Kaktus 2014/02/08(Sat)04:58 No. 561442 ID: 549d6c
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>Very well, but when we succeed you have no excuse! [grow beard]
[Unable to grow a beard! You aren’t manly enough to grow a beard… nor do you have a chin.]
Ha!
>Hey, we're not gods or demons, okay? We're the Voices of the Many!
Whatever you say, little demons.
Little gods.
I’m just going to call you voices.
>Oh, speaking of gods, do you folks know of any mythical people that match these descriptions?
Can’t say I do…
Never heard of them.

>So your mom just went homicidally insane out of nowhere, Anna?
Of course not, she… I… I rather not talk about it, alright?
>You did you misspeak when you said "I tried to protect my sister," right?
Yes, I meant sisters… now stop bringing this up.
>What happened to her after you couldn't stop her?
I… I did stop her… just too late and… one more word about this and I’ll slap you, where ever you are.
>Vlad, you haven't told Anna what happened to your family yet, have you?
Oh, I know the gist of it… just not the details.
And she doesn’t need to know anything more than that.
>Then you both can have a good cry on each other's shoulders over your families' tragic ends.
I’ve already cried enough today… and I rather not cry on anyone’s shoulder right now.
Well, you can snuggle into my bosom instead if you want too…
…seriously, you were just recollecting your horrible past and now this!?
Hey! Everyone has their own way of coping, alright?
Let’s just get back to the inn for dinner.

…

What do you mean, it isn’t ready? I was told that it would have been delivered to my room by now!
Sorry, Ma’am, but there’s been some… um… unforeseen problems in the toll office. Your luggage is fine but we’ll need a bit more time before we can make sure it’s allowed into the city.
B-but… I need it now!
You know, making sure your luggage is here is probably something you’re supposed to do before you take a bath.
Oh, shut it Jal. Fine… I’ll be staying in my room then until my luggage arrives… I got a good book I’ve been meaning to finish… Jal, be a dear and deliver some food to my room later.
Of course, Alexandra.
Thank you.

Insert Her luggage is probably down in the Serath desert by now_

well glad to see they're all doing alright, anything of notice on the wanted board there or no, nothing is really standing out?

>Unable to grow a beard!
That's it! Blobs- form of a beard! Blob beard formation!

Aw, you're not going to join us for dinner, Alexandra? I don't think anybody here will mind you're not wearing clean clothes, so why not come along? The more the merrier! Um... Merry being relative, in this case.

Now, there's nothing we have to worry about the Order finding in your luggage, is there? No contraband or illegal items? Nothing that'd cause them to suspect you for anything? And why the heck did your cosmetics chest weigh so much?

Hey, Brad, skim over the wanted board for any notices with descriptions matching your appearance, just to make sure we won't have bounty hunters getting on our asses. ...Oh, wait, you can't read, can you? Okay. Uh... Vlad, Anna, could you look over the board instead? It'll go faster if you both do.

Anna, you still thinking of going after Jal? If so, then the guy gets tipsy after, like, three glasses of wine so I'd suggest hard cider and pie. That'll keep him buzzed without falling over drunk.

Kaktus 2014/02/08(Sat)10:49 No. 561464 ID: 549d6c
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>That's it! Blobs- form of a beard! Blob beard formation!
[Congratulation, you have successfully taken a form that might look like a beard like shape if you squint real hard.]
>Anna, you still thinking of going after Jal?
(Well, it would be nice to have someone to warm the bed for me… just for tonight… I’ll see if I can pounce on him when he’s just the right amount of tipsy.)

>Aw, you're not going to join us for dinner, Alexandra? I don't think anybody here will mind you're not wearing clean clothes, so why not come along?
Ack! You guys!? Err… the clothes are fine but… I really need to leave.
The face covering mask doesn’t really suit you, Alexandra.
Need to leave, right now. Have a nice evening everyone.
It’s the makeup, she has a bit of a… pet peeve about people seeing her without it on.
>Now, there's nothing we have to worry about the Order finding in your luggage, is there? No contraband or illegal items?
Of course not. If anything, I should be more worried. Who knows, one of my ingredients might be illegal here… it isn’t the first time it happened.
>Why the heck did your cosmetics chest weigh so much?
It contained a lot of other stuff too, like clothes and stuff… the cosmetic was just the things worth the most. Besides, that thing isn’t meant to be carried around much. Err… also, why am I hearing drunk voices right now? I’m pretty sure I’m sober enough not to hear drunk voices.
They aren’t drunk voices… they… um… they are… err…
Little Demons!
Tiny Gods!
…right, happy to make your acquaintance, voices of gods and/or demons.

>Hey, Brad, skim over the wanted board ...Oh, wait, you can't read, can you?
You can’t!?
I don’t have any memory of ever being able to.
Huh… and here I thought school was mandatory in this part of the world.
It is. I know how to read, after all.
Don’t worry, Brad, I can teach you! If you teach me how to fight, that is!
>Vlad, Anna, could you look over the board instead?
Let’s see… the order have several. They are looking for recruits, undead hearts, dog-tags of fallen order members… and the head of one of their captains who’s been turned undead. Fair haired male human with a small beard.
A lot of them is about missing people… and even pets… Oh, here’s one about bandits!
There are a lot of people looking for regents here too. Both Alchemistical, medical and for other uses.
Wow, some of these are really old. Look, here’s a wanted poster for Olaf the stout for theft of food worth ten thousand crows. I’m pretty sure that guy was beheaded almost fifteen winters ago.
Look at this… “Wanted dead; Ragnar, the scourge of god!” I read about this guy in school! He was leading a barbarian horde almost two hundred years ago before the last Windwalker killed him… err… almost last Windwalker that is…
-and make sure it gets to the captain unopened.
Of course, sir!

Insert Making history_

hey we knew a guy named Olaf, he was a dwarf, had one hell of a shield, never killed anyone, and could out eat an entire army in under an hour(sigh) good times.

wounder if these guys ever heard of Hans

so what you doing over there Brad?

>>561464
Huh, so... Alexandra is a ghoul? Or a male-to-female transsexual? Or not even a lizard? (it's probably the second one, considering she makes a point of being called Alexandra. I bet her and Thaark would be good friends.)

Bandit hunting seems like a good diversion if we won't be having any orders for a while. That tends to be less dangerous than undead hunting, and we might run into some undead anyway.

Glad to make your acquaintance, Jal. I have to say you saved our bacon out there. If Brad had kicked the bucket we would have gone with him. Granted we'd likely come back, but we have no control over where or when that'd be and it'd seriously set us back in our plans to save the world. So thank you, Jal.

We've run into that undead captain before, right when we first came to Brad; He was leading the undead searching for Brad. Shame the guy wasn't in Brad's path when he smashed out of there.

You short of any reagents or supplies, Jal? I'd imagine you've got all the basics covered but maybe you could put a request on the board for something special.

So the Windwalkers were supposed to have died out about two centuries ago? Then where the heck did Brad come from? Hm... I think we need to visit that history professor Anna mentioned after dinner and have a chat.

Hey, Brad, what're you sending over to the captain? And why does it need to be unopened?

Kaktus 2014/02/08(Sat)12:51 No. 561481 ID: 549d6c
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>So what you doing over there Brad?
Spending money. You don’t need to know more than that.
…are you bribing the captain?
The captain? No, I’m not bribing the captain.
>We've run into that undead captain before, right when we first came to Brad; He was leading the undead searching for Brad.
Indeed, he was fair haired… we should keep a look out for him, he might know some interesting things…
>Bandit hunting seems like a good diversion if we won't be having any orders for a while.
We’re going to have training most days from now on. They want their people well trained and not just become food for the dead, after all.

>Glad to make your acquaintance, Jal. I have to say you saved our bacon out there.
Err… no problem, whatever you are.
>Set us back in our plans to save the world.
…what?
Apparently, whatever these cultist is worshiping what’s to destroy the world.
Huh… and I thought they just were a bunch of nut jobs that invented a new kind of undead.
>so... Alexandra is a ghoul?
What… of course she isn’t!
>Or a male-to-female transsexual?
Now you’re just grasping for straws here…
>Or not even a lizard?
How would that… I… but… are you guys nuts or what?
>You short of any reagents or supplies, Jal?
The order is supplying me with all I need at the moment. Thanks for asking, my good sir.
>So the Windwalkers were supposed to have died out about two centuries ago?
…well, stranger things have happen… we are being guided by weird voices, after all…
>Hm... I think we need to visit that history professor Anna mentioned after dinner and have a chat.
That sounds like a plan! Now, time for grub!
Err… wait, I think I know who you mean. Sorry to burst your bubble but… I’m pretty sure he died two winters ago.
…I…well, that’s a bummer.

