>>46728419

All too aware of the severed finger in your pocket, a thin layer of cotton between the cold flesh and your clothes, you sit down in front of the Mentor and wait cautiously. Part of you expects reproach, blame for your failed attempt at interrogating Saku. In a way, you want the blame to fall upon you – and with it, the role of compensating for the failure.

What you get, instead, is concern. The Mentor gazes at you for a long time, his eyes more alive than usual as he studies you. “You are well?” he asks eventually, “Shaken, I presume, but unharmed.”

You're fit for duty, you reply carefully, if that's what he was wondering. That's why you're here, to check if he had new orders for you. You both want the ring destroyed – the Mentor has no more desire to see it exist than you do – and you're here to discuss your options. As you recall, it was said to be hardier than a normal ring of steel, but far from invulnerable. Melting it down should work, he suggested.

“That's correct, but I fear we do not have the facilities here,” the concerned look doesn't drop from the Mentor's eyes as he explains the situation, “I would suggest the capital. The works of industry should offer you the facilities you need. I can arrange for a rider to take the ring there, if you wish to rest for now – these past days must be taking their toll on you, Ira, and I would not wish to force you into action before you're ready.”

A rider. Someone who doesn't know what they're dealing with. Someone who might even be tempted to prise the ring from the digit that bears it and try it on their own finger. That's all it would take, and then the ring would be out of your grasp, lost in the wider world. Not an option, no matter how much you might need to rest.

>I'll take the ring. I wanted to see the capital anyway
>Fine. Let your rider take it – but make sure they know what they're doing
>Other

>>46728424
>>I'll take the ring. I wanted to see the capital anyway

>>46728424
>I'll take the ring. I wanted to see the capital anyway
time to crash a tribunal?

now would be the perfect chance for Mentor to make an appearance. No sorcery, just talking.

>>46728424
>>I'll take the ring. I wanted to see the capital anyway

This is something you want to handle yourself, something you don't trust to anyone else. You'll take the ring, you tell the Mentor firmly, you've been wanting to visit the capital again anyway. This just gives you a good reason to make the long ride out there.

“I've heard that the capital is suffering much the same tension that the rest of the land endures,” the Mentor says sadly, “A legal matter, I believe. Allow me to remind you, Ira – these are not matters that we hold any influence over. I trust you will carry yourself accordingly, and keep yourself out of trouble.”

As if you ever go looking for trouble. With a slight hesitation, you rise and bow to the Mentor. You'll do your best, you offer blandly, not to bring any disgrace upon the temple. You'll be sure to keep its best intentions in mind, no matter what you end up doing. It's a spectacularly vague answer, one worthy of Selene's sisterhood, and that fact does not pass the Mentor by. He gives you a faint smile – almost one of covert encouragement – but offers no comment in return.

On your way from the temple, you pause and squint at the morning sky. Reaching up into the sky from out in the distance, a pillar of dark smoke darkens the fine weather. Saku's remains, you're certain, being sent on to their final destination. Once the smoke has drifted away and the winds have taken his ashes, there won't be anything left of the faceless man – even his vague identity as a Wanderer will quickly fade, his plain nature easing the passing.

Good riddance, you think with a sudden stab of spite, he doesn't deserve to be remembered. Even without memory, he'll have left a scar on the land – that's more than enough of a monument to his diseased existence. Fighting the urge to spit, to clean out your mouth, you take a horse from the stables and set out towards the capital.

[1/2]

>>46728656

Something is different about the trade road. It takes you most of the first day to realise what it is – many of the roadside inns and shops are closed. The vast majority of closed buildings you pass are merely boarded up, signs on the doors vaguely declaring their closure, but a few are gone completely, burned to the ground. It's impossible to say exactly why without speaking to those departed proprietors, but you find it easy to speculate.

It's all too easy to imagine some of them gathering their things and heading south, to kneel at the Seer's feet and take the first steps on a violent path. Then again, it's just as easy to imagine them fleeing to the capital, trusting the Emperor's walls and armies to protect them against an increasingly hostile land. Either way, it feels like the world is receding, people shrinking back into their corners of the land and gazing upon all outsiders with hostile paranoia. Even if there is no war, it will take years for these wounds to heal – if they ever do.

Two days on the trade road sees you to Tenn, the capital city. The streets are as busy as you expected, but there is some undefinable difference between the bustle of these streets and the ones in Garuna. A lack of life and colour here, perhaps, with many of the people you see wearing sombre black suits. Still, there is a nervous energy in the air – an air of anticipation. The tribunal must have everyone on edge, you realise, with the common men and women desperate for whatever scraps of information they can gather. Even rumours and speculation will be devoured, false whispers spread just as evenly as the meagre truths.

It's close to noon, with the sun hanging high in the sky, and you need to pick your destination.

>Try to find Aya, get her take on things
>Focus on the ring. A factory or metalworks should destroy it
>See if you can visit Ra at the palace
>Other

>>46728753
>Focus on the ring. A factory or metalworks should destroy it
Let's get rid of this thing ASAP. Then we'll go see Aya and get a sitrep on the Capital.

>>46728753
>Focus on the ring. A factory or metalworks should destroy it
this thing dies first.

>>46728753
>>Focus on the ring. A factory or metalworks should destroy it

>>46728753
>>Focus on the ring. A factory or metalworks should destroy it
I'm not even sure how we'd meet with Ra. Would we just walk up and ask to see him?

>>46728897
Wanderer business or we can just pay a dude to let us use his forge for a few minutes.

>>46728753
>Try to find Aya and see if she has an acquaintance in the metalworking industry. It's not like factories let random people melt things inside, probably

Just having this ring – or maybe the finger, now less than fresh, that it's attached to – in your pocket makes you uneasy. Best to get rid of it now, before you think about visiting anywhere else. Melting it down should be the best course of action, and that calls for a factory or some kind of metalworks. An easy thing to find in the capital – you just need to follow the smoke, following those dark and industrial shadows to the source.

With the threat of pickpockets never far from your mind, you press on through the streets towards the grimy, darkened stone of the industrial quarter. Here, lone craftsmen work in their tiny shops while vast factories loom above them. This part of the city is a mystery to you, the grim and foreboding buildings offering you no clue as to what they might produce. Ammunition, perhaps, to feed the Emperor's armies. Unbidden, the imagine of the boy you met at the cult enclave springs to mind, the thought of him carefully loading bullets one by one. Amazing really, how different the two processes could be – especially when the final product is so similar. Either made by the thousand in an anonymous factory or put together by hand, a bullet would kill just the same.

Shaking the thought from your mind, you approach one of the factories, strolling in through wide doors. The heat strikes you immediately, almost forcing you back a step, but you rally and move forwards. All the while, you expect someone to stop you – or to ask you for some kind of identification, at least. After all, you have no real authority here. No real idea of where to start, either – none of the machines around you look particularly suitable for melting a steel ring.

[1/2]

>>46728954

As you're wandering, a voice shouts out from above you. “Everything here is fine!” the man bellows, “You can tell the Emperor that he'll get his rails on time!”

