>>488748
Must really like his meat raw, then.

Oh. Ask the Elder if there are any bad men nearby that need killing. Bandits, that sort of thing. Oh! And a question for Spidrift- what happens to a person's soul when you kill someone by eating too much of their soul? Does its most inner core still pass on to the next existence? In that case, isn't that basically just a normal death?

Ask how likely either of those places are to kill you upon discovery rather than react like how this settlement has.

>>488750
No questions like that while the villagers are in earshot, I think. I expect that the Advocate Mage provides the magical services they need as well, though it wouldn't hurt to ask if there's anything we can do to help them.

Going to a revenant-hostile city, which I speculate they all are, is a risky proposition. However, having Spidrift go in our stead may not work well; obvious reasons aside, he won't ask the right questions or pursue the same followups, and we probably shouldn't be left alone just yet.

Now that we've fed, let's return home and get Spidrift to tell us all the Words of Power he knows, and peruse what is left of our books. Hopefully we'll come upon some magic for sustained illusion to hide our nature, or at least long-distance transport.

>>488749
Let's not talk to the Advocate Mage again until she's had more time to calm down. A few days at minimum. And even then, better done from a distance.

>>488748
I have a question for Spidrift, actually. How exactly are Words of Power discovered? Do some mages just sort of stumble across them in the process of casting? Obviously they can be learned by acquiring them from books, or other mages, but the way he spoke about them before implies that isn't the only way they are discovered.

The Revenant Mage 2013/01/30(Wed)16:22 No. 488929 ID: c0c515
File 135959176131.png - (10.29KB , 800x600 , 61.png )

"I suppose Dorow Town is the next step, then," I say. "Old man, how safe are the roads in this country? Are there perhaps bandits that need crushing?"
"Aye, right enough," says the old man. "There always are. You keep to the roads and travel in groups, they'll leave you alone. The rootax too."

"Rootax?"

"Big thing. Lots of teeth. Lives in the crag south of here.

"I see. We're returning to the mastaba now, Spidrift. Take the map. When the Advocate Mage awakens let me know, old man. I may be interested in speaking with her, when she's, ah, simmered."

The Revenant Mage 2013/01/30(Wed)16:22 No. 488930 ID: c0c515
File 135959177292.png - (6.28KB , 800x600 , 62.png )

"A most exhilarating outing, milord!" Spidrift says, happily. "Are you less hungry now?"

"Consider me perfectly sated. But what happens if I eat more than the, uh, wispy tendril things?"
"Well, milord, the outer core is the life of the person, and can only be consumed when they are dead or dying. The seed, now, if that is eaten they are Erased. No rebirth. No afterlife. You consume them entirely!"
"Jove above."
"Yes, milord! Most terrible."
I feel very tired all of a sudden.
"I think I need a good sit-down and a few more words of power under my belt, Spidrift."
"Excellent, milord. Should we return directly to the mastaba?"
"If I go to the town will they try to kill me?"
"Oh, yes, milord!"

"Then yes, to the mastaba. I must reclaim what scraps of power I can from what was lost first."

Hey um, question. Since we are speaking via a spell, and indeed successfully cast something else before we got this one working, what effect would simply NOT having Verbam Biblus active have on our casting ability? It has been implied that shouting words of power is more potent than trying to whisper them, but what is the difference when you don't have a functional tongue? It seems like it might be the attempt that counts.

>>488930
Yeah, to the mastaba. Try to find some books the paranoid evil version of us didn't burn?

I wonder if the Rootax has a soul

New Words of Power learned The Revenant Mage 2013/01/30(Wed)23:34 No. 489045 ID: c0c515
File 135961767018.png - (165.81KB , 800x600 , 63.png )

I return to the mastaba, my mind buzzing with the newness of conscience. The words of the villagers, of Astrea, and Spidrift, filter through my mind.

I was a monster, once.

I flex my fingers. My exposed bones grind against one another. I remain a monster now, I think.
Perhaps with your help I can change that.

Spidrift and I hunt my ruined study for books that survived my insane machinations and the wear and tear of time, as the natural light filtering through the holes in the Mastaba's roof begins to fade. Eventually we conduct our search by candle light.

I search until dark and find nothing of note. It is as if the tyrant in my past plots against my present self. I don't understand. Frustration clouds my newly flaring cortex.
I find only one word tonight, hastily scribbled in the margins of a nondescript brown combat manual with most of the pages torn out. "FERRUM" it reads, underlined twice and starred.

