Hmm. Can you save the arm? Seems like you'd need to reconstruct the bone somehow.

On the subject of the mongrels... it's an interesting paradox, killing to protect life.

>>109009
Mongrels are so insane, for the most part, it would be worse to let them live. They are a blight, a cancer upon this planet, and thus must be excised.

As for the arm... I am not certain about whether it is saveable. At best, I have three options...

1) Clear the wound of dead tissue and bone, replace with false flesh (a personal invention) and hope for the best.

2) Clear out the wound, stitch it up, and hope to god it heals.

3) Sever the arm entirely.

>>109010
You're not giving us a lot of information to work with. Shouldn't you know better than us anyway? It sounds like there's still most of the bone left there, though, if you think it's possible to save the arm. In my completely unskilled opinion... I'm thinking false flesh. It sounds better than having a giant knot of scar tissue in there.

>>109017
I'm asking because all three are equally viable in their own way. False flesh would return more circulation, cleanup and sealup has no chance of rejection and the same motor functionality.

Severing it entirely is the absolute safest.

>>109020
I'll go with false flesh as well.

>>109020
Ah, then it depends on if you're going to be able to monitor her for signs of rejection. You can always open her up again if her body rejects the substitute, right?

>>109025
True...

Very well, I shall go with the falser flesh. The... odd thing about this was that it's developed from a creature I found near the ocean, whose body can regenerate any lost body part or organ. However, I've never used it on a human before... only on myself.

>>109027
Was that creature shaped like a star?

>>109027
That-! Was it...

What did it look like?

>>109031
No. Well... no. I err.

The creature is born like a star, yes. But over time, it slowly becomes a vague round orb as body parts regenerate with some loss detail.

>>109035
Oh. Well, that's kindof like the thing we've heard of called a starfish, but not exactly. The one we've heard of regenerates perfectly. In fact, if you cut one in half it becomes two healthy starfish.

...I hope this experimental procedure doesn't cause any trouble for Shi in the future.

>>109038
Then again maybe I don't really care that much, so long as she lives to keep helping us out.

Frankly, I'm in support of just fixing up the current arm and leaving the gods to decide what happens.

Amputation would be convenient in that it'd make her less of a threat, but... unless it's absolutely hopeless, I'd pass on that option.

The false flesh seems like doing her a favor, which she has done little of for us. A questionably safe favor, but a favor nonetheless.

False flesh it is, then. I carefully clean the rest of the wound, then insert the moulded jelly-like stuff. Using synthetic skin,. I seal the wound. I sigh in relief. It's over.

I sit down heavily in the chair, looking at my hands. My palms are glowing. I look at one of the windows.

I have wings of light.

I am incredibly confused!

>>109049
Try turning them off.

>>109049
Just sit back in the chair and relax, obviously someone will come along to explain what is happening in a moment or two.

>>109049
Heh, we already know what it is, but... ask Raven.

Also, check for any markings on your body.

...wait where would the marking be if your body is replaceable?

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/01/11(Mon)02:20 No. 109054 ID: 6faa8c
File 126320523241.jpg - (15.34KB , 300x320 , LifeswornSymbol.jpg )

>>109050
The wings and palms flicker out, but my palms have a dark symbol on them.

>>109052
I sit down heavily.

Heheheh
You finally noticed, eh?
And you STILL don't get it, do you?
Think on what you were just doing. On how DEDICATED you are to healing.

>>109054
You do realize what that means, right?

Jeez, how do Selfsworn figure out what powers they have anyway? Maybe you should consult Arryn about this phenomenon.

>>109055
But it's physically impossible! Liches can't do that!

As if in awnser, a flash of light appears.
of course you can, you brain-addled tit.
What?
i said of course you can. you believe it, it happens. either that or your brain is in need of exchange and your circuits are getting a mighty golden brown...

>>109059
Ask who that is.

>>109059
Also ask why you're able to do this.

>>109060
"Who are you?"
i am vitus. i am the embodiment of your belief in life, in protection, in second chances.

"Why..."
because you ain't a damn proper lich. your theory is flawed...

>>109063
Press him on why your theory is flawed.

>>109063
Finding out what you can do would be nice too.

>>109064
"Why is it flawed?"
medical lichdom is impossible. at least, true lichdom reached through medical means is. your soul is still in yer body, your divine spark, thusly, is still intact... and possibly strengthened by your age.

>>109065
yer wings of light can be manifested anywhere, even in areas of strong anti-magic. seerans can't unravel them, abjuration cannot touch them, and the tainted lands won't warp them. yer hands kill diseases at your will.

"That is all?" I ask, recalling Erhgal's demonstration earlier.

more power will come with the exercise and growth of that you have, as with any skill.

Well that's totally awesome. Ask if you can now fly. Or try, if you're so inclined.

Remember to tell Raven about the avatar's appearance.

>>109138
I don;t... no, I am certain these wings do not allow flight.

"Raven, the A-"
"I know."
"Huh?"
"I know he was there. Or, knew, rather. I was going to interfere myself, but... I wanted you to decide instead. And this way, Coyote can't possibly know where I am."

>>109182
I think we should ask Shi how she's doing.

>>109188
She's in no state to say much of anything, unconcious as she is.

Raven smiles.
"In one swoop, you've regained much of your power, robbed the enemy of an informant, and even regained an ally." she smiles at me. "Well done."

RAVEN IS VERY AMUSED!

As legion, I feel it is my duty to implant this suggestion in your mind. Perhaps you should help Ella commune with her god. S'too bad that Raven can't hear me say this, I'm sure she'd love the idea.

>>109202
Raven laughs.
"Don't be so certain, little devil. I still have some modicum of power. And.... it sounds fun."
"What does?"
"Nothing..."

>>109200
>In one swoop
>swoop
Heheheh.
I see what you did there.

>>109203
LEGION IS AMUSED!

>>109204
"I'm glad you're amused."
"What are you talking about?!"

>>109208
I think she can hear us.

>>109209
Obviously if she can hear us, he can't, so your explanation won't reach him.

Quit intercepting our transmissions, woman! Get back in the kitchen!

I can hear your transmissions, but only vaguely. I'm not a woman, and I actually am in the kitchen.

Shi is waking.

>>109212
Then make us a sammich. Chop chop!

>>109215
Voice excised. Enjoy wandering the void, for eternity.

>>109216
Aww, have pity on the poor guy. You know how boring life is for us.

So if it sounds like fun, then perhaps we can hatch a plan, you and us?

Hey Hattori, you should mention that the Avatar knocked you out of bird form somehow. This is something Raven should know.

