41181032
>1. Go Talk to Milly
This is going to suck.

>>41181032
>1. Go Talk to Milly

>>41181032
>1. Go Talk to Milly
We need to talk to the head of Oculus. The Vindex isn't perfect and a political battle should bog down anyone wanting to use it.

>>41181083
>>41181104
>>41181160
Writing.

A quick enquiry with Wooster reveals that Milly is where you were already heading, namely her observatory. You softly knock on the door, and wait for a moment. Five seconds later, it opens and Milly drags you in, closing the door behind you. She’s still incredibly protective of her room, but she’s learnt to trust you with it at least.

“Yes sir?” She turns to you with her regular neutral look.

“I’m here about Tobias, and the whole Order’s involvement with him.” You say. She continues to stare at you, and you know her well enough by now that it means that she is waiting for you to continue. “I’ve talked to my superior about it, and we both think it’s best for the Order as a whole that the Oculus doesn’t learn about the magical circle we found and Tobias yet. You of all people know well enough that they’d like to do some experiments on the border of the ethical with that circle.”

“I don’t see the issue sir.”

Right Ethics, they probably weren’t too big on that when they were raising her. “The Vindex will most likely keep things under the wraps well enough, and prevent any abuse of the circle. It’s a dangerous thing, and I don’t think anyone should tamper with it until Tobias comes to his senses enough to show us how it actually works. Which might take a few decades or so considering his mental state. I’m just saying that it would all simplify things considerably if the both the Oculus and the Cerebrum are kept out of the loop for a while.”

Milly looks at you with a confused look on her face. “So you as a member of the Vindex are simply claiming it for the Vindex before any of the other branches get the chance? Simply because you found it, bypassing all protocol considering these finds?”

>1. That’s not what I mean. I want to make sure the circle isn’t used at all.
>2. There’s protocols for something like this? What do they say?
>3. Write in.

>>41181534
>1. That’s not what I mean. I want to make sure the circle isn’t used at all.
>3. Write-in
And no, I'm not claiming it for anyone. This case is heading directly under Arch Magus supervision. Until he is informed it'd be best for no one to learn of this.

>>41181534
3. There's protocols and what will happen. I would personally love to follow the letter of the law, it's just that life doesn't work out well if that's all I do. I'm trying to make sure this doesn't turn political, and that it stays within the realm of the rules, by making sure several people who can keep it that way are informed enough and ready enough to keep it that way when it goes public. I want to keep this project in the light of scrutiny, not have it claimed and shrouded by someone with political motives.

>>41181534
>>41181611
second this... and appeal a bit to our mutual trust?

>>41181534
>2. There’s protocols for something like this? What do they say?
why do we think Vindex is any better?

>>41181749
This, it might be a good point to consider which will be best.

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>>41181611
>>41181716
not using circle, going to Arch Magus.

>>41181749
>>41181785
Tell us of the protocols.

Tie.

>>41181877
Why not both, I don't see how they are mutually exclusive.

>>41181944
>>41181877
Fair enough. Writing.

>>41181877
Let's hear the protocols, then go to Archmagus?

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>>41181877
>tell us about

“That’s not what I mean. I want to make sure the circle isn’t used at all. I'm not claiming it for anyone. This case is heading directly under Arch Magus supervision. Until he is informed it'd be best for no one to learn of this.”

Milly starts thinking about that, but something she said earlier piqued your interest. “Also, protocols? There’s protocols for something like this? What do they say?”

“Ah. Well, it’s a long piece of legislature.” Milly considerably perks up when you ask for complicated and long explanations it seems. “The first step in protocol would be for whichever branch of the Order that finds it to report it to their superiors, who will judge whether or not it is classified as a type Omega event, Omega being the highest risk factor possible as you no doubt have learnt in the Vindex itself.”

You do remember something about that. The example used there was Merlin himself, the most powerful Wild Magus to ever roam the world. “Anyway, the information is passed on through the command chain of each respective branch, often skipping some or multiple steps due to the severity of the events. For instance, you or I could most likely go directly to our Primusses with this. At that point, the other branches are notified. There things change according to the type of event, but I’ll stick to the relevant information.”

