start laughing. i mean really really hard. when he asks what is so funny you tell him that your name is torus, and the order has been trying to kill you. they knew about you the whole time and didn't tell him.

Easy way to tell. Freeze him, and remove his mask. He should look similar to you.

>>167536
"Hold."
Avoid his attack, then pull back your hood, take off your mask, and cause enough light so that he can see your face.
"Prove your claim."

>>167539
>>167541
Torus:"Hold it. I have something to show you."
I put my hands on my mask.
Torus:"Prove your claim."
I take off my mask. He drops his sword and touches the wound on my face.
Person in white:"What... is this? Did... Did I inflict this on you?"

tell him you don't remember THAT day but don't let him know that you have no memory.

>>167560
"I took a hit to my head, so my memory of it is very fuzzy; can you tell me what happened, exactly?"

Torus 2010/04/20(Tue)20:12 No. 167570 ID: 34470e
File 127181953061.jpg - (277.45KB , 689x934 , unmasked.jpg )

>>167564
>>167565
Torus:"I took a hit to my head, so my memory of that day is very fuzzy. Can you tell me what happened, exactly?"
Person in white:"I'm sorry. I can't tell you how you got the wound. You just disappeared one day and..."
He punches me and I fall to the ground.
Person in white:"...You had me so worried..."
He takes off his white mask. He kind of looks like me apart from the eyes and the hair.
Murelle:"IT'S NOT SAFE!"
I see Jathura running toward the person in white.

>>167570
Just tell Jathura to stop. Only Freeze him if necessary.

shit... he is your brother but it seems that he was trying to find you for some horrible reason. try 'Silence' to keep him from being able to cast spells.

>>167573
dude, he just punched torus in the gut. he is not a good person.

>>167573
Torus:"Jathura, stop!"
He skids to a halt.
Jathura:"But master, he's a threat! He tried to kill you!"
>>167574
If I do that, he might not be able to speak. He's my brother!
Brother:"Who is this?"
>>167575
You would do the exact same thing if you lost your sister, had to search for her for a very long time, and finally found her again.

>>167578
i don't know about your family but i would hug her and cry, not sucker punch her

>>167578
"A very dear friend. It's alright Jathura, Murelle.
Brother, why are you searching this cave?"

>>167583
Torus:"A very dear friend. It's alright Jathura, Murelle. Brother, why are you searching this cave?"
Brother:"I was sent on a mission, but I got sidetracked. I found this cave and thought I could search for you here. Before you say anything, I should tell you how desperate I was. You just disappeared out of the blue one day, and I was losing hope of ever finding you again. I want an apology. Why'd you disappear? Where'd you disappear to?"

i can give you the where but not the why. i told you i don't remember that time.

This is your brother. I think you can tell him you've lost your memory. However, you'll need to be sure Murelle doesn't hear. Also, put your mask back on.

>>167591
I put my mask back on and Murelle slithers up to us. I can't tell him now.
>>167589
Torus:"I can give you the where but not the why. I told you I don't remember that time."
Murelle:"What's this Murelle hears about memory loss?"
Brother:"Where were you? I need to know."

>>167591
Why do we care if she hears or not?
She's one of your most loyal minions, and this is as good a time as any to tell her. Send us over to her, then say the following:
"Murelle, the last attempt was sabotaged and I lost most of my memories.
It's not lightly that I share this information with you, but you have earned this much trust."

Tell your bro you've got a secret fort set up. Ask Murelle why she was so interested in memory loss. Does she know of a way to restore lost memories?

>>167602
Torus:"I have a secret fort set up in Europe."
Brother:"So you've been in hiding."
Torus:"Murelle, why are you so interested in my memory loss? Do you know of a way to cure it?"
Murelle:"...The Well of Memories. It will take a long time and a lot of research for Murelle to find it."
Okay, I'll send you to Murelle.

...

...

Murelle will need to work extra hard in order for her to create the well for Torus.
Torus:"There's something more you should know. Murelle, the last attempt was sabotaged and I lost most of my memories. It's not lightly that I share this information with you, but you have earned this much trust."
Sabotaged? Why didn't she tell me this before? Murelle could've gotten to work on the well sooner.
Person in white:"Last attempt at what?"

>>167610
She did not tell you because there is a betrayer in the ranks, and they are placed well enough that they were able to sabotage the ritual.
She has been trying to determine who she can trust, and so far that means Jathura and yourself.
Take a moment to think that over.

...

Now, we have recently discovered that there are forces at work against Torus that she can't win against, and she's too stubborn to look for other means to the same end.

Look out for her, ok?

>>167616
Guidance spirits? And a betrayer in the ranks? Hmmm... Murelle can make an artifact for Torus that will be able to find out who it is. Murelle will do all she can to make sure Torus remains alive. She'd loose a friend if she didn't.

>>167620
Well, mostly we want to know why she has been seeking ultimate power, and if there are other ways to achieve those goals.

if you have any questions then ask them. if not then can you send us back over to torus?

>>167621
There are many paths that lead to ultimate power. As for why Torus was seeking it, Murelle doesn't know.
>>167622
Murelle has a few. How much memory did Torus lose? How quickly is she getting her memories back? How long were you guidance spirits in Torus? Where'd you come from? Who created you? Who- sorry. Murelle is asking too many questions. She likes to learn.

>>167623
1: nearly all of them
2: regaining is only what we can find.
3:since the ritual
4&5: dunno.

>>167623
Lets see... She lost everything except her name and the very basics, she doesn't seem to be getting any memories back at all (Could you ask her brother for his name? It would be less awkward that way), we can only remember as far back as the moment she lost her memories but could have lot our memories of this incarnation as well, we are uncertain where we came from, and we do not know if we even have a creator let alone who they would be.
We share your love for learning, and are happy to answer any questions you have to the best of our ability.

>>167627
>>167629
Hmmm... troubling. This makes Murelle worry for Torus. You say you guidance spirits like to learn like Murelle does? Then let Murelle tell you something. Nagas cannot learn magic. They're immune to mana rituals. That's the reason Murelle has to use scrolls in order to create magical artifacts.
Murelle:"Excuse me, but Murelle would like to know your name."
The person stares at me for a moment.
Person in white:"It's Arris."
He turns back to Torus.
Arris:"I'm going to ask you again:"Last attempt at what?"
Torus:"Um..."

>>167643
Better send us back to Torus.

>>167643
"Knowledge. Research. Torus tried a ritual to learn more about the universe."

That's very interesting! How much resistance to magic do you have? Does it increase or decrease depending on how unwanted a spell's effects are?

Oh, and what can you tell us about this cult? What does it believe, and what of that do you believe?

>>167643
Sounds like it's time for you to send us back. And thanks Murelle, it's good to know that there are loyal friends out there.
--------------------------
Torus, might not be here later. But tell him you were seeking revenge on those who did that to your face.

Now ask him if he has seen the sword you came there for.

>>167646
Murelle thinks you misunderstand. Nagas can be dealt magical damage normally, but they cannot return it. Murelle has been researching the exact nature of magic, but she has only made little progress.
Murelle:"Knowledge. Research. Torus tried a ritual to learn more about the universe."
Arris:"You're trying to figure out who's corrupting Deer of Death as well?"
Torus:"Yes, exactly that."
Murelle has also been researching that as well.
>>167645
>>167648
Very well. Murelle hopes to talk to you again. You guidance spirits are always full of fun knowledge and stories.

...

...

Gods damnit, that was close! I shouldn't have sent the guidance spirits to Murelle! He almost found out about it!

>>167655
Ask your bro what he's found out about the Deers of Death.

>>167655
Found out about what? Us?
We have been maintaining control of the situation just fine, no worries.

"So, why exactly did you decide to explore this cave, Arris?"

>>167658
Found out about the sacrificing to gain ultimate power! I didn't want to have to tell my brother that!
Torus:"So, why exactly did you decide to explore this cave, Arris?"
Arris:"I told you before. I wanted to search everywhere for you. I didn't want to lose you forever. I almost did."
What's wrong with him? He should be crying and hugging me! I should be crying and hugging him!
>>167657
Torus:"What did you find out about the deer of death?"
Arris:"Only that someone's been corrupting their transformation. Normally, The Order would fins out lawbreakers very quickly, but whoever or whatever is doing this is out of our sight. It's the main reason The Order Exists. To stop the world from being destroyed by ghosts by forcing total order onto it."

