>>1270293
>I apologize to the readers who have been following Exalted Quest for a long time and now get a recap thread after such a long hiatus
It's too late, I can never forgive a betrayal of this magnitude. Our friendship is over.
Kidding of course, good to see you,again, even if this isn't what I was hoping for.

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The main character of Exalted Quest is Maka. She was created and developed by the players in the very first threads. I feel like that's important to point out: I didn't create Maka, the players did. Exalted Quest didn't start with a pre-generated character as MC.

Maka was the princess of Gem, a remote, fantastically rich city-state built in a volcano surrounded by a scorching desert. When a coup ousted her father and family, she had to flee, and ended up being separated from them.

She ended up in Tianna, a western island-kingdom. Tianna was later attacked by two Abyssals, powerful Deathknights serving one of the thirteen Deathlords. Demanding that Tianna submit to them, they invaded the capital via airship with their undead minions.

Maka Exalted. Faced with danger far beyond what a mortal could face, she suddenly received the soul of an ancient demigod, one of the 300 Solar Exalted created by the Unconquered Sun in the days of the Primordial War.

She fought the Abyssals back and saved the queen of Tianna, Amata, an old family friend. Amata is an Exalted too, a Terrestrial Exalted of the Air aspect (or so everyone thought at the time).

After some soul-searching, Maka tried to figure out why the Unconquered Sun chose her as one of his champions. She got her answers and kept them close to her heart ever since.
(related: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/30451664/#p30454947)

After this, while trying to help Amata with the repairs to the city walls, she meets with other Exalted, Lunar Exalted, which had lived in the wild north of the island as leaders of the barbarian tribes there. One of them, Tia, has a strong reaction upon seeing Maka and claims to be her husband. She also seemed not all right in the head right away. Still, they bond over punching some demon-blooded pirates together.

The Lunars agree to help Tianna if in exchange Tianna helps them to destroy a Faerie prince that occupies the western half of the island: Tarien Dorian.

After this, Maka has to deal with Dancing Smoke, Tianna's resident uppity volcano goddess. A possible ally against the Abyssals, but she asks for human sacrifice. Maka manages to persuade her otherwise.

The expedition against this Fae prince sees Maka commandeering three pirate ships, befriending a court of sea spirits and a god of the western plains, and taking home a subordinate to said Fae prince, Silk, who is pretty much adopted as Maka's personal pet.

In all this, however, Maka is seriously injured by another one of the Fae prince's underlings via mindgames, and the final assault is led by Tia.

(cont.)

Woo Woo!

Glad to have you back EF.

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By now it's more clear what's up with Tia: in a previous incarnation, she was the husband to Maka's previous incarnation. Maka doesn't remember, and it's unclear how much Tia herself remembers, but she's violently overprotective and borderline sociopathic, suggesting that both her previous and her current life must not have been that great up to now.

Once the Fae stronghold is cleared, things slow down. Plans are made for the future, to fortify the island and seek allies against a possible future Abyssal attack, and a very important question is asked:

Tianna is not in a particularly strategic position, and is not particularly rich or important. Why would a Deathlord be so directly interested in it?

The answer comes as a shock: Tianna is actually an artificial island, built to conceal a massive Titan-class sky fortress, a superweapon of the First Age called the Flame That Marched Against The Sea. And Maka's previous incarnation was its commander! She was also a horrible, horrible person, and ultimately killed by her own abused husband (Tia's previous incarnation).

This, of course, means that it's not just about Tianna. The Deathlords' (alleged) objective is the eradication of all life, and having the Titan in their hands would really help them with this.

Desperate to shore up defenses before a second, larger attack happens, Maka and Amata hatch a plan to attack a nearby Lintha stronghold. (The Lintha are a demon-blooded pirate mafia which basically makes it ok to steal from them.) During this operation, Maka runs into her brother, Karas, who also Exalted as a Solar.

Karas was captured by the mastermind of the Gem coup, Rankar, who now rules the city, and sold into slavery. He ended up in Skullstone, a dismal archipelago ruled by a Deathlord called the Silver Prince. He shares his intel with Maka.

By this point, the situation is complicated. TWO Deathlords are interested in Tianna, and there is no friendship between them.

The Tyrant of the Doomsday Machine, is the architect of the first attack (the one that caused Maka to Exalt): She seems uninterested with the mortal world beyond Tianna, and oddly reasonable (she offered to let Tianna's population evacuate. She clearly wants only the Titan. She also agreed to a brief truce with Maka's group.)

And The Silver Prince, who rules over Skullstone as a god-king of undeath, trying to pass it off as an utopia where the dead and the living can coexist peacefully, but that's quite obviously bullshit. He has, however, impressive military might and a strong navy.

Once the truce with the Tyrant ends, Maka heads to meet with her in person. And here, a lot is revealed.

(cont.)

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The Deathlords are the ghosts of ancient, resentful Solars, now bound to entities of endless darkness and evil within the underworld called the Malfeans.
Specifically, Tryant is the ghost of Maka's previous incarnation. In death, she turned her back on the Unconquered Sun, and now she deeply regrets that. She wants to break free from the control of the Malfeans, and she intends to use the Titan's main cannon, a terrifying superweapon called the Light of Judgement, to destroy them.

Instead, Maka persuades her that, essentially, what she is looking for is a new purpose in life. Tyrant decides to put a halt to her plans, for now, and parks her airship in north-western Tianna. A shaky and weird alliance is formed: at least, she doesn't seem to want to use the Titan to blow up cities around the world, and so is at least better than the Silver Prince, who still seems like the main threat.

[Meanwhile, a fortified city has been built by Maka & C. on the western shores of Tianna, called Pearl, and centered around a nexus of magical power left behind by the destruction of the Faerie domain. The core of the city, Golden Reach, is a magical palace called a Manse, consacrated to the Unconquered Sun. In the player's minds, this will be the capital of Maka's future kingdom.]

In all this, Dancing Smoke, the volcano goddess, has something of an identity crisis, because her volcano is NOT a volcano: it's actually the cleverly-disguised heat vent for the still-active reactor of the Titan, and she is the Titan's ancient Artificial Intelligence / Goddess, her memories sealed. She asks Maka to give her back her memories if she can.

With the Silver Prince's attack on Tianna nigh, measures are taken, troops trained, Karas goes off on a (self-appointed) mission to slow the Abyssal ships down to buy some time, and Maka manages to return Burning Smoke's memories, turning her back to the Flame that Marched Against The Sea.

She's... less than thrilled about her current situation. She threatens to destroy everything for a bit, but she eventually calms down.

Meanwhile, the fortress of Golden Reach is ultimated and consacrated. Just in time: the Silver Prince's fleet is on the horizon.

The battle is terrifying and incredibly destructive. Pearl is hit hard, and Tianna even harder. The Silver Prince sends mighty Deathknights, elite troops and undead horrors one after another, and finally joins the battle himself, armed with a terrifying sword that can take control of any person it wounds.

The battle moves to the inside of the Titan, where the Silver Prince nearly reactivates the main engines (which would cause the Titan to take off, and the island and all its inhabitants to crumble aside and fall in the ocean).

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With her back to the wall, Amata is forced to reveal her biggest secret: she is not a Terrestrial Exalted at all, but actually an elder Sidereal possessing incredible mystical martial arts, with which she manages to tip the scales against the Deathlord and his allies.

In the end, the Silver Prince very nearly kills Maka, the Flame that Marched Against the Sea, and gives a mortal wound to the Tyrant of the Doomsday Machine. He is then knocked out by a combined attack of Maka's allies and Flame That Marched Against The Sea.

While both Maka and the the Silver Prince are down for the count, Amata and the others drag the Deathlord in front of the Titan's main cannon and open fire, annihiliating him.

Tyrant "dies" in Maka's arms, passing on to her next life and finally breaking free of the Malfean's control.

In the aftermath of the battle, there is an entire lot of rebuilding to do. And, maka is visited by a messenger from the Realm of the Gods, Nysela, the secretary to the Unconquered Sun. She is extremely pessimistic about Solars, and mad at Maka for leading the Unconquered Sun to believe that maybe THIS time the Solars will not fuck everything up. She is also mad about the terribly poor performance Maka put at the fight against the Silver Prince. She essentially bullies Maka into promising she'll go on a training camp with her later, as she'll "need to become a better Solar" in order to not let the Unconquered Sun down.

After all this, Maka officially marries Tia and Amata (ain't no law against poligamy in Tianna apparently), and is summoned to meet the Unconquered Sun in person for the occasion. (and also Luna).

Sol grants Maka a fragment of the Crown of Thunders, an ancient symbol of Solar sovereignity over the universe, naming her a daughter of hope, and his reason to once more be optimistic about the fate of the world.

Returned to Creation, the three newlyweds leave for a honeymoon to the nearby archipelago of the Neck. The trip doubles as a diplomatic mission to expand Tianna's sphere of influence in the West, which goes fairly well.

Once returned, Maka and Karas plan their next adventure: a return to Gem, their homeland, to reclaim it. They know that their father and younger sister are held prisoner, and that their mother has vanished.

Once back in Gem, something seems off. rankar the man who usurped the throne, is clearly paranoid against some sort of mysterious entities rising from beneath the earth, and seems to be spending vasts amount of money without however ever running out, and without destabilizing the local economy for some reason. He is also planning to marry his son to Maka's sister to legitimize his rule.

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Some time is spent investigating the nobles of Gem and securing their alliance, or at least non-interference. Then, on the day of the wedding, Maka and her allies strike and occupy the palace. Rankar reveals who had been helping him until now: Border of Integer and Rational, an "Alchemical Exalted" from "another world" she calls the "Maker", who is in Gem to collect metals and materials for repairing her broken world.

At the same time, there seems to be another Alchemical Exalted in town, with the same overall objective, but a more direct approach. He is the one Rankar was being paranoid about, and now that things have gotten messy he's resorted to a direct attack to occupy the city.

In all this Maka's dad Askar and her sister Eskarin are having a vicious family drama over the marriage. Apparently Eskarin is alright with marrying Rankar's son, but dad wants none of that. And, in all this, no one still knows what happened to mom...

Welcome back EF!

Yay, Exalted Quest is back!
Since I'm a veteran follower I have no questions actually.

>>1270302
>elder Sidereal
I hope she isn't too elder.

When we thought she was just a DB I was sad about how she would only live a couple hundred years unless we did something, but now we might not be able to do anything to save her AND she might die sooner than I first thought if she's old enough like she always jokes.

>>1270293

Long time no see, EF.

The only question I have is how are you doing EF?

This bring us back to the present point of the Quest. Of course, this has been a recap by INCREDIBLY broad strokes that left out A LOT of small details. Many important NPCs haven't even been mentioned by name.

