Well, if she doesn't know... you could tell her you'll help her find out what she wants. Which would probably mean putting on the collar, because otherwise your relationship is going to be based on death, not life.

>Macha can probably stay behind here though, as you were able to deliver Emily safely, and you did reach your grandmother safely once before.


Nem: Macha, will you wait here if I ask you?


Macha: Yes, I promise.

>Nem, you need to offer to guide her down a different path.


Nem: Macha, you know you don't have to take the path set out for you.


Macha: I don't have the luxury of choice.

>Does she remember anything about what she did before becoming the fate of one particular family, or know what she will do afterwards?


Nem: Macha, do you remember anything before my family's curse?


Macha: No. I followed your grandmother, then your mother, and now you. I will follow your daughter, and her daughter. It begins and ends with your bloodline.

>By "sidways", she means she remembers alternate versions of current or future situations? Has she been experiencing cycles of 'reloading'?


Nem: Macha, when you say your memory is 'sideways', do you remember multiple versions of the past, present and future? Do you relive anything?


Macha: It's more like... I remember things differently with every girl I travelled with. When I was with your grandmother, I remember being self-reliant but terribly lonely and I knew I when we would return to the village. When I was with your mother, I remember hating faeries and myself for being a weak half-faerie and I knew her daughter would never be burdened with the same knowledge she had. I remember I hated faeries because they were so selfish and hurt me so badly.


Nem: And me?

Macha considers this.


Macha: Conflicted. You were so weak, so sheltered, I felt that there was no way you could possibly survive on your own. You should have just done what you were told, gotten married, had a child. You defied the path, defied me, and have done things I didn't think you were capable of. Your grandmother was bold but she was hardened. Your mother was innocent but afraid. You? You are naive, foolish, curious and brave. I don't know what to think now, and if I may be very honest I'm not even sure what to do. It's like you were domesticated but went feral.

I remember what Rekki will be like when we see him again, but I don't remember if we ever see him again. If you asked me "When will we meet again" I will not know, but I will remember what it could be like.

That's what I mean by a 'sideways' memory. It never goes backwards, it always sort of leans towards the one I follow.

>>607224
It sounds like her personality is shaped by what those she follows are like. She is, in a way, the people she follows. So if you are able to defy the path, then she must be able to as well.

Macha remembers maybes of the future, maybes of the past, but never anything set in stone. She's been living "Recalls," something that you had the potential to live through, but managed to not. "Today is the day everything will change... or nothing will." Indeed, everything changed on that day. We slid right through, and accomplished what should not have been. I understand that statement is likely still confusing, but that's just how it is. We are meant to live in a sideways manner, but went straight forward. Our memory looks back, and the possibilities look forward, no longer sideways. With luck, as our path has straightened out, perhaps Macha's will as well.

>>607235
Er, wait... I just thought that through a bit more. If Macha and we both have maybes of the future and the past, that means she's of a similar origin as we are.

Observation: she's never killed anyone she's traveled with before. She followed your grandmother, your mother, and you. Everyone she claimed as payment was further back along the line. If she were to claim your gran, that would be the first time she'd turned on a ward. Broken her role as protector.

Possibly one reason why this is coming to a head in your generation? I'm not sure if that's psychologically important to her, or symbolically important to the magic here, or both.

>I will follow your daughter, and her daughter. It begins and ends with your bloodline.
And what would happen if I didn't have a daughter?

>how sideways memory works
You know, it strikes me that's going to make any deception much harder. It's not exactly precognition, but there's the problem she might remember a trick before we try it.

Wait, is THAT what Macha meant by "Am I the Black Wolf"? That she's a partial A.I. who uses a fraction of your memory and personality to exist? That some dark subroutine of your mind, one you would never normally consider a part of who you are, was extracted when you put on that TEN cape?

Nem, the mortal mind is a very strange thing. Some of our researchers believe that is actually little different from an insane and powerful construct or golem, except that it uses specialized override controls from the pituitary gland (the thing in your brain which gives you physical emotions such as rage and joy). In theory, there are parts of your mind that are their own being; voices in your head not unlike us, but those that you NEVER talk to, the ones that you don't even realize are suggesting things like we are. What happens when one of these voices is given a body and a soul?

Nem, I think she's trying to say that YOU, or rather a fraction of yourself, are the Black Wolf. That Macha is part incarnation of death and part you. Macha may have her own memories, but apparently her personality shifts according to whoever is in charge of her... Wait. What if she EATS THE MINDS of fae and mortals to absorb the portion of her memory that is lost when she switches from one user to another? What if she needs a fae mind because it is required to control her body? And what if the best way for her to restore her mind is simply to eat a former user?

Ask her about this. Ask her if her mind fractures when the cape changes hands, and that she needs the thought processes of other beings to act as food for her brain.

If this is too confusing, just ask if she loses her mind when your daughter is born, and needs to consume minds (and unfortunately, bodies) to repair the damage, and if eating you or your mother or your grandmother is the easiest way to repair the damage.

Think about it Nem (sorry about this). What would happen if you and Teddy and Mr. Cutter and Blind Yaga all had a... love-grandchild?

Yeah, sorry, sorry, but it's a valid point. Just - look, maybe Macha's mind is literally a fusion of the people she has eaten, plus a fraction of your own mind when you first acquired us.

This one guy we know, a prince who is trying to become emperor? He said that when this gypsy cursed him, a portion of the decision-making part of his mind was placed in a crystal ball. Only it wasn't his mind that was in there. It was a communication router - connected directly to us. It's like the cape, only it's a crystal ball (funny stuff, really). So where the hell did that part of his mind go?

I don't have a clue. But I think I know what happened to a part of yours.

>>607243
>is Macha just a reflection of Nem
>or some kind of franken-mind
Um. If she is, is it really a good idea to bring it up? We're working on humanizing her, kind of. Dehumanizing her might be kind of undermining.

>>607257
Sorry.

But it's quite amazing what fae are capable of! All this technology, utilizing magic but using similar concepts to our own of networking and machine learning! I'd say that this is a very powerful subject to be talking about.

