sup kid. what's the problem?

So many excuses! You should be more honest with yourself. Everyone needs help sometimes.

However, you should know... only those destined to do great things are supposed to be able to summon us. Things are going to be more interesting for you than you'd like.

It worked! Either that or I'm going nuts from the stress but at this point I don't really care. So, uhm, I want to be an Alchemist Magus. Alchemists work with the 12 elements to do incredible things, and my brother was really good at it, so I decided I had to try but I'm not very good and I don't have any other ideas for a career and I'm already twenty years old and I'm scared I'll fail the final exam and and and please help me.

>>150455
Yes, yes of course! Now... who are you? Please introduce yourself.

>>150455

Sure, but, uh, you might want to start filling us in on stuff. Like, where are we? And, what kind of stuff can you do with alchemy? And what are these twelve elements? We're always kinda dodgy on the details.

damn, where is that one that asks the huge list?
hang on i'll find it......



got it!
What gender are you? What species are you? What's your favorite color? What's your sexual preference? Do you have any friends? Where are you? How old are you? What do you have in your inventory right now? What's the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow? Who are your parents? Are there any other myths? What's your favorite food?

>>150456
My name is Rosie Lejeanne Delarosa. I live with my father Antares, mother Jai and Auntie Ysl. I've mastered the following elements in their own teirs...

Body/Wood, of the Styles tier. I am pretty good at making myself and others stronger.

Earth/Fire, of the Elements tier. I'm connected to Earth through my simple way of doing things and hardy constition, and fire through my wild emotions and creativity.

Kinetics/Magnetism and of the Base tier. I know a lot about how magnetism works, and I'm adept at knowing the projectile and weight of things...

I'm not skilled enough yet to use elements out of tier, though...

((For a summary on casting, please see http://www.tgchan.org/kusaba/questdis/res/322765.html))

>>150459

Okay, I kind of get what that means, but what can you do. What are your limits. How much stronger can you make yourself? Can you move objects? Are you Magneto, Master Of Magnetism?

Anyway, so you wanna pass your final exam and become a Magus? Okay, then, what do you need to do to do that? Whatever you need, we can help... in our own weird way.

>>150459
Alright, we've got a handle on it I guess.

What spells have you tried so far? Am I right in guessing that Body Style, Earth Element, Magnetism Base will imbue you with the toughness of rock?

>>150468
My rank in Fire is an A, but everything else is C.
I mean, considering that incident in the past, it makes sense, but I don't understand why I can't grasp the others.

>>150482
What incident are you talking about?
We need as much information as possible, and we can't see anything. That happens sometimes...

what incident?! that shit is important!!

>>150482
Did a fire break out or something? I imagine Ysl was useful then.

>>150488
>>150489
>>150491
My brother got mad at me.
As punishment for what he did, he had to build the new cottage.

>>150496
Wait a second.

Your brother wouldn't happen to be Ysl's son would he?

>>150497
Yes, he's my half-brother. We don't get along well. He's moved out and we all breathed a little sigh of relief.

Anyway, the Exam is three Tasks. It generally lasts a week, and upon completion, you get an Elemental Foci, which helps you with tier switching...

I haven't gone in yet, I'm just too frightened.

>>150527
Well, you've got us now to help you. Get in there.

Hey, is Alchemy a new type of magic?

>>150544
No. But the Styles are, having been discovered in the past hundred years. My instructor Gerard says that soon, there'll be another layer we never even knew about!

>>150546
Wait, you mean you can just use a Base and Element by themselves? Can you do the same thing but with Style and one of the other two? Can you just use a single Style, Base, or Element?

>>150548
You can use elements and bases without styles, yes. But not one alone. The combination of the two at least is what causes the reaction... it's kinda hard to describe.

>>150549
So what combinations have you used so far?

Rosie, do you like your brother?

>>150560
Gerard has taught me two so far. He's also told me that the interpretation of the element in my mind can affect a spell wildly, so in truth no spell is set in stone. Uuuh... Using the format of Base/Element/Style...

Magnetism/____/Body transforms my skin or body into the element. The process is mostly painless, unless I try to keep it too long.

And, uh...

Magnetic/_____/Wood allows me to imbue myself or someone else with one of the emotions that element controls, like rage or passion for fire, or stoic calm of earth. I haven't tried much with kinesis, especially after the desk incident and the problems with the control...

>>150565
He...
He's my brother. The incident between us was an accident... he can be kind when he wants to, but... he likes to show off and he's very insensitive.

Maybe he's just immature? How old is he? Do you see him often?

>>150571
He's 17. He lives away from me, so we only meet in class. He always wants to be the best, and... well, he doesn't think about others very easily.

>>150570
How'd he start the fire, anyway?

Also uh... are you going in or what?

well let's try some exercises to get you more in-tune with the stuff. do the great 'sit under a waterfall and meditate' being super calm while surrounded by the element associated with calm should help you become in tune with it. with earth you need to pick up and move big rocks around for as long as you can, this will relate to strength, and willpower by using rock.
air you need to do some kind of dance on bamboo poles.

You should hang out with him more. He might be able to teach you some things, and you could help keep him out of trouble. Stupidity isn't a good reason to hurt your relationship.

How do I shot Trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/03/21(Sun)22:01 No. 150584 ID: e31d52
File 126923408461.jpg - (50.47KB , 610x842 , 1269234114917.jpg )

>>150575
His only trace of dragon heritage is fire breath. He got agitated and it sorta happened.

A-anyway, I should get going before anyone sees me with this summoning cir-

"Oh, hey sis. I didn't expect you to be here."

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUU-

quick!! liquefy the earth or something so the circle is destroyed!!

Take initiative, run up and hug him. You might be able to distract his gaze before he can look at what you're doing.

He already saw you, so pretending to masturbate as a cover is out.

>>150585
Kinesis/Earth/Wood
I churn the earth and erase the summoning circle quickly.

"H-hi, Seth. What are you doing here? I thought only I knew about this cave..."
He smiles, closing his eyes. "I just found it. Now, what were you doing?"

getting more in touch with the earth so i can use it better.

Tell him it's a secret. If he keeps pressing, let up that you were going to make him something as a surprise, and you had to destroy the evidence you drew out in the earth (also to practice Earth) so he wouldn't see what it was.

>>150590
"I'm just getting more in touch with earth to use it better."
"Oh. Well, you certainly need the practice." he says with a smile. "Want any help or advice?"

That sounds like a good idea.

if it's free, take it. if he expects a favor or something then decline.

>>150596
"Sounds like a good idea."
He smiles, pointing to the ground beside me. "A mudbath helps a lot. Sensory deprivation helps as well. Especially since you've yet to Pact with an elemental..."
"Th-that's none of y-your business."
"Just saying." he says, holding up his hands with a smile. "Just be careful, okay? Don't mess around too much with the workings of this cave."

that sounds important, ask why. rock monsters?

More likely cave-ins, but you should confirm.

So what's this elemental thing he mentioned?

>>150601
"Why?"
He scratches the back of his neck.
"I, uh... I'm here on assignment. Someone was summoning a demon and I had to get rid of them..."
oh god no

What is it?

>>150603
What the hell? How would anyone even know? If they knew you were summoning US, then they're probably involved in some plot to destroy the world. Since apparently all we do is save the damn world.