>>167658
found out about torus's quest for ultimate power and how she is leading a cult.

we actually have inside knowledge on that, no one is. the corrupted deer are a result of the transformation process used by the god of death himself going wrong. so their quest is futile as to stop the corrupted deer from happening they would stop the normal deer as well, making it even worse.

>>167665
And you want me to try and stop him? I have other goals in mind. Goals I don't want my brother to find out.
Murelle:"Murelle would like to know how you found out about the Deer of Death corruption."
Arris:"Kifo told us about it himself. He said that his Deer of Death are being corrupted by someone and he doesn't know who. He also says the corrupted ones need to be killed as they bring too much work for the pure ones."

>>167663
"Ah, a fool's quest. The universe exists as a balance, and attempting to spread order by force shifts the balance and prompts a correction in the form of increased chaos."

>>167670
Torus:"Ah, a fool's quest. The universe exists as a balance, and attempting to spread order by force shifts the balance and prompts a correction in the form of increased chaos."
Arris:"The reverse is true as well. The Order formed because of the corrupted Deer of Death popping up.

>>167678
"Naturally, but my point was that enforcing laws and codes does nothing to stop the corruption of the Deer of Death, and forcing it will only make the problem worse.
But enough of that, it's good to meet you."

Then hug him.

>>167678
Don't hug him. If the uptight bastard wanted affection he should be the one giving it. After all he's the one that has been looking for you.

Time to find the sword. Ask Murelle if it's the one your brother is holding. If it's not then go find the one you need.

>>167687
Torus:"Naturally, but my point was that enforcing laws and codes does nothing to stop the corruption of the Deer of Death, and forcing it will only make the problem worse. But enough of that, it's good to meet you."
I hug him. It feels nice. He doesn't hug back.
Arris:"You don't understand. If The Order never existed, the world would be a lot worse than it is now."
>>167687
Torus:"Murelle, is the sword I'm looking for the one Arrys was using?"
Murelle:"No, this is not the one Murelle found. It's a 1-handed sword."
I'll find the sword once I'm done hugging my brother.

If the corruption started before they formed the order, then they aren't the ones causing it.

I think it might be a good idea to help him with the Deer of Death problem. Heck, killing the Deer with that sword might give you some crazy boost in power!

>>167693
Then go find the sword. Very good that you have found your brother and all that. But he sounds like a true believer in his cause. If he knew the truth of what you were doing then one of you would most likely die.

Oh and as he wants to uphold order, it's very unlikely that he will accept you killing the deer of death with that sword. If you were to gain that power that would upset the order quite a bit.

>>167694
Yes, I could help him, but I've also got a continent to rule.
Torus:"Are there any deer of death in Australia?"
Arris:"There should be, but not any corrupted ones. Humans are the only ones able to become Deer of Death. Only kobolds, gnolls, that sort of stuff. Why do you ask? And what's the sword your looking for for? And you can stop hugging me now. It's uncomfortable."

>>167701
Stop hugging him. Tell him it's a nice little artifact that you hope will let you regain your memories. Then go get the sword and get back to your own place.

>>167701
No, seriously. Helping him out could pay off in the long run. I mean, you've got all the time in the world to conquer Australia, but if this Deer scenario isn't fixed, bad things could happen which would prevent your ascent.

>>167708
Good point. Plus if I help him out, I'd get closer and closer to being able to killing Xom and ultimate power. Uuh... don't you dare tell my brother about this. It'll destroy the universe. You guidance spirits still have to look for a way for me to gain ultimate power without the universe being destroyed.
>>167705
I break the hug.
Torus:"It's a little artifact that I hope will help me bring my memories back."
Arris:"After you gather it, I want you to join up with The Order."
Torus:"I can't do that!"
Arris:"Why not?"
Uuh...

>>167718
"I don't believe in all that pure law crap. Sometimes you've got to work outside the rules to get stuff done."

'loo, all i know is that 'pure law' looks great on the surface but once it is finally like that then everyone alive would simply be surviving, not living. progress is a force of chaos, if chaos didn't exist then man the spear would have never been made and we would still be subsisting an whatever animals could be beaten bare handed.

>>167718
"Because I do know enough to say that order and chaos are equally capable at causing suffering, and even more so when they each vie for power. Reducing suffering is the only noble goal, and joining the order would just add to that problem. Why do you want me to join, anyway?"

>>167721
>>167727
>>167737
Torus:"I don't believe in all that 'pure law' crap. I know that 'pure law' looks great on the surface. But once it is finally like that, then everyone alive would simply be surviving, not living. I know enough to say that order and chaos are equally capable at causing suffering, and even more so when they each vie for power. Reducing suffering is the only noble goal, and joining the order would just add to that problem. Why do you want me to join, anyway?"
Arris:"I know that, but if I defect from The Order, they'll hunt me down as a traitor. I want you to join The Order so I can look after you better."

so they have a rule that quitting results in death? yeah the order is a bunch of douchebags...

well what if he simply never showed up at the place again and reports of his death appeared?

>>167738
"Oh don't worry, I can take care of myself. You saw how well I fought."

>>167738
"So, what if you just disappeared one day and never returned?"

>>167745
>>167749
Torus:"What if you just disappeared one day and never returned? What if reports of your death started popping up?"
Arris:"No... they scry vitals. They'd know I was faking my death."
>>167748
Torus:"Well, I can take care of myself. You saw how well I fought."
Arris:"I just don't want to lose you again. You have no idea what I put myself through. I've slayed countless people just because they upset a little rule of The Order. They were people I thought were innocently justified."

>>167762
"Can they tell if you're imprisoned? Or where you are?"

>>167765
Torus:"Can they tell if you're imprisoned? Or where you are?"
Arris:"If they could, I wouldn't be in this cave to begin with. I'm actually disobeying orders. If another person from The Order saw me coming out of this cave, it would mean death for me. And if I was imprisoned, they'd find me eventually."

>>167768
Sounds like the best thing we can do is to fix the Deer of Death and then disband the Order. Forcefully if necessary.

>>167788
Very well. After that, I'll look into Australia.
Torus:"It's time we get the sword."
Arris:"Okay."
Murelle leads us to the sword. It looks... very boring. It's just a single slightly-curving blade with a black and white handle. I would've expected something more stylish.

>>167794
Alright, pick it up and leave.

>>167794
Appearances can be deceiving.

yes, but you see who would ever expect it? some moron with a huge and ornate sword would VASTLY underestimate someone with the a simple blade.

>>167798
Yes, I know that. It just looks so dull.
>>167797
I pick it up.

zero

What the fuck? This thing keeps a body count?

interesting... now i wonder if the power it gives is based solely on number or if power of those slain matters...

>>167804
Yep.
I wouldn't be surprised if it's intelligent, too.

>>167813
Intelligent? Um... Hello?

hi

Oh gods, this is weird.
>>167812

i give power based on number

I guess it can hear you as well.

>>167821
Just number? Ah fuck there goes all our plans. I guess the best thing we can do to gain power with it is to get in a lot of fights. So... hunt bandits, or otherwise kill things without attracting too much attention to yourself.

Conquering Australia might be fun, and we might get some kills for the sword that way but after it's conquered the power we get from being involved there kindof tanks. I mean, unless you want to kill the entire continent. I don't think your brother would approve of that at all.

what do you mean? as far as we can tell torus is immortal so she can easily just kill the already dying for years at Australia.

oh, and another question for you sword: what is the highest number a previous master has reached?

>>167826
>>167830
Well, I'll just have to kill as many people as I can get away with.
>>167831

zero i had no other master this person is the first

Haven't you ever heard of a sentence?

no

then do you know your creator? odd that they would make you and then never use you.

>>167834

i was created by a naga named murelle she created me when she was young but never used me she never wanted power only knowledge

..........What?

>>167837
Murelle thought something about creating the 'Well of Memories' when we first switched to her.

We need to have a chat with her later, but her trustworthiness is not in question.

>>167843
Do you know of any reason Murelle is lying to me?

no

I wasn't asking you! We start to make our way back to the fake wall.

>>167849
Was she lying? I don't think so. She just didn't tell you everything.

just say 'YOUR sword told me the truth' it may take a moment but it will sink in.

>>167850
Hmm...
>>167852
Torus:"Your sword told me the truth, Murelle."
Murelle:"Murelle also told you the truth."
That was a quick comeback. I think she knew her sword would tell me that, but why is still insisting that she's telling the truth?
Murelle:"Words have more than one meaning."
What's that supposed to mean?

