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821558 No. 821558 ID: 65a774

“And so it all comes to an end, old friend, with a simple choice.”

-Fate.

Discussion: http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questdis/res/92354.html
Wiki and previous threads: http://tgchan.org/wiki/Strange_Bedfellows
Expand all images
>>
No. 821559 ID: 65a774
File 150238951230.png - (54.87KB , 686x526 , 2.png )
821559

:KronosSB: …I’m threatening your King.
:KrotosSB: Indeed you are… you’ve grown as a Regicide player, brother.
:KronosSB: …you came back just to tell me I’m a better Regicide player?
:KrotosSB: Oh, of course not… beside, my… death was highly exaggerated.
:KronosSB: I know… I meant from being a monstrous dream monster that is trying to take over the world.
:KrotosSB: I… um… I think that’s an exaggeration as well?
:KronosSB: So… you’re not the one who’s been trying to drive people mad and possess them?
:KrotosSB: …I can’t say I’ve… no? I mean… I’m pretty sure I haven’t… are you trying to distract me from the game?
>>
No. 821560 ID: 65a774
File 150238952108.png - (23.59KB , 686x526 , 3.png )
821560

:KronosSB: To the five with the game, stop stalling and tell me why you’re here already.
:KrotosSB: Why, can’t I visit my favorite brother just to see how things are? I’ve heard you’re going to be married… I do hope the Varkian gal you’ve found is proper and decent.
:KronosSB: Krotos… stop playing games and just tell me what is going on.
:KrotosSB: Only if you tell me how you are doing, little Kronos.
:KronosSB: …brother… Why. Are. You. Here!?
:KrotosSB: Hmm… well… I guess it all began when I was thrown into that vast underground prison… and found that living corpse…
:KronosSB: You met Xuv!?
:KrotosSB: Mmmmaybe? Now, tell me about that wife of yours.
:KronosSB: But-
:KrotosSB: I told you… only if you tell me how you are doing, little brother…
>>
No. 821566 ID: 7b7ab3

Briannah is a wonderful, beautiful person. Kronos was wrong about so many things before he met her. He was right about a few, too, but that's neither here nor there. Briannah is so much more than her species and profession. She's a lover and an artist with an appreciation for the beautiful things in the world. Kronos could really just go on and on about her.
>>
No. 821568 ID: fc33ea

>Only if you tell me how you are doing, little Kronos.
Very poorly. I'm loosing body parts at an unsustainable rate and literally every singular individual around me is engaging in the most self destructive behavior under the impression that they're making progress toward untenable goals. Except my wife, who has been self sabotaging just because. Insanity is becoming endemic- Karas has already completely lost it and ran off into the woods to live with the wolves or something. The church has been taken over by demons who want to wipe out all royalty. If Kira knows the full extent of the threat she is under, she won't tell me about any plans she has to combat it, meaning I can either hope her well informed and her judgement uncompromised- which is unlikely- or deal with it myself. But we both know you knew all that.
>>
No. 821569 ID: 3ce125

Oh yeah Briannah is his ex. Tell him you're both very happy with your relationship, but what he did to her still gets in the way sometimes. Why did he do it?
>>
No. 821570 ID: 638191

SHE HAS A REALLY NICE ASS
>>
No. 821586 ID: 36c133

"We are born of the butts
Made men by the butts
Undone by the butts

And that's all I have to say about my wife."
>>
No. 821671 ID: 91d650

"At this point, I think she's happier to have me than she ever was to have you."
>>
No. 821673 ID: fc33ea

Drop the act. Whatever I say, you'll say otherwise.
>>
No. 821904 ID: 65a774
File 150247398389.png - (33.25KB , 686x526 , 4.png )
821904

>Drop the act. Whatever I say, you'll say otherwise.
:KrotosSB: …I’m not… sure what you mean by that, brother…
:KronosSB: Don’t brother me. Are you even my brother? And if you are, do you really think I’ll trust you again after all you’ve done?
:KrotosSB: …Kronos? I’m not sure what I’ve done that warrant such mistrust but… please, I just want to see my little brother again.
:KronosSB: …ugh, I know this will come back and bite me in the tail feathers later but fine… I’ll play your little game…
>I'm losing body parts at an unsustainable rate…
:KrotosSB: I was going to ask about the eye… how did you…?
:KronosSB: Karas tried to kill me with an assassin.
:KrotosSB: What!? Karas did that! But… what would possess him to…
:KronosSB: Isn’t your chock a bit hypocritical?
:KrotosSB: Eh? What are you… I don’t know what you’ve been told, but I would never hurt my own blood.
:KronosSB: If you say so…

>Literally every singular individual around me is engaging in the most self-destructive behavior under the impression that they're making progress toward untenable goals. Except my wife, who has been self-sabotaging just because.
:KrotosSB: So it’s actually gotten free then…
:KronosSB: Isn’t that your doing?
:KrotosSB: No, I… I was trying to stop it… at least… I am now…
:KronosSB: Uh huh… of course you are…
>The church has been taken over by demons who want to wipe out all royalty.
:KrotosSB: Demons? No… just people’s dark ambitions, twisted into monstrosities. I… I was one of them once, as well…
>Kira knows the full extent of the threat she is under, she won't tell me about any plans she has to combat it.
:KrotosSB: That does sound like sis alright… to proud to seek help… or show weakness… that’s why she will never be a good queen. That’s why… I wanted to replace her…
:KronosSB: …didn’t you say you would never hurt your own blood?
:KrotosSB: I would make her willingly step down… or force her to step down. I didn’t want to kill her.
:KronosSB: Of course you didn’t…

>Karas has completely lost it and ran off into the woods to live with the wolves or something.
:KrotosSB: It… it must have gotten to him… just as it did to me, huh?
:KrotosSB: …the nightmares?
:KronosSB: If you want to call it that… it gnaws at you… promise you everything you want… but it only amplifies your worst attributes. It takes over and makes you… do terrible things…
:KronosSB: …you keep saying that it controlled you…
:KrotosSB: I… when I was thrown into my prison… and the poison was killing me I… I stumbled upon the five. They manipulated me… tried to turn me into their pawn…
:KronosSB: …but how did you break free?
:KrotosSB: It’s because of you… it was just a few days ago I think… they managed to drag your dying body into catacombs somehow… and wanted me to take your place. After all, who would know the difference?
:KronosSB: …but… you didn’t?
:KrotosSB: I… couldn’t just watch you die, brother, so I… carried you back up… the voices was furious… livid… and since then I’ve not been able to… return. I’ve been wandering these dreams, trying to find a way out but I don’t think I’ll ever find my body again… and even if I did, it’s probably not in the same shape that I left it in… ugh… I don’t want to think about what they might have done to me… no… let’s… let’s change the subject, shall we? That wife of yours… she’s… doing fine?
:KronosSB: Speaking of changing the subject, I just dethroned your king.
:KrotosSB: …so you were distracting me, then…
:KronosSB: Can’t it be both?
>>
No. 821905 ID: 65a774
File 150247399314.png - (57.55KB , 686x526 , 5.png )
821905

>Briannah is a wonderful, beautiful person. She's a lover and an artist with an-
:KrotosSB: Did you…. Did you just say Briannah? As in the empress daughter?
:KronosSB: …yes?
:KrotosSB: B-but they… they told me she died! That she was killed! That I… so she wasn’t there, after all!? It was just their lies! She’s still alive!
:KronosSB: Wasn’t… where?
:KrotosSB: The summit! I knew she got my message and had already left! I would never dream of hurting her!
:KronosSB: …err… right…
>Why did he do it?
:KrotosSB: …huh? Why did… I… I just wanted what was best for our nation… our people… our family…
:KronosSB: …by becoming King?
:KrotosSB: …who else could lead us to a better tomorrow, hmm?

>SHE HAS A REALLY NICE ASS.
:KrotosSB: Ever since I was thrown into this prison, I’ve dreamt of that glorious thing…
:KronosSB: All men who has witness it dreams of it…
:KrotosSB: We are born of the butts…
:KronosSB: Made men by the butts…
:KrotosSB: Shaped by the butts…
:KronosSB: Undone by her butts…
:KrotosSB: The way it wiggles as she runs…
:KronosSB: The way it flattens when she sits down…
:KrotosSB: The sound it makes when you hit it…
:KronosSB: The feeling of those buns in your hands…
:KrotosSB: Mmmm…
:KronosSB: Indeed…

…wait, did me and my brother just fantasize about my wife’s ass together!?
:KrotosSB: W-wait, d-d-did we just f-fantasize about my love’s butt t-together!?
>>
No. 821910 ID: 91ee5f

>>821904
Are the game pieces supposed to be able to do that?!

>>821905
How about you tell him the story that everyone else has told you? What your sister told you he did and what Bri told you he did.

Also, tell him about how your sister has changed and is actually asking people for help now.

>…who else could lead us to a better tomorrow, hmm?
Is he even aware of how evil that sounds? Just because he thinks he can do better, that doesn't mean he actually would be better.

Not sure if I trust him enough to talk about the Archbishop trying to turn Belseth, Bri's brother, into a god. But I guess we can ask if the method she's going to use (consuming the 5) would actually work or just turn them into a vessel for the Nightmare to posses?

>Bri's ass.
.....make a small mention of how she's almost gotten stuck in the doorways a few times.
>>
No. 821911 ID: fc33ea

Why did he need to get Kira to step down? I thought Krotos was the eldest?

Enough of that, it's time for you to get your story straight. Who told you Bri died? I've talked to Bri about the day you attempted the coup, she says you're the one who shot her. You were thrown in the catacombs for treason, something about an attempted large scale poison plot. How can you make that out as something other than an attempted coup?
>…who else could lead us to a better tomorrow, hmm?
On my life- LITERALLY EVERYBODY THINKS THAT. Karas, the Archbishop, all the rest of the malcontents who want the war to continue. They all want to run the country, hell to stability and hell to everybody in their way. Krotos, you sacrificed EVERYTHING in your bid to be king. Life, love, freedom- you're a wandering, restless spirit for god's sakes, if you really are what you say. And still, no matter how betrayed I feel or how many people you've hurt, I can only feel sorry for you. None of us have lost as much as you.

...Also, was it you who pulled that fucking cologne prank? I nearly got a concussion.
>>
No. 821914 ID: 3ce125

>>821904
>I stumbled upon the five
Uh but they're dead? Like, their souls aren't even trapped down there. Their corpses are all that remains. Even if he's not lying, it wasn't the five, it was the seventh creating an illusion.

Anyway, tell him Briannah's side of the story. About his betrayal. He said he got poisoned, was that BEFORE he tried to kill her?
>>
No. 822113 ID: 8cb228

Look, I don't know to what extent you are something pretending to be my brother, or an echo of my brother with some of his memories, or something that was actually once my brother and still is a meaningful piece of him. Keep behaving and I will keep humoring you... but you might want to stop playing with me. I've been through too much shit for games, 'brother'. Also, your story has some holes in it compared to what I know.
>>
No. 822154 ID: bf8f3f

Wait isn't he the one that tried ti kill Bri? Isn't he the reason shes missing a hand? I don't remember all the details of her story.
Also didn't he try kill your father or at least try have him assassinated?

Maybe we should tell him what his "body" has been up to.
>>
No. 822161 ID: fe7355

While you know this Krotos could be a impostor, or possibly a trap based on your memories of your brother to get you to stay here, you just can't ignore the possibility that he really is your brother Krotos. Or, rather, his trapped soul and memories and personality. That he was buried under the influence, lies and perception and mental warping of the Nightmare, but now he's free of all that. And if that's true, he has knowledge and insight into what the Nightmare's plan and desires are you won't get anywhere else. So for now, treat him like he's Krotos and be happy you get to see your brother again, but still be wary of what you say since the walls may have ears. Once you're out of here, then you can choose whether to trust what he says or discard it.

Admit to him that yes, we were both fantasizing about Briannah's behind together. This dream is a kind of shared mind-space, so you guess that may have happened because we have similar thoughts of desire for her posterior and they kinda resonated with each other. ...She really is a wondrous lady in so many ways than just her sublime rear, isn't she? The both of you are lucky to have and have had her in our lives, even though the circumstances with Krotos didn't turn out well at all.

How funny is it that two princes of Risavia would fall for a Sakkilian lady, given all of our nation's terrible history with them? And doubly odd for you, with your phobia of Sakkilians. Well, you have Xuv to give small thanks to for countering that. But you guess that attraction runs in the family, since your father also fancies Sakkilian gals too. Did Krotos know that our father chased Sakkilian tail back in the day, before the war?

Ask him just how many days ago the Nightmare, or whatever it is, dragged you down into the Catacombs and he carried you back up. Just what did he see and was told? What condition were you in? 'Cause if it's back when you went into the family crypt and those damn spores nearly killed you, then that doesn't jive with your first meeting with Xuv. Your spirit ended up with her, not wherever Krotos was in the Catacombs. And then she gave you the "gift" of chaining your soul to your body, right before sending you back. ...Why she had to painfully impale your spirit through the torso with her tail spike and make you feel just like you died right before that, you don't know.

Ask Krotos when he sent that message to Bri before the summit, and by what way. Then tell him you have something to tell him he won't like, but he should hear: Briannah didn't get that message, or perhaps she didn't heed it. Either way, she was at Brianthor's side that fateful summit three years ago. ...And was very nearly killed by Krotos.

After shooting and killing Brianthor, Krotos tried to shoot her in the face, but she blocked the shot with her left hand. Then he shot her in the lower left leg, and when she was down slashed her belly open with his sword and left her for dead. It was only by luck and a supreme act of will on her part, and a desire to spite Old Man Life, that she hung on until the medics arrived. She was in a coma for a month after, and you don't know how long in recuperation and rehabilitation after that. Her face has major scars on the left side and she has a huge scar across her abdomen. She lost her left eye, her left hand and her left leg at the knee and below. She wears magically animated prosthetics for the latter two now.

But much more than the physical damage is the psychological damage. The utter betrayal. The failure to protect those she was supposed to. The failure in her duty. It is a crushing weight on her psyche, very nearly more than she can bear with all she's suffered from before. But you'll be there to help her carry that load every day forward.

And other than what he did to Briannah, and killing his accomplice Brianthor, thinking he could rule over both Risavia and the Zadian Empire with him out of the way. And as part of his plot it seems he was going to assassinate our father too. It failed and our father only got a nick cut out of the top of his beak in the attempt, but that does not sound at all like "never hurting your own blood."

Tell him this isn't the first time you've been in a dream rendition of his bedroom. The last one you were in had a memory of his of his journal out and open and what was written in it does not reflect well on him at all. It mentioned the voices speaking to him, but it also read like he only coveted the throne for the adoration he believed it would bring, and the position's power he could use to kill Hivers. So, what explanation does he have for that?

Hold up your recently acquired Serpens-shaped artificial right hand for Krotos to see and say you've lost more than just a eye as a result of that damnable Nightmare's influence and machinations. You can only hope this dream replacement means you won't lose your real hand, but it might just be too different to work. ...But if Krotos gave you his right hand, maybe it could be stitched in place of your lost one. ...No, you don't know if he's really Krotos, so sticking a part of him onto you would be too risky. Besides, you don't have anyone appropriately skilled here to do the work of removing then attaching a hand. And it may not even work if it was transplanted.

Tell him that you don't know how long we have together, so he needs to tell you everything he knows about the Nightmare and its plans before we talk more about other things. Start at the beginning, with when he first felt its contact with him, but you don't need every detail after. You want to know its recent actions, plans and resources more than what it did before. You particularly want to know how Belseth and the Archbishop fit into its plans. And how the heck the Archbishop hasn't been totally corrupted by the Nightmare by now.

>Did you…. Did you just say Briannah? As in the empress daughter?
...Wait, when did Briannah find out she was the Empress' daughter? Before or after she was nearly killed three years ago? Because if it was after, then how did Krotos find that out?

>Karas tried to kill me with an assassin.
You know that's not true. Karas specifically said he wasn't going to kill you. His plan to frame you for murder was to discredit you so you wouldn't be a political problem for him, and so that you'd be safely locked up and out of the way until his coup was finished and he'd release you. That assassin tried to kill you by her own decision and not Karas' order.

>>821914
>Uh but they're dead? Like, their souls aren't even trapped down there. Their corpses are all that remains. Even if he's not lying, it wasn't the five, it was the seventh creating an illusion.
While it could have been a illusion or deception of some kind, it's more likely that the Five's corpses, once placed within the Soul Kiln/Catacombs of the Godless, had the same fate as Xuv's corpse befall them. If I remember correctly, it was Dreamer that said that the Xuv we met was not the real Xuv from the previous age, but rather a amalgam of trapped souls from the Soul Kiln that had invested Xuv's body after she died. They flowed into her corpse's brain, molding into the degrading neural pathways to gain a warped and incomplete version of her memories and personality. So when Kronos devoured Xuv, it was that amalgam of souls in the form of Xuv's mind he ate. The real soul of Xuv had already been loosed into the Soul Kiln a age ago, trapped, until the longest of odds had it cross paths with Krotos right before he died and it entered his body. Or perhaps, his corpse.

This is in line with the way the dead in this world, if not handled properly, will become a vessel for any passing soul fragments and rise again as undead. The Xuv we knew was basically a divine zombie. And since the Five's corpses also apparently ended up in the Soul Kiln too, they've been infested by mortal souls that were trapped here as well. They too became undead, same as Xuv. But since they, as far as we know, died outside the Soul Kiln, their divine souls ended up flowing into the River of Souls to become part of it's circular current.

Now, we don't know how much Krotos knows about the Five he met and what they really are. Kronos should ask Krotos what he saw and felt and heard when he met the Five, and the times afterwards. What did they look and sound like? What did they say? What did they tell him? What does he think they are? Does he know there was a Sixth and a Seventh?
>>
No. 822425 ID: 65a774
File 150266342556.png - (41.82KB , 686x526 , 6.png )
822425

>Are the game pieces supposed to be able to do that?!
You’re in a dream. You’re not going to be surprised if they started nibbling on your fingers next.
>Why did he need to get Kira to step down? I thought Krotos was the eldest?
Father choose Kira as his successor, thus she was to be the queen instead of Krotos. It is a simple as that.

>...make a small mention of how Bri's almost gotten stuck in the doorways a few times.
:KrotosSB: Yeah… I’ve seen it… in fact, I was actually thinking about resizing the doors to my room…
:KronosSB: ...just enough that she wouldn’t notice until she got stuck… and then needed help…
:KrotosSB: :KronosSB: heh… to be pushed out… mmm… um… *cough*…
>...She really is a wondrous lady in so many ways than just her sublime rear, isn't she? The both of you are lucky to have and have had her in our lives.
:KrotosSB: *Sigh* if only thing had gone differently… I still love her, you know… I truly do…
>Tell him about how your sister has changed and is actually asking people for help now.
:KrotosSB: She has? Well, I guess even the most stubborn wolfhound will learn sometimes.

>Who told you Bri died?
:KrotosSB: They told me I killed her under my trail… that I murdered her in her sleep in cold blood…
>I've talked to Bri about the day you attempted the coup, she says you're the one who shot her.
:KrotosSB: I what!? But I didn’t… she wasn’t supposed to be there… I only… the only ones I attacked was the leaders… and some guards… who was… wearing helmets… by the five…
:KronosSB: She lost her eye, left leg and left hand that day…
:KrotosSB: So… s-she’s still alive… I… at least I can be thankful for that. Gods… I can’t… did I really…?

>You were thrown in the catacombs for treason, something about an attempted large scale poison plot. How can you make that out as something other than an attempted coup?
:KrotosSB: Poison? I was never planning on… well, I was planning on poisoning the Empire’s imperial palace in case the Empress refused to surrender… by never anyone on our side.
>Part of your plot was trying to assassinate our father too. It failed and our father only got a nick cut out of the top of his beak in the attempt, but that does not sound at all like "never hurting your own blood."
:KrotosSB: Do you honestly think I would try and kill our poppa!? Even if I was desperate enough for the throne to kill my own blood, it would be a lot simpler to just wait a few years for age to force him off the throne. No, it was Brianthor who was the mastermind behind that. Why do you think I had him killed? I don’t backstab people needlessly… but if they try to backstab me…
>Your journal mentioned the voices speaking to him, but it also read like he only coveted the throne for the adoration he believed it would bring, and the position's power he could use to kill Hivers.
:KrotosSB: My… journal? I’ve never had a… wait, Hivers? I know I’ve never liked Hivers but… that sounds a lot more like something I would come up will while being driven mad by that… nightmare thing.

>Uh but aren’t the five dead? Like, their souls aren't even trapped down there. Their corpses are all that remains.
:KrotosSB: T-they are? But then… who… ugh, I should have known… they were just mad voices, after all. Though, to be fair, I wasn’t really in the right mind when I met them.
>Ask him just how many days ago the Nightmare, or whatever it is, dragged you down into the Catacombs and he carried you back up. Just what did he see and was told? What condition were you in?
:KrotosSB: I’m not entirely sure how long ago it was… but… I had wandered the catacombs for years by then, seeking revenge and blood by the instruction of those voices. I’m not entirely sure what I… or how… or when… it’s all a haze by now… but I know that when I found your near lifeless body… and saw what they had done to it I… I couldn’t do it, I couldn’t hurt you… so I woke up… and carried you away from those toxic spores you had engulfed.
>Is he even aware of how evil that sounds? Just because he thinks he can do better, that doesn't mean he actually would be better.
:KrotosSB: … … … … …you know what, it does sound rather evil and selfish… yet… I really do think I might have done things better… but it’s a bit late to consider that now, isn’t it?

>Tell him that you don't know how long we have together, so he needs to tell you everything he knows about the Nightmare and its plans before we talk more about other things.
:KrotosSB: …um… I’m not entirely sure but… I think they needed a host… someone to contain them all… and then they wanted to recreate the empire of old... with them as their new god. Though, someone has been sabotaging them from the inside, trying to steal to power for themselves to put into some Sakkilian priest... I think they were planning on ending that threat once and for all right before I left… but I don’t know what happened after that… after I saved you. Either way, you need to act fast… if my count is right, they are ready to ascend again in just a day or two… when the twins are kissing for the first time.

:KrotosSB: You’re right about one thing… we don’t much time left. I can feel you starting to wake up, so if you have any other questions ask them now, brother. Oh, and is there any way I can help? I know that you don’t… trust me yet, but I want to make amends… for leaving you as I did… and for Briannah… my loOW!! Stupid game piece bit my finger!
>>
No. 822435 ID: 094652

>>822425
Dude, they added a vore fetish to the queen! I wonder if the king makes a squaking noise...
>>
No. 822443 ID: 91ee5f

>>822425
>She has? Well, I guess even the most stubborn wolfhound will learn sometimes.
Believe it or not, I'm the one that convinced her to open up and ask others for help. She even gave me some papers to do some work on.

.....what? Don't look at me like that! I asked her to give me the easy stuff, so that I won't mess up something important!

>Sakkilian priest
That would be Bri's brother, Belseth. And the Archbishop is the one trying to transfer the power to him.

I'm trying to stop that because it sounds like she's unknowingly turning Belseth into a vessel for the Nightmare to posses!

>when the twins are kissing for the first time.
The twin moons?!

>Oh, and is there any way I can help?
Is there anything I can do to stop them? I've been running myself all over the place trying to come up with some kind of plan, but I can't figure anything out!

>my loOW!! Stupid game piece bit my finger!
Try to contain your laughter at how funny it is that happened. Then fail miserably at containing your laughter and start giggling uncontrollably at him!
>>
No. 822447 ID: fc33ea

Do you still have that loose eye? what about your arm, is it gone? Can he do anything about that?

If he can Enter Kira's dreams, that would be helpful. He's got the intel she needs, and can probably motivate her to act, as well. You can probably tell him how to navigate the labyrinth. I think the judgement she passed weights on her heavily, talking to her might help her regain some of her spirit. Just don't visit dad, his heart can't take any excitement anymore.

Also, moral quandary. How is the best way to deal with these dead gods and their power? I feel if we take their power and give it to that Sakkilian priest it will just be making the same problems the old empire ran into from new cloth- no more elementals, souls don't end up at the mana river, everything collapses when the mana runs out, and in the meantime the fate of the world rests on the razor's edge of one man's judgement. On the other hand, just smashing the thing might level the whole city. That's also bad. I need more options.

Who told you you killed her in her sleep? and who was in charge of delivering the message for her to flee? I feel there's some kind of plot going on behind the scenes here- someone also drugged the guard to the entrance to the catacombs and I don't know who.
>>
No. 822471 ID: 3ce125

Hey let's not go spilling sensitive information to this guy. Yeah his story sounds plausible but it could still be a trick and we have no evidence it's true.

Tell him if he can sabotage the Nightmare's plans in any way then he can do that. Maybe dig up some helpful information about how to traverse the catacombs and reach the chamber of the five? You'll try to verify his story somehow, but for now it's hard to trust what he says. Also if he can find any information whatsoever about a seventh god, the Serpens god, then that would be helpful. Even misinformation is hard to come by in regards to the Forgotten One.
>>
No. 822592 ID: fe7355

Genuinely chuckle while you reach over to help get that piece off Krotos' finger. Say that it figures that such a piece would have a taste for succulent Vark flesh.

Tell Krotos that you don't know just how he could help, since you don't know what he can do. He's stuck in the dream-Catacombs, right? ...Could he scout out the route from your dream's entrance to where these "Five" are? Maybe eavesdrop on them too? Then he could meet you in your dream later tonight to tell you how to get there and anything else he's found out.