>>109221
"He knocked me out of my bird transformation..."
"Dark Iron?" she asks. "Oh, damn. I'm glad you told me."
"Wha... Where..."
Shi is awake.

>>109223
Okay, NOW as Shi if she's alright.

>>109223
At some point, you must ask her if she "want that dagger you left in my back, back."

>>109223
Ask her how the arm is feeling.

After you're done checking up on Shi, get your sword, and with the gloves on, think greedy thoughts. It might still be magical.

>>109228
"How is your arm?" I ask. She looks at it and back to me.
"I can't quite move it..."
"That's normal. Be glad you still have it."
She nods.
There's a long, akward pause. Raven leaves.

After a while, Shi speaks up.
"I was a bitch." she mutters.

>>109297
"Yes, I'd say trying to kill Ella and Raven, then swearing to hunt down my lab is a little out of line."

>>109297
Ask her if she wants to join again. Although I have a better idea. We can tell Shi to do what she was doing before, killing mongrels. Or we can have her act as a spy for us and have her pretend to spy on us. Tell her all of these options. Let her choose which one she wants to do.

>>109304

"Yes, I'd say trying to kill Ella and Raven, then swearing to hunt down my lab is a little out of line."

"I meant that... then."

"Then?"

"Now... Now I'm not so sure. I'm not sure what I want anymore. My whole life, I thought all I needed for happiness was money. Now... nothing makes sense to me anymore..."

>>109307
Ask her if she wants to make sense of everything with our help

"Don't think that just because I saved your life I've forgiven you.
I don't trust you one bit.... but I'm not about to throw you to the dogs either.
Everyone deserves a second chance."

>>109307
Tell her everyone deserves a second chance, first.

>>109307
There's things that money cannot buy in the world. Focusing on the material will not bring lasting happiness... Only with the help of others can we experience fulfillment of the soul.

>>109327
That seems rather preachy, doesn't it? She's seen too much of the world for that sort of talk. How about this.

"Shi, I can't promise you answers, I don't know them myself, what I can promise you is a second chance. You're a talented person, and I'm willing to work with you on this. However, do not mistake this for weakness. If you try to hurt Ella again, I'll end you.

*pause*

What do you say?"

>>109317
"Don't think that just because I saved your life I've forgiven you.
I don't trust you one bit.... but I'm not about to throw you to the dogs either.
Everyone deserves a second chance."

"Anansi will have my head." she mutters. "Raven cursed me. Are you willing to sta-"

"If it means having an ally? If it means saving the world? Yes. I will gladly look them in the eyes for you."

>>109338
Okay, ask her what she knows about the enemy. She's apparently been working for them, so she should have some inside information.

>>109452
Shi looks away from me.
"Fine." ehs sighes, pulling the cufflinks from her sleeves. "They're yours again." she mutters.

"Thank you." I think for a moment. "How long have you been working with them?"

"Since they did this to me." she pulls at the middle finger of her left hand, ripping off a false skin to reveal a clawed, furred hand. The claws extend audibly. "Coyote gave me my old self back. Said he'd pay me. But there were side effects... That was a few days after our... falling-out."

>>109734
Ask her if there are anymore side-effects other than that.

>>109734
Fascinating.

...I wonder if she still doesn't age?

>>109745
"Any other side effects?" I ask.
She taps the side of her nose.
"How do you think I found you... and I don't need to sleep anymore. It's weird."

>>109771
It's almost like she's turning into a Fangsworn or a Cane.

>>109772
"You're turning into a Cane?"
"I... I don't think so. The claw's only on the one hand..." she shrugs, then sighs. "I don't think I'll ever get my normal body back."

>>109773
Not unless she manages to really make it up to Anansi and Raven. I don't think simply working as our ally will do. She's gonna have to give up something big to reconcile with them.

>>109777

"Not unless you manages to really make it up to Anansi and Raven. I don't think simply working as our ally will do. You're gonna have to give up something big to reconcile with them."

Shi goes into thought.
"They're gathering at the center of the Blighted Lands." she says simply. "There's so many Mongrels there that you can't throw a rock without hitting one or yourself. I'm being literal."

>>109779
We kindof knew that already.

...the way she described it is worrying though. Are they gathering for a boost in power, or to try to bring Coyote back in the flesh? I wouldn't want to see a Coyote made out of insane Mongrels.

It sounds like she's seen it personally.

>>109792
"You've seen it personally?"
"Yes. I had to go to a place of power for Coyote to get his... blessing. The Avatar took me."
I blink.
"That's... That's at least four, no, seven days of travel or more."
"He can teleport to places he's been." Shi states. "He also said that his blood is blue, whatever that means."

>>109800
Ask her if she would like to join the group or work alone. Either way, I doubt she won't help us.

>>109802
"Would you prefer to join the group? Or work alone?"

"I can't work alone now. Not without something to help me. They took my ring."

>>109805
Hold on. Get the sword out and think of greedy thoughts with the gloves on. We still need to know if the sword is useless or not.

>>109800
That explains how she was able to get back to the cave so fast. Which means he could return at any moment if he wanted.

...also if the Avatar's blood is "blue" then well... it sounds like he's a demigod. Except, he can't be Coyote's son... he never made his Raiment. Oh gods, is he Clown's son, born from a Cane? NASTY.

Normally, blue blood means that your a noble of some kind.

Yeah, a noble. When it comes to servants of Gods, what is more noble than being half-god?

>>109805
That means the ring kept her silent. I guess we'll have to keep her with us... I hope we can find an item useful for her skillset. Otherwise she'll only be useful for her shady contacts and rogue skills. Although I guess she's a decent fighter.

Keep in mind she's smart as a whip.

Hey, Hattori you don't think her coyote-corrupted body will be more apt to reject the falseflesh do you?

>>109807
The sword is perfectly mundane, although it's well-made.

>>109835
"I guess you'll be working with us, for the moment."
"Mmn. But what about the others?"
I don't even see it until it is there: The tip of a spear, pressed against Shi's neck. Ella glares down the length at her.
"Yes, what about them?" she growls lowly.

>>109843
No, I mean if the sword is still going to transform and stuff like that, then it's useless.

>>109843
"Ella, I appreciate your restraint in not killing her, you know as well as I do she could be an important asset. Considering what we're fighting for, don't you think we need every advantage we can get?"

>>109849
Indeed

>>109849

"Ella, I appreciate your restraint in not killing her, you know as well as I do she could be an important asset. Considering what we're fighting for, don't you think we need every advantage we can get?"

Shi lets out a small cry and stumbles back as Ella advances.
"Not from a slive like her!" she spits angrily. "She's already robbed you and tried to kill you. She will do so again."

