I bet you and Jai have been spending more time together, hmm?

Has Asala found out about your choice yet?

Done any experimenting with runes on your own?

inb4 Achilles has assimilated the entire rest of the continent

>>138380
I doubt it. From what Rance has told me, only organisms that were once alive can be converted into nuetral biomass. Hence, soil and stone cannot be converted. It's why the floating castle has, well, castle bits.

>>138379
We've been talking more. But we've decided to hold off anything more until we return home, so we don't distract ourselves. Asala has been getting more... how to put it, aggressive? Jai's been trying to set her up with Rance, to no avail.

Speaking of him, I've been training with him whenever I can, and I'm happy to say that even without runes, I'm moderately competent!

Harumda doesn't need to sleep, so he's been watching gaurd every night. He reports occasional movements at the edge of his vision, but nothing further.

>>138490
See now that's why I suggested just letting Rance flirt with her. You're going to have to actively persuade her to stop, now. How aggressive has she been, exactly?

On another note... I guess something is following you. Achilles wouldn't be that subtle, that's for sure. He'd have attacked by now. Unless... he's waiting until the worst possible moment to attack. Like, halfway into a mountain pass. If the guide dies we're boned no matter which direction we go!

The fact that we were absent that long only to return now most likely means that something is going to happen soon. I'm quite convinced by now that we are sensitive to the hand of fate.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/02/25(Thu)10:09 No. 138578 ID: 6faa8c
File 126712139512.png - (20.19KB , 640x480 , BossintroTyka.png )

>>138519
I see. Our guide has told us that should he regretfully become unable to guide us, there are small markings along the way from here on that will guide the way. I'm glad for that.

Something is approaching from the sky.

Rance swears heavily.

"I thought the warnings would be enough." says the creature, in a young voice. "Clearly you are too stubborn to steer away."

>>138578
Says? How is it talking? Does it even have a mouth?

Courage 1 blessing 2 on blade, courage 2 augment 1 blessing 1 on armor, then bless everyone else's blade, if you can.

If things start going crazy be prepares to inscribe boots or shoes. I want to determine how much is required/advised before we commit.

>>138580
It's hidden by the large black sheet it wears.

I quickly bless my equipment.

"Do you really think that will help you, boy?" she asks, as rocks split from the cliffs beside us, floating to her side. "I like you. I'll give you a chance to see the master."

More rocks split from the sides of the valley, huge boulders larger than the little girl lifting them with, appaerently, her mind.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/02/25(Thu)17:31 No. 138725 ID: 6faa8c
File 126714790155.png - (72.73KB , 254x197 , Thardus_Artwork.png )

>>138594
The rocks land below her in a massive pile, until finally they stack up to about 20 feet, and block the whole of the pass.

The creature floats away, laughing.

And then the pile rises, blue bands of power wrapping various bits.

Suggestion 2010/02/25(Thu)18:24 No. 138749 ID: 701a19
File 126715107939.jpg - (16.02KB , 358x324 , Elbereth_three_scripts.jpg )

Perhaps we're going about this whole romance thing the wrong way. Maybe we would be better off getting them to share.
Alternatively, we could tell them that a willingness to share is desirable while jealousy is not.

I'm pretty sure we can work things out so that everybody is happy. We've accomplished much more difficult tasks, after all.

I wonder if we can bestow a rune on you...
Consider experimenting with inscribing "Elbereth". It's a powerword in some worlds, so I'll provide you with alternate scripts in case one works.

Oh, right, monster. The stones are just a diversion - a deadly one, but a diversion nonetheless.
It's a psychic, so its monster is likely to collapse if it loses concentration. Have your bruisers engage the rocks as defensively as they can while we work out a way to take the caster down.
What do you have for ranged ammo? You could bless/wound the bullets, arrows, bolts, and weapons, then bless the shooters' shoes, since then they would get extremely damaging shots in with extreme accuracy. Bonus points if you can chuck a 5 wounds boulder at it.
Alternatively:
Chuck us at the caster so we can try and destroy its mind.
Undeath or Bless the mountain as large as you can.
Attempt to disbelieve, in case this is actually a mind trick.

>Attempt to disbelieve.

Nope. Not working. Illusions are usually easy to spot, as they look... differently focused compared to the rest of the world.

As for the master of the new creature, she is nowhere to be seen. I am, however, noting that only some of the stones are held by bands of power, while others glow softly and still others have no radiating effect. It's not moving, yet. Merely taking up the whole area.

As for the word of power you mentioned...
The last column on the image you've projected into my mind seems like a Rune Formula. I'll describe them after the fight.

I lean down and inscribe a nearby rock with wounds.
What.

It's seeping blood.


Rance sighs.
"I've heard of that one." he says. "The girl. She was initially Achille's opposite. Had churches and whatnot. Achilles killed her, and reanimated the remains. Now she serves him as a gatekeeper and sifter of the chaff. This is likely a challenge. She said she'd give us a chance. I say we take it."
The girls nod in agreement, but the dwarf steps back.
"I know where we keep some high explosives back home..." he says, looking up at the monster. Harumda laughs.
"Another challenge? This world is generous."

>>138759
Ok, we learned something with our mid-combat examination. Now we can torture rocks. Maybe we'll get lucky and learn how to to murder them later.

Bless and wound your ammo, then bless people's shoes. Tell them to attack the bands. Hopefully the Wound will snap the bands, or at least cause the energy to bleed out of it. Don't tell them WHICH bands, though, since then it can't protect them all.

Undo the wounded rock, then undeath or bless the mountain as big as you can. Only one, though, since we don't want massively blessed undead geography.
Yet.

>>138764
Are you sure you know what you're doing? If so, I'll just sit back and watch. Undeath on a mountain seems like an exceedingly bad idea to me.

>>138764
I bless the rock, and it grows spikes of stone. Jai has since found a way to fashion a quick-loading mechanism onto her crossbow, ans I bless everyone's long range weaponry.

I tell them to aim for the bands of power and begin fire on my signal. Harumda's sword is given wounds 3, and I warn him of the various dangers inherent.

I throw the fist-sized rock as way of a signal and it rockets from my hand with a crack, smashing against one of the banded stones. Everyone begins to fire, and the creature plucks a normal stone from its body, and hurls the boulder at us. We scatter, a few of the banded stones chipped, one with a long crack down its center. The cracked one moves to the center of the creature.

Harumda cleaves the stone in half with a cry, and the halves land on either side of Asala. She stands, blinking and shocked, then follows him to attack the creature itself.

