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"...I was just thinking." You try and smile. No sense being worried now. Everything went... about as well as you could have hoped. Right? "Better get up and get dressed. We have still a few things to take care of before we return to Tianna."

"Boo." Tia mopes, locking her arms around your waist to keep you from getting up.

You groan. "Tia, please. I know all this talking and all this bureaucracy business bores you, but I have to do it."

>And you have to come with me. Pretty please?
>You don't have to come with me. You're free to wander around the palace.
>You don't have to come with me. You're free to wander around town.
>You don't have to come with me. If you're bored, why don't you go to the fighting pits?
>You don't have to come with me. If you're bored, why don't you go to the red light district?
>You don't have to come with me. If you're bored, why don't you go to the marketplace?
>You don't have to come with me. If you're bored, why don't you have a walk outside town? There might be Fair Folk outside!
>(Other?)

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>Who are we?
Maka, an exiled noble Exalted as a Zenith-caste Solar. Queen of Gem, now ruling the western island of Tianna. You have gathered a vast amount of allies and friends, and defeated every threat to Tianna up to now, though not without difficulty.
You recently discovered that Tianna is actually an artificial island, built around a First Age Titan: an almighty flying fortress. Your forces have crushed the Bodhisattva Anointed by Dark Water, a Deathlord who tried to usurp its power for himself.
And now, on the day of your wedding, the Unconquered Sun Himself appeared to you and crowned you Princess of Creation, asking you to be an example for others in these dark times.
After securing the alliance of the nearby realm of Neck (or Okeanos, as they prefer to be called), you received news from your remote homeland of Gem: Rankar, the man who usurped your throne, holds your father and sister prisoner, and is about to marry her to his own son in an attempt to solidify and legitimize his power over the city.
You found out that Rankar was dealing with Alchemical Exalted, strange machine heroes from another world. Their world is dying and they're desperate to find the raw materials they need to repair it, and you're trying to find a way to avoid a war that could endanger Creation...


>Solar? Zenith? I don't know Exalted...
This quest is as newbie-friendly as possible, and I want it to work as a newbie's intro to Exalted. If you have ANY question, ask in thread. For the setting, google "1d4chan exalted".

>Archive?
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Tianna

>System?
Dicepool-like system. When performing an action, everyone rolls 2d10 when posting. The first X rolls are considered, where X is equal to attribute + ability.

>XP?
Attributes cost [current score x5] xp. Abilities cost [current score x3] xp, except Zenith costing [(current score x3) -1]. Charms cost 10 xp, except for Zenith-based charms (related to charisma and physical/mental fortitude) which cost 8 xp. At the end of every "session" (thread) you will be presented with a list of possible acquisitions.

>Twitter?
@exaltedfag

>Any questions?
http://ask.fm/Exaltedfag

New System Info: http://pastebin.com/pvAZpsJ6
Characters info (player-made): http://pastebin.com/5WnD47jp
Quest in ebook format (player-made): https://www.dropbox.com/s/0wl5obxcwuakgdj/Exalted%20Quest%20-%20Threads%2001-101%20%5Bpdf%5D.rar?dl=0
Meanwhiles: http://pastebin.com/u/Exaltedfag

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Here's the calendar. You're making plans to leave Gem tomorrow at dawn, and return to Tianna.

>>1442269
>>You don't have to come with me. If you're bored, why don't you have a walk outside town? There might be Fair Folk outside!
There's no real way to keep Tia out of trouble when she's not with us, but at least this way she's getting in the right kind of trouble.

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>>1442269
>And you have to come with me. Pretty please?
I love you Tia, but I'm not sure you even know how to hold back if we let you go out around town. Although the Fair Folk outside might be fine too.

Woowoo Exalted Quest!
Those are some old character sheets EF.

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>>1442276
>Those are some old character sheets EF.

FUCK FUCK FUCK I POSTED THE WRONG SHEET YOU'RE RIGHT

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>>1442277
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

>>1442269
>You don't have to come with me. If you're bored, why don't you have a walk outside town? There might be Fair Folk outside!

>>1442277
Daijobu EF

We should be at 13XP if we didn't buy any charms last thread. Sorry.

>>1442290
You didn't, vote was pretty split, yeah 13 XP.

>You don't have to come with me. If you're bored, why don't you have a walk outside town? There might be Fair Folk outside!

Welcome back EF.

say EF, martial arts tiers DO work the same in your creation, right?

>>1442307
Kind of but not really.

I've been over this in another thread but i can't find it, so i'll give you the short version: there's less of a power gap.

The terrestrial->celestial->sidereal tiers increase in wierdness, scope, and versatility, but they don't have large practical combat power gaps.

Basically I want a DB with 100 XP to have at least a fair shot at taking down a sidereal at 100 XP, all other things being equal. Strict powerlevels are boring, and this makes DBs into much more believable threats.

>>1442269
>You don't have to come with me. If you're bored, why don't you go to the red light district?

>>1442312
>to have at least a fair shot
I can see the reasoning behind this, though sidereal martial arts have to bring plenty of versatility and scope to justify their limited availability. Come to think of it PAoC might be a good contender in terms of versatility, especially with what is essentially parrying sorcery.
I'll have to dig through the threads once in a while - again - for the full version of what you said. Thanks for the quick answer.

>>1442269
>You don't have to come with me. If you're bored, why don't you go to the red light district?

>>1442313
>>1442353
That would cause so much trouble... I'm almost tempted to vote for it.

>>1442347
Yes, that's the point. A Sidereal's punches will hurt about as much as a DB's punches, all other factors being equal (stats, equipment, etc).

The difference is that the Sidereal can also do some extra, non-strictly-combat-related crazy stuff like punch words out of your brain or kick pneumonia into your lungs or headbutt you into an alternate timeline.

But, as far as "punching you dead" goes, they are equal or at least very close.

>>1442269
>You don't have to come with me. If you're bored, why don't you go to the red light district?
Tia will probably meet the other solar, and hopefully go all out on her.

>>1442269
>You don't have to come with me. If you're bored, why don't you have a walk outside town? There might be Fair Folk outside!

>>1442358
Is Tia still black?
Glad to have you back!

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oh yeah, I forgot

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>>1442385

>>1442359
We don't really know if she is a Solar or not, I thought she might be an Abyssal after some shadowrunny thinking.

I'm super conflicted about her. I want to go back ourselves and deal with her because I'm still annoyed that we lost, but at the same time that's almost what she wants, us chasing after her.

>>1442390
We clearly need to deal with her ourselves. I mean we're friends now, or at least as much of friends as you can be from as single successful Social attack.

>>1442269
>>You don't have to come with me. If you're bored, why don't you have a walk outside town? There might be Fair Folk outside!

Good to see you EF.

>>1442269
>>You don't have to come with me. If you're bored, why don't you go to the red light district?

Now how would one go about summoning that Draw Anon thats been around, at least in HMs threads?

>>1442416
He hasn't even drawn Mali yet, chill
What would happen if Mali met Maka?

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"You don't have to come with me." You complain, trying to peel Tia off your waist. "If you're bored, why don't you go to the red light district?" You suggest, half joking.

"It's not as much fun without you." She replies.

...Well, all modesty aside, you can't call her wrong. "You might still enjoy it." You insist. "Or maybe you could take a walk out of town."

It feels strange to say that. Normally inviting people to take a walk outside Gem is an euphemism for "kill yourself". It's just dawn, so it's probably still cool, but the temperature will quickly climb up to eventually reach the point of boiling water around noon.

But you know Tia. She'll adapt.

"What's outside, anyway? It looked like just a lot of desert." She pouts.

"Sometimes there are Fair Folk out there."

"Really?" She finally lets go, excited, and you take your chance and finally manage to stand back up.

"The city limits have some wards, but out there it's basically the middle of nowhere. We get some Fae troubles every now and then. I'm sure you'll find some to play with."

"Alright!" She fist pumps. "I'll go out there and see what I can find."

"Take care!" You wave at her as she leaves the room. "Have fun!"

Well, that will keep her entertained for a bit.

Now, what should be your first order of business today? What are the things you really NEED to do here in Gem before leaving?