Ok, time to be good. Rise and hold her spear shaft and stare at her. Serious face time.
"As I have said before, money is of no consequence and and if it comes down to my life, I will deal with it. But right now, this woman is my patient and I will not allow harm to come to anyone I have taken under my care, regardless of their prior actions."

>>109871
There is one way we can ensure Shi is going to cooperate. Bring Ella into another room, close the door, then peer into Shi's mind with the book.

>>109904
I step forward, taking the spear in my hand. I hold it solidly in place against her.
"As I have said before, money is of no consequence and and if it comes down to my life, I will deal with it. But right now, this woman is my patient and I will not allow harm to come to anyone I have taken under my care, regardless of their prior actions."

"Even if they may murder your allies? Even if they are a danger to your closest friends?" she asks softly. "If you dare to keep her here, I will be forced to take Jax and myself to the Chapel alone."

>>109917
Um... can we still try using the book to convince her?

(I don't mean writing in it)

Or perhaps we could just leave her in Ishkal's care, until we come back from the church.

>>109919
Open the book and say "Shi".

EAT THE BOOK!

>>109922
"Shi."

What? oh, it's a command for that book.
OHGODDONTKILLMEOHGODDONTKILLME
OHGODDONTKILLMEOHGODDONTKILLME
OHGODDONTKILLMEOHGODDONTKILLME
OHGODDONTKILLMEOHGODDONTKILLME!

>>109924
"Wow look at that, maybe Shi will betray us after all.."

>>109925
Also, show the book to Ella after you say this.

Well that's not useful at all.

"Shi, consider your situation here. If you have anything to confess, do it now."

>>109929
"Shi, consider your situation here. If you have anything to confess, do it now."
I stole the cookies on my 11th birthday
I ran away from home when I was ten
That third noble was actually kind of nice
...and a list of all sorts of other things, coming up to her betrayal and some acts after. But nothing she plans currently. Oh, and one last thing.
I love him. I can't stop thinking about him. But... But he has Ella...

>>109932
D'awww.

Ask Ella if she's satisfied.

>>109932
"Well? No plans of betrayal? You're not gonna cut and run once the shoulder heals? Is this one event going to change your character that much?"

>>109948
"Well? No plans of betrayal? You're not gonna cut and run once the shoulder heals? Is this one event going to change your character that much?"

Shi looks at the floor and speaks, the thoughts appearing, large on the page.

"I love you, Hattori. You've already made your mind. It's not my place to be angry or hamper you or hurt the two of you. I'm sorry... both to you and Ella. I should have known better. I understand if you don't trust me... and if you'll feel better, I'll leave. But..."

"I'm sorry."

>>109955
Show the book to Ella. Careful not to say her name and muck everything up.

>>109960
I tap Ella's shoulder, and she slowly lowers the spear.
"Very well." she says softly.
Shi sighs in relief.
"But if she ever pulls something like that again, I will be the first to show her the wrath of my spear."

>>109964
Awww, let us do it, I'm sure she wouldn't mind your spear's wrath, Hattori.

>>109964
I hope it won't come to that.

Hey, ask Shi what she knows about the cufflinks from her usage of them. We never did find out all its powers.

>>109964
Tell Shi she can have the cufflinks. Also hand Shi the sword.

(also we might as well close the book for now)

>>109974
Hmm, she just gave them back though. Plus the shield on them is very handy for getting close enough to some big foe and using Show Stopper...

Meh, I dunno. She is kindof the most vulnerable ally we have right now.

"Very well."
...says Shi, and I close my mouth. I shut thew book quietly. "Now that I'm on your team, I get to screw around with Illgrip a little. It's time I paid him back for a few.... things."
"You mean the cave?"
"Oh no. Back when I was... not myself." her eyes harden and become cold. "Let us just say he deserves everything he is going to get."

>>110031
Ask her if there's anything we can do or give to her to help her

>>110031
Ugh. All right.

>>110033
A shudder runs up my spine.
"What do you mean?"
"The asshole thinks that you can be taken down with mere mongrels... that a force big enough can barrel right over you. That legion he sent at you before? A tenth of what is marching now from the Blighted lands. And that... is less than a thousandth of what is actually camped there. You have to understand, Hattori, Ella, that this is no fight against a single great villain like a child's story: you are facing an entire nation's worth of foes."

>>110034
By the Void, that's a lot of mongrels. I think we'd need a better defensive position than the cave. They're gonna start bringing archers in eventually, I think.

Beats me why they haven't done so already. So far we've only fought a single crossbowman.

I think we have enough time to get to the Temple before they reach us though.

>>110037
"C-can we get to the temple in time?"
"I can do you one better. Darian's Hold."
Ella looks at Shi with a surprised expression.
"Well, lab rat, tell the story."
Ella stammers at first, but begins.
"The particular temple we are heading towards has a single access point. A river runs in front of the temple, white of foam and rapid. There is a small isle high above it, and two bridges over the gaps. On the island is a small tower, built in commemoration of the greatest military stand a single Seeran has ever made."
she takes a shaky breath. "Darian's greatest and final stand. Where he defended the fleeing wounded and unarmed from the Mongrel horde."

"How many?" I ask quietly.

"Darian's Rage is over twenty feet deep. The riversides are cliff bluffs twenty feet higher. He killed enough of them for their metal weapons to dam the river for a day and a half."

>>110038
Wow. This Darian dude was epic.

Ask Shi if she knows how long the horde will take to reach The Hold. If we have enough time, then I think we should contact the temple with Jax and Hattori first, so we can get some help. If it's going to be close, we might leave everyone but them at the hold, and after explaining everything to the people at the tower, jax and Hattori continue to the temple alone to save time.

>>110097
A good plan.

"When do we ride?"
"As soon as everyone is awake and over the shock of me being here." she says simply. "One warning. Ill-grip now wants to hurt you, personally. Even for a Cane, he is sick, demented, vile, and an asshole. It's not a matter of whther he will target Ella or Arryn or myself. It's a matter of when."

"I understand."
"Good. I'll prepare the mounts, then. They should have arrived by now. You, wake everyone up."
She leaves the house.

>>110117
Um, go wake everyone up and prepare for shit to go down.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/01/13(Wed)13:30 No. 110185 ID: 6faa8c
File 126341821958.png - (9.99KB , 640x480 , Darian\'sHold.png )

>>110174
I wake them up and alert them of the situation one by one, and indeed the mounts are prepared. We ride hard, only stopping to rest the horses and eat atop our mounts. The tiredness is clear in my allies, but Shi says we are eight hours ahead of the Mongrels.