You nod, silently thankful that she didn’t start telling you of the entire thing. “This is an Omega Artifact, meaning that whoever’s territory it was found on has the first claim. If it was on neutral ground, the finder has a slight lead on the rest, but an investigation will be called to see in which order it will be most useful. The team will consist of a joint venture of all three branches and potential hired neutral parties with an expertise on the matter.”

Milly continues describing a longwinded bureaucratic struggle to determine exactly who gets ahold of the object or location, but from what you understand of it, the Oculus would most likely get their hands on it. If none of the other branches contests the claim, they could move in tomorrow, so to speak, but if they do they’ll be stuck in a political battle around it and they’ll still most likely end up getting it in this case. And after a few more questions, you realise that if they just quietly claim the circle as it is right now while sending some official messages that won’t reach their destination in time for them to act against it, they can just skip all of it and get control over the circle.

“Since our operation there was technically an Oculus mission, they should be the first to be informed, though it was a joint venture with you of the Vindex, so I suppose they should get the information as well.”

Suddenly Milly twitches and goes stiff. Her eyes turn into an empty stare, and you recognise it as the Oculus Primus taking over. Well crap. “What’s this now? Looking up the protocols around an Omega Event?” Milly’s voice says. “I suppose that’s you in the room with the unit, Weston? Anything interesting happen?”

If Milly’s voice wasn’t so deadpan while the Oculus takes it over, you’re sure the final words would have been honeyed.

>1. No sir, nothing happened, we were just talking. (will have to roll soul to convince).
>2. Tell him the truth.
>3. Tell him about the circle but not about Tobias.
>4. Write in.

Rolled 68 (1d100)

>>41182538
>1. No sir, nothing happened, we were just talking. (will have to roll soul to convince).
here goes everything

>>41182538
>4
Ow Oculus Primus, how can anything ever elude you? I'll give you my report soon enough, I'm sure you can stand a few more hours of waiting?

Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>41182538
>1. No sir, nothing happened, we were just talking. (will have to roll soul to convince).

>>41182640
Roll is only asked for if the option wins. I'm just letting you know in the option that you'd have to roll to bluff him.

>>41182668
I'll wager the option WILL win. Do our already delivered rolls count?

Please say yes.

>>41182538
>3. Tell him about the circle but not about Tobias.
Could you stop taking over "the unit" in such way?

>>41182538
>2. Tell him the truth.
no need to hide.

>>41182538
>2. Tell him the truth.
I don't really see any point in lying just to bog everyone down in politics.

>>41182760
We actually lie to AVOID bogging everything down in politics.

>>41182538
What an asshole.

I'm not sure if I want to risk though, I'm kinda leaning towards 3.

>>41182698
I wouldn't count on it.

>>41182816
actually if the Oculus Primus does this
>And after a few more questions, you realise that if they just quietly claim the circle as it is right now while sending some official messages that won’t reach their destination in time for them to act against it, they can just skip all of it and get control over the circle.
he can avoid the politics.

>>41182723
>>41182760
truth

>>41182640
>>41182654
dare. I mean, lie.

>>41182702
>>41182641
evasion/partial truth? (not sure if this could be counted as the same vote but it's both evading at least part of the issue.)

>>41182858
Evasion indeed

Is this tripple tie?

>>41182918
With that and >>41182817 I think 3 wins.

Writing.

>>41182538
>>41182640
This.

“I would appreciate it if you stopped taking over ‘this unit’ in such a way.” You’re getting fed up with his bullshit. “But yes, something interesting did happen, and if you weren’t so impatient about it you’d have been informed straight away anyway.”

“Careful Weston. You seem to share your father’s lack of tact when it comes to interacting with your betters. Now tell me, what Omega event did you discover? If it was an acute danger I doubt you’d have taken the time to look up the protocol.”

“It’s not. But depending on what the Order does with it, it can be.” You tell him about the Circle you found, but carefully avoid dropping any hint to the presence of Tobias there.