Turning, you look up at the platform above and meet the gaze of a filthy man, his face near black with soot and other dirt. A factory worker, obviously, and one with a little more sense than the few others you've passed. They merely glanced at you with careful, closed expressions before looking quickly away. This is the first time you've actually been addressed, and the brash simplicity of the man's voice is a nice change. He has a rank pin, military style, on the front of his smock – a foreman, then?

“You hear me, down there?” the foreman repeats, “We don't need another damn inspection slowin' things down, not unless you WANT us to run late.”

If you're not mistaken, he seems to have mistaken you for some kind of inspector, one working for the Emperor. Assuming a stiff, formal expression, you find the stairs and patiently make your way to the foreman's side. An Imperial agent wouldn't hurry, of course. When you reach him, he gives you a belligerent glare.

“And if you're wantin' me to get everyone lined up all proper, that'll be a slow process,” he adds, “And you'd be wastin' your time. We're all loyal servants of the Emperor here, no less than you are.”

They can't be that loyal then, you think to yourself. Still, this is something you can use to your advantage.

>Give me a report, now
>There's no need to gather your workers, but I'd like you to show me around
>I'm not working for the Emperor. What's this about inspections?
>Other

>>46729042
>>There's no need to gather your workers, but I'd like you to show me around

>>46729042
>There's no need to gather your workers, but I'd like you to show me around
>Give me a report on the go.

>>46729065
Seconding

>>46729042
>There's no need to gather your workers, but I'd like you to show me around
we can get most of this info from Ra, so all that there really is is to see the working conditions and find a suitably free forge.

There's no need to gather his workers, you tell the foreman plainly, but you would like him to show you around. A simple tour of the facilities shouldn't be too much trouble, should it?

“Won't be any worse than the last one we had here,” he grunts, “Speakin' plainly, some of you lot are paranoid, seein' spies and saboteurs in every shadow. I'll be happy to show you about the place, if it'll mean we get to keep workin' on shippin' that steel.”

Excellent, you nod, and a brief report while you walk would help. It doesn't have to be anything exhaustive – in fact, you'd rather keep this entire inspection on the informal side of things.

“Suit yourself,” turning, the foreman begins to stomp off without waiting to see if you'll follow, “We're workin' at full capacity here, so we can't get any more rails out of here, no matter what you hold over our heads. Tell the Emperor that he'll need to bother someone else if he doesn't think things are workin' fast enough.”

You'll pass that along, you reply calmly, so this factory is producing materials for the railroad?

“Thought you'd know that already,” the brash man glances round at you, tugging at his smock, “See this pin? Army – I'm here to keep things in line. Guess my boss ain't talkin' much to your boss. Ah, they don't give a damn about the little people, do they? Don't matter how inconvenient it is, they had me gather all the workers together not so long ago. Why? Testin' for loyalty, I think – they'd pick folks at random and ask all kinds of questions. I guess someone high up is gettin' scared, especially with that bomb and all.”

Bomb, you ask, what bomb? You say this just as you're walking across a bubbling pit, a churning cauldron of molten metal, and you have to shout to make yourself heard.

[1/2]

>>46729264

“How new are you?” the foreman asks, a faint note of disgust creeping into his voice, “About a week ago, they found a bomb in one of the other factories. Piece of shit, mind – no way of knowin' if it would even go off – but it got people worried. Since then, we've had inspections and all that stuff gettin' in the way of things.”

As the foreman rants, his attention focussed on his own words, you slip the cotton bag from your pocket and drop it into the cauldron below. It lands with a miniscule splash, and vanishes completely within a heartbeat. From deep within the molten metal, there comes a slight rumbling bubble – as if the ring had exploded, rather than melting – but it's not enough to draw the foreman's attention. What about working conditions, you ask, are the workers here treated well enough?

Your question causes the foreman to turn, a hint of respect entering his eyes. “First time I've been asked that,” he tells you bitterly, “But I keep them well. Way I see it, forced labour is poor labour. If I start cracking the whip, that's when folks start thinkin' about bringin' in a bomb. Safe, steady progress – that's they way to do it.”

You're glad to hear it, you assure the man, that was your main concern. Considering the recent tribunal, and the conditions in the mines, you've been looking into other aspects of Imperial industry. Now that you've seen enough, you see no reason to take up any more of his time.

“Show yourself out, then,” he grunts, turning away from you once more, “We've both got work to do.”

>Leave in search of Aya
>Leave, and see if you can visit Ra
>Ask a few more questions (Write in)
>Other

>>46729379
>Leave in search of Aya

>>46729379
>Leave in search of Aya
the ring kept whole within the rail, waiting for someone to dig it out after its been laid.

>>46729379
>>Leave in search of Aya
We were never here, this never happened.

He said for you to show yourself out, and that's exactly what you do. Taking one last look down into the churning soup of molten metal – if the ring survives that, there isn't a thing in the land that could destroy it – you make your way out of the factory. Outside, the air feels cold and crisp, thankfully free from the dirty taint that suffused the factory air. Only by contrast do you realise how light and unburdened your chest feels now that you're outside.

Or maybe it's the fact that the ring is gone that you've got to thank for the cool relief seeping through you. Without the thing's corruption dragging you down, your pace is light and almost cheerful as you stride towards the Low Residential quarter. The best place to start looking for Aya is at her office – even if she isn't in, you might be able to get directions. It's a little surprising, actually, how glad you are to enter the tight warren of streets that mark out the slums. It feels strangely free here, as if you're not under the Emperor's watchful eye for the first time since entering the city.

A foolish thought. If the Emperor had any sense – although you have your doubts about that – he'd have the slums watched more closely than anywhere else. There are still eyes here, of that you have little doubt, but they are almost certainly hidden and secret ones. This is where the secret police earn their pay, moving unnoticed through the restless population to root out potential troublemakers.

It's a wonder, you think vaguely as you knock on her front door, that Aya's newspaper still operates. She's not afraid of stirring up trouble, certainly. The troublemaker herself opens the door a few moments after your first knock, a trace of grey in her cheeks and dark circles under her eyes. Busy times, apparently.

[1/2]

File: Aya.jpg (18 KB, 254x736)

18 KB JPG

>>46729611

“Hey stranger,” she greets you, “You look older. A little more, I don't know, haggard?”

Tough times, you reply with a shrug, she doesn't look too good either.

“I'm working my butt off here, chief,” Aya forces a smile, the end result coming off as crooked and awkward, “This damn tribunal is a farce, everyone knows it, but I have my standards to uphold. That means digging, hitting up every contact I've got within the palace for whatever information I can scrape together. You'd be surprised at how hard it is, running around all day and trying to piece together a straight story. Anyway, come in, sit down. Take the weight off those old bones.”

Enough with the “old bones” stuff, you warn her, but you take the seat she offers nonetheless. The little building is in a state of crisis, mountains of paper leaning against every spare bit of wall space and spilling out onto the floor. Draft copies, scrawled notes and blank pages, all mixed together into a logistical nightmare.

“So, are you here for the tribunal as well?” Aya asks, placing a clay cup of strong tea in front of you, “I figured you might be interested. Word on the street is that it might be over soon. Tomorrow, even, but that's being optimistic.” Sitting opposite you, she takes a deep drink of tea and scrutinises your face again. “I wasn't joking, you know,” she adds, “You really do look older. Terribly rude, I know, but it's a fact – still getting into trouble, I guess.”