I am tired. Very tired. Do I still need sleep in this wretched state? It feels as if I do. My power wanes.
I can master two more spells this evening, I think, and then my arms may become too heavy to lift.

Zephyr and Ferrum for tonight. The lesser spells we can do tomorrow if we have time.

Scutum Ferrum, if I'm guessing correctly, that should be an iron shield spell or something.

Also, how about Fulga Fugo, we're building up fire XP anyway.

Scutum Ferrum and Trasus Zephyr.

Ferrum... might be metal?

Hang on. I just realized something important. If you've been using Verbam Biblus all the time in order to speak, Verbam and Biblus must be strengthened for you. Perhaps there's a way to take advantage of that? Verbam is voice/speech, Biblus is words/paper... I've got nothin'.

Fulga seems to be like a straight-thrust adjective. A concentrated line attack rather than an orb/pushback via Orbus or a wide stream via Torrentus.

Let's try Scutum Ferrum. We don't have a real two-word defensive spell yet, so.

The Revenant Mage 2013/01/31(Thu)01:43 No. 489074 ID: c0c515
File 135962543484.png - (509.37KB , 800x600 , 66.png )

Fulga Fuge launches a narrow, crackling beam of flame from my fingertips. It's less versatile than Orbus Fuge, and requires a little more accuracy, but it's more concentrated.

The Revenant Mage 2013/01/31(Thu)01:45 No. 489075 ID: c0c515
File 135962554908.png - (284.13KB , 800x600 , 64.png )

"Very good. All right: Scutum Ferrum"


"Scutum Ferrum?"

My hand tingles and little shoots of energy flit through my fingernails but other than that nothing happens.
I pace. I pick up my sword and lean on it.
Perhaps this one doesn't

The Revenant Mage 2013/01/31(Thu)01:47 No. 489077 ID: c0c515
File 135962565852.png - (356.40KB , 800x600 , 65.png )

wooooooOOAUGH

My blade bends like quicksilver and snaps into the shape of a large shield.

That will certainly defend against any physical attack sent my way, and it, ah, may just catch people quite off guard besides.

>>489077
Ferrum requires existing metal, it seems!

I bet Fulga Ferrum would extend the sword like a spear.

The spell is temporary, right? You didn't just turn your sword into a shield...thing?

Ask Spidrift if word order matters.

For example, will Fuge Orbus do anything different from Orbus Fuge?

The Revenant Mage 2013/01/31(Thu)23:17 No. 489243 ID: a00bdb
File 135970302748.png - (392.91KB , 800x600 , 67.png )

I am spent and weary, but even as the Butcher Mage leads me to my sleeping chambers I ask him questions.
"But does the word order matter, Spidrift, or stands the spell on its own?"
"Word order doesn't make a difference, milord! Not in combat magic. In advanced rituals opposing power words may require some sort of bridge or buffer between them to enusre they don't cancel one another out, but that is magic for another time, I think. You look quite tired, milord!"
"You are astute, Spidrift. I am surprised I still require sleep."
"Don't worry, milord! If any vengeful villagers arrive I will brutally and permanently destroy them."
"A little more, ah, discretion may be necessary, Spidrift." I shift uncomfortably. "But I thank you. I think that without your help I would have been greatly without direction."
"It is my pleasure, milord!"
"Does magic still enforce this affection in you toward me, Spidrift?"
"Oh, no, milord! Not any more. The enforcing enchantments wore off long ago. I simply love you!

"Here is the door, milord. I wish you a pleasant rest!"

"Thank you, Spidrift. Good night."

The Revenant Mage 2013/01/31(Thu)23:19 No. 489244 ID: a00bdb
File 135970315005.png - (226.61KB , 800x600 , 68.png )

I sink into my bedclothes, as musty and worn as they are.

Today was my rebirth, I reflect. It was not a good day, by any means, but it was infinitely better than any day in the century preceding it. Is that not something?

Perhaps when I fall asleep I will forget what I am.

The Revenant Mage 2013/01/31(Thu)23:20 No. 489245 ID: a00bdb
File 135970321747.png - (240.26KB , 800x600 , 69.png )

Revenant.

Perhaps not.

Revenant Mage. I summon you in the name of the LORD. Attend.

I suppose if theres a hell then there is a heaven. Let us see what this messenger wishes of us.

Hmm. Creator, Spidrift may turn against us when he finally realizes we are not the same person who brainwashed him. I am worried. Perhaps we should let him fight someone to observe his combat style, and be prepared for it when the time comes. But that is for another time.

Get up. Answer the call. If this is an angel of some sort, we may wish to ask how damned you are.