“And how do you know it’s the final one?” He asks. Damn, he really is sharp. “Raphael’s theorising and previously established timeline. We took a look at how long he spent on the first and then the second and extrapolated. We knew it was the biggest option of the ones Raphael had thought up earlier, so even if there’s a fourth out there it won’t be anywhere near completion yet. Not to mention we found a skeleton there, though we’re not sure whose remains it are.”

“I see, and-“ Suddenly Milly’s voice goes a lot softer and whispers. “Ah yes, good. Unit 43’s…” After this Milly goes silent again for a moment.

“Emergency operation requested by Project Argus Unit 43. The thirds circle is in the Fae caves?”

“Yes sir.”

“And that’s all you found there?”

For a moment, you hesitate, but from what you’ve gathered from your talks the connection is audio only, so he shouldn’t notice too much. “Yes sir.”

“Well then, I look forward to this unit’s report.” Again, if there could have been any emotion in Milly’s voice right now you bet it’d have been exaggerated joy. You’re beginning to get a good measure of what kind of person the Oculus Primus is, and he seems to be a lot like your father in some aspects. Mostly those you really hate about your father.

Milly eases up and almost loses her balance as she comes to. You move in and keep her steady, holding her shoulder. “Thanks.” She says, sounding a lot more girlish than you’re used to. She quickly gathers herself and goes back to ‘neutral Milly’.

“The Oculus has been informed now? I suppose that renders our previous discussion moot.”

>1. Yes it does.
>2. No it doesn’t. I didn’t tell him about Tobias.
>3. Write in.

>>41183379
>2. No it doesn’t. I didn’t tell him about Tobias.
and I'm not sure why... Why didn't we tell him about Tobias?

>>41183379
Hmm.. Milly has to know about Tobias, doesn't she?

>1. It would seem so. Oh well. I better get to Arch Magos with this before it turns into a clusterf...

>>41183433
Arch magus gets dibs on tobias.

>>41183454
>Milly already knows about Tobias.

>>41183379
>2. No it doesn’t. I didn’t tell him about Tobias.
Talk about where she goes when he take over?

>>41183467
But has she reported about him?

>>41183379
>3
If I tell you anything else, will he find out?
If so >1
If not >2

>>41183467
Woops, wasn't supposed to greentext. Not sure how that > got there.

>>41183379
>1. Yes it does.

>>41183482
She hasn't reported anything yet. The Oculus noticed she was accessing the protocols of an Omega event, hence why he didn't know the specifics yet and wanted you to tell him about it.

I can almost see it.

>Why didn't you tell me that the magus who actually drew the circle was still there, weston? I explicitly asked you what else you found!
>must have slipped my mind, sir. The circle was kinda big, and he was just a confused old man.

We really shouldn't be making enemies with the cerebrum or oculus. This kind of political bullshit should be left to those that specialize in it IE. Cerebrum

>>41183618
Isn't our father Cerebrum?

Oculus has biggest legal claim on the device, but I don't trust those fuckers one bit.
Our father is a dick, but he's probably best suited to deal with this thing. They have no direct claim on the circle though.

Really our best bet is to get through to the big boss as soon as possible.

hmmm... I wonder if dad or mom would be best if we wanted to use either for that...

>>41183638
Yes he is. One of the more powerful men in it even.

>>41183433
>>41183470
>2

>>41183454
>>41183504
>1.

>>41183488
>Swing vote.
That means >1, kind of, as the next post will show.

>>41183638
yes.
>>41183683
eh they're just like any other spec-ops part of a government. Lots of secrecy and subterfuge that has bled into areas not necessarily needing it. I don't see anything wrong with what they're doing as long as the arch magus is kept in the loop to make sure they don't completely collapse into paranoia.

>>41183771
What I meant to add was "Writing".

>>41183792
Damn. And I was about to change >>41183454 to 2. Although I guess there's not much point since it's not like Milly can keep her boss to rip data out of her brain

“If I tell you anything else, will he find out?” You ask Milly.

“I suppose so. I mean, it’s complicated. We don’t show our full day, that’d be too much irrelevant data. Just all relevant knowledge gathered that day. And Tobias is very much relevant. Our individual conversations and what is said there is not. The oculus isn’t interested that much in individual people’s opinions, only in the knowledge they have. For instance your earlier conversation with me will be slightly relevant due to the topic, but will only be identified as a conversation about it, not that you were trying to persuade me of not reporting.”