>>167852
I would advise against saying anything like that right now; Talking magical artifacts generally carry a destroy-on-sight mandate for Order-like organizations, and there's no rush.
Establish a means of communicating with your brother, then go your separate ways.

>>167862
It means "Shut up! We can talk about this later!"

she means that she told you the truth. 'it is a sword that can get you power' she never said she DIDN'T make it. so she never technically told a lie.

>>167863
Apparently, attempted murder and stealing do as well. Oh look at that, I'm not dead. What does that tell you?
Torus:"Is there any way we can communicate with you?"
Ariss:"I thought you were coming with me."
Torus:"I'm not. Sorry. I don't want to join your order thing, but I would like to establish an effective means of communication."
Arris:"You will listen to your big brother. You're coming with me."
>>167867
I guess so.

>>167871
He's overlooking the attempted murder, and he himself said that the order denies that people have the right to claim ownership of caves and their contents.
Besides, he may try to 'protect you' from it.

Move your hand to your face so your fingers are touching your forehead.
"Arris, you really don't understand the situation. I'm safer where I am than I would be with the Order, and I've got a lot of backing.
Does the Order even operate in Europe?"

look right at. stare for a few seconds then give a strong, but not demanding, "no"

if he still keeps up then tell him that taking you to the order will result in ether all of them or you dying cause you will not stay.

Consider how much killing the Order does.

That will let you gain power.

>>167873
>>167872
I stare at Arris for a moment.
Torus:"No. Arris, you really don't understand the situation. I'm safer where I am than I would be with the Order, and I've got a lot of backing. Does the Order even operate in Europe?"
Arris:"There are people in The Order in Europe, yes. I don't get why my sister wants to abandon me and disappear again. I never want to lose you again."
Jathura hugs me from behind. I can feel his cheek rub against mine.
Jathura:"I'll protect my master for you. I've done it for a longtime, and I can continue to do it."
Arris looks down at the ground, but doesn't say anything.

>>167919
Tell Arris that he is worrying to much. You will keep in contact with him. All he has to worry about is finding a way to get away from the Order.

Then lets get back to your cult. You have alot of preparation to do.

Also, Murelle making that sword explains one thing. How she found it so fast, she already knew where it was.

>>167941
Torus:"You're worrying too much. I'll keep in contact with you. All you have to worry about is getting away from the Order."
Arris looks at me.
Arris:"Jathura, you better protect her as best as you can. If I see her harmed in any way, I will take her to the order by force."
He puts his mask back on.
Arris:"I hope to hear from you frequently, sister."
He walks off while we go through the illusionary wall. Now, for the other matter. We need to find out what Murelle knows about this sword.

>>167946
You can find that out back in the saftey of your own place. I don't trust this damn place or that foxperson. Lets get back before anything annoying happen to interupt your talks.

>>167948
Back in your room, specifically.
I wonder if Murelle can find a way to get Jathura (and you?) the proper genitals. Ask about that before bringing up the sword.

>>167981
Why do they need them? Both get along perfectly fine as it is. Turning to a Naga to get your genitals fixed so that you can engage in sexual relations with a constructed life form is a bit odd. I think we should leave Murelle out of Torus love life.

>>167981
Our genitalia are really not a major concern at the moment.

>>167990
All things considered, I don't think Murelle would find it all that odd.

>>167948
>>167981
>>167990
>>168001
>>168047
Okay, okay! We'll talk about this when we reach my chambers! The trip back to the cult is uneventful, and I told Murelle I would like to discus something privately in my chambers. We currently just entered the cult lair.

>>168120
First tell her how the sword claimed she was its creator, and ask her why that is.

>>168122
Torus:"The sword claimed you as your creator. Why is that?"
Murelle:"Because it is true. As Murelle said, found has more than one meaning. In this case, 'found' means 'created'."

>>168124
Nod, have a seat, and motion for her to assume a sitting-like position. Which would be what, coiled up?
"Ah, I thought as much. So, you created it, then put it someplace where you could lead me to find it.
That begs the question of why, though. Why did you feel the need to hide this from me?"

>>168127
I do so, and she just slinks down a bit. I guess that's sitting for her.
Torus:"Ah, I thought as much. So, you created it, then put it someplace where you could lead me to find it. That begs the question of why, though. Why did you feel the need to hide this from me?"
Murelle:"Murelle knew you before your memory loss. You would've overworked Murelle if you knew she was creating the artifacts. That was before Murelle heard of your memory loss. Now maybe you won't work Murelle too hard now you know."
She smiles.

let her know "well, i may need a few more things but none of them are urgent, so you can work at a comfortable pace. just work on that well of memories for now and when you are done i will tell you if i may need anything else."

>>168136
Take off your mask and give her a hug.
"Well, things are different now. Just tell me if I start trying to push you too hard.
So, I have a bit of an unusual request...
Jathura and I have become... intimate, but lack the proper parts. Could you help us with that?"

>>168147
>>168156
I take my mask off and hug her.
Torus:""Well, things are different now. Just tell me if I start trying to push you too hard.
So, I have a bit of an unusual request..."
Murelle:"What would that be?"
Torus:"Jathura and I have become... intimate, but he lack the proper parts. Could you help us with that?"
Murelle:"Uh... M- Murelle will try to make an artifact that can do... uh... that."
She clears her throat.
Murelle:"W- Would you like Murelle to create an artifact that can heal your wound?"

>>168166
"No, not just yet. I don't know what caused it, so it might be cursed.
Do you think it would be possible to restore specific memories instead of all of them? I don't want to be who I was."

Oh, if we're in your room... try opening the diary using "Arris" as the password.

>>168173
We break the hug.
Torus:"No, not just yet. I don't know what caused it, so it might be cursed. Do you think it would be possible to restore specific memories instead of all of them? I don't want to be who I was."
Murelle:"Murelle can make it that way."
Torus:"Thanks. You're a big help."
>>168186
I get the diary. Are you sure Arris is the passwo- wait, it opened. Gods damn, it opened! ...For some reason, I'm too scared to look through it.

>>168189
"Murelle, do you have any other artifacts scattered around?"

well if the password was the name of your brother then at least we know your past self still cared about him.

>>168192
That's true. If I have a brother, I might have parents. They could still be alive somewhere. I'll need to find them someday.
>>168191
Torus:"Murelle, do you have any other artifacts scattered around?"
Murelle:"Murelle has many arifacts she has created."

>>168205
"Do you think we could go through them together some time?"

>>168218
Torus:"Do you think we could go through them together some time?"
Murelle:"Murelle doesn't see any reason why you and Murelle can't."

>>168223
"Thank you.
Also, you know this entire religion is a load of crap, right? It's just a way of attracting support.
Since we're airing secrets, I thought you deserved to know."

>>168229
Before we say that we'd better ask Murelle about the cult a little, and look in the diary.

>>168223
She is quite the useful little snake person isn't she.

Ask Murelle about the cult and see what's on the first page of your diary.

>>168232
>>168229
What about the cult do you want me to ask Murelle of? I open the diary to a random page. It's in faer, and I can only pick up a few words. I feel relieved I can't read my diary.

Ugh, if Murelle has a lot of different artifacts I think you'd better ask for one that will let you read Faer.

Ask her if your members see you as a god. If so, what kind of god? What has your behavior been like before?

>>168245
Basic beliefs, belief structure, who they worship, rules of conduct, etc...

>>168245
Oh your going to have to learn how to read that and then read it. No way around that.

>>168249
Works as the basic questions.

>>168253
Okay! Fine! I'll get more lessons from Jathura!
>>168249
>>168248
Torus:"What are the basic beliefs of this cult?"
Murelle:"Murelle doesn't know much. She only hears small bits and pieces of conversations while traveling in these halls. She has heard you gaining ultimate power would be good. Murelle does not know why. She works mainly in the outside world."
Torus:"And the belief structure?"
Murelle:"Murelle has heard the acolytes worship you because once you get ultimate power, you may be benevolent enough to grant some to them."
Torus:"Who do they worship?"
Murelle:"They worship you.
Torus:"What are the rules of conduct?"
Murelle:"Well, from what Murelle has heard from conversations, it's to never anger you, nor anger Des, Haru, Raul, or Murelle or any other informant."

>>168265
Sounds like we're not going to get alot of useful stuff from her either.

Tell her to work on the well of memories at her own pace, and if she has any other artifacts that might be useful then she should tell you about it.

Then get cracking on learning more Faer.