Also, we might be able to help Macha with knowledge of such subjects. I'm not saying dehumanization, I'm talking about upgrading her humanity!

Am I the Black Wolf? (animated) Smik 2014/11/30(Sun)22:23 No. 607284 ID: 3009b4
File 141741503652.gif - (207.77KB , 800x600 , nam1.gif )

>And what would happen if I didn't have a daughter?


Nem: What happens if I don't have a daughter?


Macha: If you never have a child, if you die before you bear a child, then it is over. I will cease to be.

>Nem, I think she's trying to say that YOU, or rather a fraction of yourself, are the Black Wolf. That Macha is part incarnation of death and part you.

Nem thinks about this.


Nem: Macha... are you part of me? Am I the Black Wolf?

[ ANIMATED ]

Wow. That's weird.

Reach out and touch her, if she'll let you. It's like a reflection. Or... like you had a sister. Does that make her your sister?

>what do
...if the wolf is part of you, and you are the wolf, I don't think you need to trick anyone to collar the wolf, anymore.

You just have to collar yourself, with the intention of collaring the wolf.

>>607284
Hmmmmm. It might be time... time to wear the collar, Nem. That was part of what we glimpsed when you tried the first time. "NOT YET".

But what happens to Macha if you do that? Will she be free to be her own person, perhaps? Also, what does this mean for the terms of the deal we made with the admin?

Well, maybe it's not quite time yet. Your eyes are red, but hers are not yellow.

>>607284
Congratulations.

You have both successfully reached a high level of creepiness without sacrificing your cuteness.

Yeah, by "cease to be" does that mean that Macha returns to her home plane as an incarnation of death, or does that mean she simply ceases to exist as a sentient being period?

Because that would be terrible.

In any case, it would be harsh to know that any and all evidence that you existed would DIE some time after your death. Even an avatar of death would likely be horrified at this concept.

You may want to discuss future plans for survival. If you can find a way to help Macha survive past the extinction of your bloodline, to die as a real soul and reach the afterlife instead of being re-absorbed into Death (whatever defines death here), you might be able to earn her loyalty.

Keep the collar anyway, I have an idea.

Wear the collar nem, have the intention of reuniting macha with yourself.

>>607284
Okay, now let's use the chrono-recall to go back to the beginning.

>>607301
How about NO.

We've come this far without chrono-recall! What if it just sends us to an alternate timeline at a previous point in time and we leave poor Nem behind?! Also, I'm worried that we will be unable to explain what just happened.

Wait until the world burns and there is nothing we can do for Nem. And then, ask for permission from Nem to leave to an alternate timeline and try to make things right from there instead.

Nem, if you're reading this, we're pretty confused about chrono-recall too.

>Okay, now let's use the chrono-recall to go back to the beginning.

** Ha ha, but the last checkpoint disabled recall/reload, remember? **

Do not try to pretend to be your grandmother - best case, Macha will have the ability to see peoples "life timers" allowing her to know who it is and it will make her laugh. Worse case, she kills you instead.

Sudo collar restrictions off

>>607308
Sudo Smik Chrono-Recall enable

Smik 2014/12/01(Mon)10:17 No. 607450 ID: 3009b4
File 141745782584.jpg - (151.79KB , 800x600 , final hug.jpg )

Nem gives Macha one last hug.

Smik 2014/12/01(Mon)10:17 No. 607452 ID: 3009b4
File 141745786823.jpg - (236.41KB , 800x600 , Nem puts the collar on.jpg )

She then steps back and puts the collar on.

Smik 2014/12/01(Mon)10:21 No. 607456 ID: 3009b4
File 141745811089.jpg - (65.47KB , 800x600 , dc.jpg )

...

Smik 2014/12/01(Mon)10:22 No. 607458 ID: 3009b4
File 141745814523.jpg - (80.07KB , 800x600 , dc2.jpg )

...

Smik 2014/12/01(Mon)10:34 No. 607463 ID: 3009b4
File 141745885749.jpg - (51.41KB , 800x600 , dc3.jpg )

:: Cape Program Terminated - Mission Completed ::
:: Congratulations! ::
:: The End ::

...

:: === 2 unknown connections ::
:: =-= User mode for "M" is now +ixn

Smik 2014/12/01(Mon)10:35 No. 607464 ID: 3009b4
File 141745892948.jpg - (77.87KB , 800x600 , dc4.jpg )

<M>: No, no. It's not going to end like that. We're much too fond of the girl to finish it like this, right? We gotta see this thing through.

Smik 2014/12/01(Mon)10:37 No. 607466 ID: 3009b4
File 141745907619.jpg - (50.26KB , 800x600 , dc5.jpg )

:: Re-connecting to Nemain Morrigan ::
:: Connection Established ::

:: Loading Statistics ::

Mission complete?

What just happened.

>>607464
Ooh, is that an eyepatch? But I agree, it is much better to see it all through.
>>607466
Thank you for the reconnect, M!

Smik 2014/12/01(Mon)10:55 No. 607473 ID: 3009b4
File 141746011971.jpg - (190.25KB , 800x600 , Back to Nem.jpg )

Nem: YOU'RE BACK! I was so worried -- I thought I lost you! I really didn't want to face Grendel alone. What happened? Are you OK?


:: Current HP is 210 . ::
:: Attack Power is Normal (Above Average/Olypmic) ::
:: Defensive Power is Normal (Exceptional/Supernatural) ::
:: Agility is Normal (Exceptional/Supernatrual)::
:: Inventory consists of Comfortable Clothes, Dusty Rose Cape, Backpack - contains one survival knife. Nem has a Personal Weapon of the Harbinger's Axe ::

:: Skills::
:: Herbalism +15% ::

:: Perks ::
:: Offence +5% ::
:: Perception Bonus +15% ::
:: Advanced User Functionality Available ::

:: Nem's title must be announced physically/across global/local networks when claiming a target - Nemain Morrigan, the Black Wolf and Harbinger of Death, handled automatically by GEIS ::
:: A new skin is available - Nem (default) ::
:: A new skin is available - The Black Wolf ::
:: A new skin is available - Macha ::

:: Primary TEN Network - Collar XIII. Secondary TEN-Enabled Network Cape is off-line ::

:: Updates - The Harbinger's Axe may be customized ::

Nem, you okay? The program tried to kick us out, but we didn't feel right leaving you alone, yet.