He may also be able to move between the entrances to Briannah's, Kira's and General Thalia's dreams and check if they've been entered by any of the Nightmare's agents. And speaking of a the Nightmare's agents, does Krotos have any idea how many in the palace, the Grand Temple, and the capitol are in thrall to the Nightmare?

And could he possibly find Karas' dream and scout out how badly he's been corrupted and if he could do anything for him? Is there anything that could possibly be done to cut Karas free of the Nightmare's grip?

And if there's anything else Krotos thinks would help you, he should do it. Now, is there anything he wants you to tell anyone once you wake up? Anything for our father, or Kira, ...or Briannah? Anyone else he'd want to relay a message to? Anything hidden he'd want to share the location of, or other secrets he wants to share that would be lost with his death?

And they wanted him to possess your body, to take your place, but to what ends? What'd they need him for? ...And would it be possible for him to possess the body of another dying Vark and be brought back?

>*Sigh* if only thing had gone differently… I still love her, you know… I truly do…
...Tell Krotos that Briannah still had, and has, some kind of feelings for him, even after what he did. She loved him for real, and she cherishes the memories of who he was... Before he... Y'know...

>I what!? But I didn’t… she wasn’t supposed to be there… I only… the only ones I attacked was the leaders… and some guards… who was… wearing helmets… by the five…
You wonder why he didn't notice that she was among Brianthor's bodyguard, given she's so tall and... well... wide compared to other Sakkilians. Wasn't it mentioned a Sakkilian of her prodigious size is a real rarity, with only one or two born in a generation? That might have been a exaggeration, but such giants are still quite rare. She'd stand head and shoulders over the rest of the guard. ...Unless the guards were all, or most, giants like her. That would make sense for guarding a group as important as the Empire's high command and Brianthor.

>Do you honestly think I would try and kill our poppa!?
Well, that's what our poppa said when he laid out to you what Krotos did. Granted, he also told you that Krotos was buried in a unmarked grave in the middle of nowhere, when in actuality Krotos was brought in secret before Kira for trial and thrown into the Catacombs, so he may have been lying or misinformed. It may have been that the assassination plot, and the poison plot, was laid at Krotos' feet so as not to inflame anti-Empire sentiment in the post-war negotiations. Though, considering the whole mess with Krotos' treason has been kept secret from all but a very few, doing such a thing wouldn't make sense.

>No, it was Brianthor who was the mastermind behind that. Why do you think I had him killed? I don’t backstab people needlessly… but if they try to backstab me…
And, again, your poppa told you otherwise. He said Krotos backstabbed Brianthor thinking he could take both Risavia and the Zadian Empire for himself. ...Which is really dumb 'cause the Empire's citizens would never stand to be under such rule and half the whole nation would turn become guerrillas or revolt. So another case of your father possibly either lying to you or having been lied to. Does Krotos have any idea where there'd be proof of Brianthor's betrayal of Krotos, or of his assassination or poisoning plot against Risavia?

>but I know that when I found your near lifeless body… and saw what they had done to it I…
And what, exactly, had they done to you?

>I think they needed a host… someone to contain them all… and then they wanted to recreate the empire of old... with them as their new god.
Did they say anything about what criteria they had for such a host? As in, what that host needed to be, and what needed to be done to that host, to be a vessel for them all.

>Though, someone has been sabotaging them from the inside, trying to steal to power for themselves to put into some Sakkilian priest...
Sounds like that's the Archbishop and Belseth, though you can't be certain. It might not be the Archbishop but someone else that was looking to steal the power to put into Belseth.

>I think they were planning on ending that threat once and for all right before I left… but I don’t know what happened after that… after I saved you.
This could mean they were gonna to neutralize the Archbishop, Belseth, or both of them in some way. Considering they made a move on the Archbishop and she escaped, they may have decided to turn on Belseth to remove him for good, just to be sure the Archbishop can't enact her plan. Fuck, you need to get him out of the Grand Temple ASAP, before it's too late. ...Oh, you hope to the heavens it's not too late already.

>Either way, you need to act fast… if my count is right, they are ready to ascend again in just a day or two… when the twins are kissing for the first time.
That's referring to the twin moons and when they start crossing over each other, right? Huh, you thought they were gonna do it next week when both moons are full and the level of ambient magic would be at its zenith. Anyway, Kronos, you know just when the next time the moons are going to start crossing is?

>Father choose Kira as his successor, thus she was to be the queen instead of Krotos. It is a simple as that.
You have to remember to ask your father why he chose Kira over Krotos, at a future point when things aren't so hectic and dire.

>Yeah… I’ve seen it… in fact, I was actually thinking about resizing the doors to my room…
>...just enough that she wouldn’t notice until she got stuck… and then needed help…
...If you got new, extra reinforced, and thus extra thick, door frames and doors, that would excuse the fact that the doorways would be narrower as a security precaution. Though, perhaps not on all the doorways in your apartment and just on your bedroom door and the entrance to your apartment.

And before you wake up, give your brother a close hug. He may or may not really be Krotos, but if he is then you don't want to miss what may be the last chance to hug him.

Alright, once you wake up there's a few of things you need to remember to do. First is giving a debriefing to Sisah, the Archbishop, and Cain on exactly what happened after you entered Tim's dream, in full. You'll also need to tell General Thalia and maybe Kira too.

Second is finding out exactly what happened around when you entered the royal crypt and were rescued from it. Were you found inside or outside, who drugged the entrance guard, and so on. That'll corroborate what Krotos said or not.

Third is getting as much of the damn story around Krotos and Brianthor's actions as possible. Who knew what when, the order of orders and what those orders were. Find out if Krotos is telling the truth or not about his involvement and Brianthor's supposed betrayal. You're probably going to have to pin Kira down on this. Related to this is finding out of Krotos kept a journal of any kind for real, and if so where it is now.

Fourth is finding out where Krotos' message to Briannah went to, if it ever existed. Better ask Krotos how he attempted to send his message to Bri and who would have handled it.

And long term, you really need to find out if there's any way to stick some kind of goddamn overflow drain or pressure release valve into the Soul Kiln. 'Cause having psychic sewage backing up into the metaphorical basement of the palace, the Grand Temple, and the whole capitol and polluting the dreams and minds of everyone here to varying degrees has probably been fucking up Risavia for who knows how long. Maybe as long as there has been a Risavia. That would explain why your nation's culture and traditions have been rather brutal, such as "recycling" the bodies of slain enemies and all the horrid shit the Temple got up to in the past.

>>822447
>I feel there's some kind of plot going on behind the scenes here- someone also drugged the guard to the entrance to the catacombs and I don't know who.
It wasn't the entrance to the Catacombs of the Godless, but rather to the Royal Crypt. But that aside, it's true we never did find out who drugged that guard's rations with sleeping potion and dragged them into the bushes. I thought it may have been Doxan acting under Bri's orders to clear the way for Kronos to enter the crypt. Though, if Doxan did have such orders he probably would have picked and removed the padlock on the crypt gate too. And if he did that, he would have seen the copious amounts of warning signs and probably headed Kronos off before he went into the toxic spore cloud. So something is indeed fishy around the circumstances of Kronos entering the royal crypt.
>>
No. 822945 ID: 65a774
File 150280881735.png - (32.35KB , 686x526 , 7.png )
822945

>Dude, they added a vore fetish to the queen! I wonder if the king makes a squaking noise...
You wouldn’t really call that a fetish… a beast that eats people isn’t really into it that way, are they? …and the king gave off a squeaky VARK when squeezed…
>What about your arm, is it gone?
Your hand is still here… yet… it’s kind of itchy… and hard to move? You can barely feel your fingers anymore…

>Genuinely chuckle while you reach over to help get that piece off Krotos' finger. Say that it figures that such a piece would have a taste for succulent Vark flesh.
:KrotosSB: Ugh… so you know about her less than… stellar reputation then?
>Believe it or not, I'm the one that convinced Kira to open up and ask others for help. She even gave me some papers to do some work on.
:KrotosSB: …really?
:KronosSB: ...what? Don't look at me like that! I asked her to give me the easy stuff, so that I won't mess up something important!
:KrotosSB: Oh no, I didn’t mean it like that. In fact, I rather have them give you something harder. After all, you have a great mind, Kronos, and it’s a shame it’s been wasted on… well, nothing. I’ve always wanted them to give you more responsibilities.

>Who said you killed Bri in her sleep? Who was in charge of delivering the message for her to flee?
:KrotosSB: They told me when they held my trail… and I was the one who delivered the message. I… I guess she must have misunderstood me… or not heeded my advice for some reason…
>...Tell Krotos that Briannah still had, and has, some kind of feelings for him, even after what he did. She loved him for real, and she cherishes the memories of who he was... Before he... Y'know...
:KrotosSB: …thank you for telling me that… even if it a bit late for that, it still warms my heart I didn’t screw it up completely…

>Does Krotos have any idea how many in the palace, the Grand Temple, and the capitol are in thrall to the Nightmare?
:KrotosSB: I can’t tell you that, sorry… but I do know that their influence is still weak up there. A dozen… maybe two? They can’t be that many.
>Is there anything that could possibly be done to cut Karas free of the Nightmare's grip?
:KrotosSB: He need to be willing to give up his own negative emotions and embrace his good ones. I… I don’t know how you can do that, though… as I don’t think he loved you as much as I did…
>Huh, you thought they were gonna do it next week when both moons are full and the level of ambient magic would be at its zenith.
:KrotosSB: Apparently, it’s when the moons kiss that the way to… I think they called it “a river of souls”? Apparently the way to it will be easiest to access right then… just before all the mana spill over into our world.

>Is there anything I can do to stop them? I've been running myself all over the place trying to come up with some kind of plan, but I can't figure anything out!
:KrotosSB: I’m not sure… go down there and burn their bodies? …or steal their powers? They seemed rather afraid of that?
:KronosSB: Just smashing the thing, or in this case burn them, might level the whole city.
:KrotosSB: Hmm… but if you could… I don’t know, use up their powers first? Absorb it willingly but not ascending into godhood? Is that even possible?
>Maybe dig up some helpful information about how to traverse the catacombs and reach the chamber of the five?
:KrotosSB: Oh! I can help you with that! I’m pretty sure I know the way into the depths already.
>Also if he can find any information whatsoever about a seventh god, the Serpens god, then that would be helpful.
:KrotosSB: …wait, seven? They are five gods, Kronos… I’ve never heard of a seventh… or sixth for that matter…
>Maybe eavesdrop on them too?
:KrotosSB: I can try… though I don’t think we really have time to do something like that, do we?
>Then he could meet you in your dream later tonight to tell you how to get there and anything else he's found out.
:KrotosSB: If we have the time… though, you might need to stop this today! You don’t want to need to rush down there in the last minute to stop the ritual if they are doing it tomorrow, do you?
>Now, is there anything he wants you to tell anyone once you wake up? Anything for our father, or Kira, ...or Briannah?
:KrotosSB: Tell them… I’m sorry… and tell Bri I… still love the way the moon reflect in her eyes…

>And before you wake up, give your brother a close hug. He may or may not really be Krotos, but if he is then you don't want to miss what may be the last chance to hug him.
:KrotosSB: …I miss you brother… I truly do…
:KronosSB: I do too, Krotos… I do too…
>>
No. 822946 ID: 65a774
File 150280882806.png - (59.23KB , 686x526 , 8.png )
822946

All the sudden you’re back Tim’s study, your hand still touching his body as if not a moment has passed since you ventured into his dreams. You have to take a second to steady yourself after everything that has happen, your thought immediately goes to your right hand that you supposedly lost. With a sight of relief you can see that it’s still there… if a bit… itchy?
:ThaliaSB: Are you alright, Prince Kronos?
:XarrinSB: What just happened?
:EleteSB: Hmm… I can feel a heavy darkness being lifted from the mage… but now the Prince has it instead?

>Alright, once you wake up there's a few of things you need to remem-
GAH! Your hand is itching like crazy! Why is it-
>>
No. 822947 ID: 65a774
File 150280883693.png - (24.07KB , 686x526 , 9.png )
822947

:ThaliaSB: …wait, did you just imply that the Prince is…?

It looks fine at least… it just feel itchy… and cold… and… hard to-
>>
No. 822949 ID: 65a774
File 150280885865.png - (27.93KB , 686x526 , 10.png )
822949

”Peek-a-boo…”
>>
No. 822950 ID: 4854ef

Smack evil hand into desk palm down.
>>
No. 822952 ID: 91ee5f

>>822949
To all the people that said, "Let's get Kronos to replace his hand with something in the dream." I say to you: Good going, now Kronos' hand is possessed!

Just tell everyone that your hand is possessed and tell them to cut it off before it tries to strangle you and kill you, since that's apparently the only way to stop you from interfering with the Nightmare's plans!
>>
No. 822953 ID: 486e87

First, ask if anyone else is seeing that, just to confirm that it is not a hallucination. If it's real, then I'm afraid you might need to amputate it.
>>
No. 822954 ID: fc33ea

>>822952
It was never actually replaced by anything. Blame the people who decided to shoot a demon, as the demon dared us to do, in a Kaktus quest.

>Peek-a-boo…
I see you!

Burn it.
>>
No. 822962 ID: 91ee5f
822962

>>822954
Remember Mad Scientist Sisah in Tim's dream? Everyone said, "Let her give you an artificial hand because it'll let you keep your hand in the real world." That's when his hand was replaced.

Also, remember that Nightmare thing that was chasing Kronos everywhere in Tim's dream? You know, that one guy that repeatedly called Kronos a spoiled brat and hated Kronos because he was rich? This guy: >>801070 , right here. He's the only guy that ever says "Peekaboo" to us. So, since he's in our hand, let's cut him off before he tries to strangle us with our own hand!
>>
No. 822963 ID: 91ee5f

>>822962
Damnit, it's not working.

How do you make a link to a post in the archive?
>>
No. 822981 ID: 3ce125

>>822949
Welp, time to cut off your hand and get it replaced with a prosthetic like Bri's.
>>
No. 823067 ID: 514d36

jack off with your other hand and cum in its eye.
>>
No. 823068 ID: fe7355

It's that fuckin' monster Nerfatu! Since he ate your right hand's soul in the dream, he musta moved into its empty "soul space" after you incinerated and expelled him from Tim's dream.

Grab your right wrist with your left hand to keep Nerfatu from possibly moving anywhere. Pay attention to if the itching and coldness starts creeping up your right arm 'cause that probably indicates Nerfatu's possession is spreading. If it does you'll have to move with haste to act.

Pin your right hand down on a table and tell everyone to look at it. Are they seeing what you're seeing? Quickly say that while in the dream your right hand was bitten off by a monster named Nerfatu that looked very much like that Sakkilian shaped one the Archbishop drew. Say you think it moved into and possessed your now soul-less hand after you drove it out of Tim's dream. Explain it feels really itchy, cold and hard to control. And add, if they couldn't see anything, you saw a blood red eye open in its palm and it spoke to you in your mind.

Tell Sisah to take your pistols away; You don't want Nerfatu possibly grabbing one if he takes control of your right arm. Ask the Archbishop to focus her senses on your right hand and examine it carefully. Does it feel cold to the touch? Ask the Archbishop if it'd be in any way possible to exorcise your hand, or at least contain Nerfatu so he doesn't spread or loses control. And say you're open to any ideas she, or anyone else here, has.

There is one very long shot that might save your hand. Remember how that earth elemental drew the death out of those dead mushrooms and converted it into life magic to regenerate them? There's a slim chance it could do the same to your hand, drawing Nerfatu out and restoring it. It's worth a try, so quickly find where the earth elemental is, slap your right hand onto it and hope for the best.

However, if nothing else works, you'll need to have your right hand amputated. You'd really prefer if a surgeon did it under proper medical conditions, but unless it's obviously gone bad they're not going to take your hand off on just your say-so. That leaves doing it here. Tim has cutting tools he uses to prepare biological specimens, doesn't he? Scalpels or razors or such? And more than one person here has a belt that can be used to cinch your arm off. Alternatively, the Archbishop might be able to incinerate your right hand with holy flame, assuming the heat could be contained so it wouldn't mess up your lower right arm too.

>>822954
Oh, you think we all don't already feel horrible 'cause we fucked up so terribly?! It felt bad enough knowing because we were fuckin' idiots Kronos would lose his hand, but it happening this way makes me feel all shitty and anxious all over again. So don't you fuckin' lay even more blame on us. I don't even see your ID back then making a choice for or against, so where the fuck were you at that pivotal moment, huh? Huh?!

>>82296
Like this >>/questarch/801070. Gotta put '/questarch/' in for stuff that's been archived.
>>
No. 823072 ID: 91ee5f

>>823068
Like this: >>/questarch/801070 ?
>>
No. 823073 ID: 91ee5f

>>823072
It worked!
>>
No. 823182 ID: fe7355

If it comes to it, the quickest and cleanest way to amputate that possessed hand might be Sisah's blade. Being magic, it probably has a edge sharper and surfaces smoother than any other sword or knife in here, so it'd cut through your wrist and its joint with ease. Though, convincing her to use it on the one she is supposed to guard is probably a whole tougher matter.
>>
No. 823198 ID: 35089a

this is ma fappen arm!
>>
No. 823322 ID: fe7355

Just thought that perhaps it'd be possible to trap Nerfatu in your hand after it's amputated instead of incinerating it. Though, it'd take setting up seals and wards and if he figures out what's happening he'll probably flee back into the dream-Catacombs, if he can. And the wards and seals may not even work, but it'd be work a try.
>>
No. 823473 ID: 65a774
File 150299286164.png - (15.42KB , 686x526 , 11.png )
823473

>Smack evil hand into desk palm down.
:NerfatuSB: I will feast upon your-
*Bang!*
:NerfatuSB: Ow…

:KronosSB: Did anyone else just see that… or he-
>>
No. 823474 ID: 65a774
File 150299286718.png - (71.07KB , 686x526 , 12.png )
823474

:NerfatuSB: DIE!
Before you can react, a giant claw nearly strikes you square in the face. You see the light blue sign of magical shielding as it is deflected at the last second and you thank the five for what you assume is Sisah’s protection.
>>
No. 823475 ID: 65a774
File 150299287794.png - (40.54KB , 686x526 , 13.png )
823475

Within seconds, you find general Thalia struggling to keep your now monstrous hand in check while Sisah lines up her blade to slice it off.
:ThaliaSB: I can’t h-hold it forever…
:EleteSB: We need to cut it off!
:SisahSB: Sorry for this, sir.
:KronosSB: W-wait!
:EleteSB: It’s already spreading through your arm! If we don’t do anything right now, it-
:KronosSB: T-there might be another way! The earth elemental! It drew out death and converted it to life earlier, maybe it can draw this thing out as well.
:XarrinSB: You mean this little stone man over here? He does seem rather excited about something… or he’s just trying to escape.
:EleteSB: We don’t have time of “maybe”! Either we cut off your hand right now or you’ll lose your arm… or worse!
:SisahSB: …it’s up to you sir, do you want me to cut it off or do you want to try the elemental?
:NerfatuSB: Haha… you can’t stop me, Prince, I will c-
:ThaliaSB: Shut it.
:NerfatuSB: Ow…

So… definitely lose your hand… or risk your whole arm?
>>
No. 823477 ID: 3ce125

>>823475
Either way you need a prosthetic. Let's experiment! Try the elemental, see what he can do.
>>
No. 823478 ID: 1e7aa8

Tell sisah to cut your hand off. IF it spreads any further, take the entire arm!
>>
No. 823482 ID: 91ee5f

>>823475
We don't have time for this indecisive bullshit! We can do both!

First, have them cut your hand off, so you don't lose your entire arm! Then give your possessed hand to the elemental! If the elemental ends up doing nothing, then at least your hand will already be cut off so it won't get worse from choosing the wrong option!

>>
No. 823483 ID: 813db0

you're just going to be a brain in a jar by the end of this bro... see if the elemental can save the arm
>>
No. 823485 ID: fc33ea

I'm pretty sure this is one of those things where you loose no matter what because plot, but hey, nothing ventured nothing gained. Get the elemental over here. You either get full use of your hand, or you'll have to tie off your sleeve higher. As far as gambling goes you've wagered much worse.
>>
No. 823487 ID: fc72e2

>>823482
This. Cut the hand, try the elemental on it. If they can make prosthetics this good, they can also reattach the arm if the elemental succeeds in purifying it.
>>
No. 823495 ID: fe7355

It's not just your whole arm that you're risking here, it's your life and soul. You heard the Archbishop say "or worse." If Nerfatu spreads faster than thought, or under the skin where it won't be seen, and gets into your torso, then you'll be doomed to being tortured and consumed by him. The fate of so much, so many people, of those you love and care for and those that love and care for you, now lay on you, what you know and what you can do. To risk so much for the unknown chance of keeping your hand flesh and blood is far beyond foolish. ...But there is another chance you can take that will not be anywhere near as risky.

Quickly tell them to pin the hand down once it's amputated and bring the elemental over to touch it. Then clench your beak, brace yourself against the coming pain and tell Sisah to make the cut.

If the elemental restores your hand to the point it can be reattached by the medical wing doctors regain full function, then everything worked out well. If otherwise, then you can still be satisfied you made the right decision. And a magic prosthetic hand is not so bad, as Briannah shows. Perhaps with your effort and support of bio-magic research you'll be able to get a new hand grown some day. Or maybe there'll be god-like magic about one way or another soon that can restore your hand, your eye, and all that Briannah has lost too.
>>
No. 823501 ID: 91ee5f

I just thought of something.

Didn't the elemental aggressively bite Kronos when he only had Xuv's "gift" in him? And now, we've got Xuv's powers, since Xuv killed herself by forcing Kronos to eat her.

If the elemental touches Kronos directly, how do we know the elemental won't take away the Dream Walking powers?

This is another reason we should cut off the hand first! We don't want to accidentally lose our ability to purge the Nightmare from people's dreams!
>>
No. 823512 ID: 094652

Risk your arm. Your little friend could be useful if handled correctly.
>>
No. 823516 ID: fc33ea

If the hand gets cut off, what are the chances it skitters off of just crumbles to ash?
>>
No. 823745 ID: 830fb7

isn't that hand the one you lost to the nightmare, if so it could be that when you loose a limb to one it becomes infested in the real world. You where told that loosing a limb in the dream walking state would have real world effects on your body, but you didn't think this is what was meant.
>>
No. 823770 ID: 51b8ec

Cut it off, I say! There is naught to be gained from tolerating such vileness upon your person!
>>
No. 823822 ID: 5bcb58

I say give the rock bab a chance.
>>
No. 823823 ID: 91ee5f

>>823822
It can have its chance when we cut off the possessed hand and give it to the elemental!
>>
No. 823988 ID: 65a774
File 150326772192.png - (53.94KB , 686x526 , 14.png )
823988

>We don't have time for this indecisive bullshit! We can do both!
You can’t really cut off and not cut off your hand at the same time…
>You're just going to be a brain in a jar by the end of this bro...
Unless you find a way to end all this, you’re probably going to end up even less than that.
>If the hand gets cut off, what are the chances it skitters off or just crumbles to ash?
Seeing how its currently trying to kill you, you’re going to go out on a limb and say that it will probably continue doing so even if it’s not attached to your arm.


>Hey, nothing ventured nothing gained. Get the elemental over here. As far as gambling goes you've wagered much worse.
:KronosSB: Q-quick! The golem! BRING IT HERE!
:EleteSB: But your very soul might-
:KronosSB: DO IT!
:SisahSB: Do as he commands, Major.
:XarrinSB: Err… r-right… let me just… Ow, stop fighting back you little-
>>
No. 823990 ID: 65a774
File 150326773589.png - (67.75KB , 686x526 , 15.png )
823990

:XarrinSB: GAH! Dammit, I lost my grip- LOOK OUT!

The elemental manages to slip out of Xarrin grasp and it doesn’t waste a moment before lunging towards you… or to be more precise, your hand. As it connects and sinks its “teeth” into your flesh, you involuntarily stumble backwards, ensuring that Thalia loses her grip of your arm and Sisah’s sword is knocked away from your wrist. Of course, you barely notice any of that as your mind is currently filled with but one thing. PAIN!
:ElementSB: *HISS!*
:KronosSB: AAARGH!!!
:EleteSB: Quick, remove it before-
:SisahSB: No! This is the Prince orders!
:ThaliaSB: Look! His hand is turning back to normal!

You can feel your hand returning to your control… but as more and more feeling of your hand returns, the worse the pain gets. Your only bright point in all of this is listening to the sweet music of Nerdfat howling in pain and agony.
:NerfatuSB: NO! NONO! ARG… YOU CAN’T gnnt… do this… to… me… … …

>Didn't the elemental aggressively bite Kronos when he only had Xuv's "gift" in him? And now, we've got Xuv's powers, since Xuv killed herself by forcing Kronos to eat her…
But as the feeling in your hands returns, you can feel the elemental starting to consume something else. You can feel your very being, your soul, being dragged out of your body… or at least, something that is hanging on to it.
:KronosSB: NNGJH!?
:ThaliaSB: ...his hand looks normal again… should we remove the elemental?
:SisahSB: …Sir? What are your orders?

Then suddenly, you can hear a familiar voice screaming in your mind.
:XuvSB: ARGHH! NO!

… … …You can feel your soul getting torn from your body… yet… if Xuv is in there… do you let the elemental continue?
>>
No. 823993 ID: 3ce125

>>823990
Uh, no??? If you lose Xuv you lose your connection to the dream, which means you lose your only weapon against the Nightmare.