We arrive.

((Some notes: the outer Gate opens outward, and the inner gate opens towards the fortress. The bridges have a railing only three feet high. The fortress is two stories tall, with bedrooms and sniper windows in the same places. Otherwise, there are no defensive measures.))

>>110185
We approach to see four Seeran gaurds, heavily armored and wearing thick tower sheilds, on the gates.
"Halt!" calls one. "Who goes?"

>>110188
Tell the Seeran all the names in the current group.

>>110191
"Jax?! Ella?!" he calls, peering. "I'll be damned. I'll be right on down, let me open the way."

Ella is blushing heavily and looking at her saddle intently.

>>110197
Ask Ella if there's anything wrong. By the way, you're still wearing Raven's cloak, am I right?

>>110206
I am.
"Something wrong?"
"It's.... It's nothing. Just an old... old friend." she mutters.
"It's her old crush." Jax says aloud with a sigh.

Ella has more crushes then hairs on her body.

>>110214
Ask Ella who it is she liked.

>>110225
I'm pretty sure its the same guy from her dream.

Hattori when you guys are situated, check on Shi's wound.

By the way, is raven with us?

>>110276
Indeed. It appears to be Sir Edgar, who has quite a high rank. The door open outwards, and he strides out. I note that he is possesed of a great deal of martial grace. Every move he makes is with purpose. Nothing is wasted.
"What brings you here... Ella..." he pauses as he nears me. "That cloak..."

>>110280
Tell him that Raven sent you.

In fact, say nothing and look important.

>>110280
"It's urgent. I must speak with Praetor Eleanor."

>>110282
"The Raven sent me." I say. looking him in the eyes.
"Prove i-oh." he manages, as Raven walks up beside me and takes the cloak, taking it from my shoulders and putting it on.
"I have some matters to discuss with the praetor. You are to let me in, and take me to her. Your men are to gaurd the place with all of their might. An army of mongrels approaches."

"Yes ma'am!" he salutes, making a few signals towards the men on top of the tower. Raven and him run off towards the chapel.
A howl pierces the air.

>>110304
Aww, you barely got a chance to fly and she took the cloak back already.

Also, the mongrels are here already? Best prepare defenses. Did Ishkal come with us? Also, ask the ghost if he's around and if he can assist in any way.

>>110304
What's the current Hatventory?

"Ghost!"
"'M here."
"Can you help?"
"In combat? Oh, Incarnate no. I'm just here to offer you wonderfully insightful advice!"
I give him a hard glare. Ishkal, Ella, Trik, Arryn, Shi, Jax, Utkal and myself are in attendance. In addition, there are seven well-armored Seeran men and women on the battlements of the river gates.

"Man... that's a lotta teleportin' they be doing..." the ghost muses.
"What?"
"Teleportation cuts through the Aether, and all ghosts can feel it."

I currently have a new supply of rocks and sticks and some dirt, plus more lamp oil, and any bits of metal I could find after the sortie where Erhgal participated.

Also, to the northeast of the gate nearest me, there is a rather thick forest.

Ask him if pointing the watch at the horde would give you an advantage.

Also, Tell Trik to go wherever she feels her crossbow would be most effective.

>>110317
I wonder if we have any time to construct fortifications with the trees? If they're teleporting to catch up with us, they could be here very soon indeed. We shouldn't allow anyone to be caught out in the open.

>>110324
"Trik, take your crossbow and bolts where you feel they would be the most effective. Ghost, does pointing the watch allow any sort of advantage?"

"No. Not in combat."

Trik runs out, under the gate, and up the stairs.
I see her up top, standing on a Seeran's head, aiming intently.

>>110317
Oh, ask Jeremiah if he can tell us any of the other functions of the watch.

Ask him if he can pinpoint where the teleports are going to and from.

>>110335
"Not yet, boyo. Someone touched by death more closely than I would know. As for the teleportations... They're coming from far off and landing in them woods.

"EVERYONE, INSIDE THE GATES IMMEDIATLY!" I roar, running for them and pulling them open. Gates meant to allow in a full caravan. "Everyone, take up positions like in the cave. You three up there, ge down here and gaurd center!" I rush upstairs, standing beside Trik.

"Trik ready. Trik know who to aim for."
"?"
"Trik hear you talking. Blue blood. Bad creature. Hurt friend. Trik..." she opens two rather fragrant bottles, hanging on her legs near her hips. "Trik hurt back."

>>110354
Haha, if we burn the woods we can take out a good chunk of their forces.

>>110357
"Can you light the forest?"
"Got cloth? Trik can light anything, but need cloth."
"Sure. What are those?" I ask, handing her a handkerchief. She dips it in one of the bottles.
"One is strong, strong oil. Good for lighting lamps. Other is drug."
"Drug?"
"Make bleed. Make lotta bleed." she ties the cloth around the end of the bolt, then taks out a peice of flint and strikes it on the scales on her tail. It lights, and she sets it into the slot.
Trik takes aim, then fires.

The burning bolt catches in one of the branches. In the summer heat, it springs into flames.

Howls of alarm spring up, but are quickly silenced by a growl so loud and deep it shakes loose pebbles on the towers.

Before the third tree is lit, they come charging out of the brush. Trik calmly reloads, dipping the bolt in the other bottle, and firing.

"You go, other towe, make boom, yes?"

>>110448
Say yes, go to the other tower, and prepare the Hatcannon™ on the mongrels.

Make sure you get a really big group to use it on.

>>110453
I think for a moment.
Inspiration strikes!
Instead of firing down at them directly, I aim up at an angle, and fire. The explosion lights up the morning quite well, and the mongrels continue their charge.

But just before they meet the doors of the gate, metallic death rains down on them. Axes, swords, bucklers, armor, rocks, huge branches all fall at terminal velocity, impaling and slicing apart the foe, slowing them and making the terrain dangerous as Trik continues to fire calmly, one at a time. They reach the gate, but it isn't a unified charge anymore. One or two mongrels slam into the door at once at a time, and after that, all they can do is push, against a pull door.

>>110505
Begin reloading the hat. Hey, do they have any cannonballs or similar things you could put in it? Maybe a cache of arrows or bolts?

>>110508
In terms of supplies?
I run down, and ask the nearest Seeran. The armored ones, lined up in a two-deep formation, sheilds up front and spears in back, are waiting for the door to fall.
One looks over my shoulder.
"We store gunpowder in the Keep's basement, why?"
"How much?"
"Uhm..."
He tallies it off, and a grin splits my face.
40 barrels of black powder.

On a dry summer day.