>I need to clear some things with Arras Sahlak.
>I need to see dad and Eskarin once more. I can give them the Kiss of the Sun, after all.
>I need to make economic plans. One of the reasons we came here to Gem is that Tianna's finances are running a bit dry, after all.
>I need to check up on Rankar Sr.. I'm sure Radiant Starfall has brought him in by now.
>I need to properly pack my bags and decide what to bring with me to my new home in Tianna. I'm essentially moving out of my parent's home, after all...
>(Other?)

>>1442426
>I need to make economic plans. One of the reasons we came here to Gem is that Tianna's finances are running a bit dry, after all.
Well more like go talk to Mik about them because then I need to drag him over to Rankar and get him all Oathed up. Or Rankar then money as long as we drag Mik along.

>>1442426
>>I need to check up on Rankar Sr.. I'm sure Radiant Starfall has brought him in by now.
Can't have a security leak

>>1442426
>>I need to clear some things with Arras Sahlak.
She is the only non-family member down here who knows we're a Solar, we need to make sure it stays that way.

>>1442426
>I need to see dad and Eskarin once more. I can give them the Kiss of the Sun, after all.

>>1442426
>I need to make economic plans. One of the reasons we came here to Gem is that Tianna's finances are running a bit dry, after all.

>>1442429
>>1442433
>>1442434
>>1442437
This array of votes amused me more than it should

>>1442426
>>I need to find Mikahil, then it's of to check up on Rankar Sr.

>>1442419
>He hasn't even drawn Mali yet, chill
He has time and he's fast as Adjoran
>What would happen if Mali met Maka?
Sex and theraphy, maybe a combination of both.

>>1442426
>>I need to check up on Rankar Sr.. I'm sure Radiant Starfall has brought him in by now.

>>1442426
Give sis and dad kiss of the sun.

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(Vote is pretty much an equal split between several options again so I'll just assume that you want to do all three eventually. I'll handle that.)

(Is there anything else other than those things I listed that you would want Maka to do before leaving?)

>>1442485
Let's not forget to ask Dad about getting Rekka a new sword or maybe asking Val about fixing his old one if she can in time or isn't busy otherwise..

>>1442485
Um, see if there are people willing to immigrate to Pearl?

>>1442489
Not this, we don't want any connection between Gem and Pearl that casts suspicion on Dad.

Plus it's not really feasible getting from here to there for a lot of people, maybe we could try asking specific people, but even then they'll have to make the journey on their own.

>>1442489
>Um, see if there are people willing to immigrate to Pearl?

Pearl is really far. It would be a journey taking months without the use of sorcery, not to mention quite dangerous. So, getting a lot of people from here to there would be really impractical.

The closest thing you could do is to scout and recruit maybe a handful of people here in Gem and shuttle them to Tianna (in secret) with the Azure Chariot sorcery But we're talking about... say, five people or so.

>>1442448
eh, please let's ask before we unnaturally extend their lifespans. Especially now since sis is married

Then could we get some dream pearls to take back with us? Maybe enough to open a nice, little salon.

>>1442512
I don't know about opening a salon, but taking a few for ourselves might be useful.

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You've got a lot of things to do. And...

it's best to start with that.

You get dressed properly, and head for dad's study. If you know him, he'll be there at work.

And, boom, he is. Stack of accounting books on his desk, mug of tea in his hands. "Dear." He nods at you as you enter, relaxing in the chair and taking a sip.

However, you can tell a subtle hint of nervousness in him. Ever since he learned that you're Exalted? Or that you're married? Or pregnant?

...Well, you can't blame him. You gave him plenty of reasons.

"I, um." You glance around. He's alone. There is a servant and a couple of guards posted out of the door, but they clearly had orders to leave him in peace. You quietly close the door behind you and move into the study.

He rolls his eyes noticing your circumspect behavior. "Oh gods." He groans, defensively. "What IS it now?"

You try your best smile. "Relax. Not bad news. Just a thing I didn't tell you yesterday, that, uh, you might want to know."

He hesitates, taking a second sip. "...I can't imagine ANYTHING else you could tell me that would surprise me."

You shrug. "You're making such a big deal out of this. It probably won't.It's just a neat thing you'll want to hear about. Well, you and Eskarin."

"Oh, she's out. She's on a "date"." He grumbles, You can feel the venom dripping from his teeth.

"They probably want some time alone to put some order in all the crazy that just happened." You justify them. "Anyway, here's the talk. As a Chosen and a priestess of the Unconquered Sun, I have acquired certain unique powers."

"Yeah, I was actually curious." Askar nods. "I get it that you're a Solar, but it's not really clear what that does entail other than making you really scary for a lot of people."

"I, um. I have many gifts, let's say." Best not to get into too much detail. "But one of them is, I can grant a blessing unto people. This blessing is limited, that is, I can only give out a certain amount, but it Awakens the Essence of mortals."

"Awakened Essence? Like what martial artists and sorcerers use?" He's intrigued.

"Yes. I can only give that to six people, and I've already used two of those blessings. Maybe in the future I'll be able to do more, but not much more. It's not JUST Awakened Essence, it's also a divine blessing. It's essentially equivalent to being a God-Blooded. It makes you healthier, you heal and recover faster, and it extends your lifespan as well."

Askar steeples his fingers. "By how much?"

"I'm not sure." You admit. "Time will tell, I guess."

"Any side-effects?" He asks, in a cautious tone.

"It's not a medicine I'm trying to sell." You try not to laugh at the sudden, deadpan joke. "I wanted to give you this blessing. You and Eskarin. And mom, if we'll ever find her. You're my family. I owe it to you."

He clearly stops to think. He's not suspicious of you, but still, that won't stop him from weighting all options...

[cont.]

>>1442546
>"Yes. I can only give that to six people, and I've already used two of those blessings."

Correct that to "three", sorry. I'm dumb today.

After a long pause, he relaxes. "I will accept the blessing of the Unconquered Sun, if it's not something that will mark me as an obvious Anathema."

Well of course. He's got a country to run under the eye of the Realm and all that.

"It shouldn't."

"Very well, then- wait, shouldn't?"

"Well, it had some weird effects on someone, but she was already weird to begin with." You explain, thinking back to Pyre Spark's strange golden eyes. "Don't worry."

He tenses up, clenching his jaw, as you approach him, lean down, and gently kiss his forehead.

You feel the flow of Essence out of yourself and into him, as a warm, soft, gentle tingle. Light erupts from your Anima, and the study is bathed for a few seconds by a blinding golden light.

Then, it quietly, slowly dies down.

Askar remains tensed up for a few more seconds, then relaxes. "...I don't feel any different."

"Strange." You mumble. "It might be your age."

"...Hey, are you calling me old?"

You bite your tongue. "I'm just saying that up to now all the people I've Kissed were really young."

"..."

"Wow. That came out wrong, didn't it."

He nods, silently.

[cont.)

>>1442555
Pyre wasn't that much younger than Maka. Right?

How old are we? How old is she?

I can't post.

Every time i try to post the final bit, i get a "connection error" and i don't have time to figure out what it's causing it because I have to leave right now. I'll see if i can get the rest through when i come back.

>>1442561
>>1442566
Some people has the same problem the last couple of days.

Try breaking up the post into smaller pieces or using the original reply form.

>>1442561
There are connection issues with big posts. If you make smaller updates it'll work

>>1442566
Hit reply at the top of the page and don't quote other replies.

>>1442385
>>1442388
Right back at you Anons.

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>>1442773

"Well... give it time." You try and brush it away with a cheerful smile. "I'm sure it will-..."

You stop as you notice your father lifting an arm, and staring at the palm of his own hand in amazement.

"...It's happening?" You ask.

"I'm definitely feeling something." He opens and closes his fist a few times. "...Yes, something is changing but I can't tell what it is. This feels so weird."

"Imagine how weird I must have felt." You nod. "You'll take some time getting used to it. You'll also have to train. Maybe try your hand at sorcery or martial arts or something like that."

He relaxes, slumping in the chair. "When I'll have the time." Is his groaning response.

The two of you spend some more valuable family time together after this. After a while, both pressed for time, you part ways. You leave your dad back to his job, and leave the room.

He informed you that Eskarin is probably somewhere around town goofing off, and will be back by night.

Now, next on the list is...


(I have to leave for a while now. I'll continue with having Maka do the things we discussed, but feel free to keep writing suggestions on both what to do, and how to do it. I'd like to wrap the Gem arc in this thread, honestly, so sorry if it feels like I'm rushing.)