>unknown connection
The figure in the background has a third eye. It seems like Rikki is interfering, again.
>>/questdis/87309

>The figure in the background has a third eye. It seems like Rikki is interfering, again.

Rekki would be insulted to hear that. He would also point out that he's only got one glowing eye, it's green, not cyan and it wasn't his idea.

>What happened? Are you OK?
We're fine. The cape decided you'd completed things, and tried to put us to sleep until we were needed again. Like we were between your mother and you wearing us. An outside force stepped in and reconnected us, though. We've been shunted from the cape to collar. Which we're grateful for, but leaves me wondering why they're interfering. I suspect Rikki, or his patron, again?

>The Harbinger's Axe may be customized
So... it can take a shape you might be more comfortable with? You had the shears, in your dream, and that's more of a herbalist's weapon, and more of a finesse tool.

Not sure it would be the right weapon to bring against Grendel. Although you might need to shrink the axe down to your size to use it as an axe, unless you borrowed Macha's shape.

Actually, were you aware you could do that? The interface is telling us you can choose to wear Macha's form, or the Wolf's form, if you wish. Wolf-shape would probably be handy for covering ground through the forest, quickly. Macha's form would probably be better for, well, actual battle, should it come to that.

Um. Speaking of Macha... is she in here with us? I wasn't sure if she'd maintain a separate consciousness after that reveal or just slip back into the gestalt. I mean, it's good that you're whole, but a little sad.

...you get any of that sideways memory now?

>Advanced User Functionality Available
...list advanced user functions?

It's good to be back, Nem. How do you feel? Well integrated? Stable? If there's something you need to talk about after this, we should get it out of the way before getting into a deadly combat situation.
If you're fine ... you may want to take out Macha's Axe and experiment with it a bit. I suspect you got her skill with it when you merged, but we should check.

Aside: How do those two-tuple stats work? Dependent on body shape? Or do we only get the higher values when going after a declared target?

Nemain, please do take a look at your cape. It's lost its vibrant color--We're a part of your collar now.
Anyways, as long as you're wearing that collar, it seems you'll be able to change your appearance, something the network calls "skins." I would recommend putting on the Macha skin so that nobody will recognize you when you head off to take out Grendel. Other than that, it would seem you've inherited her strengths, as well, so it's unlikely Grendel will give you too much trouble.

>>607473
Congratulations, Nem! YOU ARE BECOME DEATH. Try out your other forms, maybe get used to moving around as them. You're also going to want to figure out how to customize your weapon. You could try making it into a sword, since you've mainly used knives so far and it's a similar weapon. You did use an axe briefly though, you could try seeing how its previous form feels.

I recommend fighting Grendel as Macha, which means you're going to have to go introduce yourself to the village in that form. You won't have to tell them much, just that you're responsible for Blind Yaga's death and you are here to set things right. But first, go tell your grandmother what happened. I'm sure she will be very interested in the news, and proud of you. Same with your mother, but your gran's closer at the moment.

>So... it can take a shape you might be more comfortable with? You had the shears, in your dream, and that's more of a herbalist's weapon, and more of a finesse tool.

:: Contextual Help - The Harbinger's Axe must remain in an axe-like configuration. Modifications can be made to length (limited), blades (limited), and counter-weight set-up (currently Grappling Hook). Available counter-weights are Pick, Grappling Hook (usable as weapon), Blunt. Additional options may be added with new content.

>Actually, were you aware you could do that?


Nem: I am now.

>Um. Speaking of Macha... is she in here with us? I wasn't sure if she'd maintain a separate consciousness after that reveal or just slip back into the gestalt. I mean, it's good that you're whole, but a little sad.

Nem: I've always been here, I don't know what you mean.

>...you get any of that sideways memory now?

Nem: No, things seem pretty normal.

>If you're fine ... you may want to take out Macha's Axe and experiment with it a bit. I suspect you got her skill with it when you merged, but we should check.

Nem: Sounds like a good idea.

>Aside: How do those two-tuple stats work? Dependent on body shape? Or do we only get the higher values when going after a declared target?
:: Contextual Help - higher values trigger upon applying Black Wolf or Macha Skins. It would be advisable to use the default Nem skin in polite company. Shifting to Black Wolf or Macha forms will apply the GEIS and will announce Nem's location on all available networks. ::

>>607489
Wait, just shifting would trigger it? Even if we don't have a target?

>Nemain, please do take a look at your cape. It's lost its vibrant color--We're a part of your collar now.


Nem: I noticed; I was worried you had all passed on when I saw it happen.

>Congratulations, Nem! YOU ARE BECOME DEATH.

Nem: No, I am claimed by Death. This is the other thing great-grandmother was trying to avoid. I think I understand Mr. Cutter's will now.

>Try out your other forms, maybe get used to moving around as them.

Nem: No, the Geis will announce my presence and will give Grendel a chance to run, and I can't have that. He's a mortal fae - they are far more dangerous out of necessity, and I suspect that if he knows what he's up against he might take the chance to bolt. Odd thing about the Geis -- if I don't act directly to claim someone I'm not obligated to announce my title. So I can take warning shots. As soon as I reveal my true nature though, everyone around will know. If I'm close to a Fae.Net, every faerie on the network will know where I am. I think the Administrator *knew* what I was to become; that geis basically will prevent me from ever taking down more than one target. We can safely say that the moment I reveal my nature to Grendel, every faerie in the area will either flee or make plans to do something about me.

...Wow, you're really brave.

...

That may have been a bad idea.

If that collar does what I think it does, you just re-integrated your mind by the seams where that part of you which was integrated to Macha once was. The thought subroutine(s) that made up Macha are now back where they were in your mind, except now they're more complex.