Insert Clearly, he’s bribing the gods to look the other way_

Jeez, our King is keeping secrets from us. Not cool. Oh well it's not like we've been working together very long. Trust comes in time.

...maybe Alexandra is just a girl born with facial markings. A genetic anomaly.

Anyway, let's uh... Anna and Brad should probably get to sparring. Vlad could put in some target practice or get some basic instruction in close quarters combat so he doesn't freeze up if that happens. Jal I don't know what to do with you. Could you go over what sort of alchemical stuff you can handle?

Aside from that we could go check on the Sisters.

Brad, I don't like it when those we're with keep secrets from us, but as long as whatever you're spending money on has a low chance to come back to bite us in the ass I won't pry. Just keep in mind that the quality of our suggestions is proportional to what we know, okay.

It is a bummer that professor is dead. He might have been able to shed light on where and how Brad is here. Did he happen to publish a book on the subject of Windwalkers before his demise? If he did then perhaps the town's or the Order's library would have a copy of it.

Vlad, you're right about stranger things happening; We've seen plenty of them in our time. I wouldn't be surprised if the daemon that Brad was exposed to also displaced him in time, and that Brad's actually from more than 200 years ago.

>>561499
Dude, they're on down time. There's gonna be more than enough sparring and suchlike tomorrow. They deserve their rest right now, especially after all that's happened today.

We still need to try and get news from Serath at some point.

>>561522
Yeah, we should do that while we're still at the inn. Maybe there'll be traders or travelers from the Serath Kingdom in the dining hall who'd be willing to share news from there.

Kaktus 2014/02/08(Sat)23:55 No. 561571 ID: 549d6c
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>We still need to try and get news from Serath at some point.
Our best bet is probably checking the market tomorrow. I know I saw a turban there today.
>Jeez, our King is keeping secrets from us. Not cool.
Brad is a king!?
I think he means like the chess piece, not literally a king.
Oh… wait, you know chess?
I… I remember parts of it, yes.
>...maybe Alexandra is just a girl born with facial markings.
Of course she is a girl! Have you seen how she moves? The shape of her body and face? Her voice? Those deep blue eyes…
>It is a bummer that professor is dead. Did he happen to publish a book on the subject of Windwalkers before his demise? If he did then perhaps the town's or the Order's library would have a copy of it.
As far as I know he never published anything more than a few papers to the academy in Tengrad. Maybe we can check with his decedents if they still have his notes?
>Training.
Hey! It’s R and R time. We’ll train tomorrow.
Indeed, time for some rest.

>Aside from that we could go check on the Sisters.
It was a test?
Indeed. I know it was a bit… unorthodox, but the order came from the light itself.
What kind of test was that!?
A test to see if Dooriya here can think for herself, of course. The light has taken quite an interest in you, young lady… you and your sister. In fact, you’re both looking at an promotion.
I’m going to be a Captain?
In time, yes, after all, we need to replace our recent loss.
Wait, the light itself is interested in us!?
Yes, indeed. In fact, go to the chapel and pray real hard, and you just might hear it yourself.
…really?
Hey, the order came from the Arch Bishop himself. Let’s not question the whole light thing to much. The light works against the undead, doesn’t it?
…what would it want with us?
What would anyone want with two tall legged sisters?
What was that!?
Nothing.

[You now have control over “Sister of Wisdom/Power”!]

Insert With some courage they’ll make a perfect Triforce.

what indeed what indeed?

so how go you two? Anything either of you need help with, any questions you want us to answer, anything you just want to get off your chest, we're here so feel free to talk to us as much or little as you want.

Also I think the caption has a thing for the two of you so feel free to tease him if you wish.

>>561571
Time to find out what this "Light" is, I think. Shall we go to the chapel?

It's probably just Grey, masquerading as a voice behind the powers that paladins get, after finding out how paladin magic works and introducing it to the North. As far as we know, Holy magic isn't fueled by any particular being. But hey, it's not like we've asked previous paladins exactly how their magic works...

Hello Wisdom. We, are the reason for the strange things your sister has been saying, sort of.
Am I right in presuming you're the one with a blue star on her antenna, while she's the one with the red star?

Kaktus 2014/02/09(Sun)06:28 No. 561588 ID: 549d6c
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>Hello Wisdom. We, are the reason for the strange things your sister has been saying, sort of.
WHO SAID THAT!? Show yourself, coward!
Who said what?
Sheath your weapon, sister, I’ll explain everything in due time.
…Explain what? What are talking about?
A private matter, captain.
>Am I right in presuming you're the one with a blue star on her antenna, while she's the one with the red star?
(I got the red star while my sister, Drina, the one you haven’t talked to before got the blue.)
>So how do you two do? Anything either of you need help with, any questions you want us to answer, anything you just want to get off your chest, we're here so feel free to talk to us as much or little as you want.
Who in Hel’s na-
Just think, sis.
…okay, you two definitely need some rest. You’re dismissed.
(What in Hel’s name are you!?)
>Also I think the caption has a thing for the two of you so feel free to tease him if you wish.
(We do not have the time to pursue any romantic relationship right now. More important matters is at hand.)
(He is? But he’s our superior officer! That’s against the regulations!)

>Time to find out what this "Light" is, I think. Shall we go to the chapel?
The light is the light. It’s like… a concept that give us strength.
It has to be more than that.
It’s like the gods, right? We just have to believe it’s there… of course, there’s more proof that it exist then the gods gives us… I mean, Neither Siegfried, The Thane, Freya, Gilgamesh or Shiva has never given us any true sign of their existence…
Questioning the gods isn’t really one of the wises courses of action when you depend on their teachings.
I’m just saying, that’s all.
>It's probably just Grey…
Who is grey?
Listen, I hear the Arch Bishop!
-I’ll make sure it’s taken care of.
I hope you do. We need every… you got visitors… I better take my leave.
Hmm? Oh, Dooriya… and your sister… err…
Drina, Sir.
Ah, yes, of course… Now, If you’ll excuse me, I need to talk to captain Andrzej.
Wait… who were you talking to? And where did he go? There’s only one way in here and we came from there.
It’s nothing you need to worry your pretty little head about.

Insert Eat his head, it’s the only way to be sure_

eh, if he's working for gray it probably was grey's shadow thief, basically someone really good at getting into, out of, and pull off things that should just generally be impossible.

Anyways don't mention us as I'm sure this guy knows we're here seeing as he talked to us this morning and if he want to speak to us he'll let us know. Lets just see what he wants from the two of you first.

>"It’s nothing you need to worry your pretty little head about."
...It's a good thing I don't have a physical form, 'cause right now I have an overwhelming urge to reach out and knock that stupid hat off his condescending head.

As for us, we're small gods/little daemons/ancient spirits/voices of departed souls/whatever you want. Even we don't know what we are anymore, so pick whichever you want. We just know we want to help save the world and those that we're with.

Gray is like us, albeit a singular voice instead of many. When we met her in the Serath Kingdom she was corrupted, taking control of her king against his will and generally being a irrational greedy hostile psycho. We could stand for this, so we killed her... And then she came back a few days later, purge of the corruption, weak and with no memories of her past life after the corruption took hold. We spared her and the last we knew of her her king was presumably heading to the Northlands. That was about nine or ten months ago.

We suspect that the Archbishop is either with Gray or allied with Gray. Earlier, when Brad mentioned Gray to the Archbishop he jumped a bit. And just now, with whoever the Archbishop was talking to vanishing into thin air, might be more evidence of Gray being here. See, the power she can give her pawns is... I call it "shadowwalking," but it's the ability to hide in and move through the shadows. They can go invisible, move super fast, slip into locked rooms, and steal or pickpocket anything. It's a very cloak and dagger and thief-y power.

This doesn't mean the Archbishop or Gray are bad or anything like that. We just haven't found out enough yet to make a judgment. They could very well have good reasons to not trust us. When we came to Brad, we had no memories of the last nine or so months. It's entirely possible we got corrupted and what happened to Gray happened to us.

Anyway, infodump over. I suggest praying like the Archbishop wanted you two to. Perhaps we'll find out a bit more about the Light from it.

We definitely didn't get corrupted. We jumped forwards in time, as evidenced by our being still connected to our past selves. Sisters, before you ask, we don't know why or how we can do this, we just can. Of course, this means we have two Kings now. Or maybe we can just change who our King is? Yeah, that's probably it.

Don't tell the ArchBishop about us yet, or even hint about it. Tell him you're here to speak to the Light.