>>1443099
>Maybe try your hand at sorcery or martial arts or something like that.
If he decides to learn Sorcery before we leave, and by that I mean make the decision, not go through all the steps, that would take more time than we have left, we should tell him about Infallible Messenger. I'm 99% sure we've seen Amata use it so we should know about it.
Between that and Val's travel spell we can be here pretty fast in the event of an emergency.

>>1442546
>I've already used two of those blessings
Wasn't it three? I seem to remember minimaid getting smootched too.

>>1442561
>>1442566
Had the same problem until I chopped up a larger post into 3-4 smaller ones.

>>1443099
>feel free to keep writing suggestions on both what to do, and how to do it.
Well in regards to getting Rankar Eclipse Oath'd I've had a few general ideas.

I don't care if we force him to stay or go, but either way I want him promising to not only never reveal us being a Solar, but to never directly or indirectly bring harm to Gem or our family.

If he chooses to leave then we promise not to chase him or hound him as long as he keeps up his end of the bargain and if he chooses to stay then he also has to help out Dad, but we can grant him a sort of parole and guarantee his safety.

New post soon™

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>>1444625
It's 545 AM. Please hurry.
I'm dying and I work in 3 hours and 15 minutes. That's what I get for catching up on EDQ

>>1444625
I helt out as long as I could, but I am going too pass out any second now, see you tomorrow

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Mikahil's room is filled with gold.

Of course, it's not ONLY gold, but the gold is the part that catches your attention. Baskets full of coins, stacks of ingots as high as a grown man, and an assortment of gemstones and jewels scattered on the desk that would make the Scarlet Empress herself blush with envy.

Ok, No. Maybe that is a bit of an exaggeration. Still, impressive.

"Hard at work as always?" You suggest, entering the room.

He's taking stock of a slender silver tiara studded with rubies, setting it delicately back on the desk top as he cracks his neck left and right and relaxes on the chair. "I don't know if this qualifies more as work or as pleasure." He grins. "Your father told me that if we needed anything from the treasury to help sustain Tianna's economy, we could just take it." He glances around the room with a meaningful gesture. "Your city is insultingly rich."

You like that phrasing. "Don't leave him destitute."

"Even if we took everything in this room it would do no real lasting harm to Gem's finances." He notes. "I was mostly thinking of what to bring over. We can carry only so much on the Chariot, after all... and, most importantly, we must be careful with what we bring over."

"You mean, devalue our currency?"

"Exactly." He points out. "I want to load up with gold. Silver is easier to come across, and we could also buy it from the Guild, so it's not particularly important to have. We can use gold both for coinage and for distilling in Orichalcum, so we get the most use."

"Ingots, I guess?" You glance aside at the baskets filled with coins.

"Yeah. We'd have to melt it down anyway, so no reason to carry the coins. I'm even surprised that Gem has them, I thought that all Realm satrapies were banned from using gold currency."

"It doesn't circulate much." You point out. "It's used mostly as an unit of account and transferred in bulk, usually by independent merchants and businesses who don't want to use the Guild's coin."

"That's why all the coins here are brand new?"

"Probably, yeah." You nod, eyes, on the desk. "Thinking of anything else?" You wonder. Why all the gems...?

"I just wanted to see them." He fidgets a bit with the tiara. "Do we want to bring some jewelry back home, too?" He asks.

(cont.)

You briefly think about it. "...Jewelry makes for good gifts in important occasions, yes." You nod.

"It does." He nods. "And nearly every culture has the custom of exchanging gifts in jewelry during a wedding."

"Yes, we did it." You mention, lifting your right hand and letting the moonsilver ring on your finger catch a glimpse of light.

"I know. I'm talking about different occasions." He suggests playfully. "Remember the girls from the Neck? for our alliance?"

"Oh, right." With all the things going on right now, it honestly passed your mind. In the Neck, unions and alliances are celebrated through weddings. So if you wanted to unite Tianna and the Neck...

"Plus, jewelry has other uses, on top of gifts and a store of value. It draws attention and enhances natural beauty." He closes one eye and stares at you through an egg-sized amethyst, playfully. "I mean, you hardly need jewelry to turn heads or to be the most striking person in a particular room, but it wouldn't hurt to bring some back home for yourself, right?"

>I don't think I need more jewelry for myself.
>I should bring home just one thing, as a memento of Gem.
>I should bring home a few good, choice pieces.
>I should bring home as much as I can carry! You can never have enough.
>I should bring home a crown. I'm a queen, but I don't have one yet.
>I should bring home metal and stones to have a custom crown crafted for myself.
>(Other?)

>>1444663
>>I should bring home a few good, choice pieces.
including a piece from our mother as a memento that actually means something to us.

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>>1444663
>I should bring home as much as I can carry! You can never have enough.
>I should bring home metal and stones to have a custom crown crafted for myself.
I think this is the one time Maka is allowed to be a little spoiled about stuff, Dad owes us some wedding presents anyway. Something else I've talked about is wanting a necklace setting specifically for the Golden Reach hearthstone since it's not useful as an actual Hearthstone it should at least be nice to look at sitting over Maka's bosom.

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>>1444663
>>I should bring home a few good, choice pieces.
We should save room to wear stuff we find later that catches our eye, no need to fill up all our "slots" in one go.
>>I should bring home metal and stones to have a custom crown crafted for myself.
I suggest using Gold and Sapphires, as Zeniths are associated with gold and blue. Also we should craft it in such a manner that our mundane crown compliments our Crown of Thunders.

>>1444663
>>I should bring home as much as I can carry! You can never have enough.
>>I should bring home metal and stones to have a custom crown crafted for myself.
I like >>1444671 suggestions for the crown.

>>1444669
>it should at least be nice to look at sitting over Maka's bosom.
But no one would see it there, it would be lost in the ampleness of Maka's Makas. Really, there is no point in us taking or crafting necklaces, they our wasted on someone of Maka's talents, we should focus on other types of jewelry.

>>1444674
>they our wasted
Fuck, that was the wrong "our/are." This is what happens when you post before your morning coffee. You make mistakes you haven't made since elementary school.

>>1444663
>I should bring home a few good, choice pieces.
>I should bring home a crown. I'm a queen, but I don't have one yet.
I vote we bring a nice looking crown home from Gem, then have it modified or added to when we get back to Pearl. That way it would symbolically represent the union between our two cities.
And let's be honest here, anything we find in the treasury of Gem is going to be swag as fuck. It's not like we're slumming it by going with the pre-made option.

>>1444674
>he doesn't want Maka in a choker
>he doesn't want to see Tia's face when we dig a locket out of our cleavage and pop it open to reveal a tiny picture of her being cute

>>1444694
>>he doesn't want to see Tia's face when we dig a locket out of our cleavage and pop it open to reveal a tiny picture of her mantis form

>>1444663
>I should bring home as much as I can carry! You can never have enough.
>I should bring home metal and stones to have a custom crown crafted for myself.
Materialist Maka is cute.

>>1444697
That's the one.

>>1444697
Alright, you win this round.

>>1444663

>I should bring home as much as I can carry! You can never have enough.
>I should bring home metal and stones to have a custom crown crafted for myself.
We'll need a lot if we're marrying multiple people from the Neck

>>1444662
>I was mostly thinking of what to bring over. We can carry only so much on the Chariot, after all...
If we start running low on space we could forge a few big ass solid gold swords and carry those in Elsewhere with us.

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You scratch your chin, pondering the mass of gems and jewels on the desk.

"I'll bring with me a few good ones, then. There's no reason to overdo it." You decide, picking a few off the table. The tiara, a few pairs of adorned earrings and piercings, jeweled bracelets and necklaces...

There! You're jingling a bit, but it's enough for you to carry comfortably on your person without looking ridiculous That's a good guideline, isn't it?

"Alright then. I'll pack up the-" Mikahil starts, but you interrupt him.

"Wait, I'm not quite finished." You pick a few gemstones from the pile and weigh them in your hands. "I was thinking that it would be nice to have a crown forged for Tianna. Something precious, but also symbolic. Mhhh... let me see..."

"You really like jewelry, don't you?" Mikahil smiles.

"Did anyone tell you the name of this city?"

You both giggle at the joke.

"These are from the regular treasury, right?"

"Yes, your father gave me the keys and-" He stops. "Wait. "regular" treasury?"

"Oh." You shrug nonchalantly. "Don't mind me. I'll be right back."