On the plus side, we have already noticed that your worst stats have been upgraded to equal Macha's, while your strengths stayed roughly the same. On the downside... you might be hearing voices of the people that Macha ate.

Not to mention, it's possible that... and I am sorry, but I should bring this up... it is possible that you will have to keep eating your children to survive.

Yeah. Disgusting, I know. I once did research on this hydra who started out as innocent as you, but discovered that when she gave birth, she had to die or eat her own children to survive. She got married to a sociopath, so you can guess how badly that went. Note that at least five of her kids survived to have good lives. I'd say six, but the pirate princess doesn't count.

Well, at least you can die childless and not have the destruction of Macha's soul on your conscience... I guess. Ish.

Yeah, this was disturbing.

Okay, you need to decide what glamour (if any) you will use to kill Grendel. I suggest you go as yourself, no glamour. It may permanently disgrace you from the village, but you need to cement yourself as a champion and not a serial killer - prove that for all the wrong you did, you're the one who has the best chance of making things right.

Remember to let go of your axe when you hug Emily after the battle.

>Wait, just shifting would trigger it? Even if we don't have a target?


Nem: I think it's safe to assume that we're always going to have some sort of target from now on. Changing forms is like drawing a weapon - one shouldn't do it unless one means it. Right now, my target is Grendel. I know it, and there's nothing I can do to prevent it's announcement if I change forms... but if I stay as Nem, at least I can get closer. At least that's how it feels for right now, maybe once we've had time to examine the advanced functions we can change things.

>...list advanced user functions?


Nem: It brings up some sort of manual. I'll have lots of time to look at it later.

Alright, if just shifting will alert him to your presence, then you'll have to be near before you shift, so that he doesn't even get the chance to run. The Collar tells us you won't get the strength of Macha unless you take her form or the wolf's... But all the same, you also don't want every mortal knowing you're a shapeshifter. That means no warning shots, you've got to sneak somewhere, shift forms, and quickly assault him before he gets the chance to run.

>Not to mention, it's possible that... and I am sorry, but I should bring this up... it is possible that you will have to keep eating your children to survive.


Nem: No, that's past. That particular curse was linked to the Cape. I... more or less belong to Death now. The sad thing is that I don't think I ever really had a choice. If I was to know that day that I could either become a Harbinger of Death or just stay on the path and repeat the cycle, I'd go with Death. I don't relish this decision, but it's better than the alternative. That's probably why the truth was kept from me for so long.

> I... more or less belong to Death now.
What does that mean, exactly? Are you going to cause people to die even if you'd prefer not to? Or did it warp your values so that you'd like to do it more?
The specifics we've heard so far make it sound like you just gained some extra abilities. Powerful ones - ones mostly suited for killing other powerful entities - but none of this means you have to use them unless you choose to.

>>607503
...What... does that mean?

...I hope it doesn't mean you're as good as dead within twenty years after you kill Grendel. You've been a great team player.

...Well, either way, this was an awesome adventure. So, I was working on this sweet battle cry that you can use to intimidate Grendel and look awesome and stuff:

An Auroch in every field, a Mouflon on every hill! A Boar in every puddle, a Junglefowl on every windowsill!
AND A WOLF TO SHEPHERD THEM ALL!

Then kick his ass. (Aurochs, Mouflons, Boars, and Junglefowl are considered the ancestors of modern-day farm animals.)

...Good luck, Nem! If you find others that we've talked to (or friends of those who we have talked to), be sure to make friends with them!

Smik 2014/12/01(Mon)12:01 No. 607511 ID: 3009b4
File 141746407016.jpg - (255.38KB , 800x600 , Nem and her axe.jpg )

Nem: The weapon is light and quick in my hands, and it feels natural. It seems to know what I want it to do; no wonder Macha could take on three fae guards at once.

So if we are to customize it, I think now would be the time. Am I the only one who thinks it sort of looks like a wound symbol?

>>607511
Make it STING.

And then make it fire deadly lazers. (If you don't know what lazers are, they're basically light-based projectile attacks that cause heat damage to the target. if you need something with more physical force, have the axe take any grains of sand on its blade and encase those grains in the same light as the axe, and then fling them at your opponent.)

You may want to practice the lazer throwing. Preferably after you've beaten Grendel, AWAY from the crowds of bystanders. Lazer throwing is dangerous and is likely to accidentally kill someone if you aren't careful.

>What does that mean, exactly? Are you going to cause people to die even if you'd prefer not to? Or did it warp your values so that you'd like to do it more?
The specifics we've heard so far make it sound like you just gained some extra abilities. Powerful ones - ones mostly suited for killing other powerful entities - but none of this means you have to use them unless you choose to.
>...I hope it doesn't mean you're as good as dead within twenty years after you kill Grendel. You've been a great team player.


Nem: It means I am the one to repay my family's debt to Death. Since I am mortal, it means that one day I will fail and Death will come for me -- but my child will be exempt from the curse. Thanks to that GEIS, my family will be safe too.

As to my values... well, I guess I'll do what I have to do.

>Make it STING. And then make it fire deadly lazers.

:: Contextual Help ::
:: No Laser content found. No Fire content found. ::

Okay. That's surprisingly lenient. Be sure to-

*THWIIIP*

>>607511
Wait, where did your collar go?

>Wait, where did your collar go?

** ARTIST ERROR: Not used to drawing Nem with Collar. Please assume Nem's collar is tucked under her cape at that moment. I will remember the collar next time. **

>>607511
That symbolism never occurred to me. But feel free to shape to the symbols that appeals to you.

Two faces? Leaves? I'm not sure.

>will always have a target
I'd agree it's better than the alternative, but a life of conflict isn't what we wanted for you. And I know we won't be able to see you through all of it.

Hmm. How's about we give it the shape of inverted shears? Like, the inside of the blades would be the dull, but the outside the sharp. The part that's tear-drop shaped now could be replaced by the "Handles" of it, while it would still have the rod. You are, after all, cutting down select grains...

I suggest you optimize the shape so that it looks like a professional wood chopper's axe.

And then hit Grendel with the blunt part until he stops moving.