It's hard to get a word in edgewise. You forgot that, somehow.

>Tell me about the tribunal, what's happened so far?
>How have you been?
>Anything else I might be interested in happened lately?
>I've got a hell of a story for you to run... (Write in)
>Other

>>46729709
We've got the full story on Solitude, so it wouldn't be bad to show how both sides of this conflict are neither good nor completely bad.

>Tell me about the tribunal, what's happened so far?
>Tell me who you've been angling to talk to, I might have an easier time depending on circumstances.
>About your gun....
just confirm that it's being used by the cultists, but outing any more info than that would just be needlessly bloody.

>>46729709
>Tell me about the tribunal, what's happened so far?
>How have you been?
>Anything else I might be interested in happened lately?


>I've got a hell of a story for you to run... (Write in)
Sparna. It should shake up the tribunal by putting Takino in a bad light.

Now here's the question. We got a lot of dirt on the cult too and we should probably smear them as well so that people don't run off to join the cult after hearing about Sparna. But how much do we give?

We've got
>Titanos's attempted corruption/sacrificing Wanderers.
>Solitude's attempted massacre
>Dragon's Head massacre
>Arming citizens at Pit's Progress to cause an incident.
>Seer's plan - Turning the gods into Tyrants (This one might cause questions, but could have a big impact. Not sure if it's worth the risk though)

>>46729709
>Tell me about the tribunal, what's happened so far?
>How have you been?
>Anything else I might be interested in happened lately?

>I've got a hell of a story for you to run... (Write in)
>Titanos's attempted corruption/sacrificing Wanderers.
>Solitude's attempted massacre
>Dragon's Head massacre
>Arming citizens at Pit's Progress to cause an incident.
>Seer's plan - Turning the gods into Tyrants (This one might cause questions, but could have a big impact. Not sure if it's worth the risk though)
>Soldiers stationed at the Nameless Temple killing an apprentice and knocking over a local Gods shrine for shits and giggles
>The Massacre committed by military in a small town.

>>46729798
>>46729709
From this list I'd say:

>Sparna for sure, all the details.
>Solitude, all the details.
>Dragon's head, leave Miura out. Focus on the attack instead of the why.

>Titanos's attempted corruption/Seers Plan
These two go together as one leads into the other. We don't need to say it came from the Seer, just that this is the cult's plan. Ira should help write this bit, thoroughly explaining the ramifications of such an outcome. Educate people that what this cult wants is BAD NEWS. If we are lucky than it should also make the cultists doubt their cause too.

>>46729843
also Add
>The Overseer of Pit's Progress deliberately causing things to go out of hand to get recalled to the capitol.

>>46729896
Aya might have already included that since she was there, but if she didn't good choice.

>>46729709
Also you know, warn Aya that this could be dangerous. We will do everything we can to protect her and won't leave her flapping in the wind if something happens, but make sure she knows this could be dangerous.

How has the tribunal been so far, you ask as you cradle the warm cup in your hands, has anything important happened?

“Every evening, they have a herald stand out in front of the palace and give us an “edited” version of events,” Aya snorts, mocking the whole procedure, “Which usually amounts a bunch of platitudes and not much else. According to the official version of events, they're weighing the issue carefully, taking views from the people of Pit Progress as well as the views of the military into account. A good joke, right?”

A joke of some description, certainly. Do people believe that, though?

“At the moment, folks don't know what to believe,” Aya shrugs, “Too much rumour and speculation for anyone to get a clear idea of what's happening. That's what I've been trying to do – get the most consistent version of events and keep the public focussed on that. It's tough, and there's a lot I can't print, not yet at least. I'm working towards a “complete” version of the trial, built up from what my inside contacts have been telling me. When all this is over, I'm printing it – all the dirty details of what's been going on.”

Do you need to wait until her paper goes to print, you ask, or is she willing to share these dirty details with you?

“Alright, here's the main thing – the whole process is slowed right down because Takino isn't here in person. He won't leave his fortress down in the south-east, so his contribution to the tribunal has been sent by a rider. It's a mess, frankly, slow and inefficient. But hey, they've got to put on a good show, right?”

There is a weary bitterness in her voice, then, that is quite unlike her usual perky optimism. How is she doing, you ask, is she handling the pressure okay?

“Me? I'm never far from passing out, but that's fine,” Aya nods firmly, “Got to keep busy, right?”

You've always thought so.

[1/?]

>>46729968

So, you ask a moment later, has there been anything else going on that might interest you? Any other big news in the capital, in other words?

“I heard that someone planted a bomb in one of the factories, trying to blow up the railroad I guess,” Aya purses her lips as she considers the issue, “Part of me thinks the Emperor would have been happy if it had gone off. I doubt folks around here would be thinking about a trial, if they had a bunch of bomb making anarchists running loose in the city. As is, it wasn't enough to cause a panic. Not among the common man, I mean.”

You heard about that, you mention, bad business. Indiscriminate attacks like that won't help anyone, and they won't get any real results. You think of Sparna as you mention this, Sparna and the Dragon's Head – both sides in this conflict have blood on their hands. Say, you add, is there anyone Aya has been trying to speak with? You can't guarantee anything, but you might be able to arrange something. Either that, or you might be able to ask them some questions yourself.

“Anyone in the land? Well, I've got a few things I'd like to tell the Emperor,” Aya laughs, a hard edge to the sound, “I don't know, nobody really knows much about Hirohito – you know, the military commander here – so an interview with him would really shift copy. I guess I'd like to talk with the guy in charge of this cult, but I don't know if I'd risk it. I kinda get the feeling he's not quite, you know, sane.”

If Aya knew that you've spoken – at length, even – with the Seer, she'd probably take a great deal of interest. Come to think of it, you've got a lot of news to share with her. Recent events, mostly, but the kind of knowledge that few others would be able to offer. Before you get to that, though, there's a few last matters to take care of. Her gun, for one thing.

[2/3]

>>46730103

“This again?” Aya raises an eyebrow, “This isn't going to turn into some kind of weird obsession, is it?”

You just wanted to give her a warning, you tell her. Her little pistol is not so different from the kind of thing that the cultists are using for weapons. She might want to be very careful about who sees that weapon, unless she fancies becoming a news article herself.

“Hmm, that's a worrying idea. I much prefer staying behind the pen,” Aya looks troubled, “I'll see about keeping it hidden from now on. I mean, I never really need to use it, so it shouldn't be too much bother. Thanks for the tip, chief – you might have saved me some trouble, there. Got anything else for me?”

There might be something else, you nod, but this is dangerous stuff. What you're about to tell her is serious information, and it might get a lot of people very angry. Angry enough to retaliate against her for printing it. You'll do your best to keep her safe, but there's always going to be a risk involved in this kind of thing. Is she prepared to take that risk?

“You bet,” a defiant light enters Aya's eyes, “The people deserve the truth, Ira. I don't care if that makes me a few enemies – I'm willing to put myself in the firing line for this.”

Then she'd better get a pen, because this could take some time.

>To confirm, we're telling her about Titanos, Solitude, the Dragon's Head, Sparna, Pit Progress and the Seer's plan in general
>Is there anything to add or change?