Enjoying this brief moment of toying with poor Mikahil, you leave him for a bit, and return to your own room.

Of course, back when you lived here, you had your own jewelry. The stuff you wore when you were a kid, or a teenager, on both formal occasions and nights out. It would be inappropriate for a young lady of certain lineage to even show herself without wearing her best around Gem's high society, after all.

So, you complete your selection with a few pieces with some added... personal value. Some are downright nostalgic.

You try not to dwell on the memories too much, and scrounge around for the best pure gems you can find, including a handful of beautiful sapphires.

The color of Venus, and of love.

You gingerly return back to Mikahil.

"All done?" He sounds rather upset that there apparently was a "second" treasury he wasn't shown.

"All done." You reply, gingerly. "Back home I'll have a crown of Tianna designed and made."

"...Valeriana?"

"...Maybe?"

He sighs. "Poor girl's gonna get overworked."

"Mhh." Maybe you ARE asking too many things of her. "I'll think about it." You toss the little pouch full of gemstones in the air, and snatch it back in your hand. It jingles pleasantly. "So."

"So?" He tilts his head.

"If Starfall has caught Rankar, I think we should pay him a visit."

"Oh?" He wonders. "What do you plan to do with him?"

"Well, he's not a monster. And he might be family soon, sort of." You take a deep breath. "Can you bind him with an Oath?"

He flashes a half-grin, standing up. "Can do. "

(cont.)

You obviously want to bind him so that he will never be able to hurt or harm Gem, you or your family, directly or indirectly. And also, that he will not reveal that you or the others are "Anathema".

But once that is taken care of, how do you want to handle him?

>Set free.
>Exiled from Gem.
>Kept under supervision / house arrest.
>Kept as a slave.
>Sold as a slave.
>Imprisoned.
>Maimed, blinded or branded.
>Leave it to your father to decide.
>(Other)

>>1444740
>Kept as a slave.
>Branded.

>>1444740
>Exiled from Gem.
>Kept under supervision / house arrest.
Give him a choice.

Oh and I guess now would also be a good time to grill him about what happened to Mom.

>>1444740
>>Leave it to your father to decide.

>>1444740
>Leave it to your father to decide, with the personal suggestion of house arrest

>>1444740
>Leave it to your father to decide.

Will be good to further restore Dad's authority in Gem if he's handling his would-be usurper.

>>1444740
>Branded.
>Otherwise Leave it to your father to decide.
Gem is dad's territory, at least until we've conquered all the territory between it and Tianna, so we should leave this kind of thing to him. Mostly.

>>1444740
>Branded.
>Leave it to your father to decide.
>>1444753
>Oh and I guess now would also be a good time to grill him about what happened to Mom.
Of course, we have a lot to do today, need to keep from having to visit people twice.
>>1444777
>at least until we've conquered all the territory between it and Tianna
Does anyone have a map showing where Tianna is located in Creation? It would be nice to know just how much conquering we need to do to unite our two main cities.

>>1444787
>Does anyone have a map showing where Tianna is located in Creation?
I know that map exists, and I thought I had it saved, but apparently I don't.

File: 1483100575815.jpg (60 KB, 421x600)

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>>1444787
I have this one of only the West. You can't see it from here, but the only port to get from the West to Gem is from The Lap which means we need to pass right next to the Realm.

I wonder if we could build a road that cuts straight through the mountains directly Besides Gem.

File: worldmap.jpg (786 KB, 1920x1152)

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>>1444787

>>1444815
The fact that Maka made it that far prior to her Exaltation is really quite an impressive display.

>>1444823
As a mortal she could have made the trip by going through the Realm, it'd be easy to get there from the Lap and it probably wasn't impossible to find a boat going to Tianna since it was a city led by a supposed DragonBlooded.

>>1444839
She still would have had to cross the Southern Desert to get to The Lap.

File: Rankar V.jpg (52 KB, 600x849)

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Rankar V languishes in a prison cell in the palace's dungeons.

"Languishes" is perhaps not the right word: it gives the idea of someone sitting alone, head hanging, in an empty, dark room with iron bars at the window.

This cell is not really quite that bad. It has a bed, a desk and a chair, and even a bookcase filled with a good selection of novels. A platter rests on the desk, filled with fresh bread, a bowl of pork soup with peppers, and a cup of red wine. The food has been barely touched.

But Rankar V is all but languishing. The moment he sees you approaching, he bolts up from his chair, and desperately, instinctively scrambles for the furthest corner of the cell, back to the wall. What you see in his eyes is an irrational, paranoid terror, not the understandable fear of a man reacting unreasonably to unreasonable circumstances.

"Be calm." You invite him, as the guards let you and Mikahil into his cell. The gate is locked behind you.

"...Where's my son?" Is the first think he asks,

"He's fine." You inform him. "Him and Eskarin might still wed someday, if my father doesn't change his mind. I don't know how good will that do to you." You invite him to the chair wordlessly. "We need to talk."

"Why? Aren't you going to kill me?" He asks, matter-of-factly.

"I'm not in charge here, my father is. And he's a hard but fair man. You didn't kill him when he was in your power. I doubt he will do differently."

"But you're Anathema." He points out.

You sit down on the edge of the bed, and stare a hole in his face. "Yes. Keep that in mind, because I'm here to ask you one question." You let your castemark briefly flare, intimidatingly. "And I will KNOW if you lie to me."

He gulps and nods.

You take a deep, deep breath.
[JUDGE'S EAR TECHNIQUE]
"What happened to my mother? What happened to Elenia?"

(cont.)

"...I don't know."

You tap your foot impatiently. "That might not be a lie, but you're not so dumb to think that I'll be satisfied with that, right?" You urge him, leaning closer.

He gulps again, and scrambles for words. "...I- I intended to capture you all alive, or as much as possible. But you and your brother escaped, and I couldn't trace you. Elenia..."

"What happened to her?"

"I sent a dozen or so of my persona guards to apprehend her. They were my best men. Absolutely loyal. I knew she was somewhere in the palace, so I had them search everywhere while other guards blocked the exits. Half went for her chambers, half for the guest's rooms..."

You motion for him to continue.

His eyes dart left and right as he tries to focus. "...so my guards split up, and the ones searching the guest rooms suddenly heard a fight in the other room. They rushed... and found a bloodbath there."

"You BASTARD." Riding on the wave of emotion, you stand up, clenching your fists, charging one aimed straight at his face. "What did your men DO to my mother?!"

He winces and recoils, trying to shield himself with arms and hands. "No! You don't understand! MY MEN had been killed in that room!"

You lower your fists. "...What."

"That's what I'd like to know!" He replies. "I don't know what happened! My men combed through the carnage, and your mother was nowhere to be found, and no sign of her escaping, either."

Your mind races. Did some unseen party, maybe a spirit or an Exalted, somehow jump in to defend Elenia?

She's fragile and weak of body. It was already a miracle that she could have children, much less three of them. You remember all the medicines and drugs she had to take from the physicians whenever she felt ill, which was fairly often.

There is no way she could have hurt a fly.

Unless...

"...How?"

"How what?"

"How did your men die? What kind of wound?"

"...Smashed to a pulp." He spits out. "Completely torn limb from limb. Bones shattered. Some had been thrown through walls.

You sit back down.

"I kept this incident secret. I didn't want to cause a panic, or strange rumors." Rankar explains. "All the damage was repaired, and the evidence disposed of."

>Continue with the binding oath
>You still have some questions for him (what?)

>>1444864
>Continue with the binding oath
It occurs to me, if Mom is still "alive" couldn't we reach her with an Infallible Messenger?

>>1444864
>Continue with the binding oath
Okay, so he didn't kill her, so I can continue to believe that she didn't become an Abyssal like some anons keep insisting.
God I hope they're wrong, that would be so fucking stupid.

>>1444864
>Continue with the binding oath
>>1444877
I thought I was the only one who didn't like that idea.
We're already doing an Abyssal redemption with Feur De Lis, and we have Phoenix and Baron for good non-redemption seeking ones. We don't need any more.

>>1444864
>Continue with the binding oath

>>1444877
Putting the whole MakaMom theory aside, "smashed to a pulp" is exactly how we've personally seen other Abyssal victims described.

>>1444880
We always need more Allies

>>1444901
I mean any mortal goombah vs an unarmed exalted fighter will end up the same way. Smashing enemies to pulp is hardly an abyssal only thing.