Let's briefly talk about the characters that are relevant right now for the benefit of those who are joining us right now. First of all, Maka.

Maka is our main character, of course. She started out as a formerly-spoiled princess of a fantastically rich desert nation who had to get a bit tougher after being forced into exile, and who suddenly had incredible power and responsibilities thrust upon her with Exaltation.

Maka's character type and personality is a consequence of the choices made up to this point. By looking back at the previous installments of Exalted Quest, we can say the following: she's very compassionate, always caring and nurturing, though she doesn't eschew violence when required (and in fact sometimes seems to enjoy it). She takes her Exaltation as a duty to improve the world she lives in, and always tried to do her best in that regard. She is particularly, personally smitten with the Unconquered Sun himself, and wants to make him proud of her.

She is definitely not perfect, however: she is prone to rash, bad decisions. Sometimes doesn't stop to think things through, and other times thinks about stuff way too much. She's also definitely not an ascetic, and loves to indulge in pleasures, sexual and otherwise (but mostly sexual). This has caused problems in the past, so she's trying to keep her appetites under control, or at least to prevent them from going too far.

Appearance-wise, Maka is a tall, strongly built, dark-skinned beauty, with a curvaceous, sensual figure that would turn heads in a five-mile radius. She is extremely charismatic and persuasive, and supernaturally skilled in the arts of seduction.
She is also skilled at hand-to-hand fighting with Solar Hero Style, an instinctive brawling style of martial arts that resembles wrestling. She is far stronger than nearly all mortals, and would probably count as a bit above average among the Exalted of her age bracket. She wears Orichalcum-plated gloves and boots to aid her in unarmed combat.

In most other fields of skill, she is quite decent, leaving her few blind spots. (Essentially, she is an all-rounder with a major focus on social and seduction, and a minor focus in melee combat)

Maka carries a few other magical artifacts:

The Hearthstone of Golden Reach: this brilliant topaz, cut like a heart, has no intrinsic powers other than marking her as the "owner" of Golden Reach.

The Heartstone of Sapphire Palace: This peach-colored gemstone allows Maka to change her gender at will.

Wedding Ring: One of three rings that bind Maka, Tia and Amata. By relaxing and focusing on the ring, Maka can feel the presence of the other two in her mind. It's not a perfect or reliable power, just a vague feeling.

Swift Rider: A magical motorbike that can fold into a suitcase.

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>>1270319
I'm not doing particularly well right now, but I'm not here to blog about my life. I wanted to get Exalted Quest back in business one way or another.

>>1270320
Forgot to post Maka's character sheet when posting this.

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Second page.

>>1270320
You've failed to mention the incredible amount of gratuitous sex Maka has at every step of the way.

>>1270324
>You've failed to mention the incredible amount of gratuitous sex Maka has at every step of the way.

>>1270320
>She's also definitely not an ascetic, and loves to indulge in pleasures, sexual and otherwise (but mostly sexual).

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Your "husband", Tia, has long mellowed out, compared to how psychotic she was when you first met her. It wasn't an easy process, and she is still very violent and shows a callous disregard for the health and safety of nearly everyone else.

She's still quite obsessed with you, however, sometimes to the point of annoyance. She is extremely lustful, and really doesn't know when to stop. It can be hard to get any work done when she's in the mood (which is pretty much always).
Maybe you spoil her a bit too much.

You wouldn't call her dumb, but she definitely wouldn't call her smart either. Still, she does seem to have very sharp instincts.

She doesn't seem to mind Maka spending time with other people, but she says she laid claim to Maka's "soul", and whenever it becomes a direct issue (say, when dealing with fae who can charm people's souls and twist and steal them, for example), she becomes extremely violent.

Tia is VERY overprotective of you. In one instance, she was ready to snap your legs off to keep you from heading into serious danger while you were already wounded. You doubt she was joking.

Tia is a Full Moon Lunar. She's a powerful shapeshifter, and absolutely brutal in combat. She can regenerate horrifying wounds, and you've seen her casually reattach severed limbs and barely notice arrows going through her own skull. If her physical strength and endurance have definite limits, you're not entirely sure where they lie. She fights with a Moonsilver sword she calls "Skullopener", or, really, with anything she has on hand.

>>1270326
>loves to indulge in pleasures, sexual and otherwise

I don't feel this adequately describes the state of things.

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Karas is your younger brother (be about a year). After being separated from him during the coup in Gem, you met him again only to find out that he, too, has been Exalted. It's a small world.

From a young age, Karas has decided that he should be your shield. He probably took your father's words that, as your brother, his duty was to protect you WAY too seriously. He was six at the time.

Karas has always been a skilled swordsman even as a mortal, and now, with Exaltation as a Dawn Caste, he's probably one of the most skilled swordsmen in Creation. He is also very skilled at leadership and in the arts and sciences of commanding an armed force, including tactics, strategy and logistics.

That is more or less his only specialization. He is not very well-versed in scholarly subjects beyond rote memorization of a few poets and middle-school-level education.

Overall, he is pretty level-headed, even though he is prone to making some really dumb decisions at times. Mostly when motivated by a desire to keep Maka safe, or show off and try to look cool (both of which are things that are very important to him).

There had been some antagonism between him and Tia at first (understandably), but you eel like they've both gotten over it.

Karas has never been particularly popular with the ladies, and now that, with his Exaltation and the state of things in Tianna, this has changed, he has sometimes come to Maka with relationship advice. The last in a long string of bad decisions he's made.

>>1270331
Yes, but any attempt to describe Maka's sex life will likely come across as hyperbole. It's best to be matter-of-fact about it and encourage them to read the previous threads themselves to understand the exact levels of sex we're talking about.

>>1270335
>The last in a long string of bad decisions he's made.
Rude

>>1270293
YAY.

>>1270301
Yeah! Great to have my favorite quest back!

>entities of endless darkness and evil within the underworld called the Malfeans.
Sure you didn't mean Neverborn, EF?
Unless they were called that in 1st Edition. Not as familiar with that stuff.

>>1270322
A true professional. I respect your dedication, EF, and offer you my simple hope that things turn around for you.

(speeding things up a bit)

Mikahil is an Eclipse-caste Solar and the first Solar you met other than you. He was an old friend of Amata, apparently.
He's a tall, lean, gaunt, pale young man in wide robes, generally with a sleepy appearance or bags under his eyes. You're not sure if it's because he is a workaholic with a fucked up sleep schedule, or that's just his face. He tries his best to be friendly and helpful, though he can't help being a bit snarky at times.
Mikahil is a skilled spy and infiltrator, but his specialty is in government, diplomacy and bureaucracy. He's a political and economical mastermind who is relishing the fact that you've put him essentially in charge of the policies of the new nation in the West that you're forging from out of Tianna. You hope things will turn out alright, though sometimes some of his plans for making money sound borderline criminal, insane, or both.

Valeriana Kava is your Twilight-caste Solar. She's a genius engineer with also a breadth of knowledge in a vast variety of fields, including sorcery, enchanting and technomagical engineering. She is unskilled in personal combat, and equally unskilled in social or subterfuge. As a consequence, she went the down the "misunderstood mad scientist" route and was hunted and shunned throughout the West until you gave her shelter.
Sometimes you're worried you work her too hard, but then again she's also the kind of person who will keep taking on new jobs without realizing how much stuff is on her plate. She's the one who made... nearly everything, including Pearl, Golden Reach, your artifacts, and much more. Not alone, of course, she had help.

Radiant Starfall, alias Janet Deer, is your group's Night Caste. She was a combat engineer in Tianna's armed forces, and kept her Exaltation a secret for a long time. She considers her Exaltation a sort of secret identity where she can have the attention and the popularity she never could enjoy as the shy, bland-looking Janet. She is equally good at drawing attention with her colorful, magical-girl-like shenanigans as she is at avoiding it with her amazing stealth powers. You've seen her suddenly materialize into locked rooms and in vastly more improbable spaces, and you've learned, by now, that it's usually just safe to assume that she's hiding somewhere nearby at all times. You're glad that she's on your side.

(cont.)

>>1270351
>Valeriana Kava is your Twilight-caste Solar.
And Maka's steepest competition for the title "Best Girl".

>>1270351
Thinking about it now, do we know how and when Val and Mika Exalted?

>>1270353
Hear, hear.

>>1270355
I don't think we've ever asked, no. We do know that Mikahil doesn't want to talk about his past incarnation.

Talon is one of the Lunars of northern Tianna, and an old friend of Tia. He might look like a big, dumb, werewolf-like brute, but he is anything but that. He boasts a very balanced skillset, being a strong fighter, a skilled leader and chieftan, and an inquisitive mind. He is the leader of a barbarian tribe and somewhat concerned about not just their future, but what the return of the Solars will mean for Lunars and all Creation. He's been involved into some Lunar project to research a perfect future society called the Thousand Streams River project. You don't know much about it, but you know that Talon takes his duties as a Chosen of Luna very seriously. He seems to have a dislike for his human shape, and prefers to spend his time as a half-beast hybrid.

Lynne is another Lunar that Karas met while "infiltrating" the Silver Prince's fleet. Lynne was already infiltrating it, and doing a much better job at it. Something of a conspiracy theorist, he wanted to prove to other Lunars in the West that the Silver Prince was far, far more dangerous than anyone thought.
Lynne is brash, cheeky, petulant, arrogant, abrasive and vicious. And despite all that, you find it hard to stay mad at the little munchkin for very long. He also seems to have taken a liking to Karas, much to the Solar's chagrin.
He's a very skilled shapeshifter, spy and infiltrator, and is very knowledgeable on a variety of subjects related to the threats that the West faces, especially Skullstone.

Askar is your father. He's in his 50s, but still strong and proud despite his long imprisonment. He's ruled Gem since inheriting the throne from your grandfather, a legendarily successful pit fighter who gained the throne of Gem in the traditional way: a bloody coup d'etat. (Peaceful inheritance of the throne is the exception in Gem).
He is stern, but not harsh. He tries hard to be reasonable, but, of course, there are limits. Currently, Tia is utterly terrified of him, but you have fond memories of him.

Eskarin is your younger sister, of about six years. She's normally a smart and cheerful girl with a love of reading, but right now she's in something of a tough spot.
Rankar VI, the man who usurped your father's throne, is forcing her to marry his own son Rankar VII. And yet, it seems like Rankar VII and Eskarin are legitimately in love and entirely willing, but Askar will not approve of this marriage.
You frankly prefer the idea of fighting an army of robotic invaders from another world over having to deal with this...

>>1270344
Thank you

>>1270355
No, you don't know their details.

>>1270355
I think Val mentioned it at some point, but I don't remember the details so it's possible she didn't and I'm misremembering things.

However, I'm almost positive Mikahil has not.