>>138767
So far runes have gone by intent with deference to our benefit. We know what blessing a rock does, so scaling it up to a mountain is a fairly safe. I'm expecting it will give us a cavern we can move into and get some fighting room, because at the moment we can't flank it, avoid it, or take cover from it.

As far as undeath goes, that's less predictable. I'm kinda hoping the mountain will squish or eat the monster or something, but be ready to erase the rune fast if things go wrong.

Don't sit back and watch though. It's pretty obvious that I'm a chaotic voice, and he needs balanced advice.

Runes don't...

Wait, CAN you use more than one rune of the same type? At any rate, Undeath is kindof... not good for experimenting in most cases. Let's not create any blightlands.

Try tossing a rock at one of the glowing parts of the creature.

>>138776
I bless another stone, and chuck it at the glowing blue stone on its shoulder. The rock chips, but...

!!!

The chips float, and so does the rock I hurled, though niether glow.

I enchant a small rock with undeath. It rolls out of my hand and bumps against me, then rolls back, and rams me again.

Futilely.

The creature is occupied with Harumda and when did Asala get large enough to wrestle the creature.

>>138776
Undeath doesn't work that way, and you can stop the effects by erasing it.

We couldn't really create a blightland even if we wanted to.

OH! I forgot to say!
I wasn't suggesting that the monster is an illusion, I was suggesting that its presence was being planted directly into your minds.
One is affecting the world to trick people, while the other is affecting peoples minds to trick them. The insidious thing about mind tricks is that they can prevent you from realizing you're being tricked.
If you try to disbelieve hard enough, though, then you can generally overcome that kind of tampering.

>>138791
So it takes on any mass you add to it?
I wonder what would happen if you kept adding more and more to it.

Anyway, try putting the largest wounds you can on Jai's arrows and keep her focused on the bands. Then bless the mountain, then see if you can find any other potential weak points.

>>138793
>Bless the mountain

I hear rumbling deep inside, but nothing else happens.

"Jai, the bands! Same rock!"

Asala tears one of the bands free, and several other normal stones drop to earth, one on her large foot. She roars in pain and smashes one of the blue stones with the previously banded one, causing it to break in half, revealing a glass orb.

The glass orb flies away.

>>138791
Okay, Augment+Blessing+Courage a rock and throw THAT at a glowing rock.

Or wait... no, aim at a banded one instead.

Asala's movement is impaired and she's in CQC range. Getting her back just shifted to priority 1. She may resist out of pride, but she can't fight effectively right now.

Bless 2 your shoes and gloves, then evac her to the fire line.

>>138806
She's too large at the moment. She catches a punch from the monster, pulling another banded peice from it, more normal boulders falling to earth.

I Bless and Courage a rock, and it zips from my hand before I can even throw it, slamming into the center of the creature so hard it stumbles back a step.

>>138809
Is there a force of will behind runes? If it was just a force then it would have to be directed, but if a runed rock can spot an enemy and act on its own volition...

Also, find a goddamn boulder and courage/bless it with the biggest runes you can. If they can attack without needing to be thrown, then go for something you couldn't throw anyway.

>>138811
...Yes!

I bless the rock with a size five, and nearly have to jump out of the way when it produces spikes as thick as my arm. Reaching through carefully, I inscribe a size five blessing.

It shakes, and I leap out of the spikes in time to only receive a gash on my leg.

The creature is not nearly as lucky. Asala sees it coming and dives out of the way, as it plows through, four more glass orbs flying away. The creature moves no more.


The small rock is still prodding my leg.

>>138813
Erase the rune on the small rebellious rock.

>>138814
Or give it a hug. It's not exactly a threat.

Cleanup time. Destroy all the bands, orbs, and glowing rocks that you don't want to study.

>>138816
The glowing rocks are gone, as are the banded ones.

Huh.

"Looks like we're clear to..." I begin, and then I notice, among the wreckage, a small, bloodied body.

>>138817
Oh fuck tell me that's not Ysl. You'd better go check her vitals.

>>138817
Rush over and inscribe blessed wounds on its armor as large as you can, THEN get some proper healing on it.

>>138818
It's Ysl. As soon as I touch her, she awak-
Erk! Her hands... My neck... Her eyes are blazing red...

She's too strong, you'd never be able to break her grip. Instead Bless 4 on your shoes, then inscribe bless directly on her.

Well get them off your neck. You've got Blessing on your gauntlets. You should be strong enough.

If not... well, you can either use Cold Death, or try to give her a Courage charm if you think she's really Ysl and being mind controlled.

Didn't somebody say something about it being strong vs demons?

Besides, even if it's NOT Ysl we would want to capture it alive.

>>138827
Achilles is not a demon.

>>138824
I break from her grip, with my greater speed, and her eyes dim. She shakes her head.
"I'm so sorry. I don't know what came over me." she says quitely.

If that's Ysl, then she's being controlled and can't be trusted.

Create a tub, fill it with water, bless it, and then immerse her in it.

>>138829
Inspect her injuries. We can scold her for running off ahead of us later.

...ask Harumda if her eyes were glowing like that when he fought her.

>>138829
Tell her it's okay.

>>138830
She giggles. "No, that's not needed. Goblins can enter a state of fury and rage, and that's what happened to me. Ever since I saw..." she pauses and looks at her feet, then her eyes turn red and she punches the earth. The Dwarf hits the deck as the mountain shakes, but nothing happens.

Her eyes return to normal, and she tries to pull her hand out without success.

She begins to cry.

>>138836
Antares hug Ysl.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/02/25(Thu)20:40 No. 138841 ID: 6faa8c
File 126715921463.jpg - (138.51KB , 705x529 , bsod.jpg )

>>138837
I hu-...
Er.

I hug...

Harumda steps up and places a hand on my shoulder.
"What are you doing, man?"
Wait. No. This isn't right. No. NO. NOO!

Antares is wearing a ring inscribed with Undeath.

The body has not moved.

No. Nononono! I tried... I tried so hard! I told myself, I told myself, I wouldn't let it... it, it, it..... happen... like this....

!@#%^^%$#^#$^%$#^

>>138841

You tried so hard, and got so far. And in the end, it didn't even matter.

Who are we talking to now?

But in the end it doesn't even m-
>>138844
Damn it!!

Antares: Level 5 wounds on the armor, then BLESS on the armor.
She is not dead until she is beyond the point of being restored. She has not reached that point yet.

Everybody else: Medical attention, STAT!

Wait, no. Bless your ring, then smack her with it.

One of your buddies knows how to inscribe HEAL. Have them do that on the armor as large as they can manage.

I'm going to talk you through life-restoring procedures, alright?

>>138849
She is dead. Her spirit has left her body.

Accept it, unless you want to create some kind of undead abomination which swiftly kills Antares.