We know she still exists, now. We can try to contact her again in your dreams, find out if she was just pretending to be crazy so that you'd "eat" her and give her another place to hide from Life and the Nightmare. I suspect she's still planning to use your first born to take over the world but we can put a stop to that via either Life or the elemental. You have the advantage, don't be hasty.
>>
No. 823997 ID: fc33ea

Leave it. Xuv can't continue to influence you or anyone else, it's bad news if she's still alive.
>>
No. 824004 ID: 4d606a

Don't let the elemental continue. It looks like there might be some "overlap", or at least not a transition that's easy to sense, when it switches who exactly it's draining, so if you tried to get rid of Xuv like this you'll end up with some part of yourself gone too.
>>
No. 824008 ID: 91ee5f

>>823993
This!

>>823997
But she's hanging onto Kronos' soul! If she gets yanked out, she's gonna take Kronos with him and he'll die!

In fact, since Kronos was supposed to die after entering the catacombs, isn't that the reason Life attacked Kronos in the first place? Life even said that Kronos' soul is pretty much glued to his body, which is something that Life doesn't like. What if Xuv is the reason that Kronos is still alive right now and she's keeping his soul in his body?
>>
No. 824029 ID: 094652

Just a few more seconds to randomize the Xuv sub-AI, then yank it off.
>>
No. 824039 ID: 1e7aa8

Get the elemental away before it does drastic and/or poorly understood things to you/your soul!
>>
No. 824067 ID: fc33ea

>>824008
He's 'died' when Life talked to him too. Every time, he's gently explained his situation and gotten new information and opportunities. This could be the pat to the third option we need.

Oh hey, if we take the Elemental to the Catacombs, he can eat up all the energy without causing an explosion!
>>
No. 824075 ID: 91ee5f

>>824067
That sounds like a plan to make the elemental explode from being overloaded with too much energy!
>>
No. 824095 ID: 5bcb58

Yenk tat lill' suka off!
>>
No. 824193 ID: fe7355

If Xuv is still alive after you devoured her, then she knew it wouldn't kill her. She hid herself within your soul, for what reasons you don't quite know. But what you do know is she'll do anything to be reborn and restore herself to her godly power.

You cannot let Xuv remain within you, for the second she sees a way to grab that power she will devour your soul from the inside out and take your body to get that power. Or if she does not make a grab for divine power before the Nightmare is dealt with, she will possess any child you have, with Briannah or otherwise. Sooner or later, you will have to destroy Xuv, and better now when she's caught off guard than later when she is wary and can try to eat your soul or some other nastiness.

Leave the elemental to continue. It will very likely eat a hole through your soul to get at Xuv within. While her removal will almost certainly remove your dreamwalking ability, you've already done enough with it and gathered enough intel via it that you can continue on without it. Trading that for being sure Xuv won't ruin everything at the last minute is worth it.
>>
No. 824194 ID: 91ee5f

>>824193
I guess.....maybe you're right?

Looks like Kronos and Bri will have to adopt and/or have surrogate children after all. Which sucks because they were really wanting to have a natural born child from both of them. I guess that's not gonna happen after all.
>>
No. 824195 ID: 3ce125

>>824193
What about Belseth? Even if we don't need dreamwalking to protect him from the Nightmare (like for instance using the elemental to suck out any more seeds) we really should go in to try to sort out some of his emotional baggage, groom him to become a better god.

Also it's possible the only reason the seventh god hasn't shown up in person is because Xuv is still alive... he's waiting for the perfect board, remember?
>>
No. 824200 ID: 91ee5f

>>824195
You've also got a point.

Damnit, now I'm even more confused! What do we do?!
>>
No. 824204 ID: fc33ea

>>824200
I guess we can always put the lil' green bastard back on later to finish the job. Maybe eating an entire demon will make him grow faster and we'll soon be able to communicate what bits of soul magic or whatever we do and don't want him to eat.
>>
No. 824214 ID: 35089a

>>824193
The problem is that there's no guaranty we'll survive if it rips out our soul with her.
>>
No. 824234 ID: 4854ef

Don't let it continue!
>>
No. 824289 ID: 65a774
File 150342090815.png - (36.02KB , 686x526 , 16.png )
824289

>Get the elemental away before it does drastic and/or poorly understood things to you/your soul!
You barely manage to get a gesture out before Sisah rips the elemental from your hand, taking what little is left of Nerdfat with it. The terrible pain you were feeling quickly subsides, replaced with a feeling of… coldness. Looking at your hand now, it’s quite unbelievable that just a few moments ago it was sprouting eyes and claws, as the only evidence left is the small wound the elemental created. After confirming that you still can move your fingers, you can’t do anything but conclude that you somehow managed to save your hand from Nerdfat completely… who would have thought, huh?

>If Xuv is still alive after you devoured her, then she knew it wouldn't kill her.
…why can’t you help but feel like you’ve been playing into her hand all along… that this decision will come back and bite you sooner or later… she is not to be trusted, is she?
>What about Belseth?
You have to find a way to communicate with him... you need to know if he’s still okay or not!
>Oh hey, if we take the Elemental to the Catacombs, he can eat up all the energy without causing an explosion!
…or the elemental will simply blow up by itself.
>Maybe eating an entire demon will make him grow faster and we'll soon be able to communicate what bits of soul magic or whatever we do and don't want him to eat.
:Elemetal: *HISS!*
…apparently not.


:ThaliaSB: So… can someone care to explain what just happened?
:XarrinSB: Did you… save the mage or…?
:EleteSB: After years of studying soul magic, not even I’m so sure what just happened… did I miss something?
:SisahSB: That thing very much reminded me of some of the stronger undead I’ve faced. Though, they possessed whole bodies, dead ones, instead of just hands…
:EleteSB: …wait, you mean you’ve met undead who started sprouting eyes and claws?
:SisahSB: It’s usually eyes or mouths… I’m not sure what the fascination they have with those, but they are usually creatures created by the remnants of the old empire… you know, souls of the old dead who haven’t been able to move on…
>>
No. 824298 ID: 3ce125

>>824289
Well congratulate Sisah because she's exactly right. That was a soul that was until now trapped in the catacombs. Every criminal condemned to rot down there has had their soul trapped, and many are now plotting to take revenge upon the living.

Also yeah Tim should be fine now. Check on him.
If anyone here knows about Xuv you better tell them she's still alive.
>>
No. 824316 ID: fc33ea

>why can’t you help but feel like you’ve been playing into her hand all along… that this decision will come back and bite you sooner or later…
Because it totally will. She's protected by your fear of loss. You forget the last time your soul got yanked out, Life actually wanted to do worse than kill you. And the time before that, Xuv was trying to intermittently eat or rape you. You talked your way out of all of it- don't loose faith in your silver tongue now. At least if your soul were pulled out you could have gotten a read on the situation, communicated concerns and demands with the elemental, and promised to bring it to the catacombs if it selectively eats the things you want it to, since you won't be able to make it to the catacombs without the blessings and tools Xuv gave you.

>…or the elemental will simply blow up by itself.
Or maybe it can just stop eating once it's full, and the energy deficit will foil everybody's plans? Oh if only there were a way to communicate with it like we did with Life and Xuv.

Tell Sisah she's exactly right, and that it was possessing Tim. How can they be dealt with? And tell everyone you think Xuv is still in you, and you want the Elemental to remove her too, but it may remove your dream magic and... other important perks Xuv gave you as well. You've had your soul yanked out a couple times before so you don't think you'll die, though.
>>
No. 824478 ID: fe7355

Tell Sisah to keep that elemental close and stick it on you and not take it off for anything if you either order her to or if you are suddenly in pain for no explicable reason. Say you'll explain why in a bit. This standing instruction will hopefully catch Xuv if she makes a play to take your body over, assuming it isn't sudden and painless.

Tell them that what Sisah described is pretty much what happened to your hand. Say that when you were in Tim's dream the monster that had invaded them, Nerfatu, bit your right hand off and ate it. You think that that was the part of your soul that occupied your right hand, so when you expelled Nerfatu from Tim's dream he moved into your now soul-less hand. Hopefully the earth elemental killed him for good this time.

Show them the drawing the Archbishop made of the Sakkilian-like monster and tell them Nerfatu looked a lot like it, though he could shape-shift to a degree. And he wasn't originally a Sakkilian, but a Vark. His sister was murdered by a noblewoman, he murdered the noblewoman and was thrown into the Catacombs for it. It was his all-consuming hatred for the nobility that turned him into the monster you faced. Also ask them if they've heard of a commoner murdering a noblewoman in the last few decades.

As for why you told Sisah what you did, tell them that Xuv is still alive and contained within your soul. ...Well, technically a amalgam of souls mimicking the mind of Xuv and not the real, original Xuv, but the danger from her is all the same. Anyway, she's in there because, when she invaded your dreams and tried to eat your soul when you did not do what she wanted, you tricked her. Played her desires against her. ...And you ate her. ...Whole. That's how you got her dreamwalking power. And you thought that killed her, but apparently not because you heard her scream in your mind when the earth elemental was done with Nerfatu and kept going, pulling your soul partially out. That's why the elemental is still trying to get at you. It senses Xuv's undead soul within your soul and seeks to eat it.

Xuv likely planned this so she could hide, ready to spring when the time was right. And obviously you can't leave Xuv in there. She'll try to devour your soul from the inside out and take your body over when the opportunity to recover her divine power presents itself. Or play the long game and possess your first born child. But just letting the earth elemental work on you presents the risk it won't eat a hole through your soul to get at Xuv, but rather eat all of your soul along with hers. Maybe the bind Xuv made between your body and soul would be strong enough to keep your soul from getting ripped out too. Man, you wish you knew a way to poke a hole in your soul so the elemental could get at Xuv. That or the spiritual analog of syrup of ipecac to induce soul vomiting.

It's vital that you share everything important you've found out with them, and preferably write it down, in case you don't survive trying to get Xuv out or if she makes a move on you that succeeds. Start with the most recent, your meeting with Krotos' spirit in the dream-Catacombs. Yes, you know you can't really trust what he said is true, but you can't ignore the possibility he was manipulated and warped by the Nightmare like Karas was and is trying to atone now. Anyway, the most important bit of info he relayed is that the Nightmare Five is gonna make their move when the twin moons kiss in a day or two, not next week when they're at their fullest like you thought. That means we have to move real soon to stop them.

You need to get Belseth out of the Grand Temple ASAP, or at least make contact with him. If the Nightmare isn't out to kill him, it'll be looking to use him as a vessel or at least turn him into another monster like the others it corrupted. Does your present company have any ideas on how to do that? Perhaps a royal demand he come to a meeting with the queen immediately, hand delivered by the royal guard? They couldn't reject or waylay that without tipping their hand and giving us cause to send in our people to bring Belseth out.

Ask the Archbishop exactly where the corpses of the Five are being kept and where they were before. Were they within the Catacombs? Because if so, they've been infested with trapped souls from down there, same as any other corpse would. That's what happened to Xuv's corpse to create the Xuv you've been dealing with. So we're facing undead gods here.

And where's Cain? You want to check how he's doing after getting stuck with that needle. And you owe your thanks to the Archbishop for that guardian she made with Cain's blood. If not for it you'd be dead, or worse than dead, by Nerfatu's hand.

>you know, souls of the old dead who haven’t been able to move on…
Which the Catacombs of the Godless are full of 'cause back in the time of the Old Empire it was known as the Soul Kiln and the agony of those souls condemned to it powered a sizable chunk of that empire. But it's now broken, cracked and leaking souls out and would have drained if not for more souls getting thrown in (side-eye at the Archbishop) or flowing in from wars and shit like that. So we're sitting on top of a giant leaky barrel of the souls of the murderous, the mad, attempted usurpers, traitors, the falsely convicted, and all other manner of the wronged and the wrong-ers.

>The terrible pain you were feeling quickly subsides, replaced with a feeling of… coldness.
Haven't you felt that feeling of coldness before? Was it related to Xuv before? No, wait, it was after Life pulled your soul out, wasn't it? That would fit. Anyway, touch your right hand with your left to figure out if it's just a feeling of coldness or your right hand really is colder. Also ask someone else to touch your hands to check if the right one is cold.

>…or the elemental will simply blow up by itself.
Or they can feel when they're getting full and stop. Or they have a deeper connection to the earth and can feed the reformed energy back out there. Who knows? But whatever it is, if you had more earth elementals it would greatly improve the odds. There are more earth elemental "eggs" buried in the garden, it's just a matter of locating them. Perhaps there is some kind of magic or detector apparatus that can home in on a elemental signature the same or similar to this little earth elemental. Tim may know more on this subject. If it is possible to find those other earth elementals, then you want to get them found and dug up ASAP.

And now that you know that a earth elemental can restore a partially physically possessed person, then it's likely it could at least devour if not restore one who is fully possessed. ...And other than that, maybe it could restore lost limbs or eyes or other organs. Sew a replacement part taken from another in, then have the earth elemental reform and regenerate that part into one that matches the person it's attached to. This idea definitely warrants testing and investigation later.
>>
No. 824489 ID: 91ee5f

I still don't think we should let Belseth become a god.

He'll be immortal and he'll be forced to watch everyone he loves slowly be murdered by time, until they die of old age.

And if we fix his head so that he'd be a good god, then he'll let his loved ones die because it'd be wrong to keep them from the after life or whatever it is. And then he'd eventually be so overcome by sadness and loneliness, he'd be unable to do what the Archbishop wanted him to do. And without him to guide them or unable to correctly guide them, the mortals of the future will turn on each other and eventually end up restarting the cycle once again. It'll just be a problem for someone else in the future to have to deal with and they might mess it up and completely mess up the world beyond repair, causing Life to have to reset the world again.

We need a permanent solution to break the cycle and making a god isn't one of them.
>>
No. 824491 ID: 3ce125

>>824489
There is no afterlife. Souls are recycled in the river of souls. The cataclysm was caused by the creation of an afterlife because the river of souls dried up.

War is ok. The afterlife is not.
>>
No. 824493 ID: 91ee5f

>>824491
So instead of having to watch his loved ones die of old age once, he has to watch them die of old age repeatedly for the rest of time? Yeah, that's so much better.

Why should he have to go through something like that? Why does he have to become a god? Does he really want to do this or does he only want to do this because the Archbishop told him that he's the perfect candidate so he has to do this?
>>
No. 824496 ID: 91ee5f

>>824493
Honestly, it sounds like this "become a god" thing was just dumped on Belseth and he's being forced into becoming a god. It doesn't even sound like he's been given a choice to say yes or no to the whole plan, which is completely unfair to him!
>>
No. 824497 ID: 3ce125

>>824493
>repeatedly
No, reincarnation isn't a thing. Souls are recycled into new souls.
>>
No. 824503 ID: 094652

Gleesef? 3-Celsius? We all want to make this argument. We all KNOW where this argument leads. You have used three posts to specifically debate against each other about this when there is a Quest Discussion link in the title post. Don't burn this quest right when we're at the final thread.

>>824289
Can we attempt to do this on Belseth? What happens if we stick a few dozen elementals and overclock them to maximum suction when he's at his weakest point in the ritual?
>>
No. 824520 ID: 3ce125

>>824503
I wasn't arguing. I was stating the facts.
>>
No. 825493 ID: 65a774
File 150385913335.png - (56.21KB , 686x526 , 17.png )
825493

>You have used three posts to specifically debate against each other about this when there is a Quest Discussion link in the title post. Don't burn this quest right when we're at the final thread.
…wait, did Kome just make an rational argument to make the thread less chaotic? …who are you and what have you done with the real Kome!?

>Because it totally will come back and bite you. Life actually wanted to do worse than kill you. And the time before that, Xuv was trying to intermittently eat or rape you.
Geez… you really are fucked, aren’t you?
>You talked your way out of all of it- don't lose faith in your silver tongue now.
Y-yes… you talked yourself out of trouble before… you can do so again…
>Maybe the elemental can just stop eating once it's full, and the energy deficit will foil everybody's plans?
Maybe… or it will be like creating a waterfall to drink from. Either it will drown in it or let it spill out in the world.

>Can we attempt to do the elemental thing on Belseth?
He isn’t possessed… yet… and you rather stop this before he is.
>I still don't think we should let Belseth become a god. He'll be immortal and he'll be forced to watch everyone he loves slowly be murdered by time, until they die of old age.
And that is different from now how exactly? Everyone has to watch those they love die… or leave them by dying themselves. Nothing last forever, after all.
>And where's Cain?
…you have no idea. He’s just gone… and where did Thalia come from? She wasn’t here when you went into the dream. How long where you actually gone?


>Tell Sisah to keep that elemental close and stick it on you and not take it off for anything if you either order her to or if you are suddenly in pain for no explicable reason.
:SisahSB: Got it, sir.
>Tim should be fine now. Check on him.
:TimSB: Never fear… super Tim is… here…
:XarrinSB: ‘e does seem to be sleeping more soundly right now.
:ThaliaSB: His sleep was rather… unsound when I arrived. He was almost convulsing and screaming out loud for a while there.
:KronosSB: …really?
:EleteSB: We were actually debating about waking him up… but you seemed to calm him down somewhat before we did it.
>Tell Sisah she's exactly right, and that it was possessing Tim. How can they be dealt with?
:SisahSB: …Peirce their center of mass to destroy them completely? As I said, I’m used to kill things that possess the dead, not the living.

>Tell them everything!
:ThaliaSB: So… you walk through dreams?
:KronosSB: That is correct.
:ThaliaSB: And you ate an old forgotten god?
:KronosSB: Indeed.
:ThaliaSB: And there’s some nightmare creature under the temple trying to become a god?
:KronosSB: And we need to stop them.
:ThaliaSB: …if it wasn’t for everything that’s already happened, I would have just thrown you into the mad tower and been done with it.
:EleteSB: Sadly, as mad as it sounds, it seems to be true.
:XarrinSB: And even if it wasn’t, we can’t take the chance.
:ThaliaSB: … … …and we have to put our hopes on the Prince? …well, we’re doomed.
:KronosSB: I appreciate your vote of confidence, Thalia. It means a lot.

>Show them the drawing the Archbishop made of the Sakkilian-like monster and tell them Nerdf- Nerfatu looked a lot like it, though he could shape-shift to a degree.
:EleteSB: So what I saw was actually real, then…
>And he wasn't originally a Sakkilian, but a Vark. His sister was murdered by a noblewoman, he murdered the noblewoman and was thrown into the Catacombs for it.
:EleteSB: Wait… what did you say? A Vark who’s sister was killed? Big bill? Grey feathered? What was his name again, Ner something?
:KronosSB: Um… I think he was grey, yes… and he called himself Nerfatu.
:EleteSB: …that man wasn’t throw into the catacombs. That sounds like Nero, one of the higher ranked priests of the temple. Though, I’m pretty sure he hasn’t murdered anyone… if he didn’t do it recently.
>Ask the Archbishop exactly where the corpses of the Five are being kept and where they were before.
:EleteSB: They are still where we found them, in a huge secret chamber located right under the temple. We’ve constructed a way to it right from the temple, but it will be too heavily guarded for us to enter. There is still an entrance from the catacombs but… that’s not a place people should venture needlessly.

>The Nightmare Five is gonna make their move when the twin moons kiss in a day or two, not next week when they're at their fullest like you thought.
:EleteSB:
:ThaliaSB:
:KronosSB: …what? Why are you looking at me like that.
:XarrinSB: …because the moons will kiss tonight, not in a day or two.
:KronosSB: …w-what!?
:EleteSB: …which means we need to stop them right now.
>You need to get Belseth out of the Grand Temple ASAP, or at least make contact with him.
:EleteSB: And how are we supposed to do that?
:BriannahSB: Maybe ask the Archbishop to bring ‘im out? She’s meeting with the Queen right now so yah can probably catch ‘er before she return to the temple…
:EleteSB: …wait, what did you just say?
:XarrinSB: G-general Briannah!? What are yah doing ‘ere?
:BriannahSB: ‘ere to see my ‘ubby. Cain told me I should find ‘im ‘ere.
:ThaliaSB: Ah, yes. The Queen summoned the Archbishop just as I left to come here. Apparently, she is rather… skeptical of what is happening in the temple… and wants to assemble an armed force to storm it outright if she wasn’t able to convince the Archbishop to change a few things... forces including our Royal mage, Tim here. But if we need to get in there tonight… maybe she’ll need to rethink her current schedule?
>>
No. 825501 ID: 91ee5f

>>825493
"MY SISTER IS IN A MEETING WITH THE IMPOSTER?!?! Please tell me my sister is being heavily guarded right now!"
>>
No. 825505 ID: 3ce125

>>825493
We need to get to the queen right now, she's in mortal danger! The "Archbishop" is an impostor!

Also if Nero's any indication, the Nightmare's servants have had their memories altered. Or been lied to about how they died. I wonder if we can snap them out of it? Ask Elete for any information about dramatic backstories of the other priests that went missing. Anyone who had motive to commit a serious crime has likely been brainwashed to think they did it and were sent to the catacombs. ...Kronos' brother was lied to as well... I wonder if ALL of the souls in the Nightmare are like this? Lied to by the seventh god in order to strengthen their negative emotions and turn them into weapons?
>>
No. 825507 ID: fc33ea

Well for fuck's sake, how long was I out?!?

Okay, lets crash the meeting and feed the impostor to the elemental before that goes south. After I explain the situation to the Queen, I need to sort out the fact that Xuv is still possessing me.
>>
No. 825554 ID: fe7355

Shit, we need to get to Kira right now. Whoever was chosen by those Nightmare corrupted high priests to be the Archbishop is likely one of them. We can't risk whoever that is anywhere near the queen. They most likely won't try anything overt, but just being in proximity may allow warping Kira's psyche again. You just evicted that damn twisted parody of your father from Kira's mind and you're not gonna let 'em stick it back in again. But even if this Archbishop isn't corrupted, we still need to inform Kira of what's happening.

Give Bri a quick hug and kiss and tell her that she'll hear everything that's happened, but not right now. You're gonna have to retell it all to Kira, so she can hear it then. You'll tell her a bit on the way though. Right now time is of the essence and we have to get to Kira ASAP.

Tell Sisah to keep that earth elemental with her. We'll bring it close to the Archbishop meeting with Kira and if it throws a fit we'll know they're corrupted.

Tell Elete to grab her drawings and the Archbishop's seal. Ask if there's only supposed to be one of them, because if so and this other Archbishop has one too that should raise some doubt about who's really the Archbishop, or at least if there are counterfeit seals about. Also ask if there's anything only she and Kira would know that could possibly back that she's really the Archbishop.

On the way tell Bri that Elete is the real Archbishop. She was attacked last night by members of the priesthood that the Nightmare had turned to the point they became monsters and barely got away through her escape tunnel. You believe this 'cause Cain backs up her story.

Continue by saying you also entered Kira's dream and removed the Nightmare's influence on her in the form of a warped shade of your father. He was telling her not to trust anyone and to do everything herself, with only one glaring exception: The Archbishop. You thought it was referring to Elete, but this replacement Archbishop is probably the one it was referring to. You also entered Thalia's dream to check for the Nightmare's influence, thankfully not finding any. Then you entered Tim's dream and... Uh. It's gonna take awhile to explain what happened after that point, so she'll hear it when you tell Kira the whole thing. He is safe, so no worries there.

Ask Bri and Thalia if there's anything else from the meeting with Kira that we ought to know about.

>…that man wasn’t throw into the catacombs.
Inform Elete that you were incorrect when you said Nerfatu was cast into the Catacombs. He didn't say he was, just that he killed the noblewoman and you assumed he was condemned to the Catacombs for that.

Do ask Elete about the other priests who ventured into the Catacombs with her, both the ones who obviously turned and those who didn't. What's in their backgrounds that the Nightmare could use to get its claws into them? Injustices, pride, revenge, or anything else it could pull on?

>>825505
>Also if Nero's any indication, the Nightmare's servants have had their memories altered...
While it's possible, it's not because Nero/Nerfatu thought he was thrown into the Catacombs. I went back and checked what Nerfatu said and he didn't ever say he was condemned to the Catacombs. That was just a assumption on our part since he said he killed a noblewoman.
>>
No. 825683 ID: 65a774
File 150394356736.png - (47.13KB , 686x526 , 18.png )
825683

>If Nero's any indication, the Nightmare's servants have had their memories altered.
…except he never did mention being thrown into the catacombs, you just assumed that… and it’s fully possible he killed the noblewoman after he was infected, isn’t it?
>Feed the impostor to the elemental before that goes south.
We don’t even know if that will work… or if we actually need to kill the imposter. Let’s not be hasty.