>>1270357
>We do know that Mikahil doesn't want to talk about his past incarnation.
Kinda makes me wonder what was going on there. But I respect his privacy enough not to pry.
Still again I have a fascination with the First Age in general. Makes me hope that the part of the Alchmical handbook that says that being around the corresponding Alchemical can trigger past life flashbacks in Celestials is something EF is going to incorporate into the quest.

>>1270368
>I think Val mentioned it at some point, but I don't remember the details so it's possible she didn't and I'm misremembering things.
>However, I'm almost positive Mikahil has not.
>>1270365
>No, you don't know their details.
Well that's what happens when you don't check to see if someone else has posted before you post yourself.

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Hoozah!

>>1270371
Finally, fanart that portrays Maka's breasts as the correct size!

>>1270371
>>1270373
Actually, I just went to save it and found out this is an old piece. This is what happens when we're away for months at a time, perfectly good jokes are ruined.

This brings us about up to speed.

I cannot follow the thread for much more (part of the reason I have been on a hiatus up to now, and that I decided to just make a short synopsis here: I don't have a very forgiving schedule anymore), but fortunately threads on /qst/ last for a long time, so I'll pick back up this thread later, where we'll start playing from where we left off last time.

In other words, The proper Exalted Thread #120 will start later here (maybe in some hours' time, maybe tomorrow). I can't do it right now, but I wanted to get the recap here first. Sorry.

In the meanwhile, all sorts of questions or discussions from new or old players are welcome. I'll try to post in this thread anytime I am able to.


One thing I've been wanting to say to everyone: I can't keep up posting Exalted Quest for much longer. It's not so much a matter of time as it is a matter of consecutive time. I cannot set aside entire days near-exclusively to running a Quest nowadays.

I had an idea that I wanted to discuss with you. I thought I could run Exalted Quest until the conclusion of what we could call the "Gem arc", and then continue it on a different website, like Anonkun.

On Anonkun, I could take it much easier, posting a single update a day. It would be a different sort of experience, I realize, but it's my best option for continuing Exalted Quest in some shape or form.

The alternative would be concluding Exalted Quest with the Gem arc.

Opinions?

>>1270370
I think I do know what you were thinking of though, Val once mentioned she got run off from a place after she accidentally flared up while redesigning a ship into an Age of Sails ship.

>>1270376
I haven't had much experience with Anonkun, but what limited experience I have had has been almost entirely positive.
Ultimately it's your choice, but since you asked for opinions, I'd prefer moving to stopping.

>>1270376
I would not mind going to Anonkun and with how things are there we could have sexy times on screen. The choice ultimately rests with you EF.

>>1270376
>Opinions?
I'm not the biggest fan of Anonkun, but if the alternative is ending Exalted Quest I'll vote to move over in a heartbeat.

I do want to thank you EF for all the work you've put into the quest these past three years and for trying so hard to continue the quest in spite of everything.

>>1270376
If it's your best option I say take it EF.

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>>1270376
Oh, yeah. That's where that Dragon-Blooded story is. Looks legit. I'd be fine with moving over there. Ending with the taking back Gem would be kind of appropriate, but if there's a chance to keep it going, I'll take it.

>>1270382
Man, it's weird to think how long this quest has been going, and how much I've come to like these characters.

Thanks for it all, EF, and here's to more of the delightfully lewd adventures of Thrice-Blessed Maka.

>>1270376
Oh man, I'd rather move to anonkun than end things so soon. We haven't even unified all of Creation yet!
Moving did a great service to MP's quest, but you and her have different styles. Yours a much more interactive style than hers was, and you use dice.
Nevertheless, I'd rather go to anonkun and keep things going. Your first few days there are going to be painful, so ask MP how the site works before moving.

>>1270388
Holy shit, that's a great pic. Who did it?

>>1270398
I know, I'll ask MP.

>>1270402
Artist is try
https://danbooru.donmai.us/posts/2447105

>>1270365
Oh actually EF, you might want to do a couple of the Dragonblooded since we have them here with us in Gem.

>>1270376

I don't want EQ to end. To be honest, since the last update was 3 month ago, I thought the quest was a goner already.

I would not mind one post per day.

>>1270376
Totally in favor of moving to anonkun. Kascode is a little unstable at times, but otherwise it's a great platform for quests.

>>1270376
Anonkun is pretty great, anons can be shits there but eh, it's a great platform.

You missed ninetails in your character description. Good to have you back EF

>>1270388
Damn, I can't tell if that's an edit or the real pic's colors.

>>1270376
EQ would be the only reason for me to go to akun. But if it's the choice to continue, I support the migration.

>>1270447
>Oh actually EF, you might want to do a couple of the Dragonblooded since we have them here with us in Gem.

God damn it you're right. I even had them listed in my notes and I just skipped them. Now I feel bad. I'll see if I can type them up before starting.

>>1270573
>You missed ninetails in your character description. Good to have you back EF

You mean Fivetails? She's not with you in Gem though.


While we're here I'd like to ask, just so I know how to handle myself, how many of you are old guard and how many are new players who are curious about this "Exalted Quest" thing.

Also I see that there's another Exalted Quest. huh.

>>1270953
Been with you since thread one my nigga.

>>1270953
I've been here since the early-mid teen threads so pretty old I think.

There's an Alchemical quest set in Modern too, It's pretty interesting.

>>1270953
First thread here, too.

The other Solar quest is literally on its first thread. Also a Zenith protag, funny enough.

And it seems Alchemical Blade went kaput.

>>1270953
I started reading around the time we took control of Tia the first time in our assault on the Wyld, which the archive tells me was thread 23.

>>1270573
It's an edit of the green-eyed version I did to make it Maka-friendly.

>>1271049
It's awesome how little it needed changing to make it work, even the clothes were spot on.

>>1271294
>even the clothes were spot on.
Yeah, though our version of that out fit is strapless. Somehow. It was made by UCS, so I assume crafting techniques beyond the knowledge of even Twilight Caste Exalts were used in it's construction to keep it attached to our breasts when we wear it.

>>1271366
Obviously the little gods in the clothes want to grope Maka's makas.

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>>1271377
Makes as much sense as any other explanation for how this outfit works. Not that I really need one, this is Exalted so, "because it's cool" is a good enough reason.

>>1270953
I saw the first thread, then didn't catch any until we picked up Regis?
Didn't follow it for a long time after that but caught up around when we picked up Karas I think.

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>>1271366
>It was made by UCS, so I assume crafting techniques beyond the knowledge of even Twilight Caste Exalts were used in it's construction to keep it attached to our breasts when we wear it.

>>1271471
As if UCS would give us an outfit that required ACCESSORIES to function properly.

>>1270953
Alas, my pedigree only extends back to thread 4.5, the morning after ravishing Irene.

>>1270335
Does Karas have any Boat specialization? You didn't mention that, but I thought he had that. I thought he had like, crossed the ocean on a little one man sailboat.

>>1270376
I'm down with that. I love a lot of drawquests, and they update like once a week. I'd take a once a week Exalted post no problem.

>>1270376
I started about 10 threads ago, but I joined by archive binging the whole thing and was so excited to actually catch a few threads for realzies. And then Hiatus happened. :/

>>1271496
>Does Karas have any Boat specialization? You didn't mention that, but I thought he had that. I thought he had like, crossed the ocean on a little one man sailboat.

He's got a few charms for sailing, yes.

>>1271496
>I started about 10 threads ago, but I joined by archive binging the whole thing and was so excited to actually catch a few threads for realzies. And then Hiatus happened. :/

I feel sorry to hear that. I'm at a shitty point in my life, and trying to hold on to Exalted Quest despite everything that's happening to me.

>>1271496
>but I joined by archive binging the whole thing and was so excited to actually catch a few threads for realzies.
I admire your dedication. I thought it was tedious going through the ~20 that existed at the time I started. I can only imagine how ~120 felt. The only upside I can think of is you weren't here for the arguments about UMI.

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>>1271499
I finished in time to read the end of the last thread

>>1271412
God I love Maka.

>>1271508
Haha! At least I didn't have to wait for the next thread. I enjoyed my time thoroughly. I still caught a whiff of the embers of that old argument though.

Still, I enjoyed the archive binge enough that when I was done I made a Glorious Tide expy over on one of the Civ quests, had a fun run with her.

>>1271366
Hmm. You're right. I'll edit out the straps in case I get a opportune moment to post the pic again. Though it doesn't look like Anonkun is quite as friendly to that.

>>1271476
They're permanently installed.

>>1271542
Look man, quit being such a downer and just let me have this. Let me imagine that UCS gave us an outfit made using crafting techniques that would make a First Age Solar jealous.

>>1271557
>"I MUST KNOW HOW IT WOOORKS!"
>"Val, no stripping me in public! Amata said so!"

>>1271588
>Amata said so!
Best part.

>>1271599
Wee do you really think Maka herself would object?

>>1271602
>Wee
*Well

>>1270323
Christ her tits are huge

>>1271636
I know, isn't it great?

>>1271636
Yes thank you, we're very proud of them.

I've been following this quest since Karas showed up, pretty much.

>>1270953
I think I started in the thread maka fugged Talon, binged the whole quest prior to that.

>>1270953
Here from the beginning, m8

>>1270953

Since the thread one. It was actually pretty lucky to start there since I did not frequent /tg/ much then or now.

>>1270953
Old guard here, have been here ever since the first thread. Did help that the quests birthday was mine as well.

>>1270365

Alright, I'm back.

Other characters that are currently involved in this whole shebang on Gem that I missed, like mentioned by >>1270447, are Zareen and Aexel.

Zareen is a Wood-aspect. Before meeting Maka and company she was essentially a freelance spy and assassin for hire (with a cover identity as a dancer), after a very rough childhood as a slave that ended with her Exaltation and escape. She's skilled with bow and arrow and knowledgeable about poisons and covert operations and all that stuff. She openly admits that she sticks with Maka because she expects to be rewarded in the future, like, when Maka gets her own kingdom running she gets a prestigious government job or something like that.

Aexel is an Air-aspected sorceror in the employ of Amata. He's a well-read and cultured fellow with a vast knowledge on occult and abstract topics (not necessarily limited to sorcery), but he's a bit lacking on the "practical" side of things. He likes studying, and doesn't really DO much other than study and learn things, because that's what he likes to do. He's perfectly aware that this makes him a boring person, and he's ok with that. Frankly, he'd rather not be here "in the field" having to walk around and suffering the heat and risk getting into fights, but he's too polite to say it out loud.

That being said, unless there are any questions, I'd say that Exalted Quest gets back into action in about a couple hours.

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This isn't how you expected your family reunion to go.

Your old house is in shambles and full of holes, the lawn is cratered and filled with terrified guests huddled for cover, and the grass is on fire. And in the middle of it all you had to break up your dad and sister having a screaming match.

