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>>46329263

“You'll want this,” Soma tells you, holding out a boxy metal object. You take it and hold it for a moment, examining it carefully. A kind of metal mask, with glass lenses and a clunky filter built over the mouth. “The air here might not be safe,” Soma explains, “Even if it's perfectly breathable, you might not want to get a lungful of this dust. Take it – it's a gift.”

Very generous, you mutter as you accept the mask. Watching closely as Soma puts it on – it straps at the back of your head with an awkward looking buckle – you mimic her as best as you can. True enough the air feels clearer once you're breathing through it, scrubbed clean of the earlier grittiness. So, you ask your guide, what does she know about this place? Or, you think a moment later, what has she been told? That's the real question.

“This is where men committed the original sin, stealing the first scrap of power from the gods,” Soma begins as she gives her peculiar rifle a check, “Sorcery. In the end, the gods were sickened by mankind's crimes and turned away from the land – or perhaps they were driven away, retreating for the sake of their own lives. Either way, the message was clear – men should respect their boundaries. The Seer knows that better than anyone.”

Of course he does, you grunt, the mask leaving your voice cold and metallic. Still, some of your scepticism must show through, because Soma gives you a look – unreadable, of course, behind her own mask.

“You don't trust him,” she states, her voice light and free from any accusations.

His words and deeds, you point out, hardly inspire trust.

“No,” Soma concedes, “But these days, who can you trust?”

She might, you admit, have a point there. You can hardly claim that the Mentor has been entirely open or honest, can you?

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>>46329280

The silence draws out as Soma leads you along an ambling path, her own uncertainty put on cruel display by the simple fact of her aimless route. The Seer wanted you to see this place, Makai, and Soma wanted you to look for her missing brother, but where would you start? It's almost as if the Seer was expecting you to find something, some grand gesture that would convince you to join his cause in an instant.

If that was his intention, he'll be sorely disappointed. Beyond the fact that you're here, in a land where few humans have ever walked, there isn't really anything to see. In the distance, great mountains are shrouded in dust and smoke, while the immediate vicinity is utterly barren. Why, you ask Soma, do people come here?

“To meditate, I think,” she replies, halting for a moment before sitting down on a flat rock, “It's calming here, in a way. No distractions, no worldly concerns to steal away your focus.”

That's all she offers. With her face hidden behind that metal mask, it's impossible to guess what her thoughts are. If you want any more information, you realise, you'll need to ask her for it.

>Do you have any idea where your brother might be?
>Why did you choose to leave the Nameless Temple?
>I'd like to take a look at that rifle of yours
>Tell me, do you see any way to prevent a war?
>I've got something I want to ask you... (Write in)
>Other

>>46329300
>>Why did you choose to leave the Nameless Temple?
>>Do you have any idea where your brother might be?

>>46329300
>Take a bottled sample of this dust
>Do you have any idea where your brother might be?
some reason or purpose as to why he came here acting as a hint, maybe?

>>46329300
>>Do you have any idea where your brother might be?
>>Why did you choose to leave the Nameless Temple?
>>Tell me, do you see any way to prevent a war?

>>46329300
>>Do you have any idea where your brother might be?
>>Why did you choose to leave the Nameless Temple?
>>Tell me, do you see any way to prevent a war?
>take a dust sample

Is that why she chose to leave the Nameless Temple, you ask, to find somewhere to focus? Or was there another reason, one that might explain why she was so willing to throw away the life she had?

“Why did I leave?” Soma pauses, looking out across the blasted wasteland before you both, “Because I love the gods. I wanted to do more than just negotiate with them, like you do. I wanted to serve them – to defend them, if I needed to. Even before the Seer reached out to me, I could see the way the world was changing. Staying at the Nameless Temple, I'd just be prolonging the inevitable. If nothing changed, both the gods and the Wanderers would vanish. So... I left. As soon as I heard word of a growing resistance, I left.”

It's not the first time you've heard someone raise the possibility. Without gods to deal with, what would a Wanderer be? Little more than a mercenary, someone solving problems in order to scrape together a few coins. A life without any goals or higher purpose.

“And that's what I'm fighting to prevent,” Soma tells you, “As much as I want to prevent... this.” She nods towards Makai's endless wastes as she says this, as if the bleak sands would prove any point she cared to make.

You've got to admit, they make a powerful impression. So, you ask, her brother could be anywhere out there – does she have any idea where to start?

“From what I hear, the others who come here sometimes go looking for ruined temples, or other buildings. Places where they might find some ancient treasures, or something to salvage. Technology, you know? That's where some of our weapons came from, at first.” Patting the rifle by her side, Soma lapses into a doubtful silence. “Though...” she adds, “I don't see anything that might be a building. Do you?”

All you can see, you tell her, is dust.

[1/2]

>>46329639

The dust itself, you decide, might hold some clue as to what happened to this place. You've heard of people studying even the most insignificant example of dirt to learn more about the world, so an expert might be able to tell you something that the cult cannot. As Soma watches – her face unreadable behind her mask – you stoop and fill a small glass vial with the grey dust. A souvenir, you think with a kind of absurd amusement, not that anyone would believe where it came from.

As you're rising to your feet, however, you see a faint glint in the distance. The sparse light from above – although there is sun or stars to cast that eerie light – reflecting off something, some metal or glass perhaps. Possibly even a discarded mask, you realise.

“It's worth checking out,” Soma decides, “Good eye, Ira.”

You'd rather have a mediocre pair, you grunt, but you make do with what you've got. You focus on walking other the shifting dunes of dust for a while, silent save for muttered complaints or curses. Then, to fill the void, you speak up. Does she see any way to avoid a war, you ask, any way to settle things peacefully?

“Peacefully? No,” Soma's voice is firm, “But maybe war CAN be prevented. You wouldn't like the idea, though.”

At this point, you assure her, you'll take whatever ideas she has to offer.