>>168275
Torus:"That's all I ask of you. You can get working on the well of memories at your own pace."
Murelle comes up to me and shakes my hand.
Murelle:"Murelle thanks you. She'll be doing her best to create the well to your liking. Murelle will also research cursed wounds for you."
With that, she leaves. Jathura and I start my lessons in Faer again.

>>168289
Keep the lessons going for a couple of weeks, other stuff needs to happen as well. Just make sure you put aside two hours a day to train with Des and Haru.

>>168291
How's this for a schedule:
Wake up
Eat breakfast
Learn Faer
Eat Lunch
Train with Haru
Train with Des
Eat Dinner
Learn Faer
Have fun with Jathura
Go to sleep

Is this schedule any good?

>>168289
In addition to learning Faer, have Jathura tell you the story of your life, as far back as he can remember it and moving to the present day. If he's really been with us a hundred years, he must have some useful information on what the heck we've been up to for all this time.

>>168319
Okay. It seems my schedule is perfect. Now I need to know exactly how long I should follow that schedule. I'm thinking maybe a year or two. Does that sound good?

>>168332
sounds about right. but remember that it is only a guideline, you can change it up if you want to.

>>168332
Indefinitely, but there are other things to do in that year of time.

First, stop people from worshiping you. You live in a world with active deities, and they are perfectly capable of making your life hell.
If you turn the cult into a secular following where you are revered as a great teacher, then little changes besides the deities losing interest.

Second: Give up on ultimate power. Instead focus on perfect immortality, and then gain power the regular way. Your power doesn't need to be ultimate, it just needs to be enough. You won't have much of anything working against you if you just seek enough power, and that's not an all-or-nothing deal.
If you plan to rebuild yourself for a year or two, then doing this will leave you in a FAR better position, and should result in The Order losing interest in you.

>>168336
our definition of 'enough power' still involves you having the right amount to do anything.

>>168334
>>168336
Well, stopping people from worshipping me, having the Order forget about me, and remaining in contact with Arris are the only things I can promise to do. I still want ultimate power, but I'm putting that on hold until we figure out a way for me to gain that without the universe exploding. Shall we get started?

>>168340
okay then
[training montage, cue 'eye of the tiger']

 

A year passes while I train in various things. I now fully understand Faer. Jathura told me I was somewhat... insane. The diary proved it. The rambling was almost incomprehensible. But that doesn't matter. I'm a different person now. I've almost stopped people from worshipping me. There's a small group that refuses to give up. I've kept them contained. Also, I threw away my old diary and got a new one. Des and Haru really haven't taught me anything new. It's like I didn't need them to teach me. I also challenged Des a few times to combat, and I lost every single time. That fucker is really strong. He says he can lift up to 700 pounds. That doesn't make any sense, seeing as he's about 2 and a half feet tall. I've done a few other things as well, like have Murelle construct a skull like the one for Des. I talk to my brother that way. I've also unmasked myself. I really don't care about low I look with the wound on my face. Obviously, Des and Haru were worried. Raul acted like he didn't care, so I secretly ordered everyone to spy on him. Something's up with him. Oh, and I still want ultimate power.

>>168355
Well who doesn't want ultimate power, really. At any rate I think we can just mostly give up on restoring all your memories now. The only thing I'm interested in is finding out how you got that wound.

Hey, remember that book you detected magic on? What's in it?

>>168355
You may want it, but you should stop trying for it.
You said it yourself that the old you was insane, so why stick to the old goals? Focus instead on attaining perfect immortality and building up your power the normal way. That will allow you to obtain enough power to do whatever you want without any of the issues associated with ultimate power itself.

>>168367
I may be a different person, but that doesn't mean I should change my biggest goal.
>>168366
What about memories of my childhood? Those memories seem to be good memories to restore. And I totally forgot about that book, so I don't know what's up with it.

>>168385
Ultimate power isn't a goal, it's a means to an end. Considering you were a nutter before, I can only assume you wanted to either destroy or take over the world. Neither of which is really a good idea.

What do you want now? Deep inside, what is it you desire? Happiness? Fame? Respect?

oh, yeah, those are a good idea. anyway, let's check that book out now.

>>168388
he means, you get ultimate power, then what?

>>168385
Except we still don't know why it was your biggest goal.
Have you considered the possibility that you wanted ultimate power for the sole purpose of destroying the world?

Regardless, we can get you an impressive amount of power very quickly if you abandon that goal.

@Xom So, it's taking longer than we hoped, but we've made some significant progress. We're still working on that ultimate power bit, but she's incredibly stubborn.
How do you regard what we've accomplished so far?

>>168388
I would like for Jathura to gain lower bits. I would like to save the world in order to take over Australia. I would like for you spirits to quit slacking and fins out how to allow me to gain ultimate power without destroying the universe. I would like to get outside more. I would like to find my parents if I have any.
>>168389
I browse through the pages of the book. It details many ways of sacrificing people. After I figure out what the magic is, I'm getting rid of this book.
>>168392
I can also gain an impressive amount of power if you start figuring out how to get me to gain ultimate power without destroying the world.
{[She's resisting you because you're trying to take away something she wants obviously. You need to be more subtle. But good progress on the whole 'getting rid of the cult thing.]}

>>168395
@Xom 'Subtle' is when I use conventional weapons instead of nuclear. Have any suggestions?

[oh, maybe we can access her subconscious, and slowly shift it away?]

>>168398
>>168402
{[You should try that.]}

>>168395
Well sounds like it was a year halfway decently spent. How many followers and how good fighters are they now?

And keep that small part of the cult alive. Deities are in most cases just mortals that have gained enough power. Somewhere along your quest for ultimate power you will probably cross that limit.

But I think it might be time to go for Australia. Make sure you get some up to date information about the place and start planning.

>>168471
No, you're confused. Demons are mortals who have have become that powerful.
Besides, staying secular keeps deities from paying attention to Torus, and being worshiped provides zero benefit beyond being a tool to keep the cultists around.
Since membership hasn't suffered any, it's pretty clear that being worshiped serves no useful purpose.

>>168509
Was not the way I heard it, but whatever. Demonhood and a demon cult later then. It's still useful to keep them around, will make it easier later since then we won't have to create a brand new cult, setting up religions is hard work.

But time for a status update on how many members you have and their martial capacity.

>>168471
If I recall correctly, I have a world to save before taking over Australia.
>>168513
Since this grouping became secular, only about 10 people left for good. Justin was one of the. Oh, wait, I forgot to tell you nobody is referred to as numbers anymore. Most of the people quit wearing the robes. The only ones who wear them are the only ones who still insist on worshiping me. All of them are pretty good at combat both magical and non-magical.

>>168734
How's morale?
Have you made up for the people who left?
Also, you haven't do something inane like kill the people who left, have you?

>>168737
Morale seems to be much better seeing as nobody's afraid of me anymore. I guess that makers up for the people I've lost. No, I haven't killed anything yet. Any more questions you want to ask me? I'm on my way to Des to help him train.

>>168740
How close is Jathura to getting his dangly bits? How are you two doing?

How is your friendship with Murelle developing?

Has Arris been doing alright?
How about your french assassin?

Given how much of a psychotic nutjob you use to be, do you still hate Xom for being a dick to you when you talked to him almost immediately after you lost your memories?
[Subconscious suggestion: Maybe he was justifiably angry?]

>>168764
that kinda makes sense, you may have contacted him before you lost your memories and were a bitch to him. he tends to hold grudges.

>>168764
Murelle's been putting off the whole 'Jathura gaining lower bits' thing for some reason. It's like she doesn't want to touch that. She's mainly been concentrating on the well of memories. She says it's her biggest project yet and it's very hard. I'm not going to tell her to work at a faster rate. Murelle and I are now open friends. We both like that. Arris is doing fine, but he contacts me a little too frequently. Maryse has been going with Murelle because she's teaching her english. I don't know exactly how well she speaks, but at least she gets her point across.
>>168767
I really don't know right now if I still hate him. Maybe I was rude to him? I still don't want to summon him, seeing as how you told me he'll kill me with marshmallows.

>>168773
Oh, no, I'm not going to suggest you summon him. However, you might want to have somebody else contact him and ask if he's willing to forgive and forget.
If nothing else, then at least it wouldn't hurt to be on neutral or better terms with him. Actually, if I recall correctly the reason you summoned him was to ask him to grant you power.
Obviously he couldn't grant you ultimate power, since if he could make you more powerful than himself then he could just make himself that powerful, but he could grant you enough power to do... well, whatever it is you're going to do with it, I guess.
[Subconscious suggestion: Why would I need more than enough power? Isn't enough enough?]