>>1444901
I don't care. The people who keep pushing for it have so turned me against the idea that I'd rather have her turn out to be a Green Sun Prince(ess) than an Abyssal. Not the homebrew ones that EF has hinted at from time to time, but the actual canon ones from the 2E Manual of Exalted Power: Infernals that everyone hates, with all that implies.
Literally ANYTHING would be better.

A life of sickness, requires a strong will to live thou. 99% certain it was a Luner exaltation.

You take in all that has been said.

"Alright." You nod at Mikahil. "Do it."

Rankar recoils. "Do what?"

Mikahil stands up and approaches him. "Swear an oath." He informs him.

"Oath?"

"That you will never visit harm on Maka's family, or Gem, forevermore."

He seems to get a grip on himself. "...Or?"

"Or you will be cursed by Heaven."

"No, I don't mean that." He shakes his head. "What happens if I don't swear your oath? You've already said that judging me is your father's job, not yours. I answered your questions already. Why should I swear such an oath?"

"Don't you think that, knowing that you are bound by such an oath, my father will feel far more at ease dealing with you? He might decide to release you." You point out.

"'Might' is hardly anything." He replies. "I want to be freed from this cell. I'd be willing to work for your father in some capacity if he requires, but I want to be free and safe. And... I want to be able to see my son."

"...I told you, That decision is my father's."

"So you can't offer me anything but an oath that will bind me, to which I have to agree voluntarily." He points out.

"Yes."

"...Well, I'm out of the game anyway." He shrugs. "After all that happened, I doubt that I'll be able to get enough support for another coup, even if I tried."

"Do you swear, then?" Mikahil extends his hand.

"I do." He shakes.

From Mikahil's Anima, the words of the Oath emerge, glowing in spectral gold. Their display dazzles the room with their full glory, then fades.

"That... that was actual magic." Rankar mumbles.

"Yes." Mikahil points out. "I advise you follow the oath dutifully."

Before walking out, one last thing is nagging at you. "...Say, Rankar. Why is this cell so comfortable? How did you convince my father to treat you so well? He was pretty angry."

"Oh, I didn't." He replies, recovering his wits. "While I was Despot, I had all the cells in the dungeon be improved like this." He points a finger at you. "Take this lesson, little princess: never have, in your palace, a dungeon you wouldn't want to be locked into yourself."

"I'll take that life lesson to heart." You conclude, leaving him to his lunch and his books.

(cont.)

You just about did everything that needed doing in the palace, unless other things come to mind. it's early afternoon.

You still wanted to see Arras Sahlak, who is probably at her parlor in Gem's red lights district.

You also wanted to see Eskarin one last time before leaving, but she's out in town right now. You can search for her, but you're also fairly confident that she will return by night, so you will eventually get to see her before departing.

And... you're maybe a bit worried about Tia. Who knows what she's up to?

>Go and see Arras Sahlak
>Look for Eskarin
>Leave the city and try and find Tia outside
>Other plans (what?)

Rankar is right on this one, you can tell how enlightened a culture is by looking at their prisons. Treat your prisoners like humans and they will be much less inclined towards brutality and crime.

>>1444924
>>Go and see Arras Sahlak
I'd be for looking for Eskarin if we had a more specific lead than "the city," and it will be more fun the longer we leave Tia alone to get into more trouble.

>Go and see Arras Sahlak
>Other plans (what?)
I'm actually super curious about this new lead on mom, maybe ask Mik his opinion on the matter and see if he can't dig anything up?

>>1444924
>Look for Eskarin
Did mom become a lunar?

>>1444874
I can't believe we haven't tried that one. Are there any mechanics to the messeger that would prevent the message from being delivered because if not then might as well do it.

>>1444920
>never have, in your palace, a dungeon you wouldn't want to be locked into yourself

Ah yes...the Havelock Venitari school of politics. I suggest we learn from him.

>>1444963
with poor constitution I might guess an Abyssal, you know, a bit of manhandling and stress and there goes the heart. Maybe a solar.

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

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>>1444738
>a few pairs of adorned earrings and piercings
>piercings

Yummy~

More benefits of super human durability.

>>1444964
>I can't believe we haven't tried that one. Are there any mechanics to the messeger that would prevent the message from being delivered because if not then might as well do it.

You need to know the name of the recipient.

The recipient needs to be in the same world (so, for example, can't send from Creation to Yu Shan / Malfeas / the Underworld / etc).

It's possible to create, with advanced Sorcery, sealed areas unreachable by the Messenger.


So, you know. Technically infallible.

>>1444980
Well let's at least give it a try, it'll tell us something whether is succeeds or fails. If we get nothing I'd still like to ask Mik to prepare an investigation though.

>>1444964
Nope messenger will reach anyone no matter where they are... that is if they are on Creation.

>>1444924
>Go and see Arras Sahlak

>>1444974
talking about that, how are we even able to pierce something? I mean we have that superhuman durability thing going so hard even a fucking dusk caste wasn't able to slice us with his swords. I fear we might make the piercings useless as such...

>>1444924
>>Go and see Arras Sahlak

>>1445013
We can probably selectively reduce our durability

>>1445013
To be fair most of that was due to our charms, as long as we relax and let it happen it'll probably be easier.

>>1444924
>Go and see Arras Sahlak

File: Hotau.jpg (478 KB, 715x1000)

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And after all that's happened, you can't get rid of one nagging though in the back of your head.

Arras Sahlak.

After making sure that everything is in order in the palace, you don on a cloak and head out, tracing your steps back to the city's infamous red light district.

Specifically, the Azure Heaven.

You try and relax, focus. You need to stay focused.

You walk in.

A familiar scene: a refined establishment catering to most vices of the city is laid bare before you. Several crowded tables are scattered around the floor, where the guests are entertained by music, liquors, meat, and companionship of any kind they would require.

Well, nearly any. As far as possible. The dream opals in the back would fulfill a good deal of those impossible requests, however.

It's nice to see this place being so crowded with people even after a coup, anyway. The economy must be good.

"Can I take your cloak, honored customer~?"

That's...

You take off your cloak and give Hotau a wry smile.

"Oh my." She blushes. "I do remember you. It's a pleasure to have you with us at the Azure Heaven again." She executes a perfect, polite bow as she collects the cloak and neatly folds it in one flowing gesture. "Is your wife not with you today?"

"She's... she's busy." You explain it away.

"I see~. Well, what can I offer you? Would you like a table?"

"I need to talk with the owner." You reply.

"Madame Sahlak?" She wonders. "Is this about your request to become a dancer at our establishment?"

"...I just wanted to see her again."

"She does that effect to everyone." Hotau nods politely, handing off your cloak to the receptionist. "She did inform us that you would be welcome should you ever return, as well."

She accompanies you all the way up to her private rooms.

Why are you feeling nervous?

(cont.)

>>1445128
Commit THM

>>1445128
Did we ever upgrade our social defenses?

I completely forgot about dancing in this place, we should do it while we have the chance.

>>1445133
We bought Transcendent Hero's Meditation to boost our MDV, personally I wanted another one, but this will have to do.

>>1445133
well, we should (have).

>>1445128
It's not often we see Maka nervous. It's cute, and not in the way Maka usually is.

>>1445132
The problem is we don't have quite enough Essence to have THM and all our offensive social charms without flaring.
Still, Arras is a case where defense is as important as offense, so I'll support it.
>>1445134
We should.

>>1445147
>The problem is we don't have quite enough Essence to have THM and all our offensive social charms without flaring.
Don't we?
3 Personal C.Essence is enough for THM, TGP, and HSDD as well as two Burn for RLSS. We would need another for the Crown if we end up a little short, but that would be pretty obvious on it's own.

>>1445153
I was almost positive last time I did the math the Essence cost of our offensive Social Charms and our Personal Essence was the same, and I don't think we've upped our Essence since then. Maybe air did the math wrong.

>>1445165
>Maybe air did the math wrong.
Maybe "I" did the math wrong.
I have no clue what typo I made for autocorrect to change I to air. How do you fuck up a one letter word?

>>1445165
>>1445167
If you used air to do the math, you're probably a sidereal, in which your math is either correct or beyond this world's sciences.

>>1445165
Did you count both Terrifying Glorious Presence and Heart Compelling Method together?
We have both but only one is applicable at a time.