Well, that’s something at least. “And he knew you were using the Omega event protocol information? I thought you only ‘synced’ once per day? How does that work?”

“That’s correct, but all the data we access is monitored, so they must have noticed me accessing those files.”

“Well then, I’m sorry about this but I’ll refrain from telling you much more on the issue until it’s resolved.” You tell her.

“I understand.”

As you leave you notice it’s almost dinner time and immediately bring Milly along. It seems the rest did your team well, and they’re happily chatting amongst themselves. Well, except for Liam, but that’s because he just doesn’t chat. He is smiling though, which is also moderately rare.

>Plans for the evening?
>1. Have some time off (specify what you’ll be doing)
>2. Start a new room (specify what kind, 50% efficiency).
>3. Talk to someone (specify whom and about what)
>4. Train together (specify stat).
>5. Try to contact the Arch Magus directly.
>6. Call Lilliana again, inform her of recent developments.
>7. Write in.

>>41183951
>>6. Call Lilliana again, inform her of recent developments.
>2. Start a new room (specify what kind, 50% efficiency).
Maybe ask the gang what they think should be started next?

>>41183951
>7. Write in.
get in contact with our father. As a scientist he should be pretty interested in this. Or
>5. Try to contact the Arch Magus directly.
try to use our old teacher or mom to get in contact.

>>41183951
>6. Call Lilliana again, inform her of recent developments.
>5. Try to contact the Arch Magus directly.
>>41184070
Dear old dad can stay out of the loop, considering how interested he was in liasing with us.

>>41184230
Second this...
Dad is cerebrum and will immediately try to cut of the oculus

>>41184004
>>41184070
>>41184230
>>41184331

Writing.

Yes let's just let everyone at each others throats while we try to fix this shit up with archmagos

You know it strikes me now that we haven't been hunting many magi lately. We're a bad magus hunter.

After dinner, where you notice the lack of Wooster’s avatar, you leave the rest of the team to their own devices and head back to your office.

“Weston. Please don’t tell me that you’re calling for what I think you’re calling. And yes the line is secure.” You hear Lilliana’s voice on the other end of the line.

“Oculus Primus knows. Was trying to evade it but he caught on while looking up some stuff and he confronted me. I didn’t tell him about Tobias yet, so we still have until tonight before he hears about that.”

“I see. I’ve been trying to get into contact with the Arch Magus, but the people who know where he is won’t cooperate and the ones that do don’t know where he is. For the circle itself, the right people know, but I think they’d rather keep the Arch Magus out of things until they claimed everything they can. What a mess.”

“I have some ideas of getting in touch with the Arch Magus.” You remember Edward referring to him on much friendlier terms than you’ve heard anyone ever talk about him, so you’re both guessing and hoping that he knows him personally.

“Well then we’re counting on you. Not much we can do about the circle anymore, but if we can get him involved at least Tobias will be out of anyone’s reach. Maybe he’ll even interfere with the circle.”

You lay in the call and call Edward. “Weston, do you have something for me? My contacts haven’t gotten back to me yet.”

“Not about that sir. I urgently need to speak to the Arch Magus, and I thought you might be able to help.” You can hear him taken aback by the seriousness of your voice, and for a moment all you can hear is his lack of breathing.

“I’ll get it done.” He says and he lays in the phone.

You’re not sure what you were expecting, but you can safely say it wasn’t that. You sit there, confused for a moment, thinking things through. You don’t get very far before someone knocks on your door.

At the same time, Wooster’s slightly panicked voice suddenly pops up in your head.

“Master! Someone just teleported into the house! There was nothing I could to do stop him!”

>1. Please enter, Arch Magus.
>2. The timing is suspicious, but best be careful. Let Wooster identify the intruder before doing anything.
>3. Call the rest of the team.
>4. Write in.

>>41184586
shhhh, don't ruin my plans!

>>41184656
>>2. The timing is suspicious, but best be careful. Let Wooster identify the intruder before doing anything.

well that would be damn convenient

>>41184656
>1. Please enter, Arch Magus.
thank you for your swift reaction.