There's a robot girl with amazing accounting powers who is just hovering there, staring at you quizzically through all this.

"...It's nothing." You mumble at Border of Integer and Rational. "We should go."

"Agreed." She nods. "I hope for a non-disruptive solution."

You, Tia and Zareen walk out of the palace's main gates. it all feels pretty unreal. "They're in the mines, right?"

"That is where the gate lies."

"So wait." Zareen is confused. "You come from another actual world? And you came here through the mines under Gem?"

"Affirmative."

She's clearly trying to make sense of this, and doing her best. "So... how's your world like?"

"It's dying." Integer brushes her aside with a sense of urgency. "Are we going?"

You turn around and cast a glance at Karas, who is standing guard atop the palace walls. You can trust him on holding down the fort... at least until the Realm starts getting mad.

Speaking of which...

"Hey, Integer?"

"Yes?"

"Please don't reveal that we are Exalted to anyone else."

She nods, but replies interrogatively. "Understood. Why?"

"Eeeeehhhh..." She barely knows what the Realm IS. Explaining everything is going to be a pain. "...It's a long story. Trust me, ok?"

"I have no reason to reveal your nature to the mortals of your world in any case." She adds, picking up speed. You go from jogging, to walking, to running alongside her. Tia speeds up and keeps up with you, with Zareen lagging slightly behind, bow at the ready covering you.

"So I can't get Skullopener out?" Tia wonders, already preparing for the carnage.

>No, we're trying to pass ourselves as mortals, remember? We don't want anyone to find out, or we'd be in trouble with the Realm.
>If we end up fighting in a closed-off place, I guess it would be ok to pull out charms and artifacts, but only in that case.
>We're heading to the mines, I don't think there'll be many witness there. Be ready to use everything.
>[Other?]

>>1273586
>>We're heading to the mines, I don't think there'll be many witness there. Be ready to use everything, but only once we reach the mines and we'll see from there.

>>1273586
>>If we end up fighting in a closed-off place, I guess it would be ok to pull out charms and artifacts, but only in that case.

>>1273586
>If we end up fighting in a closed-off place, I guess it would be ok to pull out charms and artifacts, but only in that case.
Zareen can go all out from the gate, but we gotta want until we aren't being watched.

Also ask how will Integer react if it does come down to shooting and stabbing, will she come down on us regardless of who started it or can we get a promise to stay on our side until we come around to peaceful negotiations.

>>1271643
>>1271645
You should have told them how we managed to get a brawl going just by asking a guard to search us for entrance into the city.

>>1273586
>>If we end up fighting in a closed-off place, I guess it would be ok to pull out charms and artifacts, but only in that case.

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"Well, IF we end up fighting in a closed-off place... I guess it would be ok to pull out charms and artifacts. But only in that case. So, only bust it out if we're sure we won't draw attention." You mention to Tia while you're both on the run.

Your eyes, briefly distracted, catch a gleam from a rooftop not too far away in front of you.

The city's streets are deserted, the citizen, panicking because of the strange attack, must've fled, hidden in their homes perhaps... that's strange. Your instincts kick in and you juke out of the way at the very last moment, rolling sideways on the cobblestone street and behind a corner as a blue-white beam of energy cuts through the air with an obnoxious high-pitched sound.

"Scatter." Integer suggests, seeking cover herself. So she's not entirely sure she's not a target as well? Or just being careful?

"Why can THEY draw attention and I can't?!" Tia complains. She follows you behind cover, but doesn't seem to take the threat very seriously.

"Kareen." You turn aside to the dragon-blooded, who was already notching an arrow on her longbow.

"On it." She simply replies, taking careful aim and loosing the arrow at the rooftop. You can barely see what she's shooting at, but, by the loud metallic noise it does, you feel like she's struck her target.

"Those beams don't look too dangerous anyway." Tia scoffs. You eye the small crater that last shot left on the sidewalk, silently.

"The entrance to the mines is not far." Integer mentions, pointing stiffly at a building at the end of the road in front of you, an ugly cube of reddish-black bricks built on the side of a volcanic rock wall. You're in the deepest parts of the city, and the darkest and most deserted of all.

You squint, and see that that building in particular is not so deserted anymore. You notice seven oddly-armored figures standing guard in front of it. They look human, but they are exactly identical to one another, betraying their mass-manufactured nature. Their equipment is like nothing you've ever seen, not even in Irene's magitek laboratory.

They're clearly on high alert, weapons in hand and ready to act at any time, but don't seem to have spotted you specifically right now.

"...What are those?" Zareen mumbles.

"Guardian drones." Integer informs her.

"Not human?"

"They're easy to manufacture and train than human operatives, but lack independent initiative. Best used for static, short-term operations."

Who the heck TALKS like this? You shrug off the weird, creepy feeling that oozes from Integer's odd speech, and focus.

"Integer?"

The turns her face to you with a mechanical motion, inexpressive.

"It's okay if we fight them, right? They started it. And we need to get to the mastermind if we want to save both our hostages and your plan."

"I will inform you should your operation exceed normal parameters."

"Alright."

(cont.)

File: Zareen Inofu.jpg (563 KB, 900x1200)

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>Zareen, draw their attention.
>Zareen, pick them off. They'll have to either hide or come at us.
>Tia, they're all yours. I'll try and sneak ahead while you keep them busy. [p+n]
>I'll handle this. I'm sure they can be reasoned with. [s+z]
>I'll handle this. They don't look too tough. [p+d]
>Let's rush them all together and break through. [p+d]
>[Other?]

>>1273743
>Let's rush them all together and break through. [p+d]

>>1273743
>>Zareen, pick them off. They'll have to either hide or come at us.

Rolled 2, 3 = 5 (2d10)

>>1273743
>>Let's rush them all together and break through. [p+d]

Rolled 2, 8 = 10 (2d10)

>>1273743
>Let's rush them all together and break through. [p+d]
Have Zareen provide covering fire while we move in close

>>1273768
Oh and charms, Commit SHS.

>>1273769
Maybe Commit the first tier of Aegis of Divine Justice as well.

Rolled 1, 8 = 9 (2d10)

>>1273755
Forgot muh dice

Rolled 8, 7 = 15 (2d10)

>>1270953
>how many of you are old guard
I'm from around the first hiatus, I think it was on thread 40 or so.
>>1273740
>"Kareen." You turn aside to the dragon-blooded
I like this name.


>>Zareen, pick them off. They'll have to either hide or come at us.

Rolled 8, 8 = 16 (2d10)

>>1273759
While I don't support rushing them, that looks like the direction we're heading. So here are some dice from me.

Rolled 7, 6 = 13 (2d10)

>>1273743
I'd prefer a combo, Zareen starts sniping, and as soon as they start reacting, we rush em under Zareen's cover fire.

>>1273785
Oh, and as for charms, I'll support the first tier of AoDJ

>>1273787
Yeah that's pretty much what I want too, Integer can help Zareen if she has the range or charges with us otherwise.

And yes SHS and Soak charms can go up, maybe Fivefold Bulwark too.

(posting soon, had a little holdup)

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You nod quietly to your archer, snap your fingers, and point at the enemy force. "Cover."

She notches a second arrow, and pulls. "Go!"

Leaving her and Integer behind, you dash out of cover and straight down the street, as far as your legs can go.

Tia is a blur, flashing past you and into the enemy formation, not much slower than Zareen's arrow, and hitting the alchemical drones just after. Her sword shatters on the first swing, exploding against one of the automata's faces and tearing its head off. You see the innards spill out, colored wires and delicate machinery sprouting from the severed part.

She tosses the broken weapon aside and just rams her right sword down the decapitated android's neck, presumably grabbing something solid inside (the spine? or equivalent). She then proceeds to use the entire body as a weapon, slapping it against the second-closest drone about to attack her.

She might as well be flaring her anima, you consider.

As you reach the melee yourself, the drones are down to four, between Tia's crazed brawling and Zareen's pinpoint-accurate arrows.

It stikes you how smoothly these creatures move, and the fact that despite the heat of combat their expressions remain unfocused, unconcerned and emotionless. From very up close you can really tell that they're not real humans.

One of them slides in front of you, blocking your way. (They slide off the terrain, maybe on wheels or ball bearings placed under their shoes? They don't seem to need to walk in order to move...) Raising both of her odd-looking swords, one in each hand, she lunges at you in a cross-slash.

[PHYSICAL + DAWN = 2 3 2 8 1 8 8 7 8 8 7 = 7 successes]

B3efore she can even do that, you step straight into the drone's guard and bodyslam her out of her path. You follow with a backhanded blow, slamming her into the ground just as she barely manages to redirect her own slash.

Her sword, incredibly sharp and as hot as molten steel, tears a painful gash into your left arm, even beyond your magical defenses.

[2 damage]

You're quite surprised. Despite their barely-human size, hitting these drones feels like hitting solid iron. They're sturdier and stronger than any mortal fighter.

The one you slammed to the ground lies buriend in a small crater of broken cobblestones, broken. There are cracks running along her body, both in the armor and in the "skin", revealing wires and pipes and machinery inside. Still, she's not completely out of commission, and is still trying to bury her swords in you.

Tia has your back right now. What do you do?

>Get a second hit in while she's on the ground. Best to put all of these drones out of commission. [p+d]
>Fight defensively and buy some time. [p+d]
>Dash into the mines now, leaving this fight behind.
>[Other?]

Rolled 10, 10 = 20 (2d10)

>>1273857
>>Get a second hit in while she's on the ground. Best to put all of these drones out of commission. [p+d]

Rolled 10, 8 = 18 (2d10)

>>1273857
>>Get a second hit in while she's on the ground. Best to put all of these drones out of commission. [p+d]

Rolled 7, 7 = 14 (2d10)

>>1273857
>Get a second hit in while she's on the ground. Best to put all of these drones out of commission. [p+d]

>>1273865
>>1273866
Well then, I suppose the drones are done for.

>>1273857
>>Get a second hit in while she's on the ground. Best to put all of these drones out of commission. [p+d]
Also, we should take some of their swords with us if we can. They are less likely to break than regular steel, but won't be as conspicuous as Moonsilver or Orichalcum.

Rolled 3, 5 = 8 (2d10)

>>1273873
Forgot my dice, not that it appears it will be necessary.

>>1273873
That won't matter once we're in the mines, plus Solar Hero Style doesn't work with swords, we have to be unarmed or with our gloves and boots.

>>1273882
It might help Tia, she's the one who keeps breaking her weapons after all.
Also, I don't feel entirely comfortable just leaving these things here. But that is a separate matter.

Rolled 4, 2 = 6 (2d10)

>>1273857
>Get a second hit in while she's on the ground. Best to put all of these drones out of commission. [p+d]

>>1273893
Once we're in the mines Tia is almost certainly going to bust out her daiklave so no need to worry about spares.