>>110513
Take a handful of it and set it aside. We'll use the rest.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/01/13(Wed)21:31 No. 110520 ID: 6faa8c
File 126344709017.png - (6.29KB , 640x480 , yougettheidea.png )

>>110513
If we place bits of gunpowder, and explode it in proper sequence, we could easily end the charge here.
It would come at the cost of some fortifications, and might cut us off from the other side functionally, however...

>>110520
Go for it.

>>110513
I wish we had more time to prepare bombs. It's too bad the barrel itself won't fit in the hat.

I kinda want to just use the gunpowder to explode more mongrels, and create craters in the fields to make it even harder to move around. Then try to get some of that river water in there too to make things muddy.

>>110522
With the help of Utkal and Ishkal, we get the appropriate amounts in the right places. I raise my hands to signal lighting them, all of us standing on the island when a huge fist slams through the door, then another, and Ill-grip tears the iron doors apart. He steps through, and before he can say a word, I signal Trik to fire.

The buildings go up in flames, rock and dirt flying into the air, the bridge falling apart...

And a firey, angry Ill-grip blasts through the smoke roaring in tirumph. Before any up us can reach, he plucks Ella from her place, tossing her lazily over the burning rubble and the crater, landing in time to catch her.

Her spear lands in the fiery ruins.

"I HAVE YOUR WOMAN, SURGEON!" he crows as the Mongrels surround him. "AND NOW... I WILL TRULY TAKE HER FROM YOU!"

>>110536
Oh fuck no. Pull his arm through the hat, and have Trik shoot it up with that bleeding fluid.

>>110537
I grab his arm through the hat, and he laughs.
"You really think you can be me in a contest of strength, you puny little bastard?" he laughs, throwing Ella down and knocking her unconcious.

And then he grabs my arm and hauls me through. My hat falls on the parapets as he lifts me up into the air.
"YOU ARE NOTHING!" he roars. "BEFORE THE MIGHT OF A GOD!"
Oh no, not my arm my arm MY ARM AAAAGH!

He tosses it away like so much garbage.
"YOUR ITEMS WILL NOT SAVE YOU. YOUR GODDESS WILL NOT SAVE YOU! NOTHING CAN SAVE YOU!"

No no no not my other ar-AAAAGH! Again, he tosses it away.
Ang then he slices off my legs, throwing me down with ease. He pulls out a dagger, and casually tosses it at my face.

MY EYE! AAAAGH!

"Now watch as I take the only thing you have left."
He picks up Ella, and with one swift motion, rips off her clothing.
"EVERYTHING YOU LIVE TO DEFEND! EVERYTHING YOU LOVE!"

>>110539
RAVEN, HATTORI NEEDS YOU. MOMENT OF GREATEST PERIL. HEAR LEGION'S CALL

>>110539
Raven does not respond.

But I am not dead yet. I sit up.

"Oho?" I'llgrip rumbles, removing his lioncloth. "You aren't passed out?"

"It will... take more than that... to beat us."


Shi, in Utkal's hand, id launched like a shotput across the gap. She grabs the slightly glowing spear, the hiss of burning skin filling the air as she lands and rolls forward behind Ill-Grip.

"More than gods watch over me, you son of a bitch."

And Shi sloams the entire length of the polearm's glowing, heated length up, under Ill-Grip's tail, up to the blade. He howls in agony, dropping Ella, who is caught by Shi as the monster whimpers and falls over, blood oozing from every orifice.

Shi kicks the corpse.
"How's it feel, you son of a bitch?"

Suggestion : Make Shi a kickan fur coat.

>>110546
Oh my GOD that's gotta hurt. How many mongrels are still left around though? You need to get your limbs back and over the bridge so they can be reattached.

Too bad about that eye. Or maybe you can fix it?

Tell Uktal to kill any remaining mongrels that are hanging around here and Shi to gather your body parts and stitch them together.

>>110552
>>110550
SUGGESTION

Use one of ILLGRIP's. He probably had better vision anyway.

I didn't make a mistake, whattdya mean.

>>110554
Try this, but keep your eye around just in case you like it better.

Oh... we also need to get naked, unconscious Ella to safety.

Shi leans over me.
"Dear lords... Are you allright?"
"Fine." I grunt. Ishkal has, by now, bridged the gap temporarily with some simple timbers. The mongrels run away... back into the burning woods.
"Ishkal, I need you to take my cloak, cover Ella, and make sure she is alright for me." I think for a moment. "Be sure to tell her exactly what happened."
Ishkal nods, taking my cloak.
"Shi, please put me together again..." I grumble, and she gathers up the parts, pulling the red stitching from my pocket to put me and my outfit together again.
"What about your eye?"
I look down at Ill-grip's body.
"Look away, please..."
I reach down and carefully extract the remaining eye, carefully fitting together the optic nerves of my own damaged one to his whole one, placing it in my socket. I blink a few times and experimentally focus with it.
"Hrm. Not much better, but it will do." I also take his eyepatch and, after using the hat and the raging river to clean it, put it on.
"Now that that is handled..." I mutter, pulling out the spear. "Shi, clean this as thoroughly as you can. Go with Ishkal and wait for Ella to awaken." Shi reaches out for it.
"Your hands..."
"They'll heal." she states simply. "What Ill-grip would have done likely wouldn't."

>>110614
"What did he do to deserve... That? Don't answer that."

Yeeeah, I think it's obvious what he did to Shi by now, no need to bring it up. I'm glad that disgusting pedophile is dead now.

But let her know if she needs to talk about it, she can.

Also, is her arm working now? That was some pretty quick healing.

>>110704
Her arm is looking fairly good. I cannot say it is perfect, but it has far outperformed my expectations!

"Don't ask." Shi says softly, slitting the neck of the beast. "I'll never want to talk about it. I've gotten over it. Right now, you've got more important matters to attend to.

As she leaves, a white, ghostly figure inspects the wreckage, kneeling beside it and shaking his head. He's like a Seeran, but easily half-again the size of Ella. His armor is beautiful, ornate, and wellmade, his spear flickering with blue flame.

>>111052
Is that... Darian?! Perhaps you should apologize for destroying his bridge.

>>111052
"Sorry about the br-"
He leaps up, and his spear... passes through me harmlessly. He sighs, shaking his head.
"It was neccesary. Foolish and flamboyant, but it worked."

>>111058
Ask him how we could've done better.

>>111063
"If you had held halfway down in that formation, nothing would have passed you. Further, the large one disabled you like a child, because you allowed fury to cloud your judgement. In addition, the gunpowder what wholly unne-"
"That's enough, Darian." rumbles the bigges god damned bear I have ever had the terror to see. Its shoulders are just above the crest on Darian's helm, and it is covered in heavy armor.
"Poor bastard already got torn apart, you don;t need to chew him out as well."