>>168788
I guess I should try to be a little light er on Xom, or get to know him better. But... I think ultimate power is still better. It's just not enough. If I had ultimate power, I could just snap my fingers and Australia would be mine. I could even save the world from being destroyed. I could even save the universe from exploding if I had ultimate power.

[okay, think that's enough nudging for today. need to do this one step at a time or she will catch on]

okay then. anyway. main reason i think murelle is staying away from jathura's crotch is it's his crotch. it's an incredibly awkward subject to deal with.

>>168792
You would also become very, very bored.
We've done the ultimate power bit in other universes, and have long since learned that there is no satisfaction in it. We're lucky, though, we can just detach ourselves from those universes and go elsewhere.
The ones we really pity are the ones who have ultimate power but don't have that option. When anything is possible everything loses meaning, and within a few years at most they slip into depression. Eventually they sort of shut off their minds, and watch impassively as everything they ever cared about crumbles and dies because they no longer have the will to change things.
[Subconscious suggestion: I hadn't considered that... that's a fate worse than death...]

>>168800
oh yes, one deity like that instead of just falling asleep erased their memory and decided to live a normal life. because when you can do everything you have ever wanted instantly forever, you kinda just stop caring.

>>168804
More than one, but those never turn out well. Eventually they stumble across their powers and they suffer through the whole damn thing over again, then their memories come back, then they repeat the process.

>>168796
Well, I hope one day it will no longer be awkward for her. I can wait patiently for that day.
>>168800
Well, while I do feel sorry for them, but what they had doesn't sound like ultimate power. You can do whatever you want to do while having ultimate power.
>>168804
Like forcing yourself to not be bored.
>>168809
It seems like it's their fault for not using their ultimate powe- wait... You say that have ultimate power, yet the universe didn't explode. They seem stupid enough to not consider using their power to not have the universe explode, so how do you explain that?

>>168813
they exist outside the universe, looking down upon it. the universe is like a bubble in that respect. it is contained within a greater something. and they are bored in SPITE of their power. if you had every last wish you have ever had or ever will have granted, then what? the only thing left is to sit there watching the universe, forever.

>>168813
This is the one of the reasons why ultimate power destroys the universe.
Lets say you had ultimate power, and used it to create a rock that was so heavy that you would never be able to lift it, and then you tried to lift it.
One of those two actions must fail, but if either of them fail then your power is not ultimate.

By the same token something with ultimate power cannot be destroyed, so you run into another paradox if you attempt to kill yourself.

Not all universes resolve paradoxes the same way. Some are much better than others, but yours is not one of those.


As far as manipulating your mind goes, Murelle could easily craft an artifact that would make you both happy with the way things are and not bored. However, it wouldn't be real.
When you start cutting-off parts of your mind to keep yourself from going insane, you're following in the footsteps of the people who shut-off their minds.

[Subconscious suggestion: This is all too much of a headache. Screw ultimate power, lets just go for enough to crush our enemies like bugs.]

>>168815
>>168816
Uggh... You're starting to give me a headache... Let's just stop talking about ultimate power for now. I need to be mentally ready to train people with Des. Speaking of which, I just arrived at his class. I open the door. Nobody's in there but Des, Raul, and Haru. Raul's tied up in a chair.

they ether caught him doing against you or he is doing a lesson on escaping capture.

>>168822
Torus:"What's going on here?"
Haru walks up to me and shows me a scroll.
Haru:"I found a scroll with instructions on how to wipe the memory of somebody in Raul's room."
Raul:"I told you, it isn't mine!"

'oh? if it isn't yours then who's is it? having it located in your room makes it very likely that it is yours.

>>168825
Send us over.

Torus:"Oh? If it isn't yours then who's is it? Having it located in your room makes it very likely that it's yours."
Raul:"It's Des's!"
Des:"No way. I'm Torus's friend, so why would I want to erase all of her memories? I'd have to be some sort of braindead lunatic! The same goes for Haru! He respects Torus too much to even think about doing it!"
>>168829
As you wish.

...

...

Gods damnit! Why were they sneaking in my room to begin with?

>>168831
[Say nothing, just wait]

[subconscious: maybe i should tell the truth?]

>>168832
Torus:"If it isn't Haru's, Des's, or yours, Who does it belong to?"
Raul:"I told you, Des asked me to keep that for him!"
Des:"I keep saying I never want to erase the memories of my friends! Get that through your damn skull, you idiot!"
I guess this is what I get for trying to be ambitious.
Raul:"It isn't mine!"
Haru:"THEN WHO THE FUCK OWNS IT?"
Ow... that hurt my ears a little..

>>168839
@Torus Say "At this point I'm curious as to how relevant this really is. Why is this scroll such an issue?"

[Subconsciously suggest: Yea! Play it off like it's no big deal!]

>>168840
Torus:"Haru, please do... Please don't shout. At this point, I'm curious as to how relevant this really is. Why is this scroll such an issue?"
Des:"Are you saying you wanted your memories to be erased?"
Gods damnit... They all know it was me. Now I'll get punished or killed or jailed.

>>168842
@Torus: Wink at Des and Haru from where Raul can't see you, then say "Des, before that I was a raving lunatic, and a very unhappy one at that. I read it out of my own diary, so don't bother arguing with me on this. Now I'm sane, I'm happy, I have friends, morale is up, fear is down, that cult nonsense is gone, and the lives of almost every person I've been in contact with have improved. Honestly? I wouldn't have wanted it before, but it was probably the best thing to ever happen to me."

Well, you could always confess. That seems like the best option.

Yes... confess! Or we'll use the pillows! And the COMFY CHAIR!

>>168842
Raul, there are two ways this can go down. Either you tell them right now why you did it, and just maybe they will show some mercy. Or they will do this the hard way, which involves skinning knives and healing magic, you can have so much fun with a sharp knife if you can make sure the subject doesn't expire before you wish them too do so.

>>168922
What? Oh, guidance spirits. I guess you came here to help me. That won't happen to me if I can convince them it wasn't me.
>>168848
Torus moves behind me for some reason.
Torus:"Des, before that I was a raving lunatic, and a very unhappy one at that. I read it out of my own diary, so don't bother arguing with me on this. Now I'm sane, I'm happy, I have friends, morale is up, fear is down, that cult nonsense is gone, and the lives of almost every person I've been in contact with have improved. Honestly? I wouldn't have wanted it before, but it was probably the best thing to ever happen to me."
Or... maybe not.
Haru:"No! You're supposed to be angry! This isn't fair for you!"
Des:"Calm the fuck down."
>>168860
Uuh... what?

>>168947
Oh you're going to tell anyway. Torus has changed some, but with the right guidance from the right spirit she can still very much make some very nasty things happen to you. There is so much fun you can have when you know you can keep someone from dying, and it makes it so much worse for them, they know that they are utterly helpless, they won't die until the other one allows it, and it can go on for months.

So dear little Raul. You're going to tell them, and you're going to tell them now.

>>168948
I don't think I like your tone. I know how to block off outside communication for you, and I can decide to banish you forever. You will apologize to me before I confess.

>>168953
Oh, I'm ever so sorry. Didn't mean anything by it. But you know doing that won't really help your situation any right now, I can still send to the original host. Torus can still hear what I say.


@Torus: Now there is something else you should tell him. The fact that what he did turned out to be something somewhat positive for you doesn't change that he betrayed you. So he had damn well better have a good reason for why he did it, otherwise there will be some serious trust issues which could end badly for some people.

>>168954
Actually, when I said I'd block outside communication, I meant it. You'd only be able to communicate with me and me only. You wanna know why I erased Torus's memories? I wanted to lead the cult. Group. I wanted power. I was ambitious. But look at what ambition gave me.
[outside communication blocked]
Torus:"Um, Haru, you can try to be more understanding. Raul cured my insanity."
Haru:"I will not calm down! He erased your memories! That's practically the worst thing anyone can ever do!"
Des:"Knock it off, Haru! It's Torus's decision as to what she wants to do with Raul."

>>168955
Ah, now that I can understand. I thought we were going to have a problem here. But some honest to god backstabbing ambition is no problem at all. Send us back and we will fix this in no time at all.

>>168956
Sorry, but I'm not going to fall for any of your tricks.
Haru:"Torus, he stole all of your memories from you!"
Des:"Gods damn, quit saying the same thing over and over again!"
Haru:"I'm just trying to get her to have some common sense!"
Des:"You want common sense? I'll give you common sense."
He jumps up and gives a kick that sends Haru flying across the room.
Des:"It's extremely clear Torus isn't angry because of Raul erasing her memories. I have no idea why he erased them, but to me, it doesn't fucking matter."