>>41184656
>1. Please enter, Arch Magus.

>>41184656
>1. Please enter, Arch Magus.

>>41184656
>1. Please enter, Arch Magus.

>>41184656
>1. Please enter, Arch Magus.

>>41184725
>>41184803
>>41184822
>>41184849
>>41184868
The joke's on you, it was the entity and now we die.

>>41184868
>>41184849
>>41184822
>>41184803
>>41184725
Writing.

>>41184886
worse, it could be dad who found we're trying to keep him out of the loop.

>>41184886
IT WAS THE ENTITY! YOU TRY TO REACT BUT IT KILLS YOU REAL BAD!

QUEST BAD END!

BYE GUYZ, CYA ON MY NEXT QUEST!

>>41184969
I hate this game, so unfair

>>41184969
Good run m8.

>>41184969
Well done lads. We invited it in and now we're dead.

>Load last savegame

>>41184969
haha! we still have a fate point!

>>41184969
GOOD GAME!

“Please enter, Arch Magus.” The small frame of the man you saw a few weeks ago enters the room.”Thank you for your swift reaction.”

The caterpillar eyebrows remain much the same, dominating his face. For the rest, he has a short moustache and beard, both not even half the length of his eyebrows. You didn’t think it was physically possible, but then again, magic, most likely. He’s dressed in a casual brown coat and wearing sandals. Just like three weeks ago, you are severely underwhelmed by your Arch Magus.

He sits down and (presumably) looks at you. “Now, what was the urgent business?”

“You might have heard of the magical circle I found under the building here, sir?”

“I did, I quite enjoyed little Ian’s report on it.” It takes a moment to realise that he means your father with that comment, and when you do you have trouble not choking in a suppressed laugh.

“Ahem. Well, I found the third and final circle, and it had someone I think you would like to meet there.”

At that, his eyebrows lift enough in surprise that you get a quick glance at his eyes. They’re deep down his skull and don’t seem to have much colour to them. “I believe you are right at that, Michael. Can I call you Mike?”

before you can even get your thoughts lined up properly to think about that question, the Arch Magus continues. “Well then, where is Master Patterson, Mike? Lead me to him.”

You quietly lead him out of the room, psychically telling Wooster to do his best to prepare Tobias for meeting the Arch Magus.

Tobias’ room is only a few rooms next to your office, so you’re there within the minute. Inside the room, you find it completely redecorated in an 1800’s style, with Tobias sitting next to a fireplace that wasn’t there before in a large armchair, calmly sipping tea.

“I thought it best to place him into an environment he knows.” You hear Wooster’s voice in your head.

>How do you go about this?

>1. Lead the Arch Magus to Tobias. Casually introduce them by name
>2. Lead the Arch Magus to Tobias, tell him he’s the Arch Magus of the Order.
>3. Leave the Arch Magus to his own devices and leave the room.
>4. Let the Arch Magus do as he wishes, but stay to observe.
>5. Write in.

>>41185257
>4. Let the Arch Magus do as he wishes, but stay to observe.

>>41185279
>4. Let the Arch Magus do as he wishes, but stay to observe.

>>41185279
>1. Lead the Arch Magus to Tobias. Casually introduce them by name

>>41185279
>1. Lead the Arch Magus to Tobias. Casually introduce them by name
stay and observe

>>41185279
>1. Lead the Arch Magus to Tobias. Casually introduce them by name
don't forget to also introduce Wooster. It's only good manners after all.

>>41185336
>>41185353
>>41185359
>>41185377
>>41185378
Writing.

You lead the Arch Magus to Tobias, who only seems to notice you when you’re almost next to him.

“Hello Tobias. I’d like to introduce you to Sam Pennywhistle. Sir, this is Tobias Patterson.” You stand back and let the two people interact. With these two magical giants, you suddenly feel tiny.

“Hello again Master Patterson.” The Arch Magus says. Wait, again?

“My god, is that… Little Sammy? It must have been, what, how long?” Tobias’s mind seems to become clear for a moment.

“Too long, master.” The Arch Magus replies.