>How long was I out?
:EletaSB: About half an hour. But I’m pretty sure the meeting was already starting when you found me with Cain.
>Give Bri a quick hug and kiss and tell her that she'll hear everything that's happened, but not right now.
:BriannahSB: Aw, and ‘ere I was ‘oping we could spend some time together, just the two of us…
:KronosSB: Sorry, Bri, but more important things are happening…
:BriannahSB: *Whispering* Just don’t forget our daily session, love…
:KronosSB: Err… heh… um… r-right…

>Do ask Elete about the other priests who ventured into the Catacombs with her, both the ones who obviously turned and those who didn't.
:EleteSB: I’ve never actually ventured into the catacombs proper myself, but it’s hard to tell who or who hasn’t been corrupted by that fact alone. Hmm… but if Nero became that thing I saw… then… maybe the other one was Hera? Hmm…
>Tell Sisah to keep that earth elemental with her.
:SisahSB: As you wish, sir.
>Ask Bri and Thalia if there's anything else from the meeting with Kira that we ought to know about.
:ThaliaSB: Most of the meeting concerned things not related to this. The temple acting odd is… or was not our primary concern, mostly as we didn’t know the full extent.
:BriannahSB: ‘er majesty wants to try to solve it diplomatically before taking up arms… but if there isn’t any other solution…

>We need to get to the queen right now, she's in mortal danger! The "Archbishop" is an impostor!
:BriannahSB: An imposter? How do you know?
:EleteSB: Because I’m the real Archbishop!
:ThaliaSB: …wait, what?
:XarrinSB: Even if Elete ‘ere is talking out of ‘er arse, we still need to check on things after all we’ve witness so far.
:ThaliaSB: …right. Let’s head to the Queens chamber then.
>>
No. 825686 ID: 65a774
File 150394366362.png - (60.56KB , 686x526 , 19.png )
825686

As you arrive at Kira’s chambers, you meet a familiar face, or in this case mask, leaving it.

:ArchSB: Ah, if it isn’t Prince Kronos.
:NonSB: Your lordship, we don’t have time for this.
:ArchSB: Now, now… I just need a minute. After all, we never finished our… conversation we had the last time when we met in my chambers.
:NonSB: Let the Archbishop speak...we have time…
:NonSB: Hmpf…

Trailing behind her is two other priests… one of them female who’s face is obscured by a mask, the other a rather angry sounding male that looks… familiar… and going by how he seems to be trying to kill you with his mind, you’re probably familiar to him as well.

:ArchSB: Prince Kronos, if you have a moment. Can you speak of your plan to visiting your mother, bless her soul, as you told me before we were so rudely interrupted just a day ago?
:KronosSB:
:ArchSB: Do you wish to take this privately? I’m sad to say that cannot be done at this time… it’s not like when we met up to play that game of Regicide… or when we first met in the park. Though, I never did thank you for the dinner you offered, did I? Either way… about your mother… are you still planning on visiting her?
>>
No. 825690 ID: 3ce125

>>825686
Ignore her. She's obviously trying to cast doubt on Elete by tossing all that information she "shouldn't" know at you all at once. I think she knows that stuff either because she's been spying on Elete or due to some magic god bullshit. The fact remains she has a monster in her midst. Provoke Nerdfat. Forcing him to show his true face will make it clear what side this "Archbishop" is on, at which point you and your guards can destroy him.

Taunt him about how you played him like a fool in the dream. Make it sound like you're an elitist nobleman, the exact kind he hates.
>>
No. 825694 ID: 91ee5f

>>825686
>>/questarch/797934
Yeah, that's him alright.

>>825690
I don't think mentioning the dream would help. Sure, Nero/Nerfatu would get it, but everyone else will think Kronos has finally snapped from the stress and has started making things up to accuse random people of conspiracy.

Maybe we should try using stuff from this story: >>/questarch/797255 he told us in the dream instead? Using his love of "her" should get him to snap!
>>
No. 825696 ID: 3ce125

>>825694
We literally just told everyone about the dream and Nero.
>>
No. 825698 ID: 91ee5f

>>825696
I guess. But I still think we should get him to snap at us a different way, otherwise the "Archbishop" will see what we're trying to do and will stop him from causing a scene in public.

Maybe we can use his hatred of nobility?

Like as we're talking to the "Archbishop", we mention how worried we are about poor Kira and how overworked she is from all the good she's done. And we keep going on about all the good that Kira has done until he snaps at the "lies of nobility".
>>
No. 825844 ID: fe7355

>>825690
You seem to be under the mistaken idea that this Archbishop is attempting to impersonate Elete by saying things only Elete, or Elete in her role as Archbishop, told Kronos. This is wrong for two reasons. First is that it doesn't make sense for this Archbishop to impersonate the Archbishop Elete because the official Temple line is that the Archbishop, who we believe is Elete, was murdered last night. They then pinned that fabricated murder on Elete. (See >>/questarch/793638 and the following update.) With the position of Archbishop now empty, the priesthood elected a new Archbishop, the one before Kronos right now. All this is news that would be known throughout the palace, so attempting to pass as the previous Archbishop to Kronos would not make sense.

Secondly, what this Archbishop is saying doesn't match with Kronos' previous meetings with Elete or Elete in her role as Archbishop. Kronos never played Regicide with Elete or the Archbishop, and has only played against Krotos, Briannah and Belseth in the past few days. Kronos did first meet Elete in the garden, which could also be considered a park, but he also first met Belseth in the garden too. And in the past few days Kronos hasn't had dinner with, or offered dinner to, anyone other than Briannah or Belseth.

Based on what this Archbishop is saying, I'm thinking that "she" is actually Belseth, elected to the position by the Temple priesthood. The fact Kronos hasn't met with anyone in their chambers who has a form that could fit into the Archbishop outfit that the priesthood would have picked as Archbishop besides Belseth would be in line with this. And a day ago Kronos and Belseth were "so rudely" interrupted by Hera right before they were gonna get it on. It's the only interruption I can think of that would fit a day ago.

As to why this Archbishop, who might be Belseth, is talking about Kronos visiting his mother, which I can only assume is either her ashes in the royal crypt or the monument to her in the garden, I don't know. I can't remember if Kronos talked with Belseth about the royal crypt or his mother. It might be a hint to visit her ashes, or to go through the royal crypt into the Temple, or something else entirely. Maybe something was left at her urn in the royal crypt. Or it could be a made up pretense for the Archbishop to get away from Nero and that masked female priestess, which I have a feeling is Hera, and speak with Kronos in private in the royal crypt.

------

Kronos, wrack your brain for anything in the past several days that matches what the Archbishop just said to you. How much of it lines up with Belseth? Enough of it that it's probable this Archbishop is Belseth. And the way this Archbishop is talking about your mother may be hinting that you should visit her urn in the royal crypt or her memorial in the garden.

Tell the Archbishop that you are planning on visiting your mother and you'll leave it at that. But if the Archbishop could give you but a moment before they leave, you have something wonderful to show them. Motion to Sisah to bring the earth elemental up close to the Archbishop and the priests and pay attention to its reaction. Tell them that this is a brand new earth elemental, born of the death of the ancient garden earth elemental, the first elemental born since the age of the Old Empire. That magic has returned to a degree that new elementals are being born is great news, and which you were going to present to the queen. No doubt the Archbishop can see how important this is. Anyway, you won't waylay the Archbishop any longer and bid them goodbye. And as the Archbishop leaves pay close attention for signs of a Sakkilian tail or feet under those robes.

And is Elete with you right now? If she is, she does have her disguise up? She should, because if she doesn't, or it's seen through or detected, and the Archbishop and those two priests see her, shit is gonna hit the fan real quick since she's wanted for murdering the previous Archbishop.

There is another way you could be rid of Xuv than using the earth elemental: Old Man Life. If there's any entity in the world that could remove Xuv from within your soul without destroying you, it'd be him. If you fulfill your end of the bargain with him, he'll come to uphold his end to undo Xuv's "gift." When he does he'll find the bonus of Xuv trapped within you and yank her out as well. So complete your deal with Life and Xuv'll be extracted and eaten by him.

>Hmm… but if Nero became that thing I saw… then… maybe the other one was Hera? Hmm…
Hera was the one who came to Belseth's quarters and interrupted you and him yesterday evening. ...Oh! You remember just outside the entrance to Thalia's dream there was a dead priest that tried to write a word on the wall in his own blood? "HER" followed with a incomplete letter. (See >>/questarch/775503) Odds are he was trying to write "HERA" and died before he could finish.

>...one of them female who’s face is obscured by a mask...
That might be Hera. Did her voice sound like the one you heard through the door to Belseth's quarters yesterday?

>...the other a rather angry sounding male that looks… familiar… and going by how he seems to be trying to kill you with his mind, you’re probably familiar to him as well.
He has gray feathers like Nerfatu had, his face also looks like the one Nerfatu formed when the guardian appeared, and he's giving you a look like he's shooting death beams from his eyes, so it's almost certain he's Nero. You can check with Elete later to confirm that. Looks like he's seriously pissed off he couldn't kill you via the dream.
>>
No. 825847 ID: 91ee5f

>>825844
>Or it could be a made up pretense for the Archbishop to get away from Nero and that masked female priestess, which I have a feeling is Hera, and speak with Kronos in private in the royal crypt.
Possibly. Or there could be an ambush waiting in one of those locations and they're gonna capture/kill Kronos when he shows up for that "private meeting".

>Archbishop could be Belseth.
Hmmmm, maaaabye??? I just don't see it.

As a Sakkilian, Belseth is both taller and wider than the person standing here in the Archbishop's clothing. And I don't see that mask fitting over Belseth's snout.

Then again, you could be right.

>Show elemental, see how it reacts.
Is the plan for the elemental to leap at one of them and start draining the "evil" outta them?

Because if that happens, that would be our proof that they're impostors and/or doing something evil, but someone else, possibly Kira since we're right outside her room, might see it as us outright attacking the Archbishop!

But if we're only showing them to see the elemental's reaction, that sounds like a good idea.....as long as the little shit doesn't start biting Kronos!

Also, if Nero/Nerfatu was aware of his failed attempt at killing Kronos by possessing his hand here in the real world, showing the elemental might get a reaction outta him also, since the elemental is what stopped him!
>>
No. 825851 ID: fe7355

>>825847
>Possibly. Or there could be an ambush waiting in one of those locations and they're gonna capture/kill Kronos when he shows up for that "private meeting".
Which is why Doxan will sneak in first to scope the place out, and at least Sisah will be with Kronos to protect him, and possibly more people. ...Ah, but the big problem is the royal crypt isn't heavily warded like the palace. Remember, there was an attempt to break into Kronos' apartment via magic, so he can't risk going outside strongly warded areas. Perhaps there's a way to carry a strong ward with him, though.

>As a Sakkilian, Belseth is both taller and wider than the person standing here in the Archbishop's clothing. And I don't see that mask fitting over Belseth's snout.
If I remember correctly, male Sakkilians are pretty close in size to male Varks; It's the female Sakkilians that are bigger, with those of Bri's size being rare outliers. So Belseth could possibly fit in the Archbishop robes. The mask, I dunno... But looking back at images of Belseth's head and comparing it to Kronos', it's not that much deeper. The Archbishop's mask might be able to fit on Belseth's head.
>>
No. 825852 ID: 3ce125

>>825844
>This archbishop is Belseth
Oh shit, you're right. All that was just to tell Kronos who he is without saying it plainly, possibly because he's being held captive by the two corrupted priests and if he says anything suspicious they'll kill him. What's he implying with the thing about Kronos visiting his mother? Is that code for "are you still going into the catacombs"? In that case Kronos should say yes, he was going to do that tonight.

Provoking Nerdfat might still be an okay idea since it'll get some heat off of Belseth. If we can pull him to safety after getting rid of Nerdfat somehow then we can take on the second priest by herself, but I suspect Nerdfat will wind up killing a bunch of our forces and we'll have to retreat and regroup.
>>
No. 825905 ID: fe7355

>>825852
But if that's the case, the Archbishop coulda made a run for it in the palace and invoked the protection of the palace guards or the royal guard. Heck, if the Archbishop started spilling the beans and took cover behind Queen Kira, the royal guard would have taken Nero and the other priest apart if they tried anything.
>>
No. 825919 ID: 91ee5f

>>825905
Probably couldn't say anything with these two "priests" right next to him all the time.

Even though it was supposed to be a private meeting, I'm sure Kira had a few guards in the room with her and these two "priests" never left the "Archbishop's" side the whole time.

Although, I have to ask, can Kronos tell it's Belseth? When this "Archbishop" is speaking, does that sound like Belseth's voice? Because if it does sound like him, Kronos could probably get away with saying, "You're voice sounds familiar. Belseth, is that you?"

Is that a good idea?
>>
No. 825949 ID: fe7355

>>825919
If the Archbishop is Belseth, which we don't know for sure, then we have to ask why he's not just saying he's Belseth instead of being so round-about about it. He's being cryptic because he feels he can't say it outright, either because those in the position of Archbishop are supposed to discard everything from their life before or some other reason. So asking the Archbishop if they are Belseth won't get a answer one way or the other, but it will signal that Kronos thinks the Archbishop is Belseth. I don't know if admitting this is a good idea or not, so better to err on the side of caution and not say it.

There's also the possibility this Archbishop isn't Belseth and is using info gleaned from Belseth or from spying on Belseth to attempt to mislead Kronos. That muddies the waters on whether this is Belseth or not more so.

We could figure out if Belseth has been chosen as the Archbishop by asking Kira. She undoubtedly has a few spies in the Temple and reports from visitors on comings and goings. If Belseth has vanished since shortly before the priesthood chose a Archbishop, it's likely he was the one picked.

>When this "Archbishop" is speaking, does that sound like Belseth's voice?
Kronos can't tell if Belseth is speaking because the Archbishop's voice is altered by a spell presumably enchanted into the mask of office. It's been mentioned a few times before, first by Belseth here >>/questarch/681115 that "she's always wearing this mask... and her voice is clearly manipulated."
>>
No. 825957 ID: 91ee5f

>>825949
>Might be Belseth, might not be Belseth.
Yeah, you've got a point, we're just guessing and don't actually know if that is Belseth.

So, back to Plan A: Somehow getting Nero/Nerfatu pissed off enough to attack us here in the open in front of important people and get him in trouble?

Or do we go to Plan B: Show off the elemental to see how it reacts to the "Archbishop" and the "priests"?
>>
No. 825958 ID: fe7355

>>825957
>Yeah, you've got a point, we're just guessing and don't actually know if that is Belseth.
Oh, but I think we have a way to know if the Archbishop is Belseth. It was mentioned at one point that Belseth is the only Sakkilian priest in the Temple. So if there are signs of a Sakkilian tail under the Archbishop's robes, or Sakkilian feet spotted under the hem of the robes, it can be reasonably assumed the Archbishop is Belseth.
>>
No. 825965 ID: 91ee5f

>>825958
That's another good point.

I just want to know if we do see a Sakkilian tail/feet, are we allowed to ask if it's him?
>>
No. 826005 ID: fe7355

>>825965
If there's sure signs the Archbishop is Sakillian, then yes, Kronos can ask if the Archbishop is Belseth. He won't get a answer, since the Archbishop is supposed to not admit who they were, but it will signal Kronos knows to Belseth, and also let the rest of Kronos' group know as well.
>>
No. 826172 ID: 65a774
File 150413103587.png - (58.49KB , 686x526 , 20.png )
826172

>Elete with you right now? If she is, she does have her disguise up?
She is with you disguised as a servant, though not magically this time.
>There is another way you could be rid of Xuv than using the earth elemental: Old Man Life. If you fulfill your end of the bargain with him, he'll come to uphold his end to undo Xuv's "gift."
…unless it’s already too late by then…

>Kronos, wrack your brain for anything in the past several days that matches what the Archbishop just said to you. How much of it lines up with Belseth?
...all of it? Wait… is the Archbishop Belseth? It can’t be…
>It was mentioned at one point that Belseth is the only Sakkilian priest in the Temple. So if there are signs of a Sakkilian tail under the Archbishop's robes…
You can spot the tip of a green tail poking out from under the Archbishops robe, placed in such a way that it won’t be spotted by the other priests. That can’t be a coincidence.
>As a Sakkilian, Belseth is both taller and wider than the person standing here in the Archbishop's clothing. And I don't see that mask fitting over Belseth's snout.
Whoever is standing in front of you is slightly taller than Elete… like Belseth would be. As for the mask… it might fit?


>Tell the Archbishop that you are planning on visiting your mother and you'll leave it at that.
:ArchSB: I am sad to say that I cannot personally accompany you… nor can I send another priest to bestow their blessing either. But I will send someone to deliver the proper incense and candles for a proper blessing for the dead. Just make sure you follow the instructions given.
:KronosSB: …instructions? For candles?
:ArchSB: For the blessing. Trust me, Prince Kronos, it would be proper if you followed them. Though, I have to ask you to be cautious… the crypt might still have dangers, so do not procced alone. You do remember last time, don’t you?
>If the Archbishop could give you but a moment before they leave, you have something wonderful to show them. Motion to Sisah to bring the earth elemental up close to the Archbishop and the priests.
:ArchSB: Oh? What is this?
:SisahSB: It’s an elemental. Here, take a closer look.
As Sisah brings the elemental forward, you can see Nerdfat take a step back on reflex, while the masked priest seems as stoic as ever. The elemental on the other hand happily jumps into the hand of the Archbishop and… gives of a happy little whistle?
:ElementalSB: *Purr*
:ArchSB: Why, how cute… it seems that it likes me. What did you say it was? An Elemental?
:KronosSB: It’s a brand new earth elemental, born from the death of the ancient garden elemental that used to reside here. It’s the first elemental born since the age of the Old Empire, which means magic is returning once again, isn’t it?
:ArchSB: It is indeed good news… and a being of the earth, you say? No wonder it likes me, as a being of life it must see me as a friend.
:NonSB: S-sir… it’s time for us to leave?
:ArchSB: Ah, of course, of course…
:KronosSB: Just one moment…

>Taunt Nerdfat.
:KronosSB: Ah… and you must be Nero, correct? You must excuse me for what happened last time we met. I didn’t mean to make you look like a fool.
:NonSB:
:KronosSB: But, that’s the way it is, isn’t it? You’re just some commoner while I’m… why, of superior blood, no?
:NonSB: Grr…
:NonSB: At easy, brother…
:KronosSB: But I’m sure you can’t even fathom that. You commoners are barely people in the end… I’m sure they didn’t even know the name of your sister in the end.
:NonSB: Why you little-
:NonSB: Brother Nero, remember our teachings.
:KronosSB: She was nobody, after all… just someone to be forgotten.
:NonSB: Breathe… focus… seek joy, Nero.
>Ask if the Archbishop is Belseth.
As the other priest is distracted by trying to calm down Nerdfat, you mouth the word Belseth towards the Archbishop, whom give of a nod in confirmation.

:NonSB: Archbishop, it is time to leave. Right now.
:ArchSB: Ah, but what is the rush? I’m not in any danger, am I? But you might be right… Prince, do not worry, as I am sure you will find what you seek if you continue the path y-
:KiraSB: What is going on here?

Suddenly, the large doors to the Queens chamber are open and the imposing figure of your sister is standing in the open portal.

:KiraSB: …brother?
:ArchSB: And with that, I’ll take my leave. I’m sure the Prince and Queen needs their privacy. May the five be with you both. Nero, Hera, let us leave.
>>
No. 826176 ID: 3ce125

>>826172
Damn, we couldn't get Nero to break his disguise. Unless "Yeah just walk away, Nerdfat. Just walk away" would push him over the edge.
Let them go, then make it clear to the rest of your group who that was, and why you said those things. To them it probably looked like you just went on an extremely uncharacteristic tirade against common folk!

Hmm, I wonder if the seventh god was the god of emotion. "seek joy" isn't part of the church's teachings is it?

Once you have your sister in private see how the elemental reacts to her. Assuming it doesn't bite the shit out of her (or does and drains something out of her), first tell her about everything you've learned since the last time you spoke. Then ask Elete if she knows anything about Hera. Anything we can use against her?
>>
No. 826184 ID: 91ee5f

>>826172
>as a being of life
I'm pretty sure Belseth just gave you a hint on how to hurt them. Especially when you consider how Nerdfat reacted to seeing the elemental!

>>826176
This.

And also confirm to everyone that the new Archbishop is Belseth.
>>
No. 826185 ID: 3ce125

Oh, and once you've gotten Kira up to speed, use the elemental on yourself again. If you get close to death, Life will show up and see what you're doing, and he will take Xuv's soul instead of letting the elemental eat it. He will also be able to do so without killing you, I expect... and you can tell him about what the seventh god is planning.

At this point we know Belseth is clean so we don't need the dream powers anymore.
>>
No. 826186 ID: 91ee5f

>>826184
*how to hurt those priests.
>>
No. 826187 ID: 91ee5f

>>826185
>Seventh god.
That's still a guess, which is also unconfirmed to be true or not.
>>
No. 826230 ID: 91ee5f

Wait, I just realized something!

This is our chance to expose Nero and/or Hera!

We just need to think of a way to subtly tell Belseth to give the elemental to them! Hell, all he needs to do is point the elemental at them and it'll take care of them!

So before he hands the elemental back to Sisah, tell Belseth, "Holding the elemental always seems to help calm people down and get them to relax. So I thought I'd share it with you, since I'm sure you must be very stressed. It's like that old saying, 'We must take what's in our hands and share it with those around us, because only then will you truly be set free.'"

Yeah, I know, that's terrible, but it's the only thing I can think of and unless someone can come up with something better, that's what I want to say!

If Belseth is being forced to do this, then hopefully he'll get the hint to give the elemental to Nero and/or Hera! And even if he's not being forced by them, then maybe he'll try to give the elemental to them anyways!
>>
No. 826241 ID: 91ee5f

>>826230
Or if we just want to screw being subtle and be more direct, we could instead tell Belseth, "Holding the elemental always seems to help calm people down and get them to relax. So I thought I'd share it with you, since I'm sure you must be very stressed. Surely all of you have enough time to hold the elemental? It might help you relax."

Again, I know it sucks, but it's the best I can think of!
>>
No. 826288 ID: fe7355

Even though it was aimed at Nero for good reasons, saying such vile things leaves you feeling a little dirty inside. That he didn't crack and attack you, either in his monstrous form or not, actually makes sense. Nero, with his murderous hatred of nobility, would have had to be well prepped to come into the palace and be in the presence of the queen without losing control. He knows that if he did, it'd be all over. He'd be cut down and the palace would have justification to storm the Grand Temple, ruining the Nightmare's plans. And because he knows that, with Hera's support it's unlikely he will snap with further insulting, and if he did he would keep himself from changing shape when he attacked you. That would make it look like you were in the wrong, trying to goad him into a fight.

Once you're in private with your group, make sure to tell them you were trying to goad Nero into losing control and shifting form to try and attack you. If he did that in front of everyone present, it'd be undeniable proof he'd been corrupted and turned by some kind of dark force, and giving full warrant to move on the Grand Temple.

Also ask Kira what she and the Archbishop spoke of, followed by informing everyone that the current Archbishop is Belseth, in case they haven't already figured it out.

Before you start to spill the more pertinent beans to Kira, whisper to Bri to ask if she would admit what she's seen with her Sight to Kira and the others present if you need her to corroborate what you say. Like your conversations with Chronicler, seeing the Rune of Eternity tattooed on Belseth's groin, or her encounter with Old Man Life. You may not need to call on her, but you want to know if she would if you have to.

Then it's time to brief Kira on the dire situation, though you can't go into full detail because that'd take hours and hours you don't have. Tell the most vital stuff and the context for it first. Elete tells her part, then everyone else that was present in Tim's study tells what they saw, and then you go into what you've seen and experienced.

Remember to ask Elete what happened to those copies of the summoning rituals you had made, then tell her that the ones to the Five were real and the one to Xuv was fake. ...And in hindsight, you really, really regret not having Tim and Cain make fakes for all six rituals because you may have handed over what was needed to advance the Nightmare's plans.

Also draw the Rune of Eternity, show it to Elete and ask her if she's seen it anywhere, perhaps in the chamber the Five's remains are. Then burn the paper the rune is on to ash so it doesn't get out.

>>826184
>I'm pretty sure Belseth just gave you a hint on how to hurt them. Especially when you consider how Nerdfat reacted to seeing the elemental!
So any magic that'd be opposite death? That'd mean any magic specifically made to put down undead would work. Mages that are trained to specifically fight Lorentian undead forces would know that kind of thing. And focused life magic such as healing spells would work too. I wonder if it'd be possible to make a arcane cannon or firearm that shoots pure life magic.

>>826185
>At this point we know Belseth is clean so we don't need the dream powers anymore.
But what if Kronos needs them for someone other than Belseth, or to stop what the Nightmare's plan is? We don't know what Kronos may need them for. ...But we also can't risk the Nightmare possibly being able to reach back up through Xuv to get at Kronos, or Xuv making a move on him in the meantime.

...I'm thinking put it off until at least after Kronos has told what he knows about what's happened and is happening to Kira and others, in case things go wrong and he's killed. And at the latest, do it before entering the royal crypt or the Catacombs, since those are either Xuv's domain or the Nightmare's and either may be able to get to Kronos via Xuv within him.

And when it's done, Kronos should stick the earth elemental on one of this feet instead of his hand. If it does rip out a chunk of his soul in the process, better one of his feet or legs dies and needs to be replaced with a prosthetic than a hand or arm. And also have someone magically or mundanely monitor his life signs and soul condition and pull the elemental off if Kronos is on the very edge of dying.

>>826230
>>826241
This is a good idea, though after what Kronos just said to Nero it would sound kinda odd that Kronos was suddenly concerned about Nero and Hera's stress. But that doesn't matter if Belseth catches on to what Kronos is getting at. He'd push for them to hold the elemental. And while Nero knows the potential danger of the earth elemental, Hera likely doesn't. She'd accept holding the elemental and if it senses she's corrupted then the jig is up.
>>
No. 826314 ID: 91ee5f

>>826288
>seeing the Rune of Eternity tattooed on Belseth's groin
But I thought Belseth said he didn't have anything down there?

I remember him saying that if he wanted another tattoo, he'd have to put it there, since that's the only spot on his body that doesn't already have a tattoo.