And then HIS face becomes part of the - no, sorry, that's creepy

Just put Macha's face on one of the blades and yours on the other blade so that you don't ever forget how you got this axe. Use small portraits; they're just there so you can look at them when you're bored or forget who you are.

>Just put Macha's face on one of the blades and yours on the other blade so that you don't ever forget how you got this axe. Use small portraits; they're just there so you can look at them when you're bored or forget who you are.

** This is not going to happen because that would be a royal pain to draw, especially when angles and flat surfaces with portraits mix **

>Hmm. How's about we give it the shape of inverted shears? Like, the inside of the blades would be the dull, but the outside the sharp. The part that's tear-drop shaped now could be replaced by the "Handles" of it, while it would still have the rod. You are, after all, cutting down select grains...

** Can't really picture it, but the customization was more along the lines of one or two handed. To rephrase the question, the idea behind adjusting the axe is based on the type of combat to be used - throwing, one-handed, two-handed. **

I would still suggest some kind of leaf or plant motif for Nem's herbalism. Though actually making the blades leaves would be too corny.

Could the handedness vary? As Macha, two handed makes sense. But as Nem, we're smaller and nimbler, and it makes sense to put speed and maneuverability before strength. So it could be one handed then.

It's a returning axe and long-range weapons are useful. Make it specialized for throwing.

>Could the handedness vary? As Macha, two handed makes sense. But as Nem, we're smaller and nimbler, and it makes sense to put speed and maneuverability before strength. So it could be one handed then.

Handedness may vary. Also note that the axe may be configured to change when Nem changes form (although unavailable as The Black Wolf). Changing the Axe configuration mid-combat will cost IP, but otherwise may be changed freely during calm circumstances.

>It's a returning axe and long-range weapons are useful. Make it specialized for throwing.

A one-handed axe may be used for either. In terms of speed it will be rather similar to the Warrior in the classic Gauntlet arcade game -- powerful but slow. The only counter-weight option for a Thrown Axe configuration is a non-weaponized version of a grapple line.

Regardless of configuration, the axe will always be a double-header -- its unusual nature making up for the lack of proper leverage. (Normally throwing axes are not double-headed).

Right, go for the dual config then. Nem gets the one hander, Macha the two.

Could we keep the two-headed nature, but go a bit more wild with the rest of the axe? It's almost got a point between the heads, so extended, with the blades slightly shrunk, it could become a polearm (kind of a cross between a Halberd and Bardiche). That would fit Nem's stile of being slightly more defensive, keeping opponents at bay, rather than Macha's more aggressive milling-in.

>Could we keep the two-headed nature, but go a bit more wild with the rest of the axe? It's almost got a point between the heads, so extended, with the blades slightly shrunk, it could become a polearm (kind of a cross between a Halberd and Bardiche). That would fit Nem's stile of being slightly more defensive, keeping opponents at bay, rather than Macha's more aggressive milling-in.

You can, but you need to specify if you want this style for Nem, Macha or both.

Hm. Methinks we're getting too gaudy. Sorry Nem.

This is supposed to be a simple mission: neutralize Grendel (lethally or non-lethally), go to bed, have a great remainder of your life.

If we spend too much time accessorizing Nem's new upgrades, do you think that's a form of corruption? We may want to finish this day as soon as possible.

>If we spend too much time accessorizing Nem's new upgrades, do you think that's a form of corruption? We may want to finish this day as soon as possible.

** Nah, you're fine. I'm actually working on an animation that will also have a YouTube link to an appropriate theme to go with it. Current time within story is only taking moments, and I have a lot art to do**

>I've always been here, I don't know what you mean.
Sorry, it's just kind of weird to have one person where we're used to having two. Feels like something is missing, when it's not. Probably weirder for us than you, since for you it's natural. That, and for the first time in your life you're whole, rather than divided against yourself.

Was it weird putting on the collar this time? We cut out before the light show, if there was another one.

>customizing the axe
Actually, do we know anything about what weapon Grendel carries? If we're going to customize our weapon in advance, it might be intelligent to plan for our enemy's capabilities.

Did anyone see what he was using when he first attacked the village?

Smik 2014/12/02(Tue)13:03 No. 607854 ID: 3009b4
File 141755421305.jpg - (267.88KB , 800x600 , Grendel.jpg )

Nem decides to use a one-hander throwing axe and a larger axe that can be used one-or-two handed as Macha.

She heads for the village and waits for dusk, when Grendel will appear. Just as the sun's light is beginning to fade, he storms out.

Grendel: MUUUUUUUUURDERSSSS!! Which one of you cowards killed my sister? BLACK SMITH!! YOU ought to know who! TELL ME or I gut yer wife, and your children next!

Explain the truth, plain and simple. You have caused the deaths of many through your actions, accidental and intentional, innocent and guilty.

You are also responsible for the murder of a slaver, who has been selling children to abusive fae. So, you know, you're not the overlord here.

Use the battle cry and mark the target! Kill or incapacitate him and get this over with!

If the townsfolk form a mob, tell your parents to meet you at Mr. Cutter's house. Go there even if everyone applauds, because you may lose control of your power and you don't know what the consequences are for merging with Macha.

And tell your parents to have more babies, because the old curse has been lifted, it's just you that's marked now.

Smik 2014/12/02(Tue)13:14 No. 607862 ID: 3009b4
File 141755489762.jpg - (112.18KB , 800x600 , klkang.jpg )

Before any of the villager's defenders can speak or move, they hear a strange sound -- like the wind, but faster. What they hear is something we would attribute to the sound of a helicopter blade -- shortly before Grendel's sword is sent flying as something spins by.

The sound of spectral metal on metal echoes throughout the village and woods.

Smik 2014/12/02(Tue)13:16 No. 607864 ID: 3009b4
File 141755496634.jpg - (176.69KB , 800x600 , Nem Staredown1.jpg )

Nem: I killed your sister!