[PHYSICAL + DAWN = 6 10 10 10 8 7 7 3 5 4 2 = 9 successes]

"Sorry." You flash a brief smile to the broken automata, before slamming your fist down through its chest. The ground explodes under your feet from the force of the blow, and the poor robot is scattered to the four winds.

You turn about and... Tia isn't really in any need for help, so instead you spend a few seconds scanning the nearby buildings.

...It seems like no one is here to see you.

Good, because, well, while someone could mistake you for a very skilled mortal martial artist right now, Tia is just going ALL OUT. The only things she's not doing are using peripheral essence and her daiklave, but as for everything else, there's no way anyone would see her as anything other than a Exalted.

"I missed this." She smiles, while pulling the right arm off the last drone as she keeps her pinned to the ground with her heel.

"What, a good fight?"

"Fighting next to you." The arm comes off with a crunching noise. "Kind of wish they had more of these. They're fun."

"We're trying to avoid a big fight, you know." You remind her.

"I know, I know. besides, I've fought better." She sighs, kneeling down and slamming the still-sort-of-functioning drone's chest open like she was opening a cupboard. "They don't even have hearts to eat."
By now, Zareen and Integer ave reached you. The Alchemical is surveying the carnage you left all around the entrance to the mines, calmly calculating.

Maybe this show of force will help remind her that she probably doesn't want to get on your bad side. Or Tia's. Especially Tia's.

"Let's go in?" You suggest. They nod.

These aren't the mines you visited earlier, though they're quite close by. The passages are newer, and quite large. You don't have to crawl, at least, though you do have to keep your head down as you move into the depths of the earth.

You move cautiously, expecting ambushes or traps, but none seem to happen. It's not long before you end up in a larger chamber, a natural cave the mine passage must have broken into, lit by glowing spheres hanging from the stalactite-laden ceiling from black wires.

...This place has been transformed in some sort of office or workshop. There are tables, some filled with strange machinery and other with what's clearly paperwork and books and ledgers. About a dozen more droids are lounging by, taking notice of you but not acting with hostility. A couple more lie on tables, disassembled or partially assembled.

Around the room, there are also a dozen humans. CLEARLY humans. Half of them are in armor, a technomagical-looking suit of black steel, covering them from head to toe, carrying swords and guns. The full helmets hide their heads and faces, and have three glowing green lenses.
The other half are not in armor and seem to wear loose, simple clothing in whites and browns and grays, men and women alike. They all sport a strange jewel on their foreheads.

...And it looks like you weren't expected.

(cont.)

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Their reaction is slow. First are the ones in armor, who immediately raise their weapons and scatter to take cover in the room. The unarmored men and women panic all of a sudden, pulling away and further into the back of the cave. You can't understand their language, though it does sound vaguely similar to Old Realm.

Oddly, the droids don't react to all this. You guess they're standing by, having no explicit orders.

Only when Integer appears, following you, the situation seems to relax a bit. She says something in that same language, and that seems to briefly defuse the situation.

You hear a jingling sound issue from the back of the cave, like someone or something metallic approaching... followed by two blades of light suddenly flashing into existence in the darkness.

"Does this mean that you've gone from inefficiency to outright betrayal, Integer?" The woman appearing in front of you, tall and plated in a strange, gold-and-black armor (is that orichalcum?), shows a bit more of emotions on her sleeve than Integer, regarding you with at first a sneer of contempt, that then slowly changes into a mask of confusion. "...Who did you bring here?"

>Let them talk among themselves.
>Introduce yourself as the Princess of Gem.
>Introduce yourself as a Solar Exalted.
>Give a full introduction. Just go all out and let her know who she's dealing with.
>While her guard is down, attack her. [p+d]
>Sidestep this entire issue and dash deeper in the cave, to see what's hidden there!
>[Other?]

>>1273967
>Give a full introduction. Just go all out and let her know who she's dealing with.
Full Crown of Thunders Princess of Creation introduction.

>>1273967
>>Give a full introduction. Just go all out and let her know who she's dealing with.
>>1273975
Alchemical's don't care about the Crown of Thunders, we flashed it at Integer and she didn't recognize it.

>>1273977
They don't know yet, we're going to teach them what it means.

>>1273967
>Introduce yourself as the Princess of Gem.

>>1273980
We can do that later. We have enough on our plate right now.

Rolled 2, 6 = 8 (2d10)

>>1273967
>>Give a full introduction. Just go all out and let her know who she's dealing with.

There is no problem going full out here. Best not to show any apparent weakness.

>>1273967
>Give a full introduction. Just go all out and let her know who she's dealing with.
>While committing last level of AoDJ to make our castemark show.
If they're like Integer and aren't familiar with the Crown of Thunders, we could just say it was gifted to us directly by the Unconquered Sun.

>>1273967
>>Give a full introduction. Just go all out and let her know who she's dealing with.

>>1274004
>>While committing last level of AoDJ to make our castemark show.
We don't need to do that, we can just make it glow without activating a charm.

>>1273967
>>Give a full introduction. Just go all out and let her know who she's dealing with.

>>1274016
well we're in the mines now so it's unlikely we'll be spotted by anyone who is gonna report us as anathema, so lets not rule out that last level of AoDJ

>>1273967
>Give a full introduction. Just go all out and let her know who she's dealing with.

>>1274022
We'll activate it if things go south, but we may need that essence for Social Charms instead.

>>1274034
Hmm. Fair point. We'll probably be given a choice on how to react to her reaction, anyway, so extra Charms can be invoked then.

>>1273967
>>Give a full introduction. Just go all out and let her know who she's dealing with.

"She's-" Integer begins, but you step forward, letting your castemark shine. The glow fills the Alchemical's eyes with its reflection.

"My name is Maka, Choosen of the Unconquered Sun and Daughter of Hope."

"...chosen...?" She mumbles.

"I am here to reinstate my father on the throne of Gem, and return the hostages you have taken. I am not here to start a fight with you, but I will not shy away from it if you act unreasonably."

"...Maka." She mumbles. She swords are lowered, but remain powered up. "This city of Gem is rich with all sorts of minerals and materials."

"I know."

"We have a dire need of them."

"Trade for them like everyone else."

"We need far beyond your ability to sell. Even if we uprooted the entire mountain, ground it to dust, and sifted it for useable minerals, it would still not be enough to save our Maker." She throws a dirty glance at Integer. "I don't know what my colleague told you, but it's probably either based on faulty numbers, or an outright lie to pacify you."

"I wouldn't know about that." You point out. "But if even grinding the entire city down wouldn't give you what you need, then are you sure you still want to do it? It will not accomplish your objective, AND make you a lot of enemies."

The Alchemical brushes your objection aside. "Enemies that we can fight. The only feasible way to find the resources we need is through a forceful occupation of your world. Peaceful solutions are impractical at this point."

>If you want me to prove to you how hard it would be, for you, to have us as enemies, then I'll offer a demonstration!
>It sounds like you're not really an expert on what's going on in our world. You probably don't know enough to make that assumption.
>Is it okay for you to sabotage Integer's work like this? I thought you both wanted to help your Maker?
>I believe I can provide you with a target that would be richer and more appetible than Gem.
>I can see you won't listen to reason. Well then, you leave me no choice! [p+d]
>[Other]
(There are probably a lot more arguments you can make. Don't feel constrained by these answers and feel free to use write-ins.)

>>1274054
>>It sounds like you're not really an expert on what's going on in our world. You probably don't know enough to make that assumption.

>>1274054
Hmm... choices...
Wait.
>I believe I can provide you with a target that would be richer and more acceptable than Gem.
Throw 'em at the Realm? Oh, that's deliciously Machiavellian.

For an actual vote, I might suggest:
>Then it's good I have more than just Gem to offer you. I'm in a better position than anyone to help your cause, IF you play nicely.

>>1274059
Also, Social Charms? If our castemark is showing, would committing TGP be noticeable?

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>>1274054
>>It sounds like you're not really an expert on what's going on in our world. You probably don't know enough to make that assumption.
>>I believe I can provide you with a target that would be richer and more appetible than Gem.
>The realm
Finally posting in an actual Exalted thread!!!

>>1274054

Ask her to go into more detail on why she needs to much resources. It is a bit much for banditry. Also

>It sounds like you're not really an expert on what's going on in our world. You probably don't know enough to make that assumption.

>>1274062
Not particularly. You're probably free to use charms here.

>>1274070

I vote to use them. Talk To The Heart.

Rolled 9, 9 = 18 (2d10)

>>1274075
Sounds good. That's burn-only, though, so we can also use Terrifying Glorious Presence without flaring more.

Also, adding dice in case they're needed.

>>1274054
>>It sounds like you're not really an expert on what's going on in our world. You probably don't know enough to make that assumption.

>>1274054
>It sounds like you're not really an expert on what's going on in our world. You probably don't know enough to make that assumption.
So what's your plan then, finish off Gem and start over somewhere else until you've made all of Creation your enemy?

I'm also against sending them after the Realm, that might get them off our backs for a while, but what if they win?
Then the Realm has even more hyper advanced Magitech at their disposal.

>>1274075
I don't mind a TttH, maybe TGP too, but we aren't really rolling just yet.

>>1274075
Thirding

>>1274054
>It sounds like you're not really an expert on what's going on in our world. You probably don't know enough to make that assumption.

>>1274054
>>It sounds like you're not really an expert on what's going on in our world. You probably don't know enough to make that assumption.
>Besides, yours is not the only world or maker with problems, and I won't let mine suffer unreasonably.

Rolled 2, 9 = 11 (2d10)

>>1274054
And dice, just in case

>>1274101
>Besides, yours is not the only world or maker with problems, and I won't let mine suffer unreasonably.
Yeah.

[TALKING TO THE HEART]

"....Forgive me if I sound a bit condescending, but you're holed up in a cave below a city that's extremely isolated from everywhere else in Creation. I don't think you know enough about our world to make this sort of assumptions."

The alchemical gives you a long, hard, cold stare. "Are you referring to the ability of resolving this problem peacefully, or to the mineral availability, or to the willingness of your people to part with it?"

"All of those." You reply. "Creation is bigger and more varied than you probably imagine."

"That is what I suspect, too." Integer comments. "Part of the reason I decided to become embedded within Gem is to gather information."

"What did you find out?" You try to get her talking.

"That indeed the entire city of Gem does not have enough minerals to save the Maker. And some metals are entirely absent from this area. And exactly for this reason if we want to be able to obtain these materials we need to proceed cautiously. Making enemies in Creation would just make our collection of the required materials more difficult."