"What up, dawg?"

>>489245
So...who's this?

>>489245
"I was getting my beauty sleep."

>>489245
Sigh.
"I was hoping to fit a bit more redemption in before this meeting, but I suppose it wouldn't make much of a difference.
What would you ask of me?"

The Revenant Mage 2013/02/01(Fri)00:07 No. 489259 ID: a00bdb
File 135970602195.png - (20.71KB , 800x600 , 70.png )

"A most unusual intrusion." I blearily rise from my bed. "I was attempting beauty sleep."

Hah. Far be it for me to interrupt an endeavor so worthy and needsome, if misguided. But your LORD calls, Revenant. It would behoove you to heed Him.

"All right." I pull on my robe. "Who are you?"

I am The Metatron.

Move into the light, Revenant.

I step through the radiant doorway into a misty, blank space. It feels sequestered, liminal, and somehow unending.
I see nothing.
"Where are you, Metatron?"

Turn round, Revenant.

The Revenant Mage 2013/02/01(Fri)00:09 No. 489260 ID: a00bdb
File 135970615817.png - (43.92KB , 800x600 , 71.png )

The Metatron towers before me, standing in an angular, pulsating archway.

The LORD has seen you take back up the mantle of righteousness, Revenant. He rejoices that one of His most powerful children, cast once from the light, now seeks redemption. I cannot aid you directly, and I cannot reveal to you you all that you seek to know, but He has sent me to aid you in ways I can.

>How damned am I?

Bitterly, tearingly damned, Revenant. I will not deceive you: your soul is as pitch consigned to the deepest bowels of the consuming furnace. But the LORD knows you are striving to make amends. He is on your side, Revenant. As am I. We all are. Defeat Ansirous and the gates of His kingdom will open to you, For Ever.

You have within you the seeds for your own Redemption and you have begun to sew them. The LORD is proud of you. The question is no longer what I ask of you, Revenant. What more would you ask, of me?

>>489260
Who is Ansirous? Did he turn you into this, or did you do it to yourself? What is your name? I don't suppose the Metatron can help you in your magic studies...? Maybe some tips on what words are already empowered from prior usage?

A way to convince others that you are seeking redemption? So many would seek your death, Creator. That might be the most important aid he can give us- the belief of others.

Also, there is the question of Spidrift. Can we turn him on the path of good as well? Is there hope for his soul?

Okay, so, WHO THE FUCK IS ANSIROUS. I mean. Seriously. Knowing this would be a pretty important. Who is he, what does he do, where is he, why is he so bad?

For what I want?

My everything. Though remember her I do not. All I know is that I loved her desperately.

What I need?

Power. For this Ansirious has defeated me once when I was alive and powerful. Now I am neither.

What I deserve?

Nothing. For whatever reason I set upon this path... It is I who walked it. I who stained my hands black with blood of innocence. I who hated enough to dondmn myself to this mockery of life.

So in compromise I will take whatever you can help me with on my journey. May it not be me simply retracing my own blackened footsteps.

How much, exactly, was our soul damned before we turned into the Revenant? Also, have there been good undead before us? Surly not all of them go to hell, especially those made undead not of their choice? Also, maybe a clarity on how brainwashing affects the soul would help us with Spidrift. I pity the poor fool.

And can you please define behoove, and heed for that matter. I just don't understand the concept even in context with what you just said. "But your LORD calls, Revenant. It would behoove you to heed Him" Is heeding listening and behooving a good thing? Because behooving a horse sounds painful, so it makes the sentence a bit confusing.

>>489263
Oh. That's right. Her.

We should probably ask if she's in heaven, waiting for us, or if she has more reincarnations to go.

The Revenant Mage 2013/02/01(Fri)00:51 No. 489266 ID: a00bdb
File 135970867633.png - (46.42KB , 800x600 , 72.png )

>Who is Ansirous?

He was a mage, once, like yourself, and like yourself he fell away from the light and became something less than human. But his fall was further, and deeper, and what he became more terrible.
Ansirous is a subtle and insidious influence on the realm of existence and its greatest threat. When first he revealed himself you defeated him.
This time was different.

>Did he turn me into this?

You have only yourself to blame for becoming what you are, Revenant. In your desperation to destroy Ansirous you willfully became the most terrible thing on Earth before him. It was your last resort.
Perhaps it will work.

>Is Spidrift damned?
Aye, Revenant. He is for the hellfire. But then, you are as well, and his soul is in less peril than yours. He will aid you, and perhaps you will save him.

>Have there been good undead before?
Never.