We will also be short on essence if we need to use TttH and we won't be able to use JET without flaring either. We might be able to bring out the Crown if we weave the conversation in a way that has her asking about it or we come up with a reason to show it.

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

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You have a lot of good memories about this room.

And of the woman sitting behind the desk there, who greets you with a predator's smile as soon as you open the door and step in.

She quietly sets down the long, ornate pen she was writing with, with a careful motion so as to not spill any ink.

"Thank you, Hotau. You can go."

She obliges and locks the door behind herself.

Arras spends a few good seconds looking you up and down, the way an art connoisseur would appreciate a fine statue. "I was wrong on some things and right on others, it seems."

You walk closer. "You were wrong when you said that I had no chance to recapture Gem for myself and my family." You remind her.

"And I was right when I said that, in the end, I would have you dancing on my stage." She notes playfully. "This is why you're here, is it not? To offer yourself up to the lustful gazes of my guests, and dance for their pleasures."

"You're putting such a negative spin on it."

"No sane woman of class and status would allow herself to be caught dead performing in such a disreputable establishment as this one." She scolds you. "You filthy exhibitionist."

"Oh? Does that make you a sadist, then, considering how much you seem to be enjoying yourself right now." You lean across the desk, challenging her with your eyes.

Arras stands up. "I'm definitely a sadist." She proclaims, proudly. "Or I wouldn't be doing this."

"I haven't agreed to dancing yet, though."

"Oh, I'm sure we can arrange that. For example, I could let the Realm Satrap know a few juicy details about just how many Anathema are currently in town, for example."

"You said that you wouldn't do that because that would mean you wouldn't be able to have me in your bed again." You remind her.

She gives a subtle sideways nod in the direction of the aforementioned bed. "Then don't waste any more time." she replies, scathing.

>Yes, ma'am.
>You're not the boss of me.
>No, YOU get in the bed.
>That can wait. I wanted to talk about the dancing now.
>I'll dance but only if you give me something in return.
>I'll dance, but only if you defeat me. In that bed.
>You wouldn't dare sell me out like that.
>I want to know more about you.
>(Other?)

>>1445176
>I'll dance but only if you give me something in return.
I like her, this rivalry is fun.

>>1445176
>That can wait. I wanted to talk about the dancing now.
>I'll dance but only if you give me something in return.

>>1445176
>You wouldn't dare sell me out like that.
Nuh uh honey, you aren't the boss of this town.

We'll get to the bed, but it's going to be on our terms. And go ahead and commit THM

[transcendant hero's meditation], [terrifying glorious presence] and [husband-seducing demon dance] are activated, btw.

>>1445176
The amount of money you stand to gain from my dancing is obscene, even in this place.

Everyone wants to see the high and mighty brought low and humbled.

I'll dance, but I want some things in return.

But we can talk about that after.

Let's see if I -can- be humbled or brought low.

Because I don't think you have what it takes.

Point meaningfully towards the bed.

Will we have enough essence for social attacks while in bed/dancing?

I'd recommend to dance on a later occasion and not as a way of bargaining.

>>1445176
>>You wouldn't dare sell me out like that.

>>1445199
I'll second this, at the moment it would be too much like following her orders, we dance when we want because we want to.

>>1445196
We're good for either RLSS for our full Sexy Attack with the charms we already have up or Talking to the Heart for a Perfect Attack if we need it instead, maybe both depending on how much time passes between uses.

>>1445176
>>I'll dance, but only if you defeat me. In that bed.
>>1445196
Most of our charms can be committed, meaning they'll stay active till we're done with them. However, Husband Seducing Demon Dance is a Burn Charm, which means it only stays up for one action, and we don't have enough Personal Essence to use it twice, meaning we can't use it for both bed and dancing in succession without flaring.
And I double checked my math this time.

>>1445199
>>1445202
I'd agree to it weren't for the fact that "later" is going to be a VERY long time. Tianna and Gen are pretty far away from each other, and it takes multiple days to get from one to the other even with Val's fast travel spell. So if you want to dance here, it pretty much HAS to be now.

>>1445176
>(Leaning back with a self-sure smile)
>You wouldn't dare sell me out like that.
pretty much as >>1445188
said

>>1445208
Then let's not, keep her anxious and waiting this time around.

>>1445176
>I'll dance, but only if you defeat me. In that bed.

>>1445204
As long as one update happens between sex and dance then we should be able to use it both times with the essence we'd regen.

>>1445214
That's fine if you feel that way. I'm just pointing out to the people who want to dance on this visit, that this is our last chance to do so. And who knows when our next visit will be?

>>1445214
That's frustrating for Maka too.

>>1445223
Yeah, but we have a husband waiting for us with a pile of Raksha skulls. Also shoot, we didn't correct what's her face when she called Tia our Wife.

>>1445226
Tia will be fine. She'd probably like that Maka danced.

>>1445176
>No, YOU get in the bed.
>I'll dance but only if you give me something in return.

>>1445229
Yeah, but only if Maka was the dominant one in the conversation beforehand. She seemed kinda disappointed last time when Arras got the better of us socially, but didn't really care that we had sex right there and from what I'm remembering didn't include her.
Tia's priorities can be a little weird sometimes.

>>1445214
long game?
sent her an infailable messenger to tease her?
Yes please. Blueballing is go.

>>1445241
We'd better take this opportunity to show Arras who's boss, then, one way or another. I imagine Tia wouldn't be happy if she came back from Raksha hunting only to find Arras got the better of us again.

>>1445264
I honestly don't care what else we do here so long as we can get that one thing across.

>>1445261
But is it really worth it if we have to blueball ourselves to do it?

>>1445274
That'd kill me. We don't even have dance clubs in Tianna (that we know of...do we have any?)

>>1445274
Because we miss out sleeping with one person?

We'll live.

>>1445277
Amata has a much better chance of finding out if we do it in Tianna, and I can never figure out what she will and won't approve of. Even Tia is easier to figure out and she is legit crazy.
Plus Tianna isn't as rich as Gem, so any clubs there are almost certainly not as fancy.

>>1445282
>See >>1445277

>>1445282
No, because judging by what Maka said in the last post, and the opinions of several anons since then, we really do want to dance here. We just want to do it on our own terms rather than Arras's.

>>1445277
we are revered as goddess of dance, war and sex. If we open a dance club everyone will visit it.

>>1445302
We built an open air stage on top of our fort just so people could come watch us sing and dance.

>>1445310
That's not the same thing as a dance club. Or whatever you want to call this place.

You give a bare, bored glance at the bed Arras is pointing at

"I'm not someone you can order around that easily, Arras. I'm not one of your cheap courtesans. There are only two people in Creation that can make that kind of demands to me, and you are neither."

"Aw, that's a shame." She smiles, caressing the bottom of your chin with a slender finger. "I guess I'll just have to invite the Satrap for tea and spend some quality time with him, then, if you wouldn't want to spend it with me."

You cut through her bluff. "You wouldn't dare to sell me out like that."

"Why not?"

"Three reasons. The first is that you'd be on the grill yourself, for consorting with an Anathema."

"Oh my, you're right. We certainly consorted a lot, that night, and for a very long time."

"Second, you don't want me as an enemy."

"Enemy? I thought we were lovers?" She replies, faking surprise and outrage at your insinuation.

"Third: would you really do all this just force get me to dance at your locale - something I'm already willing to do?"

"You don't get it, do you?" Her finger slides up, caressing your cheek. "It's not about what I can gain from this. It's about being the one in charge."

You understand now.

"The Princess of Gem, and an Exalted on top of that, not just dancing for you privately, but selling herself, for the entertainment of strangers, at your behest." You hiss. "That's the thought that makes you hard."

"You should know. I told you" She pulls back, straightening herself. "I'm a sadist. And you, my dear, are the most delicious toy I've ever had."

>I'm not your toy. You're getting arrogant, and I see no reason to humor you any longer. (leave)
>I guess even this is not so bad, once in a while. Very well, enjoy this show, because you get it only once. (dance for her) (S+Z)
>If I want to dance, I'll dance for my own pleasure, of my own will, by my own terms. (dance on your own) (S+Z)
>We'll see who is the toy and who is the owner once I'm finished with you. (seduce her) (S+Z)
>(Other?)

[I'll point out that the first option is available only because you have Transcendant Hero's Meditation]

>>1445323
>If I want to dance, I'll dance for my own pleasure, of my own will, by my own terms. (dance on your own) (S+Z)
Strong independent woman, who don't need no other woman to dance.