What about your plan, then?" The other alchemical asks Integer, somewhat brashly. "Infiltrate Creation's societies, improve their efficiency, and skim materials off the profit made. According to your projections, how long would it take to heal the Maker with your operation?"

Integer pauses for a second, calculating. "1749 years." She replies.

"That is unacceptable. The maker will not survive that long."

"I am one of the Chosen charged with the responsibility of protection Creation." You point out, stepping back in. "I will not let you bring war to my world and steal its resources, no matter how much your Maker needs them."

"What other solution do you suggest?" She sneers, staring you down.

Ever since you've been in the presence of this strange, alien Exalted, you've felt a strange sensation in your head... You're trying not to get distracted, but you can't help but wonder what's going on. You can't quite pinpoint it.

Shaking your head briefly, you focus on the here and now. How do you answer?

>I don't know, and I don't care. Your Maker is not my problem. Attack us at your own risk. [s+z]
>You should go along with Integer's plan. Her calculations might well be pessimistic, or wrong. [s+z]
>I will take care of supplying you with what you need, especially if you will support me with your technology. [s+z]
>I am sure your world has things it can trade for. It might be easier and less expensive than warfare. [s+z]
>This world has many strange places and powerful creatures whose powers might be of help... [s+z]
>[Other?]

>>1274107
This quest, and it's semi-involved UCS with whom we're chummy, offers a unique opportunity to really get Auto the help he needs.

>>1274132
>>This world has many strange places and powerful creatures whose powers might be of help... [s+z]

File: white witch jiyeon-ryu-.jpg (559 KB, 1920x3727)

559 KB JPG

Rolled 9, 9 = 18 (2d10)

>>1274132
>I am sure your world has things it can trade for. It might be easier and less expensive than warfare. [s+z]
>especially if you will support me with your technology

Let's chat.

Also, welcome back EF!

Rolled 9, 10 = 19 (2d20)

>>1274141
Oops

Rolled 4, 3 = 7 (2d10)

>>1274132
>>This world has many strange places and powerful creatures whose powers might be of help... [s+z]

>>1274150
Lets say thats a d10

Rolled 6, 7 = 13 (2d10)

>>1274132
>I am sure your world has things it can trade for. It might be easier and less expensive than warfare. [s+z]
>This world has many strange places and powerful creatures whose powers might be of help... [s+z]
I do want them to ally themselves with us in regards to trading, but saying it outright sounds too strong and aggressive off the bat.

But as for strange and powerful creatures, ignoring fae who can make stuff out of nothing, Val or any other Craft Twilight could cut down the time needed to a tenth with her charms.

>>1274132
>>1274158
Oh and charms, TGP and maybe our crown too if we come up short some successes.

Rolled 5, 1 = 6 (2d10)

>>1274132
>I am sure your world has things it can trade for. It might be easier and less expensive than warfare. [s+z]
>This world has many strange places and powerful creatures whose powers might be of help... [s+z]

Rolled 9, 7 = 16 (2d10)

>>1274132
>This world has many strange places and powerful creatures whose powers might be of help... [s+z]
>I am sure your world has things it can trade for. It might be easier and less expensive than warfare. [s+z]

Commit TGP.

I love how getting them on-board gives us a mandate to establishing our empire in order to help one of the architects of Creation.

>>1274158
I see your point. Plus, if their only access point is here, then we do get to have a say in who gets the good stuff (us) and who doesn't (the Realm).

Rolled 5, 4 = 9 (2d10)

>>1274173
Just throwing down some more dice to (hopefully) add to our 8 successes. Hopefully whoever this is doesn't have Programmed Catechism Rebuttal installed.

>>1274158
>Val or any other Craft Twilight could cut down the time needed to a tenth with her charms

Keep in mind that what they say they want is raw materials, not finished products.

Rolled 3, 5 = 8 (2d10)

>>1274173
Well I would want to help them anyway, Auto is a pretty cool dude and also I can't let people suffer without doing something about it.

Rolled 1, 9 = 10 (2d10)

>>1274132
>>I am sure your world has things it can trade for. It might be easier and less expensive than warfare. [s+z]
>>This world has many strange places and powerful creatures whose powers might be of help... [s+z]

>>1274195
That's very Maka of you. :) I agree, of course, but I always try and think of the Realm when we make agreements like this. Sure, the Immaculate loyalists wouldn't care, but seeing Alchemicals with us and knowing Autochthon might be returning would give the Sidereals about as much pause as when we got the Crown of Thunders. Especially if we get Conky on our side.

Rolled 2, 1 = 3 (2d10)

>>1274132
>I am sure your world has things it can trade for. It might be easier and less expensive than warfare. [s+z]
>Are you sure that adding new resources is the only solution?

[TERRIFYING GLORIOUS PRESENCE]

[Social + Zenith = 9 2 9 9 9 4 3 6 7 5 1 9 7 5 4 = 8 Successes] 351921

"I'd say that, by trading with us, you'd have access to a lot more materials than what you could get if you went conquering." You point out.

"You're just trying to protect your world."

"Well, can you blame me?" You flash her a smile. "Miss...?"

She holsters her blades and folds her arms in a standoffish gesture. "Engine of Salvation is my name. It represents my determination to save the Maker at any cost." She finally surrenders her name

"Very well, Engine." You nod and continue. "You see, even just Integer, who just showed up and helped independently, with no addition of manpower, machinery or whatnot, increased the productivity of Gem by a considerable margin. Under these circumstances, the price of raw materials would drop and make them even easier to access for you, right?"

"That is correct." Integer notes. "And part of my long-term plans."

"On the other hand, if you start a war, the markets would close to you and you'd have to expend a lot of resources to gain control of what you need."

"You're trying to pass off the trading solution as simple, but I'm not entirely ignorant on the nature of Creation." Engine replies. "I know that it's a collection of heterogeneous polities with few ties to each other. The larger polities, such as the Realm, are, besides, entirely unlikely to be willing to trade with us, and they control a vast majority of the resources we'd need. This only leaves military might as an avenue to gain control of the materials we need to save the Maker."

"Right now, you might be right, but you're forgetting an important detail." You smile and waggle your finger at Engine. "The Return of the Solars. More specifically, me."

"You?" She wonders. "What can you do?"

"I am the Princess of Creation, appointed by the Unconquered Sun." You point out. "When i will rule, those resources will be made available to you. They will be mine to give."

A stunned silence follows, with the only noise you hear being a slight squeeing whisper from Tia, behind you

"Furthermore... I have powerful friends and allies, whose help will make it easier for me to supply your needs. Don't underestimate us. Creation is more powerful, and more strange, than you can imagine."

The stunned silence continues for a few seconds.

"...You talk big." Engine mumbles.

"If Solars don't talk big, then who will?" You shrug nonchalantly.

She seems to consider your offer for a few seconds...

"...How long will it take for you to be in the position to supply us with the resources we need to save the Maker?"

"How much are we talking about here?" You have to wonder. They kept talking about "resources", but didn't give you any numbers yet.

Engine takes a long breath in.

(cont.)

"Two billion tons of iron. One billion and a half tons of copper. Four hundred million tons of tin. Five thousand tons of silver. Two thousand tons of gold..."

The list goes on and on. They're numbers that don't even make much sense to you, after a while, except that they sound big. Like, really big. You try and commit some to memory for later, hoping Mikahil will make more sense of them. They are not just asking for normal metals, as she also mentions magical materials. Orichalcum, Jade, Moonsilver, and such, in fantastical amounts.

"How long?" She then asks.

>I don't know.
>Five years.
>Ten years.
>Fifty years.
>A century.
>A few centuries.
>A thousand years.
>[Other?]

>>1274252
>I don't know. Depends on how fast I can unite creation. I'm sure I can supply some of those faster than others.
>I'll have to ask the other solars.

>>1274252
>>[Other?]
Can't give a set in stone date without conferring with mikahil and probably val.

>>1274252
Seconding>>1274263

>>1274252
>[Other?]

We'll check with our prime bean counter and get back to you.

>>1274252
>>I don't know. That's not my area of expertise.
We should send Zareen out to go get Mikahil and maybe Val. I forget what we have them doing, but this is more important.

>>1274252
I feel like for the sheer amounts they're talking this isn't about trading anymore, this is about carving a hole in middle of the Wyld and forcing it to continually produce huge quantities of ores.

Also I worry about saying I don't know after all that big talk we just laid out, even if we aren't sure we should put out a number. Integer thinks her way will heal the Maker in 1749 years, let's cut that in half. That will at least give us almost 900 years to come up with an alternative if we haven't conquered the world by then.

>>1274286
>I worry about saying I don't know after all that big talk we just laid out
I agree, but I also don't like rolling back promises.
Still we should through out some number I guess.
>>1274252
>>1274285
I'll change my vote to
>A few centuries.
But I still want to have Zareen go back and get Mikahil and Val.

>>1274252
>[Other?]
"Are you fixing your world or building a completely new one? I'll need to check with my expert."

This seems like the kind of volume that would require Wyld shaping.

>>1274286
>this is about carving a hole in middle of the Wyld and forcing it to continually produce huge quantities of ores.
That's pretty much what Auto did in the Age of Glory to keep his sickness at bay. Now, it's another job to give to Val. Good thing she's already familiar with Wyld-Shaping Technique (I think).

We do have Mikahil in the city, so instead of giving her the hard numbers she wants, maybe we shift it to stopping hostilities for now and having her sit down with our Circle to hammer out details. If she doesn't like things after that, then she can resume her original plan with only a couple days wasted.

In that case, our answer would be
>I don't know, BUT!
or
>A few centuries, I think. BUT!

>>1274304
I really do want to call down Mik and Val especially if we're moving on from hostilities.

>>1274304
Let me try and make this an actual choice.
>I know you want concrete answers, but I only just learned of this. Let me bring in my Circle to help. If you know of Solars, you know how brilliant we can be.
Otherwise, basically this >>1274263

The question forces you to pause for thought.

"...I don't know. I'm not sure. It's a complicated thing, and I'm not as good with math and calculations and forecasts as you two seem to be. I have advisers who might help me, though. I believe I might take a few centuries, but it's hard to give a definite number."

Engine grins. "I didn't expect you to have an answer ready. Even our calculations are very approximative. I doubt your advisers could do much better."

"They're pretty good." You defend them.

The Alchemical's face returns a stone mask. "...So are our calculations."

"...oh?"

"Worst-case scenario: Three hundred years. Best-case scenario: five hundred."

"...Before the-"

"Before the Maker begins to die." She nods gravely. "Once his death becomes inevitable, it might take him many more millennia to cease all functions entirely, on account of his massive ontological inertia. But still, if we wish to save him, we need to complete repairs within that time. For that, we will need those materials. Or..."

The two alchemicals exchange furtive glances.

"...Or what?" You prod them.