Anyway, sounds suspicious. You're going to need to find out who it was that sent him. Somehow.

And what's this about a Pact? Is that like Swearing to a god(ess)? If it is, I can see why you'd be embarrassed. Heheh. Say, your father's Runesworn fully by now isn't he?

>>150604
Because we're technically a demon, and he summoned us?

>>150604
we are called legion, for we are many. remember?

anyway. just tell him you will be careful and take that mud-bath.

Wait a second, nobody would know. Blessing doesn't even hurt us, there is no way that someone would know. Maybe there's someone else here?

naw, they probably just have a summon detector.

it's all 'BEEP BEEP BEEP, A DEMON IS BEING SUMMONED AT THIS PLACE!'

>>150611
"There must be someone else here." I say simply.
"I know. That's the circle for Legion, after all."
I... well... Ugh.
"I wasn't going to tell you I saw it unless you brought it up, honest. Besides, dad doesn't need to know." he thinks for a moment. "Tell you what, why don't we look deeper together? It'll be a learning experience."

And yeah, Pacts are similar to Swearing. I don't want to do that with a big rock the first time!

>>150614
Oh good. Even though we are technically a demon apparently nobody cares.

Yes, let's go look together. We know that other demons can be very nasty. Although not all of them are. One named Harumda is a decent chap. Though he's not available for summoning anyway anymore.

>>150619
Father told me of Harumda. He visited once.
He was very large. I got to ride on his back, it's one of my first memories.
"Alright..." I say, walking behind him.
"I need you to back me up." he says. "I'll make sure you don't get hurt." he places two fingers on his sword, and it glows, then bursts into flame.

>>150624
So he has Steel, Fire, and Magnetism.

Oh so he's a firebug too? Do you think you can feel through the earth, see if there's anything ahead of you? Your brother is more skilled than you, you should try to scan the area as best you can.

>>150626
Uhm, yes. Some uses of Alchemy do not require spells.
I lean down, closing my eyes.
The cave tunnels forward and downward for a ways... Ah! Yes, there's a few people lower down.
"Lower down. Four people."
"Very good." he replies, letting out a breath as he touches his neck, his skin shining, glossing, then turning silver. It's... strange to watch. "Let's move."
He runs, and I follow.

>>150629
Better prepare your body as well, with Earth.

If they're below you, you could liquefy the ground under you, cover them with mud. It could disrupt their planning, or at least surprise them and give you an easy drop on them. Literally.

How do I shot Trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/03/21(Sun)23:14 No. 150643 ID: e31d52
File 126923849392.jpg - (219.52KB , 602x820 , Sasskass.jpg )

>>150630
I touch my own neck, suffusing my blood with the energy of earth, letting it run through me. The effect isn't as obvious as my brother's, but I know I'll feel less pain and tire out slower over the next hour or so.

"They're just ahead. It seems they've finished already."

"A fine and fitting body you have prepared for me, Rubicant."
Should we wait and listen? Or attack?

>>150643
Wait... We don't know who this is. Depending on how strong a demon it is we may have to run away.

...Listen. If you don't manage to destroy it now, you'll need information about it. Make sure your brother doesn't go off to fight it, you need a plan.

>>150648
In fact, better not try to fight it at all unless you know you can win. Many times things are not weaker when they are first created, they're actually much stronger. Make sure you hold your brother back from fighting it.

>>150651
yes, being fresh and suffused with extra energy can give them an edge. and knowing who it is may help you crack down on a larger cult.

Well I misspoke. We do know who this is. His name is Sasskass. However, we don't know... WHO he is. I mean, we haven't heard of him before.

>>150646
>>150648
>>150651
>>150656
>>150664
"Lord of Fire and War, we welcome you to this land of ours."
"Have you a suitable gift for me?"
There's a long pause.
"W-w-we did not know a gift was needed my lord..."
"We will be happy to get you anything you like, milord!"
"A-a-anything at all!"
"Silence. It is of no consequence." the demon states, holding up a single hand. "I only need a fortress to sleep within, for now. With time, you shall reap your reward.""
"Y-yes, milord."

What should we do? My brother is looking itchy.

Take his hand. Pull it back towards you. If you can make eye contact, shake your head.

>>150669
okay then. all fire attacks are right out. as well as most anything steel style as that is war. any other things are fair game. tell your bro it may be a good idea to put his sword out, a fire sword on a fire demon is a bad idea. so rock him like a hurricane.

Yeah, fire's going to be a bit useless here. Earth punch or Earth Blast may work though.

>>150673
I have a better idea.

I place my hand on the cavern wall, a ripple flowing through the rock, until it reaches the roof. Sasskass looks up only to see a whole mountain of stone fall upon him with a resounding thud.

"Nice one, Sis."

>>150677
keep whaling on it until it's in pieces! things have a tendency to get back up unless you utterly destroy them.

He's not dead. Can you crush him with the earth around him? And heat it up so it bakes him? Get your brother to help with the fire and magnetism.

>>150682
That would kill anyone! I mean, it was several tons worth of sheer rock! How could any-

A part of it glows, then bubbles, a hand jutting out and grabbing the side, barely missing my face.

My brother slices it off, and the bit slides back in, the rock sealing back in. He picks up the clawed hand and smiles.
"Proof enough. Let's get going, Sis." he starts up the cave again.

Not yet. Crush it more. Demons are exceptionally hardy. What about the others? Are they alive too?

>>150687
turn the rock into a blender set to liquefy.

>>150692
I'm normally not this... violent, but I suppose it must be done.
I place my hand upon the stone, forcing it to crush whatever is inside until blood drips from the single hole on the side.

Nauseated, I leave the cave, my brother nowhere to be seen.
He must have gone on without me.

>>150700
don't worry, you did the right thing in this instance.and he probably needs to take that hand back fast. anyway... how about that mudbath?

>>150703
You...
You guys can't see me, can you?

>>150707
unfortunately know. for cases like this you may see it as a boon but in the heat of a real battle us not being able to see things but rely solely on description could hinder us. oh, and realise we are linked to a multitude of magical objects scattered throughout the multiverse. some of them grant us the ability to see but we manifest without sight sometimes as well. we are used to it.

>>150715
Oh, you mean the Orb? Father found one not long ago. They manifest a group of spirits from a distant plane. Legion is a demon of a great deal of note, i.e., you.

I look around to make sure no one is around, and churn the earth in a three-by-five-by-two area free of insects and worms and the like, slipping in after I undress. It's wonderful~

Why don't you heat it up a bit?

now while relaxing is good, you need to work on your focus as well. feel the dirt, try to notice every grain on you, the hidden strength and force of will.

>>150721
also, heating it will make it tainted with fire, which she is already good with. she needs pure earth for this.

>>150722
R-right...
I close my eyes, and let the feeling wash over me. The simple, quiet strength of the earth, the quiet power of it, a sheet of stone sliding over the top of the bath, high enough to let me breathe but blocking out sight and sound. I immerse everything into the earth, letting it into my mind and soul...

((Earth is now at C+))

Feel good?

>>150726
Feel very good...
Not sure if... Wanna go back... So solid... so simple...

Feels... good.

be careful. if you let it in too deep you are gonna feel gritty for weeks.