>>111067
Well, I guess we just wanted to blow something up at that point.

I dunno what we could've done to take out Ill-Grip differently without say... risking hitting Ella with a crossbow bolt...
Ohhh wait, we could've gotten Trik to shoot through the hat! Damn.

Ask who the bear is.

>>111085
"And who is that?"
"The name is Ursan." he states proudly, waving a paw. The flames in the forest go out. "Gaurdian spirit and former warrior-lord of the Ursine. Blade-brother to Darian."

>>111093
Introduce yourself to both people.

>>111095
"I am Ha-"
"We know." Darian says. "A bit of my spirit resides in the gloves."
"A bit of mine in the cufflinks." the bear adds.
"I... See."
The bear grunts.
"We gotsa warning fer yeh." the bear says.
"A prophecy handed down by the Seeran peoples."
Oh, fantastic.

>>111100
Ask them what the prophecy is

>>111103
"Before Time,
After Time,
There was and is a hand who guided.

Before Death,
After Death,
There was and is a robe that escorted.

Before Gods,
After Gods,
There was and is a man who led them.

Before lands,
After lands,
There was and is a boat that sailed them all."

>>111135
History is repeating itself or something. I would suggest trying to find out what the world was like before the Gods arrived here.

It's strange that this is a Seeran prophecy when they... OH WAIT where did they even *come* from? I mean, did they arrive here with information from another world?

You could also ask them what they think it means.

>>111141
"What do you think it means?"
The bear sits down, legs straight out. The look is slightly comical.
"Not a damn clue."

Darian sighs.
"Either that great changes are about to occur, and these are the only constants... or that a great change will occur in your life, Hattori."

>>111288
Thank them for the information.

>>111314
"Thanks."
"Not a problem." the bear says simply. "Now get along to your girls." he makes a shooing motion.

>>111317
OK. Check on Ella to see if he's OK.

>>111318
I walk to the room that they've set Ella up in, buit stop at the door.

"You did what to him?" Ella manages quietly. "A-are your hands alright?"
"They'll be fine, Ella. Oh, and don't worry... no one saw you."
Hurm...

Should I enter or listen?

>>111318
Enter, but warn them first.

>>111319
As if we're going to suddenly stop our habit of eavesdropping!

No, no. This could prove to be interesting. Step away a bit then open the book with the command 'Shi and Ella'. Eaves dropping has proven our most reliable source of things people don't want us to know.

>>111324
I smile, stepping away.

She saved me. Why did I doubt her?
I did what I had to do. Even Ella didn't deserve that.

>>111325
Continue looking.

>>111328
"It is clear to me, with your report, that we have been following false scripture. I shall send word immediatly to the other churches."
Ah, good. We... We managed to do it.
About time someone in a place of authority is doing something.

>>111329
Close the book, open it again, and say "Illgrip". I wanna see what happens if we try and see into a dead ma- um, Cane's thoughts.

>>111331
"IllGrip."
The text starts to form, but before it finishes, the ink melts together into the shape of a hand.

!!!

My neck! It has my neck!

>>111332
CLOSE THE FUCKING BOOK

>>111332
Oh fuckdamnit.
CLOSE IT CLOSE IT CLOSE THE BOOK NOW
WHY DID YOU DO THAT FUCK

>>111332
WAT.

Close the book! Or switch to Hattori. Or say "Two weeks ago"

I snap the book shu-
Another black hand appears on the side, holding it open.
An idea strikes me. I let go of the book, it hanging on to my neck, and open the door.
As soon as Ella looks up, it clatters to the floor, blank.
"Hattori?" she asks quietly.
"I'm fine."
Another Seeran sits beside her primly, wearing a very ornate dress that slimly hugs the curves of her body. Ella wears a silvery tunic with a black bird emblem.

>>111336
Close the book while introducing yourself to this Seeran.

Note to selves:
Notebook is NOT to be used on dead people. Ever.

Introduce yourself.
Also, compliment Ella on her new outfit~

>>111337
I kneel down and pick up the book, bowing slightly as I doff my hat.
"My good lady, my name is Hattori. I do not believe we've met."
"You are the one who was in charge of the defence of Darian's Hold?"
"Er, yes..."
She rises, crosses the room, peels off her long glove, and slaps me hard on the cheek. She sighs and slips it back on. "That... is for nearly destroying a landmark of great importance."
"My many apologies."
"It is of no consequence whether you apologize. Do not do it again."

>>111342
"It won't happen again. Praetor Eleanor I presume?"

Erh, nobody told us her name. Let's NOT use inside information that could get us in trouble. Just ask if she's the Praetor.

>>111346
Oh wait, my mistake. Raven gave us her name.

>>111344

"It won't happen again. Praetor Eleanor I presume?"

"It had better not." she says stiffly. "At any rate, it is my obligation to honor you for saving our lives... and our faith. For the first time in Seeran history, I must award you, a non-Seeran, with the title of Templar."
She sighs heavily, producing a long, straight blade, sitting on a pillow, and presents it to me.
"Witnisses, do you honor this title?"
"I do." Shi says.
"I do." Ella replies.
"Take your blade."

I pick up the sword.
"Welcome to the Order of the Templar, Knight Hattori."

I can feel... behind me, dozens of young Seeran, faint wisps of spirit, looking down and upon me.
And upon my shoulders, briefly, rests the weight and reassurance of a dozen hands.
"Your sheath and belt." Eleanor continues, handing me them. I put it on, sheathing the blade with care.

>>111351
Thank her and say that it's an honor.

>>111351
"I'm honored."

>>111354
"It is an honor."
"You are damn right it is." she mutters, walking out into the hall.

Jax taps my shoulder, then nods towards outside.

>>111357
Alright, I guess it's Jax's turn to chew us out.

Sheesh, you blow up one 300-year old monument and suddenly everyone's mad at you.

>>111358
I follow Jax outside.
"Is this about the monument, because really it was the only o-"
"No. This is about the Watch. It is time."
He raises the polarm, slamming the butt into the ground. The blade falls and clicks into place at an angle to the haft, and Jax pulls a string, a black robe billowing out behind him. His face blows away like sand to reveal a skull and glowing blue points.
We are alone, in total darkness.

>>111360
What?! If he's a Reaper then how did he swear to Raven?

Is this really Jax?

>>111361
"Are you really Jax?"
"Indeed. You might say that I am... an oddity." his eyes glow purple. "Me and Ella are in truth only half-siblings. Please, do not tell her. My true father is someone you cannot possibly comprehend even the name of. But that is not important right now."