Kaktus 2014/02/09(Sun)12:47 No. 561641 ID: 549d6c
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>we're small gods/little daemons/ancient spirits/voices of departed souls/whatever you want. we want to help save the world and those that we're with.
(You’ll have to excuse me for not trusting you. Having an alien entity inside your head is a bit… let’s just say that you’ll have to forgive me for withholding my enthusiasm.)
>We suspect that the Archbishop is either with Gray or allied with Gray.
(So… gray is like you… then the Archbishop is like us? Having voices that guide him?)
>Anyways don't mention us.
(Yea, let’s not look like we’re completely nuts! What a great idea!)

>Let’s just see what he wants from the two of you first.
Oh? Why nothing. I was here to pray and so are you, I gather?
>I suggest praying like the Captain wanted you two to.
…
Just remember children, the light will listen, but his answer might not always be as clear as d-
Dooriya… Drina… there’s no reason to kneel… please, stand.
Holy shi- I didn’t think- oh, I- but- I’m not worthy?
WHAT DID YOU DO TO THE ARCHBISHOP!?
Nothing… I simply didn’t freeze time for him as I did for you. He doesn’t need to hear this conservation.
I… I didn’t think you were real!? At least… not like this!?
Oh great one, we who are not worthy to bathe in your radiance, how can we assist you in your exalted wisd-
Dooriya, please… no need for formalities. I have to admit, while you two have caught my eye, I’m here to talk to the one you bear. Greetings, Voices of the many, I am the light, the breaker of dawn, the bane of darkness… and I’m honored of being in the presence of the savior of the Serath lands.
…I… what…
But I’m getting ahead of myself… you have, after all, not saved it yet… at least, not from your point of view, have you? No matter, you will have when it matters. Now, to the matter in hand… I’m supposed to ask you for a favor… and then I’ll have to ask the future you to join us alliance of players to help us with the daemon wars across the great sea… 12 players has already accepted, including yo- err… my apologies, I got a bit sidetracked there… but I need to ask you, can you find the human known as Ragnar, the scourge of god, and kill him? It is vital that you succeed before his corruption spread further. Can you do this for me?
…wait, the light itself is asking us a favor!? Who the hell is this Ragnar if the light wants him dead this badly!

Insert By the holy smell of the lights bathroom! …on a pogo stick!_

>>561641
Oh thank god, you actually know what's going on. How are our old four friends doing? We heard they were killed, but that's not right at all, is it? How long have you been around, anyway? There's been paladins since ancient, ancient times.

I don't suppose you know who the man in the mask is, do you? Not the ArchBishop, I mean some dude that's been shadowing us in the South. Speaking of unknown persons, do you know anything about Bradford's past? Or what that package was he sent to the Captain? It might be improper of me to suspect our current King of foul play, but we don't know him very well and it would be basically the worst possible scenario if he were a sleeper agent of some sort.

As for Ragnar, wasn't he killed 200 years ago by the last known Windwalker? Is he undead now? We'll smite his ass if so.

Is that the guy who is making the light appear at the top of the mountain? cause we were planing on going up there and stopping the undead hoards anyways.

But yeah can you answer some questions we have, Like what the fuck happened to us in the past? I mean we the civil war going on between the tribals and the Royal family was starting to heat up, the tribals where ambushed by some undead in a pass the Royal family placed there to try and stop them and then BAM we're here in the frozen north being chased by undead and told that the Serath desert has ceased to exist in all but name and memory. The fuck happened?

Well then sisters.
We have to kill an undead Barbearian leader.
Doesn't really sound all that hard to me though-I'd think he'd take an axe to the face as well as you would. Even if he's one of those super regenerating Undead, chop him up, prepare funeral pyre, and send him to the afterlife.
...This is the part where you explain WHY Ragnar is called 'the scourge of God' and what makes him so hard to kill.

...Wow! I did not expect this at all! And I have to say hearing this is one heck of a relief! I was worried something terrible had happened to us, Jericho died and we come back missing a chunk of our memories like Gray did. Turns out it's just ordinary time warp shenanigans! That's a load off my mind!

We'd be glad to take up your mission, but aren't we a bit too late for it? Vlad mentioned that Ragnar was killed nearly two centuries ago by the last of the Windwalkers. So unless Ragnar is still kicking around as an undead we'd need to travel back in time to put him down. Not impossible, but we'd need help to pull that off.

Do you know where Bradford, our current king, came from? He's a Windwalker, yet the last Windwalker died about 200 years ago, so how'd Bradford become a Windwalker?

But if Ragnar is still around, then brief us on what we're gonna be facing going up against him. Presumably he's at the center of this new undead scourge coming down from the Pillar of the Heavens. That means we'll need a way to either cut through or completely bypass the horde to take down Ragnar. And we'll need something powerful enough to take Ragnar out as well.

Also, do we have to worry about any temporal paradox problems? We have heard the new Serath sultan is coming here via airship right now. I'm assuming that it's going to be Elizah, so should we avoid meeting her or not?

Kaktus 2014/02/10(Mon)09:02 No. 561857 ID: 549d6c
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>Oh thank god, you actually know what's going on.
No need to thank me, mortal… and Steve will do for now. God is so… tacky…
>How long have you been around, anyway? There's been paladins since ancient, ancient times.
I’ve existed for as long as the this world have existed. The creators created me just as they created this world and the ancestors of the people living here.

>How are our old four friends doing? We heard they were killed, but that's not right at all, is it?
Some of them are dead, others are alive… don’t worry, you’ll meet them again soon enough.
>Has the Serath desert ceased to exist in all but name and memory?
That’s a bit of an exaggeration. The desert is almost gone, true, but the Serath Sultanate lives on under its now Sultan. In fact, I’ve heard that it’s apparently moving into a new golden age of technological and cultural wonders. If anything, they are our biggest allies on this continent.
>I don't suppose you know who the man in the mask is, do you? Not the ArchBishop, I mean some dude that's been shadowing us in the South.
He’s a friend, an ally, someone who wishes to achieve the same goal as I. A… brother. Kin.

>Speaking of unknown persons, do you know anything about Bradford's past? Or what that package was he sent to the Captain?
It isn’t yet the time for his past to be revealed, I’m sorry to say. As for the package… let’s call it penance for past sins.
>As for Ragnar, wasn't he killed 200 years ago by the last known Windwalker? Is he undead now?
In a sense, yes. Just remember he wasn’t the only one who died that day all those years ago.
>Is that the guy who is making the light appear at the top of the mountain?
No, but he does have a hand in all this.
>...This is the part where you explain WHY Ragnar is called 'the scourge of God' and what makes him so hard to kill.
He… was a very angry man. He thought the gods themselves were unjust against him and he swore vengeance. His goal was to destroy every temple, burn every scripture and kill every believer as revenge for something he blamed the gods for.
>Brief us on what we're gonna be facing going up against him.
You will cross path with him more than once… but don’t worry, when the times comes you’ll be ready.
>Do we have to worry about any temporal paradox problems?
Why? Both the past and the future have already happened. The only thing that matters is the present. Now, any questions? My time in this time is almost at an end… they need me in the future really soon.
…why do you guys always have to be so cryptic?
Wait… if you exist… you can’t see us all the time right?
Of course not, my beloved Dooriya. I can only see you and hear you when you’re praying at one of my altars… I can also feel you and your needs when you pray to me somewhere else… and I can channel my strength to you just as I can channel my strength trough weapons blessed in my name. Now, anything more you want to be enlightened about? Meaning of life? What the question is? How many licks it takes to reach the center of a lollipop? Otherwise, you should hurry back to your friends. Some of them are about to make a few… life changing decisions.
…you’re not really like I imagined you to be.
Just because I’m all powerful doesn’t mean I can have a sense of humor, now can I?

Insert Smith will suffice _

We all have a certain sense of humor, we would be pretty boring beings if we had no emotion.

Life changing good or life changing bad... Also how do we fight deamons, cause I have a feeling that at some point in the future, past, or in the distant present that we're going to have to fight one so a little help on how to deal with them without dieing horribly or being corrupted would be very helpful.

>>561857
Do you know what we are? You called us mortals, but how can that be?

>>561863
I doubt we'll be able to get anything that can jack shit to daemons anytime soon. Right now I'm more worried about getting some solid protection from their corruption for us and those with us. Just being near that cultist when her master was looking through her kicked our corruption level up to 15%. I'm guessing being in proximity to Ragnar would be even worse.

Will we need anything special to put Ragnar down and make sure he stays down for good, or will Bradford pounding Ragnar's head into his torso with a blessed warhammer do the trick?

Well, I'm out of questions, so I think we're done here. C'mon, lets get on over to the inn. We've gotta tell them we're on a mission from Steve! ...Just doesn't have the same kick as "god," does it?