>>46730161
As long as Miura stays out of the Dragon's Head story. She doesn't need the spotlight right now.

Otherwise, sounds good.

>>46730161
Works. Lets drag that cult into the light.

I hope this doesn't backfire. This is kinda big.

>>46730161
go for it.

I can't tell if we are going to give Ra the biggest headache or he is going to be secretly happy someone is saying this shit. Maybe both.

“Hold up,” Aya yelps, dragging across a jug filled with charcoal sticks and a pad of rough paper, “Alright, I'm ready, let's do this.”

You'll start with Titanos and the central mountains, you begin. Not so long ago – although it feels like much longer now – you were asked to investigate heavy storms and even some avalanches in the region. It was said that the storms were a product of Titanos' fury, a rage that would only be settled by making an offering – a sacrifice.

“We're talking about an animal, right?” Aya confirms, her charcoal already flying across the paper.

A goat, you nod, but that wasn't the only thing offered. The cult had been there before before the first Wanderer to take this job, killing the unfortunate man and using his body as a human sacrifice – all in an attempt to turn Titanos back to a more primal god, one that ruled through strength and conquest. It was only by making the proper sacrifice that you were able to return the god to normal.

“So, this cult would... benefit from a savage god?” Aya asks, “I mean, would anyone benefit from that?”

You'll get to that later, you tell her, but it's a pretty major part of the cult's philosophy. Next up is Solitude, and the strange matter that unfolded there. It was a confusing issue, with news of both a plague and a newly born god combining to cause some fair trouble. The army nearly purged Solitude, but only because of the cult's manipulations.

“The cult tried to kill this newly born god?” the sound of Aya's scribbling stops briefly as she glances up at you.

In the hope of galvanising hatred against the Emperor, you explain. Another sacrifice they were willing to make, in other words. At least the matter didn't end as they intended, in a massacre. Taking a drink, you clear your throat and move onto the next part of your long story – the Dragon's Head massacre.

“Hey, I'm finally getting that exclusive,” Aya gives you a wan smile, “Go ahead, chief.”

[1/?]

>>46730398

There isn't that much to say about events at the Dragon's Head, you lie, other than to confirm that it was the same cult responsible for the attack. You decide against bringing Miura into this – that girl is in enough danger as it is. Aya might be willing to put herself in the cult's sights, but you won't let her put Miura in any extra risk. Instead, you give Aya an explanation of the attack itself, and the cult's strange chemical weapons. Drugged candles, and thick clouds of blinding smoke – a new way of waging war.

“And they choose to attack civilians,” Aya frowns, glaring at her notes, “Very noble of them.”

That said, the Emperor's forces aren't much better. Has she ever heard, you ask, of a town called Sparna?

“Never heard of it,” Aya shakes her head, “Should I?”

Everyone should know about it, you tell her, especially after what happened there. The town was razed, burned to the ground and the population massacred by the military in retaliation for another cult attack.

“Hold up,” Aya reaches for a fresh stick of charcoal, “You're telling me that the army wiped out an entire town?”

You saw it for yourself, you assure her, with your own eye.

“This is big,” the young reporter breathes, “Seriously big.”

And you don't need to tell her about Pit Progress, you add, do you? The events there, and Kurasu's role in allowing them to escalate. With the tribunal looming, that should make some serious waves. Assuming, of course, that the public opinion counts for anything.

“Pretty big assumption there chief,” Aya frowns again, “Is that the end of it? No, you said there was something else. Something about the gods turning back into tyrants?”

[2/3]

>>46730516
We could put a map in the paper and mark where Sparna was.

>>46730516

That's the cult's end goal, you explain, to bring back the savage gods and enforce their rule upon the land. This would not be a benevolent rule, with men and their gods living in harmony, but a world where men lived beneath the heel. A world where men existed only as servants of the gods – servants, or sacrifices.

“But why?” Aya cries out, “Who would want that? Why would anyone want that kind of future?”

Out of fear of a much worse one, you tell her, a future where the gods had been pushed away from the world and men suffered without their laws. But that future is just a possibility, a hazy vision that might never come to be – not one worth starting a war over.

“I'll say,” Aya breathes, “A story like that... it'll hurt them, Ira. Who's going to join up, knowing what they'd be fighting towards?”

Exactly. You WANT to hurt them, to turn away anyone who might consider joining their ranks. If you can cause any existing members to desert, that's just a bonus. With the bulk of your story told, you go back to the start and go over the events in more detail, adding in whatever information you missed the first time and answering Aya's questions. You even pull out your map, pointing out Sparna and copying it into Aya's notes. It's a gruelling process, but it leaves you both satisfied. In fact, Aya looks less tired than ever before.

When you're finished, the sun is sinking low in the sky, the evening reaching out to claim the city. “Hey, it's getting late,” Aya sounds surprised, “You want to go visit the palace, chief? We might be able to catch today's announcements – always good for a laugh, you know?”

>Sure. Let's go
>I can't. I had other plans
>Aya, I want to ask you something... (Write in)
>Other

>>46730641
>Sure. Let's go

>>46730641
>Sure. Let's go
>Aya, I want to ask you something... (are you going to be ready for the reprisals for this? The investigations and possible attempts at silencing you?

>>46730692
Didn't we already warn her that it's going to be dangerous?

>>46730641
>>Sure. Let's go

>>46730709
Can't help to remind her just in case. She's awfully excited.

Sure, you agree, you'll see what kind of nonsense is coming out of the palace these days.

“Alright!” Aya grins, “This won't disappoint, I promise. I swear, the Emperor probably scours the land looking for the funniest guys he can find, just because of this tribunal nonsense. Come on, if we make a move now we should get decent seats.”

Is it really that much of a draw, you ask, or is she just playing around?

“Well, people do show up for it,” Aya shrugs as you're leaving, “It's a good way to theorise about what's really going on – what the herald's don't comment on, for example, is always an interesting issue. That usually means something has gone wrong, or... you know, something like that. Maybe one of the generals slapped Kurasu – that's the kind of news I'd like to read!”

The worst thing is, that's probably the most punishment you can expect Kurasu to receive. Putting that bitter thought out of your mind, you glance across at Aya. In contrast with when you first saw her, her eyes are bright and lively, her step jaunty despite the grim news you shared. In her own way, she seems to thrive on such things – distant tales of trouble and strife earning her a living. Perhaps she's too excited for her own good, the risks already fading into the background. You say her name softly, causing her to girlishly spin around on her heel.

“Got something to say, chief?” she asks lightly, “Breaking news?”

You wanted to remind her of the dangers she'll be in once that story hits print, you say plainly, is she really ready for any reprisals? There could be investigations - Imperial agents prying their way into her life – or even attempts at silencing her. You tell her this quietly, neither glossing over the danger or exaggerating it to scare her.

[1/2]

>>46730956

“I'm not going to act tough and say that I'm not a little scared,” Aya admits, “But I need to do this. You're doing your part, you know, and this is my part. This is ALL I can do. If I ever got in a real fight, I don't think I'd last two seconds. But you know what? That doesn't matter. Once this story gets out there, and word spreads, it doesn't matter what happens to me. Even if they throw me in some dungeon, even if they... shut my mouth for good, it won't stop the story from spreading. They can't kill everyone who reads a newspaper.”