>>111362
"I assume you're going to tell me how to use the watch now."

>>111371

"I assume you're going to tell me how to use the watch now."

"It is rather more like unlocking the final potential of you items. Within every magical item ever crafted, there lies a small peice of a soul. The watch can pull the rest of it to the item and bind it, if only for a few moments. The effects vary wildly depending on the item. But it all relies upon a simple vocal command and pressing the watch to the item itself. Simply say "Bind" while doing so, and the items true power will be unlocked. Be forewarned: Most items will lose their original function temporarily during this process, and only one soul may be bound at a time."

>>111373
Oh, tell him about what happened when you tried using the book on Ill-Grip after he died.

Hmm... this skill could prove very useful if we use it on Darian's gloves or that sword we found, heck even the book. Though these all strike me as bad ideas at this point. This requires research.

|Note| Using this on Darian's spear (if we can find it) will most definitely create an awesome super weapon.

>>111375
Ask him about this.

"How many people know about your... uniqueness?"

>>111375
It is fortuitous that you mention that. The book does the opposite of the Bind. That is, a small part of the person's spirit is read, and through that, the mind. However, calling to the recently deceased in such a manner is... Somewhat dangerous."
"I noticed. How many people know of your.... uniqueness?"
"Myself. You. Raven. My late mother. Father. That is all."

>>111690
Thank him for the information and tell him you'll keep this a secret.

>>111700
"Thank you. I'll be sure to keep this a secret."
"Good. Because I thought I might have had to threaten you."
"Because I'm long overdue, right?"
"Actually..." he reaches into the robe and retrieves an hourglass, my name engraved on the side.

There's no sand.

>>111701
Wooooahh.....

...

"Wooooooaaaaaaaahhh...."

>>111701
Ask him why there's no sand in there.

>>111701
Wow, that means... Uh, what does that mean? We already know you're not a true Lich, but it seems you've managed to gain something *like* immortality.

Hey, it looks like the watch lets you see ghosts, but does it also give you power over them?

>>111708
"What does that mean?"
"I am not quite certain myself. I... I'm certain you aren't to be collected in the near future."


Hey, it looks like the watch lets you see ghosts, but does it also give you power over them?
Hmmm...
To me, it just seems to enhance my magical items by calling forth the soul that powers it.

>>111710
Well I meant to ask about it. Like, does the watch give you any power over ghosts.

>>111715
"No. It might, however, allow you to control a ghost if you own the item it pertains to, if ony for a short while. However, Eleanor has contrived a plan for you, after careful consideration with Raven and Anansi, as to how we shall achieve our long-term goal. Raven shall let you know." He reaches up, locking the scythe back into a polearm, then hides the cloak.

>>111719
Thank him again.

>>111719
"Talk to you later, then. I'm gonna try out this Bind thing where I don't have to worry about hurting anyone or destroying more of the bridge."

(do that.)

>>111725
"Very well." Jax relpies, the darkness fading.

Where should I go? What should I use bind on?

>>111828
THE BLADE! THE BLADE OF EMOTIONS!!!

>>111852
It was only magical because it was part of a trap, in the Cave.

>>111868
OK, try and find a wide, flat area and use bind on the monocle.

>>111900
Very well. I place the Watch to the monocle and mutter.
"Bind."

Light shines from the watch, and imperseptibly, the hands spin rapidly. then there's a click.
I feel, rather than see, blue, ghostly ridges along the side of the monocle, the chain glowing as well.

I see Ella walking and talking quietly with Edgar, their names floating above their heads.

>>111907
Try to focus on the book using the monocle.

>>111913
[Inquisitor's Handbook]
Allows you to see the thoughts of those whose names are spoken into the book.
Activated functions:
Unknown

Bind Function:
Unknown

>>111921
OK, keep focusing on the book through the monocle. And open the book. And say Ella.

>>111929
It does not reveal anything new.
I open the book and whisper her name.
Why is he talking to me so much? Why does he suddenly show so much interest years hence... And why am I... N-no.... I love Hattori...

>>111936
Try bind on the book.

>>111936
Whoa, whoa, wait a tic. What's this? Hrm... Why don't we read the thoughts of Ella's old flame for a quick second, I'm curious.

>>111938
"Edgar."
She's so beautiful now. I never noticed before. The way she walks and moves... like a panther...

>>111973
Quickly bind the book.

>>111937
If we're to use Bind on the book, Hattori should be its target. We won't risk hurting any of our allies.

>>111973
Hattori, uh... hmm. Might I suggest going over to join their conversation, once we've messed with a few other items? Maybe you could grant both their desires, and share in the moment.

Target yourself with the book and use Bind.

>>111978
Share in the moment? right. That'll go well. Why don't you tell us how you feel at the moment Hattori?

>>111980
I don't think Edgar is a threat. Once Ella mentioned him in passing just after one of our.... activities. She said he can't see past the end of his spear.
It's an old saying that beasically means he's something of a meathead.

I close the book, placing the watch on the symbol.

"Bind."

The book sprouts a sleeve on the spine and a ghostly quill within.

My monocle returns to normal.

>>111981
Um, try opening the book again. Are you able to grab the quill?

>>111981
Hmm. Open it up and see what's on the pages.

>>111982
The quill is transparent but physically whole. There is ink that looks similar inside it. The inside of the book is no different.

>>111985
So it's not displaying thoughts? Try drawing an apple in it.

>>111985
Um, try writing "jump" in the book.

If the book is still targeting yourself, write "Bawk like a chicken, quietly, three times"

>>111988
I do so. The ink pauses, and changes just slightly, correcting errors in my handwriting until my knees bend and I jump into the
what the hell.

>>111990
...Wait, what just happened?

>>111990
Wait, try writing "sigh" with your non-dominant hand. And try and fight it as hard as you can.

>>111990
Hattori, do you have any personal failings you'd like to get rid of? Also, look at Ella and smile impishly.

>>111990
Haha, amusing. Let's not use that on our friends ever.

>>111993
...I really, really don't think Hattori messing with his own head would turn out well. Like, I -really-, -REALLY- don't think it would.

>>111992
I do so, and the handwriting morphs into my own flawlessl-
I sigh.

Damnit!

>>111998
Do you know any foreign languages, Hattori?

>>111999
Why do you think I've been able to talk to all these various races?

>>112000
Okay, but are there any languages you DON'T know how to speak?

>>112000
Write a command in another language. Something innocuous, like coughing.