>>168961
Understandable. I wouldn't trust me either. I am after all a lying manipulative somewhat sadistic spirit. But I'm also quite honest at times, there will be a conquest of Australia, it will happen. And it will need a ruler, and right now I'm thinking you might be an ideal candidate. But none of that will happen if things are allowed to keep spiraling out of control. So, would you now kindly send us back so we can fix all of this?

>>168963
No... I'm sorry, but I never want to be ambitious ever again. It almost got me in trouble.
Haru:"S- sorry for freaking out."
Des:"S'alright. Just try not to let it happen again."

>>168965
Then we can find you some nice safe spot. Would be a shame to just give up like that though. Torus didn't give up on her dreams even when she could no longer remember why she had them in the first place.

But if you don't want the job I'm sure we can find someone else who would be willing to do it.

So how about sending us back now?

>>168966
Here's the current game plan:
You send us back, Torus kicks you out because you can't be trusted, no hard feelings for anyone. After a few years you can come back and we can see if you've gained some perspective on all of this.
If you've been paying attention to how Torus has been behaving, then you know what I am saying is true.

If you try to hold us or banish us then we're going to miss our check-in times with Torus which will result in her killing you in order to free us. If you banish us, then we call up one of our buddies to send us back to Torus.

>>168986
Your bluffs are starting to irritate me. You don't realize how weak and useless you are right now. If I die an you're still in my head, that means you stay in that corpse. If I banish you, that means I erase you from existence. Nothing can bring you back. Not Xom. Not even Izanagi. Now I'm going to offer you a little choice. Either you swallow your fucking pride and sincerely apologize to me, or you keep digging that hole you're in deeper and deeper. Choose wisely. It's your decision.
You might want to check the discussion thread.

>>169069
I'm sorry, but I, personally, have no idea what you want us to apologize for. If you can tell the voices apart, then you should no I have made no threats and simply laid things out as accurately as I could, and tried to work out a reasonable compromise.

AH! So THAT is how banishing works! Well, that's suitably annoying. I wish we had known that before we started this plan
Anyway, my point still stands; keeping us here is only going to get all of us killed.

I think the offer I made is reasonable; you leave in peace and can return in a few years when you have some perspective on things. Torus will forgive your actions, but you violated her trust so you can't be one of her trusted lieutenants anymore.
You have my word that Torus and the others will abide by these terms if you do the same.

Or do you have a counteroffer?

@Xom
This guy wants to kill us. Think you could help? All we need to do is get out of this guy's head and into a friendly one.

>>169082
Fine... I'll take your offer. But don't you dare threaten me ever again. There will be no escape next time.

...

...

Hello? Guidance spirits? Where'd you go?

>>169111
He held us against our will, and threatened to destroy us.
Anyway, we cut a deal:
You forgive him and he leaves leave in peace - no hard feelings, no revenge or anything. Since his plot worked out so well for you there's no sense in holding it against him, but he violated your trust so he can't keep his position as a trusted lieutenant.
In a few years he can come back and we can see if he gained some perspective on his actions.

Explain the terms to the others, and have somebody keep an eye on him while he packs. Anything he can't carry we can ship to him once he's settled in somewhere.

>>169118
I kind of feel the exact same way you do, you know, with being glad Raul curing my insanity. But isn't sending him packing going a little too far? I mean, what'd he do? What did you do to make him threaten you?

>>169123
Well, I suppose you could just bust him down the ranks for it if you wanted.
Still, make it clear that you don't hold it against him and you're just upset by his betrayal. Also, tell him that he should have admitted to it when you came out and said you lost your memories.

Oh, and could you look for a way to rip us out of somebody else's mind and pull us back into your own?

>>169127
No really, what was the reason he erased my memories? Why are you keeping it a secret from me?

>>169133
Hrm? OH! That!
Sorry, it slipped my mind. I didn't intend to keep you in the dark.
He wanted to depose you as cult leader so he could take your spot in a bid for power. Obviously it backfired, but it was fairly incompetent all around.

so it was a simple 'i want to be in charge' plan not a 'i'll get her out of the way for the order' plan. he just wanted power, ironic isn't it?

>>169140
He what? ...Maybe I should send him out of here for a while after all.
Torus:"Raul, I've thought of a suitable punishment for you. You shall be exiled from this group no less than 5 years. You will think about what you've done. You will start packing immediately. While I'm glad you cured me of insanity, this needs to be done."
Haru:"I still say the punishment should be death..."

>>169149
Ask Haru why he thinks Raul should die.

>>169503
It might be better not to provoke him. Try to find out later.

>>169503
>>169504
Okay, I'll ask later. I untie Raul and send someone to oversee his packing up. I guess I won't be teaching with Des today, so I have no idea what to do.

>>169683
Check in on Murelle to see how she's doing, and cuddle up with Jathura.

>>170466
Luckily, I asked Murelle to make a skull like Des's and Arris's. I go over to my chambers.
Jathura:"I thpught you were going over to help Des teach."
Torus:"Class was canceled due to betrayal. Raul erased my memories to try and take my place, but instead he onlgy cured my insanity. I kicked him out for 5 years, so don't worry."
I pick up the skull for Murelle.
Torus:"Murelle, can I get a progress report?"
Murelle:"Well, Murelle has... restarted on the well."

huh? what does that mean? something explode?

>>170481
Torus:"Did something explode?"
Murelle:"No, No. Murelle just thought of an added feature for the well. She's making it so it has the ability to take away unwanted memories as well."

that's... pretty good actually.

>>170483
Torus:"That's actually a good idea. Why'd you do it?"
Murelle:"The well neds to be in a fixed position, and Murelle doesn't want to just destroy the well after you use it, so she'll leave the well for other people as well. Murelle will also spread rumors of the well for this."

we need to be able to gain from this somehow... how about spread along with that rumor that you need to throw in a gold piece for it to work? it may not be much but a handful of extra gold week can add up.

>>170493
can reinforce the rumor by putting a sensing spell inside it that causes a small ball of light to form in the water when a coin passes a certain depth. then a second one that makes the light go out whenever the well uses it's memory powers.

>>170493
>>170494
I feel a smile form across my face.
Torus:"Murelle, if you're going to spread rumors about the well, I want you to do something for me."
Murelle:"What would that be?"
Torus:"Make it seem like you have to throw in a gold piece for it to work. To reinforce the rumor, have a sensing spell that makes a small light glow in the bottom of the well. It will start glowing when the gold coin passes a certain depth, and have it stop glowing when it uses it's memory powers."
There's a small pause.
Murelle:"Hehehe... Murelle applauds you for your creativity. She would not have thought about that. Murelle could make a secret passage to the bottom of the well where all the coins will fall."

>>170496
Torus:"Good. I believe that's all I need. Unless I'm forgetting something."
Am I? I'm not so sure.

yeah, that's all for murelle for now.

>>171537
Torus:"No. I'm not forgetting anything."
Murelle:"Murelle shall talk to you later."
Time to cuddle with Jathura. I get in my bed and tell him I'd like to cuddle with him. He gets in bed with me. His skin is warm

>>171540
We cuddle for a little while when there's a knock on the door. I get up and open it. It's Haru.
Haru:"I came here to apologize for my behavior earler. I'm sorry."

>>171942
"It's ok. You were concerned, and having one person menacing him while another appears sympathetic is a classic method of extracting information."

>>171956
Torus:"It's okay. You were concerned, and having one person menacing him while another appears sympathetic is a classic method of extracting information."
Haru:"Oh. Thanks. I thought you were going to yell at me. I got a little too riled up."
He smiles.

>>171962
I'm curious as to why he as rile up. Ask him why.

>>172489
Torus:"I'm curious as to why you were so angry. Do you mind telling me?"
Haru:"It's just that... well, I think that changing people into someone they're not is the greatest insult ever. Even if it helped you, it was very bad and demeaning."

>>172632
"Oh, I agree, but the old Torus brought it on herself."

Torus:"Oh, I agree, but the old Torus brought it on herself."
Haru:"Well, it made you reveal your face and your scar. What are you going to do with your mask?"
You know, I haven't thought about the mask in a long time. I really don't know what to do with it.

>>172732
"Keep it as a reminder that she's dead and gone. Besides, it might come in handy in the future."