“Still trying to be a stage magician with actual magic?”

“Not thanks to you sir. I contacted the Order as you suggested. I have much to be thankful of because of you. I never expected to see you again sir, not after this long. I’ve studied some of your earlier work, but I haven’t had the chance to look at your grand project yet, but I must know, sir, did you succeed, whatever it was that you were trying to do?”

“I’m still working on it. I’ve been drawing some sketches of the third circle, you see.” You notice Tobias’ eyes getting a bit more clouded. “I… Wait, I didn’t know you yet when I was living here. Huh?” He stares in front of himself for a moment, confusing different times with each other.

The Arch Magus lowers his head and softly shakes it. “What a shame. I wish I could have collaborated with you some day. I’m afraid mine are numbered though, and while age does not seem to bother you, master, I don’t think you’ll ever be the same again. Thank you, for everything.”

With that he stands up and heads towards you. “Let’s go back to your office for a moment.”

You nod and lead him there again, not entirely sure what you just witnessed. There, you offer him your own, more comfortable chair, but he politely refuses and sits down on one of the normal chairs opposite of your side.

“I know you must be confused.” There is a great sadness in his voice. “If you’d be willing to hear an old man out, I’d be grateful. It might ease my mind a bit to have someone know this, and you’ve become much more involved than anyone else so far.

>1. Hear him out.
>2. Try to talk solutions first. The Oculus and Vindex are probably bickering about the circle as we speak.
>3. Write in.

>>41185843
>1. Hear him out.

>>41185843
>1. Hear him out.

>>41185843
>1. Hear him out.

Either the Arch Magus have one hell of a poker face, or he is a total bro.
Or a bit of both.

>>41185858
>>41185866
>>41185891
second all of these, storytime!

>>41185843
>1. Hear him out.
>3. Write in.
do you think he will ever regain his sanity? Should he be given some psychiatric help?

Well that's awkward, I forgot to say I was writing. Probably halfway done now I think.

>>41185843
>1. Hear him out.
>implying /tg/ could ever resist a story
Is there really any other option?

>>41186171
Well it was a pretty close vote.

“When I was twelve, I awoke. It wasn’t a very strong awakening. Just minor sparks flying around occasionally. Of course, my parents and their village banished me for my witchcraft. I suppose I was lucky to not have been lynched, and making me run away was about the only thing my parents could do to protect me. After that I learnt to be a stage magician using real magic, much by necessity to survive. By a stroke of luck, I encountered master Patterson not a year later, in 1892. He took me in and taught me real magic. For almost three years we travelled together until one day he said he had to leave to finish his grand project. He never explained to me what exactly it was, but I could tell it was his life goal. It was what drove him forward every day. From his state of mind I suppose he failed?”

You slowly nod. “He was trying to revive a woman. When I found him in the middle of his third circle he was cradling her skeleton. When I talked to him then, he kept alternating between saying that he would succeed, vowing to bring ‘her’ back and lamenting that he failed. I think the realisation that she’s gone forever broke him.”

“My god… I never thought that that was the project.” Again, you can almost see the Arch Magus’ eyes through his eyebrows as he raises them in surprise. “He was trying to revive Emily.”

“Emily? Was that her name? He said he had forgotten it.”

“That poor man. It must have been the shock as well. He often spoke about his wife Emily, who died before his time. You could see the fire in his eyes as he did.” He grows quiet for a moment. You take the opportunity to ask him a question.

“Do you think he will ever regain his sanity? Should he be given some psychiatric help?”

“Perhaps his body might outlive us all, but his mind is gone. I went through it, though your house wasn’t very happy with it. There’s not enough left to form a person again.” He sighs, taking a deep breath before continuing. “As I said before in the room with him, my days are numbered, slowly dying of old age. I doubt I’ll make the end of next year. I think it would be best to leave him in the care of people I trust. There are very little of those left, and I’m afraid I cannot ask it of any one of them. I would therefor consider it a personal favour to me if you kept him here. Your house seems to be more than capable of taking care of him without adding extra trouble for you.”