"There is an old story in our Realm. Some would call it a legend, but the most learned scholars in the logomysteries of the Maker believe it to have a foundation in truth."

"What do they say?"

"That when the Maker left Creation, he left behind part of himself."

"Part...?"

"An Eye." They both nod gravely.

That's... intriguing. "...Do you know anything more specific?"

"Only that it allegedly existed. The Maker does have a critical component utterly missing from its structure. We cannot even be sure it exists within Creation."

"Would... would returning its Eye heal him?" It's amazing how silent and reticent they've become. You feel like your conversation has made a leap away from the hard facts you were discussing, and into matters of abstract faith and pure religion.

After a long pause, Integer mumbles: "It's possible. We do not know."

"It would definitely be beneficial, but our ability to understand the Maker's full scale is pitiful."

"So at the very least it'll add years." You nod. "I'll keep that in mind."

The silence continues for a few seconds more. That strange feeling in your head persists. You try not to think about it too much.

"...So, about them hostages." You clap your hands.

You shake Engine from her brooding. "...Yes. Maka. I will give you time. I will stand down my forces and free my hostages, but I will not retreat from Creation."

You glance around at the office/workshop these people have industriously carved out of this mine. You imagine they'd want to keep a foothold here, and also to protect the portal to their world.

You're feeling a bit light-headed, for some reason.

(cont.)

As you try and shake this feeling off you, the hostages are released. Old Man Arbani and Arras Sahlak and a few other guests from the wedding are escorted from the mysterious back of this cave, past you, and outside.

Arbani gives you only a very, very confused look. He looks utterly dismayed, but unhurt. Sahlak seems almost amused by the entire ordeal, instead. She blows you a kiss as she's escorted past you. "Thank you, hon."

Once they're out, all that remains are the heavy, inquisitive gazes of Integer and Engine fixed on you.

>Alright, if you'll follow me to the palace, we can talk about this all together.
>I'll send you my experts right away. You'll have to iron out the details of our deal among yourselves.
>Right now we're in a really, really, REALLY delicate situation, you know. Coup d'etat and all that. Can I get back at you tomorrow or in a couple days.
>I feel... a bit tired. Can I rest here for a bit?...

File: Arbani Halan.jpg (146 KB, 850x806)

146 KB JPG

(forgot to post these two)

>>1274357
>I feel... a bit tired. Can I rest here for a bit?...
Send the others back.

>>1274357
>Right now we're in a really, really, REALLY delicate situation, you know. Coup d'etat and all that. Can I get back at you tomorrow or in a couple days.

File: Arras Sahlak.jpg (302 KB, 850x1063)

302 KB JPG

>>1274357

>>1274357
>>I feel... a bit tired. Can I rest here for a bit?...

Alright, I'll bite.

>>1274357
>>I'll send you my experts right away. You'll have to iron out the details of our deal among yourselves.
>Right now we're in a really, really, REALLY delicate situation, you know. Coup d'etat and all that. I'll personally get back at you tomorrow or in a couple days.

>>1274357
>>Right now we're in a really, really, REALLY delicate situation, you know. Coup d'etat and all that. Can I get back at you tomorrow or in a couple days.

>>1274357
>>I feel... a bit tired. Can I rest here for a bit?...

>>1274357
>>Right now we're in a really, really, REALLY delicate situation, you know. Coup d'etat and all that. Can I get back at you tomorrow or in a couple days.

I am getting a bit worried about this light-headedness. Do we have anyone who could do a check up on us?

It is unlike that a solar like Maka would get sick. Does anyone have any ideas what this could be?

Uh, were you guys entirely aware that important people from Gem were in the room when you decided to reveal our self as a Solar?
Because I thought it was just some workers and guards aligned with Engine.

>>1274387
Being around Alchemicals of the appropriate type can induce flashbacks to previous lives in Celestial Exalts.

>>1274389

I thought there were in some other room.

>>1274389
Yeah I missed that. Hopefully we can smooth that over later

>>1274357
>>I feel... a bit tired. Can I rest here for a bit?...

>>1274357
>Right now we're in a really, really, REALLY delicate situation, you know. Coup d'etat and all that. Can I get back at you tomorrow or in a couple days.

>>1274357
>>Right now we're in a really, really, REALLY delicate situation, you know. Coup d'etat and all that. Can I get back at you tomorrow or in a couple days.

Tomorrow for sure, though we could stress the importance that it isn't in anyone's interest to delay on making a proper deal.


>>1274394
>>1274396
>>1274369
Exaltedfag you didn't really describe anyone we recognised like the other nobles as being in the same chamber before we revealed we were a Solar.

>>1274407
Then maybe it's not an issue? Maybe with scene change our flare went down?

>I feel... a bit tired. Can I rest here for a bit?...
Man, this may not be the smartest choice, but I want to see where it goes. Also, in case we are still flaring, it will give us a chance to return to normal.

>>1274393
Not very likely, but I would be more excited to see the Primordial Vet incarnation than First Age Tyrant. Both are cool though.

>>1274443
I kinda want to see the "First Age Tyrant" early on in their life. It was implied that she used to get along with her Circle and Lunar Mate, I kinda want to see what she was like then, before she went crazy.

>>1274431
>Maybe with scene change our flare went down?
It did, sorry, I forgot to mention this.

I'll post in a bit.

Sorry, I forgot to be more accurate. The hostages were either in another room or further deep in the room, but in any case out of sight. They did not see your anima flare or your castemark. I didn't make a big deal of it specifically because nothing relevant happened, don't worry.

You lean with your back against the closest wall and fold your arms.

"There's a lot we have to talk about, you know. But... right now we're in a really, really, REALLY delicate situation, you know. Coup d'etat and all that. Can I get back at you tomorrow or in a couple days?"

Engine frowns. "I will not let you stall for time."

"I'm not stalling for time." You sigh. "Just let go of this hostility. Can't we see if we can make this work by being friendly and helping each other? If things don't work out at all we'll punch each other's lights out all day later, but will you just give me a chance?"

"Very well." She replies, harsh. "You have one week. Get your issues sorted and give me something."

"Thank you. Let's go girls..." You say, holding back a yawn.

"...Are you okay, Maka?" Tia has been a bit concerned about you for a while now, but only now she voices it. She seems to be doing fine herself.

"I feel... tired. And... like there's something buzzing in my head."

She sniffs the air for a few seconds, suspicious, then relaxes, and takes your hand. "...There's nothing wrong here. Maybe you're just normally tired."

"...maybe." You mumble, but you're already feeling half-asleep...

The rest is a blur. You slowly lose yourself to a peaceful warmth and sink into a deep sleep filled with strange dreams.

(Thread will stop here for tonight, but will continue tomorrow!)

>>1274521
>"...There's nothing wrong here. Maybe you're just normally tired."
C'mon Tia, You should know by now Maka does get "normally" Tired.
Tireless Heroes Soul is the best charm and all Solars should get it.

>>1274521
That's convenient. Thanks for the thread EF, have a fine day... or rest thereof.

>>1274521
There was something on the drone's sword, I bet.

>>1274521
See you tomorrow EF!

>>1274534
It'd have to be a hell of a something to affect an Exalted, much less a Maka.

>>1274534
>>1274572
Alchemicals have resonance with their counterpart creation exalts. Presumably that's the problem

Thread has been archived.

>>1273457
What happened to the mortal kids Maka raped?

That was honestly where I stopped following. Shit got out of hand with the lewds.

Did Maka/Anons ever realize how abusive that event was?

> Mentor and surrogate mother figure uses godly powers of persuasion to seduce you and your love interest because Anons wanted to fuck everything.

Dress it up how you want,but it was unecessary and an abuse of power and trust.

A shame, because the quest was well written and fun.

But I have limits man..

>>1275630
She never had sex with them. She left the room, came back later, and saw they were naked-cuddling then left again. She also gave them part-exalted powers.

>>1275630
what? You mean Regis and Millian? We never fucked them.

>>1275637
>>1275647
Huh.

Well I've been carrying a grudge for a while because I thought we did.

Curse you brain and your scheming betrayal.

Seriously. I was upset about it. I thought a good quest had been ruined.

>>1275663
Yeah, you should probably finished that thread before bailing. Guess you've got a lot of threads to catch up on.

>>1275666
You say that like it's a bad thing and not a pleasure delayed now to be indulged

>>1275677
It just means you have delayed posting in tomorrow's thread. It's like 3am so I don't have a lot of Nuance to spare

You're awake.

You jump up, in a brief, confused panic. "I'm awake?!" Your hand immediately finds your sword, on the ground, next to you.

Silence. The inside of your tent is peaceful, after all. What troubled you in your sleep?

From the far corner of your pavilion tent, Eight Clouds stands up, with a slight smile, from the foldable chair he was reclining on. It looks like he was going over some papers. You catch a glimpse of a little green spider skittering across his robes for a second. "This campaign is turning you into a nervous wreck." He continues.

You slow down your beating and heartbeat. "...M...maybe. I just feel... tired."

"No, no, it's legitimately shitty." He nods sagely. "I mean, most wars are, but Antikythera is just... worse than most." He folds his papers and shoves them in his pocket, then grabs a bottle of water from the small pile of food and supplies piled on the ground near the entrance and hands it to you as you wake up fully.

You're tired of this. Sleeping on the ground, camping like a common soldier, marching into the wilderness of Saigoth's outback chasing fairies off Creation's lawn. You're too proud to admit it openly, but you know Eight Clouds can read you like an open book.

The water is warm and gives you little respite.

"Any news from Karrel?" You stand up fully, stretching and casting aside your sleeping bag. With a thought, your armor is summoned.

"He's taken a wing of mixed cavalry and three warstriders and is doing a reconnaissance en force beyond the Cogwheel Hills three hours ago. Should be into deep middlemarches by now."

You clap your hands, inviting your servants into the tent. An automatic gesture. You barely pay attention to them as they silently and efficiently replace your sleeping bag, refill your drink, do all the other chores. One of them brings you a basin of water to wash your face, but you don't really feel like it.

You stare at your reflection in the murky water.

(cont.)

File: Clarissa Mell.jpg (311 KB, 800x1104)

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"...Clouds?"

"Clarissa?" He asks back, waiting for your question.

"Did we ever find out why all water is so terrible here?"

"Scouts say that the deeper we go in, the more polluted it is. It's wrecking havoc on our supply lines, since even the water we bring in from base gets polluted in a matter of a couple of days."

"Even if we keep it in sealed containers?"

"Even if. I hear they're experimenting with bringing water through Elsewhere, but it's still dicey at best."

"Fucking Raksha." You groan, dismissing the servant.

You don't quite feel right or well, and you're not sure if it's the water, or the year of inconclusive campaigning into the ever-shifting mess of the Wyld... or something else.