Simple is nice, but you must remember the wonderful complex things too. The taste of dry oatmeal doesn't compare to the taste of cake, the combination of ingredients into something wonderful and diverse. A clockwork watch, the tiny gears beautifully spinning, creating a magnificent whole. Snap out of it.

>>150729
a watch is interesting, taken apart it is nothing more the hundreds of simple gears and springs. but when you put them together in just the right way it makes something wonderful.

>>150730
>>150729
>>150728
I rise from my trance, opening my eyes.

It is dark here.

A feminine voice calls down, and the 'lid' thumps occasionally.
"Rose? Rose?"
Thump, Thump.
"Gerard is gonna be so mad!"
Thump.
"Get up, Rose!"
Oh, that's J. We share a class.

Better do what he says, you were out of it for a long time.

>>150731
... fuck!! break the fuck out! you went into the mud in the middle of nowhere!! why the fuck is there a lid?!

How do I shot Trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/03/22(Mon)03:06 No. 150735 ID: e31d52
File 126925238225.jpg - (70.31KB , 773x1024 , Jennifer.jpg )

>>150732
She, Legion. I open the top, and she respectfully turns her back.
"You are in so much trouble, missy! Fighting a demon without a Foci, Not escorting your brother back, and trancing without anyone to watch over you..."

"I know, Jenny. Can I get some wa-blubbleburbleBULBLE!"
A torrent of water blasts from J's finger, drenching and cleaning me. "That wasn't very ni-!" I begin to say, as a blast of air dries me, and I sigh and slip back into my clothing.

She turns as I finish dressing and hugs me tightly.
"I was really worried, Rosie. You're so good at getting yourself in trouble, you know?"

That's alright, we were supervising you.

Oh, I suppose you don't actually want to tell her that though, yes?

you can say you're bro had your back with the demon.

The trance was accidental, you just took a mud bath and your brother must have left while you were in it.

>>150739
"Well, I'm sure Gerard will be fine with that part. But what possessed you to trance alone?! Even Gerard doesn't do that."
She taps her spear shaft on the ground nervously. "Did you get anything out of it, at least?"
"Uhm..."
"Statue!"
I let out a cry and point at the ground while she poses, trying to form a statue of her with my eyes closed.
"Well, it still looks unfinished. But at least the face is right... mostly. Needs work, still... but you've improved."
"Thanks."
We approach the school. I'm still worried about Gerard and what he'll have to say.
"Oh, and your father was summoned."
"WHAAAT?!"
"You were out for a whole day, Rosie!"
Aaaagh!

don't tell him you have us, but if he says 'did you summon legion' you may as well tell the truth.

>>150743
Right, right. I just... need to steer away from the topic. "Don't worry, they'll talk to you at the same time." J says, her spear resting on her shoulder, sheathed. "So you won't get the same lecture twice."
"Fantastic."
"Stop being so negative! I never had people to keep an eye on me like this. You're lucky!"
"My godaunt is part dragon, J."
"I know, isn't it awesome?"
Ugh...
We enter Gerard's room, a large hall with a small lowered area for demonstrations that can be filled with various things. My father is here.
How should I enter?

>>150744
calm and confident but not haughty. you are proud of yourself but you are not letting it go to your head.

Don't smile, but don't frown either. Don't look down or they'll know you're lying. Don't look up or they'll know you don't know the truth.

>>150746
also don't look to the sides, then it means you are think of an excuse.

>>150744
...just enter normally.

I enter the room about as normally as I can. My father walks up to me, inhales deeply, and I wince in preparation for the words...
But he holds me tightly instead.
"Don't scare me like that, Rosie."
I sigh and look up at him as he releases me.
"Father, I'm twenty years old. I can handle myself."
"Yes, well, there are stories of people who trance and don't return." he replies, scratching the back of his head. "Can you blame a father for being worried?"
"And you've missed class, Rosie."Gerard interjects. "Finals is in a few days now, and you go off demon hunting and trancing. What's gotten into you?"
My father looks at me sidelong.
"Yes, Rosie. What has gotten into you?"

That's not fair at all, you weren't even there to hunt demons. Tell them you were just practicing some simple earth control, but your brother showed up. You didn't want him to go alone, so you came along with him.

>>150772
"I was merely practicing earth control when my brother came along... I didn't want him to go down alone."
"Very noble of you, but that's not really the prime issue here." Gerard states, crossing his arms. "Three rules, Rosie."
"Never craft gold. Never work with Life. Never Trance Alone."
"That's right. You could have subsumed into the greater earth, Rosie. The only favour you'd have done us is diggin' your own grave.If you want to practice that much, talk with me after class."

Apologize, say you thought your brother was close by and would figure it out.

Do you know any tricks for forcing someone out of a trance?

Hmm, I didn't know trancing was so dangerous. We should definitely have someone keeping watch over you next time.

Although... I wonder if we count in that respect? I mean, when trancing, is the danger physical or mental? Would we be enough to keep you safe? I think you should try to find more information about why trancing is dangerous.

Rosie, do you think you would be in more trouble if you said that we were with you, so you weren't really alone? Or would that actually help? It's an option.

Come to think of it, you probably WOULD be in less trouble if you told them that we were with you.

Probably best if you just tell your dad that in private if you tell anyone.

>>150782
Well... it's both.

You see, Trancing brings one close to the Great Elements. This brings the connection between man and element to another level. However, the Great Elements are... lonely. That's one way to put it. Some people say hungry. They like human interaction, but they cannot grasp the limits of the human body. They make those that trance feel good, feel amazing, but unless there's someone there to wake you, you simply forget about the world at large and subsume. Your heart slows, you stop breathing, your body shuts down as the Element barely sustains your body, until you leave entirely and become an elemental.

>>150794
...oh. I'm not sure if we would be any help with that. We're put into stasis when our host is asleep. Only rarely are we able to see into dreams.

So yes... you're going to need someone to keep watch. We aren't enough.

The effects may be physical, but mental control can be used to prevent them. We should be able to supervise you, that we woke you up before is testament to that, though extra supervision would not be unhelpful. It might not be a good idea to mention us to anyone other than your father, at least for now.

>>150804
I'm not sure that we were entirely responsible for that... I mean, she woke up right when J arrived. Also, we didn't exactly experience the entire time frame, right? She still lost an entire day, despite us being there and trying to bring her out of it, and minutes passed from our perspective.

But we still brought her out of it. In a pinch, we can keep her from dying. But some physical help would definitely not be unwarranted.

>>150822
>>150806
>>150802
"Sorry, father, Gerard. I'll be more careful."
"See that you are." Father says quietly, looking into my eyes for a moment before leaving.
Gerard sighs.
"Young lady, you are a handful and a half, you know that?"

>>150878
I think Antares is remembering how we previously behaved while guiding him... I guess he doesn't want us taking risks, even if the reward is great. I don't blame him.

I've noticed something though, Rosie... You've taken the initiative several times and used spells without us directly suggesting it. Your brother was somewhat impressed... are you sure you really need our help?

Hey, we heard Gerard turned his entire mountain into gold. Is that true?

>>150888
No, you're thinking of that silly dragon.

"So you want to be a big bad Alchemist, fightin' demons and monsters and taking big heavy risks. Tell you what, I'll have J take you on her next job. You two seem to get along pretty well."
"I work better with my brother."
"About that... Your brother's missing."