Either he said that or he said he's nervous about trying to put one there, considering how sensitive that area is.

>This is a good idea, though after what Kronos just said to Nero it would sound kinda odd that Kronos was suddenly concerned about Nero and Hera's stress.
I didn't want to continue doing that in my earlier posts because big sister Queen Kira has opened her doors and is standing right there. She wouldn't approve of what Kronos had said. And so far it looks like she couldn't hear what was being said and could only tell there were people talking outside her door, so I'd rather Kronos not start mouthing off in front of her and she clearly hears what he says, which will ruin our chance to expose Nero and/or Hera!

Because at the first sign of disrespect from Kronos, Kira will end the conversation, apologize to the "priests" and let them and Belseth leave, and then proceed to yell at Kronos for being disrespectful!
>>
No. 826336 ID: fe7355

Kronos, be honest about where you got your most recent info from and tell Kira and everyone else present your whole encounter and conversation with Krotos, minus the part with your mutual appreciation of Bri's behind. You want to know if any of what he said is true, or could be true, and what he was told at his secret trial. Say that you think what happened to Karas, with him being manipulated and influenced by the Nightmare, could have happened to Krotos as well. And tell Kira and Bri what Krotos wanted you to relay to them. Also hold on to Bri's hand throughout this because hearing what actually happened to Krotos and what he said to you is probably going to hit her hard in one way or another and she's gonna need comforting. Maybe Kira as well.

>>826314
>But I thought Belseth said he didn't have anything down there?
Right, he doesn't have anything tattooed there now, but the prompt to ask Belseth about a tattoo there was 'cause Bri said she had seen it with her Sight during a sexual encounter with him. See >>/questarch/724432 for the conversation between Kronos, Briannah, and Belseth where Bri asks Bel about the tattoo she saw on his groin.
>>
No. 826697 ID: 65a774
File 150429575522.png - (46.52KB , 686x526 , 21.png )
826697

>Subtly tell Belseth to give the elemental to Nero and Hera.
:KronosSB: Wait, before you leave, what does your two priest friends think of the elemental?
:NonSB: …we-
:KronosSB: Maybe you need a closer look before you can say anything. Isn’t that right, Archbishop?
:ArchSB: …ah, yes, of course. Here, hold it for a bit and tell-

Before the Archbishop can finish his sentence, the mask clad priest grabs the elemental from his hands and forces it onto Sisah instead. The elemental on its part seems confused at first before giving off a soft whine, as if it already misses the Archbishops embrace.

:NonSB: We really do not have time for this, exalted one. We need to leave right now.
:ArchSB: Well… if you insist. Let me just say that it was a pleasure seeing you again, Prince Kronos.

As he speaks, it grabs your hand and shakes it. The reason for this gesture becomes apparent when he let go, as suddenly there is a small note hidden in the palm of your hand.

:ArchSB: Oh… and remember to follow the instructions.

You make sure to wait for the Archbishop and the priests to disappear down the corridor before looking at the note in your hand…
“From the book of Daybreak: Saina 13:12
But of those engulfed in darkness only the ones who had found their light prevailed. As sin and corruption swept the world, those following the light remained untainted. Only one that is truly innocent can dispel the darkness and light our way from sin. Let those without sin inherit our world, or let it be consumed by the wave of darkness created by our prideful folly, like the world of old.”
…Some of the words is seemingly underlined, signifying their importance… and the note itself is signed with an odd symbol… you swear you’ve seen it somewhere before?
>>
No. 826698 ID: 65a774
File 150429576667.png - (55.34KB , 686x526 , 22.png )
826698

>Make it clear to the rest of your group who that was, and why you said those things.
:EleteSB: Well, yes, it was kind of obvious what you were trying to accomplish.
:XarrinSB: It was? I just thought those rumors I’ve ‘eard about yah were dead wrong.
:ThaliaSB: Can we please focus on more important things than the Prince opinion on us common folk?
>Ask Elete if she knows anything about Hera. Anything we can use against her?
:EleteSB: Hmm… she has very bad eyesight?
:KronosSB: Let me guess, some noble tried to blind her?
:EleteSB: With acid if her story is to be believed, yes.
>Remember to ask Elete what happened to those copies of the summoning rituals you had made, then tell her that the ones to the Five were real and the one to Xuv was fake.
:EleteSB: Actually, all six where real… because the ritual with did with them worked perfectly.
:KronosSB: …what? But… I… I made a fake and…
:EleteSB: Yet it still worked… which means the ritual is ready to be used.
>Show the Rune of Eternity to Elete and ask her if she's seen it anywhere, perhaps in the chamber the Five's remains are.
:EleteSB: Hmm…where have I seen that thing before? Let me think about it…

>Once you have your sister in private see how the elemental reacts to her.
The elemental just seem grumpy…
:KiraSB: Ah, yes, Tim did write a rapport on this thing. Now, why did you come here with it?
>Ask Kira what she and the Archbishop spoke of.
:KiraSB: We tried to smooth things out diplomatically. But it didn’t work, they still refuse to tell me about what they are actually doing in the temple and with things going as they are I might be forced to take more… direct actions.
>Tell her about everything you've learned since the last time you spoke.
:KiraSB: What… they are doing some ritual tonight to… attend godhood!?
:ThaliaSB: Everything we’ve found so far points in that direction, ma’am… though, a lot of it is... word of mouth.
:KiraSB: How do you know this?
>Kronos, be honest about where you got your most recent info from…
:KronosSB: …I love the way the moon reflect in your eyes.
:KiraSB: …what is-
:BriannahSB: K-Krotos!? B-but… b-but that’s… NO!
:KiraSB: Krotos!? You met… what!?
:KronosSB: I found him the world of dreams… and he told me a lot. About what the nightmare is doing in the temple… and about Bri… and about his trail. He said he was innocent.
:KiraSB: Of course he would say that.
:KronosSB: …and is he?
:KiraSB: …there were evidence that supported the claim, but there was so little time to… never mind, that is a thing of the past. No, we need to focus on the here and now… you said they are doing the ritual tonight? That’s not good… not good at all… we need to stop them.

>Oh, and once you've gotten Kira up to speed, use the elemental on yourself again.
…are you sure? Things might not go well if you try that again… then again, things might not go well if you don’t. Do you take the chance or do you hope it’s nothing?
>>
No. 826715 ID: fc33ea

>Only one that is truly innocent can dispel the darkness and light our way from sin.
I'm telling you man, THE ELEMENTAL. Don't tell me it'll explode, you were about to let the same thing happen to Belseth and didn't bring up concerns about his wellbeing. Everyone else is tainted by this world, even you. Let the elemental use up the power, and the kingdoms' lands will flourish like the royal garden once did.

>Do you take the chance or do you hope it’s nothing?
The usefulness of dreamwalking has run it's course, the time for subtle approaches is over. You can afford to gamble it. I've told you, you've had your soul pulled out twice before. You'll manage fine.
>>
No. 826724 ID: 91ee5f

>>826698
Really, Kronos? You didn't tell everyone that was Belseth? Why didn't you tell them yet?!

Make sure you show everyone his note. It's obvious that he's trying to tell you how to stop all this and that symbol and the underlined words are hints on how to do it!

And I think one of those lines might be about needing to not be corrupted in order to do something to stop them. Well, since you helped some of the people in this room get rid of their corruption, they should be good.

.....now all that's left is to get rid of your own corruption. It's time to get rid of Xuv.

>>826715
>Everyone else is tainted by this world, even you.
No shit. Nobody is perfect.
>>
No. 826726 ID: 12aed4

The problem is that we don't know if our soul will get pulled out along with Xuv or damaged in some way, the elemental is still young and may fuck up.
We need to contact the Old Man some how, he's our best bet at fixing this shit. The elemental can be plan B or something.
>>
No. 826745 ID: 3ce125

>>826698
Use the elemental. "Only one that is truly innocent" means you need to get rid of Xuv. Also I don't think you're truly innocent anyway. Is there anyone you know that matches that description? Someone without sin? ...I wonder if the elemental counts. It's bitey but it's not exactly sinful.
Heck, if the elemental's reaction to belseth has anything to do with the underlined phrase he might be telling you that he's the only one that can stop this and you need to trust him. I wonder if Life infused him with something that would help?

You're probably gonna wind up talking to Life shortly(because he shows up if you're at the brink of death), and he needs to know about what's going to happen.

>strange symbol
It's the tattoo he has on his back.
>>
No. 826752 ID: fc33ea

>>826724
The pseudo incest, fornication and beating assassins to death with bits of furniture go a bit beyond 'imperfect'. Hardly exceptional taken next to what everybody else has been up to, but far from 'truly innocent'.
>>
No. 826761 ID: 91ee5f

>>826745
>It's the tattoo he has on his back.
Oh, yeah! It's that big giant one in the middle of his back! But that's not helpful by itself.

Didn't he tell us what each of his tattoos is supposed to mean? If so, then what is this specific tattoo supposed to represent?
>>
No. 826927 ID: 91ee5f

>>826761
Oh, also mention that you believe Belseth is being forced to do this and mention everything he talked about, including the "visiting your mother" thing and the candles, pretty much mention it all.

And now might be a bad time to remind you, but if you don't hurry and stop them, then you'll have broken your promise to Old Man Life and he's gonna punish you.

Maybe you should mention this to everyone? That way they'll know how important it is for you to stop this from happening. And if asked when this promise was made, say, "Sisah, remember when I just suddenly collapsed and I was freezing cold? I woke up and told you this, but you said it was a hallucination. I hate to say it, but it all happened."

Also remember, you don't actually need to stop them yourself, all you need to do is destroy the wards, which is the Eternity Rune, that are preventing Life from finding them. Once you do that, Life will come in and put an end to it himself!

Jeez, it's hard to think clearly with all of this stuff going through your head! Maybe you can clear your head with a nice cup of tea?

And then Cain pops up outta nowhere and scares everyone in the room! But at least he's brought enough tea for everyone in the room!
>>
No. 826994 ID: fe7355

Delay attempting to pull out and destroy Xuv with the earth elemental. Beyond the risk to your body and soul if it goes wrong, you don't know if you'll need the dreamwalking ability at some point to stop the Nightmare's ascension ritual or save someone else. And there is one way you do know you'll need that dreamwalking ability, and that's to communicate with Krotos again. Besides any other intel he may have gathered, the most vital info you need from him is directions through the Catacombs to the chamber the Five's corpses are in. With the front entrance to that chamber so heavily defended and fortified the odds that all the forces Kira could bring to bear could break through in time are not good. It's likely that the only way to get into that chamber in time would be via the Catacombs, and for that you need Krotos' directions. In the mean time you'll still keep the earth elemental very near by, with standing orders to stick it on you if anything odd happens with you that isn't expected.

Hold Bri's hand, look her in the eye and tell her you're so sorry you said all you did. You... You could have lied and said it was from someone other than Krotos and protected her from the pain of the truth. ...You're sorry.

Ask everyone here if they've figured out who the new Archbishop actually is, and for anyone that hasn't inform them that it's Belseth under the mask and robes. Then tell everyone what he was heavily hinting that you should do, which is go into the royal crypt to your mother's ashes and find instructions from him. Then show them the note he slipped you before leaving. Also say that you suspect he might be being forced into doing what he's doing.

Now, you recognize the symbol on the note Belseth gave you as being the same as the tattoo that covers his back. He said he got it at the age of eighteen, but he didn't say what it meant or was for. Though, you did find out the five fanned nails at the top are supposed to ward against chaos and promote order. Perhaps Elete has some idea what the symbol means.

As for the underlined text, you don't know for sure. If he's saying he's the only one who is truly innocent, without sin, and is the only one to ascend to godhood, that can't be true. He's got his flaws, he just has a lot more virtues than most. ...Though, who could be truly innocent and without sin in this world. A newborn? ...A newborn elemental? Hm...

...Wait, you might be thinking all wrong about what this text means. Remember how the intersections outside the dream entrances in the dream Catacombs had plaques with scripture or sayings on them? Perhaps this underlined text indicates a intersection or entrance in the Catacombs you need to go to. Tell everyone here that, and also what was written on the three plaques you saw in the dream Catacombs and where you saw them. Maybe Elete can identify if they're from scripture.

Ask Kira if she's aware of the old priests' way from the Grand Temple into the royal crypt. Because it would be a good back way into the Grand Temple's basement a force could sneak in through. Say you know this because you had Doxan break in that way and scout the Grand Temple basement and the lock on the door in should still be broken. He can provide all the details he gathered to any force Kira wishes to send in that way.

Ask Elete if that overgrown patch in the garden is over the chamber the Five's corpses are in. If it is, then would it be possible to breach the tunnel to it with earth mages? The chamber itself you suspect is heavily warded and magically reinforced to have survived as long as it has, but the tunnel is mundane. Alternatively, if a breach isn't possible, how about collapsing the tunnel?

...And also ask Elete if the route through the Catacombs to the Five's resting chamber was mapped by the Temple. If they did, then if you got your hands on that map it'd make things much easier.

And ask everyone here if they know where you were found after your near-death experience in the royal crypt and by whom. And did they ever find out who drugged the royal crypt guard and who moved him in to the bushes? You want to know if Krotos could have carried you out of the royal crypt and who drugged the guard because whoever they are probably was in league with the Nightmare to get you down there.

>Actually, all six where real… because the ritual with did with them worked perfectly.
Motherfucker! How was that possible with a fake ritual?! ...You shoulda faked all of them. ...Oh no. Or there wasn't a fake at all. Did Cain go against your orders and sent a real copy? Could Elete possibly draw the ritual circle for Xuv she got from memory? Because if it's the real one then Cain did give them a copy of the real ritual and the implications of that are... Bad, at the least.

>Before the Archbishop can finish his sentence, the mask clad priest grabs the elemental from his hands and forces it onto Sisah instead.
Well, you at least now know that Hera won't set the earth elemental off so she's likely not throwing off strong magical death or corruption radiation or could hide or shield it.

>…there were evidence that supported the claim, but there was so little time to… never mind, that is a thing of the past.
Oh no you don't get to wave this off as being a thing of the past because that past has come right back around to bite the present in the ass. Now, what was there so little time for that she couldn't spare any time to investigate whether Krotos was innocent and the plots against Risavia were Brianthor's doing? And why the hell was Krotos told at trial that while in a trance he killed Bri in her sleep?
>>
No. 827007 ID: 91ee5f

>>826994
>Don't get rid of Xuv yet.
You sure that won't hinder or be used against Kronos when he goes into the Catacombs?

>Well, you at least now know that Hera won't set the earth elemental off so she's likely not throwing off strong magical death or corruption radiation or could hide or shield it.
Not true. I think Hera just didn't give the elemental a chance to react to her, so it didn't get a chance to bite her, since it's needed to bite things in order to uncorrupt them.

Speaking of earth elements, do you think it would be a good idea to take the elemental to the center of the garden? Because we discovered here: >>/questarch/723758 that all of that is in the shape of the earth goddess' symbol, so maybe it'll help the elemental?

Then again, it might just be a huge was of time.

>Perhaps Elete has some idea what the symbol means.
I hope she does!

>Oh no you don't get to wave this off as being a thing of the past because that past has come right back around to bite the present in the ass.
Yeah, big sis may be the Queen, but we can't let her just say that and not elaborate!
>>
No. 827013 ID: 3ce125

Wait a second, if the ritual to summon Xuv worked, what did they talk to her about? WHEN did they talk to her? At one point Xuv showed up without being summoned, and implied she was summoned by someone but didn't want to talk to anyone but Kronos. Was that a lie? I feel like the only reason she'd have to lie about that was to make it seem like it was safe to give the archbishop the summoning ritual. Which means she wanted to be summoned by the archmage all along... which means she's probably trying to take advantage of the ascension ritual as well.
>>
No. 827112 ID: fe7355

>>827007
>You sure that won't hinder or be used against Kronos when he goes into the Catacombs?
Can we be sure of anything here? It could be that having the dreamwalking ability will greatly help Kronos in the Catacombs. And the royal crypt is not in the Catacombs, so we still have that to go to before possibly continuing to the Catacombs. We can wait and attempt to remove Xuv after going to the royal crypt. And I also have the meta reason to be hesitant to remove Xuv now of Kaktus not just going through with it and giving us a choice. I think he's giving us a chance to avoid shooting ourselves in the foot taking Xuv out too soon.
>>
No. 827124 ID: 91ee5f

>>827112
You sure that's what Kaktus is doing? He could just be fucking with us again. I mean, we had a legitimate way to rescue Belseth early and Kaktus basically slapped us in the face and said, "No! I worked hard on making this final battle and I won't let you skip it by taking the easy way out!" At least, that's what it felt like to me. .....maybe I'm just being a sore loser because that was my idea and it easily got shot down by Kaktus? .....yeah, just ignore me, I'm being an asshole.
>>
No. 827161 ID: 65a774
File 150438445698.png - (47.48KB , 686x526 , 23.png )
827161

>We need to contact the Old Man somehow, he's our best bet at fixing this shit.
And how exactly are you planning on doing that? We can’t just write him a message, now can we?
>Is there anyone you know that matches that description? Someone without sin?
Hmm… is there someone that hasn’t done anything that might be considered bad? Bri, Doxan, Sisah, Thalia and Xarrin are all soldiers who’ve killed… Elete sees herself as a sinner… Tim has used his magic to harm in the past… is there someone you’re forgetting? Is there someone who wasn’t corrupted by the war?

>Hold Bri's hand, look her in the eye and tell her you're so sorry you said all you did. You... You could have lied and said-
:BriannahSB: WHAT!? Are yah telling me yah’re willing to lie right in my face just because yah don’t think I can ‘andle it!? WHAT THE F- …ngg…
:KronosSB: I-I’m s-sorry, I d-didn’t-
:BriannahSB: No, Kronos, I’m sorry… I… I didn’t mean to burst like that…

She bends down and embraces you in a heavy hug, whispering sorry in your ear as her snout passes it. You can’t do anything but embrace her back…

:KronosSB: We both made a mistake and are equally sorry?
:BriannahSB: …I can live with that.

>You don't get to wave Krotos trail off as being a thing of the past because that past has come right back around to bite the present in the ass, Kira.
:KiraSB: The trail was more about politics than justice. The evidence pointed towards him, but we didn’t have enough time to properly evaluate everything. In the end it did not matter, innocent or not, it was necessary for the peace. As inhumane as it sounds, sometimes one must be sacrificed for the many.
>Ask everyone here if they've figured out who the new Archbishop actually is.
:XarrinSB: Well… it looked like a Sakkilian under-
:KiraSB: It’s Belseth. Yes, we already know.
:BriannahSB: It is? Hrmm… I guess the way ‘e moved was familiar…
>Mention that you believe Belseth is being forced to do this and mention everything he talked about, including the "visiting your mother" thing and the candles.
:ThaliaSB: A trap?
:XarrinSB: Or ‘e ‘as found a way to aid us.
:EleteSB: Either way, we need to be careful. Hope for the best but prepare for the worst.
>>
No. 827162 ID: 65a774
File 150438446711.png - (22.29KB , 686x526 , 24.png )
827162

>Show them the note he slipped you before leaving.
:EleteSB: Hmm… interesting. I do know this excerpt; yes… it’s about gaining entrance to the celestial city after death… only those free of sin are worthy to enter the afterlife, after all.
>Is there anyone you know that matches that description? Someone without sin? ...I wonder if the elemental counts.
:EleteSB: By the belief of the five, those that cannot actively choose for themselves cannot be considered truly innocent, and thus cannot enter the celestial city. They are to be reborn instead to live the lives they were denied… so it’s highly possible the text refers to a fully grown person and not a child of stone.
:BriannahSB: So… we need to find someone that’s innocent?
:SisahSB: That would exclude most of us.
:XarrinSB: Hmm… it has to be someone that wasn’t part of the war, then?
>Perhaps Elete has some idea what the symbol means.
:EleteSB: …I can’t say I’ve ever seen it before. The top is-
:BriannahSB: That’s the tattoo Belseth got on ‘is back. It doesn’t really mean anything… so I’m going to guess ‘e drew it to make sure yah knew it was from ‘im, eh?

>Ask Kira if she's aware of the old priests' way from the Grand Temple into the royal crypt. Because it would be a good back way into the Grand Temple's basement a force could sneak in through.
:KiraSB: Expect they know we are coming, making it an ideal place to bottleneck our forces and take us out one by one.
>Ask Elete if that overgrown patch in the garden is over the chamber the Five's corpses are in. If it is, then would it be possible to breach the tunnel to it with earth mages?
:EleteSB: It took us months just creating the tunnel between the chamber and the temple. There is no way we can dig down in just a few hours!
>...And also ask Elete if the route through the Catacombs to the Five's resting chamber was mapped by the Temple.
:EleteSB: Yes, several times in fact. But as the catacombs seem to be different each time someone ventured down into them, the maps are useless.
>Wait a second, if the ritual to summon Xuv worked, what did they talk to her about? WHEN did they talk to her?
:EleteSB: We didn’t talk to her. We thought her dead, remember? No, we used it to find her corpse… or tried to, at least. Instead, we found a decaying corpse of a Varkian, a corpse containing the same power as the other corpses of the gods.

>Jeez, it's hard to think clearly with all of this stuff going through your head! Maybe you can clear your head with a nice cup of tea?
:EleteSB:
:KiraSB:
:ThaliaSB: …um… so…?
:KronosSB: …where is Cain?
:BriannahSB: Last I saw off ‘im was when ‘e directed me to Tim’s study to find yah. ‘e said ‘e ‘ad some important business to attend and that ‘e might not be available for a while.
:KronosSB: …not available? Cain? What?
>>
No. 827163 ID: 65a774
File 150438447852.png - (38.71KB , 686x526 , 25.png )
827163

>Use the elemental.
Sisah holds the elemental on the floor, close to where you’re foot currently is. It’s clear that the elemental is agitated by your presence, as it continuously hisses at you while trying to escape your bodyguards grasp.

:SisahSB: Are you sure about this, sir?
:KronosSB: …let it go.

As soon as she releases her grip, the elemental jumps onto your foot and-
>>
No. 827164 ID: 65a774
File 150438448672.png - (41.63KB , 686x526 , 26.png )
827164

And then your soul is ripped from its body… not by the elemental, but from something far worse.

”C-cease this insanity immediately or I’ll… I’ll consume your soul HERE AND NOW! I AM XUV! I AM THE GODS OF GODS! THE BEGINNING AND THE END! I WILL NOT BE DENIED MY BIRTHRIGHT! CEASE OR BE UNMADE!”
>>
No. 827168 ID: fc33ea

Yeah okay, the only way we'll be able to communicate to take the elemental off is if you put our soul back though. Eating us won't save you.

And then just wait for the lil guy to finish his business. Damn shame you'll probably loose the 'gifts', but hey, hopefully you made the most of them in the time you had them.

And for a truly innocent person, find Zela, the painter.
>>
No. 827171 ID: 3ce125

>>827164
"Xuv, please. This is better than Life getting to you. He will find you one day if you become a god again, then he'll trap you forever in endless torment. I'm trying to save you! Death is the only escape from Life! This will help both of us, so please, let go."

While you've got her attention you also need to ask her who the Serpens/Seventh god is.
>>
No. 827179 ID: 91ee5f

>>827162
>Hmm…it has to be someone that wasn’t part of the war, then?
Wait.....what about Kronos himself? He wasn't part of the war. In fact, he pretty much just stayed home and partied during the entire war.

Or maybe even Cain? I don't think he was affected by the war either.

>Instead, we found a decaying corpse of a Varkian, a corpse containing the same power as the other corpses of the gods.
Krotos?

>>827168
>And for a truly innocent person, find Zela, the painter.
She's the painter's apprentice.

And no, she's a terrible choice!

I mean, if she was more involved and was actually aware of what was going on, then yeah, maybe I'd choose her. But if we approached her now and dumped all of this info on her, she'd probably end up fainting again!

We need someone that actually knows what he/she is doing!
>>
No. 827190 ID: 3ce125

>>827179
>Zela doesn't know shit about this
That's actually a GOOD reason to choose her. Innocence in itself implies some measure of incompetence at handling dangerous situations.
>>
No. 827191 ID: fc33ea

>>827179
What point does complaining about pedantics do if you aren't going to present an alternative? Kronos is a pseudo-incestual fornicator who beat an assassin to death with a table leg and Cain is explicitly unavailable.
>>
No. 827214 ID: 91ee5f

>>827190
Ok, so what's you plan? Just walk up to her and say, "Hey, we need you to do something really dangerous or else the world is gonna end."?

>incompetence at handling dangerous situations.
So you want someone that has an inability to do something successfully? Isn't that the opposite of what we want?

>>827191
>What point does complaining about pedantics do if you aren't going to present an alternative?
Excuse you, I did offer alternatives. The same ones you are currently shooting down. Where are your alternatives so that the rest of us can shoot them down or accept them as possible options?

>beat an assassin to death with a table leg
So killing someone in selfdefense disqualifies him from this?

But you're probably right about that other stuff.

>Cain is explicitly unavailable.
That doesn't mean we can't go and find him. I'd say this is more important than whatever he's doing.
>>
No. 827226 ID: 3ce125

>>827214
>plan
Yep, pretty much that. What's wrong with it?

>So you want someone that has an inability to do something successfully? Isn't that the opposite of what we want?
...no? We'll be handling the dangerous situations with our guards. Once we get her there to do whatever she's supposed to do, it'll be fine.
>>
No. 827235 ID: 91ee5f

>>827226
>Yep, pretty much that. What's wrong with it?
Knowing Kaktus, doing just that and it would work, would be too easy.