“The Emperor must die,” Soma states plainly, “He won't stop pushing, pressing against boundaries he shouldn't break. If we are to settle this without open war, he cannot be in power. It's that simple.”

>You might have a point there
>That's treason, you know
>Things aren't desperate enough for that. Not yet, at least
>Let's just check out that glint. Forget I asked anything
>Other

>>46329744
>an assassination in the night would only give those who believe in what he does a martyr, and those looking for an excuse thier opening. I shouldn't be surprised slitting someone's throat in thier sleep is your first option though, considering how many Wanderer have died in thier sleep.

>>46329744
>Things aren't desperate enough for that. Not yet, at least
I need to learn his motivations first at least. I extended you guys that same courtesy. I mean you guys tried to murder Miura because she might have reined him in a little. That tells me you guys think he can be reasoned with but your 'No Compromise' bullshit makes you prevent that by assassinating a young girl.

>>46329744
>>Things aren't desperate enough for that. Not yet, at least
It's a pretty big gamble. Killing the Emperor could easily backfire on them.

>>46329744
>>Things aren't desperate enough for that. Not yet, at least
Besides, who do you think should take over once he steps down? Your Seer, perhaps? It would only be a shoulder switch to this problem.

>>46329744
>I don't doubt that such an act would involve far more blood than only his.

Assassination, you tell her, is a ploy of the desperate – and one that is just as likely to produce a martyr to a cause as it is to prevent further conflict. You want to learn the Emperor's motivations first, to understand why he is pushing against the gods. You came here to learn their ways, after all, so you have a duty to hear his argument as well.

“But-” Soma begins, but you cut her off.

You're not surprised though, you state coldly, that her first thought was murder. It was certainly what they had planned for Miura – and her crime was nothing more than the possibility of stabilising a fragile situation. It's not like they've never killed before, either – more than one Wanderer has died to their hands already. That's not even considering the soldiers they were more than happy to attack, or the civilians at the Dragon's Head.

“Fine. You think we're past redemption, I understand that,” Soma sighs, “But you're wrong if you think we wanted all of that. We're not bloodthirsty killers, no matter what you might have seen. It's... you asked me if I thought a war could be prevented. As long as the Emperor is in power – or anyone like him – I don't think it can. Without a massive change, we're just going to keep trading atrocity for atrocity, until... until none of us can stop it. If one life could prevent that kind of slaughter...”

But all she can do, you argue, is gamble that it would. Even if they did manage to have the Emperor killed, who would step forwards to fill the void? The Seer, perhaps? He seems to think of himself as a leader.

“I don't have all the answers, Ira,” the woman shakes her head wearily, “I wish I did. I'd solve this whole mess in an instant, if I had that power. I just... wait,” she falls silent, pointing ahead of you both, “Do you see that?”

You see it. Shapes in the dust, grey stone blending in with grey dirt. A building.

>Let's check it out
>We're not finished here... (Write in)
>Other

>>46330052
>>Let's check it out

>>46330052
>You make do with what you have, you SEE what I mean?
>And when it's not enough, people turn to others. Gods. Each other. Vices. Lies. Simple ignorance and apathy.
>Be careful which one you're really turning to for support.


>Let's check it out

>>46330052
That's what I'm trying to do. Find all the answers. Maybe then we can find a reasonable solution.
>Let's check it out

>>46330052
>>We're not finished here... (Write in)
“I don't have all the answers, Ira,” the woman shakes her head wearily, “I wish I did.
This is the problem here, you all want change, yet none of you know where to start this change other than destroying what is there.
Sure there is a lot of rotten branch on the Imperial tree but many of it's other branch are healthy. Yet I haven't heard one thing about preserving them or even recognising them.

But hey, I'm just an useless Wanderer who does nothing but placate the gods so what should I know about all that stuff right?

>>46330156
The "but hey" part sounds kind of weird out of Ira's mouth. He's a little old for that.

>>46330052
>>Let's check it out
>Lashing out blindly is never the answer Soma, and if you need to stab someone in the back to attain your goal, you have lost your way and your soul.

>>46330184
Should work if he force her to do some thinking on her own, did she ever though of the "after" once the Emperor is out? Or will things just right itselves by magic because they've won?

Ira should be smooth enough to turn it something impressive.

>>46330299
Seer wants this world to be ruled by the Gods in their malicious forms so humanity can be left in check.

I wonder if Soma ever thought that if she'll still love the Gods when they become bloodthirsty and sacrificial, not the benevolent ones she is used to.

>>46330052
>Start listing of how Seer is trying to change the gods into human eating genocidal monsters

>>46330335
That's the kind of critical thinking she should have without someone else pointing it our for her.
I'm seriously thinking the Mentor groomed Ira in this way to have him do that thinking and pointing it out to others...

Quick thing I want to point out, we don't know if the vision shown to the Seer was genuine or if the Goddess was manipulating him into thinking the gods necessary so that he counteracts the growing independence of humanity from the gods. If she also planed this violent scheme of his is up to debate.

>>46330405
Yeah Selene's vision could have been bullshit. Or in a sense it could have been a true vision of the future but ONE OF MANY and she just showed him the worst one to rile Seer up and plan rebellion.

She said she didn't have all the answers, you point out, but that's what you're trying to do. You want to find an answer that doesn't just resort to destruction or bloodshed. It's no different than what you've always tried to do – settle a dispute with the least amount of strife. Gods or men, it's no different. There might be a lot wrong with the Emperor and his side of the debate, but there are plenty of good people working to uphold Imperial Law – where do they fit in?

The fact is, all the cult is doing is lashing out at whoever they can hurt. They don't like the direction the world is going in, but they've not thought about what kind of alternative they're putting forwards. Be careful, you warn her, about who she has turned to for support.

But that's just what you think, you add when Soma is silent, and who are you? Just a useless Wanderer who knows about nothing more than placating the gods. All you want is for her to consider what you've talked about, to think whether or not she's on the right path.