Afterwards, try a reflex, like "hiccup 4 times, sneeze, stop your heartbeat for 3 seconds" something you can't normally do

>>112000
Hahaha, oh wow. To us it all sounds like the same language so we thought everyone was just speaking whatever the most widespread language is there. I take it you're not very good at Kobold language? Or is that really how their grammatical structure works?

Anyway, let's try out the cufflinks next!

Ok, I think we know what it does when binded, and that is mind control. Can we please stop messing with it? I personally just... Feel really, really edgy around mind control. Taking away free will, changing the very identity of a person, all that nasty stuff. Useful, surely, but... It's the kind of power that one can abuse too easily. We need to be very, -very- careful to -not- become reliant on this.

>>112004
Agreed.

>cufflinks
"Bind!"
I slap the watch on the cufflink, and there is a flash of blue light. A huge, bear-like arm covers mine like a sheath, moving with mine.

1000000 Nuetons.
999999 Nuetons.
999998 Neutons.

>>112005
Try hefting the book or something. -CAREFULLY-. I think your strength has been enhanced, so see if the book feels any lighter. Again, though, be careful. We don't want to crush anything.

>>112007
NOT the book. Try standing on one arm. You should know if your body feels lighter.

>>112005
Or try punching the ground.

>>112005
Go smash a tree!

>>112013
We're already in trouble for breaking the 300 year old monument.

>>112013
Yeah, let's not randomly go on a destructive rampage, huh?

>>112015
>>112017
Try POKING the ground.

>>112020
Quick question, are we inside, outside, standing on cobblestones, or what?

>>112024
We are outdoors, in a large feild. It seems to be the drilling area.

>>112032
Turn it off, then. We'll smash something with it when we have reason to.

Try out the HAT!

>>112035
I dismiss the bind, a simple expression of will.
I place the watch against the hat, and call, "Bind!"

There is a flash of light, and I know that there are two ghostly Hats over my shoulders.

>>112048
Um... Try getting the cane through one of the ghostly hats.

>>112048
Uhhh... on your shoulders? Try reaching for something in the distance, with each hand.

>>112050
I reach through the hat on my left shoulder, picturing the Cane.

Every part of it flashes through my mind: the texture of the metal on its head, the shape of the dragon's face, the exact length, the way the blade slides, the shape of the blade, the fires and the heat it makes, the spirit inside it, the weight, the mass, the day it was made, each abuse heaped upon it since its creation, everything I know of the cane flashes throug my mind like the day Anansi gave me the knowledge of it.
At first what I retrieve is nothing but an outline, blue and ghostly as the hat itself. But the blue fades, slowly, to reveal the cane itself. Blades of grass, and a small amount of dirt from one side, fall to the ground.

>>112058
Are there any other cool magic items you had in the past that you lost?

>>112058
Or you could try finding someone who lost an item. Maaaaybe Darian?

>>112066
Yes! Yes!

I run to the woods.
"Darian."

"Yes?"

"Could you do me a favour?" I hold out the hat.

He grunts in reply, then reaches inside. He pulls, and lightning arcs out from the hat to the ground, buzzing madly, the crackling of power insane. Darian screams in effort...

And pulls out a third of a spear. The haft.
It drops to the ground, smoking.
"It appears... that someone has destroyed my spear." he growls.

>>112070
Who could do such a thing? Well, try Binding the hat again to see how long we have to wait.

>>112075
I do so, and the watch heats so fast it almost burns my hand before I manage to drop it. It turns the earth to glass, a haze of heat around it.

I sigh.
"May I?"
"May as well."
I pick up the broken shaft, looking it over. They broke the weapon, but not its enchantment. I can feel intense magical power thrumming through it.

"Carry it well. My lover's soul resides within." he grumbles.

>>112081
Um... if the temperature is any indication, it looks like we're going to have to wait a long, long time.

The spirit and enchantment is intact? I imagine Bind would work, once the watch cools down. Would Darian like it if you did that in front of him, though? Jax did say it brought the 'rest of the soul' to it.

Ask for permission before you do it.

>>112101
I explain the process to him.

"I..." he appears, for once, wracked with emotion. "I died at this place. My love... was killed some time later. I have not seen her for a long time. She's moved on, but... I haven't been able to. I... I am uncertain..."

>>112107
Oh interesting, so peoples' souls are bound to items before they die.

Um. Well, if he's not sure, don't do it.

>>112120
"I will not."
"Thank you."
I pick up the watch, walking back into the halls, then to the office of the Praetor.
Raven is here. So is Anansi, and the Incarnate, all in human form.

>>112171
Greet them. And ask why they're all in human form.

>>112196
"It was easiest this way." Anansi says simply. "Eleanor?"
"Yes. Ella has told me that the final sane Cane who still worships Coyote is in a strange place below the lair of a certain dragon. My plan is very simple. We will kill this Cane."

>>112207
"What would that accomplish exactly? It seems he is the only thing keeping Coyote from becoming a god of Chaos. He can't be the only thing keeping Coyote here as a ghost, anyway."

>>112236
"That's the point. There cannot be two gods of chaos."
Wat.
"But..."
"There can be multiples of other gods. There has been domain sharing in other areas, when I checked the histories. But there's never been more than one god of chaos."

>>112249
"So what would happen if Coyote became like that while Clown was still around? He would just vanish?"

There is... another option. With permission from those who know already, begin discussing the plan to let Coyote replace Clown. I mean, Clown is apparently trying to take over the world. The Fangsworn we spied on before the attack at Rivermeet said this whole thing was a coup. So, we have to kill Clown or he'll just try something different. Coyote never really tried to take over the world, did he? We have to choose one of them to be a chaos god.

>>112283
"No. A war would occur. To take the title of Chaos. Without his sane follower, Coyote would lose his mind and assault the Clown, instead of simply furthering his plans. Clown was exploiting a loophole by not making him devoted to chaos... We shall cut him off from that."

>>112297
So we replace one war with another? That doesn't sound like a great improvement. Clown would probably use that as an excuse to totally break everything. I mean, remember what happened when he fought Coyote the first time? The blasted lands appeared. He could do that again, bigger this time. And with the Seeran being mostly wiped out, what would stop the magical chimeras from just annihilating all life on the continent?

No, we have to ensure that there is no war when we remove one of the chaos gods.

>>112315
"And we will. This time, we are prepared."
The others nod in unison.
"Last time, it was one on one. This time... We shall all ensure he dies." the gathered gods nod.
"The only one able to enter the Temple of Coyote is you, Hattori. Anyone else would fall to Salzane, or would be unable to bypass the rocks that block its entrance. Are you willing to help us?"
Eleanor looks me in the eyes.

She's afraid.
She fears me saying no.