Kaktus 2014/02/10(Mon)12:03 No. 561889 ID: 549d6c
File 139206259150.png - (28.19KB , 900x450 , 72.png )

>Do you know what we are? You called us mortals, but how can that be?
Will you not die when your time runs out? How can you be any but mortal? Everything has a weakness, be it time, steel, regret, pain or concepts.
>Life changing good or life changing bad?
Depends on who you ask, really… and the outcome…
>How do we fight deamons?
How do you fight that which cannot die? Which doesn’t have a concept for pain and suffering other than food? The only thing you can do is to destroy their mortal hosts and their worshipers, and pray that they don’t have enough energy to come over to this side.
>Right now I'm more worried about getting some solid protection from their corruption for us and those with us.
Do not listen to their lies. Their siren song might be tempting, but you have to ignore it.
>Will we need anything special to put Ragnar down and make sure he stays down for good, or will Bradford pounding Ragnar's head into his torso with a blessed warhammer do the trick?
I believe you will have the means to defeat him when the time comes.
Thank you, glorious light, for sharing your wisdom with us.
I already told you, sweetie, you do not need to address me like that. But, before you go, let me grace you with a gift each. For my beloved Drina, a new blade to slay with in my name, and for my beautiful Dooriya, a book of knowledge that you seek.
Sweet, I needed a new sword!
Err… thank you, oh mighty one?
And for you, voices of the board, I bestow upon you this spear. Might it come to your aid when you need it the most.

>Well, I'm out of questions, so I think we're done here. C'mon, let’s get on over to the inn. We've gotta tell them we're on a mission from Steve!
*Gasp* Why, young lady, that is not a conservation you have in polite company! Why, I never! You should feel ashamed! That is clearly something you discuss after nine behind closed doors. Good day, I say! Humph!
…wow, you really digging into that Ankwark…
*Om* It *nom* doeshg *nom* tashe *nom* likeh ash *nom*
…Why would it taste like ass? Never mind… um… Brad… you probably aren’t the best person to ask this but… what do you do if you really like someone? I mean… err… the approach and stuff.
*Omnomnom* …give her flowers?
Nonono! To cliché! You have to be frisky! Unique! Rememberable! Find out what she like and give her that! Show that you care!
Say that you fancy her and then give her the D! Oh, and make sure you ask if she like it in the butt before you put it there.
Err…

Insert Updated my journal_

>>561889
Food that doesn't taste like ash?! Bradford, we need to get you some ankwark rations or something for the road.

Vlad, keep in mind you rebuffed her by saying she's way out of your league. You need to demonstrate that you're gaining in confidence before she takes you seriously. Also uh, does it look like she wears a lot of makeup, or is it just some in specific areas? I'm wondering exactly what she's hiding about her face. Could be scars I guess, that'd be the most mundane explanation. Anyway, you could give her flowers, yeah. That's one way to try to convince someone to take you seriously. Some other sort of gift would work too. You could ask Jal what she likes, maybe some specific sort of candy?

well if you're going for Alex... maybe some cosmetic stuff, as Jal what she likes on that department, if you're talking about the blond... Just be forward and she'll probably do most of the work, if it's someone else... I don't know maybe some nice clothing that you think they'd look good in. It all depends on the girl really.

Everybody, we've got amazing news! We've seen The Light! Literally! We were with Drina and Dooriya in the chapel and when they prayed the divine Light came and spoke with them and us! And then He asked us to take on a mission for Him: To destroy Ragnar, The Scourge of God, before his corruption spreads farther. We accepted, so we're on a mission from (a) god now!

We didn't get the details, but it seems Ragnar is undead or something like it and is connected somehow with whatever the source of the undead plague is. The Light didn't tell us everything, as is the usual with divine beings, but has utmost confidence in us. And if you think we're making this up, the sisters will probably be over here soon to confirm it all.

Okay, news delivered. Now, Vlad, you talking about Alexandra? In that case, how about getting her luggage, or at least her cosmetics, out of customs? Then you could bring them up to her along with her meal and present them to her. I think that we could ask Dooriya to help with getting it out of the customs office.

Ankwark doesn't taste like ash to you, Brad? I wonder what's special about it. I say you definitely should get every possible part of that ankwark cooked up into rations for yourself. And maybe there's other foods out there like it. If you keep a log of which foods taste like ash and keep trying different things you may find another one.

...Wait. The Light gave us a spear? Um... Where is it? And where would we even keep it? We don't have pockets, yanno... Hm... Maybe? [Check inventory]

Kaktus 2014/02/10(Mon)14:04 No. 561906 ID: 549d6c
File 139206987939.png - (28.30KB , 900x450 , 73.png )

>[Check inventory].
[You lack pockets to keep things in.]
>Food that doesn't taste like ash?! Bradford, we need to get you some ankwark rations or something for the road.
And this ale doesn’t taste like piss! Not like the one I had earlier today!
Err… while I appreciate you not thinking it taste like piss, it’s the same ale.
And these potatoes! They taste like freaking potatoes! I can’t remember the last time I tasted potatoes!
I know my cooking isn’t perfect but geez…
>Everybody, we've got amazing news! We've seen The Light! Literally! He asked us to take on a mission for Him: To destroy Ragnar, The Scourge of God, before his corruption spreads farther. We accepted, so we're on a mission from (a) god now!
Oh! Finally some action!
Wait… from the light!? That thing actually exist!?
Of course it does. How did you think Alex got all those holy powers?
I don’t know… from the same place the wizard people get their magic?

>Vlad, you talking about Alex?
Alexandra… and of course I’m talking about her. Have you seen those eyes? So... deep and beautiful… like a sun rise over the ocean.
Have you even been to the oc-
And her smile… when she smiles the whole world stops~
“And she got a really cute butt”?
What? No! I mean, yes but… that’s nothing you say out loud, Sofia!
>Vlad, keep in mind you rebuffed her by saying she's way out of your league. You need to demonstrate that you're gaining in confidence before she takes you seriously.
Well, I was depressed back then… alright, I’m still a bit depressed but it’s worth a shot… the worse thing she can do is saying no.
Actually, the worse thing she can do is to hit you with a restraining order. I know from experience.
>You could ask Jal what she likes, maybe some specific sort of candy?
Well, if you want my advice… don’t. Sorry to burst your bubble but… let’s just say it’s for the best you don’t even try… but… hmmm… she would like a free gift… maybe it will cheer her up? Tell you what, go find some white chocolate and some nice flowers and you might have a chance. She really loves white chocolate.
>how about getting her luggage, or at least her cosmetics, out of customs?
Yeah… that’s a no go. It’s completely closed until tomorrow. Something about a break-in or something.
Well, crud.
I still think this ship is doomed from the start…
Mmm… potatoes…

Insert Boil them, smash them, stick them in a stew_

>>561906
Wait, your taste buds are back to normal, Brad? That means something has changed. I mean, that was a symptom of your soul being damaged, right? Do souls heal over time, then? Or maybe we healed you.

Err, wait, if Alexandra doesn't have her cosmetics and won't for the foreseeable future that means she's not gonna show her face to anyone. Vlad, if you really want to impress her, you gotta help the customs office with that breakin so you can get her cosmetics back.

Hmm... let's see, what has happened since you last ate that could have changed things? The smiting perhaps?

So things are tasting the way they ought to now, Brad? And you're smiling? You're actually happy? Yeah, something has definitely changed. Next chance you get visit Doctor Vadoma to get your life essence checked. Perhaps the damage the daemon did to your soul is healing.

That sounds like good gifts, Vlad, but I dunno where you'd get them. It's the dead of winter, so picking flowers is out. I doubt there's much market for imported flowers here, so they wouldn't be in the shops. Though, some flowers have medicinal use, so you might be able to buy some from the local apothecary if they have a greenhouse.

White chocolate might be easier to get than the flowers. It'd probably be expensive to buy, since it has to be imported, but the town has grown enough that there may be a market for such a luxury. Ask the barkeep if there's anybody around that sells that kind of thing.

>>561907
Good point. Without her makeup on she'd only show her face to Jal. While Jal could deliver Vlad's gifts with a note from him, it just wouldn't be the same as Vlad doing it in person.

Kaktus 2014/02/10(Mon)15:55 No. 561933 ID: 549d6c
File 139207653121.png - (28.41KB , 900x450 , 74.png )

>Wait, your taste buds are back to normal, Brad?
I don’t know… I can taste stuff but… I believe I can remember… I don’t know if it is nostalgia or not, but I do remember things tasting… well, more.
>And you're smiling? You're actually happy?
Is that this warm fuzzy feeling I’m having?
That’s happiness, yes.
It burns us…
And now he’s cracking jokes!? By the light, the poison turned him into an undead! That’s the only reasonable explanation!
Hey, Brad, wanna test if you’ve gotten more than just your taste bud b-
No.
…you know, you don’t have to try and kill me with your glare every time I ask…
>Next chance you get visit Doctor Vadoma to get your life essence checked.
I’ll remember to visit her tomorrow.