“I'll do that, at least,” Soma forces a laugh, “You know, I think if more people were willing to debate, to trade words like this... we might not be in this mess.”

Well, you shrug, that's life. Nodding towards the blocky ruins, you suggest checking it out. Even with her expression lost behind that mask, you can tell that Soma is relieved. It can't be easy to have her views shaken like this – especially not if the Seer has a tight control on what his people think about. But then... they never seemed like brainwashed fanatics to you.

Just regular fanatics. As if that was so much better.

[1/2]

Maybe we should ask her, she's saying that things are bad and needs changing. Did she ever do something to help that change besides sowing dissent and discord among the people.
>You say you've seen how bad "it" is, but have you trully "seen" "it"? Why "it" is bad? How "it" came to this? What did you do to make "it" better? What should be done?

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>>46330468

You don't talk much, after that. You don't need to – it's clear that Soma is thinking hard about what you've told her, and you see no reason to push the issue. Even if all you've managed to do is open a slight crack in her faith, you've done plenty. Without the back and forth of your low voices, the only sound that can be heard is the constant whistle of the wind, veering between a low moan and a shrill wail. When you approach the crumbling building, though, you can hear a new sound. A low thump, repeating in an irregular rhythm.

Footsteps, but not any human steps. There's something out there – could something really live in this ruined world?

“Inside!” Soma hisses, rushing ahead into the relative shelter of the building. You follow her as the noise grows, ducking down behind a fallen pillar as the... creature first emerges from behind the ridge it had been scaling.

It's not even slightly human. A giant, twice the height of a man and hideous in it's alien form. Soma, hidden next to you, grips her rifle in a tight grip.

“This is bad,” she whispers to you as the creature draws nearer, “This is very bad...”

>We'll ambush it, take it by surprise
>Just stay down. It might pass us by
>We need to run. I've seen everything I need to see
>Other

>>46330586
>>Just stay down. It might pass us by

>>46330586
>Just stay down. It might pass us by
Alright, Makai isn't is as uninhabited as I thought.

>>46330586
>>We'll ambush it, take it by surprise
Lead with As the mountain or wrath of the gods before the fight starts proper

>>46330586
>>Just stay down. It might pass us by
I ain't fighting that.

>>46330586
>Talk to it, maybe it's friendly

Just stay down, you whisper to her, it might pass by. You don't know what that thing is, but you don't want to fight it. Not if you can help it, at least.

Soma nods, not even daring to speak as the creature draws closer. Ducking down as low as you can, you listen carefully to what the creature is doing. It seems to pause, the footsteps coming to an abrupt halt, and there is a moment of terrible silence. A slow click, like a claw tapping against stone, follows this. No sniffing or sounds of breathing – as you might expect from an animal trying to catch a scent – but you're not even sure if the creature needs to breathe. It's no normal being, why should it obey natural laws?

The thunder of lurching footsteps starts back up again as the creature walks past your hiding place, moving beyond without pausing. When those footsteps start to fade, you can't resist the urge to peer out. The creature paces up to a plinth, something that might have once held a statue, and slumps down into an ungainly kneel. It's... praying? The word doesn't seem appropriate, but you can't find a better one.

Just what is that thing?

Having made its devotions, the creature shambles to its feet and keeps moving, passing between a pair of columns and into the unseen tunnels beyond. When it has vanished from sight completely, Soma slumps back and lets out a slow sigh. The danger has passed – for now, at least.

>Just what was that thing?
>We're leaving. I don't want to be here when that thing comes back
>We've got some time. Let's have a look around
>Other

>>46330872
>>Just what was that thing?
>>We've got some time. Let's have a look around
Was that a demon?

>>46330872
>Just what was that thing?
>We've got some time. Let's have a look around

>>46330872
>Look at the rock it prayed to.

>>46330872
>Just what was that thing?
>We've got some time. Let's have a look around
>Look at the rock it prayed to.

Just what was that thing, you ask Soma, some kind of... demon? Some life that can only exist here?

“Don't call it life,” Soma murmurs, “I've heard of such things, but I thought they were all... destroyed by now. It's a blasphemy, a false being created by those who stole the power of creation for themselves. Sorcerers – driven by hubris, and the urge to supplant the gods. I never thought I'd see such a thing with my own eyes.”

Sorcerers. For things that were supposed to be wiped out, they certainly seem to be dogging your steps quite a lot lately. Still, it seems to be gone for now – you've got a chance to look around, see what that thing was doing. Why would it be praying, you wonder aloud, and what would it be praying to? As you consider the issue, something about the air here – the mood of it, perhaps – strikes you as unusual.

You've been in temples that have lost their gods before, but they never felt anything like this place. There isn't even the slightest hint of a lingering divinity, no trace of power left behind. There's just a... void, a hole where a god might once have slumbered. With Soma following close behind, you approach the plinth that the creature had bowed down before and examine it closely. The stone itself is just an empty space, but a fallen statue lies a few feet away.

It's a statue to a man, you realise, not a god. A sorcerer, perhaps, twisting this place and claiming it for themselves? Then, was the creature worshiping the man that created it?

[1/2]

>>46331189

“Ira,” Soma calls, her raised voice causing you to wince, “I've got something. Broken glass – that must have been the glinting we saw. It's the right size to be a lens from a mask. I think we're on the right track.”

So someone came here, you figure, and ran into trouble. Sticking close to the ground, you see a trail in the dust – the remains of one, at least. It might have been a man, one dragging a wounded leg. The trail, of course, leads into the tunnels – the exact same direction that the creature had wandered in.

“I'm going in there,” Soma says softly, her voice barely reaching you, “You don't have to follow me if you don't want to, but you can't stop me from going in there.”

No, you think, you can't. It's her life to throw away, after all. On the other hand, if she dies down in those tunnels, you'll lose a possible ally – one that might prove invaluable when dealing with the cult. Having someone on the inside who owes you a favour would be a very potent advantage, after all...