Rolled 6, 3 = 9 (2d10)

>>1445323
>If I want to dance, I'll dance for my own pleasure, of my own will, by my own terms. (dance on your own) (S+Z)

Rolled 10, 6 = 16 (2d10)

>>1445328
Derp, dice. Use whatever charm we can without flaring our anima. HSDD?

Rolled 6, 3 = 9 (2d10)

>>1445323
>>I guess even this is not so bad, once in a while. Very well, enjoy this show, because you get it only once. (dance for her) (S+Z)
Sub Maka isn't something that happens often, usually only when Amata or Tia outrolls us in bed. It's an interesting change of pace. As long as we don't actually become her servant, but wheres the fun without a little risk?

Rolled 10, 4 = 14 (2d10)

>>1445323
>>We'll see who is the toy and who is the owner once I'm finished with you. (seduce her) (S+Z)
Activate it, fuck it pop the Crown and watch her dance for us.

>>1445333
We have it activated already, we could pop HLSS if we go for seduce.

Rolled 5, 9 = 14 (2d10)

>>1445323
>We'll see who is the toy and who is the owner once I'm finished with you. (seduce her) (S+Z)
Punch her in the snout to establish superiority.

Only, y'know, metaphorically and all sexy-like.

Rolled 9, 7 = 16 (2d10)

>>1445323
>>I guess even this is not so bad, once in a while. Very well, enjoy this show, because you get it only once. (dance for her) (S+Z)
What >>1445343 said.

Rolled 2, 4 = 6 (2d20)

>>1445323
>>We'll see who is the toy and who is the owner once I'm finished with you. (seduce her) (S+Z)

>>1445323
Are the dance options both to dance in the club or is the "dance for her" a private dance?

Rolled 7, 8 = 15 (2d10)

>>1445323
Extra dice if we need it

>>1445323
>If I want to dance, I'll dance for my own pleasure, of my own will, by my own terms. (dance on your own) (S+Z)

Safety dance~

>>1445358
I assumed both were dancing in the club, with the difference being whether we were doing it from a submissive or dominant position towards Arras. If the "dance for her" is indeed a private dance then my vote is changing.

>>1445369
>I assumed both were dancing in the club, with the difference being whether we were doing it from a submissive or dominant position towards Arras. If the "dance for her" is indeed a private dance then my vote is changing.

I'm assuming both are for dancing in the club, yes. A private dance with her could be a write-in.

>>1445343
That could be solved simply by sleeping with more people.
Anyway, both are interesting dances, but I want Maka to show off to people because she likes it, not because someone else wants to feel powerful.

>>1445394
I want both, but to do that we have to tell her we're doing for her, even if we're really doing it for ourselves.

>>1445344
>>1445323
If dancing is winning, I'd rather dance for ourselves than for her.

>>1445382
Good to know. By the EF, can I vote for more than one option? I'm fine with both kinds of dancing.

>>1445407
Sure.

>>1445323
Changing to include both votes I support
>>1445331
>I guess even this is not so bad, once in a while. Very well, enjoy this show, because you get it only once. (dance for her) (S+Z)
>If I want to dance, I'll dance for my own pleasure, of my own will, by my own terms. (dance on your own) (S+Z)

>>1445401
>If dancing is winning, I'd rather dance for ourselves than for her.
Same here, though I was thinking we could do both. Show her who's in charge in bed then dance for our own enjoyment (or the other way around, I guess). Using whatever charms we need to make a strong impression.

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>>1445323
>>1445343
>>1445424
I'll vote for both too
>I guess even this is not so bad, once in a while. Very well, enjoy this show, because you get it only once. (dance for her) (S+Z)
>If I want to dance, I'll dance for my own pleasure, of my own will, by my own terms. (dance on your own) (S+Z)
Also, I've voting for #16 or #24, in that order, for our outfit.

>>1445431
Well reminded, I'll vote for 23, though.

>>1445323
>>1445347
Changing vote
>I guess even this is not so bad, once in a while. Very well, enjoy this show, because you get it only once. (dance for her) (S+Z)
>If I want to dance, I'll dance for my own pleasure, of my own will, by my own terms. (dance on your own) (S+Z)
>>1445431
#16, definitely.

>>1445431
I'll second #24. 16 feels more special, like for the gods or special guests.

>>1445433
I'd vote for 23 if we were sleeping with her, but it doesn't seem like a good dancing outfit.
To me our dancing outfits are 16, 24, and maybe 02, with 05 and 01 without some of the more obstructive pieces for religious ceremonies. 20 also seems good for dancing, either religious or fun, very versatile.

>>1445431
if this were our turf I'd be all for something unfit for dancing like 21 and make a show of changing into something more provoking by way of phantom-conjuring performance, both veiling and revealing teasingly

>>1445323
>>1445331
And, uh, I guess I'll vote for both dances too, if everyone is doing it.
>I guess even this is not so bad, once in a while. Very well, enjoy this show, because you get it only once. (dance for her) (S+Z)
>If I want to dance, I'll dance for my own pleasure, of my own will, by my own terms. (dance on your own) (S+Z)

>>1445470
Uh, nice idea for when we have a fancy club of our own.
We need to get some dream pearls too.

>>1445472
One of us! One of us!

>>1445470
>>1445473
Yes, that is definitely something we should do once we have a proper place for it in a setting where we don't need to worry about being called an Anathema.

Hey, if we had enough of those pearls, we could make a memory library for Maka. Save some of them for personal use to put important dreams in, or precious memories. Events like her exaltation, meeting with tia, the first official date with tia, the festival, meeting the Tyrant, etc.
If those things can store emotions from the dream/memory, it'd be excellent to avoid going full curse.

>>1445483
I wonder if we can put memories attached to our Exaltation into one. I'm not talking about ones we've experienced, like the Usurpation, or the Wyld excursion from a thread or two ago, I mean stuff that wasn't scrubbed from our shard but we haven't triggered yet.
If we can't, maybe we could make a variant that could.

As we don't know what she is I suggest we use that double success against creatures of darkness ability to see if it works.
I'm inclined to believe that she's a sidereal but I have nothing to really back that up.

>>1445495
I'll second this as long as we have the personal essence for it.

>>1445495
>>1445499
thirded

>>1445495
That seems excessive paranoia. She's most likely another solar.

>>1445509
You don't know and we have to gain a lot from trying.

>>1445509
It's a moot point anyway.
That charm costs 3 burn, we can't use it and HSDD at the same time, and since we're unsure HSDD is the safer bet.

>>1445517
>HSDD
I meant RLSS

Where do we stand on showing her the crown? As she knows what we are I don't see a problem with hitting her with just what she's dealing with (if we've already used it please forgive my memory) but if there's anyone who thinks differently I'd rather have the argument now than when it will slow down the quest.
On that note what do we plan on deploying charm wise?

>>1445528
Maybe if she starts getting to insistent that she's better than us, but as long as it stays at this level I don't mind letting her have her fun.
Andwe should use Rose Lipped Seduction Style, along with all the charms we already have committed.

>>1445528
I'd rather not show it, that'd only give her more encouragement to dom Maka.

Rolled 3, 5 = 8 (2d10)

>>1445540
>along with all the charms we already have committed.
Also, I think we have a couple unrolled dice

>>1445343
>Rolled 6, 3 = 9 (2d10)
>>1445549
>Rolled 3, 5 = 8 (2d10)
The dice are not on my side today.

Rolled 10, 4 = 14 (2d10)

>>1445323
Rolling again just incase

Maybe we'll get lucky and her rolls will be worse.

>>1445597
>Maybe we'll get lucky and her rolls will be worse.
She already made her rolls
>>1445323
>[I'll point out that the first option is available only because you have Transcendant Hero's Meditation]
That means she already attacked us, and our charm helped mitigate the damage. What we're doing now is our "Counter Attack."

"I'll warn you right now." You stand up, and stare down at her, mustering up your defiance. "I'm a very, very dangerous toy."

"Oh my." She giggles, dripping down playfully on the bed, lusciously rolling herself up in the decorated silken blankets. "Isn't the danger part of the thrill?"

"I will dance if I want to, Arras" You turn your back to her. "Think of it as you will. I just want to dance. That is all. Making it into a contest of will is pointless, you control freak."