>Vlad, if you really want to impress her, you gotta help the customs office with that breakin so you can get her cosmetics back.
How? I can’t just go there and ask them if I can help, can I?
Don’t worry, by tomorrow morning they’ll do business as usual. Alex luggage is bound to be done by then.
>It's the dead of winter, so picking flowers is out. I doubt there's much market for imported flowers here, so they wouldn't be in the shops.
Actually, Ella, the local druid, usually have flowers to sell on the market each day. They are expensive, but…. Supply and demand you know…
>White chocolate might be easier to get than the flowers. It'd probably be expensive to buy, since it has to be imported, but the town has grown enough that there may be a market for such a luxury.
I don’t know about that… maybe check with one of the foreigners on the market. They have all kind of exotic wares. Of course, the marked is kind of barren at this time of day…
>wait, if Alexandra doesn't have her cosmetics and won't for the foreseeable future that means she's not gonna show her face to anyone.
Right… dammit… wait, can’t I talk to her without seeing her? Like trough a door?
…or you can just talk to her normally… she bound to put on her face mask if you knock.
Hmm…

Insert The undead are usually more alive than Brad, even on his best days…_

>>561933
Yeah I'd expect her to wear her mask. ...hang on I just realized she covers her entire body normally, only her face is exposed. Jal, is she a red Lizard? Because that's not a horrible curse or anything, they're just a different breed that died out. I'm guessing there are still some genes floating around in the pool.

I say let's go with the white chocolate.

Heh. I think I know how to complete our mission. We just have to get Ragnar to make a pass at Brad and he'll be vaporized by the glare beam. Anyway, I hope this change in taste and mood also means your dreams tonight will be pleasant, or at least not the usual nightmares.

Vlad, how about you take Alexandra's meal up instead of Jal? But you'll need something to talk about. There's only so much you can gush about how awesome she is, after all. Jal, you got any topic suggestions or suggestions on how to talk to her?

We'll go up ahead to let Alexandra know you're coming. She'll probably be pissed at us for seeing her without her makeup on, but unless she's got a huge scar or something like that we won't be able to see what she's covering. Honestly, our vision is pretty crap.

>>561941
With what Sten said I doubt either the foreign traders or Ella the druid would be selling their wares right now. But if the marketplace is nearby Vlad could make a quick run over to make sure of it.

Kaktus 2014/02/11(Tue)05:39 No. 562025 ID: 549d6c
File 139212595550.png - (14.33KB , 900x450 , 75.png )

>...hang on I just realized she covers her entire body normally, only her face is exposed.
Well, of course. It’s rather cold out this time of year.
>Jal, is she a red Lizard?
A what?
Err… never heard of a red lizard.
You mean… like blood or…?
>I say let's go with the white chocolate.
Yes, that would be splendid. I’ll see if I can find some tomorrow.
>Vlad, how about you take Alexandra's meal up instead of Jal?
If you wish… just don’t get your hopes up, kid. Otherwise this will all end in tears.
Be a bit positive! Go Vlad, swipe her of her feet. I’m sure you’ll get to stick it in her butt by tomorrow.
Err…

>We'll go up ahead to let Alexandra know you're coming. She'll probably be pissed at us for seeing her without her makeup on, but unless she's got a huge scar or something like that we won't be able to see what she's covering.
Wait, don’t! Let someone knock or something fi-

…

D-disgusting… filthy… h-hideous! *Sniff* They were right, I-I’m grotesque! I… I’m nothing more t-then some m-monster! B-beast! *sniff*

Insert Seven years of bad luck_

Oh snap.
This...Looks both better and worse than I thought.
It's better, in that you SEEM to be a normal lizard to me, Alex, unless I'm missing something about your appearance.
The WORSE part...Well, normally people don't have that opinion of themselves. It's all in your head, all in the past, you're a fine looking lizard lady, at least to me.

>>562025
Uh... what? You look completely normal! What a rip, I thought you had some terrible secret.

What's your deal? Why do you think you're ugly?

>They were right, I-I’m grotesque! I… I’m nothing more t-then some m-monster! B-beast!
You look fine to me. Except for what you did to your hand breaking that mirror.

What's wrong with how you look?

Kaktus 2014/02/11(Tue)10:23 No. 562041 ID: 549d6c
File 139214303786.png - (13.57KB , 900x450 , 76.png )

>Oh snap.
AHH!!! NOT YOU!! Don’t look at me! DON’T LOOK!!
>Uh... what? You look completely normal!
I’m hideous! Stop lying to me, you bastard!
>You're a fine looking lizard lady, at least to me.
Then your eyesight must be bad, because I’m the most loathsome lizard that ever lived!
>Except for what you did to your hand breaking that mirror.
Wha- oh… ow… it’s bleeding rather… I better get this bandaged…
>What a rip, I thought you had some terrible secret.
Well, fuck you too, asshole! I’m sorry I’m just ugly!
>What's your deal? Why do you think you're ugly?
Because I am! Look at me! I got a face not even my mother would love… Even the gods spit on me because I’m so deformed! People lie and tell me I look fine… but I know that they are disgusted with me behind my back… they gossip how disgusting that Alexandra is… and then the rocks come… and the whip… oh gods, the whip...

*Knock*Knock*
Lady Alexandra? Are you in there?
(By the light, not him… not now!)
I’m sorry but… I tried to keep the voices from jumping to you… at least before you got a proper warning…
…go away…
…are you alright? You don’t sound so well, lady Alexandra…

Insert Ugly is in the eye of the beholder… I think it’s in the third eye stalk to the left_

>Even the gods spit on me because I’m so deformed!
That why you insisted on calling us demons? You couldn't accept gods being kind to you.

>Everyone lies to me
Okay. Occam's razor here. What's the simpler solution, the more likely truth: that everyone, your entire life, in the entire world, has been involved in a patronizing conspiracy to lie to you, and not one person has ever been honest enough, or mean spirited enough, or contrary enough to break ranks and call you ugly?

Or that you're wrong?

>rocks, whip
...who hurt you.

>>562041
Well okay, okay, I guess our vision isn't perfect. Female lizards look the same to us aside from obvious facial features like scars. We can only tell male lizards apart from their markings, too. However, this still means there is nothing obviously wrong with your face according to our vision. I mean, can you describe exactly what is deformed? If you can't, then you're not.

Now, apparently you're a therapist of some sort. Can't you recognize that you've been traumatized by whatever happened in your past? You have mental scars deeper than any physical deformity, and you need help.

Let the boy in. You've got your mask on, it's fine no matter what you think you look like.

Sounds MORE like you got tortured and brutally beaten, and supposedly because of your looks. The fact that you look roughly normal to us? Suggests that there was another reason, and you being 'Ugly' was simply an excuse.

Heck, it could be because she's beautiful, and someone in power was jealous.

Okay, so everybody really thinks your ugly and lies to your face about it all the time, no matter the makeup or the mask? Well, I say "so fuckin' what?!" You gonna let them define your life? You gonna hide away so their lying eyes can be spared from your appearance? Well they don't deserve that! They all have to lie about it, so make them work overtime. And if the rocks come, you catch and throw them back. The whip? Grab and beat 'em with it. Live your life the way you want to and force the whole world lie to you.

So about when did you first think you were "ugly?" Do you remember what happened about that time? Who was around then?

...And I say whoever beat this terrible delusion into you only deserves to be cast into the deepest pit of Hell to be paradoxically roasted and frozen for all of eternity, and even that would be too good for them.

Kaktus 2014/02/11(Tue)11:38 No. 562051 ID: 549d6c
File 139214750263.png - (14.20KB , 900x450 , 77.png )

>Okay. Occam's razor here. What's the simpler solution…
That I’m ugly and everyone lies! It has to be! Why else would they hurt me!?
>Can you describe exactly what is deformed? If you can't, then you're not.
I look like an old hag! My eyes are to farm from each other! My snout is to short! My scales are discolored! I’m ugly, disgusting vermin!
>So about when did you first think you were "ugly?" Do you remember what happened about that time? Who was around then?
I’ve always been ugly… they always told me I was ugly…
>...who hurt you?
…everyone who ever loved me…

>Can't you recognize that you've been traumatized by whatever happened in your past? You have mental scars deeper than any physical deformity, and you need help.
A p-proper lady doesn’t go to a therapist. A proper lady conceals, she doesn’t f-feel… A proper lady… doesn’t r-run away and b-becomes a priest… a-and… and… unproper lady is punished…
>Sounds MORE like you got tortured and brutally beaten, and supposedly because of your looks.
Nonono… discipline, knowing how a proper lady behaves… It wasn’t… no… NONONO… IT WASN’T LIKE THAT!
>Heck, it could be because she's beautiful, and someone in power was jealous.
SHUT UP! SHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUP!!
ALEXANDRA!?