>I'm coming with you. We'll do it together
>Soma, give it up. Your brother isn't coming back
>Fine, you go in. I'm leaving
>Other

>>46331247
>I'm coming with you. We'll do it together
"I already told you I'd help you look. Just step lightly, I'd rather not attract attention."

>>46331247
>>I'm coming with you. We'll do it together
Besides I've fought worse. You are still wet behind the ears.

>>46331247
>>I'm coming with you. We'll do it together
I see it as an investment.

You're coming with her, you declare, you'll search for her brother – his body most likely, although you don't mention that – together. After all, you already told her that you'd help her look for him. The situation hasn't changed.

“Thank you,” Soma's voice is quiet, solemn, “I owe you much.”

Besides, you add with a shrug, you've fought worse. Probably. She still looks pretty wet behind the ears. Just walk softly, you suggest, since you'd rather not draw that thing down on you if you can help it.

“I understand,” Soma nods, holding her rife close to her chest, “I'll follow your lead, then. But... if we find him, his body I mean... I need some time with it. Just a moment, that's all.”

She'll have time, you promise. The dead should always be given respect, even if it's just a kind words said over the body. With that, you press a finger to the mask's blunt cover – no talking, now – and lead the way into the tunnels. They slope down gently, guiding you slowly into some deeper catacomb. Looking at the passages, it seems incredible that the creature could have worked its way down here, but somehow it must have done. The dust is disturbed, carved out by two trails. Knuckles, you guess, dragging across the floor.

At least the tunnels are easy to follow, without any kind of branching paths or junctions. Perfectly intact as well, compared with the crumbling building above. Holding your breath, you listen carefully at each bend you come across – and soon, your efforts are rewarded. A strange keening sound, like a muffled wail, drifts down from the tunnel ahead. A few paces more, slower and more careful steps than ever, and you spy an open chamber beyond. Slumped in the centre is the creature, standing over a ragged lump.

A body. Soma spots it as well, and lets out a soft moan of dismay. Quiet, but still loud enough – the beast twists around and howls at you.

>Please roll 1D100 to attack, aiming to beat 50, 70 or 90. Best of the first three

Rolled 34 (1d100)

>>46331613
weeeeelllll

Rolled 46 (1d100)

>>46331613
Wrath of the Gods spell

Rolled 96 (1d100)

>>46331613
As the mountain

>>46331680
YOU DA REAL MVP

>>46331680
The trio smile upon you today, anon.

>>46331680
The sooner we do Wrath, the higher the bonus gets +5 to +10 until +30.

Wrath first, then Mountain.

Also nice roll.

>>46331613
Yeah do Wrath first. This thing didn't attack roll yet so the defensive bonus wouldn't do much.

>>46331650
>>46331680
>>46331705
>>46331742
What if the gods cant help us here? or is wanderer magic like sorcery but instead of stealing your recieving the spells?

>>46331783

>For the sake of clarity, we can use magic here as normal.
Also, proceeding with Wrath of the Gods and writing the next post now.

>>46331783
We'll have to see won't we? Also I think Howa said that Wanderer magic and Sorcery were pretty different.

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With a clumsy gait, the creature lurches around completely and begins to charge at you. It's fast, no matter how clumsy it might look, and it would easily be able to close the distance between you and Soma in a matter of seconds if not for your quick reaction. It charges, but you swipe your pistol out and let off a quick shot. As you do so, you let some of Titanos' martial power flow into you – sensing, in some distant way, the horned god turning a baleful eye upon your enemy.

Although it was a quick shot, snapped off in haste, it flies even and true. Striking the ungodly creature in the forehead, you knock it off balance and reduce that charge to a pitiful stumble. Even its howl drops to something closer to a whimper – but not quite that. The sound has other dimensions to it, aspects of both a giggling and the cry of a baby. It's the sound of madness, of a life that was never meant to exist.

You hate it. Something about that sound makes you want to wipe it from existence, to purge all trace of it from the land. You've felt this hate before, but where?

No matter now. Returning your empty pistol to your holster, you draw your sword and advance. It's stunned for now – easy prey.

>Please roll 1D100 for the next attack, and this will be at +5. Still aiming to beat 50, 70, 90, and I'll take the highest of the first three!

Rolled 88 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>46331894

Rolled 49 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>46331894
ahh good ol' violence

Rolled 98 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>46331894
As the mountain

>>46331894
>You've felt this hate before, but where?
The thing claiming to be Nodens. Was it similar to this? Interesting.

>>46331908
>>46331956
Ira's on fire today.

>>46331956
Honestly do we need it with your rolls? Since we are running circles around this guy maybe we should save it in case we have to fight again.

>>46331987
It hasn't gotten a chance to strike back yet.

>>46331974
It might be similar to the thing that Ira met as a child, that might still be after him.

>>46331997
I know, but our fights in this quest don't usually last long, specially if we keep getting the high tier result. Wrath is still accumulating bonus attack so I think we should still be solid.

I just don't want to waste a card when we might need all of them if we continue in Makai.

>>46331987
>>46331956
Gotta agree, I dont think we should pop it off just yet.

>>46332031
Oh yeah, I didn't think of that. The only occasion I could recall where Ira just felt that something needed to be destroyed was the "Nodens" fight.

Rolled 29 (1d100)

With Titanos smiling down upon you, you throw ever more of his divine might behind your next blow and strike out with your sword. Like the fist of an angry god – an entirely appropriate comparison to make – your blade crashes down upon the staggered creature's head, splitting its brow and knocking it low. For all its threat and bluster, the creature cannot stand against you – or the fury that you bring against it.

Still, mercy is the furthest thing from your mind right now. There is only the slightest voice in the back of your mind pleading for calm, urging you to return from the brink of whatever maddening abyss that the creature is dragging you towards. The moment you heed that traitorous whisper, however, the beast lashes out with a wild strike and knocks you backwards. It's a glancing blow at best, merely slowing the inevitable, but it forces you back a few paces.