>>138845
I run forward and pick up the body.
"No. No... Come on, Ysl... Get up..."
I inscribe healing on her armor.
Nothing.
2.
Nothing.
3.
Nothing.
4.
Nothing.
5.
...
No..
No...
(((Save Ysl?)))

>>138853
Your understanding of how death works is flawed, and I am not suggesting the use of UNDEATH. If this works, she will be alive again.

>>138854
STOP. DO NOT CONTINUE.

Her spirit has left her body. If you do anything now it will cost TOO MUCH.

[Explains CPR]

>>138854
Yes.

>>138857
Asala actually knows CPR already. Hattori taught her some good medical techniques.

Asala, we will leave the choice up to you. You CAN save her, but it will cost you.
If you wish to save her then we will try to find a way to repay you for it.

...although we ARE in favor of it.

>>138863
Ysl is my closest friend.

She told me once, of a great goblin hero. The villains stole his love from him, and he tried to climb the tower she was held in. His will was so great, however, that even though he fell to his death nine times, and was shot to death with arrows once, he went on, despite the broken bones and wounds, and killed the villain.

I won't allow Achilles to take one of us. I won't let him destroy Antares like this. I don't care if we vie for his attention. I would do this for Jai just as readily.

I'm sorry, father. I know I said I wouldn't do this again.

LVL 10 rune etch: Heal

There's a flash of light, And Ysl coughs. I can hear her breathing. Her body warms in my hands. I can feel her pulse resume.

But I cannot see anything. I hug Ysl close, tears welling in my sightless eyes.

I'm against doing it. Surely you know what Hattori would say about this, and he should know better then anyone. Tampering with death is Wrong, and it always incurs grave consequences. I implore you Asala, don't go down this path.

>>138866
Awww hell.

Wait, you've done this before? On who? Did you go blind then as well?

>>138870
You lose one sense each time... it's random.

Asala, we will strive to make your life better by how much this has cost you.

If you are willing to share him with Jai (and possibly YUsl and V. We don't know yet), then we can promise Antares to you. If not then things will be trickier, but we will do our best. Also, it's worth noting that nobody is sure to survive, so sharing Antares would mean that all of you would know love, and die in love, and no survivors would be left alone.

>>138870
My father.

I... I was very young then. I barely remember it. But since then, I haven't been able to taste any foods. Well, I could after he died, but...

It felt right. Antares needs us. He needs all of us. Maybe I won't be as useful without sight, but... I can try. I've already resigned to the fact that he wants Jai, only keeping up out of... some sort of silly hope.

I feet a large hand clasp my shoulder. It is rough, but... careful. I lean back against hard, but stable legs, and release Ysl, who wanders away.

>>138876
I do not lie, Asala. He is very much interested in you, but you have shied away from him.

If you are willing to share, then we will take care of the arrangements and insure that nobody will be hurt. Including Jai. We do this more than anything else, there is no risk of heartbreak here.

>>138876
Hrm, who is it? Can't be Antares, he's still frozen up. Rance or...

Harumda: Is that you? We're directly assisting Asala now so we can't see anything.

Asala, we may have found a way to cheat this, at least temporarily. I shall speak to Antares about it. I have an idea.

On another note, would being able to see ghosts disturb you greatly?

I... I'm uncertain. Sharing? But... But... I...
My face feels warm.

As for ghosts and the like? I don't mind all that much. What is your idea?

>>138896
Ask Antares to inscribe a charm or ring with undeath one and give it to you.

>>138897
He's not talking. He's not really doing much of anything. Even when I touch him, he is shaking. Ysl is holding him, trying to get him moving, but... He won't. He sits, staring at the place where Ysl laid, according to her.

>>138896
Asala, you have shown just how much you are willing to sacrifice for others who desire Antares' love. For that reason we know that you would thrive alongside other partners, and you would have the comfort of knowing that he would be cared for even if the worst were to happen. We will not forcing anything on anybody, simply open the possibility to them and allow them to choose.

You aren't committing to anything now, just telling us if you intend to seriously contemplate the idea.

Meanwhile, hand us off to Antares. We shall try to rouse him.

>>138899
Yes well, once he's fixed, obviously.

Uhm...

Legion, I suggest we attempt to get back in Antares' head. He may require assistance

>>138901
I'll... er...
I'll think about it.

I'll try to hand you off to Antares.

$%%$@#
@#$^#%$%$$#
@#$%#$$#%#$
$#@@$#%
#$@%$#@%$#%$

He's not moving... Did I hurt him? Did I do something to him?!

>>138904
Hey, Ysl, it looks like he's suffering a breakdown. We tried to enter his mind, but it seems to just not be there at the moment.

Couldja do us a favor and give him a nice big hug and a passionate kiss? That'll probably snap him out of it.

>>138904
Oh lord. Ysl? Is that you?

Antares appears to be... Temporarily out of service.

>>138905
:D

>>138905
I hug him, but before I can kiss him, he stands.

"We need to get moving." he says simply, and he begins to walk quietly.

Jai and I share a look, and the rest of us quickly move to catch up, especially the dwarf.

Oh, fuck. I know what's going on.
Quick, toss us back in his head!
HE IS NOT FINE! QUICK!

>>138910
Take his ring off. He thinks he's seeing a ghost.

>>138913
I reach down a pull off the ring, standing before him and looking him in the eyes.
He blinks.
"Y-you're alive?"

>>138914
"Yes... but Asala lost her sight in exchange."

"Antares, take us back. We have much to discuss."

>>138915
"I'm sorry. I... I screwed up. I should have known better..."
I hug him tightly.
"Antares, you could not have known." I say softly.
"E-even so. I promised..."
"No, you didn't."
"What?"
"You promised Achilles would die. You did not promise us our lives."
"Oh..."

His eyes still look so hollow...

>>138918
"That doesn't matter. Dying fighting him is a good death, and if we can destroy him then those deaths become legendary.

Just do me one favor for now, ok? Would you please inscribe a nice big courage on your armor?"

>>138921
"But even so... I... I don't want to fail you. You all trust me so much. I... I let you run, I let you get caught... this is all my fault."

Okay, now it is getting slightly irritating.

>>138918
Tell him a Courage charm might help him function.

Ysl, you've gotten to know Rance a little better. Do you still think he's gross?

>>138923
Actually, let him know it's Legion's fault. We didn't advise him to keep a closer eye on you.

Ok, then make him inscribe Courage on his charm.

We really need to make him experiment more...

>>138924
Rance is.... interesting. Attractive, even. He takes in women exiled by tribes for silly crimes they never did, and he helps them learn things that those tribes would never teach them.