>Let the boy in. You've got your mask on, it's fine no matter what you think you look like.
You were screaming and- what happened to the mirror!? And your hand!? A-are you alright!?
…I’m fine, Vladimir… what do you want…
I… I… err… I was worried.
Worried? Why?
You did freak out a bit when you didn’t get your baggage and… err… I… I was… worried…
Then stop worrying because I’m fine… now, go away, I want to be alone.
…are you sure? I mean, you look pretty shaken…
I’m fine. Really.
No, you aren’t. Here, sit down and I’ll make you some tea… and then we can discuss whatever is bothering you.
…why do you even care?
See it as a thank you for earlier today… and… a-and… um… yes, tea…
…don’t bother, I can’t drink trough the mask anyway.
Then take it of-
No.
I don’t care how you look like under there… Please, Alex… just one cup…
…it’s Alexandra…

Insert A spot of tea, eh guv?_

he doesn't have ideals of beauty. he has no idea what a pretty person is supposed to look like. is too simple to care.

The only ugly thing here is what's been done to you.

>>562051
Have him wear a blindfold.

Vlad, claiming that she isn't ugly seems to instantly hard-reset her attitude to complete denial, so try to avoid that for a bit. Explain that you don't care how she looks, she's a friend and you're worried.

Kaktus 2014/02/11(Tue)13:38 No. 562075 ID: 549d6c
File 139215468873.png - (14.55KB , 900x450 , 78.png )

>Have him wear a blindfold.
…that’s a bit… much, isn’t it?
>He doesn't have ideals of beauty. He has no idea what a pretty person is supposed to look like. His too simple to care.
...did you just call me stupid?
Hey, don’t insult Vlad!
>The only ugly thing here is what's been done to you.
Err… what have they done to you? …and who?
It’s… nothing. Forget about it.
>Explain that you don't care how she looks, she's a friend and you're worried.
…I can hear you too, you know…
It isn’t your beauty that matters, it’s who you are.
…that just sounded cheesy…
I don’t care how you look, you’re still going to be my friend and friends look after each other.
…didn’t the voices just sa-
Besides, your real beauty can’t be covered up with cosmetics! They can’t cover up your caring personality… you gorgeous deep blue eyes… your form… the way you move… your voice… it’s all beautiful.
…Are you coming on to me?
WHAT!? No! Err… I mean yes… um… I mean maybe?
*Sigh* Why did you have to do this more complicated… look, it’s not going to work. It’s…. it’s isn’t you, it’s me. I’m… I can’t really… it’s not going to work out, alright?
B-but… you can’t just give up without even trying!
It’s pointless to try if it’s going to fail anyway… now turn around so I can drink my tea…
B-but…

Insert Where’s my goddamn tea!?_

>>562075
Vlad, she's got a lot of baggage. It's basically true that it won't work out at this point in time, but we can work on it with her slowly, when we can have time alone with her. Speaking of which... Alexandra, he did bring up a good point. Beauty is not defined solely by one's face. Even with the mask on, people can be attracted to you, and you have no reason to believe he's lying about what he likes about you, do you?

we're not totally sure on the details Vlad but it sounds like someone hurt here in the past and it's scared her to this day. You know I'm starting to think the reason we're connecting so fast with so many people is because all of them have something bad in there past.

I mean Vlad just lost his family, Alexandra sounds like someone tried to rise her to an unrealistic slandered and just ended up fucking up horribly, Anna's dad was sadden he never got a son so she tried to be a tomboy to make him happy only for it to end with her mom going nuts and killing her family, Brad doesn't know his past but it's starting to come back and from the sound of it it's not very happy ether, and we don't know what Jal or the sister's past is yet but seeing the theme going on here it doesn't sound like it will be a cheery one.

...Look Alex, I know you don't want to get into a relationship right now but can you at least offer Vlad a hand in friendship? None of you have had it easy and all of you could use someone to lean on for when things just become to much to deal with on your own. This doesn't have to be anything romantic if you don't want it to be but no one should have to suffer alone, everyone one should at least have a friend to help pull them out of the gutter, like when you stopped Vlad from drinking his life away, like how Vlad is trying to help you right now so you can be happy as well. Again you don't have to swoon every time someone comes to you but don't push them away either if they're just trying to help.

...Vlad, you can't fix this here and now; You'll just dig yourself deeper. Please, just turn around and drink your tea. And you may as well take a moment to inform Alexandra of our new mission is and who it's from.

I don't know what to say, Vlad. We're out of our depth here. This kind of thing, it's impervious to logic. It twists perception into knots. There's no quick fix; It takes a long time and skill to right. I just don't know what to do...

Alexandra, take this as you will, but we won't give up on you, and we won't hurt you. I think the same can be said for Vlad and the rest.

Kaktus 2014/02/12(Wed)05:59 No. 562158 ID: 549d6c
File 139221357985.png - (15.47KB , 900x450 , 79.png )

>...Look Alex, I know you don't want to get into a relationship right now but can you at least offer Vlad a hand in friendship?
I guess… more friends wouldn’t hurt…
>Alexandra, he did bring up a good point. Beauty is not defined solely by one's face. Even with the mask on, people can be attracted to you, and you have no reason to believe he's lying about what he likes about you, do you?
…a proper lady is supposed to care greatly about her looks…
A proper lady doesn’t go around punching mirrors or has a breakdown as soon as they don’t have some cosmetics at hand. A “proper” lady is a dull, snobbish aristocrat… you’re anything but.
…
>...Vlad, you can't fix this here and now; You'll just dig yourself deeper. Please, just turn around and drink your tea.
Mmm… this is quite good, actually. Where did you learn making tea?
They had these premade bags in the drawesr of every room of the inn. I just heated up some water.
…oh.
>You may as well take a moment to inform Alexandra of our new mission is and who it's from.
…the light!? As in… the actual light!?
Apparently.
And we’re supposed to find and kill someone who’s been dead for 200 years?
That is correct.
…how the hell are we supposed to find someone like that? It’s not like we can go door to door, knock and ask if they’ve seen Ragnar… or that we’ll just run into him in the bar…

>You know I'm starting to think the reason we're connecting so fast with so many people is because all of them have something bad in their past.
Well, there is a pattern. As for Jal, he’s a bastard, his mother is a thrall and all the stress has made him an alcoholic.
Err… won’t he mind you telling everyone that?
Oh, that drunkards tells everyone he’s a bastard already.
…so when he said… I thought he was joking!
Well, he wa-
*Crash!*
OH MY GOD!?
Brad!? OH SHIT, ANNA!?
…Scratch… scratch scratch…

Insert Here’s Johnny!_

Oh for fuck sake's he's being controlled by a deamon, Really? He's a fucking Vildman for god's sake, we saw one of those guys tare themselves limb from limb rather then let a Deamon control them.

hold on one sec [check pawns]
Oh and maybe try running... maybe the window?

...they got the windwalker? Well, that's just fucking great. He can take everyone in the room apart before they can react if he does that speed thing.

Poor Anna. I liked her.

I don't suppose we can try and wrest him out from whatever's control he's under?

Well as if things weren't grimdark enough.
WHERE'S THE CULTISTS! Seriously, those guys are connected to the demons so if a demon got ahold of Brad chances are they're linked.
Anyhow, BRAD! STAND DOWN! WE ARE INTANGIBLE AND THUS IMMUNE TO YOUR WEAPONRY, AND YOU WILL NOT HURT THE REST OF OUR COMRADES WITHOUT GOING THROUGH US!!!

...Okay, no. This is not happening. If Brad had been taken control of then more than Anna would have died; It would have been a rampage! You two would have heard that! And, more telling, if Brad had been taken then WE WOULD NOT BE HERE! He's our king! Our prime piece! We would be gone if he fell! This is not possible! I disbelieve! WE DISBELIEVE!

...And if that doesn't work I call BULLSHIT, and suggest you two try to get out the window ASAP. Throw everything in here at Brad or in his way, including the furniture.

We'll [Check pawn status] to see if this is actually happening, and if it is then [Switch to "The Savage"] to try and wrest control over Brad away from whatever the fuck has got him.

>>562161
That was a wraith, not a daemon, that got into that Vildman; Huge difference between the two. She gnawed her own limbs off to keep her corpse from being taken by it.