Screeching – and there are other sounds lurking behind that scream, aren't there? - the creature charges you once more. With an empty pistol, you'll have to meet this one head on.

You welcome it. Come beast, you sneer, come and die.

>Please roll 1D100 for this attack, and this is at +10. Still aiming to beat 50, 70, 90, and still taking the best of the first three. Name any spells you wish to use, as well!
>I'll roll a 1D100 for the creature's attack, aiming to beat 50, 70 and 90 just the same.

Rolled 44 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>46332255

Rolled 44 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>46332255

Rolled 4 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>46332255

>>46332274
>>46332328
>>46332333
See what we get for not going all out? We've lost dice God favor.

>>46332274
>>46332328
>>46332333
Ok we could Sublime Strike and make the 70 DC or we can save it and just take the 50.

What do you guys think?

>>46332274
>>46332328
Dub bonus?

>>46332357
MIght as well, This thing took two very blows and is still ready to go. Need all the help we can get.

Sublime Strike my shit up senpai.

>>46332357
>>46332391
Agreed. We've got better cards if we need them.

As the charging creature draws near, you watch – with a kind of detached fascination – as your last opportunity to make a last dash for safety passes by. You stand firm, your shoulders squared and your feet planted. Howling, gibbering and squealing, the creature lifts both fists and meshes them together into a single unholy bludgeon, held high and eager to crush your skull. Compared with that terrible form, a living weapon if you've ever seen one, your sword seems almost... insignificant.

No matter. You'll do this with a single strike. That's always the way, one blow that separates life and death. With the strength of your magic burning in your veins, focus and hatred warring within your heart, you meet the creature's onslaught.

It falls upon you, but the magic fuelling you lends haste to your steps. You lunge forwards and plant your blade in the thing's chest, riding the momentum forwards and barging the monster backwards. Its charge ends in an ungainly stumble as your throw your weight into it, sword transfixed within its breast. It should die, you think with a growing fury, but still it clings to life. Snarling, your cry as feral as any sound to escape the creature itself, you climb atop it and seize your blade once more, savagely twisting it. Bone crunches as the weapon grinds inhuman flesh, and one final cry of pain escapes the monster.

Die, you hiss as its body begins to disintegrate, just die! As the words are ripped from your lips, the last few traces of the creature boil away to sludge – yet some other danger remains. Sensing a threat, you turn to face Soma.

Her rifle is pointed at you. Behind the lenses of that mask, her eyes are wide with fear.

>Treachery. She planned this
>Stand down. She's just frightened
>Other

>>46332644
>Stand down. She's just frightened
I hope

>>46332644
>Stand down. She's just frightened
"Sorry. I really didn't like that thing."

>>46332644
>>Stand down. She's just frightened
Hey, if I saw a old man chop down a demon like that, I'd be freaked out as well.

>>46332644
>>Stand down. She's just frightened

>>46332644
>>Stand down. She's just frightened
This is nothing compared to some gods I've had to fight. Things like what I just did while embodying Titanos's rage are what your cult wishes to spread.


Now get the weapon out of my face before I get annoyed child.

>>46332719
We weren't embodying Titanos's rage. The spell card does give us an edge yes, but our anger towards the thing was something else entirely.

>>46332760
True but we were just as angry and reacted about how he would, I.E. Kill maim slaughter.

>>46332719
>>46332787
Doesn't mean you have to make Ira act like an edgelord about it.

>>46332815
I'm not, simply reminding her what war is like.

It takes an inhuman amount of effort not to strike out at her, especially with the black void of her rifle barrel pointing at you. Yet, that's exactly what you manage to do, slowly holding your hands out to show her that you're unarmed. She's not just frightened, but terrified – and with good reason. Looking back, you start to realise how badly you lost control. That anger that filled your heart was something you've rarely felt, and it had nothing to do with the divine power that was Titanos' gift. What, then, was it? The answer is there, just out of reach, but you can't quite summon it up.

Probably because it's very difficult to think while somebody is pointing a rifle at you. Slowly, the fear bleeds away from Soma's eyes and she lowers her rifle. “What was that?” she asks you, her voice unsteady, “You were... howling. You were like a wild beast.”

Something about that thing, you try to explain, just... made you angry. You're fine now, you're in control.

“I hope so,” Soma murmurs, “I... I suppose I should thank you, at least. I don't think I could have fought that thing, not like you did.” Falling silent, she cautiously approaches the ragged bundle in the centre of the room. Kneeling by it, she tentatively rolls it over to check the face. Although she makes no sound, the sudden weakness in her shoulders is enough to tell you that she has found her brother.

You back off. This is a private moment, and you shouldn't intrude. Instead, you think back to where you felt that anger before. The island of Dumas, you realise, and the grotesque creature you fought there. Nodens, it called itself, but... that doesn't seem right, now. Maab claimed that Nodens was a god, not... whatever that thing was.

Curious. Something to look into, perhaps.

[1/2]

>>46332971
Well we got to get Noden's lens anyways. We can figure out what is causing the anger their as well.

>>46332971

After a few moments, Soma returns to your side. Her eyes – the only feature you can see on her face – are tinted with red, but focussed. She seems to debate with herself for a moment before holding something out to you. A pistol, you realise, but not like any you've ever seen. Slimmer, with a kind of rotating cylinder taking up much of the mass. The cylinder holds the ammunition, you realise as you examine the weapon, allowing for quicker shots than the single shot pistols you're used to.

“It belonged to Sarx, to my brother,” Soma explains, “I know it might not mean much to you, but... you can have it, if you like. He'd want someone to make use of it.”

Even in death, you think with a bitter amusement, her brother is trying to arm people.

“Do you want it?” Soma asks, “I mean, if you don't...”

>Take the pistol
>Let her keep it

>>46333038
That wasn't the real nodens they are both forms of abominations.