He's also very strong~

I don't think putting on a magic charm is going to help Antares now.

>>138928
Give the Undeath ring to Asala, she might be able to make use of it.

Yea, I don't think we can do nearly as much good from outside his head.
This... could be a problem...

"You are not responsible for our lives, we fight of our own volition, if you aren't willing to rick our lives, then our goal can never be achieved."

>>138938
He looks up at me, then sighs. "Even so..."
Jai walks up, and smacks him across the face.
"You fucking idiot!" she roars. "I fell in love with a man, not a simpering boy! Get your act together so we can save your mother and everyone on this continent!"

Antares looks up at her quietly.
And then he kisses her lips.

Oh... I... I see...

>>138940
Um. Yeah, Antares chose Jai. Some of us won't give up and want to get all the girls together with him but I'm of the personal opinion that we should just let it be.

>>138940
Ysl, we really do enjoy being in your head, but Antares needs us right now; we can't see his thoughts from here, and talking through you is very slow.

>>138941
Well... I understand that humans prefer to take a single woman. Goblins believe that physical relationships have little to do with actual love, and are mere acts of pleasure. A kiss is something of... an act of great closeness. More so than humans believe it to be.

>>138942
Very well.

#^%^@$#%^$%^$
I... uh.

Sorry?

No biggie. Happens to alot of heroes. Not your dad, but...

Kill Achilles and we'll let it slide.

Make an undeath something for Asala, no buts, we have an idea. Level one should be sufficient.

>>138944
It's alright. It was a big shock. Asala is blind now though. That's the price of resurrection; you lose one sense while that person remains alive. Could you give her an Undeath ring? It might help. You may also want to consider handing her Freedom and seeing if it does something useful.

>>138944
Ok, we seem to be a bit lost. Can you tell us how to get to Antares' ascending dorsal longitudinal fasciculus??

If that IS you, Antares, then I think you should know that our services are not without cost.

Are you steadfastly opposed to having multiple partners? Or would you be open to the idea?

>>138953
Weeeell.... they are without cost.

Rather, Legion is a demon that is known for only being summonable by those destined for great things. Legion's payment is watching the great events of history and influencing them as it pleases.

...!?!?

My head! AAAAAAGH! Oh god, it hurts!
I fall to my knees, grasping my skull. AAAGH! What... What's happening to me!!?

>>138957
Before the mindfuck:
Oh, no, that's not what I mean.
You see, the cost IS that we get to manipulate things as we see fit, and our cooperation depends on your cooperation.
We can talk more later, for now-

Antares, what's wrong? Shit.

Don't resist, Antares! Just fall to the ground and let it happen. Ride it out. It'll be ok.

>>138961
Oh... kay...

Whiteness again.

The soft hands of the young woman touch my face, bringin our eyes to look at one another. They are filled with sadness and understanding, yet the pain persists.

Don't worry, Antares, just ask her what's happening.

>>138963
We found out her name: Caldia.

As her what's going on. Why does it hurt?

>>138965
"Caldia... why does it hurt?"
"Hush. The pain will subside. You had to learn the worst, didn't you?" she murmurs, sighing.

'Learn the worst?'

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF...
Did you learn Truth?

>>138972
The worst what? Rune?

Antares, what rune did you learn?

Oh hey, ask her if it's possible to Swear yourself to her.

>>138974
N-no...

"The worst of the Greater Runes, Legion." she says gently, laying me down in her lap. "To Know a Rune, you must understand how it links with everything, and interacts with the world at large. The human mind often cannot grasp Greater runes, but the worst one for it to attempt is Death."

Crap. This one isn't going to be all that useful. All experiments are going to be horribly dangerous, and the ones with the best potential payoffs require potentially lethal experimentation.

>>138977
She smiles.
"Not now. I'm a little young to offer that just yet. But I can help you, soothe you through this pain."

Caldia, can you hear us?

So, the thing where that Dwarven goddess claimed Antares, is that going to prevent him from swearing to you if that becomes viable?

Did it hurt you in any way?

>>138983
"Nope! Humans are great like that."

I cry out in pain once more. It feels like my head's going to split in half!

Is it going to be like this every time he uses death? Or...?

Geeze, I feel kinda bad for him.

Caldia, what's within your power? Can you grant boons or runes? Can you manipulate willing souls? Can you provide us with useful information?

Actually, is there a rune that WE could grant him?

>>138988
"My power at this point is granting the use of Runic Berserk, which he's used several times already. However, I am not that strong, so the proocess is unrefined. I cannot directly grant Runes, for they are intrinsic within the person."

I scream again, the pain, though, is slightly lesser.

>>138989
Is there is a way by which we can help him gain another rune, besides those which we already know?

>>138990
"No. It just..." she waves her hand vaguely. "Happens."

The pain subsides entirely. I'm left with a single relevation.

Everything dies.

>>138991
Huh. All that pain just to tell you a basic truth?
That kinda sucks, and my kinda I mean WHAT THE FUCK WAS THE POINT OF THAT, UNIVERSE?

Feel better?

>>138991
Yes, that is true. Even the universe itself. I think there's a bit more to it than that, though, if it's so hard for humans to understand. Well, congratulations anyway! I hope this rune turns out to be useful in multiple situations, like the others have been so far.

>>138992
No, no, you don't get it.

Everything. Love, happiness, gods, the world, everything, EVERYTHING, will pass, sooner or later.

>>138994
Oh, I see. The problem is, imagining what that will be like. Complete emptiness is very, very hard to get a handle on.

>>138993
LEARNED:

Death

Greater Rune

Special attributes
Greater: Cannot be dispelled by Least or Lesser runes. Cannot be erased unless the user spends a full minute doing so.

Item: Ring
Size restriction: 1 only.
*Allows the wearer to 'see death', knowing when creatures are about to die or are in imminent danger.
*Allows the wearer to affect entropy, negatively. This causes firearms to jam or dud, and ruins complicated mechanical objects.
*Allows the wearer to use a touch attack that reduces living or formerly living matter to dust. This is useable once an hour, and expends the rune.

Item: Bottle
Anything stored inside that is organic is reduced to dust, the time required determined by rune size.

>>138994
Yes, I know, I have existed longer than you can possibly imagine, and so I have a bit of insight into this.
The meaning of life is enjoying it while you have it, and leaving the world a better place than when you entered it. That is the purpose of your existence. Knowing that the end is certain simply underscores how important it all is.

>>138997
I disagree. Death has nothing to do with the meaning of life. Death is simply the ultimate outcome. Life is the journey, and it has a purpose of its own. Death is simply the destination. The end of the road.

>>138999
But life and death are two sides of the same coin.