Kaktus 2014/02/12(Wed)09:52 No. 562173 ID: 549d6c
File 139222757022.png - (16.22KB , 900x450 , 80.png )

>[check pawns]
[“The Savage” Status: Sleeping, Corrupted dreams. “The hunter” Status: Depressed, Sleeping. “The priest” Status: Stressed out, sleeping. “The Alchemist” Status: Drunk, Disappointed, horny, sleeping. “Sister of Wisdom” Status: Sleeping, Blessed dreams. “Sister of Power” Status: Sleeping, Blessed dreams. “The Valkyrie” Status: Depressed, Crying. Current Corruption level: 2% and falling.]
>I don't suppose we can try and wrest him out from whatever's control he's under?
WHAT? HOW!? I don- ARHG!
AAAA-
>Oh and maybe try runni-
No! NO RUNNING! They will not escape the feast! They will not escape the coming darkness! We will gain our freedom!!
>They all deserve to die for what they did… kill them all… not even the gods are immortal.
…how does it feel, Bradford… to know that you have so much blood on your hands… so much death… all because of your pride... Do you think they would be proud?

Kaktus 2014/02/12(Wed)09:53 No. 562174 ID: 549d6c
File 139222758207.png - (13.25KB , 900x450 , 81.png )

>Wake up!
Mhng?
Why, hello there.
Boss! He’s fighting it!
MGFHF!!
Don’t worry, this stuff will have him sleeping like a baby in no time.
Mff…
See? Get him out through the window… and let’s hope those religious freaks are good to their word, you’re worth a lot of coin, little man. …who sleeps in their armor an-

[You have lost connection to “The Savage!”]

Kaktus 2014/02/12(Wed)09:53 No. 562176 ID: 549d6c
File 139222763852.png - (16.16KB , 900x450 , 82.png )

We’re almost there, Daniel, I think I can see the top!
...Are these ruins really important enough to risk our very lives for!?
Of course! These aren’t some simple ruins; it’s a site of a battle that saved the very world we live in thousands of years ago. This very ziggurat was built as a defense against beings you can’t even imagine, let alone fathom! Here I thought you knew the way when I hired you as a guide.
No one has been mad enough to venture this far up the mountain before! We would have been dead ten times over by now… but… it’s like something is protecting us from the cold and weak air…
Do not dally now, Daniel, we need to keep moving… I’m sure the entrance will be somewhere around here…

[You now have control over “The Sacrifice”!]

Insert And now for someone completely different_

>>562176
Oh, hello, someone new. Don't worry, we're allies of the Light. You're getting close to the peak of the mountain? I guess we'll get to see what's up here.

What's that brown thing stuck in the snow?

Mantis Wizard?
No questions, kick out behind you.

Guidesman?
Tackle that guy in front of you.

Undead guy?
Stay away from those two/identify yourself.

>Daniel
>The Sacrifice
We switched from playing Civ to watching Stargate, I see.

Hello, how are you, what's the date?

hey want to know something, we just stopped by to say that your name pings up as the scarface. just thought we'd let you know that.

Also one sec [message Vaalkyrei hey uh, now might not be a good time but Brad's being kidnapped by what we think are cultist in white hoodies... and since your the only one awake and we're being pulled somewhere else can can't really do shit right now we're hoping you can do something since our little blobby hands are tied. KayThanksByeWEKnewWeCouldCountOnYouBye]

>>562186
I meant to say sacrifice not scarface, sorry

...wait a minute is that a mantis with a beard?

This is a dream, isn't it.

Kaktus 2014/02/12(Wed)11:08 No. 562196 ID: 549d6c
File 139223208761.png - (15.19KB , 900x450 , 83.png )

>[message Valkyrie]
[You haven’t yet claimed the Valkyrie pawn yet. Please wait nine months.]

>Oh, hello, someone new.
Wha- WHO SAID THAT!? WHAT ARE YOU!?
>What's the date?
I… Date? You want to know the date? Err… It’s the 19 of the 1st month of Siegfried’s season, 3995?
>we just stopped by to say that your name pings up as the sacrifice. Just thought we'd let you know that.
…Sacrifice? To what? I rather not be a sacrifice to anything, thank you very much.

>Mantis Wizard?
That’s professor Varius. He’s some hotshot necromancer from one of those desert nations down south. He wanted me to guide him up here to find these ruins for some reason… dunno why, but the coin is good.
>Undead guy?
That’s his servant… or slave… or something. Those desert dwellers are weird with their total disrespect for the dead.
>Beard?
Something about “You can’t be a real wizard without one” or something. Don’t ask me, the old man is rather eccentric.

>What's that brown thing stuck in the snow?
…Professor Varius? I think I found something…
Hmmm? Really? Let me see… ah, it’s a top of a statue! This has to be the entrance I was told about! Good job, Daniel! Quick, start removing the snow!
Err… it will take ages to dig it up! We’re going to freeze to death before that! The storm is getting worse by the minute!
Nonsense! See, the snow is already falling away by itself. Soon we’ll have a hole large enough to get through.
…How did you even find this place!? It’s in the middle of nowhere on the larges mountain in the world!
From ancient texts and artifacts, of course… and some help from elsewhere… now, we’re almost inside, keep digging, servant!

Insert An idea! I will steal it! No one will ever know!_

>>562189
If it is then I don't want to wake up, and if it isn't then we must know his secrets!

>>562196
Oh boy we're in the... past? Present? I'm confused now.
[check status of pawns]

Okay, I gotta warn you. This place is going to be full of traps if it's like the other temple we've been in.

Tell us about yourself while we wait. How did you come to be on this expedition? What's the situation like around here? Did you come across any strange people or interesting towns?

Allow me to introduce ourselves: We're the Voices of the Many, a collective of spirits that come to advise those who'll play an important part in the fate of the world. We try to make that fate one of "saving the world" as best we can, but there are others like us who have their own agendas, and still others who have been corrupted by daemonic influence.

Okay, looks like we've jumped back in time. It was the 23rd of the 3rd month of Thane’s season, year 3996 when we left. Hmmm... I wonder who's with us now. Better [check pawn status]. Just to make sure, this mountain is the Pillar of the Heavens, isn't it?

Wait. Varius? We heard of this guy when we were last in the Serath Kingdom. He's the Serath Academy's best necromancer. We wanted to consult with him about wraith possessions that were happening down there, but he'd left on an expedition a few days before. Then his apprentice turned up dead, his corpse quite possibly have been driven around by a wraith for a few days... Not a good sign.

I have a bad feeling about that "help from elsewhere" he mentioned, and you should to, Daniel. We've been facing daemonic forces and Varius may be under their sway. Or he might be with another like us, and his motives could be anything. Or he could just be an academic fixated on something. Whatever it is, his objective here is unknown, and that worries me.

Unfortunately there's no going back down the mountain; You'd die for sure that way. There's no choice, you'll have dig down and follow Varius. All I can suggest is remaining wary and keeping your distance.

Ask Varius if he knows from which direction this ziggurat was made to defend against those unfathomable beings. Is he sure it wasn't built to contain them and not as a fortress against them?

...10 magpies he's going to kill you

anyways if you really want to go down there be on the look out for traps, monsters, and generally bad shit. If I can take a shot in the dark I'm guess that the battle that happened her so long ago was when the windwalkers fight some guy who's title was the scourge of god and killed him... and with my second shot I guessing that the necromancer here wants something to do with that guy's corpse or the corpse of the fallen windwalkers.

>I rather not be a sacrifice to anything, thank you very much.
Well then you'd better get really freaking paranoid because you're in a remote location where nobody can hear you scream and in the company of a necromancer crazy enough to tie a beard to his face.

Kaktus 2014/02/12(Wed)13:12 No. 562215 ID: 549d6c
File 139223954559.png - (12.76KB , 900x450 , 84.png )

>[check status of pawns]
[“The Sacrifice” Status: Confused. There aren’t any claimable pawns nearby!]

>Allow me to introduce ourselves: We're the Voices of the Many, a collective of spirits that come to advise those who'll play an important part in the fate of the world.
…right. A simpler and more likely explanation is that I’ve gone nuts and is hearing things.
>Tell us about yourself while we wait. How did you come to be on this expedition? What's the situation like around here? Did you come across any strange people or interesting towns?
Err… he paid a lot of coin to be guided up the mountain? Of course, I didn’t think he would be crazy enough to go this far. As for the “situation” around here… well… it’s snowy… cold… boring… as it always is? …and the only town around here is the same town I’m from, It’s called Ängladal and is at the foot of these mountains.
>We must know his secrets about the beard!
It’s fake. I can almost see the steel wire from here.
>Okay, looks like we've jumped back in time. It was the 23rd of the 3rd month of Thane’s season, year 3996 when we left.
Huh… that’s almost nine months… what happen then?
>Just to make sure, this mountain is the Pillar of the Heavens, isn't it?
Yes, one of them… the tallest of them, in fact.
>Wait. Varius? We heard of this guy when we were last in the Serath Kingdom.
Yes, Serath deserts, that’s what they are called! I had it on my tongue but…
>There's no choice, you'll have dig down and follow Varius. All I can suggest is remaining wary and keeping your distance.
Right… just digging myself deeper and deeper…
>...10 magpies he's going to kill you.
…you’re on.