>>46333057
>>Let her keep it

>>46333057
>Take it

>>46333057
>Take the pistol

>>46333089
We also have to check what ammo it uses and try to get a supply if it's nonstandard.

>>46333057
>Take the pistol

>>46333057
Check the ammo

>>46333057
>Let her keep it

>>46333057
>Take it

>>46333057
>>Take the pistol
Even if we can't use it we might be able to study it.

Can we point out that the raw savagery she just saw is a gift Titanos rarely gives because it require a lot of control not to become lost in the rage, control the Nameless Temple teach and was teaching her in a roundabout way before she packed up.

>>46333247
But it's not, anon.

>>46333267
She doesn't need to know that....

>>46333247
>>46333267
What if this hate of things that should not exist comes ultimately from That Thing

>>46333247

I wonder if the savagery we felt was due to the god's blessing. Perhaps the gods really don't like it.

Taking the pistol from her, you give it a closer look. After a few fumbling moments, you find a way to unfold the cylinder and examine the bullets seated within. Slimmer than the cartridges that feed your trusty pistol, they are unmistakably the same kind of ammunition you've seen the cult using before. Not much use to you without a way of getting new ammunition, but the weapon is a work of art regardless. It might be possible to replicate the weapon – and the ammo – for yourself.

Some must know that – she must know that she's offering you one of the cult's few advantages. She knows that, but she chose to offer you the pistol regardless. There's a certain trust involved in that, and a deeper significance aside. You thank her, tucking the pistol into your belt as you do so. With that decision made, you both begin the walk back towards the surface without ever needing to discuss the issue. This place is a tomb, and there's nothing left for either of you. Best to leave it and return to civilisation – or what passes for it, out here.

Once you're beneath the dusty sky, Soma speaks up. “I've been thinking,” she begins, “Maybe it's only natural that you wanted to destroy that thing. It was an abomination, a false life. Any human who respects the gods – and their laws – would be justified in wanting to destroy it. It makes sense, doesn't it?”

Maybe it does. Could that deformed creature on Dumas, that worm, have been a product of ancient sorcery? If the horned creature you fought survived here, in Makai's blasted wasteland, why shouldn't some other blasphemy survive beneath the waves?

But that's not something you can answer now, not without knowing more. You just answer Soma's theory with a shrug, concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other. The tunnel back to the cult enclave seems so far away.

[1/2]

>>46333089
>>46333110
>>46333138
>>46333211
>>46333243
Keep in mind this could be used to frame us.

>>46333346
Lying to make a point is retarded. We already gave her a lot to think about today. Let her come to her own conclusions

>>46333474
We looted it off a dead cultist. No treason here.

>>46333472

As you reach the exit, at last, you pause and give Makai one last look. You couldn't say why – there isn't anything to look at, after all – but you feel compelled to look. As your eye wanders across the ashen desolation, the distant smoke seems to lift for a moment. What you took for a mountain, in the furthest distance, is something else entirely - a pyramid.

A familiar pyramid. Take away the highest peak and replace it with a flattened roof, and it would be a near perfect match for the Nameless Temple. That... seems significant, somehow.

“I've heard of that,” Soma says slowly, “They call it the Pharos. We've seen it, but nobody has ever been able to reach it. Those who venture out that far never return. It's not forbidden, I suppose, but we've long since stopped trying. That's what I hear, at least. I was never quite sure how much of what I was told about this place was true or not, so...”

It must be huge, you think as you numbly allow Soma to lead you back through the gloomy tunnel, to be visible from such a distance. Greater than any structure you've ever seen – greater even than some of the mountains you've ever seen. A monument to whatever impossible power created it, be it god, man or sorcerer. Even as Soma bangs on the door, calling for the guards on the other side to open it, you can't get the sight of that pyramid out of your mind.

“You can stay the night,” Soma offers as you're returning to the hidden village, “I mean, I have a spare room now, I suppose. It's late, and you've probably had a long day.”

She's not wrong there. You're tired, fatigue clinging to you like a leaden robe. Is it really safe, though, to rest in this place?

>Ask to visit the Seer first
>Accept Soma's offer
>Decline the offer. You should return to the Nameless Temple as soon as possible
>Other

>>46333624
>Ask to visit the Seer first

>>46333624
>Ask to visit the Seer first
One more Q&A before we leave. We probably won't get many opportunities to talk to him.

>>46333624
>>Ask to visit the Seer first

>>46333624
>>Decline the offer. You should return to the Nameless Temple as soon as possible

>>46333624
"Soma, a question. When I fought that beast in Makai did you have any compulsion to destroy it like I did or was it just a dangerous enemy to you?"

Trying to figure out if this rage is unique to Ira or not.

You are tired, but there's no way of knowing when you'll next get the chance to put your questions to the Seer. He said that you were free to come and go as you please, but it's hardly a convenient corner of the land to seek out. With that in mind, you ask Soma if you can visit the Seer before making any decisions.

“I don't see why not,” Soma shrugs slightly, “I expect he'll be interested in what you thought about Makai... among other things. I think he enjoyed the chance to speak with someone like you.”

Like you, you ask, and what does that mean?

“An enemy, I suppose,” Soma smiles softly, “Or maybe someone who's perfectly happy to argue with him. Most of the people here are too... respectful to challenge his views too much. That needs to change, I feel.”

You'd have to agree with her there. One question, you ask as an afterthought. When you were fighting that creature, did she feel anything strange? Like, for example, a compulsion to destroy it beyond all rational thought?

“I wanted to kill it,” Soma says slowly, “But... not like that. Not like you must have done. My first thought was staying safe – I don't think that was your concern, was it?”

No, you agree, it wasn't. So, she didn't feel the same violent rage that you felt. Interesting. Nodding silently, you consider the issue as she guides you back to the Seer's private room. Like last time, she lurks in the background like a watchful bodyguard as you sit opposite the ancient man.

“Well, Ira, you've seen Makai with your own eye,” the Seer begins, “What did you think?”