"...Where's Iohan?" It suddenly strikes you.

Eight Clouds' half-amused expression turns to the slightly concerned. "Your husband is on the southern front, remember? You posted him there."

"...Yes, of course I remember, you dumbass." You brush him aside. "I mean, how's he doing?"

"Same as us." He shrugs. "Slowly advancing without really winning any decisive battles."

You step outside of the tent. The full glory of your legion, camped in a valley of grounded reality half-surrounded by shifting hills of ocean under the kaleidoscopic aurora blocking the real sky, fills you with pride. Soldiers are efficiently patrolling, drilling, tending to the siege engines and warstriders.

And yet, for all that pride filling your heart... you really just want back. You want to be back in a civilized place. You want to see Iohanes and the kids again.

Suddenly, you realize how much you miss all that.

"Why doesn't the damn deliberative send the Titan to cleanse all this mess, instead of sending me down here like a grunt, sleeping on the ground and eating rations?"

You see the pained expression on Eight Cloud's face. The expression of someone who really wants to reply that your tent is a lot more comfortable than anything a common grunt has. That you have the best supplies, servants and attendants, and that you're the last one who should be entitled to complain.

He doesn't say a word about it, and that's good, because it means he still knows who's in charge here.

Maybe you should find a way to make him stop thinking that, you wonder. It's still insubordination even if he just thinks about it, right?

(cont.)

File: Eight Clouds.jpg (516 KB, 800x1132)

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"The Flame that Marched Against the Sea is back in the Xur Archipelago for a maintenance cycle, you know." He finally breaks the silence.

"I don't care." You mumble in response. "We don't even need the whole thing working, the main cannon would be enough. Just bring it here, Light of Judgement the waypoints one after another until we hit Antikythera's main base, and then we send the engineers to stabilize reality all around the place."

"Well, the Deliberative IS considering you as the Flame's new commander." He smiles forcedly. "So, you know... if this campaign goes well, you might get the job."

You barely hear him. Instead, your gaze is fixated on the ever-shifting western hills.

That damn fae is there somewhere, toying with you and laughing all along. The mere thought of it nearly sends you in a rage.

And in all this what is Iohanes doing? Instead of being at your side like a proper husband and Lunar Mate should be, he's off in the southern front, wasting everyone's time, goofing around and making no progress at all.

You'll give him a piece of your mind when he'll be back.

>Getting really tired of this. Have the soldiers dismantle the camp. Time to march forth!
>Before any new operation, let's wait for Karrel's reconnaissance.
>Have a messenger sent to the southern front, telling Iohanes to return immediately.
>Clouds, lodge me another request for the Flame to be used here. Be insistent.
>We're not even accomplishing anything of worth here. Let's pack up and go home.
>I need to get away from all this. The Legion can handle itself here. You should leave it and go back home.
>I don't know what to do. I'm sick and tired. This is depressing.
>[Other?]

>>1275748
>>Before any new operation, let's wait for Karrel's reconnaissance.
For as much good as reconnaissance of a Wyld Zone would be. Maybe it'll at least give us an idea of which way we should be going.

>>1275748
>I don't know what to do. I'm sick and tired. This is depressing.
Interesting, the curse is taking root.

>>1275748
>Before any new operation, let's wait for Karrel's reconnaissance.
Changing my vote so we can keep going in this slow morning.

>>1275748
>>Before any new operation, let's wait for Karrel's reconnaissance.
So her name was Clarissa Mell?
Not a bad name for one of the kids we'll be having.

Now if we can just pull hr own kid's names out of her mouth.

File: Sol.jpg (111 KB, 1920x1080)

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...no.

No, you should do this properly. You should do this by the book.

You should wait for Karrel's recon. You should trust in Iohanes holding your south flank safe. You shouldn't do anything stupid, or throw a tantrum, or ruin everything.

You glare up at the sky once more.
Spectral, phasntasmagorical lights dance between the border of reality and fantasy.

Your Sun doesn't shine here. He can't see you. He can't judge you.

But you'll still do what He'd want you to do.

Because you're a good girl.

Because you're a good girl...

What did He say to you on the day you Exalted? It was so long ago.

Did you forget?

...no, you still remember. It was...

>>1275782
Go forth and breed?

>>1275782
First Age us is cute. In a borderline crazy kinda way. To bad later she loses the "borderline" part.

"...Maka?"

This feels nostalgic. You remember that chandelier...

You slowly drift back to full consciousness.

It's you, Maka. You're in your old room in the Despot's Palace in Gem.

You take in everything you can see. Most of the room is empty, its furniture and decorations removed, pictures and statues gone, bookshelves emptied. It's a little painful to see.

Tia is sitting on the edge of the bed, holding your hand in her. She looks concerned, then relieved once you seem to be waking up.
Your sister Eskarin and the young son of Rankar she was about to marry just now are also here, together with Zareen, standing guard by the door.

"Are you alright?" Tia squeezes your hand a bit harder. "What happened? You had me so worried..."

>I... I'm not sure, but I'm fine now.
>I had... A vision? Or, a memory...
>I'm alright... Where are the Alchemicals? Where's dad? What's going on?
>Tia... I'm so sorry...
>[other?]

(I'm on a tablet and on the move, so expect slow updates. Also i'd appreciate if you anons could post relevant NPC pictures in the thread, since i don't have them here and i don't have time to navigate the archives right now.)

>>1275795
>I'm alright... Where are the Alchemicals? Where's dad? What's going on?
If I was at home, I'd do it for you, but alas...

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>>1275795
>I... I'm not sure, but I'm fine now.
Here is the picture of Eskarin from the last thread. I won't be able to keep doing this as I'm heading out too soon.

>>1275795
>I... I'm not sure, but I'm fine now.
Everything's daijoubu now. I wonder if that memory is the same fey attack as the one that was in the Titan's hallways.

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>>1275800
And here's Rankar's son.

>>1275795
>>1275800
I want to add
>I had... A vision? Or, a memory...
To my vote

>>1275795
>>I... I'm not sure, but I'm fine now.

>I... I'm not sure, but I'm fine now.

>>1275795
I would say that, after we say whatever we're gonna say, we do need to find out what's going on.

You shake your head, and your drowsiness evaporates.

"...I'm alright now." you reassure everyone. "How long was I out?"

"About three hours." Kareen informs you, while Tia just climbs entirely atop the bed and snuggles up to you. " seems like the situation's calmed down. Your dad has everything under control, and the guards and mercenaries and houses have pledged their allegiance back to him."

Gem's "allegiances" are as firm as a feather in a hurricane, but it's still better than the alternative. "The Realm Satrap...?"

"Didn't do anything. He's holed up in his estate, but I think that the fact that he's not doing anything means he doesn't have a problem with it. Your dad renewed Gem's oath of satrapy to the Realm and offered to pay next year's tribute in advance."

As much as it chafes you to see Gem being subject to the Realm and your father having to go to such lengths to please them, you're happy that the situation at least doesn't seem to be getting worse right now.
"And the Alchemicals?"

"In the basement, both of them. Mikahil and Valeriana are very interested in them. They talked a lot, but last I heard from them Valeriana had collapsed, and Mikahil wasn't too hot either. Similar symptoms to what happened to you, actually." She points out.

"Um, sis?" Eskarin is sitting on a chair right next to your bed, looking rather puzzled. "Who is this person?" she points at Tia, who in the meanwhile is getting rather into it, half-buried underthe blankets and insinuating her hands under your clothes...

>...I'll explain later. [Karate chop Tia] Let's go downstairs now and see what's going on.
>Um, this is Tia. Long story short, a lot happened, and she's my husband now.
>[other?]

>>1275878
>>...I'll explain later. [Karate chop Tia] Let's go downstairs now and see what's going on.
If everything else is under control we should check in on Val and Mik. Our vision/memory wasn't that bad, but who knows how they'll be when they wake up.

>>1275878
>>...I'll explain later. [Karate chop Tia] Let's go downstairs now and see what's going on.

>>1275878
>>...I'll explain later. [Karate chop Tia] Let's go downstairs now and see what's going on.
It'll take too much time to explain that we're soulmarried.

>>1275878
>...I'll explain later. [Karate chop Tia] Let's go downstairs now and see what's going on.
Too cute.

>>1275878
>Um, this is Tia. Long story short, a lot happened, and she's my husband now
>She's a sweetheart

>>1275882
>If everything else is under control we should check in on Val and Mik. Our vision/memory wasn't that bad, but who knows how they'll be when they wake up.
Expanding on this, Zareen says Mikahil hasn't lost consciousness yet, but if he does we should DEFINITELY be there when he wakes up. When we talked to him about past life stuff before, he implied the memories he got were really bad.

>>1275878
>...I'll explain later. [Karate chop Tia] Let's go downstairs now and see what's going on.
We'll explain at the family meeting so we only have to do it once, I was hoping to save it to shock Dad into not caring about RJ.

Karas and Radiant are fine?

>>1275894
>Karas and Radiant are fine?
Val and Mikahil are the ones talking to the Alchemicals. I imagine if Karas and Radiant were there, they would be feeling it too.

>>1275896
I'm wondering how much proximity matters. Mik, Val, and us went out after speaking to them, but if Karas and Janet are feeling anything it might trigger just from being nearby.

>>1275892
I do want to be there when they wake up, might even be a nice chance to ask about when/how they Exalted if the memories aren't super terrible.

*WHACK*

"Ow~"

"It's a long tory. I'll explain it when dad'll be here, too." you leap down from the bed, fix your clothes, and prepare to head out. "You two are coming?"

Eskarin and Rankar VI glance at each other, worried. "I... I think it's better if we stay out of mr. Askar's sight for now." The boy replies.

As a rather upset Tia dismounts from the bed, you nod quietly. "...I guess that's understandable, yeah. Don't do anything excessively improper in my bedroom."

Rankar looks terrified. "I wold never-"

"There's Eskarin's room for that." you wink.

Your sister's s face is less than amused. "Rankar, meet Maka, my sister, and a dirty old man in a young woman's body."

As Tia follows you out, you notice Kareen remaining outside the door, standing guard.

Smart girl. You were already relaxing and feeling safe, but she didn't let her guard down one bit.

Where are you going?

>check on Valeriana.
>see what's going on with Mikahil and the Alchemicals.
>make sure your dad and Karas have everything under control.
>you should check on the Satrap. Make sure he's not plotting something.
>...you're as bit worried about Arras Sahlak. Is she alright?
>[other]

(I have to AFK a bit, so expect slow updates. Sorry.)

>>1275927
>>check on Valeriana.

>>1275927
>>see what's going on with Mikahil and the Alchemicals

>>1275927
>check on Valeriana.
>Kareen
That's like three times in a single thread.

>>1275927
>see what's going on with Mikahil and the Alchemicals.