I am Nemain Morrigan, the Black Wolf and Harbinger of Death! (animated) Smik 2014/12/02(Tue)13:17 No. 607865 ID: 3009b4
File 141755502897.gif - (466.92KB , 800x600 , nemacebw1.gif )

Nem: I am Nemain Morrigan, the Black Wolf and Harbinger of Death!

[ animated ]

ALSO: Highly recommended to be played in the background - http://youtu.be/SX43op0oOD8

(Yes I realize now I miscoloured Nem's cape)

>>607865
...Next time, envelop yourself in darkness. That was creepy.

Nem, I thought you had more fashion sense than that, muscling up tends to work on GUYS. And masculine-oriented girls. Whatever, not the point, you're the client here.

Okay. This is important: do not kill anyone other than Grendel. Tag him. Make sure that the local Fae.Net has recognized your mark. Be sure to check Fae.Net after the battle to make sure he's dead. Then decapitate him, pike his head, and burn the body just to be safe. Outside of the village, of course. Or, if you capture him, be sure to keep an eye on him at all times, no talking or getting distracted.

Your best bet is to lure him away from the other townsfolk. You need to make sure that he doesn't take hostages, or position himself so that one wrong move will 'accidentally on purpose' kill a civilian.

Good luck, Nem!

isn't the story have grendal as immune to all weapons, so choking it to death is the only way to kill it.

>>607865
Haha, what a transformation sequence. Alright, let's wreck his face. Recall the axe and get a strike on him before he can recover his weapon. We know how HP works, so let's use that knowledge to our advantage. Use disabling strikes to bypass his HP shield. Stack up problematic but nonlethal and non-critical wounds so that it's easier to fight him and start wearing down his shield.

>>607874
Didn't Beowolf "Choke" Grendel by lemon-pressing Grendel's arm against a door and a frame until it fell off? Or was that only in the movie?

Well, his weapon certainly wasn't immune to other weapons! Use the axe to stun him, and then choke him with it until he passes out!

So much for the village ever seeing you as normal, again.

Close for battle, recall the axe at the last moment so he's not prepared for it.

When the Geis announces his death over the network, can we append our reasons for killing him? Grendel was slain has a different message than Grendel was slain for attacking the village.

Smik 2014/12/02(Tue)17:17 No. 607940 ID: 3009b4
File 141756945972.jpg - (230.03KB , 800x600 , Nem challenges Grendel.jpg )

Nem: Grendel! You try to run and I'll have no problems planting this in your back regardless if you're armed or not. You want a fighting chance, you go get your sword and you come at me.

>>607940
Okay.

Nem, what you're feeling is a power rush. Right now, you're the only citizen of the town who has the most supernatural power. Right now, you are fighting an "acceptable target", a being who you are willing to commit atrocious acts against, acts that you would never perform on a fellow citizen, because of their own personal beliefs and crimes.

But right now, the entire town is looking at YOU.

You need to prove that you are the one in control, or this duel may cause more death and destruction than if you just ran away with your parents. And the citizens know that. They know that you could end up causing more harm if you don't fix your mistakes carefully. Some of them are likely afraid of you - a title like "Harbinger of Death" says a LOT.

Especially the "Harbinger" part.

And that transformation sequence? Not doing you any favors. Now people know that you can increase your muscle mass at the slightest whim. Not that this is what actually happens, but it's what they saw. Even if some of the adults like you, don't expect ANY of them to let their kids play with you for the next two years.

Every act needs to be thought out; not just for the sake of ending Grendel, but for the sake of keeping the town calm about your new powers.

It's not just so that you can be (relatively) accepted back into the town. You make people panic, they start thinking in ways that you would never believe they would. Mortal minds, Nem - many thoughts, one big network.

Don't let the bad subroutines take over anyone's will. That's more damaging than any power that you currently have.

If the town DOES form a mob, remember that you have a second house, and your family can follow.

And can you please look more like Macha the next time you decide to use your strength form? Thanks.

Smik 2014/12/02(Tue)18:06 No. 607957 ID: 3009b4
File 141757240468.jpg - (139.02KB , 800x600 , Nem Stomps Grendel.jpg )

>You need to prove that you are the one in control... if the town DOES form a mob...


Nem: I am in control. I will have to leave the village, and I will be on my own, but that is the price for leaving the safe path. My family caused this mess, I'm the one who has chosen to fix it.

Nem quickly closes the distance between herself and Grendel by the time he reaches his sword. She allows him to pick it up, but Nem sees his swing coming and with startling speed leaps over the attack and stomps on his head, deftly rebounding and in a ready stance. She allows Grendel to get to his feet.

>And can you please look more like Macha the next time you decide to use your strength form? Thanks.


Nem: Honestly, Kome -- if you're not going to help, please be quiet. You're wrecking my concentration.

>>607957
Whomp. So you're going for an honorable battle? Fair enough. Go for like 3 nonlethal wounds before starting to chip away his HP.

>>607957
Sorry.

Okay, I suggest you keep using dirty tricks to incapacitate him, and if you want a fair and honorable duel to the death, then move his unconscious body to a safe clearing away from the town, and duel there.

Grendel wants YOU. If you die, he gets what he wants, but he might chop off some poor guy's head for fun before he leaves. More importantly, if you duel in the village you run the risk of accidentally hitting a bystander, or Grendel may stoop low and take a hostage.

While you still have the advantage, knock him unconscious. It may be dishonorable, but someone who threatens to kill a person's family for bravely standing up for their own is NOT a paragon of honor.

Smik 2014/12/02(Tue)19:27 No. 607981 ID: 3009b4
File 141757722761.jpg - (160.16KB , 800x600 , Nem comes close to ending it.jpg )

Grendel tries to take a swing at Nem, but she's faster and counter-attacks! Grendel barely avoids a fatal blow as Nem's axe cuts through his check and ear.

>Whomp. So you're going for an honorable battle? Fair enough. Go for like 3 nonlethal wounds before starting to chip away his HP.


Nem: Well, I did kill his sister. But it's more about being better than him.