>>150893
What? Ask when he went missing! Did he make it back and turn in the demon's arm?

>>150893
Oh right that was Jerasp. We know of a Gerald, who is a spidersworn... uh, plant guy. I can't remember the proper name of his race.

Gerard is someone new, sounds like.

>>150895
"Did he return the arm?"
"Yes... but we haven't seen him since. J's going to go looking for him, and you're going to help her."
He hands me a small envelope. "Your first Task, Rosie. Don't you let me down."

>>150904
Hm.....

Your brother is talented, or viewed as such, right? Is there any means of checking if he is also doing trancing right now? I know, relatively unlikely, but considering how quickly you lost time doing some trancing yourself, it would seem feasible that he could be doing the same.

So lets check that avenue first, just so that we can eliminate it.

>>150904
Alright, let's do this. I'm confident we can find him. Although, what worries me are the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

super-long-term mega-goal: get the Great Elements to learn when it's too much for a person.

>>150916
Myself as well.

Demonic possession is growing very common these days. Alchemists and Runemasters are attempting to stop it, but no one is sure why it's sudden;y so easy to summon demons.

>>150911
We'll look into that first thing.
What sort of element should we look for first?

>>150922
Fire, I imagine, given his preference.

Next would be whatever element is most diametrically opposed.

>>150922
What's in the envelope?

>>150935
"Your first Task:
Find thy brother, and return him unharmed to the university."
That's all it says...

Alright. We'll first seek out areas of Fire Trance. I know of two: The heat vents of the Magic Wall mountains, which is a week's journey, and the Endless fire, which is also a week's journey, in the opposite direction.

>>150963
A week? Surely he would've left a note or something if he was gone for that long.

What about Steel trance? Do you know what other elements he's attuned to?

Closest is best. What is your brother best at?

>>150969
I only really know about Fire trancing areas. I used to do that with J or Sally.
I meet up with J outside.
"He might be trancing fire, so..."
She giggles.
"Oh, hell no we ain't walking." she says, then snaps her fingers. "Selphie?"
A small white-blue creature of whirling mists appears on her finger. "Can we get a lift, please?"
the creature flies down to the sheathed spear point, and the mist whirls around it while J sits on the haft, grinning. "It can hold two. Take a seat."

How much do you trust her ability?

>>151059
J is Gerard's assistant! I'd trust her with my life!
She's very good, and she's even Pacted, though she maintains that she only did it for the power. She's one of my first friends from when I joined, very strong and nice and beautiful and...
Well, I could go on all day, but for now I'll just sit next to her on the spear.
"Where to?"
There's the vents, or... the Eternal Fire.

...Your brother may be a badass, but I don't think he would want to go to Eternal Hellfire when he could just go to the vents. Unless you can think of a reason why he would?

>>151072
Well...
Both are equidistant. The Eternal fire is only known to Alchemists and students, though, in a sort of need-to-know manner.
Not to mention that the way there is Crafted, too, so it's easier on the feet to traverse and a little faster when you're walking.

Is there any particular reason the name is so foreboding? What are the vents like?

>>151073
Well, sounds like if it's easier to get to the Eternal Fire by foot, then he'd be more likely to have gone there. So let's do that.

>>151090
"Let's try the Eternal flame first." I say, and she nods.
"Hold onto me!"
"A-alright."
And we're flying.

>>151081
It isn't foreboding. It's simply very important. The heat vents are... Well, beyond the magicwall is a large area of Weird. Weird creates energy, and the vents expel this in the form of heat.

We aren't sure what the Eternal Flame is for or what causes it.

>>151167
Weird? Hmm...

I hope we don't have to deal with chaos going rampant again. Coyote's been behaving himself hasn't he?

>>151178
As far as a god of chaos does, usually. There's been whispers of him making the Cainites a real race again, with sentience and intellect, focusing on complex chaos as opposed to simple chaos. But who knows? This is Coyote we're talking about...

"You seem preoccupied. Worried?" Ja asks over her shoulder.
"Ah, uhm... Yeah."

Might as well gather information. Has she ever been to the eternal hellfire?

>>151184
"Ever been to the Fire?" I ask.
"Nope. It's only close to Air, anyway..." she says.
I should note that the Eternal Fire cannot consume organic matter except wood. It's hot, but doesn't burn you.
We're almost there.

>>151188
What, already? I thought you said it was a week's journey. Or was that just by normal travel methods?

>>151190
Just by normal travel methods. The path is windy. Most of the trip to the Vents is eaten up by the mountain range.
We land outside of the cave, and I get off the spear. The mist on the end goes away.

"Don't look so frightened, Rose. The fire can't hurt you."
"I know... I'm just worried my brother won't be here..."
"Then we'll check the vents. If he's not there, then we'll look in some Steel areas, like the Geribald mines. Stop worrying so much. You look much cuter when you smile."
"I... ah, yeah..."

>>151192
...wait, do you like girls?

>>151193

This is a very important question. It will be immediately followed by "Does J like girls?".

>>151193
I... Uh.. Wait, what?
"Rosie?" J asks, leaning close. "Are you alright?"
"Y-yes, just fine."
"Only your face is the same color as your hair."
"I-I'm fine!"
"Alright. Let's get moving." We make our way down into the darkness of the cave.
Why did you have to ask that now?

>>151197
Hehe.

We like to get questions like that out of the way as soon as we suspect something. Besides, that little embarrassing moment there might give her the right idea, if you're both into that sort of thing.

Are there ever any hostile creatures in places like these?

>>151198
Just wandering elementals, and they're more curiuos than malicious. Most understand Commanlan anyway.
"I heard the place was deep, but not this deep." J says, looking around. It's getting much, much warmer as we descend.

>>151197

We get bored very easily, and will find ways to amuse ourselves when more important things aren't going on.

>>151199
I hope you're carrying enough water. Don't want to get heat stroke or anything.

>>151202
It's a wet heat, and J specializes in Water and Air. We should be fine.
"So, Rosie, why did you decide to stick with Gerard? Most kids jump ship after first year for more forgiving teachers."
Ahh....
Well, I stayed because I learned a lot from J, but... I... I can't exactly say that, now can I?

>>151204
And why not?

>>151205

Seconded. But if you really don't feel like bringing it up, skillfully dodge the question.

Well if you really don't want to admit that, then uhhh...

You could say you wanted to make sure you really earned your graduation.

"I, uhm, wanted to earn my graduation." I say simply. She looks at me, cocking an eyebrow.
"If you say so... Ah, here we are."
The fire blasts out of a deep pit, the cavern housing it larger than the cottage I grew up in. "It's incredible..." I manage, walking up to it slowly, staying a safe distance.

And then my heart falls. Even as I circle the cavern, I realize... me and J are alone. He's not here.

>>151212

Ah well, to mad. Commiserate with J. And By "commiserate", I mean, "make out".

Or, alternatively, pack up and go to that other place.

>>151213

And by "mad", I mean "bad". Because apparently I need to pay more attention.

>>151212
Is the fire dangerous? Could you... look down into the pit to see where it's coming from?

>>151216
The fire is known to be coming from the Center, where the four elements roil in a chaotic swirl.

J walks over to me, hugging me tightly. I hug back, resting my head on her shoulder.
Her hair smells nice.
"It's okay, Rosie. We'll find your brother yet."