She really is bold, in her own way. Perhaps foolishly so, but the simple fact that she is willing to take a risk for her beliefs is something you can respect. As long as she's prepared for what's coming, you warn her again, you'll do your part in trying to keep her safe. That said, you can't be here all the time – or even most of it.

“I've got my father with me, he'll keep me safe,” Aya grins again, her bright expression returning, “Ah, I'm just curious as to who I'll anger more. The Emperor won't like all this talk of massacres, but you've given me some pretty serious cult secrets. Maybe they'll be so busy fighting with each other that they won't have time to bother little old me, huh?”

She's being flippant again. Then again, she raises a point – maybe making an enemy of both sides in the conflict is too much of a risk. A little bias in her reporting might just win her a valuable ally, and the protection that comes with it.

>Suggest that her article favours the Emperor
>Suggest that her article favours the cult
>Urge her to remain unbiased
>Other

>>46731052
>Urge her to remain unbiased
Have we started the fire?

>>46731052
>Urge her to remain unbiased
Give them the facts. It's what she would want and it'll make the biggest impact.

>>46731052
>Urge her to remain unbiased

>>46731052
>Urge her to remain unbiased
If anything we should make both sides hate each other more and get off our asses.

>>46731052
If she ever feels the need to get away from the capital for her own safety she's always welcome at the Nameless Temple. If we aren't there, tell her to look for Howa or Koa.

>>46731052
>Urge her to remain unbiased
shit from both sides are causing further cases of extremism which is making things worse for those caught in the middle.

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>>46731052
>Urge her to remain unbiased

>>46731111
Hey, what do you say we hide her at Dumas?
Prefeably right after the paper is printed, preventively.

>>46731311
I don't think we should do it preventively. It'll uproot her life. We should see how the slandered parties react first.

>>46731337
What'll uproot her life is imperial and cult assassins.

No, perhaps she's right – perhaps having both sides angry will keep their attentions away form her. If the Emperor and the cult are busy snapping at each other, they won't have time to crush one single reporter. Anyway, the idea of supporting either side leaves a bad taste in your mouth – better that she reports the unbiased facts and lets the public decide what to make of them.

“Got that right,” Aya nods, “I mean, I can't claim to be totally unbiased – I don't think anyone can – but I'm not going to write someone else's propaganda for them. I want people to make up their own minds about their future, even if that means they don't support either side. Sometimes a third way is better, right?”

It usually is, you agree, better than falling into one extreme at least. Whatever protection she might gain from picking a side would be matched by the enemies she makes on the other, and those enemies would be all the more determined than if she remained a neutral observer.

“It's settled, then,” Aya decides with a satisfied nod, “I knew today was going to be a good day – I could feel it in my bones as soon as I woke up. Or... maybe that was the fact that I passed out on my desk again. Oh well!”

She probably shouldn't be so cheerful about that.

“Sorry, I guess I'm just letting things get to me,” Aya shrugs, still smiling broadly, “You know, I really think this little interview has been significant - a turning point, even. I can't wait to see the results!”

That's tempting fate if you've ever heard it. If she ever needs somewhere to hide, you offer, she'll always be welcome at the Nameless Temple. Or on Dumas, in fact – someone might as well get a use out of that damn island.

“That's a sweet offer, chief, but I'm a city girl at heart,” Aya shakes her head, “My place is here, even if I do end up roaming a little now and again.”

[1/2]

>>46731364

Shaking your head in mute despair, you settle for following her onwards to the palace. When you arrive, there's already a fair crowd gathering. As you're joining the group, you see a single figure emerging onto the palace balcony above. The herald, his slender body wrapped in a magnificent white cloak, unrolls a scroll and clears his throat. The crowd, hearing this, falls into silence.

“Today, on this day, the tribunal of one Captain Kurasu has concluded,” the herald announces, these few words already causing a ripple to pass through the crowd, “At the urging of Emperor Tatsuhiro, long may he reign, the charges of incompetence and brutality have been dropped!”

“Of course,” Aya mutters darkly, cursing softly to herself, “But Sho stepped in and decided it personally, huh? I didn't expect that.”

“What's more, these charges were found to be entirely inappropriate, and grossly exaggerated,” the herald continues, a pair of riflemen joining him on the balcony, “In truth, Captain Kurasu handled the unrest at Pit Progress with admirable restraint and care. As the Emperor decrees, he is to be promoted and granted stewardship over the Stone of the North-West, to safeguard one corner of this great land.”

“A promotion?” Aya cries out, “Bullshit, that isn't even slightly right!”

The herald, if he even heard her, gives no answer. He merely turns to retreat back into the palace as the riflemen shoulder their weapons, daring the crowd to rise up. There are a few jeers, but nobody is willing to confront the armed men. Slowly, the crowd begins to break up and wander away.

“Damn it all, I'm going to get drunk,” Aya curses, “C'mon chief, I know a decent bar not far from here. You joining me?”

>A drink sounds perfect right now
>I can't. I've got to speak with Ra about this
>Other

>>46731488
>Raincheck. I've got to speak with Ra about this

>>46731488
>I can't. I've got to speak with Ra about this
I'm a tad salty. Sho is looking more and more irredeemable as a ruler when he does this shit.

>>46731488
>I can't. I've got to speak with Ra about this

>>46731488
>I can't. I've got to speak with Ra about this

If Kurasu still firm on getting recalled, he could repeath his shtick. Possibly with greater casualties.

>>46731583
Actually this is probably good for him. Pit's Progress was in the middle of nowhere. At the Stone, he is in his own fortress with all his needs taken care of.

>>46731488
Promoted to uselessness. Saves face for the Empire, and brings Kurasu close so that the Emperor can keep a tighter leash on him.

After hearing that news, you can't blame Aya for wanting a drink. You want one yourself, in fact, but it has to wait. You need to speak with Ra about this travesty, just to get the real story of what went on. The herald's announcement was the official version of events – what aren't they telling you?

“Yeah, I guess that's a good idea,” Aya sighs, her anger quickly fading to a bitter resignation, “I won't give you a list of questions or anything, but if you learn anything good... you know, let me know.” Then a thought strikes her, and she awkwardly scrawls an address on a scrap of paper. “This is probably where you'll be able to find me later,” she explains, “Just look for the drunken mess ranting about injustice, okay? I mean, if you want.”

You'll see what happens, you assure her as you part company. You wanted to speak with Ra, but you're quite sure where to start. You can't just stroll into the palace and start shouting his name, but how will he know to meet you? Fully aware of how scruffy and unkempt you must look, you find yourself approaching the palace gates regardless. As you expect, the guards ready their rifles as you draw near, not quite aiming them at you – yet.

“State your business, civilian,” the first barks, “Or get out of here. We don't want any trouble tonight.”

You're here to see Ra Caltiff, you sigh, tell him that Ira Furyo is here to see him. The guards trade dubious looks for a moment – you're a nobleman, you think bitterly, you shouldn't have to deal with this shit – before one of them grudgingly leaves his post and enters the palace. It's a long time before he returns, looking somewhat surprised.