>It's a potent warning, that's for sure
>It proves nothing
>I didn't come here to talk about Makai. I wanted to ask you something... (Write in)
>Other

>>46333982
>>It's a potent warning, that's for sure
But of what can be interpreted so many ways.

>>46333982
>It's a potent warning, that's for sure
>Other
"So what caused it? That wasn't always barren was it? Did it happen when you and Mentor killed that god?"

"Were you and him the only sorcerers or did many of the population also practice it?"

"That pyramid Pharos. What is it?"

"I fought a beast and was compelled to kill it, more so than I should and Soma didn't. Why?"

(Listen but also take all his answers with a grain of salt. Different interpretations, etc.)

>>46333982
>>It's a potent warning, that's for sure
>Other
>tell him about the Nodens incident

>>46333982
>It's a potent warning, that's for sure
>What do you know of the creatures living there?

It's a potent warning, you admit, but one that could be interpreted in many ways. Maybe the land was destroyed when the gods turned away, or maybe the gods destroyed it themselves in a fit of petulance. Maybe the gods had nothing to do with it – it could have been a human act. So, you ask, does he know what the real cause was?

“I know,” the Seer nods, “And I know that nothing I can say will convince you of this – I had nothing to do with it. When I first set foot inside Makai, it was already a wasteland.”

So when the Mentor and him killed that god...

“We did not destroy Makai,” the Seer repeats gravely, “Our crimes were not that great.”

So who did, you ask, who could be responsible for the destruction of Makai?

“You realise, of course, that I would throw away a very powerful tool by revealing that,” a sly note enters the Seer's voice, “Knowledge is power, after all. I prefer to keep some secrets, but... I suppose I can offer you a small start. Makai's fate is strongly linked with the ultimate truth, and that truth lies within Pharos, the great pyramid.”

So you'll need the three divine lenses before you can learn for yourself, you ask, is that it?

“Some wisdom must be earned, not given,” the Seer nods, hiding his ghoulish eye for a brief moment, “I have said all that I am willing to say on that matter. You will have to do the rest yourself.”

Somehow, you expected as much. As long as the Seer has information that you do not, he holds a certain power over you. A power that only extends as far as your curiosity, perhaps, but that is a potent force. Fine, you say calmly, what about sorcerers? Were there many, or just the two of them?

[1/2]

>>46334375

“Makai was the birthplace of sorcery,” the Seer begins, “And it was practised by... some. Not many, but the knowledge spread quickly. Of course, sorcerers were slain as quickly as they learned their forbidden ways so the population never grew too large. Many sorcerers killed each other, out of pride, spite or just simple malice. It was never just the two of us. In fact, we were some of the last sorcerers. Possibly even THE last.”

What happened, you ask, why were they the last?

“The knowledge was lost. Deliberately destroyed,” the Seer shrugs, “Rightfully so, in retrospect. We were both born in Tenngaru, long after Makai fell. Your Mentor learned it first – although I could not say who taught him the ancient ways – and I was his student. Now, we are the last remnants of a forgotten heresy. So it goes.”

So it goes. He mentioned Pharos – what is it?

“Once, it was a temple devoted to the greatest god in all the land. Once,” the ancient being opposite you looks... uncomfortable, as if it brings back ill memories, “Now, it is nothing more than a tomb. Do not seek it out, Ira, until you are ready. Those who search without knowing the true path will surely become lost – never to return.”

And the creatures living in Makai, the monsters there? What are they?

“Beasts, created by sorcerers,” the old man spreads his hands in a vague gesture, “For many purposes. Soldiers, guards, experiments... there are many reasons to create life, hubris included. Ah, did you run across one of them? Quite a rare breed these days...”

You found one, you tell him, and it had a strange influence over you. A kind of rage, like... very little you've ever felt before. Why, you ask, just because it was an unnatural being?

“I wonder,” the Seer peers at you, his glassy eye staring blindly at you, “Have you encountered one before? They can be quite traumatic, I'm told, to a young and delicate mind.”

[2/3]

>>46334612

A young mind, you repeat coldly.

“Oh yes,” the Seer nods, “Those who grew up near them were tainted by a kind of... subconscious hatred. An awareness of their flawed existence, and a desire to remove that irregularity. Perhaps something you don't quite remember? Or something you're not willing to remember?” As you struggle to keep your sudden turmoil, a kind of queasy horror, from showing, the Seer lets out a slow laugh. “My, Ira. What keeps you up at night, hmm?”

This conversation, you snap, is over. You're done here, and you won't play his mind games. You start to stand, but a hard gesture from the Seer stops you.

“Running from your problems won't help you, Ira,” the Seer says quietly, “Sit. Talk.”

And show him your greatest vulnerability. That's what he doesn't say – what he doesn't need to say.

>You cannot trust him with this. Walk away
>Sit, and reveal your secrets
>Other

>>46334718
>You cannot trust him with this. Walk away
Rather discuss this with the Mentor. As knowledgeable as Seer is, he is still our enemy and he could hold it over us, whatever 'it' is.

>>46334718
>Sit, and reveal your secrets

>>46334718
>>You cannot trust him with this. Walk away
That is something between Ira, Howa, and the mentor. No one else.

>>46334718
>You cannot trust him with this. Walk away
Not yet at least.

>>46334718
So I was right! That Thing caused Iras hatred for unnatural things.

>>46334718
>You cannot trust him with this. Walk away
I kind of want to. But ultimately, I feel it's very unwise.

>>46334718
>You cannot trust him with this. Walk away

>>46334718
>>You cannot trust him with this. Walk away

>>46334718
That... Is a piece of knowledge you have not earned.

The last time you were forced to relive those memories, you almost blinded yourself. You clawed out one of your own eyes rather than think about it. You cannot – you WILL not – trust the Seer with this information. There is a part of you that almost gives in, but that traitorous voice is soon silenced by common sense. Hardening your heart, you stand properly and walk away from the old man, rejecting him and whatever he has to offer you.