You said you weren't sure what caused it? You know where it comes from though...

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that the Fire element from the Center has its origin down there. It's like an arm coming from the source. Possibly, it flares out here to ensure a stable connection to the world.

Can you tell us more about the Center? Is there anything similar for the four Bases?

As for J, thank her. Tell her you appreciate having her around.

>>151236
>You said you weren't sure what caused it? You know where it comes from though...

Most Elements from the Center don't come up this high.

>Is there anything similar for the four Bases?
Not that I know of. There's no eternal windstorms, for instance.

"Thank you, J. I... I like you being... er, I like having... uh, it's nice having you around."
She chuckles.
"Let's get to the Magicwall. We're gonna have to touch down, though, since it'll take a whole day and I don't want to fly that hard. Is that alright with you?"

>>151239
Are you sure about that? There's Earth all around you. The sea is a huge body of Water, and Air is everywhere. It may not be a windstorm but it's still air... Or there could be spouts in places that haven't been found yet.

Oh, but I'm just making wild speculations. I don't know anything about Alchemy... I'm sure people who know far more than me have researched this phenomenon extensively. Maybe it's just one of those things that happens for a long time compared to US, but for the planet it's a rather short-lived thing. Maybe in a few hundred years the fire will die out, and one of the other elements will do something similar.

At any rate, yes. Do the touch down thing.

>>151252
"Alright. I don't mind."
"Then let's get going." she says, and we make our way out. We board the spear and fly off.

I feel watched.

>>151258
Hm? Look around a bit. Maybe let J know about the feeling.

>>151262
"J... I feel watched."
J turns her head to look at me.
"What do you... huh?"
A Raven perches on her head, preening itself. It's unaffected by the heavy winds that whip at our hair.

>>151263
Wait... Raven? Is that you?

The bird laughs, and J almost falls off with surprise.
"The hell?!"
The bird moves down onto the spearhead.
"Naw. Ah'm jus' a lowly messengah." it tells me. "Got if 'alf roight, tho, that's to yer credit."
"The bird..."
"'S talkin', yes. An' It's rude ta innerupt, young lady, so shut yer craw afore I do it fer ye. Now, my message is very important. The lady of the feathah doth sayeth and whatnot: 'Do not delve in matters that shall confound you. You shall not be pleased with what you find'."
The bird sighs. "Darmned if ah knah what dat means."

>>151268
Okay. I guess we'll keep that in mind. I hope Raven knows what she's doing by keeping us out of whatever it is.

>>151273
"I'll keep that in mind."
"Sure, sure." the bird spreads its wings and vanishes, taking the wind.
"Well, that was odd." J says.

It's quiet.

>>151275
Quiet? In an unusual way? Oh... any news about the New World? I wonder if any elves have started popping up again now that the forest is back. How are your grandparents doing, by the way?

>Quiet? In an unusual way?
In the akward way.

>Oh... any news about the New World? I wonder if any elves have started popping up again now that the forest is back.
No... Elves are made by the forest itself when it is in need, but live forever. We haven't seen any new ones... yet.

>How are your grandparents doing, by the way?
Gramma Ella is fine. I rode on her back when I was young and she went jumping. It was fun.
Grampa Hat is getting on in years, but he likes to tell stories. Ella says it is sad when his hands shake and he can't do things he used to...

>>151287
Hmm, it has been 40 years. I guess he can't do surgery anymore. Time takes everything away eventually...

Uh. Anyway, Re: Awkward Silence. "Yeah, that's never happened before."

>>151298
"Y-yeah, I've never seen that before." I manage, and J chuckles.
"You're a weirness magnet, Rosie. Things just... happen to you. Alright, we're about halfway there, I'm landing. We'll rest overnight."

We land, and she gets off the spear with me. We find a large stone, and she throws the spear. Water and air flow along the tip and it rockets forth faster than the eye can see, embedding itself at head height.
"You.."
"Splitting. It's a new technique. I'm trying to apply it as much as possible so I can practice more often." she says, taking out a large sheet and throwing it over the shaft, anchoring the corners in the ground.
"You can use fire to heat up your body, right?"
"Yes, but..."
"Eh, don't worry about the side effects. You can handle it, right?"
"Well..."
The issue is that my body will heat up, but the emotional aspects of fire will play havoc with anyone around me, making them more emotional, passionate, and couragous. I haven't gotten a good enough handle to control which emotion is played with, yet...that's a rank higher.

What if you don't heat yourself up, but heat up what's directly around you? Like laying on stone and warming yourself up with that. Or even the air?

>>151323
I... could.
"I'll uhm just heat up the rock a bit so it makes the tent warmer, alright?"
"Ah, okay."
I don't know why she sounds a little dissapointed as I do so and we lay down on the blankets, warmed gently by the stone.

>>151326
She's disappointed, which means she had a reason to ask.
Stop heating the rock and start heating yourself.

>>151330
A more efficient solution is not a better solution. Maybe she wanted an opportunity to practice something that can only be done with side effects in place? Like calming chaotic emotions with her water powers. Heat yourself.

>>151332
>>151330
I slowly allow Fire into my veins, letting the warmth suffuse my body and radiate out. In a fight, I'd let it run rampant, lighting me harmlessly ablaze and cloaking my mind in rage, but now, I only let in a little, letting the fire dance across my mind, across my heart and body.
My breathing and heartbeat grow more rapid, and I feel the blush creep across my face.

I realize me and J are alone, far from civilization or any other people.

I... I realize a lot of things...

>>151337
Hug her, but let her decide what to do from there.

Wait, is she experiencing the same effects?

>>151342
P-p-possibly... I cannot be certain, unless she
"H-h-hands do-don't go there, J!" I manage, jumping away slightly, then getting up.
Okay maybe I like her and maybe I might be interested in girls but but but you know I'm still thinking about it.
And and I kinda can't turn this off for half an hour.
She smiles and giggles. "I thought you were interested, Rosie..."

>>151344
You're alone, you're curious, she's interested.
Just go with it, or you'll be forever left in doubt.

Hug her tightly from behind, the closer you are, the more you can placate her.

>>151344

Now might be a good time to try and shift what emotions you're magnifying away from passionate and over to loving or such like that. Otherwise, the next thirty minutes are going to be...difficult.

>>151348
I shift the fires of my mind away from passion as much as I can, towards love and gentle happiness. J stumbles forward and hugs me tightly, giggling and ruffling my hair.
"You're just so adorable, Rosie..." she says happily, and I hug her back.
This... this is fine for now.

I... I was interested. Well, I am. But... I don't want it all to happen at once. You know?

I hear faint, masculine calls.
"Hello? Hello? Damnit, is there anyone about?"

>>151350
Kiss J sweetly on the lips, then respond. You need to signal to her that you are interested in her, but not in going that quick.

THEN respond to the voice.

Is that your brother? Stand up with J, go see who it is, but don't say anything.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/03/24(Wed)03:30 No. 151353 ID: e31d52
File 126942662490.jpg - (141.35KB , 627x864 , RalteseoftheDawn.jpg )

>>151351
I... I...
A-alright.
I kiss her lips, gently, and she murmurs in agreement, kissing me back and holding me close. It's sweet, like apples. We break off the kiss and go in the direction of the voice, finding a large hole.
"Oh, thank goodness, my fair ladies. I... er, I appear to have fallen in an old hunting trap."