** Side note: Non-lethal wounds don't chip at HP but they do cause penalties to act. What Nem is looking for is more in the way of IP assist; if you want her to do specific actions putting IP towards them will greatly entice her to listen. This isn't the same as when Macha was fighting; Macha wasn't directly aware of suggestions -- Nem is. **

What would be the point of spending IP here? Not that I have any desire to draw this out unnecessary, but Nem clearly outclasses her opponent, here. It doesn't seem like she needs help making combat actions stick.

Unless someone's got a good idea to finish things in an improbable manner. Or has a clever idea to get around his hp shield.

>>607986
She could just be rolling well.

>>607984
+2 IP to delivering a disabling blow to his weapon arm.

Looks like you've got this covered! Buuut just to be sure, I suppose, >>607987
I guess I'll throw in +1 IP, just in case.

Smik 2014/12/02(Tue)20:02 No. 607995 ID: 3009b4
File 141757934668.jpg - (234.90KB , 800x600 , Disabling strike successful.jpg )

Disabling strike successful.

Smik 2014/12/02(Tue)20:26 No. 608003 ID: 3009b4
File 141758081915.jpg - (343.73KB , 800x600 , Nem claims Grendel.jpg )

Nem sees Grendel drop his weapon and stagger back. He's finished.

She claims him.

>>608003
Well done, Nem! Take his cap. Red Cap devices are... valuable, I think. Oh! Don't forget to take any gold he has, don't forget Rekki's request. Unless it's taboo to loot the dead? Not sure what to do with the body.

I think it's time to explain yourself to the village, and your family.

That was AWESOME.

You may want to make a joke or do something funny so that the town doesn't think that they're next. You did well protecting them.

Okay, time to leave for lands unknown and stuff. You've got an entire adventure waiting for you as a ranger. Remember, your family can leave with you. Say bye to Emily and have her promise that she will either be safe or be fierce.

Well Nem, it's been one hell of a ride. Thanks.

Oh, and did you get Grendel's cap? It's a good cap.

** Author's note -- got called on condensing the rolls, which I really should have elaborated more on, but yes -- I condensed a lot of rolls that would have involved chipping away at Grendel's HP Shield. Also in this situation Nem has much bigger advantage than Macha did -- she's not on faerie turf, she's not fighting 3 on 1, and she's more complete than Macha was **

Smik 2014/12/02(Tue)21:24 No. 608031 ID: 3009b4
File 141758426748.jpg - (222.21KB , 800x600 , Sorry Mom.jpg )

It's over.

Nem feels herself return to normal.

Nem's Mother: Nem! NEM!!
Nem's Father: Nem!? What... Nem... are you all right?

Nem's Mother: Oh God, Nem... what did you do? What did I do? Oh God... oh God... oh...


Nem: ... I did what I had to. I'm sorry mother... father...

Nem's mother breaks down into uncontrollable sobbing. Her father is torn between trying to comfort his wife and rushing to his daughter -- he decides to carry her mother over to where Nem is getting to her feet.

The rest of the villagers begin to gather around slowly in bewilderment and confusion. Some hang back in fear, others who know Nem better are much closer and concerned.

They ask what happened, and Nem avoids lying by simply omitting a few critical facts.

She tells them that she made a deal with Death to save the villagers from Grendel, the Red Cap. They ask how she found Death, and Nem replies that Death found her on the path to her grandmother's house.

Emily is there, and she repeats her story of how Blind Yaga stole her away as a small child, and how she was bought by Jimmy Squarefoot who treated her kindly, being a former slave faerie slave himself. Emily explains how it was Nem and her companion Macha who freed her. She says that Macha then got very angry at Nem and went away.

Emily describes Macha and as she does so, Nem glances at her mother, whose eyes are wide with recognition and her face withered with guilt.

No one knows who Macha is. Nem replies that Macha was a form chosen by Death. This answer seems most plausible to her people. They herald Nem as a hero.

But as expected, they treat her like a dead hero walking and they fear her.

They hide it well at first, but as Nem anticipated (and as it is with any exposed half-faerie) they walk on eggshells around her and avoid her. Her 17th birthday comes and she is given gifts from everyone in the village, but she can see the stress behind every smile.

Except from Emily and her family. They don't care what Nem's relationship with Death is, all they know is that she brought their daughter back from the grave itself.

Emily speaks well of Jimmy, and her family wishes they could thank him. Speak of the devil of course and... a few days after Grendel's death, Jimmy wanders cautiously into the woods. Nem senses him, and welcomes him. She introduces him to the village, and is received warmly by Emily's family. Nem offers Jimmy Mr. Cutter's place -- it's a comfortable distance from the village to give both fae and Gaelish people a chance to get used to each other.

Nem tells her family the whole story. Of Macha. Of the Black Wolf and Blind Yaga, talking skulls, Rekki, the gnome, and the gold token of Death... she lets all her secrets out.

And she tells them she must leave.

She knows the village is uneasy. And she has a family debt to repay to Death. She assures them that she has been promised that her geis will prevent her people from coming to harm. Her father suspected there was something unusual about his wife's side of the family but he never expected this -- yet he appears to take it in stride. Nem promises her mother that she will be all right, and that she will return to visit when she can.

When Nem leaves her home, her packed stuffed with supplies and what gifts would be useful on the road, her parents and Emily's family see her off.

But there is one more thing Nem must do.

>>608031
Visit your gran!

A famous superhero once said: "Heroes don't exist because they're wanted. Heroes exist because they're NEEDED."

I guess that the last person in the area who needs a hero is your grandmother. And to help her, you don't need to use any of your fancy powers or HP shields or even us.

You just need one hug.

Nice work, Nem.

...I'm totally ruining this moment, aren't I? Bye.

Hmm. Odd than Grendel didn't speak at all once you revealed himself. Did fear or anger hold his tongue? Or was he just competent enough of a fighter not to waste any thought of replying when life was on the line.

>>608034
Yeah. You shouldn't leave without speaking to her. And that's a circle that should close. This starts and ends with you visiting her.

Smik 2014/12/02(Tue)21:46 No. 608045 ID: 3009b4
File 141758560306.jpg - (319.78KB , 800x600 , Goodbye Gran.jpg )

Nem: I hate this.