“Follow me, sir,” he says with a slight bow, his entire manner growing more respectful.

That's more like it.

[1/2]

>>46731744
Man, being a minor noble is nice.

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>>46731744

“I really do wish we could meet, just once, under more pleasant circumstances,” Ra offers you an apologetic smile once the guard leaves, “But things never quite work out that way, do they?”

Strange, you agree in a bland voice. Ra sighs as he rises up from his seat, pouring out some expensive smelling spirit into two glasses. Taking the offered drink, you wait for him to take a sip before risking it yourself. Whisky, and good quality stuff.

“I don't need to ask why you're here, of course. That debacle with the tribunal,” Ra shakes his head, “In a way, there IS wisdom behind it – Kurasu will have his hands full managing the North-West, and he'll be close enough for the Emperor to keep an eye on. The timing, however, couldn't be worse. If Sho had any sense at all, he would have waited a week or two, just long enough to let the mood settle. Then again, if Sho had any sense at all, I believe we wouldn't be in this mess.” A rare glint of anger passes across Ra's face, then, as he reflects on the situation. “That boy was so much more useful when he did what he was told.”

So what happens now, you ask, with Kurasu and the rest of the situation?

“Kurasu will take command of the Stone of the North-West, hopefully never to trouble us again. Meanwhile, the military seems to tighten their grip on our beloved Emperor,” Ra frowns, “Perhaps he's still doing what he's told... but someone else is giving the orders.”

>Are you saying the military is behind this?
>I wanted to thank you, by the way, for what you did with the Nameless Temple
>There's going to be a huge story in the news soon. I wanted to warn you
>I want to speak with the Emperor. Personally
>Other

>>46731901
>Are you saying the military is behind this?
>I wanted to thank you, by the way, for what you did with the Nameless Temple

>>46731901
>>Are you saying the military is behind this?
>>I wanted to thank you, by the way, for what you did with the Nameless Temple
>I want to speak with the Emperor. Personally

>>46731901
>Are you saying the military is behind this?
>I wanted to thank you, by the way, for what you did with the Nameless Temple
>I want to speak with the Emperor. Personally

>>46731901
All the things. But we should let Ra know about the story, and to be prepared to take advantage of it painting the military in a bad light. Oh, and to mention we took care of the stranger and his ring.

I can't wait to tell the Emperor that we don't take sides, we just do our job trying to mediate between men and gods. If men want to war with each other that's their problem.

>>46732081
>If men want to war with each other that's their problem.
It kind of is our problem since it effects the Temple and we've repeatably said we are trying to save lives. Still won't take sides cause both sides are retarded, but we've already gone above and beyond our 'mediate between men and gods' job description.

Is he saying, you begin cautiously, that the military is behind Sho's... unusual behaviour?

“I'm saying that it's a possibility,” Ra stresses that last word, “A ruler inherently leads with the permission of his armies, and thus relies on keeping them happy. To a certain extent, bowing to their wishes is a vital part of ruling – it is said that Sho's ancestor, the first of the Tatsuhiro line, seized power largely because the military refused to defend their current Emperor – but perhaps they have too much influence over him. Or, and I dislike this idea just as much, Sho idolizes the military a little too much.”

That would explain a lot, you admit. The fact that the Emperor has allowed the military to operate unchecked has always been your biggest issue with the boy, and this might offer some clue as to why he does so. Still, you add, what can be done about it?

“That becomes a dangerous question,” Ra proposes delicately, “Like it or not, we live in the shadow of war – decapitating the army at a time like this could be suicide. Even plotting to reduce their power and influence involves certain dangers, even inviting the risk of a coup.”

Well, you might have one thing that could reduce their support. There's going to be a big story in the news soon, you warn Ra, and it's not going to paint the military in a good light. You wanted to warn him in advance, so he can prepare himself for a big headache.

“Sparna, yes?” Ra closes his eyes and grimaces slightly, “You're going to tell the land about Sparna.”

Among other things, you confirm. The military is going to be tarnished, but the cult is going to come off worse. This is going stir up a lot of trouble, you continue, for both sides of the conflict. Without answering, Ra continues to scowl softly as he raises his glass to his lips. Finally, he speaks.

[1/2]

>>46732281
>“Like it or not, we live in the shadow of war – decapitating the army at a time like this could be suicide.
Wait wait wait. Why? You have no neighbors, Tenngaru is alone in the world. There are no external threats, just a internal cult that rose BECAUSE of military bullshit.

>>46732320
I thinks he means the cult. It may have arisen because of military bullshit, but now that it has, the military is what's holding it back.

>>46732320

>Ah, I meant to say that crippling the army while the cult was still an issue could be suicide. If the cult wasn't around, there would be no real risk. Poor wording on my part, I'm afraid

>>46732372
Which means, by the way, that the army was an instrument of oppression from the beginning. It literally has no other purpose.

>>46732405
Well a country and government needs some kind of peacekeeping force, but the military here has way too much power when they only threat is civilians.

>>46732405

>That's correct, actually. It's not exactly a virtuous organisation - keeping it around has been largely a mix of tradition and political power.

>>46732281

“Good,” he says plainly, “Perhaps it's for the best – it might teach Sho a few harsh realities about warfare. I'm glad to hear that this story is going to hurt our enemies, as well, but I feel like I should warn you. This is taking a risk.”

You've already been through this, you shake your head, you've warned your reporter friend about-

“Not her,” Ra interrupts, “You. You're taking a risk. Takino will trace this right back to you, and he has a long memory for insults. He doesn't have the whole of the military at his beck and call, but you'll be making an enemy with this.”

Fine, you shrug, so be it. As far as you were concerned, Takino was already an enemy. Ra laughs at your blunt comment, the sound low and flat.

“I wish I could have your openness,” he says, half to himself, “You've got a lot of freedom, Ira. You can say things, do the kind of things I wish I could. Despite what you might think about me, my influence is remarkably limited.”

He pulled a fair few strings, you point out, at the Nameless Temple. You wanted to thank him for that, in either case. Did it land him in any trouble?

“Almost,” Ra offers a thin smile, “I claimed the orders came from the Emperor. Then, before the others could ask about it, I convinced Sho that it had been the right thing to do. Takino was easy to talk around after that, especially when I let slip that the south-east might be at risk. After that, he was all too happy to accept a large number of fresh troops. It might leave the south-west lightly defended, but...” He shrugs.

Still, you've got to thank him again – it really helped to ease the tension, at a time when things really needed calming down.

“We help each other, don't we?” Ra smiles slightly, “I find it useful having a man like you in the field, and you probably find it useful having a man like me at court. We make a good team... as long as we both do our parts.”

A subtle threat, but a threat nonetheless.

[2/3]

>>46732490

Ignoring the implicit threat in his words, you move onto your next point. You'd like to speak with the Emperor, you say bluntly, face to face. Alone would be best, but you know how unlikely that would be. Either way, your request is the same – you want to see Sho.

“That might be possible, but not immediately,” Ra purses his thin lips slightly as he thinks, “I'll let you in on a little secret. When he decided to promote Kurasu, Sho decided to hold a party to mark the event. He... enjoys parties, perhaps a little too much. He is, I suppose, still a child in many ways. I can ensure that you attend this party, and it's very possible that Sho will wish to speak with you. I think you interest him, although I'm not entirely certain why. The lifestyle, perhaps. It's not ideal, and you'd definitely not be alone with him, but...”