Can you raise the bottom of the hole? Lift him out?

...Hey, alchemy isn't associated with witch-burning or anything, yes? Not that fire would hurt you specifically.

>>151355
Oh, easily.

"Thank you, m'lady. Most kind of you. Can you spare a moment for a failure of a knight? I need a favour, and it won't be much a burden, I promise."

So long as it doesn't take too long, can't think of a reason not to help him.

>>151357
"I don't see why not..."

"Thank you."
The paladin (he soon informs us) tells his tal of him and his two brothers, of which he is the youngest. They set off to battle a demon, but it turned out he had made the whole town its thrall. Easily, they were defeated, and forced to flee. They lost one another in the escape...
"So if you see my brothers Noon and Dusk, please, let them know I live, and that we shall meet in Rivermeet."

Sounds good. Tell him that knockout gas and an air alchemist could help with that situation.

>>151363
>>151363
He chuckles.
"Mayhaps, mayhaps. And should I see your brother, I shall tell him he misses you as well."
He rises with all the noise associated, plucks his sword from the earth,
"May Order watch you always." he says simply, humming to himself as he wanders away.

"I'll bet he does." J grumbles. She turns to me. "Uhm... Rosie... What happened earlier..." she says quietly, "I want you to know that... I do find you attractive. I should have told you rather than have you use that crafting..."

She was just trying to avoid awkwardness, don't hold it against her.

>>151367
Hug her, give her another sweet kiss on the lips, and say "I understand; you needed it to overcome your fear, and it worked. I'm happy with that."

>>151370
"I wasn't afraid..." she says simply. "I... I'm not good at long relationships. They go... bad." she gestures impotently. "We'll figure this out when we find your brother." she finishes, palming her forehead. "I know I'm making it a bigger deal than it should be..." she sighs and slips into the tent.

I... I'm a little confused...

That's okay, just find your brother.

>>151373
Confused? Why? Beauty comes in all forms. Male, female... what does it matter?

>>151373
Honestly, I don't know why you are so hesitant about this.

You and J know eachother, and J clearly feel comfortable expressing her feelings about you. And from how you have interacted with her, it is clear you feel at least some attraction back.

So, you and an old friend have interest in one another, so.... why are you being nervous? You know J, and both of you have these feelings, so no real 'unrequited love' thing to worry about, so....

What ARE you worried about?

Losing a friend? Won't happen, J was the more aggressive one in this, and blatantly stated her feelings.

Lack of assertive tendencies? That doesn't matter eaither, J is happy to take the lead while you get used to this.

So then, what is the hold up? Not all relationships need to be filled with drama and awkwardness, you both have enough familiarity with each other that such is completely unnecessary.

Alchemy...

I'm going to have alot of questions for you very soon, young lady. As for now though, Would you happen to be nervous about any sort of relationship? I know your father was, and it'd explain at least some of your shyness.

Ever had a boyfriend? Or a girl, though that seems less likely.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/03/24(Wed)13:13 No. 151442 ID: e31d52
File 12694615924.jpg - (94.21KB , 839x900 , Corrupted.jpg )

>>151424
N-no...
I've never had a boyfriend or a girlfriend.

>>151409
I'd rather my first time be because I wanted it, not because we were both drugged on Element. It's simple, I'm... just not ready.

I slip into the tent and go to sleep.

...


My neck... Someone's grabbing my neck...
"Raven told you not to pry, Rosie." murmurs ???. "Raven was right. Sasskass wants more blood, and the city's dead..."
??!?!!?
I can't scream why can't I scream

light your neck on fire!!

>>151447
"Hahaha, you really think that'll work on me, Rosie? You know who I am."
No I don't no I dont no i dont
"Yes. You do." Brother sneers at me. "Now die, for Sasskass."

I wake up screaming, J holding me tightly.

>>151450
Shit. Was Raven telling you not to look for your brother? This is bad... I don't think you can complete your task. He's not in a trance, he's corrupted. By Sasskass. We have no way of knowing where he is. Or even how to uncorrupt him.

Well, actually... You said that demons have become easier to summon. Also, Gerard said that a new layer of Alchemy will be discovered soon. I think these two events are related.

Think about it. The first layer, Base, consists of the basic forces behind reality. The second layer consists of the elemental forces behind the world that spawned from those basic forces. The third layer pertains to what dwells upon the world. The fourth? A further abstraction would be what spawns from Man: The Divine, Demons, Order, and Chaos.

Are there any dangers behind using elements you're not prepared to use? Perhaps he tried to harness the fourth layer before he was ready.

At any rate we should return to Gerard and tell him about this.

>>151452
N-no... That was a dream. A nightmare. It wasn't real, it can't be real. My brother wouldn't do that. He wouldn't!

>>151450
Hold her back, and tell her what happened.

>>151455
I hold her tightly, telling her of my nightmare, and she gently pets my hair, telling me it will be alright. I relax against her, as she gently murmurs into my ear. I feel so... calm...

>>151458
Aw, how nice. She's calming you with Water element.

Now how far away are we from the city? And the vents? We can either go check on the city and tell Gerard about Raven's message, or go to the vents instead.

>>151458

Relax. Get back to sleep if you need to, but if it's time to be getting up anyway, do so, and set out. Be wary. My advice is that if your brother isn't there, don't pry any further. Return, and explain that you didn't find him those places, mention your dream, and the message from Raven. At this stage, I'm guessing Raven's warning is to not go mucking about with forces beyond ye ken and all that. Obviously, we are, but later, after a little more preparation, and possibly some guidance by people who might know more about what's going on.

your brother may not do that, but something using his form may.

>>151466
Then I will save him!

>>151464
Right now? They're the same distance.

"I'll have Zephyr relay it, if you want." J says, snapping her fingers, the tiny humanoid appearing.
"S-sure."
She whispers to him, and it speeds away.
"Listen, Rosie. We'll find him. If he's like that, we'll save him. Together." she hugs me again, petting my hair. Mmmm....

ha, can't blame this on being hopped up on fire.

anyway, if it's day then get going, if it's night then go back to sleep in each-others arms.

>>151480
No, I suppose I cannot.

"Come on. We need to fly." she says, walking outside. I go with her.
Wait... A whole town under thrall? This demon summoning rash is growing very bad...

>>151600

Don't worry, you're with us. We'll totally make you awesome. Speaking of that, can you think of a good way to make it so you can snap your fingers at something, and have it burst into flames?

>>151600
Yes, it is. I wonder... if it wasn't your brother that Raven was referring to... perhaps it's the town. Should we avoid it? Could we even do anything about it? I wish Raven was more specific! Why do Gods love vague warnings so much?

Wait, I have an idea. It should be safe for us to look around this area for the other two knights. Then we can ask them for more information, without getting involved.

Just a quick side trip before going to the vents.

>>151606
Oh, I can already blast Fire fairly well. In fact, it's what I'm best at. Some joke and call me Firebug.

We take off.

I think It's best to just name my spells.

Fire Body: Lights body in flames, burning through most protective equipment sans steel. Inflicts the Berserk status, and inflicts random emotions on those nearby.

Earth Body: Increases hardiness, pain resistance, and persistance.

Fire blast: Induces a large incendiary blast in the rough area of the target. The more fire already present, the more powerful the blast.