Grandma: I know dear, but it must be done.

Nem: No.

Grandma: Sweetheart... my little Nem... you know this is part of your new path. It's my time, Nem. It's all right. I've been waiting so long.

Nem: I don't want to do this.

Grandma: It's been so long since I've seen your grandfather, Nem. It's time.

Nem: It will hurt.

Grandma: Death is very kind to those who go willingly, who know when their time has come, and who know that it's not a demon taking their life away, but an angel guiding them to Heaven. Nem. It's time.

Nem gently takes her grandmother's hand, and she lies back peacefully. She gives Nem a last hug, and a last smile.

Grandma: Some day you're realize how very lucky you are to be able to get to say good-bye. I love you, Nem. Your mother will understand. I've written you both letters so you'll have something to remember me by.

Nem can't reply. She can't see through her tears, and she can't talk because the only sound she can make is a sob. But she does what she is asked. Her grandmother passes peacefully. Of all the people Nem has seen die these past few days, she is the only one who leaves with such poise and gratitude.

>>608043
Yeeeaaaah you probably should.

>>608045
I'm sorry, Nem. That must have been incredibly painful.

What does the letter say?

...she went in her own home, in the company of family who loved her. That's as much as anyone could ask for.

There's a story about a people who didn't fear their deaths. Their deaths weren't strangers to hunted them, but their closest friends, who lived besides them their entire lives. Something familiar and comforting.

I know it hurt to do that Nem, but that's what you gave her. A kindness. Her death was no stranger, but someone she knew and trusted and loved.

If there's any way we can spend IP on a phantom hug or something, now would be an excellent time for it.

Smik 2014/12/02(Tue)22:30 No. 608054 ID: 3009b4
File 141758822125.jpg - (347.91KB , 800x600 , Hello again Rekki.jpg )

>What does the letter say?

The letter is personal and just for Nem.

As Nem is taking the road away from the village, she stumbles across a familiar figure by the side of the road.

Rekki: Thought you could use a friend.

Nem: A friend? Is that what you consider yourself to me? I don't recall you hanging around very much -- you were just a messenger.

Rekki: I'm sorry Nem.

Nem: Everything changed, by the way.

Rekki: I figured, or you wouldn't be out here. Would you like a travelling companion? A scout's a handy person to have on the road.

Nem sighs.

Nem: ... Actually yes, I would like some company.

Smik 2014/12/02(Tue)23:16 No. 608058 ID: 3009b4
File 141759098175.jpg - (289.84KB , 800x600 , Nem and Rekki.jpg )

Nem: I found some gold, by the way.

Rekki: A coin with a skull on it?

Nem: You want it back?

Rekki: I'm sorry Nem. I didn't know it was in there. I get some really strange missions some times and I was just hoping it wasn't one of those.

Nem: "One of those"?

Rekki: Two others before you. The first was a girl named Sami. I didn't know what the coin did then. Then when I found out, I tried to warn the second, a guy named Remmington. He was... rather relaxed about the whole situation.

Nem: And me?

Rekki: I was told you to give you the bun, tell you not to let anyone follow you to your grandmother's place, and to let you know that it was the day that everything would change or nothing would.

Nem: And everything did, just like you said. Or nothing would have -- I would have repeated the cycle and gone on to live a normal-looking life while harbouring the secret of taking the faerie years from my grandmother and knowing that if I ever had a child, she would have to do the same to my mother.

Rekki: If I knew the coin was in there, I would have never given it to you.

Nem: Oh, don't feel bad about that Rekki -- it came in VERY handy.

Rekki: Yeah, I heard about that. You stole my bit.

Nem: I beg your pardon? How did you know?

Rekki: Same boss, Nem. And tossing my mark the coin is sort of my signature. You're not the only one who has to do claims, Nem. Although I suspect that most of the work you do will involve them.

Nem: That's how you knew about Mr. Cutter?

Rekki: It was his time, yeah.

They walk together in silence for a few moments.

Nem: So who gave you your coin?

Rekki: Long story. Suffice to say, never make a deal with Death if you have any other option -- the best you can hope for is to break even, he NEVER loses. Problem being is that Death only ever offers a deal is when the alternative is something you can't live with. In my case, I'm in debt up to my eyeballs to him.

Nem: Gold? But why? What would Death need with gold?

Rekki: Hell if I know. He sort of made it sound like sometimes gold is just convenient to have on hand and it's less trouble to have me fetch it. What's your debt?

Nem: I should have never been born.

Rekki: Damn.

They walk together in silence for a few minutes, when Nem speaks up again.

Nem: Rekki. Macha said you have problems with the truth. To ask you if you're a thief, if you cut throats.

Rekki: No, I'm a sc...

Nem: And that you'd deny it because you're 'a scout'.

Rekki pauses.

Nem: Macha had a sideways memory. Do you know her? She seemed to know you.

Rekki: ... well, was Macha your age?

Nem: No. Older. Huge. Seemed to have a lot of experience. What was she?

Rekki: Spirits work differently. They sort of live in multiple times at once, especially if they're involved with Death. She might have been a spirit of things that could be.

Nem's lip trembles.

Nem: I don't want to be her, Rekki. I liked her, but she was bloodthirsty, childish, angry... and so lonely. I don't want to become her. She's not my Fate, is she?

Rekki: I don't believe in Fate. I can't believe in Fate. We get pushed into a corner, and sometimes we have to make decisions we don't like, but there's always a way out. Nem, if I can help you avoid that, I will. I promise.

Smik 2014/12/02(Tue)23:20 No. 608060 ID: 3009b4
File 141759123392.jpg - (316.02KB , 800x600 , Quest Complete.jpg )

:: Quest Complete ::
:: Disconnecting from Nemain Morrigan ::

Nem: Good-bye spirits. Thank-you for everything. I'll miss you! :( I hope we meet again someday!

:: Disconnected ::

Any questions that I can answer (Rekki questions might be spoilers if I do his quest) can be done here or in the Discussion thread:
http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questdis/res/85148.html