But you can work with this, you agree, even if you'd rather not attend anything that celebrates Kurasu.

“The event is scheduled for the day after tomorrow. Soon, I know, but it can't be changed now,” Ra touches the lip of his empty glass with one long finger, running it around the rim. “One other thing,” he adds, “This event was to be the first time Sho and Miura meet. Having you there would help give me a little extra peace of mind – an insurance policy, if you will. Is that still something that interests you?”

>Of course. I'm fine with playing bodyguard
>This is all very convenient for you, isn't it?
>Sorry, I'm not the party type
>I've got something to ask you... (Write in)
>Other

>>46732628
>Of course. I'm fine with playing bodyguard
Don't want anything happening to the girl again.
>This is all very convenient for you, isn't it?

>>46732628
>>Of course. I'm fine with playing bodyguard
>>This is all very convenient for you, isn't it?
If it's a way in, take it.

>>46732628
>>Of course. I'm fine with playing bodyguard
>>This is all very convenient for you, isn't it?


Also tell him the cult has one less Ring of the Nameless in thier number. We dealt with it personally.

This is all very convenient for him, you mention, isn't it?

“I'm very lucky in that regard,” Ra replies with a deliberately neutral voice, a faint smile passing across his lips, “But in this case, I really do have luck to thank. If you hadn't arrived in the capital when you did, this opportunity would never have arisen. I wonder, though, what was it that brought you here? Word of the tribunal, perhaps, or were you just here to thank me?”

The tribunal was a bonus, you explain, but you came to dispose of a certain item. The Ring of the Faceless, you say, is now making up part of the Emperor's steel railroads. It happened to belong to a member of the cult, and then you were able to... confiscate it. Something that possessed that kind of power was better off destroyed, and that required specific means.

“Indeed?” Ra raises an eyebrow, “I'm glad to hear that it no longer troubles this world. Something like that offered the cult a great advantage. Without it, I believe they will suffer a significant blow to their attempts at subversion. Good news indeed – good enough to put you in the mood for a party, perhaps?”

Fine, you reply with a cynical laugh, you'll take that invitation. It won't be the first time you play bodyguard to a couple of kids, so you don't mind too much. In either case, you know a way in when you see one – and you won't turn it down.

“Splendid!” Ra claps his hands together, the sound coming off as somehow dry, “I should say, though, that you might need to, ah... clean up a little. Standards to maintain, you understand, no offence intended.”

None taken, you grunt, you needed something to do tomorrow anyway. Plenty of time to kill before the party, after all.

“Well,” Ra begins, “I might be able to help with that...”

You don't like the sound of that.

>I'll stop here for tonight. Next thread on Tuesday, I hope, and I'll stick around in case of any questions!

>>46732945
Thanks for running Moloch.

When does the paper print?

>>46732945
Will next thread be the obligatory bath episode?
Does it mean the thread after that all the things go to hell?

>>46732980

If Aya worked quickly, it could be ready to print by the next in-game day. Actually printing it would take longer, but the first copies could be finished and in circulation by the time the party rolls around.

>>46733086

I think we'll probably skip the bath episode and jump straight to the "go to hell" part!

>>46733115
>but the first copies could be finished and in circulation by the time the party rolls around.

That'll be an interesting conversation topic at the party.

>>46733139

This way, Aya gets to ruin everything for everyone without even getting into shouting distance!

>>46733224
>Sho: 'Who's responsible for this?'
>Ira from behind him as his bodyguard.: 'Oh. That was totally me'

>>46733269

As dangerous as that might be, admitting that to Sho's face would be totally worth it.

>>46733370
So the military leaders.

We have:
Kurasu
Takino
And two others I forgot their names.
One's an idiot and other is a mystery?

The 'mystery' dude probably holds a lot of clout huh?

>>46733370
Will there be consequences to telling Aya as muhc as we did?

>>46733445
Oh yes. We did a good think informing people, but we are definitely going to have to damage control the consequences.

>>46733443

Matsuhiro is the idiot. He has the job of supervising the south-west, which is basically a lot of farmland. Hirohito is in charge of the military as a whole, although his direct command is limited to the forces based out of the capital. He's very secretive, so it's impossible to say just how much influence he has!
But it's probably a lot

>>46733445
>>46733473

There will be chance of consequences, yes. At the risk of creating paranoia, I think it might have been one of the most important decisions we've made so far.

>>46733524
>I think it might have been one of the most important decisions we've made so far.

Yeah I knew going in that it was going to be a game changer. Whether it goes in our favor or not remains to be seen.

>>46733524
How old is Matsuhiro?

>>46733589

About middle age, but still older than Ira. Takino is roughly the same, while Kurasu is significantly older.

I'm just realising that a lot of this quest can be reduced to "old people ruin everything".

>>46733552

I think it could go both ways. There will be advantages, but a fair amount of damage control might be needed as well. Things are still very open right now, so we'll have to wait and see!

>>46733648
Hey! Howa's as old if not older than Ira, and she hasn't goofed yet. Of course she doesn't look or act old either.

>>46733648
>"old people ruin everything".
That's why we should have quickly groomed Koa into a proper shounen protagonist and let him deal with all this shit.

>>46733726

Grooming the next generation has been sort of a running theme, I noticed. Between Koa, Sho and Miura, there are a fair few young characters that are important - and just as likely to cause trouble!

>>46733718

Howa doesn't really get out and about enough to ruin anything. Yet.

>>46733815
>Yet.
Oh boy.

>>46733815
See that worries me now. My imagination immediately went to her finding a book on sorcery and her trying to regrow her leg.

>>46733885
I think Howa is as anti-sorcery as we are.

>>46733906
I dunno, a leg so she could go adventuring with us and keep us close/safe, would be a stroooong draw.

>>46733885
>>46733906

While Howa is very opposed to sorcery, everyone has something they are vulnerable to. If she was told, for example, that Ira's survival depended on her taking a more active role, I think she'd be sorely tempted. That said, this is all theoretical - books on sorcery are so rare as to make this just about an impossible scenario.

Someone offering to teach her sorcery, on the other hand...

>>46733962
>Someone offering to teach her sorcery, on the other hand...

Don't you dare Mentor.

>>46733962
>spoiler
The Seer better not, lest he finds out why we're called Ira Furyo and catches these hands.

>>46733979
Him too.

>>46733962
That'd involve Seer coming here(which may be the one thing that'd make Mentor bust out the no no magic) or Mentor would have to offer which is unlikely. Her find a book buried in the library is more likely IMO.

>>46734007
I bet Noden's sunken city has a lot of sorcery knowledge.

>>46733991
By the way.
It seems in the temple of Selene we spoke not with the real goddess, but whatever talked to us did know about surviving sorcerers.
I think this is very curious.

>>46734045
It was Selene but she was talking through Ira's image and very well could have been lying to us.

When we meet her in the flesh in the catacombs we'll have her answer all the same questions again now that she can't lie.