>>139000
In the grand scheme of things, yes. But for individuals, the purpose of the journey of life is quite detached from death itself. Time, however, has much more of an influence.

>>139000
It's really more like you're sonstantly flipping the coin and once you get tails you can't anymore.

Anyway.

Is there anything more I should ask her, or should I wake up?

>>139003
Find out if there's a way to contact her that doesn't involve horrible pain and suffering, or if she can contact you without the same.

>>139004
"Dreams." she says simply. "When you sleep, I will see you."

>>139005
Ah, ok, that works.

Alright, since there's a way to ask questions later you can wake up now. I'm pretty sure that people are in a panic back at the old meatshell.

>>139005
Questions, questions... Where did runes come from? Can you tell us what all the rune combinations we can use do? What about runewords? What do those do?

>>139010

Actually, yea, these questions matter.
Specifically, I'm wondering what these runes would do, if anything:
>>138749

>>138749
Gibberish. They happen to look close to my runes.

>Can you tell us what all the rune combinations we can use do?
"No. Those are for you to find out, dear believer and helper. OH! Before you go, someone else wants to speak with you."

Very well, then. We have ample time for those who wish to speak.

>>139014
"How diplomatic of you."

??

A Seeran?

The man smiles, then taps the polearm he's weilding, which snaps into a scythe.
"We need to have a little... Chat."

>>139015
Oh hey. We heard you died. I guess that didn't really... do much did it?

>>139015
It's nice to see you again.

>>139016
>>139017
"I decided to enact that farce with Hattori to save my sister the crushing knowledge that I'd decieved her all along. We'll meet again. I meet everyone eventually..."
He sighs.
"Unless they are helped by Legion or know someone who is, it seems."

>>139018
What do you mean?

>>139018
Er... I'm not sure what you mean. Are you saying we help people live longer than they 'should'?

What's up with Sal'an by the way? We totally fucked up there, didn't we?

At any rate, what did you want to talk about?

>>139020
"Sal'an lived because of sheer willpower. He wanted to live. A lot. So... he did." he shrugs. "As for Ysl.." he reaches into a pocket.
"Look, there's a reason I run on a schedule. It's so I can get to everyone. If I'm running off schedule, I might miss people. Every little curve in that results in a few more poeple I can't guide. You might not understand this, but you've caused ghosts to come into being, Legion. This talk was scheduled, but Ysl's survival..." He pulls out an hourglass, showing all the sand in the bottom bulb. "Too many ghosts, and things might fall seam out a bit."

>>139021
So... what should we do? Is it enough of a problem that we should think about ... not having Ysl be alive when the time would come for her to normally be set to rest, so you can keep to your schedule? Or are you just saying that we shouldn't do this kind of thing again?

>>139021
We can assure you that we won't be doing much of that in the future. The price is very heavy, and we need to save it for when it's important.

Ysl's survival was necessary for several reasons, and you know as well as I that fate is a nebulous thing. For all we know now, she may get be on time for your meeting.

Alternatively, you could look into empowering an assistant to help those ghosts out. Might be fun.

>>139026
"She's already missed her meeting. I've rescheduled." he says simply. "Fate is indeed an odd thing, but listen... I'm more likely to feel sympathetic when you ask first. I'm not Mr. Fire and Brimstone, but I do these things for a reason."
He shakes his head.
"One last thing. Achilles is fucking up my nodes with these weird psuedo-living things." he snaps his fingers and an image of a Crying Knight appears beside him. "Take care of them and I might help you out actively."

>>139031
We really WOULD like to forewarn you, but contacting you would take time we don't have.

Could you look for people around us and push back their meetings until after their time? Or would it be unsuitable for them to be a ghost until rescheduling can take place?

>>139031
Gladly! We won't pass up the opportunity.

>>139032
Ghosts warp reality by simply existing, unless their will is strong. The effect is exponential over time. Some areas are corrupted by this, such as the swamps you're about to enter. I can't risk any more of that."

>>139033
"Thank you."

>>139034
Unfortunate. Although one ghost for a short period of time is better than many ghosts resulting from a missed meeting, and I think most of our crew is pretty strong willed.
Although we can tell you that we can't resurrect Asala, we probably won't resurrect Rance or his followers, or the dwarfs... Or basically any of the other people whose names we haven't bothered to learn.
That leaves, what, Antares, Jai, and Ysl? Anybody else, guys?

>>139037
Just leave Vorana out in the cold, whydon't?

She's not a named character at all.

She's just a bug.

Jax, I'll try to stop them from doing it again. It'd help if we had a way to ask you though. And if Antares gets tagged, we're going to do all we can. Union rules, you understand.

>>139039
"As for contact, I'll see what I can do. Next time you kill a Weeper, ring this." he hands me a silver, inscribed bell, the tiny round silver ball inside wrapped in a small cloth, tied at the top of the bell. "I'll repay you as best I can. One more thing, though it's really quite cliche: Your greatest gains will be in the darkest hours."

I wake up.

I'm in a large grass hut. I smell death. Lots of decomposition, lots of bodies, though not nearby. It's raining.

No one is in sight.

>>139187
Odd, we shouldn't be out of the mountain pass yet. I hope you haven't been unconscious for a week!

Maybe the smell of the swamp is just that bad?

Poke your head out of the hut and see if you can spot someone, or another tent.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/02/26(Fri)15:54 No. 139204 ID: 6faa8c
File 126722844881.jpg - (358.85KB , 1024x1304 , Hassan.jpg )

>>139194
I'm in the swamp. The smell is incredible. I look to my left and see a young man who is very out of place. He's tapping his foot to an unhearable beat, his fingers on the brim of his cap, just to the left of the entrance. He's quietly humming to himself.

>>139204
Well, I can assume he's friendly since he didn't kill you in your sleep.

Hey, can you think of a reason not to always wear a Death ring? Put on an Undeath ring for now, since we heard this place is haunted.

May as well say hello, as well. Ask who he is.

>>139225
I put on Undeath.

...The man doesn't change, but the air behind him is thick with white ghosts, innumerable. They seemed chained, attatched to him, somehow, and howl in silent agony.

He notices me.
"You are one lucky bastard, you know that?" he asks, without looking up. "Most folks I find alone out there, well, let's just say they don't make for good decorations. The name's Hassan. Pleased to make your lively acquaintance."

>>139240
Alone? That... is not good.

Introduce yourself. Ask him exactly where he found you, and what's up with all the ghosts.

On second thought perhaps we shouldn't reveal that we can see the ghosts just yet.

>>139244
"My name is Antares Delarosa. Where'd you find me?"