>>172755
I pick up the mask and hand it to Haru.
Torus:"Keep it as a reminder that she's dead and gone. Besides, it might come in handy in the future."
Haru:"Thanks."
There's a small pause.
Haru:"You know, you'd look cute without that wound. You should try healing it sometime."
He smiles

just start laughing. i don't think he has any clue about the irony of that statement.

>>172764
I start laughing.
Haru:"What? What's so funny?"

>>172773
Torus:"Oh, it's nothing."
Haru:"Is it really nothing or are you keeping secrets from me?"

>>173101
"Oh, I'm not keeping it secret, I just don't know much to tell. It seems this scar was what motivated old Torus; both its removal and revenge against the cause."

Torus:"Oh, I'm not keeping it secret, I just don't know much to tell. It seems this scar was what motivated old Torus; both its removal and revenge against the cause."
Haru:"Well, it sounds like you want to get revenge on the person that caused you that would, but why were you laughing?"

>>173108
"No, no, old Torus. To me it's just part of who I am. The laughter came because this whole mess came of her trying to do what you suggested."

Torus:"No, no, old Torus. To me it's just part of who I am. The laughter came because this whole mess came of her trying to do what you suggested."
Haru:"Oh. I'm sorry then. Uh, it's almost lunchtime. Want to eat with me? Privately, you and me."

>>173124
Shrug "Why not?"

>>173125
I shrug.
Torus:"Why not?"
Haru:"Good. We can eat in my room. Come with me."
I instinctively look at Jathura. He's giving me a longing look.

>>173126
Wait till Haru isn't looking, then look back to Jathura, make a motion with your hips confirming that your body is his, and give him a smile with a wink.

>>173131
Haru starts to leave. I look over to Jathura again and wink at him while motioning that my body is his. He nods slightly. I rthen catch up to Haru.
Haru:"So what do you want to eat?"

>>173136
"I could really go for a hoagie about now. Think they have any freshly baked bread down at the mess hall?"

Torus:"I could really go for a hoagie about now. Think they have any freshly baked bread down at the mess hall?"
Haru:"Oh, definitely."
We continue on and come across a student.
Haru:"Hey, do you mind getting us some lunch? You can deliver it in my room."
Andrew:"Oh, no problem. What do you want?"
Haru:"Give me a grilled kobold."
Torus:"I'll have a hoagie."
Andrew:"What do you want on that hoagie?"

>>173145
"Turkey, roast beef, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, peppers, mayonnaise, Swiss cheese, and a bit of Italian dressing.
Kobold? Seriously? I've made it a policy to not eat anything with which I could conceivably carry on a conversation."

>>173148
Actually, if such a policy was made, I'd have to be a vegan, as you told me Xom can grant animals the ability to speak. So I don't see what's wrong with that.
Torus:"Turkey, roast beef, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, peppers, mayonnaise, Swiss cheese, and a bit of Italian dressing."
Andrew:"That sounds good. I'll make one for myself as well."
He walks off toward the kitchen area as we continue our way to Haru's room.

>>173154
Ah, poor word choices.
Those are classed under the 'awakened' header and are ignored for our purposes; Xom could create an awakened glass of water, so it hardly makes sense to include those possibilities.

You need to draw a line between what should and should not be eaten; most people disapprove of cannibalism, but with nonhuman sapients the water is murkier. Would you eat a naga like Murelle? Or a construct like Jathura? At what point is something no longer food?

The ability to carry on a conversation without divine intervention is generally a decent benchmark, since it's fairly easy to test and intelligence is a good metric for the ethics of predation. Kobolds are intelligent enough that only the language barrier stands in the way of meaningful communication, ergo we find their consumption distasteful.
One of the nice things about this metric is that you never get put in a position of answering the question "Why did you eat my mommy and daddy?", which is not only incredibly awkward but often comes around the time you realize that you stumbled right into a trap set by vengeful sophonts.

>>173156
What? You never complained about this before. Why'd you change your mind all of a sudden? Is it or is it not okay to eat kobolds?

>>173159
It's up for you to decide where that line is drawn, but we find it repugnant. The only reason we haven't mentioned it is because nobody had brought the consumption of sophonts to our attention before.
Sadly our senses are very limited, and you should be well aware that we are not always observing you. This is both a blessing and a curse; we can't aid you with matters we do not observe, but at the same time you have no privacy while we are with you and our presence tends to draw the notice of higher beings.
The benefits far outweigh the risks, obviously, but we aren't omniscient.

@Xom: Want to make Haru the proud owner of an ascended grilled kobold?

>>173162
Well, how about after Haru eats I enforce a rule of no more eating kobolds. Would that make you happy?
{[I would love to, but dead men can't talk.]}

>>173164
It's not about us, it's about ethical standards.
While 'good' and 'evil' are terms that bend to the will of those who hold the people's faith, like they used to do for you, there exist standards that are beholden to no mortal or deity.
Ethical standards all stem from the belief that every person has inalienable ownership of themselves. Ethical behavior is any behavior that respects this, while unethical behavior is anything that undermines it.
So-called 'moral guardians' would have you believe that laws exist because 'good' and 'evil' as they describe them are concrete reality, and that the laws are an expression of 'good' fighting 'evil', but we both know that's propaganda. In reality, the core purpose of law is to protect the self-determination of people from those who would undermine it; thieves take the fruits of a person's labor, murderers force death on a person, rapists violate a person's body, etc...

In simple terms? A person is free to do whatever they wish as long as they do not unjustly impinge on the rights of others.

The only questions that go unanswered are those of what constitutes a person. We drew the line at capacity for conversation because it can be tested with relative ease, and makes a decent benchmark for intelligence.
Clearly, killing and eating intelligent beings is not respecting their rights unless you have the consent of those who are dying.
I really, really doubt that's the case.

@Xom: I didn't mean the kobold coming back to talk. Or do you mean that you aren't capable of creating an ascended glass of water?

>>173170
If that's the case, Then I'll wait until I converse with a kobold to see where I should draw the line.
{[Water can't talk. It doesn't have the muscles necessary to create the vibrations that are required. That, and water doesn't have any orifice with which to speak with. I'd have to change the water into a demon, which would then be too obvious, and therefore, not fun.]}

>>173172
Oh! Hey! Now we have something to do today; lets take Jathura to America and chat up some kobolds!
You still remember the path Murelle showed you, right?

@Xom: Huh. I figured a magical enchantment like that would be within your power. Oh well.

>>173175
I think I remember. I'll do it after I eat lunch. You didn't forget about that, did you? Speaking of which, we already entered Haru's room and were waiting. Andrew comes in here with the kobold meat and the hoagie. We both thank him and ste down the plates to eat.
{[You would think so, but many stories of my power is a tad exaggerated. And I don't like being left out.]}

>>173179
If I'm reading things right, he's probably going to start flirting with you.

[Subconsciously: I completely hadn't thought of any of this. How much suffering have I unwittingly caused? The thought of causing needless suffering feels... disgusting. Like I'm covered in sewage and bugs. I need to be more careful in the future.]

@Xom: That's why I offered. I'm tempted to ask for Haru to have a flash-hallucination of his kobold asking him to kill it, but that would lack both subtlety and class. How about having it be that it looks like its moving whenever its at the edge of his vision? Subtle, unverifiable, and unnerving.

>>173181
[subconscious suggestion failed. Does not relate to conscious suggestion;went unnoticed]
Flirting? With me? Well, I suppose it's pretty obvious in hindsight. I don't really feel comfortable with it, though. I belong to Jathura.
{[Oh, that last thing is way within my league. It also sounds like a lot of fun.]}
Haru:"You want a piece of my kobold? I be it'd taste reall-"
Haru quickly locks his eyes on his food, and stares at it for a second. What's he doing?

dunno. maybe a fly landed on it or something?

>>173183
Maybe. I'll ask him.
Torus:"Anything wrong?"
Haru:"No. No, nothing at all."
He starts eating the kobold meat as I eat my hoagie.
Haru:"How's it taste?"
Torus:"Delicious."
Haru:"Mind if I have a bite?"

>>173185
Sure, why not?

>>173186
I offer it to him.
Torus:"Go right ahead."
Haru takes a bite. He seems to enjoy it.
Haru:"You're right. It tastes won-"
He quickly looks over to his kobold meat.
Haru:"Now, I know I saw it move."
What?

>>173187
Er... What?
"Are you feeling alright? It looks remarkably stationary to me, which is quite an achievement considering it's both dead and cooked."