>>46734045
>>46734069

This is correct. We did, technically, speak with Selene, but it might be more appropriate to say it was an avatar of hers. Essentially, it allows her to neatly avoid the "can't lie" issue. Selene isn't quite the perfect shining goddess most people take her for!

>>46734029
Probably does.

>>46734156
Jain get released? What about the cleaner spy? We kinda left in a hurry.

>>46734156
Howa show the students examples of the cult's dickishness?

>>46734367
Yeah we never really got a chance to do that either. Hopefully they get Aya's paper.

>>46734325

Coates, the cleaner, is still being kept as a prisoner. Nobody is quite sure what to do with him, actually! Jain, on the other hand, has been released and has rejoined the other apprentices. He's not very popular, though, as you could probably guess.

>>46734367

Not on a large scale, but she's been meeting with them personally to explain as much of the situation as is appropriate. It's mainly matters of sorcery that are omitted, in order to keep the issue as simple as possible.

>>46734445
Good work Howa. We're not going to come back to the entire temple poisoned are we? How many wanderers are left working? Apprentices?

>>46734445
Does Seer know his Nameless agent is dead yet?

>>46734627
>We're not going to come back to the entire temple poisoned are we?

Only if Howa takes over from the kitchen staff! Really though, I think that danger has passed - with Saku gone, the few cult agents that were left have fled. For now, at least.
Numbers wise, I'd say there's about half of the apprentices left and two thirds of the Wanderers. Not all of those are dead or turned, though - some have just gone into hiding or early retirement.

>>46734651

Not yet, but world will soon reach him. I can't see him being very happy with the news - Saku was a valuable tool!

>>46734723
How's Soma doing?

>>46734757

Isolated. She doesn't share the same devotion that the other members of the cult do, so she is something of an outsider. Recent doubts, and the loss of her brother have only made that issue worse. She might end up taking some field duties soon, so we might run across her again at some point!

>>46734811
Hope she isn't smack dab in the middle of whatever is happening in the Southeast.

>>46734723
>Only if Howa takes over from the kitchen staff!
I assume when they were partners Ira cooked? I have to say I have a HARD time reconciling the effeminate borderline girly young Ira, with the grizzled and austere current Ira.

>>46734834

Neither of them cooked, really. On field work, they mostly lived on trail rations, locally purchased food and meat burned over a campfire. It's a wonder they both survived!

>>46734832

Oh, I think the southeast is going to be safe enough for the time being!

>>46734898
>Oh, I think the southeast is going to be safe enough for the time being!

...Seer called an audible didn't he? He saw the strengthening defenses in the Southeast and is going to attack the lightly defended Southwest! Which is where you were going to have attack be in the first place before you made a typo.

>>46734955

Guilty as charged. Originally, Soma was going to give us genuine info about a potential attack on the southwest, but I messed that up. I think I managed to salvage things, though, so no harm done!

>>46735024
Hirohito going to get rekt then?

>>46735024
Fug. And there's no real way to prevent that unless something comes up in story that could put Ira on the logic train I just went through.

Ra is going to be so mad at us huh?

>>46735078

A mob of ragtag cultists against the might of the Imperial army? I shouldn't worry about it.
I've got plans, but it'll be a while before they come into play.

>>46735103

Well, we were given bad info in good faith. Even Soma thought she was telling us the truth. Ra might not be happy, but I think it might be unfair to blame it all on Ira. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens!

>>46735191
Oh yeah did you hear the SMT 4 Final is getting an english localization?

When are you going to import an American 3DS or Hack an 3DS to transcend the Atlus Europe curse?

I don't think even Atlus themselves would blame you if you pirated their games if you are in Europe.

>>46735316

I actually have a Euro 3DS now, so I might wait and see if they port it over. I've not bought SMT4 yet, so I've got a little time to see what the situation is.

Still, it's good news - it's always good to see things getting translated and brought over.

>>46735389
Have you played Strange Journey, Soul Hackers, or the Devil Survivors yet?

>>46735418

Not yet. I had the chance to pick up Soul Hackers and, I think, the second Devil Survivor game for a decent price but I waited a little too long and someone else snatched them. Strange Journey is the one I'm looking out for the most, though - I like the space marine aesthetic it has!

>>46735498
You know for someone who didn't play Strange Journey you did a really good Mastema. Did you get a grasp on his personality via osmosis on 4chan?

Also yeah, Strange Journey is the shit. Hope you enjoy it.

>>46735545

Most of Mastema I just picked up from some research on various wikis and 4chan threads, yeah. I thought I went a little overboard with him sometimes, but he was never likely to be anything more than a villain so that is, perhaps, excusable.

Either way, I hope I can find a copy soon. I might end up getting one online once I've got some spare time ahead of me.

>>46735634
Howa cooking for Ira and everything is fire when?

>>46735719
When things calm down.

aka End of the quest if we are both still alive.

>>46735719
>>46735764

Howa's cooking is the bonus boss we fight at the end of the golden ending. Ira has to join forces with the Seer and the Emperor to stand a chance of victory!

>>46735779
Tougher than YHVH.

Speaking of London Quest as a whole (including New Cycle) had a pretty golden ending didn't it? By SMT standards at least.

>>46735844

It did. Funny thing about that is, I originally saw the New Cycle as having a darker ending, based off the various characters splitting off into rival factions. In the end, though, it seemed kinda contrived, in a "conflict for the sake of conflict" way. We ended up with a good ending because, I'd say, the players earned it.

>>46735909
In Sleeping Gods my main goal is to solve this with Ira, Howa, Koa, Miura, Aya, and hell even Soma alive at the end of this. It'll probably be tough.

You and your --a names.

>>46736019

I never realized it was quite so bad, especially with others like Ra or Ishida thrown in. It's something I really need to work on!

At least one of those characters has a potential death flag raised already.

>>46736110
Aya

>>46736110
>I never realized it was quite so bad, especially with others like Ra or Ishida thrown in.
That's not mentioning London
Amelia, Mia, Petra, Cassandra, Titania (I kid)

>Death Flag
Worry.jpg. Gping to guess Aya considering recent events or Soma as Seer might think of her as a liability.

>>46736174
>>46736110
>Amelia, Mia, Petra, Cassandra,
Lydia too.

>>46736155
>>46736174

Aya is correct, owing to recent events. Soma narrowly avoided one, since we didn't reveal the location of the Seer's base.

>>46736204

Even Nadja, among others, if we'll consider demons. I have a problem.

>>46736269
>I have a problem.
kek

>>46736269
>since we didn't reveal the location of the Seer's base.
Not about to do that anytime soon. It'd cause too much of a bloodbath. Gotta make Seer's followers doubt him. Then we can safely remove the head from the snake and try to steer those people back to peace or another, more sane method of ending the corruption in the Empire.

>>46736269
>Even Nadja, among others, if we'll consider demons. I have a problem.
oof, I never realized. At least Moloch is different!

>>46735191
fuuuuuck, that's going to put Ra in a bad position after the temple thing.

I suppose Miura's mom is focused on the political marriage angle and won't really be helping out with this cult?

I've got a feeling that if we get to the SW stone before the military, we're going to kill some big bad Makai demon sealed away and fuck up the impact of the cult's plan.