"You were just inside the swamp. The mountain pass was perhaps an hour away. I'm not sure what happened to your friends, but I'm certain they are alive. I'd bet on that. Oh, one more thing? Achilles has got a hit out on you. What few swamp gobbins in the area might be glad to take you to him for a few months of real food."

Thank him for saving your life, ask him why he's sure they're alive, and complement his awesome fashion sense. Not necessarily in that order.

>>139506
"You're sure they're alive? That wouldn't have something to do with all those ghosts behind you would it?"

>>139508
"How are you so sure?"
"They got through the pass." he says simply, flicking his knife open and closed. "That fact alone is a testament. The real mystery is where they are. It's easy to get lost here. The trees and terrain all look rather samey until you reach the Gardens."

"That's a really nice outfit."

"Many thanks, my good man." he says with a smile. I still haven't seen his eyes.

The gardens?

Also ask him about those ghosts. But do it politely, something like "... by the way, are you aware that you're being followed by ghosts?"

>>139515
Well, I guess you can ask for his help in reaching the Gardens.

>>139516
"What... what's with the ghosts?"

"Oh, it's so rare for someone to see my friends." he says, holding up his arm. The ghosts slde around it, caressing it gently and holding onto it like paper streamers.

"The Gardens are the lands near Achille's home. They are much more beautiful than this..." he waves the knife. "Area."

Ask him why he saved you. I have a bad feeling about this.

>>139521
"Because I'm a nice guy?" he says, "Not everyone north of the mountains is out to get you. Just most."
He holds up a silver bell, identical to the one Death gave me. "After all, we're practically coworkers!"

>>139640
"True enough. Shall we get going?"

>>139640
Check to see if you still have yours. Just in case.

>>139707
I do.

He puts his away with a smile. "I must warn you, first. There are two threats in these lands you must always be aware of. Getting lost and finding the Garden prematurely."
I raise an eyebrow.
"That is to say, without your friends. With that in mind..."
"Yes, let's get going."
He tosses me a bundle. A normal short sword, my armor and ring, and charm, and the three bottles.
"Get geared up. While the two things I mentioned are the worst, this place is full of critters that even Achilles feels it to be wiser to leave alone."

>>139711
Get your stuff on, and ask what kind of critters he's talking about. Anything that Achilles would have trouble with sounds like bad news.

I wonder what a Death rune on the charm would do? May as well put a Death rune on your other ring. Put some small Bless runes on your armor and weapon, for the added protection from undead.

>>139718
I bless my armor and weapon, and put Death on my ring. I feel a small chill.

I only have one ring, so I erase Undeath beforehand.

I have a little time for minor experimentation.

>>139719
Blessing on the charm? Death on the charm? Death on a rock.

Ohh, try Undeath on the sword.

>>139740
I inscribe Augmentation on the sword, then Undeath.

A chill emenates from the blade, mist seeping from it as frost forms upon it.

I inscribe Augmentation and Death on my charm.

I feel protected.

>>139780
Neat, a frost blade. I guess it makes sense since there's no rune corresponding to cold.

I'm going to guess that the death charm will guard against instant death attacks. Or maybe even mortal blows! Or maybe it's just a stronger protection from ghosts than Blessing is (which would be very useful here)

Try putting some water in a bottle and inscribing (Augment and)Courage on it. Or even Wounds... though that would likely fill it with blood.

>>139819
Augment is not needed with bottles and jars. Containers can be enchanted with anything.

Wounds + water turns the water into blood, as you suspected. I wonder how that could be even remotely useful.

Courage + water removes all the gunk from the water (remember, we are in a swamp) and makes it glow brightly.

>>139826
Taste a drop of the glowing water.

>>139830
I feel energy course through my veins, causing them to glow ever so slightly. I feel stronger, but the feeling is very fleeting.

Anything else?

>>139833
Erase the Undeath rune on the sword and put Death on instead.

How about... Augment+Death on your armor?

>>139839
The moment the rune is inscribed, I feel a weight pushing on my eyes. Lines spiderweb on all objects save the earth itself, like the world is covered with cracks and fissures.

I look in the water. My eyes glow blue.

>>139847
Examine the lines more closely.

Drink the entire bottle. We need to know what that will do.

>>139860
It seems they cover everything, like deep cracks.

Oh, hey, the glow illuminates the darkness of the house. Nice.

>>139864
NO. I'll allow up to a small sip.

>>139864
Let's not overdose Antares on power drink, now. I suppose drinking a swallow of it might be a good experiment though, to see if the effect increases or just the duration.

>>139868
A single swallow? Sure, why not.

!!!

Ohmygodmyveinsareglowing. EverythingisshakingandIfeelsofast.
MyheartisbeatingsofastIcan'tcountthebeatsanymore.
ohgodmaybethiswaskindaabadidea.

>>139876
Okay well, it's a good thing you didn't do this when you were still recovering! Look around the hut to see what's in it, while waiting to see how long this lasts.

>>139879
Itlastsaboutthirty-seconds-oh-man-I-feel-it wearing off now.
Oh god, I'd rather not do that again. Whoooo.

>>139885
Did it hurt you at all?

>>139925
No, it's just strange.
As I sit down in a chair, my sword touches one of the lines.
There's a flash, and the chair falls apart entirely, sending me to the floor.

Wha-wha-whaaaat?!

>>139930
Obviously, you just killed the chair. You severed it's connection to... something... and ended its existence.

I think it's more like he triggered its destruction by touching a line. The chair exists, it is simply destroyed.

My god.
You're Shiki Tohno.

>>139933
>>139934
So... I killed the chair, by touching one of the lines. The lines have vanished, but... I wonder if it works on something that moves.

>>139939
Take your sword and find a small rock. Put undeath 1 on that small rock. Then touch your sword to one of the lines on the rock.

I guess technically it would be moving, but uh... it's not alive either. We'll be trying it out in combat soon, I bet.

Try etching Death on a small rock?

>>139944
It turns to sand.

Huh.

Anything else?

>>139945
Inscribe death on the chair's seat.

>>139946
Sawdust.

Hurm...

I think I'd better get going.

>>139955
Yeah, I suppose so.

>>139968
I walk outside, look at Hassan, and nod. "Feel free to ask about the area." he says as we set out. "I've been living here as long as I can remember."

I notice his shoes have small runes on them, and rather than walking through the muck, he walks upon it.

How did this place form? Why are there such horrible creatures here? why would you live in such a place?