>>173188
Um, saying exactly that feels unnecessary and redundant.
Torus:"Are you feeling alright? Food can't move on it's own."
Haru:"Yes, I'm fine. It's just... nevermind. Uh... So, um... H- how do you feel about me?"
Something strange is going on here.

>>173189
Well, since it started after he started eating it's possible that the kobold was stoned off its ass when they killed it. Their small size belies their tolerances, after all.
Tell him that you're flattered, but not available.

or he could be allergic or something.

>>173190
But wouldn't the grilling kill off any bacteria? Unless there's a super drug I've never heard of, I don't think that's possible.
Torus:"Haru, you falatter me. However, I regret to inform you that I'm not available."
Haru:"...Constructs being romantic interests is a creepy thought."
>>173191
Torus:"Are you allergic?"
Haru:"No, this is the first time something like this has happened."
Haru takes a sip of his drink and spits it out.
Haru:"Euugh!"
I think I know what's going on here.

>>173193
Not bacteria. Drugs. Intoxicants.
Hallucinogenics, to be specific. LSD is one possible cause since it has a very low effective dose, a very high lethal dose, and comprises a large enough portion of the common ergot fungus to make it a viable vector.
...
Oh, I see the source of the confusion! You're a mage, not a scientist. My apologies; I'll try to be clearer in the future.

So, what is it that you suspect?

>>173195
Well, it seems I don't know what I'm talking about. I believe this to be Raul's doing. Lacing the kobold with LSD and poisoning Haru's drink just because Haru yelled at him. He can now forget about ever coming back here.

>>173261
Could be Raul's doing, but you don't know if that is true. Don't be so quick to judge.

Perhaps Haru has been indulging himself prior to this encounter. Perhaps Haru is crazy. Perhaps Jathura has intervened. Perhaps it's none of these things. OK, Raul has motive and has shown that he is willing to do stuff like this (so we do have probable cause), but gather more info first.

>>173261
That's a vanishingly small possibility.
Raul has been under watch from the time it happened, and even if he had gone unsupervised he couldn't have known that Haru was going to order the kobold.
Aside from that, how would he go about poisoning Haru's drink? There was no way to tell which glass Haru would drink from, and the only way Haru's water could have been tainted like that would be if the entire water supply was compromised.

It should be easy enough to check. Take a sip of his water and see if you start showing symptoms. If not, then the water is fine.

>>173310
>>173344
I was only stating the most likely possibility. I'll have some people check this out.
Torus:"Haru, mind if I take a sip of your water?"
Haru:"It's vinegar. You wouldn't want to."
Torus:"Just let me see."
Haru hands the glass to me and I take a sip. It tastes like normal water.
Torus:"Are you feeling okay?"
Haru:"Yeah, it's just that I-"
He quickly looks at his kobold meat again.
Haru:"I... I lost my appetite. I'm sorry I ruined our date."

>>173360
Give a small laugh "Haru, this wasn't a date. We're just friends eating lunch.
Your water tastes fine to me. Tell me, what's going on?"

>>173361
I utter a small and short laugh.
Torus:"Haru, this wasn't a date. We're just friends eating lunch. Your water tastes fine to me. Tell me, what's going on?"
Haru:"I don't know. I think I need to take a rest. Can you take this kobold out of here? I feel uncomfortable with it in my room now."
Shit, something's terribly wrong with him. I hope Haru doesn't die from this. He's my friend. I'm really worried about him.
{[That was so much fun. I'd love to do it again sometime.]}

have someone watch over him tonight. if he is okay by morning then what ever it was is only mild and nothing to worry about.

[@xom: if we ever need to make someone paranoid about their food we'll call you]

>>173364
"I was just thinking about the ethics of eating kobold. Are they intelligent enough to converse with? Is that what was bothering you?"
Once you leave his room, call for a healer and insist they examine him whether he wants it or not. Don't forewarn him, since if it IS poison you want him to stay calm so that it won't circulate so quickly through his bloodstream.

>>173365
>>173366
Torus:"I was just thinking about the ethics of eating kobold. Are they intelligent enough to converse with? Is that what was bothering you?"
Haru:"I don't know if they're intelligent enough to hold a conversation. I've never seen one alive before."
Torus:"I hope you get well soon."
Haru:"Thanks, Torus."
I finish my hoagie and exit Haru's room. Along the way back to my chambers, I encounter a student.
Torus:"Janine, can you go send a couple nurses to Haru's room? I think he's sick. Also, make sure they know to watch over him at nighttime."
Janine:"Will do, Torus. Is he okay?"
Torus:"I don't know."
Janine:"Well, okay. I'll make sure the doctors get there."
We continue on our ways.

>>173369
Alright! Now, head back to your room, show Jathura just how much you belong to him, and head out to ADVENTURE IN AMERICA!

>>173370
I'm heading back to my room right now. I don't know if I should cuddle with Jathura. If I recall correctly, it takes about an hour to get out of the cave and find the teleporting spot. Hmm... when I think that, it sounds like I have enough time. Cuddle with Jathura for a half hour, then go to America, talk with this group of kobolds you're so intent on having me meet for a while, then get back before dinner. Sound good?

>>173372
Sounds like a plan.

>>173377
Okay then. I enter my room. Jathura finishes the chicken he was eating. At least I think it was chicken.
Jathura:"Why did you need to speak with Haru in private about?"
I don't want to lie to him, but I don't want to hurt his feelings. What should I say?

>>173389
Walk over, embrace him, and give him a kiss.
"Haru had romantic intentions, and I had to turn him down gently. Hopefully that will be the end of it."

>>173390
I hug him and give him a kiss.
Torus:"Haru had romantic intentions, and I had to turn him down gently. Hopefully that will be the end of it."
Jathura:"I'm glad you turned him down."
Torus:"Enough about that. I feel like cuddling with you for a while."
Jathura:"I like that idea, master."
We begin.

>>173393
We cuddle for a little bit more than a half hour. I tell Jathura he's coming with me to America again. He says he's glad. One thing before I head out. Should I bring my sword with?

>>173422
It's dangerous to go alone. Take it.

>>173423
I'm not going alone. I'm taking Jathura with me. Did you forget already? I take my sword and head on out with Jathura. You know, since I was, and still am, taking him with me.

>>173425
I meant you and Jathura going alone. He's not a fighter, and you're still missing most of your magical powers.

>>173429
Oh, sorry. I misunderstood. Maybe we can train Jathura to become a fighter. And I think you know more about this group of kobolds than you're letting on. Do you?

>>173535
Not at all. However, running into random Order members or wandering monsters is entirely possible.
If Murelle and her lover Maryse were around, I would have suggested you take them along. Can you think of anybody else you would want to have at your back in a fight?

>>173678
Murelle and her lover Maryse? That's hilarious. I can consider Des to be stronger than me. Maybe I should bring him with as well.

>>173679
Sounds like a plan to me. Go ahead and invite Des along.

>>173680
We take a detour to Des's room and I open the door.
Torus:"Des, do you want to go to America with me?"
He looks thoughtful for a moment.
Des:"Sure, why not? Let me get my sword."
He walks over to his closet and opens it. There's a ton of weight lifting stuff in there. He grabs his sword and joins us.
Des:"What's the occasion -chie?"

>>173681
"We're finding out if kobolds are intelligent enough to warrant not eating them."

Torus:"We're finding out if kobolds are intelligent enough to warrant not eating them."
Des:"Okay. I hope they're intelligent and strong enough to spar with me -chie. I haven't had a fight with anyone my size in ages -chie. We should bring Haru along as well. We'd be like a real adventuring party -chie."

>>173685
"He's not well today. The healers are looking him over now, but he was having hallucinations earlier."

>>173689
Torus:"He's not well today. The healers are looking him over now, but he was having hallucinations earlier."
Des:"Is he okay -chie? What do you think happened to him -chie? I hope he's okay."
He looks worried.

>>173691
Wave your hand casually, as if you're unconcerned. There's no point in Des stressing out over it.
"He probably ate something he shouldn't have. Don't worry, he'll be fine."

>>173695
I'm not going to casually dismiss this! Haru's my friend as well! I don't want my friends dying.
Torus:"He probably ate something he shouldn't have. I also hope he'll be okay."
Des:"After this trip, I'm going to go check up on him -chie."

>>173700
Alright, lets go!

>>173718
We start to head on out to the cave where the false wall is.
Des:"So, uh, why do you want to go check kobold intelligence in the first place -chie?"