“Of course, there would be those that would try to extract knowledge from him that he no longer possesses, like the secrets to his circles, so I will not leave him or you defenceless. I will add some of my own magic to the house’s enchantments in your defence. I’m afraid that right now I don’t have that much time to do so, since this discovery and both your and Project Argus’ involvement means that most likely the Vindex and Oculus are waging a bloody political war over the circle. I’ll have to come back once it’s all sorted out enough for me to be able to divert my attention. You’d have to be extra careful during that time though, as I wouldn’t put it beyond Vic to try and sneak someone in here to find out what he can.”

>1. Accept the deal. Wooster will be able to take care of him without any trouble, and it means you’ll get the Arch Magus’ personal defence enchantments on the house.
>2. Refuse. You’ve got enough on your plate without having to worry about the Oculus trying to get in, or even the Vindex yanking you around to get to Tobias.

>>41186415
>1. Accept the deal. Wooster will be able to take care of him without any trouble, and it means you’ll get the Arch Magus’ personal defense enchantments on the house.
Defense with an S, Supervisor.

>>41186415
>1. Accept the deal. Wooster will be able to take care of him without any trouble, and it means you’ll get the Arch Magus’ personal defence enchantments on the house.

>>41186415
>1. Accept the deal. Wooster will be able to take care of him without any trouble, and it means you’ll get the Arch Magus’ personal defence enchantments on the house.

>>41186415
We took him in the first place since he needed help. We're not going to throw him out now

>>41186415
>1. Accept the deal. Wooster will be able to take care of him without any trouble, and it means you’ll get the Arch Magus’ personal defence enchantments on the house.
I wouldn't say no to some budgetary changes to reflect our enhanced need for security Magus Primus.

>>41186442
>Defense with an S
If you're using American spelling, which I tend not to. I occasionally slip into it for words that I learnt that way, but I try to stick to British spelling as much as I can.

>>41186179
>implying /tg/ could ever resist a story
I thought perhaps some would consider the Vindex and Oculus going at each other would be a more urgent matter, and it was turning out to be a long post already so I gave a choice.

>>41186508
Honestly, from a viewer standpoint, a story by our cool-yet-wierd grandmaster is way more interesting than some more internal politics baloney.

>>41186537
yeah I'd much rather just dump this whole mess on our mothers lap since she has way more experience than us in politics.

>>41186503
>>41186490
>>41186463
>>41186455
Well, the vote is really close this time, but I don't think I'll need a final destination. Writing.

>>41186570

>>41186442
This WAS counted in when tallying the votes, I just missed it while tagging.

>>41186592
Thanks for noticing, the vote would have swayed the other way otherwise.

“I will, Arch Magus. Though, I wouldn't say no to some budgetary changes to reflect our enhanced need for security.” You say, adding the last half half jokingly.

He giggles. “Oh my. It’s obvious you’re little Ian’s son. You’re a good negotiator, though I think as of late he’s gotten his way a bit too easily and hasn’t been practicing it. I’ll see what I can do.” You’re not entirely sure how you feel about being compared to your father, but you suppose it was meant as a compliment and thank him.

“Now, I’ve taken up enough of your time, and I have a few unruly children to chastise. Thank you for what you have done today. Expect me to return in a few days.”

And with that he vanishes. No flash, no popping sound, or any sound at all even. He’s just there one moment and not anymore the next. You shudder to think how powerful Tobias Patterson must have been in his glory days if this is his apprentice declining of age.

You head for the common room to blow off some steam for a moment when you get a text from Lilliana.

“Arch Magus appeared out of the blue, is talking to Vindex Primus now. Suppose that means you managed?”

You quickly send an affirmative text back, and before you even manage to sit down with your book you get another text.

“Brass just left their briefing room, no sign of the Arch Magus. Hearing talk of him ‘going to slap some sense into Vic’. Any idea what that means?”

“It’s the Oculus Primus. Heard my dad call him that before. I think it means we can rest easily and that things are getting sorted out for us.”

After that she doesn’t reply anymore, and you calmly read a bit more before finally going to bed.

>That’s it for tonight. Thank you for joining!
>Next thread prolly Wednessday, keep an eye on twitter.

>>41186841
Thanks for running, Supervisor, see you then.