"And so, the exhibitionist princess will expose herself for the benefit of the masses." She declares to an invisible public, with a grandiose gesture. "Do everyone a favor, my dear Exalted princess."

Arras snaps her fingers to draw your attention, then points at the drawer in her desk.

You reach for it and pull it open. You find scattered silver coins and gemstones, among them a shining dream opal, a few scattered papers of little importance, and... a porcelain mask. It's vaguely feminine in appearance, but overall featureless. It doesn't even have holes for the eyes or the mouth.

"...this?" You take the mask and opal out, and present them at Arras.

"Good doggie." She grins.

"Arras, I'm going to jam this mask up your-"

"That mask will conceal your identity on the stage. As hilarious it would be for you to be recognized, I'm mostly worried that your father will have my head if that happens."

If only your fathers knew the things you've done.

You put the mask on. It fits perfectly, adhering to your face. It's oddly comfortable, and somehow, you can still see clearly.

"And this?" You fidget with the dream opal.

"Half of your payment for the performance of tonight." She explains. "I tried my best to capture the sensation of our night of passion. it would be only right if you had a copy."

You stare at the shining gemstone. "...You had a dream of our night together, and put it in a dream opal?"

"I'm quite a skilled dreamer, you know." She suggests. "I might have... altered a few details from that night. I dare say I have improved on them, though, so you won't really have anything to complain about." She concludes with a giggle.

"...Wait, does that mean that your establishment is selling to its customers a dream of me and you having sex?"

"Oh, not quite. It's from my point of view, so... it's just you and the dreamer, I guess."

You stare at the gem, unsure if you should be angry or impressed.

"It's a best-seller."

"I should charge you for this."

"You'll get paid." She hints, obliquely. "Now, get out there! The masses crave spectacle."

She ushers you out of the room, where Hotau is still waiting for you. She welcomes you with a perfect bow.

(cont.)

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"It's you, right? Miss dancer?"

"You can't recognize me?"

Her smile is perfectly polite. "You're the only one who entered that room. Please, this way. I'll show you the backstage. We have a good selection of outfits for you, but lady Sahlak told us that you wouldn't need them?"

You let Hotau drag you all the way to the backstage, with its lights and mirrors reflecting a person suspiciously similar yet dissimilar to yourself right back to you. It feels so strange. It doesn't look like a mask at all.

You have no reason to be nervous. You got this.

And yet, a strange mix of emotions wells up in your heart, completely unwarranted and unrequired.

That tinge of tension before a performance, that no amount of self-confidence in Creation can erase.
A vague feeling of disgust for agreeing to doing this, and enjoying it.
Perverse excitement.
The worst part, however, is that you're also feeling a bit of happiness. Not the happiness of an artist doing something she likes, but the happiness of a dog doing what it's told by its master, tail wagging.

You kick all those emotions, especially that last one, out of your heart.

None of that matters now.

You change into your best outfit for the job.

The curtains open, and you step onto the stage.

The guests look rather surprised. This show is unannounced, after all. No one was expecting you.

Even better. You have everyone's attention now.

(cont.)

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"Dear ladies and gentlemen." A warm voice greets the silence. You glance aside, to notice Ayzir in the corner of the stage, giving your introduction. "Today, the Azure Heaven will grant you a once-in-a-lifetime surprise show. A mysterious, exotic beauty, hailing from lands beyond our ken, will dance for you, and only you."

Lights begin to go out. It's your turn.

[S+Z= 6 3 10 6 6 3 10 4 5 9 9 7 2 4 7 = 8+1 = 9 successes]

(What sort of dance you want to dance for them?)

>Acrobatic. Show off your skill.
>Performance. Put your heart into it.
>Sensual. It's this kind of place.
>Erotic. Go all out.
(Other?)

>>1445647
FINALLY, we can find out just how good at sex we actually are.
To bad that was one of our weaker performances.
>>1445653
>>Sensual. It's this kind of place.
>>Erotic. Go all out.
Go as far as we can while keeping what little cloths we have on.

>>1445653
>Erotic. Go all out.

>>1445653
>Erotic. Go all out.

>>1445653
>>Sensual. It's this kind of place
Though feel free to go all out for the finale.

>>1445653
>Erotic. Go all out.
It's even more exciting that they'll never discover it's Maka. We can do our very, very best~

>>1445653
>>Erotic. Go all out.

>>1445649
>That tinge of tension before a performance, that no amount of self-confidence in Creation can erase.
>Perverse excitement.
Man, I wouldn't have minded keeping these two. They actually seem fun and harmless.

>>1445653
>Acrobatic. Show off your skill.
>Sensual. It's this kind of place.

>>1445680
The mask seems magical, I wonder if Arras has a way to turn it off. She probably wouldn't because of our father, but I'm wondering about the possibility of if she could, and whether that's better or worse for Maka's exhibitionism.

>>1445653
>Sexual. We can't contain ourselves.

>>1445705
Curse go home.

>>1445653
>Acrobatic. Show off your skill.

>>1445705
Maka doesn't start orgies ON PURPOSE.
She does sometimes take advantage of ones she causes by accident though.

>>1445703
I wonder if we could convince her to part with it. Might be a useful thing to have around, however it works (and not just for future exhibitionism purposes... though there might be a lot of that anyway).

I have to leave you for today.

Furthermore, it's likely that I won't be able to post tomorrow, as I'll be away from my PC all day.

I'll continue this thread when I'm able to.

>>1445732
Thanks for running EQ! It was fun.

>>1445653
>Sensual. It's this kind of place
Man I'm hating the bitch on this girl more and more, if Silk were here I wouldn't have the slightest problem with her going to town on this girl to get rid of that dream.

I swear if this ends before we set things straight I'm going to go crazy.

>>1445653
>>Sensual. It's this kind of place.

>>1445732
Thanks for running. I've been following the quest for a while, but this is the first time I've actually been able to participate. I'll look forward to the continuation.

Man, blueballing is the worst kind of cliffhanger.

>>1445717
I love that accidental orgies is a phrase that can be used unironicly in this quest.

Alright, so this is just a stupid, out-of-nowhere idea, but what if Maka were to go male, jack off, go female, and then inseminate herself. Would the spooge vanish on transformation? Is autoimpregnation possible? Does it count as sex or masturbation? Is it gay to get your own cum inside you? Should I just stop posting and move to a small shack in Alaska, there to live out my shame in solitude? Pressing questions demand answers.

>Erotic. Go all out.

>>1446454
We'd probably end up with a Maka clone, though whther it would be a boy or a girl would be up to chance.
It also wouldn't look exactly like Maka despite being a clone, as Maka's ridiculous hotness comes from her Social Score being beyond Mortal levels, so they would probably look like Maka pre-exaltation, or our male-self's equivalent.

>>1446454
>Should I just stop posting and move to a small shack in Alaska, there to live out my shame in solitude?
Yes.

>>1446454
Considering Exalted, I'm surprised this is the first time I've seen this question come up, even outside this thread. I'm guessing >>1446551 has it right, but any Storyteller might have other, more entertaining ideas.

>Should I just stop posting and move to a small shack in Alaska, there to live out my shame in solitude?
Yes, but I tell everyone to do that. It's good life advice in general.

>>1446699
Alaska is quite possibly the most beautiful place I've ever visited, so you know

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>>1445442
Outfit 02, the tabard should be the go to for the most important occasions. As befitting its status as the first important outfit we got.

And it's ultra hot.

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>>1447077
I love the tabard, but I feel like it's position as the default outfit has been replaced by the outfit UCS-senpai gave us when he gave us the Crown.

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>>1448231
And that really sucks. I wish the nice artist that drew the new Maka art went with the tabard.

Makes me sad.

>>1448318
The tabard was nice, but it had it's day.
Our new "default" was part of our wedding gift from UCS, it is better in every way that matters, because UCS is the best.

Are we going to renew Maka's wardrobe when the Gem arc is done?

>>1449057
Nobody knows what is happening when the Gem arc is done, not even if we're going to still be on 4chan or if we're moving to another site that would be easier on EF.

Hey there.
Still away. Will try to produce a post tomorrow.

>>1445653
>Performance
>Sensual

>>1449089
I do like Anonkun, but ultimately I'm fine with whatever EF thinks is best. I'll keep following either way.

>>1449089
Why would EF not be down to keep running on 4chan? He was the biggest backer of /qst/ out of all the QMs at the time.