Soma, lurching into motion as if woken from a deep sleep, hurries to open the door and usher you out. When you're both outside, you feel like you can finally take a breath.

“What...” Soma begins, but then she shakes her head, “No, it's not my business. I know you might not want to, but the offer still stands. A room, a bed for the night. Nothing more – we don't even need to look at each other.”

No, you mutter, you can't stay here. Not now. You need to get as far away from here as possible, and it can't wait. Maybe you'll return here, but... not now.

“I understand,” Soma lies, “Remember, you're always welcome here. But please, keep this place a secret. That's all we ask of you – just keep your silence. Can you do that?”

You keep your silence. Without another word, you turn away from her and walk back down to the docks. You need to leave.

You're going home.

>I think I'll leave that there for tonight. Next thread on Friday, and I'll stick around for a while in case of any questions!

>>46334975
Thanks for running Moloch.

>>46334975
So how Rustled is Ira? Soma worried? She freaked still? Seer have a chuckle? We're going to demand answers from Mentor if he's alright once we get home won't we?

>>46334975
Looks like we're going to need some more Howa healing.

Also, was Soma trying to hit on Ira?

>>46335054
Pretty sure she was trying to allow the old man a place to rest for a bit.

>>46334375
>“You realise, of course, that I would throw away a very powerful tool by revealing that,” a sly note enters the Seer's voice, “Knowledge is power, after all. I prefer to keep some secrets, but... I suppose I can offer you a small start. Makai's fate is strongly linked with the ultimate truth, and that truth lies within Pharos, the great pyramid.”
Suspicious as hell. While knowledge is power, knowledge without use is purpose. Whats the purpose of the knowledge he's holding from us?

>>46334975
I'm of the mind to punch the old man once we gets home, that's the kind of shit he should have revealed. Did he though we'd think less of him if we knew his history? Or is it something far mor insidious?

Maybe Ira should tell him that while he looks up to the old man as a father figure, that's a real fuck up he almost had on his plate by being a secretive cunt.

>>46335050

"Rustled" isn't the right word. Disturbed, perhaps, would be better. He's got some pretty unresolved issues!
Soma isn't quite sure what she's dealing with yet. In her eyes, Ira is a pretty unstable guy right now. Wise, but unpredictable.
The Seer is a cipher, much like the Mentor. It's not in his interests to alienate Ira, but he's enough of a schemer to enjoy pushing someone's buttons no matter what the occasion is.
And we will have the option of demanding some answers, yes.

>>46335054
>>46335097

Soma was just being polite, yes.

>>46335129

That's a pretty hard question to answer without some heavy spoilers, I'm afraid!

>>46335185
Did Soma know our reputation before she left?

>>46335184

For those who know about it, sorcery is a pretty serious crime, almost bordering on an unforgivable sin. It would seriously damage the Mentor's credibility if it became known that he was a sorcerer once - and, technically, still is. He had a good reason to hide his past, even if it was dishonest. Additionally, he regards those days with a certain shame, so he wouldn't relish reliving them.

>>46335219

She knew about Ira, but indirectly. In other words, he's not quite matching her expectations!

>>46335269
What was her expectation? She expect a brute who hated the gods?

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>>46335269
What are the odds of the old man's pop never slapped some sense into his son?
>Do I have to slap some sense into one of the only millenia old manchildren?

>>46335269
Selene's worshipers aren't going to allow Ira to borrow their god's lens?

>>46335336
>Selene's worshipers aren't going to allow Ira to borrow their god's lens?

Selene's worshipers aren't just going to allow Ira to borrow their god's lens are they?*

Whoops missing key words.

>>46335297

When he was younger, Ira got quite a reputation for being violent and hot-blooded. He's never quite shaken it off, even though he's a lot calmer these days. The fact that he tended towards being a loner didn't help - he didn't really give people the chance to form a new opinion.

So, I'd say her expectation was more accurate than I first thought, Ira's sudden burst of anger considered!

>>46335321

I couldn't really say - I have trouble imagining the Mentor and the Seer as anything other than old men!

>>46335336
>>46335348

It's pretty unlikely. That said, Ra does have a friend inside the temple, so that might give us an opening.

>>46335395
So I guess next on the list is to confront Mentor.

Then we have get the other lenses and find out exactly what Sho's deal is. I imagine getting an audience with him will be a lot more difficult than the Seer.

>>46335813

I have certain events planned that will provide a chance to speak with Sho again. It might not be very private though!

>>46335887
Not sure if I should be worried or not. I probably should be.

>>46335887
So what did Seer think of Ira overall?

Soma?

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>>46336393

Overall? He sees Ira as skeptical, not the kind of person he could rely on as a follower. However, he has confidence - misplaced, perhaps - that Ira could still prove useful.
Some, on the other hand, hasn't quite made up her mind. Ira could be an enemy in the future, bu she also likes him. Best to remain distant for now!

>>46335936

A little concern is never a bad thing!

>>46336513
Soma seemed a tad more, I guess open minded then the rest of fanatics. Does that come from her Wanderer training?

Also any special reason why she guards Seer?

>>46336811

Soma, ultimately, has her own reasons to side with the Seer. She didn't need him to convince her, but that means she doesn't fall exactly in with his philosophy. As a result, she's a little more thoughtful about things. She is also a little older than many of the apprentices that were turned, so she's generally a little more, I suppose, competent.

That's also why she guards the Seer. He likes to discuss his ideas with her and get her opinion on things. He doesn't always pay much attention to it though!

>>46336911
So Seer and Mentor hunted Gods down in Tenngaru or Makai?

>>46337702

The Seer and the Mentor operated in Tenngaru. The gods of Makai were already gone by the time they came around.

>>46337779
So the God they killed that made them stop their ways wasn't the one in Pharos, but Seer seemed to have bad memories of Pharos God's death.

I'm guessing that the 'truth' that they learned gave insight to it's fate.