>Ask Varius if he knows from which direction this ziggurat was made to defend against those unfathomable beings. Is he sure it wasn't built to contain them and not as a fortress against them?
It’s was made as a battle ground… one of four, in fact. They were built to fight back and seal the beings into their own world. Sealed by a word from the gods… but the seals are weakening and the words are gone… at least, that’s what the legends says.
Wait, you’re going to poke around a prison for who knows what? What if you unseal this crap!?
Don’t be ridicules. The seals were made by the old gods themselves. A mere mortal like me would never be able to even weaken them, let alone break them. Besides, these beings need a bunch of sacrifices of blood and stuff to even have any power. There’s no need to worry, my boy. Besides, there’s four other seals… one somewhere deep in the fetid jungles to the south, the other two somewhere across the great sea…
…I’m still a bit skeptical about a-
There! It’s open! Quickly! The storm is growing worse and we have much to accomplish!

Kaktus 2014/02/12(Wed)13:12 No. 562218 ID: 549d6c
File 139223957892.png - (892.24KB , 960x716 , Silly1.png )

Star date… err… I think it was the tenth last Tuesday. No matter… I am in dire need of assistance, as the whole crew has taken ill to some kind of unknown disease. I’ve tried to find a cure but to no success. There is no information about this unknown disease in the ships database… and I’m running out of hope. Without the captain to command us, the guy with weird glasses to look cool, the big guy with weird ridges on his head to look tough and the beard being the beard we’ll have no chance to steer the ship. Our only hope is that I, Data, find the cure before it to late… the cure to this nefarious disease… this disease that the crew have come to call… Starbound.
THE MIGHTY BEARD HAVE BUILT A MIGHTY CASTLE FOR THE BEARD!
I, Magneto, master of magnetism, have constructed the perfect pickaxe made of iron! Fear my mighty pickaxe!
Pickaxes is so last week. I got a drill… made of diamonds!
Log update… The crew has started speaking in tongues. The need of complete extermination is growing larger by the hour.

Insert This is highly illogical… wait, wrong series_

>>562218
Data, you must infiltrate the source of the infection and sabotage its functionality. Become server admin, and the grief the fuck out of everyone so they stop playing.

Or you could just shut off the internet.

>>562226
Turn off the net or at lest block it cos well some ones got them hocked on mine craft:/

Route the input device they use for the game to the navigation system so they'll steer the ship instead of controlling their game.

>>562294
PERFECT. We'll make the game into their job!

>>...10 magpies he's going to kill you.
>…you’re on.
That's a bet Daniel can't lose. If he lives, he collects. If he dies, he's too dead to pay up.

>>562218
So... a holodeck game has taken over everyone's real-life, and is making the crew act crazy?

You'd think you'd be used to this by now.

Obviously, there are only two ways to solve problems. If it's a small problem, you can make an analogy at it, thus solving it by technobabble. If it's a big problem, you have to confront it, and talk to it on it's own terms in order to come out the other side.

So, try an analogy first. If that doesn't work, you'll have to venture into the heart of the starbound.

Starbound has shown up in my dreams. Twice. In the past week.

Also, Data, clearly the only way to cure them of the game is to BEAT THEM AT IT! :3

Kaktus 2014/02/13(Thu)05:59 No. 562349 ID: 549d6c
File 139229995424.png - (690.44KB , 720x540 , Silly2.png )

>You could just shut off the internet.
Impossible. The internet is currently too important to the ships survival to be shut off. For example, I’m currently downloading 47 different erotic holo simulations and the new Lego movie. It’s imperative that they are done as soon as possible.
>Route the input device they use for the game to the navigation system so they'll steer the ship instead of controlling their game.
New course set. Old course: Planet paradise, filled with puppies and candy. New course: Planet Doomy doom death destruction defilement Danish resort… warning, this planet has a 100% death rate on all redshirts, 100% death rate on all mauve shirts, 99% death rate on all captains (Unless you are an anti-authority maverick called Kirk or bald).
…oh shit, my shirt is mauve!
>You can make an analogy at it, thus solving it by technobabble.
I need more information about this “Starbound” to make an analogy. Let’s analyses the behavior of the infected.
Gentlemen, behold! The larges mustache you’ve ever beheld!
THE BEARD SUDDENLY NEEDS TO CONSUME A LARGE AMOUNT OF PRINGLES!
That’s nothing! Watch this! It’s a horse playing the saxophone!
It’s… it’s… beautiful…
THE MIGHTY BEARD SHEDS A SINGLE TEAR DOWN HIS MIGHTY CHEEK!
Urge to kill… rising… urge to live… almost gone…

> Data, you must infiltrate the source of the infection and sabotage its functionality. Become server admin, and the grief the fuck out of everyone so they stop playing.
It’s the only way…
Hey, what happened to my mustache? Why is there suddenly two large round shapes and a… oh god, that isn’t a mustache at all!
Alright, who built that… THING between my glorious horse legs?
THE MIGHTY BEARD WISH TO KNOW WHO MADE A MIGHTY PENIS IN HIS MIGHTY CASTLE!
Who is do- Wait, who is this “D4t4RocksHumanSuck89”?
THE MIGHTY BEARD SAW DATA USE THAT NAME WHEN WE PLAYED TEAM HATRESS 4: THE HATTENING! NOW WITH MORE HATS!
Get him! …wait, what happen to the 3rd one?
VALVE CAN’T COUNT TO THREE! NOW, THE MIGHTY BEARD COMMANDS THAT WE TAKE CARE OF THIS UNMIGHTY DATA!
Death to the nonbeliever!
Oh no, my penis barrage was to effective! I need a place to hide!

Inse- Expecting an insert? Too bad, It’s BEARD TIME!_

Hide within the mighty beard's beard. It is far to vast to search effectively so they will never find you.

>Let’s
Your program finally figured out how to use contractions, huh?

>what do?
Just go somewhere where there's no air. It's not like there are any vacuum suits on this ship. And without you, none of them are smart enough to cheat to use shields to make personal air bubbles or anything.

>penis barrage was ineffectual
Did you make them... fully functional? If not, that's probably the problem.

>>562349
Ohhhhh sheeeeet its starbound now I get what he ment by a drill made of Dimonds... let me just login and have a chat with em
*plaper volts dancer has joined*
(Vlots dancer)hay guys I think irl is calling you lot

>>562349
(Vlots dancer)wait is that what I think it is O_O good mother of yhe borg it is....is it fully functional?

>>562354
>>562355
Please don't do that.

>>562349
Hide in the holodeck! Make a simulation of like, 100 Datas so they don't know which one is you.

Kaktus 2014/02/13(Thu)10:46 No. 562377 ID: 549d6c
File 139231715904.png - (143.32KB , 320x320 , Silly3.png )

(Vlots dancer): hay guys I think irl is calling you lot
(MagnetMan): Bah, let the others search for that walking can of plastic. I got a mustache to rebuild!
(Vlots dancer): wait is that what I think it is O_O good mother of yhe borg it is....is it fully functional?
(MagnetMan): Well, he did make this really advance pump system… which I’m surprise he should create with the game still being in Beta and all…
(BaldisBeautiful): Magneto! What are you doing!? You’re supposed to help us catch Data, not chat with strangers!
(LordBEARD!): THE BEARD DEMANDS VENGEANCE!

>Hide within the mighty beard's beard. It is far too vast to search effectively so they will never find you.
Hmmm… if only I should get close to the beard without someone noticing me… I know, I will camouflage myself! With a beard!
You know… we aren’t stupid. Putting on a beard won’t make it harder to find you.
Oh shi- plan B!
>Hide in the holodeck! Make a simulation of like, 100 Datas so they don't know which one is you.
My god… it’s full of beards!
MY BEARD IS STILL MORE MIGHTY!
DATA!? WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!? The universe can’t handle this much beard! You’ve ru-

Kaktus 2014/02/13(Thu)10:46 No. 562378 ID: 549d6c
File 139231717511.png - (402.63KB , 547x522 , Silly4.png )

Warning, beard mass exceeds that of normal values! ERROR! The Universe has committed an illegal action and will shut down! All your unsaved data will be lost! Have a nice day.

Dammit, and I haven’t updated my backup in ag-

BOOM!!

Kaktus 2014/02/13(Thu)10:46 No. 562379 ID: 549d6c
File 139231718659.png - (173.69KB , 500x346 , Silly5.png )

GAME OVER!

>>562379
FIND BEARD

Just blame everything on Q. He'll end up having to fix things just to prove you wrong.