>...no? We'll be handling the dangerous situations with our guards. Once we get her there to do whatever she's supposed to do, it'll be fine.
I thought the point was to send in someone without sin all alone because it's an area that'll only allow that person in and everyone else is unable to follow, since they're not without sin? Isn't that what was being said?
>>
No. 827244 ID: fc33ea

>>827214
>Excuse you, I did offer alternatives.
Try ones that make an ounce of sense next time. My alternative Is Zalia because the sole qualification is "innocence". Since you seem to be having trouble with this, Innocence doesn't mean good in a fight or quality as a leader or performance under stress, it means free of moral wrongdoing.

>That doesn't mean we can't go and find him.
Oh sure, we have plenty of time after all. Cain is a tame street urchin and suspicious as hell to boot, he'd make a bad candidate even if he was available.

>>>827235
Why the hell would you think this? Belseth literally said "do not proceed alone" and Elete described where the gods are lying as she saw herself after an extensive dig effort involving many people. Are you trolling?
>>
No. 827281 ID: 91ee5f

>>827244
>Since you seem to be having trouble with this, Innocence doesn't mean good in a fight or quality as a leader or performance under stress, it means free of moral wrongdoing.
That's not even close to why I chose them.

We were told, "Not involved in the war." and I just chose them because they weren't in the war.

But, yeah, I guess they're not good choices. Sorry for being an idiot and making such stupid suggestions.

>Are you trolling?
If I was, then my name would be Kome.
>>
No. 827323 ID: fe7355

Okay, think and analyze the situation. Xuv didn't eat your soul right after you ate her and take over your body, which signals that she needed to remain within your soul. Most likely this is to hide, probably from Old Man Life, and lie in wait until within a area hidden from His view to eat your soul and take over. And Xuv didn't eat your soul right away now, instead resorting to bellowing threats and bluster. She knows if she did, either the earth elemental would just eat her, or she'd be exposed, likely to the Old Man. But if she doesn't do anything, or you don't relent, the elemental will eat her. And she knows that you know that if you did capitulate that she'd just eat your soul or worse for your insolence later. So she's backed into a corner here and she knows it.

However, even though Xuv is in a corner don't think she wouldn't eat you just out of spite, even though she'd soon come to a end herself after. ...But, if it comes to that, if she swallowed your soul whole it may not be the end for you. Once you two swapped positions, with you on the inside, her soul would be fully exposed to the elemental. It would consume her from around your soul, assuming it worked fast enough. And since Xuv survived within your soul to now, then perhaps you could within hers for a bit.

Though, there's also the risk Xuv would start with biting off your soul-limbs, or, worse, your head, so if the situation swings towards her for sure eating your soul, goad her so she'll do it whole, then fight all the way down to delay for the elemental to work. And keep your arms and legs close in so she doesn't get ideas about biting them.

And keep in mind that Old Man Life shows up at endings. Whether it is your life or Xuv's that is about to end, the Old Man is gonna show up, and then Xuv will be truly doomed.

Pay attention to your surroundings and if time is still progressing or if you're in the accelerated state you've met Xuv in before. If things aren't frozen then you could attempt to delay by yammering on.

Ask Xuv if her desire to die was all a ruse to get you to eat her so she could hide within your soul. Was that her plan from the start? Because with all the points it could have failed for her, that was a bad plan.

Ask how she can explain that this earth elemental is trying to eat her if she's a god. Don't earth elementals only go after dead things and souls that should pass on? Shouldn't it recognize she's a god and not?

If Xuv makes a move to eat your soul, fake fear as you tell Xuv you'll cease, she just needs to stick your soul back in your body. Then when she does, don't do anything so the elemental has a bit more time to work before Xuv yanks your soul out again. Then tell her she'll have to give you a really, really damn good reason to stop this before you will.

>Instead, we found a decaying corpse of a Varkian, a corpse containing the same power as the other corpses of the gods.
That fits with what you've been told: That Xuv's soul intersected with Krotos' body right around when he died and became lodged in it.

>WHAT!? Are yah telling me yah’re willing to lie right in my face just because yah don’t think I can ‘andle it!? WHAT THE F- …ngg…
Oh, gods, why did you ever think that you should say that? You love Bri and you will never lie to her, not even a little white lie. There is far too much dishonesty and deception in this world already, and you've both been hurt by it in one way or another. You won't have your relationship with your wife and love be tainted by even a few lies.

>>827235
>>827244
>>827281
I feel the need to remind y'all that Archbishop Elete spent a long time searching far and wide for suitable sinless candidates for ascension before settling on Belseth. And she almost certainly had a thorough vetting process to weed out those with hidden sins. So the odds that a better candidate than Belseth just happens to be within the group of people Kronos knows is tiny. And I'm not going to bank on narrative conservation of characters meaning it'll be Zela just 'cause Mirror Kronos said she's innocent. Who knows what she's done, known or in secret, that would be a sin. She'd need to be vetted intensely before she could be deemed suitably innocent and sinless.
>>
No. 827399 ID: 65a774
File 150447933534.png - (49.08KB , 686x526 , 27.png )
827399

>Knowing Kaktus, doing just that and it would work, would be too easy.
You really find me that predictable?

>Xuv, please. This is better than Life getting to you. He will find you one day if you become a god again, then he'll trap you forever in endless torment. I'm trying to save you!
:XuvSB: Save me? SAVE ME!? I AM THE GODS OF GODS! That… that thing is nothing compared to my might! I AM EVERYTHING! I. AM. ENDLESS!!!
>The only way we'll be able to communicate to take the elemental off is if you put our soul back though. Eating us won't save you.
:XuvSB: You can still control your arms! Just rip it off! DO IT NOW OR I’LL CONSUME YOUR SOUL OUT OF SPITE, MORTAL!
>While you've got her attention you also need to ask her who the Serpens/Seventh god is.
:XuvSB: Serpens? SERPENS!? SERPENS DON’T HAVE GODS!! Those… those filthy things… disgusting things… godless husk with their metal men… they deserve to die… all of them… WORSHIP ME OR FACE MY WRATH, MAGGOTS!
:KronosSB: B-but the seventh-
:XuvSB: WE WERE SIX! AND NOW WE ARE ONE! ONE GOD! ONE! ME! I AM THE GOD OF GODS!
>Ask Xuv if her desire to die was all a ruse to get you to eat her so she could hide within your soul. Was that her plan from the start?
:XuvSB: I put my seed in you when we first met… consuming my body was just a way for me to regain more of my powers… now, STOP ASKING QUESTIONS AND MAKE THE ELEMENTAL CEASE ITS FOOLISHNESS!
>Because with all the points it could have failed for her, that was a bad plan.
:XuvSB: I AM A GOD! I CANNOT FAIL! HE TOLD ME SO! HE TOLD ME WHAT TO DO TO BE ENDLESS! FATE CANNOT LIE! I AM CHOSEN BY FATE HIMSELF!
>Ask how she can explain that this earth elemental is trying to eat her if she's a god. Don't earth elementals only go after dead things and souls that should pass on?
:XuvSB: I… but… I… I AM… god… and… ENDLESS! I. AM. ENDLESS!
>Just wait for the lil guy to finish his business.
:XuvSB: WHAT ARE YOU DOING!? STOP THIS ALREADY!
:KronosSB: I’m calling your bluff.
:XuvSB: …w-what!? B-bluff!? I’m not… I wasn’t… I WILL CONSUME YOU!!
:KronosSB: *MFF*!?
>>
No. 827400 ID: 65a774
File 150447934343.png - (35.11KB , 686x526 , 28.png )
827400

Time finally seem to catch up to the two of you as the elemental manages to finally catch Xuv by the tail… literally…
:XuvSB: NO! I AM THE ENDLESS! I AM DEATH! I CANNOT BE U-unmade! I am… etern*AH!*
You can’t be sure if her last scream is one of fear or passion, but you can feel her very essence being ripped from you and disappearing into the elemental... and just like that, she is gone.
[The Mind of Xuv has ceased to be.]
>>
No. 827401 ID: 65a774
File 150447935316.png - (20.03KB , 686x526 , 29.png )
827401

When you come to again, you find yourself in the arms of your beloved. She hugs you tightly, using her own body as a seat for you to lean on. The elemental on its part seems rather content having consumed a supposed god and its former aggression towards you disappeared completely. As you take a moment to just lie in Briannah’s arms, you feel that something is missing… something deep down… yet… there is something else washing over you, something familiar… a warmth that you can’t really place… but a warmth you’ve missed without even knowing it existed.
:BriannahSB: …are yah alright?
:KronosSB: …I’m better than alright…
:ThaliaSB: …what was that thing just now…?
:XarrinSB: …that was Xuv… the god of death… so… everything yah said was true…
:KiraSB: …hmm… I guess this is proof that you’re not just mad after all, brother…

>I feel the need to remind y'all that Archbishop Elete spent a long time searching far and wide for suitable sinless candidates for ascension before settling on Belseth.
Belseth wasn’t chosen because he was innocent, he was chosen because he had the smarts to use the power, the morality to use it for good and the will to not be corrupted by it. Innocents were probably just a bonus… if he even is innocent.

>Wait, a rotting Varkian corpse? Krotos?
:EleteSB: It’s a possibility.
:BriannahSB: K-Krotos…

>For a truly innocent person, find Zela, the painter.
:ThaliaSB: A civilian? I rather not bring someone like that along on a dangerous trip like this.
:KiraSB: She’ll need to be guarded, that’s for sure…
:EleteSB: Hmm… a painter? She might be innocent enough to work…
>Wait.....what about Kronos himself?
:EleteSB:
:ThaliaSB:
:KiraSB:
:KronosSB: …what?
:EleteSB: Didn’t you beat someone to death the other day? …and looking at the body you left behind, you continued to beat her in rage long after her skull had caved in and killed her... and as wrath is a sin…
:KiraSB: Not to mention that fistfight you got into with that noble last year…
:KronosSB: I get the point… besides, he was really… rude towards the servants…
:KiraSB: And the time you stole my favorite doll in revenge for-
:KronosSB: I said I get it!
>maybe even Cain?
:KiraSB: ...*pff*… wait, you’re not serious, are you?

:XarrinSB: So… our ‘opes are on a painter, then?
:BriannahSB: Someone that’s never ‘eld a sword in ‘er life… great…
:EleteSB: Hmm… a painter… Kronos, think back… you’re the one with the most experience with this nightmare… do you know how it would react towards someone like this painter?
>>
No. 827406 ID: 094652

>>827400
I feel like you should find a poster of Xuv and stamp it with a giant flip-the-bird stamp. Aww, the widdle elemental looks happy!

>>827401
Honestly? I think it would try to rape her.
>>
No. 827408 ID: 3ce125

>>827401
>something missing
Yeah you probably lost the dream power. Or the fertility boost.
>warmth
...it's possible you were in a state of pseudo-undeath and that's been removed as well.
>FATE
Interesting. Did she mean the chronicler, dreamer, and whatever the present-entity is? Wait a second, didn't the dreamer tell us that Xuv was fully dealt with? Maybe the chronicler/dreamer is the seventh god, trying to manipulate Kronos with selective information or misinformation.
Or maybe she was simply given only the information she asked for. She got instructions on how to become a god, and indeed she did not fail in becoming one. I doubt it told her that she would eventually die anyway, like all things.

Hmm... Bri's nightmare preyed on her self-hatred and despair. Kira's nightmare preyed on her pride and self-doubt. We can't really be sure what it used against Tim since we fought it directly instead of indirectly. Probably his loneliness and perfectionism. Anyway, negative emotions are the opening it needs to plant a seed. Are we sure Zela's mind is well-balanced and healthy enough to face the nightmare unscathed? Well, we can ask her for her honest opinion about her inner demons, so she can be prepared to steel herself against it.

OH, and when the nightmare attacks you directly like it did to Kronos in that alley, it uses your fears against you.
>>
No. 827410 ID: 91ee5f

Isn't Lust a sin? Because I seem to remember Zela lusting for Kronos.

Or maybe I'm thinking of someone else?
>>
No. 827419 ID: 22d3a4

>>827406
Jesus man you can't just say that.
>>827410
The way I remember it, Kronos was the lusty one in that scenario. Artificially induced lust sure, but it was still Kronos.

Do you mean Zela in particular, or just it's usual M.O.? The thing inflates people's insecurities and perceived faults to the point where they can not or will not take action against it. The dreamwalking was good for dealing with it at the source, but I wasn't about to let xuv into the catacombs. As for Zela in particular... the only thing I can think is that some hivers were disappearing or being murdered or something, I hardly know if that's related.
>>
No. 827424 ID: 91ee5f

>>827419
>the only thing I can think is that some hivers were disappearing or being murdered or something, I hardly know if that's related.
That's got nothing to do with Zela.

But I think that was something that Karas, Kronos' other brother, was doing to try and frame Kronos?
>>
No. 827499 ID: fe7355

Pick up the earth elemental and hold it so both you and Bri can pet it together. It seemed to like Bri before, and it really liked Belseth, so that makes you wonder what it is about them it likes. And you also wonder how it'd react to Zela.

Tell Elete that the Nightmare finds hold in negative feelings, damaged psyches and personal faults. Passively amplifying fear and paranoia and destructive emotions, tearing down trust and cooperation to remove opposition. And in those it can most reach and influence who it feels are useful, it'll whisper promises of every one of their dark desires fulfilled if they but do its will. That's how it wormed its way into Krotos, how it turned Karas, and how it influenced you and Kira and our father without us even knowing.

With one as innocent and without mental trauma as Zela, you do not believe the Nightmare would find enough cracks to get its claws in her. When you were in the dream Catacombs figuring out who you would help by dreamwalking, you were told Zela is one of the few around you that has not been hurt or damaged in some way; A innocent. When you asked her if she'd been having nightmares lately, unlikely many others in the palace she had not, which you thing means the Nightmare was not worming its way into her dreams. And she is... Was... A virgin. Until last night. With you... Um... You don't know if being a virgin would make one more innocent or not, but you have a feeling it would and that you figuratively fucked our chances by literally doing so.

With the way Zela left your apartment this morning in seeming embarrassment and before you woke up, you have a bad feeling that she may be feeling like she was seduced and used by the cliché of a lustful prince. And if she's feeling that, then that is a hurt the Nightmare could take advantage of. That means you and Bri should meet with Zela in private and talk things out. Once that's done, then bring her to meet with Kira and drop the news of what she is needed for on her.

You'll need to meet Zela somewhere that isn't her quarters since it's not warded adequately. The studio or your apartment would do. And have tea brought in for the meeting so she can get a taste of what good tea really is.

We should all also try to think of any other people that might be innocent enough for this situation. Like, you haven't thought of Head Librarian S’bk’ta or Whispers of Growth. And we also should find out exactly when the twin moons will "kiss" each other tonight, because shortly before that is how long we have.

Tell everyone here your verbal exchange with Xuv. It appears Fate was at work here, or a entity that could impersonate Fate to Xuv. But how long ago Fate came to Xuv, you have no idea. Could have been all the way back in the Second Age, could have been a week ago. And what was that about Serpens "metal men" and being "godless husks?" What the hell was the Seventh up to to be cast down and stricken from all record, becoming the Forgotten One?

Whisper to Bri that after Xuv was unmade by the elemental you felt something is missing deep down, and you also felt a warmth wash over you you didn't even realize you were missing. You think her "gifts" are gone now, including the one that would allow you two to have a child together. It's definitely for the best Xuv is gone, but that one gift you wish you could have kept. ...But maybe it already did its work. Remember, Bri wasn't wearing a contraception charm last night when you laid with her after Zela. So you two will find out in a few weeks whether it took or not. ...And whether it bypassed the charm with Zela.

...Before you leave, ask Kira if she sent out any orders before that could have reached Cain that said to aid the Archbishop in her plans if the opportunity arose. Kira was aiding the Archbishop before, so it's possible Cain got a directive to aid the Archbishop's plans, which is how the rituals she got worked; He made accurate copies of them all. But you'll need to ask Tim if Cain asked him to make a fake Xuv ritual to check this, though Cain could have just substituted his own copy of real ritual for the fake.

And something to keep in mind as a potential threat in the future, long after this situation is resolved, is Xuv's corpse. It's still down in the Catacombs somewhere, where souls could infest it and potentially create another Mind of Xuv like the one you faced. You can only hope that by now it is so far decomposed that no coherent entity could form in it and it'd be just another mindless undead.

>K-Krotos…
...Bri still feels for him deep down, doesn't she? ...Tell Kira that if after all this Krotos' body is recoverable, put it on ice and do a thorough, secret, investigation into what happened three years ago. If he turns out not actually guilty, clear his name in whatever secret records mark him a traitor, give him a proper cremation and place his ashes in the royal crypt.

>>827408
>Well, we can ask her for her honest opinion about her inner demons, so she can be prepared to steel herself against it.
Considering the short time we have to find out if Zela really is innocent, perhaps the use of lie detection magic would be in order.
>>
No. 827505 ID: 91ee5f

>>827399
>You really find me that predictable?
*insert shoulder shrug here*

But seriously, the only "predictable" thing you do is you make us have to think really hard to find the answers we're looking for! Which is a good thing!


>>827401
>Xuv's influence is gone.
I guess if Bri isn't pregnant with a biological child from both of you by now, then it looks like you guys will have to talk about finding a surrogate to continue your bloodline after all.

But that's a conversation for later, when all of you aren't busy trying to save the world.

>>827499
>And she is... Was... A virgin. Until last night. With you... Um... You don't know if being a virgin would make one more innocent or not, but you have a feeling it would and that you figuratively fucked our chances by literally doing so.
Let's.....not talk about that in front of everyone.

I mean, we can't exactly stop Bri from saying something, but Kronos should at least make an effort to not say something.

>you and Bri should meet with Zela in private and talk things out.
Yes, let's do that.
>>
No. 827602 ID: 65a774
File 150456027363.png - (51.09KB , 686x526 , 30.png )
827602

>I guess if Bri isn't pregnant with a biological child from both of you by now, then it looks like you guys will have to talk about finding a surrogate to continue your bloodline after all.
Not that that will stop Bri from trying…
>...it's possible you were in a state of pseudo-undeath and that's been removed as well.
…that might explain why the elemental was so aggressive towards you. It saw you as an undead creature, an abomination to the natural order of things.
>Wait a second, didn't the dreamer tell us that Xuv was fully dealt with?
It said she was dead… which… technically she was? Gah, you hate exact wordings…

>Pick up the earth elemental and hold it so both you and Bri can pet it together.
:ElementalSB: *Purr*
:BriannahSB: Aw, isn’t it so cute…

>Tell Elete that the Nightmare finds hold in negative feelings, damaged psyches and personal faults. Passively amplifying fear and paranoia and destructive emotions, tearing down trust and cooperation to remove opposition.
:EleteSB: While is modus operandi is fear and paranoia, so far only those with real darkness in their hearts seems to be affected initially. It needs a place to grow, is my guess.
:KiraSB: So you’re saying I have darkness in my heart?
:ThaliaSB: My queen, considering the things we’ve done for this nations… I’m sure we all have things haunting us.
:BriannahSB:
:KiraSB: Hmpf… I guess you’re right… I do have things I regret… things that needed to be done…
>With one as innocent and without mental trauma as Zela, you do not believe the Nightmare would find enough cracks to get its claws in her.
:EleteSB: Without having experience and seen what we have, her fears and paranoia won’t control her like it has done to us.
:BriannahSB: Hrnn… she sounds more naïve if anything…
:ThaliaSB: Isn’t that the same thing?
:XarrinSB: Naivety is bliss, after all…
>Isn't Lust a sin? Because I seem to remember Zela lusting for Kronos.
:EleteSB: Excess lust is a sin, correct, though its only really considered when it drives you to do… less than moral things… or let it control you completely. Neither seems to fit this painter from what I’ve heard so far. Having daydreams about someone isn’t really being consumed by lust, is it?
>We should all also try to think of any other people that might be innocent enough for this situation. Like, you haven't thought of Head Librarian S’bk’ta or Whispers of Growth.
:XarrinSB: ‘aving more options is always better in the end.
:ThaliaSB: There’s no way we’ll bring more than one civilian down there!
:EleteSB: That’s a given… so let us start focusing on one of them as see how it goes?

>Ask Kira if she sent out any orders before that could have reached Cain that said to aid the Archbishop in her plans if the opportunity arose.
:KiraSB: I haven’t sent any orders like that to him... ever…
>Tell Kira that if after all this Krotos' body is recoverable, put it on ice and do a thorough, secret, investigation into what happened three years ago.
:KiraSB: While I do want to know the truth, sometimes a lie is more important than it. His judgement is what created the necessities for the peace between our nation to be signed… unearthing it now might be a political disaster.

>You and Bri should meet with Zela in private and talk things out. Once that's done, then bring her to meet with Kira and drop the news of what she is needed for on her.
:BriannahSB: We really do need to talk things out with ‘er, eh?
:ThaliaSB: The question is… where is she now?

As if on que, one of the queens royal servants enters her chambers and whisper something in Kira’s ear before leaving again.

:KiraSB: It seems like this Zela is currently out in the garden, hidden away near the lake painting by herself.
:KronosSB: Then send for her? Tell her we’ll meet her in the studio.
:KiraSB: I did… and she politely refused.
:BriannahSB: She refused the queens summons?
:KiraSB: I can send a… harsher summons for her if you want to force her here… still, she might not consider that… polite. Maybe it’s for the best if the two of you went to her instead?
:SisahSB: But the garden is not as well protected as the palace.
:XarrinSB: Aren’t yah going to the crypt later anyway?
>>
No. 827612 ID: 22d3a4

>So you’re saying I have darkness in my heart?
Lack of trust, to be exact. It was interfering with your ability to delegate. By the way, did you get that assignment you gave me? Cain had it last, he said he wanted to fix my penmanship before he gave it to you.
>But the garden is not as well protected as the palace.
We'll be going into the maw of the enemies' stronghold of power before this is over, no sense in getting cold feet now.
>>
No. 827617 ID: 094652

>His judgement is what created the necessities for the peace between our nation to be signed… unearthing it now might be a political disaster.
And IGNORING a major physical threat to entire cities because of the social scandal involved is cowardice! You've both done worse things than slander and propaganda, so stop intentionally turning your back and discarding your armor on a credible and hostile threat! At the very least, stop saying that it's better to let a rampaging monster destroy the lives of dozens than to allow a revelation that could restart a civil war, when that ISN'T the situation! That THING is on the verge of destroying the entire world, and THIS is the most concentrated hallway of influential leaders since the war began, so do your jobs and find a solution that doesn't involve ignoring either problem!
>>
No. 827660 ID: 91ee5f

>>827602
>So you’re saying I have darkness in my heart?
Kronos, explain exactly what kind of darkness you saw in her dreams. And when you tried to help her she immediately ran into a corner and begged you not to kill her, while an image of your father in a wheelchair was encouraging you to kill her and take her place.

Then explain that if you didn't go into her dreams to help her, she would still be under the control of her self-criticism and paranoia and she probably would've literally worked herself to death by now. Or she would be another pawn under the Nightmare's control by now.

That's what used to be in her heart. And you're glad that you managed to help her before it was too late.

>Zela is in the garden.
>The garden is less protected.
Bring weapons, bring the elemental, and then you, Bri, and Sisah go get her.
>>
No. 827702 ID: 8cb228

Before explaining in exact detail what the nightmare showed to anyone... remind them that the dream is, specifically, a very meaningful metaphor to their deepest fears. Do they really want you to say exactly what you saw, in that context?
>>
No. 827703 ID: 22d3a4

Also, is Bri licking the back of your head?
>>
No. 827706 ID: 91ee5f

>>827703
She's just showing her affection. Let her affectionately lick the prince.
>>
No. 827707 ID: 22d3a4

>>827706
I just don't want him to get cowlicks is all. Can't be a part of an assault on a demon stronghold with silly hair.
>>
No. 827712 ID: 91ee5f

>>827707
Well it's a good thing Bri isn't a cow and Kronos has feathers instead of hair! XD
>>
No. 827716 ID: 22d3a4

>>827712
*I just don't want him to get sakkilianlicks is all. Can't be a part of an assault on a demon stronghold with silly plumage.
>>
No. 827767 ID: fe7355

Yeah, you are going to the royal crypt later, but you'd prefer not to give any more shots at you than need be. You don't want to get tele'd away like Karas might have been, or a some Nightmare monster erupting from under your feet like a dirt kraken. ...Or Karas coming out of the ground to drag you into the depths. You don't know what your other brother has been doing since his escape by the Nightmare's hand, but you have a bad feeling he's going to pop up at the worst time.

Anyway, don't we have options for stronger mobile warding? Stuff developed to protect the monarch, nobles, generals and other VIPs when they have to move about or visit locations without warding. Rugs embroidered or panels engraved with warding runes and the like. Could we take a long narrow warded carpet, connect the ends and walk in the middle of the loop like it was a giant floppy unmoored hamster wheel?

You also know the royal carriages are warded, though you don't know how heavily. Maybe we could ride in that to the royal crypt entrance. ...Could you get near Zela in one of the royal carriages? Oh, gods, she'd squee so hard at being beckoned into the royal carriage by the prince. ...Though, after last night she may not be so enthused with royalty, or just you in particular.