"When Achilles creates something, if the original owner of the body was intelligent, the soul clings to the newly revived flesh. It can't attach, however, so it is trapped in this world. According to my sources, when he rose to power, over a million humans were converted into his own soldiers... and those souls corrupt the land around them. And as the land changes, so too does its inhabitants. Elves slowly lost thier majesty and became short and hunched, goblins lost thier scales and instead gained fins and long jaws full of teeth, What humans were left lost much of their intellect and beauty..." he sighs. "It's a sad thing. And even if Achilles were to die, the souls would still be lost, until they are escorted properly. But finding each and every last one of them is such a chore... hence my birth, and purpose, and friends. Someday, this land will be beautiful again. But it won't be in our lifetimes even if Achilles died this very moment."

>>140150
"Your birth?"

>>140150
Oh, ask what runes he's using.

"Your birth?"
"Ah. Ahhaha. I suppose it might seem odd for someone like you who knows nothing of my kind."

He removes his hat, revealing lichen-green hair, bright green eyes, and long pointed ears.
"We are born of the land, literally. The land needed me, so it made me. We're very rare these days because the land is so lacking in hope, it doesn't even try." he sighs.

>>140249
"What runes are those?" I ask, pointing at his shoes. He chuckles.
"Nothing incredible. Just something I picked up after spending so much time here. It's Water, inscribed on my shoes. Lets me walk on it. Handy in a place like this."

>>140271
Ask him what it does on other items. Has he experimented much?

Ask him what runes he knows. If there's any overlap, then exchange tips and tricks.
Also, offer him some courage water.

I wonder why the land is so lacking in hope.

rolled 1 = 1

---

>>140340
>>140325
"Water and Secrets." he says, smiling. "And no thanks."

>>140343
Something is about to happen. Put Death on your sword again, since it wore off.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/02/28(Sun)19:27 No. 140345 ID: 6faa8c
File 126741403861.jpg - (337.88KB , 1037x1403 , 1260760374908.jpg )

The water before us roils, even though it is only ankle deep.

"Prepare yourself!" Hassan cries, taking a defensive stance as his dagger appears in his hand, held to stab. "The swamp sees you!"

The water and earth below erupts as a huge creature roars out of it, warbling a low cry of anger.

Does it have any of the special lines from before?

>>140345
AAAAA holy crap

Drink some Courage water, etch Death on your sword again, and cut a line!

>>140347
No, those are gone now.

I step away and attmpt to drink the water, but the creature knocks it from my hands, and a sharp blow to my belly sends me flying. Hassan is standing back, watching it intently, his fingers making odd gestures.

Bless 3 your shoes, etch death and augment on your sword, then take a swig of courage water and hit every line it has.

>>140350
Wonderful, well slash at it with the sword, but make sure to take a path so it's easy to evade counter attacks. I want to see what happens if you hit it with death, but it's not worth you getting injured.

>>140350
You were sent flying? Well, you should have some time free from harassment. It seems to be very fast, which means you need to be fast too. Either bless your shoes or prepare another bottle of Courage water. Then etch Death on your sword so you have a way to fight it. What is there nearby? Any big rocks? You could try that Blessing+Courage trick again, though the size need not be so large this time.

>>140351
The water has diluted into the swamp, the engraving spent. Damnit! Hassan finishes his gestures and points, steam appreaing on the beast as it howls in pain, burns and blisters appearing on its skin in a small area.

"Stay back!" he calls. "This creature is not something you face directly."

I defend myself, slashing away at the hands that chase me, dealing minor cuts.

CHANCE: The creature's back flows seamlessly into the earth. Should I try to run atop it?

Acrobatics, DC 15. Can be boosted by effects that enhance agility. You cirrently have a +2 (racial).

>>140356
Hassan knows better than us what this thing is. He says not to face it directly, and we shall heed his advice!

rolled 11 = 11

---

Of course.

>>140369
I inscribe 3 on my boots, (a +6 bonus).

19! (masterful success!)

I run towards its back, dodging blow after blow, barely hearing Hassan let out a cry of surprise as I scale the back of the beast, climbing ewasily on heavy scales and sewn in blades and armors.

I now stand atop the beast, holding onto a horn as it whips and whirls around, roaring.

Stab it in the eye, obviously.

>>140371
Ask Hassan what you should be stabbing! Then stab it there!

rolled 2 = 2

---

>>140375
"What the hell should I be stabbing up here, Hassan?!"

"You..." he sighs and palms his face. "Look for where the seams meet! There! Stab it there!"

I read back the sword...

>>140378
...And bring it down on flesh as the horns detach, holding on helplessly as it writhes around, the punches barely missing.

>>140379
Surely there must be something else you can get ahold of. Try again! Or... perhaps you can Bless your gauntlet and PUNCH the stitches?

Well if you've got no other options, there's always Death Touch.

Inscribe death on the monster.

>>140386
"You know!" I scream, as the creature whips me around, "I've had just about enough of this bullshit!"

I slap the creature, the rune inscribing on the flesh rapidly.

"Writhe in hell, whatever you are!"

It screams one last time, and turns to dust, letting me fall on my feet.
I flip off the remains, as the dust to the wind.

>>140389
Um, wow. You really hated that creature, didn't you?

>>140389
Well that worked pretty well. Check on Hassan.

Are any of the thing's pieces not dusted? I thought I saw some weapons on it.

All of it turned to dust.

!!!

What!?

My hand?!

There's the rune for Augmentation on my HAND!

>>140394
Level up?

>>140394
I guess Augmentation had to come from somewhere when you inscribed Death on the monster.

Is it safe to leave that on you? Maybe while it's active you won't need to inscribe it on items to get the effect you want. Try inscribing something that would normally require it. Say... Death on your sword.

>>140396
It inscribes and takes effect right away. Strange.

I erase it.

Well, this certainly frees up rune space!
But it bugs me... This shouldn't be happening. Well, either way, moving on.

>>140402
Shouldn't be happening... Oh. Reality is twisted here, Antares. It isn't conforming to the normal rules. Also, did it take you a full minute to erase that Death rune?

>>140405
Twisted reality? Like The Weirds only less deathtrap and more general weirdness?

rolled 84 = 84

---

>>140406
The Weirds have been studied extensively by all magical institutions. It's actually where all magic springs from, leaking into our world slowly. Some even say that the entrance is too small for some, more concentrated form of magic to spill in, like a hole in a colander.

A minor version of the Weird? That may be possible...

We continue walking.

>>140410
Ask Hassan what that thing was. It didn't sound like any of the creatures he described so far.

Plus, make some more Courage water.

>>140413
"What was that?"
"No name for those. Aberrations? Freaks? Monsters?" he shrugs. "Don't matter now. It's dead."

>>140414
I quietly bottle more Courage.

>>140418
Ask what the circumstances were surrounding his being employed by Death. Explain your job.