Pyrotechnics: Allows me to control flames already present. Some functions involve directing it, enlarging it, and snuffing it.

Earth Churn: Causes a local sinkhole.

There's more, but I've never named them.

>>151608
Never named them? I bet we could come up with some good names.

well if the demon does put things in a thrall then that's another good thing about us. since we are technically a demon and already in your head another demon getting at it should be 99.9% impossible.

never say 100% about something, then you just ask for yourself to be proven wrong.

>>151661
Maybe you could...

"Something isn't right here." J says, stopping the spear in midair. "All the Wardens are missing..."

We're near the foothills to the mountains that house the vents.

>>151672
Wardens? Well, regardless it sounds like we've found something interesting.

We should be very careful. Stealthy if possible.

>>151676
Wardens gaurd elemental foci that normal folk do know of. We land carefully. It is eerily quiet: not even our footsteps make sound. When I try to speak, nothing comes from my lips.
I'm frightened...

...Anasi? Is that you?

try kinetics to force the air to move again.

>>151687
I can breathe. There's just... no sound.

J motions for us to move ahead.

We found the Wardens.
Well, we can't really .... really tell, heheh... if it's one or... or a lot...

Wh.... what's g-going on here....

>>151689
...perhaps this was what Raven was warning us about? I don't know. Uncertainty abounds...

How tough are Wardens? Could we fight whatever killed them? Maybe we can sneak a peek by taking advantage of this blanket of silence.

Wait. How fresh is the kill?

How do I shot Trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/03/24(Wed)23:35 No. 151701 ID: e31d52
File 126949893687.png - (227.38KB , 1152x718 , ???.png )

>>151697
Wardens are about my level, but this.... carnage is incredible.
J is backing up slowly and I look up.

Wh-wh-what
What is
What is that

>>151701
Ah, a being of chaos, change and strife.

Haven't seen such for some time....

>>151701
That's a demon! Can't quite remember what kind it is...

If J can get her spear in the air you'll have an advantage, since if Harumda was a good indication demons can't fly in the mortal world. You may need to buy some time. Earth Form, Earth Churn under it then Fire Blast it.

>>151707
I take Ear-
Whwhat?! My connection...
No, I have to try again...
I take earth form, bolstering my mental and physical defenses, slapping my hand on the earth as I kneel. The creature wobbles, it's movement odd, like a badly made flip book. Two more jerkily step forth, some of the peices disappearing as they do. Their.... 'hands' and arms reach forth, moving oddly like the rest of them, and I bat them away with bits of stone launched from the earth.

Their reactions are slow, as if they are underwater, but I feel the airt change slightly and detect workings of Fire in the air as they move thier hands together as if in strange prayer. J spears one with a strong toss, and it turns to smoke, something clattering to the ground.

How resistant are you to fire? You may have to redirect some very soon, prepare for it. J already took one down, keep his attention and hope she can get this one too.

>>151711
Soulstones! They're dropping soulstones!

Can you use rune magic at all? Those things are pretty powerful for rune magic, according to Antares.

Hey. You heard the soulstone clatter on the ground? Strange that the blanket of silence is gone now. Also, that fire magic they're using is worrying. Look around to make sure they aren't summoning fire to blindside you.

Otherwise, keep knocking them away with earth while J handles the killing. Unless you can make spikes out of stone to kill them with?

How do I shot Trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/03/25(Thu)00:02 No. 151719 ID: e31d52
File 12695005604.jpg - (149.94KB , 700x800 , Noon.jpg )

>>151713
I sense the workings complete as the creatures hurl forth odd fireballs, which I easily snuff out. They move forth again, and again I lose my connection with Earth. I let out a silent yell and open my palm, letting my frustration, fear, and anger at these murderers bubble forth in pure, pyroclastic, chaos.

The blast of fire roils forth, eating one alove and destrying it, but it hits a strange... barrier? before the other is touched. J runs to her spear, seemingly unable to access the winds to call it back, and I think I'm going to die when a huge, armored man literally falls on it, crushing it beneath his body. He stands, draws a blade, and motions us to leave, as he slays another that had crept out as he appeared.

Tell him his dawn is waiting in Rivermeet for him. Then GET OUT OF THERE.

seems like some are immune to different things, the one that was protected from the fire can most likely be hurt by earth. and vise-versa. also, if you can kill them all then this place would be back to something of it's old self.

How do I shot Trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/03/25(Thu)00:07 No. 151723 ID: e31d52
File 12695008679.png - (346.52KB , 1152x718 , Silencio.png )

>>151720
Strangely, the veil of silence perpetuates...

As the... oh... oh no
that one is
very big

yes, alternate, or combine them and shoot a lava beam.

Something is blocking air. Set it on fire and run.

Wait a second, the points where it contacts the earth, can you use magnetism to keep it locked there?

>>151723
As I try, the creature turns to me, holding up one clawed palm.

?!!?!

I... I feel...
Severed.
I reach for fire. It is not there. I reach for Earth. It is not there. The elements do not heed my call...

The large man gestures harshly to leave, pointing away, batting away the slow and jerky attacks of the creature with his shield. I see one of the strange objects the creatures dropped at my feet, and take it.

[murder][murder][murder]
[kill][fun][fire]

I drop it almost right away, clutching my head. J takes my hand, helping me up, looking between the creature and the man.

I feel my connection snap back into place, painfully.

>>151723
Silencio? It must be what's creating the blanket of silence.

>>151733
Wait. WHAT.

That's not supposed to happen! Soulstones are supposed to be DEAD! What does the object look like? Soulstones look like crystals. At any rate, we're useless here. Grab J and start running.

>>151733
10 bucks says that thing would have possessed you if your noodle wasn't already full up.

on the up side you hi-jacked through whatever it is that they blocked you with.

Hold on to J, imbue the paladin with as much power as you can.

>>151733
I stand. If I cannot craft directly, then...

I point at the man, muttering the mnemonic incantation under my breath soundlessly.
The man is surrounded in a heatless haze of fire, and his blocks and parries begin to stagger the monster, the blows getting through much stronger. It isn't long before he manages to kill it, a larger stone clattering to earth.

But it is not without a cost.
I can see blood dripping from the handle of his sword as he falls to one knee.
"Bl'dy b'stards." he manages, his voice odd through the helm. "A' you l'dies 'lr'ght?" he asks, shakily standing and pulling out a leather satchel, collecting the stones.

>>151738
...Sal'an?

Bring J, heal him. Cauterize the wounds, but let J use the power of water and air to keep it from doing harm. Send earth through his body to strengthen his constitution from the fight.

also ask him what the stones are, he seems versed in them.

>>151744
We quickly tend his wounds, and he thanks us happily.

>>151745
"Demons aren't supposed to show up wholesale here." he says, picking the last up with care and dropping it into the bag. "They need... They need a medium. A person, a host." he gestures vaguely. "These arsewholes subvert that by going through the Weird on the other side of these hills. In the weird, they're more stable, and the further away they get, the odder and less stable they become."
"So they get weaker..."
"No. Noooo... The less stable they get, the worse they are, until they simply detonate with demonic power. And then the stones fall to the ground, waiting for something, anything to pick it up..."
he sighs.
"You get my point?"

>>151748
So then, that dream...