Wait a second. Isn't the overgrown area over the Five's resting chamber near the lake? Or was it the pond? Are they the same body of water? Well, whatever it is, Zela might be standing in it. You need to know from whoever tracked down Zela exactly where she was. Because if she's standing over that chamber, you don't know if that'd be good or bad for you going out there to meet her. The intense life magic radiation may keep the Nightmare's monsters at bay, or the close proximity to the corpses of the Five would mean it's the Nightmare's strongest position. You just don't know.

You do wonder how this little earth elemental would react to being exposed to all that life magic over the Five's chamber's spot. Would it dive into the ground and start sucking up the magic and grow bigger? Would it possibly move through the soil into the tunnel to the Five's chamber and enter it to attempt to eat their corpses? And you wonder if all the other earth elemental "eggs" out there have "hatched" and there's a bunch of little earth elementals doing who knows what.

You think sending some mages to the royal crypt to bolster the wards on it and start adding a warded path towards the palace would be a good idea to prepare for you going there.

Actually, Zela may be more receptive to a message written by you asking to meet than the queen. Write to Zela that you and Briannah want to meet with her right away to talk about last night and what we're gonna do going forward. Then add that you'll have to meet where it's heavily warded due to a serious attempt to breach your apartment's wards overnight. Ask her to write in reply where she would wish to meet within that criteria.

And after all this mess is sorted out, if it's sorted out, you think it'd make sense to try cleaning up the Catacombs by sending some of these new earth elementals into it. Slowly clear out the built up death and despair that's been oozing up for who knows how long, and gradually bleed off the Catacomb/Soul Kiln's massive magical charge.

Give Bri a kiss before you two head out. ...You didn't realize until just now, but Xuv's moving of your fear of Sakkilians out of the way of your love for Bri probably was removed by the elemental too. You guess what she said about you having a real love for Bri was true and she didn't create or manipulate it in you, which is really reassuring.

>>827617
Dude, chill. Digging into whether Krotos is guilty or not isn't gonna help the current situation. Maybe it would have alleviated some of the dark emotional power the Nightmare is feeding on, but that would have had a appreciable effect if it was done months ago, not right now. And whether it would or not it'd would have had a effect, it'd still take months to do the investigation. That is time we definitely do not have now.
>>
No. 827772 ID: 12aed4

>she might not consider that… polite.
Oh gee you're right I hadn't considered that.
Maybe we should send her a few snack and some tea and kindly ask her to meet with us when shes finish.

Also did you forget you're the Queen cause I think Zela did.
>>
No. 827846 ID: fe7355

If Zela chooses to stay put after receiving your message, or chooses a time to meet in a safely warded area that's too late, and there isn't a heavily warded mobile option that could get to her such as the royal carriage, then send a couple mages out ahead to lay down strong temporary wards where Zela is and remain there to reinforce them. And keep reinforcements nearby on stand-by but out of sight in case an attack is attempted on you.

...Maybe if you don't stand on the ground it'd be harder for the Nightmare's magic to reach you. Climbing onto a tree would be worth trying if the wards are hit and can't hold.
>>
No. 827847 ID: 65a774
File 150463533355.png - (37.39KB , 686x526 , 31.png )
827847

>Is Bri licking the back of your head?
She does that at times, yes…
>I just don't want him to get cowlicks is all. Can't be a part of an assault on a demon stronghold with silly hair.
…you don’t have… hair? And what is this cow thing?
>I just don't want him to get sakkilianlicks is all. Can't be a part of an assault on a demon stronghold with silly plumage.
If anything, it might distract the demons long enough for you to get in the first shot. Hmm… maybe you can find some clown makeup as well… nah.

>Don't we have options for stronger mobile warding?
Nothing that might be used in the garden, no. After all, the magic used was a bit more… powerful than the usual fair people have access to… even when it comes to other kings and queens. The one thing you have that sufficiently protected is the royal carriage, but the gardens aren’t built for its usage.
>Oh, gods, she'd squee so hard at being beckoned into the royal carriage by the prince.
Then again… maybe you can… no… but if you open up… no, you don’t have time for it…
>You think sending some mages to the royal crypt to bolster the wards on it and start adding a warded path towards the palace would be a good idea to prepare for you going there.
Even as a Prince, or in Kira’s case, Queen, you don’t have access to those kinds of mages on a snap of a finger. You got the royal mage, Tim, but he’s asleep...


>Lack of trust, to be exact. It was interfering with your ability to delegate.
:KiraSB: Hmpf… just because I’m a bit… skeptical…
:XarrinSB: Paranoid…
:KiraSB: What was that?
:XarrinSB: Nothing, you highness.
>By the way, did you get that assignment you gave me? Cain had it last, he said he wanted to fix my penmanship before he gave it to you.
:KiraSB: I notice… though I’m pretty sure the assignment was written by you initially. A lot of the solutions are rather… unorthodox… and rather fitting to your way of thinking, brother.

>Bring weapons, bring the elemental, and then you, Bri, and Sisah go get her.
:KiraSB: Major Xarrin, go and collect a handful of Kronos Royal guards and escort them personally. I will not have you walk out there alone, Kronos.
:XarrinSB: At once, my lady!
>Give Bri a kiss before you two head out.
As you turn around to look at your future wife, you can’t help but feel a bit… odd…
>>
No. 827848 ID: 65a774
File 150463534285.png - (36.19KB , 686x526 , 32.png )
827848

As she smiles you can’t help but to take a step backwards. You feel your heart jump a beat and visions of the horrors those teeth can do fills your head… yet, under all that fear, you still feel a love for her…

:BriannahSB: Is something wrong?
:KronosSB: Oh… err… n-no… of course not…
:BriannahSB: Hrrnn?

>You didn't realize until just now, but Xuv's moving of your fear of Sakkilians out of the way of your love for Bri probably was removed by the elemental too.
…and now it’s back. That kiss will have to wait.

:EleteSB: Do try to bring the painter back here as soon as possible. I need to… test her to see if she’ll be considered innocent enough by the five’s standard.
>>
No. 827849 ID: 65a774
File 150463535190.png - (52.14KB , 686x526 , 33.png )
827849

>Wait a second. Isn't the overgrown area over the Five's resting chamber near the lake?
It is… but you don’t think Zela would be there. It’s completely overgrown, after all, making it hard to wander into… unless you like getting consumed by the underbrush, that is.
>You do wonder how this little earth elemental would react to being exposed to all that life magic over the Five's chamber's spot.
Hmm… it might be worth a try? You did bring him with you after all.

With a half a dozen armed guards, Sisah, Briannah and an elemental, you find yourself in the middle of the garden. Maybe you’ve been paranoid, as they’d surely attacked you by now if that was their plan… right?

:XarrinSB: What are your orders, sire? Shall we follow you while you meet with her or create a perimeter around the area?
>>
No. 827850 ID: 65a774
File 150463537023.png - (36.36KB , 686x526 , 34.png )
827850

“Brother…”
>>
No. 827851 ID: 65a774
File 150463538275.png - (50.91KB , 686x526 , 35.png )
827851

”…really? Is this the welcome I get?”

>You don't know what your other brother has been doing since his escape by the Nightmare's hand, but you have a bad feeling he's going to pop up at the worst time.
…you’re not sure if this is the worst time, but there he is…
>>
No. 827852 ID: 094652

Well, it's not THE worst time. I mean, all these fragile heads of state brought their praetorian guard squads. That's a lot of halberds.

Everyone not ready to die for queen and country, back away slowly.
>>
No. 827887 ID: 486e87

You appeared rather suddenly Krotos. Also, to put it bluntly, you look like a necromancer's mad experiment at the moment. Has anyone got a mirror?
>>
No. 827922 ID: 018165

Something's been done to you, brother. You don't look well. Please, allow me a bit of prudence, I believe it's warranted.
>>
No. 827939 ID: 91ee5f

>>827851
*exasperated sigh* "Brother, their response is an appropriate one, considering your appearance. Although, that's something you can't exactly control, is it?"

Make sure you hold the elemental and don't let it get your brother before he gives you a report on what he's learned.

But also, don't blindly believe everything he says, just in case the Nightmare is trying to use him against you. There's still no way for him to reliably prove that he's helping you.

But if it turns out that he is helping you, then you ought to at least give him a proper burial later. It's the least you can do. Whether you can convince Kira to clear his name is still up in the air and something that you can't promise, so a proper burial is really the only thing that you can do for him.
>>
No. 828106 ID: fe7355

Goddamn it. Well, it was going to happen, whether it was now, on the way to the royal crypt or in the crypt itself. At least this way it's in full view of the guards Kira undoubtedly has watching you from the palace for trouble and they're about to raise the alarm and send reinforcements.

Remember that there's a bunch of earth elementals born from the old garden elemental still in the ground here and that they have likely woken up by now. They will sense Karas' presence and move on him, you just need to keep him busy for a bit. Getting him on the grass and loose soil instead of the paved path may also help the elementals sense and move to him, so try and shuffle back onto it with your group. Preferably towards the overgrowth over the Five's chamber so the earth elemental with you can potentially absorb life magic from there, and your group can possibly flee in there in the hope all the life magic will repulse Karas.

Karas didn't immediately and silently eviscerate you when he popped in, instead speaking, so he's not here to kill you immediately. Don't take that as a indication he's just here for a chat. He may just want to make you suffer some way first like Nerfatu did. And also remember that Briannah and Xarrin are at serious risk of being attacked so try and shuffle them back from Karas if they don't do so themselves.

And be prepared to quick draw your Singing Dragon, flip it to flame and fire it on Karas if he attacks your group. Unlike the dream, he has a physical presence here, so your gun will probably work.

Before you turn around to face Karas, look at the elemental. Is it throwing a fit at Karas' presence? Because if it's not, then most likely he's just some kind of psychic projection and not physically here. Also, who's holding the elemental? Sisah or Briannah? Hopefully Bri because she's much more in danger from Karas attacking her than Sisah. And when Karas does make his move, don't just brandish or throw the elemental at him since he'd see it coming. Drop it and it'll bee-line for him, hopefully low enough that he won't notice it in the fracas.

Turn towards Karas and keep your eye on him as you motion to Xarrin to move back and step a good bit back yourself. "Karas, it's the welcome anyone who suddenly appears behind a prince would get, especially one who looks like you do now. Anyway, hello, brother." Keep moving backwards towards the grass. "I wish we didn't have to meet like this."

Tell Karas that you've regretted the last things you said before him, when he was in that cage in his room. You were so angry at him for plotting to frame you for murder and the situation that lost you your eye that you wanted to twist the verbal dagger in him. He knows how you are when you're enraged. But once the fury faded you've wished you didn't many times. You wished that your last words to your brother weren't to spite him. But now they won't be your last words. Ask Karas what he came to you now for.

>You feel your heart jump a beat and visions of the horrors those teeth can do fills your head…
And so can the sharp teeth of a wolfhound and you don't cower in fear from them, do you? What matters is who's mouth those teeth are attached to, and in this case it's Briannah, who you know would never, ever hurt you. ...And also remember the glorious things she did with that mouth and tongue in bed with you. You won't get to experience that again if you fear her.

>…and now it’s back. That kiss will have to wait.
You know you have to tell Briannah about Xuv suppressing your fear of Sakkilians and that that suppression is gone now. Take the first opportunity to get her in private to do so because the sooner she knows the truth, the longer you two have to work it out.
>>
No. 828113 ID: 91ee5f

>>827939
Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention this earlier.

>>827848
>Fear of Bri had resurfaced.
No, bad Kronos! That's the old Kronos talking! Your a new Kronos that shouldn't be afraid anymore! Xuv repressing your fear is a crutch that you need to stop leaning on, now that it's gone! Fight away your fear and don't you fucking dare even think like that about Bri ever again!

>>828106
You sure that's Karas and not Krotos? It could be Krotos here to tell us what he's learned about the Nightmare's plans, like he said he would do.

I guess the only way to tell would be to see how he reacts towards Bri. Any sorta flattery, it's Krotos. Any sorta racial slurs, it's Karas.
>>
No. 828118 ID: 22d3a4

>>828113
>No, bad Kronos!
That's actually not helpful. Childhood trauma is not his fault or under his control.

If you don't mind me being direct, Krotos, You look more haunting than death itself.
>>
No. 828121 ID: fe7355

>>828113
>You sure that's Karas and not Krotos? It could be Krotos here to tell us what he's learned about the Nightmare's plans, like he said he would do.
Krotos said it was Karas in >>827851. The "other brother" in the redtext is referring to Karas. Dunno how Krotos could tell it was Karas' voice, since it's probably as messed up sounding as Karas looks now. ...Though Karas lost his right eye, not the left one this being is missing. (See >>/questarch/668636 for first clear view of Karas' face showing his missing eye.) Probably a art error on Kaktus' part.

Krotos also said that he was stuck in the Catacombs dream since he saved Kronos against the Nightmare Five's wishes. They severed his connection with his body and took it over. Presumably Krotos couldn't take control of another body or manifest any other way since if he could he likely would have.
>>
No. 828122 ID: 3ce125

>>827851
Okay immediately get away from him so your bodyguard and guards can protect you. Then, since he's not attacking, ask what he wants.
>>
No. 828151 ID: 91ee5f

>>828121
Ok, then it's a good thing it is Karas. He'll probably end up running his mouth again and accidentally reveal what the Nightmare's plans are and how to stop them!
>>
No. 828153 ID: 8cb228

Hey. The fear thing is something to work through with your wife's help later. There's ways to do it the old fashioned way; to turn the fear into something to enjoy, as part of your play. The mind is a wonderful thing, and very plastic. And you and your wife are going to work on helping teach each of your minds to be the way you want. Together. The old fashioned way!
>>
No. 828175 ID: 65a774
File 150472219733.png - (89.49KB , 686x526 , 36.png )
828175

>Don't blindly believe everything he says, just in case the Nightmare is trying to use him against you. There's still no way for him to reliably prove that he's helping you.
…you’re pretty sure you’re thinking of the wrong brother. That is Karas, not Krotos… as in, the one who wants you dead.
>You know you have to tell Briannah about Xuv suppressing your fear of Sakkilians and that that suppression is gone now.
If you want your relationship to work, she needs to know… but now is not the time for that. You need to stop the nightmare first… fears can wait until tomorrow.
>And so can the sharp teeth of a wolfhound and you don't cower in fear from them, do you?
You’d be weary of any wolfhound that barred its teeth towards you… especially if it jumped up to be on your level. You’ve seen those things rip a riding raptor apart by the fives sake!
>The fear thing is something to work through with your wife's help later. There's ways to do it the old fashioned way; to turn the fear into something to enjoy, as part of your play.
You’re sure you will find a way to overcome it… you’ve fought gods and won… a bit of fear is nothing compared to that…


>Something's been done to you, brother. You don't look well.
:KarasSB: YOU! YOU DID THIS TO ME! You are to blame! You’re the one who deserve to be twisted like this, monster!
>Tell Karas that you've regretted the last things you said before him, when he was in that ca-
:KarasSB: REGRET!? HA! Please, do not humor me. Did you do it all just to spite me!? You wanted to see me suffer, didn’t you? You and that she-bitch of yours… YOU’RE NOT VARKIAN!
>Ask what he wants.
:KarasSB: For you to DESPAIR!!!
:KronosSB: Wh…?

You watch as the soldiers lower their halberds, some of them even letting it drop onto the ground, as they fall onto their knees in defeat. They know, just as you do, that it’s pointless to resist. You can’t do anything… there’s no way out… there’s no hope left. As this realization washes over you, the strength in your legs fails you and you fall down onto your knees… you know it’s over… you’ve failed… you can’t win. Looking around, you can see the rest the poor fools who came with you. Nearly all of them are on their knees… or in fetal position on the ground… even the elemental has given up and become an inert pile of stones. Only Briannah and Sisah is still on their feet… the former seemingly to shocked to do anything… while the latter seems to be boiling with anger…

:KarasSB: It’s all pointless… don’t you see? You cannot win… you never had a chance… no… precious little brother… at least find the strength to seek joy in these last precious moments… before I-
:SisahSB: NO!

Suddenly Sisah is standing in front of you, her shielding visible engulfing the both of you as she protects you with her own body.

:KarasSB: …why do you even persist? Can’t you see it’s already over… everything you’ve done is for naught… everything you’ve tried has failed. It was all pointless.
:SisahSB: I… I… I c-can’t… l-let you… even if I can’t stop you… I… I’ll die before you harm him!
:KarasSB: …very well… then I will not harm him… no, I shall make you suffer… make you feel what I did. While I might not be able to hurt you physically… I’ll do so emotionally… please… take a guess… guess how I will hurt you, brother. We have time… after all, it’s not until midnight the gods will ascend… when they use that clueless priest to open the way… he thinks he can stop them… delay them… but his pride will be his undoing! Even if he should strike when they were at their weakest just as the ascended begun… he’s alone… and no one can help him. No… but you will have to wait for that… now… let’s make you suffer… I will destroy everything you hold dear… starting with that disgusting thing you call wife.

>Ok, then it's a good thing it is Karas. He'll probably end up running his mouth again and accidentally reveal what the Nightmare's plans are and how to stop them!
It doesn’t matter how much he lets slip… in the end, nothing of it will matter… you’re already too late…
>>
No. 828179 ID: 3ce125

>>828175
If nothing matters then you can do anything you want. Like shooting him.
>>
No. 828194 ID: 91ee5f

>>828175
>YOU! YOU DID THIS TO ME! You are to blame! You’re the one who deserve to be twisted like this, monster!
Wow, someone's living in denial. He refuses to acknowledge his own actions that lead to this!

Like how there is evidence found in his room, written by his hand, explaining how he was going to frame you for murder and how he planned on ascending to the throne so that he could reignite the war with the Sakkilians!

It's his own fault that he's like this, not yours! At least now, what he looks like on the outside will match what he looked like on the inside!

>While I might not be able to hurt you physically...
Hey, Kronos, guess what? Karas just told you that he can't even touch you! The only thing he can do is throw a temper tantrum and make you feel sad! He's just a bunch of hot air!

>he thinks he can stop them…delay them…but his pride will be his undoing!
And Pride is a sin! Meaning Bel will get corrupted if you don't get there first!

>Even if he should strike when they were at their weakest just as the ascended begun…
And right on cue, your brother opens his mouth and doesn't know when to shut the fuck up!

>he’s alone…and no one can help him.
That's only temporary! Once you get down there with everyone, he won't be alone!

>let’s make you suffer…
You're already suffering from how much he's talking! He must really enjoy the sound of his own voice because he just will not shut the fuck up already!

>I will destroy everything you hold dear starting with that disgusting thing you call wife.
Oh fuck no! He did not just insult Bri! Are you just going to sit there and let him insult Bri like that?! He can talk shit about you all he wants, but under no circumstances is he ever allowed to speak about your wife like that!

>It doesn’t matter how much he lets slip…in the end, nothing of it will matter…you’re already too late...
He's wrong. It's not too late. The sun is still in the sky, so you've still got plenty of time before midnight! There's still time to stop this!

Besides, if nothing mattered, then why is Karas so desperate to slow you down? If you really had no chance of stopping this from happening, then the Nightmare wouldn't even bother trying to stop you!

And since it's trying to stop you, that means it believes that you are dangerously close to stopping it and it's trying to stall for time! Meaning it believes that you're a threat! And if it believes that you're a threat, that means that you can still stop it!

There's still hope! All you have to do is get passed Karas!

So stand up! You've faced Nerdfat, who could actually hurt you, so you should have no problem beating Karas, who can't physically touch you!

When you stand up, inform Karas, "You're not my brother! My brother died the night he tried to frame me. The only thing you are is a monster that's taken my brother's name! However, I must thank you for telling us everything we needed to know to stop you. It was quite amusing how you made a fool of yourself by doing that!"

If you stand up to him, then everyone around you will see how powerless Karas is and then they will stand up as well! And when everyone stops being afraid of Karas, then he literally loses his powers and can't do anything to stop you! And that's when you throw the elemental at him to get rid of him!
>>
No. 828387 ID: fe7355

>>828194
>Hey, Kronos, guess what? Karas just told you that he can't even touch you! The only thing he can do is throw a temper tantrum and make you feel sad! He's just a bunch of hot air!
>So stand up! You've faced Nerdfat, who could actually hurt you, so you should have no problem beating Karas, who can't physically touch you!
Do you think that Karas is under some order or binding from the Nightmare not to harm Kronos? Or that he's incorporeal and can't physically touch anything? Because that's not what is stopping him. Right before Sisah stepped between Karas and Kronos, Karas said "at least find the strength to seek joy in these last precious moments… before I-" which sounds a lot like he was going to strike Kronos down. That means it's Sisah's shielding that is stopping Karas from killing Kronos, not any command from the Nightmare or lack of physical form. And even if that shielding wasn't the only thing staying Karas' attack, it's far, far too risky to base any choice of actions on the belief that that shield isn't the only thing stopping Karas.
>>
No. 828391 ID: 91ee5f

>>828387
Oh, finally, you showed up!

You're the person that usually makes really long posts full of things that I usually end up missing, like what you said just now. So please tell me that you also have some way to help restore Kronos' hope!

Because I'm always afraid that I'm gonna screw something up if someone else doesn't show up and say something better than what I said!
>>
No. 828431 ID: 12aed4

You still have breath in your body! So long as this is true you can still stand, you can still try, you can still succeed! So long as you are alive nothing is impossible!

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
>>
No. 828441 ID: fe7355

Kronos, you know this despair is a lie. Karas said as much with "for you to DESPAIR," right before the wave of hopelessness hit you. It is but a power granted to Karas by the Nightmare, most likely because it saw a way to use him to stop the threat of you. Because you are a threat to the Nightmare's plans. Are you going to believe the claims of imminent triumph and that you can do nothing from one who's in the thrall of the very entity that seeks that triumph? No, you are not, because it has every reason to lie to you. If it was as secure in its triumph, if it was already too late, then it would not have bothered with Karas at all. And the very fact that it has nobody better to throw in your way than blabbermouth Karas speaks volumes to how little the Nightmare has on its side and how tenuous its chances of success are. If nothing but Karas and his aura of lying despair is keeping you from victory, then all is needed is to stand up and put him down.

And you've felt such despair before, in Briannah's dream, and even under its crushing weight you stood up and continued on. You moved on because of one thing, one light: Briannah, your love. You have pushed on before in the face of such despair and you can do it again. And this time, it is easier because you know exactly the source, and you know it is moving to kill your beloved. You can get in its way. You can pull Sisah and her shielding over to Bri and you can stop it. You can strike down this despair inflicting Briannah. It's right there, in the twisted form of Karas!

But if that's not enough to move you, to realize what Karas says is pointless is but a lie from him, then consider this: If nothing matters and it's all going to be over at midnight, then in this time you have left you are free to do anything. And in that freedom, you choose to not die on your knees. You choose to pull Sisah over to Bri to shield her so you may spend your last hours together. You choose to draw your Singing Dragon on Karas and reduce him to smoldering ash. You choose to push on and try and stop the Nightmare anyway. And you choose to find out for yourself if it truly was futile or if what Karas said was a lie. ...And choose to go on out of sheer spite for what Karas and for the Nightmare Five want you to feel.

And out of turning the verbal screws on Karas to spite him, start laying down some truths to him. Tell him that the fault for what he looks like lies not with you or him, but these "gods" he now serves that you know as the Nightmare. He knows they have emotional and psychological manipulation powers; He's using them right now, after all. They've been influencing him since the traumatic day he lost his eye to those Sakkilian war orphans he was trying to save from mistreatment. It was by that trauma, that fear and hatred, the Nightmare could get its claws into him. It cultivated that hatred of Sakkilians in him. And it also did the same to those war orphans, growing their hatred of Varks into a completely consuming feral rage. Through it all, it's been the Nightmare pushing and influencing him. And now he's its pawn, his strings being pulled to do its bidding. To say its lies and be a ineffectual roadblock.

Lay down for all to hear that this sudden despair is naught but lies, a power given to the warped brother you've lost to try and waylay us. That they need to do so speaks to how much of a threat we really are. And that they had to resort to sending Karas speaks to a lack of anyone even halfway competent on their side to send. And yell to Briannah to look at you, and tell her to get over to you so we can kick his ass into the ground together.

>>828391
Heh, welcome to the club. Why do you think my posts are often so damn long? I feel I don't know what will work or whether I'm screwing up, so I keep typing and throwing words at the wall in the hope that some of them are the right answer and will stick and everything won't crash into the ground and explode. And after I post I worry over and over in the back of my mind that I fucked up completely and ruined the quest or got a character stupidly killed and hope that someone else has posted a correct answer.
>>
No. 828519 ID: fe7355

>>828441
To clarify my suggestion's order of actions once you get up: Draw your Singing Dragon and fire its flame mode at Karas, (making sure nobody else is caught in the flame,) while pulling Sisah towards Bri to get Sisah's shielding around Bri. Then once she's in the shielding start saying the things if Karas isn't dead or retreated while you're reloading to fire again. No standing about yammering while Bri is in imminent danger.
>>
No. 828524 ID: 91ee5f

>>828441
>It cultivated that hatred of Sakkilians in him.
Would it help to point out that his face is currently in the shape of a Sakkilian's snout? Because pointing out he now looks like the very thing he hates might get a reaction outta him! .....maybe?
>>
No. 828532 ID: 65a774
File 150480346813.png - (64.81KB , 686x526 , 37.png )
828532

>Pride is a sin! Meaning Bel will get corrupted if you don't get there first!
Belseth is already corrupted… he’s gone… it’s all over…
>That's only temporary! Once you get down there with everyone, he won't be alone!
You’ll never get down there… no one will… you will die here and now…
>He's wrong. It's not too late. The sun is still in the sky, so you've still got plenty of time before midnight! There's still time to stop this!
It’s too late... you don’t have the time... everything is over…

>Kronos, you know this despair is a lie the real thing. Karas said as much with "for you to DESPAIR," right before the wave of hopelessness hit you. that it was hopeless…
Everything is a lie… everything was a falsehood… nothing was real...
>You've faced Nerdfat, who could actually hurt you whom you only escaped by sheer luck , so you should have no problem no chance of beating Karas, who can't physically touch you will rip your throat out!
You never had a chance, did you? You were supposed to die to that creature… yet you tried in vain to fight your fate… there’s no use fighting fate… you will die here…
>If nothing matters then you can do anything you want. Like shooting him yourself.
…it’s the only way. You reach for your gun and remove it from its holster… you need to end this… end yourself… it’s the only thing you can do.