>I need power
I cannot give that to you, Revenant. I can guide you but I cannot lend you strength. To recover your soul your strength must come from yourself.

>The woman in the painting
She is long dead, Revenant. To reunite her with you even for a moment is against the natural order.
The Metatron leans in close. He has no face, but he sounds as if he is smiling.
So let's keep what I am about to do for you between us, yes?
He'll find out, of course. He always does. But He'll understand.

The Revenant Mage 2013/02/01(Fri)00:51 No. 489267 ID: a00bdb
File 135970870079.png - (34.53KB , 800x600 , 73.png )

"I think I wear undeath a little better than you do, sir mage," comes a voice from behind me. I turn around.

The woman I love more than anything else in the world is leaning in a newly formed doorway.

I feel as if the wind has blown out of my lungs. I try to say something.

"ah"

"Eloquent as always, Ferrucio," she says, raising one fiery eyebrow. "Long time no see."

Everything about you is beautiful.

>>489267
Oh man she's right there and YOU HAVE NO DICK

This is a terrible shame. You don't even have lips. Oh well, at least you can talk. You have lots to catch up on, I expect. Also, we now know your name! Ferrucio. Kinda wish we knew hers. Saying you forgot her name isn't the best conversation starter.

Is she going to stay with us? If not, how long do you have?

>>489268
There we go.

Oh, look at me, not even trying to impress the pretty lady. An apology for your current state might be nice, so would the delay in joining her. Promise that you will rejoin her in time. This can be your big motivation. Damnation is nothing compared to the lack of her.

Should apologize for being so... diminished. Even memories....

We need her name and who she was to us.

>>489270
shush you, its a soulful reunion.
>>489281
Focus on her face and see what name comes to mind

Ferrucio 2013/02/01(Fri)23:30 No. 489506 ID: a00bdb
File 135979025502.png - (116.17KB , 800x600 , 74.png )

Her name is Rebecca.

"You are beautiful, Rebecca."

"When you're not fighting the spawn of chaos you've got time to push your cuticles in a little." Rebecca walks over to me. Her bare feet make tiny eddies of noise on the formless ground. "You, on the other hand, look a little under the weather, milord."

"Will you stay with me?"
"No, Ferrucio. I can't. Not yet. I'm sorry."
"I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"For what I am. For not being up there with you. For so diminishing myself."
"I know you, honey." She puts a hand on my arm. Her skin is soft and warm. "I think I know you better than you know yourself right now. If there's one thing my Ferrucio has, even after he has lost his skin, his mind, and his eyeballs, it's a plan."
"I'll come back for you. Who were you, to me? My wife?"
She laughs. My heart jolts at the sound. "The great archmage of Giorazia, married? I'd say you'd sooner magic your own dick off, but, uh." She smirks. "Here we are. We weren't husband and wife, Ferrucio. We were more. Better. I miss you."
"I miss you. I remember nothing of us but that I miss you achingly."
"Well." She purses her lips. "Perhaps I can remind you a little."

She lowers her head and narrows her eyes, focusing for a moment. "Be as you were when I knew you. In the height of your glory, before the fall, when we were young and beautiful and powerful."

Rebecca makes me whole.

She beams. "That's more like it."

kiss her you fool

Hug
Hug and bump fists

>>489506
That's the face we remember. Looks like she magiced your dick back on, Ferrucio. Check to see that everything is there. How did she do that though? Is this a dream?

I think maybe she expects some action from you as well... you should make the most of your time together, Creator.

Ferrucio 2013/02/02(Sat)00:31 No. 489521 ID: a00bdb
File 135979386327.png - (109.30KB , 800x600 , 75.png )

"This is all a dream, isn't it?"
Her fingers brush against my chest. "Does it feel like a dream, Ferrucio?"
"Let me check," I say, and I kiss her.

After a minute she pulls away. She takes a step back into the room behind her.
"Be with me tonight, Ferrucio," she says. "Forget what you're going to wake up to. Hold me."
"Until the stars above me flicker and die."
"Well." She chuckles. "Let's hope you prevent that."
Before I can answer she kisses me again. Her chest pushes up against mine.
She is warm and her embrace is almost enough to keep me from feeling that her heart is not beating, and mine is not beating against hers.

This is enough.

End of Part 1 The Revenant Mage 2013/02/02(Sat)00:33 No. 489523 ID: a00bdb
File 135979399454.png - (348.79KB , 800x600 , 76.png )

But she is dead, and the dawn will come, and I will decay.

>>489523
Well, we may have been second worst person ever, but at least we have a chance!