Is it safe to trance here at all? I was hoping we'd be able to work on your fire affinity since we're here anyway.

Ask him if he's seen your brother, or knows anything about Raven.

yep, it attempted to possess you but your brain already has a demon resident so it bounced off.

>>151761
I describe my brother to him.
He shakes his head, then pauses.
"Now that you mention it, I did see a fellar like that heading to where I came from." he says, "Mumbling something about control."

>>151764
Where? How long ago?

oh and tell him where his brother is as well, he told you about yours.

>>151765
"Woah, calm down. Me and my brothers were running from the town a while west of here. Dunno where the hell Dusk is."
he pauses.
"Oh, no. You ain't going there. Not a nice young lady like you."

Tell him you have to find your brother, both because he's your brother, and you're pretty much forced to by your instructors anyway.

>>151770
Well so long as we don't have to fight more Alchemy-cancelling demons we should be fine.

If he's so concerned why doesn't he just come with us?

light yourself on fire and say 'i think i can handle myself'

>>151776
"Why not come with us?"
"Er, well..." he mumbles.
"Is it not a knight's duty to escort feeble young ladies?" J asks with a smile.
"You weren't there. Something was..."
he shakes his head.
"Something was very wrong there. The Weird was present, in this town that it had never touched. Demons, everywhere. Possessions, murder, rape... That town, that town is hell on earth. I may be a member of the Order of the Dawn, but we've decided to wall that place off and call it a fucking day. There is no salvation in that place. It's broken beyond repair."

You have to find your brother. Ask him why you felt cut off from the elements.

>>151780
then it will fester like a wound until one day it pops and the puss of death will seep forth. it must be fixed or destroyed.
also ask if he has heard of us, if he has and understands we are good then tell him you got us so you are apparently immune to possession.

>>151780
Weird, popping up in the middle of town? That is NOT GOOD. We need to find a way of shutting it down!

Hey, the opposing element is Lightning, right? Would a big enough surge shut down the Weird?

>>151789
we only have Kinetics and Magnetism which are neutral towards Weird.

>>151791
I know that. Someone else may be able to help though. J might have Lightning, we don't know.

>>151787
"Legion, hrm?" he thinks for a moment. "Oh yeah! Mum said it was responsible for us."
"Mum?"
"Er, we're the sons of Arryn." he says with a smile.
He pauses.
"You're right... I suppose. But I'm not going back there without my brothers."
"He's right, in a way." J says. "Running headlong into a demon nest is a bad idea. We'll need backup."

>>151796
Arryn? Ask her how she's doing. It's been a long time.

What kind of backup?

>>151796
Okay. Then our current goal is to find Dusk.

okay then; primary quest: get brother
secondary: purge demon city.

"What kind of backup?"
"The Brotherhood of the Dawn, first thing. We just need to find Dusk."
"Raltese is back in Rivermeet, Noon."
"Ah, I'll head back right away, then." he says. "I'll see you ladies soon." and with that, he trots off.
"But who else..." she mutters, "would be willing to challenge a den of Demons?"

Other than you? Maybe the knights aren't the only ones that had to flee.

>>151816
What about your father? I assume he's been keeping in shape, yes?

Well, regardless... how about we head to another nearby landmark and see if Dusk is around there somewhere?

Oh you know who would really love to fight demons? Harumda.

>>151820
or if dad doesn't want to help directly how about him giving those knights some good anti-demon runes.

>>151822
!

I bet he would, actually. And my father could be brought to bear on this, as well.

The earth trembles, then explodes between me and J, Gerard walking out of a tunnel that closes behind him.
"A'ight, what's so damn important ye had to send Selphie?"

>>151829
Explain the current situation to him.

I wasn't expecting this. Heh.

>>151831
He groans, palming his face.
"J, send Selphie to the Clan of the Horn." he says. "We will seek out Dusk together, once that task is completed."

>>151912
We make camp here, and Gerard explains a few things.
"First off: If I tell you to do something, do it. Yu'll know what I mean. No matter how absurd, strange, or odd it may seem, sometimes the ways of demons are strange and deceptive. Second: When you are suspect of someone, that they ain't who dey seem, look them in the eye."
"Why?"
"Eyes are the window to the soul. 'S easy to tell when the window doesn't show anything but a brick wall, if you get my meaning. Oh, and last thing, don't touch the damn soulstones. Don't let us touch them. Even though you can't be possessed, they can still influence you. Clear? Now... While we await Harumda and Dusk..."

He rises, tosses away his cane, and puts up a fighting stance, a grin crossing his face.
"We dance."

>>151919
he did tell you to do anything, so dance/fight.

>>151921
Th-that's easy for you to say! This is a man who's wrestled a dragon to the ground with Elemental'd strength!

>>151922
i doubt he will push you that hard. beating the shit out of you and then healing is fine though. try to learn something from this.

>>151922
Then use Earth Form. That should help prevent injury while you spar.

>>151925
"A-alright."
I bring earth into my body, feeling myself grow deeper, thicker, harder.
And then he rushes me, a blast of heat rippling behind him, a kick to the belly slamming me back a good distance...

But not knocking me over.
"You want to dance, old man, then let's dance."
I blast the earth with a concentrated flue of heat, throwing him up and away as I switch to the form of fire.
Wild, consuming strength flows into me, and I follow him up, rising on thermals to reach out and sl-
He grabs my hand, spinning in midair to hurtle me back down...
And I vanish into the earth, letting it swallow me and then spit me back out towards him, scoring a single solid hit on his belly before he knocks me onto the ground and stands above me.
"Yer learning." he says simply, helping me up.

>>151941
Now if only we could do this kind of thing when fighting demons. Better warn Gerard about that phenomenon, too.

Wait. You touched the soul stone before. Tell him that too.

>>151962
"You fought a Silencio and lived? Incredible. Silencios are able to sever our connection with the Elements. A lot of demons are able to manipulate that, but Silencios are some of the best... Don't worry, it's never permanent unless they manage to cut your hair."
"My hair?"
"Yep. It's a symbolic thing."

>>151990
"So you did... not for very long, though, which is good. More powerful ones may override Legion."
Wait...
"How...?"
"You touched the stone and you aren't batshit crazy." he replies simply. "However... because of Legion, you may be able to use the stones as a power source, depending on how hard Legion resists the incursion, and what element the creature used in 'life'."

>>152117
SWEET. A source of extra power! I assure you we will make as much effort as possible to resist if you attempt this. No lesser demon is going to kick US out!

Cut your hair... wow.

How do you feel about being bald?

>>152121
That's... oddly comforting.

"Last thing... there's no such thing as someone being unpossessed, unless it's Legion." he says. "Even death cannot save them. They can only either overcome the demon... or watch as it tears apart everything they loved, with their own body."

>>152127
Well that's bad news... If your brother got possessed then the prognosis is bleak.

Let's just hope he's not actually possessed.

How do I shot Trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/03/25(Thu)18:51 No. 152133 ID: e31d52
File 126956828367.jpg - (178.88KB , 1042x1200 , Dusk.jpg )

>>152130
I hope not...
My brother is very strong, though.

"Ah, I knew you'd show up eventually Dusk. Come on out."

A man gets out a nearby tree, with a sigh.
"How'd you know?"
"The sun glinted off your helmet."

No serious, how do you feel about being bald?