>>41186841
Thanks for running, see you soon.
Can wait for the slice of life with Tobias and how he'll interract with everyone.

>>41186841
I like Tobias.

>>41186841
hmm... I disagree with the Arch Magus on his assessment of Tobias's mental condition. He clearly maintains some memories but his concept of time seems to have been warped both due to extreme length of time alone and grief over the loss of Emily. I'd say we at least try to get him to some psychiatrist to assess possible medication and need for grief counseling.

>>41186969
I'd say the man who scanned his mind directly knows better than you. Doesn't mean that we have to stop trying to help, though.

>>41187015
I'm saying that while the Arch Magus is a wise man and a great wizard I'd prefer an actual medical professional to make that decision.
It's not outside the realm of possibility that in the next 50 years we will be able to coax the brain to grow new neurons and connections so that even if the man who taught the Arch Magus didn't survive at least some parts of his memory can remain while a new personality grows in its place.

>>41186969
>psychiatrist to assess possible medication and need for grief counseling.
I'll take the word of a man who has telepathy and over a hundred years of practice and experience with it, over our mundane brute-force and primitive methods.

>>41187109
That's not how memories work and how neurons work(brain doesn't grow new neurons). But
>some parts of his memory can remain while a new personality grows in its place.
is very much true. He'll be a different person, though, as you've said.
Just give him time and human interaction and over some time he'll become a functional human. Might time a few decades, but it'll happen eventually.
I don't think we need psychiatrists for that.

>>41187114
For clarification's sake, the Arch Magus is not a psychic but knows enough magic to simulate most of its effects.

I must say, I do sometimes have to stop myself as a QM to not join in discussions like this. It's very interesting but I don't want to drive you in one or another direction with meta. A lot of interesting things tend to pop up in these talks though, and I've even made some changes before because the discussion gave me ideas that were better than the direction I had planned.

>>41187199
that's why I said
>It's not outside the realm of possibility that in the next 50 years we will be able to coax the brain to grow new neurons
forcing brain matter to regrow is a legitimate venue of research on curing some diseases.
As to the need for psychiatrists I'd say it was better if Tobias has someone that can help him both with the failure of his lifes work and loss of Emily which I doubt he has properly processed.

>>41187342
He doesn't have brain damage though, so in the first place I see no reason to use that argument. I just mentioned offhandedly that brain tissue can't be regenerated with current technology, and that it doesn't regenerate by itself, as your post implied. No, coax does not imply using medical treatments. Nor would regrowing his perfectly healthy brain help any. Problem of software, not hardware.
As for the psychiatrists, they'd have to be from the order. What worries me is that they could try to use him, or coax out information he does not have as Arch Magus warned us.

>>41187440
how do we know he doesn't? Besides if it isn't some form of dementia what could possibly cause these symptoms? simple aging can be healed with regrowing neurons.

>>41187553
Oh so you haven't paid any attention to quest and were talking out of your ass. You also ignored what I wrote.
Thanks for wasting my time.

>>41187592
All we know is that he isn't what he used to be. this could be from brain damage (in the form of dead neurons),
brain damage (in the form of damaged axons)
or mental illness (in the form of too much/little of some molecules normally generated in the brain.)
As to the possibility of using him I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be too much of a problem for someone like Arch Magus to get a world class psychiatrist sworn to secrecy. Contrary to your apparent belief psychiatrists don't need to know everything about their patients and that counseling is psychology not psychiatry.

>>41187866
Or it could be from a mind so fragmented that the few pieces left aren't enough to make him into the man he once was.
It's magical PTSD man, a very serious case of magical PTSD.

>>41187866
You're stupid. I'm done. Please get basic education.

>>41187866
The leader of the Order has said he doesn't have enough mind to turn into a normal person or recover.

To put it plainly, most of his mind committed suicide, and what's left is echoes.

>>41187947
yeah making him like he once was probably isn't in the cards but allowing him to become a new one shouldn't be impossible as long as he has the proper support.
>>41188012
and I mentioned earlier that while a great mage and a wise man he isn't a medical professional and probably isn't on the cutting edge of medical science.