>>140420
"Me?" he thinks for a moment. "I collect ghosts. Keep them all in one place. Near me. He hired me when he found out what I was doing, and told me to keep going. You?"

"I... I'm to kill the Crying legion."
"Stories tell he's added another." he says quietly. "Hope for your sake it's not one of your friends."

I trip on something and fall in the water.

>>140434
Look at the thing you tripped on.

>>140434
What'd you trip on?

>>140435
A three-fingered mechinical hand.

...

Wait.
Huh?!

>>140438
Does it belong to Sal'an? Look around for other pieces.

Be sure to grab the hand. The rest of him could even be stuck underneath! He's gonna be so pissed...

>>140440
"Hassan, can I get some help?"
"Why?"
"I think I found one of my friends."

There's a lot of pulling and digging and yanking and swearing, but after an hour, we manage to get a muddy, stinking Sal'an out of the marsh and onto the nearest dry ground.

Problem is, he isn't responding. His eyes have dimmed.

"He's not dead, his soul would be around here..." Hassan states simply.

>>140443
There was a hatch he opened before, to empty the water out. Try finding it and draining him.

>>140444
This, also is his "life" rune dirty? try cleaning it if the hatch thing doesn't work.

>>140444
I do so, and his cavity drains quickly. A small sealed tube plonks onto the ground, and I shut the hatch.

I pick up the tube, and read:

If found inoperable: Please open hatch to empty liquids, then clean Rune on forehead.

Thank you,
Sal'an

Using my forearm, I clean off the rune, an-

Ow.

His fist simply shot out, into my belly, propelling me across the water ten feet.

"WHERE THE FUCK IS THE LITTLE BITCH I'M GOING TO FUCKING MURDER HER I SWEAR TO THE GODDESS OF FIRE AND LAVA THE NEXT TIME I SEE HER I'M GOING TO TEAR THAT SMUG SMILE OFF OF HER FACE"

>>140449
Tell him to calm down. Then ask him what the person who attacked you looks like.

>>140449
I presume he's referring to Tyka?

Just lie there and hold up the tube. "Tyka right? Well here, take this back. I'm just gonna stay right here for a minute."

Antares, health check.

Also, is he talking about ysl?

"Are you talking about Tyka?"
"YES! Bitch dropped in on us and scattered us like fallen leaves, throwing us apart like we weighed nothin'!"

Hassan sighs.
"Troublesome..."

>>140652
Ask him if he saw where Tyka threw Ysl.

>>140655
"Nawww, she threw me first. I saw Ysl try to take a whack at her, but... No go there, they were out of sight before I saw what happened next." he slaps his knees, the sound ringing out like a gong, and rises.
"The good news is that Rance and his boys and girls are probaby untouched. They hung back for a full day while the rest of us went on."

>>140664
Ask him if he might know where they are now.

>>140689
"Not a damn clue."
"I could take you to the mountain pass. Perhaps they have set up camp there? Or we could continue searching for your other friends." Hassan states.

>>140715
We know the location of one person for certain, now. We should go back, tell Rance the situation so that he and his troops don't proceed into the swamp without us, and then we can search for the others.

rolled 83 = 83

---

>>140718
We aren't sure, but it's better than wandering around.

"Let's head back to the pass."
"Very well." Hassan states.

We set out.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/03/01(Mon)19:45 No. 140843 ID: 6faa8c
File 126750153854.jpg - (70.25KB , 1600x1200 , 1251395958290.jpg )

>>140830
We walk for a while.
Hassan stops me.
"Shit. I forgot. We should have set up camp a while ago."
"Why?"
"Look around you!"

>>140843
Um... what are they? What do we do?

>>140843
What is happening? WHAT IS HAPPENING? Ask him!

>>140845
I've heard of this.

When something dies in the weird, they become an elemental unless they are Sworn. So here....

Oh no... Ghiests.

Ghiests are powerful undead, ghosts that have mastered spellcasting over their time as a wandering soul. They aren't something you want to encounter, ever.

They aren't coming any closer, though?

They only come out at night. They fear the light.

Make more Courage water, and give the bottles to Sal'an and Hassan, for light.

>>140861
"Hassan, Sal'an, to me!"
They huddle close, and I hand out bottles of courage. I use a size 5 so it glows as much as possible.

But before I can say another word, Sal'an drinks the whole thing.

His eyes glow yellow.

Oh dear.

>>140871
Um... Hit the deck?

>>140872
Good advice.

I hear a very brief and fast "FKU!"and a yellow blur slams into the nearest Ghiest. I quickly refill the bottle, as he punches one in the face, groin, and face, then kicks it away, moving onto the next one.

I hold out the bottle, and he snatches it, drinks, and goes back in.

Hassan chuckles.

>>140879
Next bottle, don't hold it out for him. Hold up a hand to make him stop so you can tell him he's supposed to be using it for light.

>>140881
He suplexes one of them, then one of them holds up a hand. I fling one of the bottles in between Sal'an.

There's a loud explosion, and a flash of light so bright, it illuminates the forest around us, rendering it into bright light and black shadow, the creatures holding up thier hands and stumbling away.

Sal'an lands between us, panting.
"My god, that stuff is incredible."

>>140885
...Tell him it was supposed to be used for light.

...Hooboy, you've invented magic POWERTHIRST.

>>140888
"It was meant for light."
"Fuck that. These things need to be taught a fucking lesson. Give me another fucking go, let me rip them apart. Then they won't trouble us anymore."

>>140894
"One of them almost got off a spell at you before I threw that bottle... I don't think it would be wise to try again."

>>140895
He shrugs.
"Good thing you did, then." he says simply. "But you're seriously going to stand here until the sun rises?"

>>140899
Well, we may be able to keep moving using the courage bottles as light.

Ask Hassan how likely it is for the others trapped in the swamp to survive the night.

>>140907
He shrugs.
"We will find what we find. Fury and haste won't help."

So what should we do? Try to make camp? Attempt to proceed in the night?

>>140921
Make camp. There are probably other beasts lurking around here and the night will make them harder to see.

Plus they'll be able to see US from farther away, with the bottles lighting up the place.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/03/01(Mon)22:32 No. 140989 ID: 6faa8c
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>>140930
We set up camp quickly and easily, Hassan humming to himself as he seems to conjure the materials for tents and a fire from thin air. Sal'an takes the watch, and we sleep.


"Oh, hello. I've been waiting to have a word with you."

>>140989
And who might you be?

>>140990
"... Call me Sellika" it says, rising. "I'm here to speak with you about the one you seek to destroy. Shed a little... light on him, and his psyche."

>>140994
His psyche? Does he even have one left?