>Oh fuck no! He did not just insult Bri! Are you just going to sit there and let him insult Bri like that?!
B-Briannah… Bri… no…
>You still have breath in your body! So long as this is true you can still stand, you can still try, you can still succeed! So long as you are alive nothing is impossible!
Your legs are shacking like mad as you try to stand… you grip the gun so hard that your hand hurts… no… he can’t hurt her… you can’t let him.

>Tell him that the fault for what he looks like lies not with you or-
:KarasSB: Shh…

You were so distracted you didn’t notice him move. All the sudden his behind your love… a blade against her throat… as you see a small dripple of blood emerge you lose the last of your will and let go of your gun, letting it fall to the ground as your legs once again gives away under you.

:KarasSB: One more word from you and I’ll slit her throat…
:KronosSB:
:KarasSB: That’s a good boy… now… do you want her to live? I’m willing to make a… deal. Kill yourself… shoot yourself in the head… and I’ll let her go…

With a shaking hand your reach for your gun once again… you can’t let him hurt her… even if it means ending yourself instead...

:KarasSB: Remember… there’s nothing else you can do… this is the only way to save her… all other options are gone… there won’t be any cavalry riding in at the last moment and sa-
>>
No. 828533 ID: 65a774
File 150480347712.png - (43.65KB , 686x526 , 38.png )
828533

…and with that, Karas is simply… gone?

Zela: Hello? What’s all that ruckus about? I’m trying to paint here, so if you should be so polite as to… why is everyone lying on the ground for?
>>
No. 828539 ID: 486e87

What the fuck just happened?
>>
No. 828569 ID: 3ce125

>>828533
Drop the gun again and hug your wife. That was fucking terrifying. Thankfully now we know exactly why we need to bring Zela- her very presence will banish Nightmare phantoms like what you just encountered.
>>
No. 828620 ID: 094652

>>828532
>there won’t be any cavalry riding in at the last moment and sa- *poof*
... @#$%ing troll. He's BLUFFING. Do not expect Zela to save you next time, Karas did that to trick you into thinking she's Eldritch repellant.
>>
No. 828627 ID: 3ce125

>>828620
Briannah's neck still bears the wound. He was physically there, trying to get Kronos to kill himself because Sisah's shielding was blocking him. I'm guessing Sisah was only able to stand up to him, not Kronos, which is why she didn't just take the gun away. Anyway my point is there was no reason for him to try any trickery when he was already going to win.
>>
No. 828648 ID: 91ee5f

>>828533
"Zela, we need to talk. Please come with us to see the Queen. No, you're not in trouble, this is just something very important."

>>828539
Kaktus just gave us a Deus Ex Machina.
>>
No. 828756 ID: fe7355

...Bri. Bri's alive. You're alive. You're all still alive. It's... It was Zela's presence that drove Karas away. ...And you suddenly realize that she's done so before, when you collided with her outside that ally. The Nightmare being that was chasing you then was not just in your head, but Karas physically manifested. You owe her your life and you never knew it.

Run towards Bri and leap up to embrace her tight, wrapping your legs around her middle, and break into tears. Blubber that you love her. You love her and you couldn't let her die and your mind was so clouded, twisted that you... You really believed Karas' lie. Every thought you had was warped into hopelessness and despair by him. And if Zela had not come along, you... You... Dammit, pull yourself together. This place isn't safe, even with Zela here, and the clock's ticking on the Nightmare's plan regardless. Action now, emotional breakdown later.

Get down from Bri and tell everyone here to get over to Zela, helping anyone who's still down near you up. Scoop up the elemental as you head over to her with the group. Give Zela a close hug and tell her that there is nobody in the world you were more happy to see show up than her right then. Then say you're sorry, but she can't stay here because it's too risky for us to stay here much longer. We need to get into the warded walls of the palace soon. Say you'd explain, but it'd take something like ten minutes that we don't have to spare. We'll talk once inside. Then hand the earth elemental to her, telling her what it is as you do, and observe how it reacts to her. You guess it'll be similar to Belseth.

Hurry over to where Zela had set up to paint, see what she was painting in case it a surrealist piece that might contain a clue or insight, and you, Bri and the rest of the group help her pack up. Then you need to make a quick detour to the overgrown patch to hold the earth elemental to it, see how it reacts to the extremely strong magic there and decide what to do with it from there.

...Wait, where's Doxan? He's always shadowing Bri whenever she's out and about. You'd have expected him to throw himself in the way of Karas like Sisah did for you if he was here, or at least be curled up on the ground in despair. Is he off-duty right now?

And once you're back in the safety of the palace and have a moment alone, remember to hug Sisah and thank her for saving your life again. And don't let her tell you it's just the job she's paid for, because it's obvious by now she cares much more for your family than just the coin. She has your eternal gratitude. Hopefully she'll get both her and your wish for you not to be getting into harms way on a daily basis.

Kira should get a truly innocent person or two to remain in her presence for now, just to be safe in case the wards are breached. And Karas probably hasn't limited his actions to just around the palace, killing folk that have "wronged" him who are in the city. Everyone on the jury at his trial comes immediately to mind.

>>828539
A terrifying example of the level of mental manipulation power Karas has been given by the Nightmare. Twisting thoughts, warping them into utter despair and hopelessness, effectively removing a person's ability to decide for themselves. (And for that first post in the update, putting a feeling of total helplessness in us, the suggesters, or at least me. Goddammit, Kaktus, I'm still feeling a little weak and sick to my stomach from this.)

It also in no uncertain terms showed that going out into the un-warded garden was a goddamn monumentally stupid and dangerous idea that risked the lives of everyone in this group. And which would have resulted in the deaths of Kronos, Briannah, and probably everyone else here if not for the sheer fucking luck that Zela came over and her presence actually banished Karas. And it was all just to not be impolite to her. If she'd been forced to come into the palace, she would have almost certainly come along with the group to the royal crypt, which would have kept Karas at bay and this whole horrible encounter would have been avoided.
>>
No. 828769 ID: 91ee5f

>>828756
>Run towards Bri and leap up to embrace her tight, wrapping your legs around her middle, and break into tears. Blubber that you love her.
Normally, I'd be against an emotional breakdown in front of everyone. But these aren't normal circumstances, I'm pretty sure everyone here feels like breaking down right now, and if Kronos doesn't do it first, Bri will do it. So, yeah, leaping up and hugging Bri is supported!

>Then you need to make a quick detour to the overgrown patch to hold the earth elemental to it, see how it reacts to the extremely strong magic there and decide what to do with it from there.
Pretty sure after what happened, no one wants to stay out here any longer than necessary, so they're gonna refuse a detour that'll make them stay out here longer.

Speaking of the elemental, let's give it to Bri real quick. Don't want Karas to spread in her the same way Nerdfat was trying to take Kronos' arm!

>Kira should get a truly innocent person or two to remain in her presence for now, just to be safe in case the wards are breached.
Not entirely sure that can be accomplished in such a short notice!

>If she'd been forced to come into the palace, she would have almost certainly come along with the group to the royal crypt, which would have kept Karas at bay and this whole horrible encounter would have been avoided.
But if we did it that way, then we wouldn't have seen that our plan would work!

And if there was no proof, then everyone would have thoughts of doubt in their head by thinking, "Why is this painter here?" , "Is this really going to work?" , "This is stupid." , and other similar thoughts, which collectively would've been enough for Karas or some other Nightmare thing to show up anyways!

So now that it's been proven that Zela is a truly innocent person, there won't be any doubt in anyone's mind!

Also, let's be very thankful that she didn't need to be a virgin! Otherwise Kronos really would've literally fucked their chances at stopping this!
>>
No. 828823 ID: fe7355

Oh, and don't forget to recover your pistol from where you dropped it and check that it's still charged up.
>>
No. 829208 ID: 65a774
File 150497549167.png - (50.21KB , 686x526 , 39.png )
829208

>What the fuck just happened?
…Karas is gone, you’re still alive… and Zela is here?
>Drop the gun again and hug your wife. That was fucking terrifying.
Wasting no time, you rush over to Briannah and hug her tightly. It’s clear she’s still shaken from what happen as it takes some time before she even seem to notice that you’re there.

>It's... It was Zela's presence that drove Karas away. ...And you suddenly realize that she's done so before, when you collided with her outside that ally.
Then it is true… her mere presence will protect you. You must ask her to aid you!
>...Wait, where's Doxan?
You think that’s him picking himself up from the ground behind Briannah?
>Give the elemental to Bri real quick.
As you let go of your embrace, you pick up the reawakening elemental that Sisah dropped and hand it over to Briannah. She accepts it with shaking hands, still confused and traumatized by what just happened.

>Tell everyone here to get over to Zela, helping anyone who's still down near you up.
As you start to speak, Zela finally notices that you’re there…
:ZelaSB: P-Pr-Prince K-Kronos!? Oh gosh…
:KronosSB: Zela, we need to talk. Please come-
:ZelaSB: Eep!! INEEDTOGOBYE!

And with that the painter turns tail and flees into the underbrush. You can hear her fight through thick foliage followed by a rather loud thud.

:ZelaSB: Ow…

As Zela is running away, you can once again feel the darkness creep up on you… and a familiar whispering fills your ears…

:KarasSB: What happened!? Where did he go!? Just you wait, brother… I’ll find you again.
>>
No. 829214 ID: 8cb228

Scream, "ZELA, FREEZE, NOW! THAT'S AN ORDER!"
>>
No. 829216 ID: a633c6

Zela why are you running!
>>
No. 829241 ID: 3ce125

>>829208
ZELA COME BACK OR WE'RE ALL GOING TO DIE

Also we need to give a little first aid to Bri, she does have what looks to be a nasty cut.
>>
No. 829284 ID: 4161f0

Call out to Zela, "Are you hurt?! Please, just stay where you are! Don't get up! We'll come help you. Just do not move!" Avoid saying Zela's name in case Karas can hear you right now like you can hear him. You really do not want to risk him putting two and two together and leading to the Nightmare coming after Zela another way. You can say her name again once you're close by her.

Bri is going to be in really rough mental shape for awhile. She's had likely the most mental trauma in her past of anyone here, so Karas' despair power will have hit her extra hard. And he was shaped like something out of her nightmares of Krotos too, adding to her terror. She'll need you to guide her now, while she's still in mental shock, and your full support later to recover.

Take Bri's hand and do not let it go for anything. Ask her to focus on you and in a even voice say, "Bri, that was Karas. We need to go, now. Come with me and we'll be safe." Then move towards Zela with Bri in tow.

As you go, tell everyone else here, besides Sisah, to help each other up then follow you and Briannah. Ask Sisah if she is good to go, and if she can't then stop and help her.

And did Zela rush into the overgrown area over the Five's chamber? If she did then that'll make it easy to check how the elemental reacts to the intense magic there.
>>
No. 829294 ID: 4161f0

>>829284
Oh, and while you're shouting to Zela, rush over and pick your gun up, if you actually dropped it earlier.
>>
No. 829326 ID: 65a774
File 150500108011.png - (55.97KB , 686x526 , 40.png )
829326

>Are you hurt?! Please, just stay where you are! Don't get up! We'll come help you. Just do not move!
:ZelaSB: W-what!? N-n-no! Don’t come! J-just… oh gosh… j-just l-leave… please…
>Take Bri's hand and do not let it go for anything. Ask her to focus on you and in an even voice say…
:KronsSB: Bri, that was Karas. We need to go, now. Come with me and we'll be safe.
:BriannahSB: W-wha…?
>Tell everyone else here to help each other up then follow you and Briannah.
:XarrinSB: W-what j-just ‘appen?
:KronosSB: We were attacked. Everyone, get up and get moving, we need to move somewhere safe… even if Karas probably won’t waste time attacking random guards, but still… Sisah, are you ready to move?
:SisahSB: I’m o-on it, sir.
>We need to give a little first aid to Bri, she does have what looks to be a nasty cut.
:KronosSB: Sisah, can you do something for Bri here? That wound seems rather… um…
:SisahSB: I’ll have it h-healed like the tide.
:BriannahSB: I-it’s just a flesh wound…

Following Zela with Briannah and Sisah in tow, you soon find her and the source of that loud thud. Apparently, doors aren’t the only enemy of large posteriors.

:ZelaSB: Ack! D-don’t look! I’m… gah… oh gosh… t-this is so embarrassing…
:KronosSB: Zela, why are you running?
:ZelaSB: B-beacouse I screwed everything up! I’m sorry! I’m so s-sorry! I didn’t… I wasn’t… thinking! I wasn’t thinking! Everything went so wrong! You probably hate me now… oh gosh… your wife… you have a wife… and she… oh gosh… I hurt her…

>Did Zela rush into the overgrown area over the Five's chamber?
…she is… and speaking of the ankwark…

:BriannahSB: ACK!

The elemental is trying to desperately get out of Briannah’s grip…
>>
No. 829333 ID: 4854ef

Short of gaining inhumanly strength. She aint going anywhere. Mantis Butt definitely aint flexible enough to fit through that.
>>
No. 829351 ID: 24dd1a

What? Oh, she is alright with everything I'm doing!
>>
No. 829354 ID: 91ee5f

>>829326
Now that she's not going to run away, and it's only you, Bri, and Sisah, I think now is a good time to have that talk with her.

Just have her promise that she won't run away from you when you free her.....which might take a while, so talk to her while you try to free her.

After that, ask why she refused the Queen's summons? And then explain why the Queen was summoning her.

>The elemental is trying to desperately get out of Briannah’s grip…
Then let it go, I guess?
>>
No. 829355 ID: 3ce125

>>829351
Not true. She really did not like having to share a bed with Zela even if she didn't have to touch her.

>>829326
Tell her nothing is ruined. Mistakes were made, especially by yourself, and we can move past them, as we're all adults here. Right now the important thing is you need her help.
>elemental
Uhhh I guess you could try letting it go to see if it makes a tunnel to the crypt. It might try to eat the energy out of the corpses of the gods... do we want to let that happen, at this point? I feel like we should at least use some of it. ...maybe we can petition Life to allow you to temporarily use the river of souls to resurrect Krotos(since you have both his body and soul), and see if those who were driven mad by the nightmare are worth redeeming. And to make sure you and bri will have that child she wanted.
>>
No. 829380 ID: 24dd1a

>>829351
>>829355

Oh damn I misunderstood some history of the events. Never mind.
>>
No. 829422 ID: 6604ca

Dammit, seeing a lady in this kind of position is a bit of a fantasy for you, but after your encounter with Karas your libido is so cratered you can't enjoy it. Damn you, Karas!

Ask Bri to hold the elemental tight until Zela is free because you don't know if we'll need to run for it soon after it hits the ground. Ask Sisah if she can possibly cut one of these trees trapping the lady down. Failing that, Bri could possibly push the two trunks apart while Zela backs up to escape.

Move around to Zela's front to speak with her so she doesn't feel quite so embarrassed by you looking at her rear. Tell her that you don't hate her, she didn't screw up and she hasn't hurt anyone. Ask her why she thought all that, that she hurt Bri and screwed everything up. Because of everyone involved, the one that should be most held at fault is you, while Zela is innocent.

You're the one who invited Zela over to "finish things," not even thinking until it was too late that Bri would be there and she had told you she finds Hivers creepy. But your mind was so clouded with attraction it pushed such vital thought out. And you're the one who pushed things along much faster than they should have. Much faster than the lady deserves. She deserved a wonderful dinner date and music and all the best before she made love for the first time. But she ended up looking more the victim in a lustful prince story. It was not right.

You feel you do not deserve to ask her if she would deign to continue a relationship with you, and yet here you are. Would she want to go on with you and try to grow a proper relationship? One which has to include and account for Bri and your love for her.

Would Bri care to say anything now she has on her mind regarding you and Zela?

Then at the end of you and Bri's talk with Zela, tell Zela that there are dire matters that the queen needs to speak with her about. She needs to return to the palace ASAP to meet with Kira.
>>
No. 829428 ID: 91ee5f

>>829422
>Would she want to go on with you and try to grow a proper relationship? One which has to include and account for Bri and your love for her.
No!

The whole point of having this conversation with Zela, is so that Kronos and Bri can gently let her know that they can't be with Zela romantically, not have a love triangle and try to make it work!

However, they can ask if she'd still be willing to be their friend.
>>
No. 829498 ID: 6604ca

>>829428
I am not saying they should try for a love triangle because I know that's doomed because Bri can't stand Zela, removing one side of the triangle. But I don't think Kronos can just cut off all romantic contact with Zela either. Even Bri said that doing that would leave Zela feeling used when Kronos suggested it to her. So Kronos should give Zela a good romantic time for a bit before having a candid talk about their relationship and break up with her gently.
>>
No. 829522 ID: a633c6

If she isn't hearing anything you're saying, that probably means she's got demons and you should let the elemental deal with 'em.
>>
No. 829526 ID: 91ee5f

>>829498
>Even Bri said that doing that would leave Zela feeling used when Kronos suggested it to her.
Well hopefully Bri remembers she said that!

She's still pretty shaken up after what just happened and if she doesn't remember she said that, then she might get upset over Kronos saying he still wants to be romantic with a "creepy Hiver girl" and then she'll go back to thinking that Kronos doesn't actually love her all over again!
>>
No. 829721 ID: fe7355

>>829526
Alright, on second (or third) thought, Kronos shouldn't say he wants to grow a romantic relationship with Zela. At least, not yet. This is gonna take more talking between not just him and Zela, but Bri and both of them. Everyone needs to lay out what they each want, what they don't, and what they're afraid of with a relationship between Kronos and Zela. Because Bri is afraid of losing Kronos' love, even if she doesn't admit it easy, and balancing a romantic relationship with Zela so Bri doesn't start to feel she's losing Kronos is tricky.

But the big question is how much Kronos is doing just to please Zela so she doesn't feel hurt or used. Is he gonna keep going with the relationship Zela has dreamed of, even if he isn't feeling as much the same way towards her? And to the possible detriment of his relationship with Briannah?

And I think I may have poorly worded "one which has to include and account for Bri and your love for her" and it led to a misunderstanding on your part. I meant Kronos' love for Briannah, not for Zela, like I think you thought I did.
>>
No. 829854 ID: 91ee5f

I just thought of something.

Maybe we should get Zela unstuck before we let go of the elemental. Because I'm not sure if it'll make the trees start growing again or if it'll make the trees shrink away. And if it makes the trees start growing again, guess who's going to get squished between those trees when they start growing!

I mean, yeah, it's extremely unlikely that's going to happen, but I think we should get Zela unstuck first, juuust in case that does happen. We don't want her to accidentally get killed because we were careless!

>>829721
Ok, that makes more sense!

And yes, that's what I thought you thought what I was thinking you think I thought.....I think? I think I've confused myself! @__@
>>
No. 829863 ID: a633c6

Less talk, more sticking the Elemental on her. Demons are the one way she'd get these ideas after Bri was so okay with it, or at least seemed to be. She won't hear what you're saying as long as her judgement is so affected.

Hmm, since Tim was also possessed, does that mean he was also an innocent one that the demons were attempting to compromise too?
>>
No. 829864 ID: 91ee5f

>>829863
>Demons are the one way she'd get these ideas after Bri was so okay with it, or at least seemed to be. She won't hear what you're saying as long as her judgement is so affected.
If that was true, then Zela wouldn't have been able to make Karas disappear!

She's not under any sorta influence.
>>
No. 830130 ID: 65a774
File 150523728047.png - (30.34KB , 686x526 , 41.png )
830130

>Short of gaining inhumanly strength, she aint going anywhere. Mantis Butt definitely aint flexible enough to fit through that.
At least not a specimen with that kind of mass…

>Have her promise that she won't run away from you when you free her.
:ZelaSB: Ugh… even if I tried, I wouldn’t get far, would I? J-just get me out of here! …oh gosh… this is so embarrassing…
>Ask Sisah if she can possibly cut one of these trees trapping the lady down.
:SisahSB: …or we can just push her out the same way she went it?
:ZelaSB: Just get me unstuck already! Gosh… it’s starting to shaft… err…

With the combined strength of both you and Sisah you easily manage to dislodge Zela from the trees.

:ZelaSB: Finally… thank you, pr… pr… OH GOSH! I COMPLETELY FORGOT IT WAS YOU! I’M SORRY! Please, don’t be mad! Oh gosh… oh gosh… y-you’re probably furious with me…

>Ask why she refused the Queen's summons?
:ZelaSB: B-because I screwed up and w-wanted to be alone and n-not yelled and oh gosh and she would be some mad and you’re her little brother and oh gosh and I ruined everything?
>Tell her nothing is ruined. Mistakes were made, especially by yourself, and we can move past them, as we're all adults here.
:ZelaSB: A-are we? I… I don’t feel like an adult…
>She deserved a wonderful dinner date and music and all the best before she made love for the first time. But she ended up looking more the victim in a lustful prince story. It was not right.
:ZelaSB: Um… actually… I’m kind of… o-okay being a… um… a quick… um… thing… oh gosh…
:KronosSB: We need to lay out what each one of want, what we don’t and- wait, what did you say?
:ZelaSB: T-that I n-never really wanted anything m-more than to… um… you know… w-with you and… err… it was just a… um… fantasy and… oh gosh… I’m not really made to be a princess? …or the lover of a prince? I’m just me… Zela the painter? I mean, I want to do it more but… once is fine?
:KronosSB: …wait, so you’re fine with me… using you?
:ZelaSB: …oh gosh, I didn’t even… oh my gosh… that’s… that’s… that makes it even more exciting! I w-was used by the Prince! Oh gosh… it’s just l-like in my books… oh… gosh…
>Would Bri care to say anything now she has on her mind regarding you and Zela?
:BriannahSB: I guess if it was just a onetime thing…
:ZelaSB: S-so y-you’re not angry?
:BriannahSB: I’m furious... but mostly at myself. What yah did… hurt me but… I kind of needed that… as a wakeup call. So I can’t really blame yah, eh?
:ZelaSB: Um… okay? I guess?

>Right now the important thing is you need her help.
:ZelaSB: Eh!? My help!? I’m j-just a painter? W-why would the P-Prince need my help!?
:KronosSB: Well… you see-
:BriannahSB: OW!
>>
No. 830131 ID: 65a774
File 150523729004.png - (32.22KB , 686x526 , 42.png )
830131

>Let the elemental go, I guess?
Before you have the opportunity to decide, the elemental managed to escape Briannah’s grasp and jump down onto the ground. It doesn’t waste any time starting to dig straight down and within seconds its whole body disappears beneath the dirt.
>>
No. 830132 ID: 65a774
File 150523729852.png - (21.66KB , 686x526 , 43.png )
830132




…and you don’t think it’s coming back.

:ZelaSB: Wait… what was that thing? …and why do you need my help?
>>
No. 830139 ID: 3ce125

>>830132
Tell her there's some supernatural force powered by the sins of war, and she's completely unaffected by war so she's immune to it, and on top of it her very presence keeps the force away. We're mounting an expedition to strike at the source of it, so we need her to act as a kind of... safe zone for us. We will protect her while she protects us.

Also if the Elemental can just dig down to the crypt then... could we just dig straight down here? I think that was brought up before but if the elemental thinks it can make it, surely that means there's a passage here that doesn't involve solid rock.
>>
No. 830147 ID: 91ee5f

>>830130
>B-because I screwed up and w-wanted to be alone and n-not yelled and oh gosh and she would be some mad and you’re her little brother and oh gosh and I ruined everything?
We should let her know that nobody other than her, Kronos, Bri, and I guess Sisah, know about what happened that night.

We didn't even tell the Queen, which means that's not the reason she was calling for you, Zela.

>Zela's fine with it.
Oh.....well, just be thankful that Zela is so understanding, otherwise this would've been way more difficult.

>Eh!? My help!? I’m j-just a painter? W-why would the P-Prince need my help!?
Would it be easier to explain if-

>OW!

>>830131
>>830132
>…and you don’t think it’s coming back.
It's probably going for the source of whatever's making these trees grow so damn fast! It might even eat that too!

I'm pretty sure it'll show up again when you least expect it to. Whether it'll be bigger or the same size is still something that remains to be seen.

>Wait…what was that thing?
An elemental.

>…and why do you need my help?
Right, like I was saying, would it be easier to explain if Kronos told her now or should we wait until we bring Zela to Kira to explain?
>>
No. 830180 ID: a633c6

That was an elemental, born or spawned or whatever from the one that was in the royal gardens that passed on recently.

So, there are supernatural forces at work in the catacombs that are seeking to take over the nation, and their plans will come to fruition when the moons align tonight. Good news is, innocent people drive them away, as you just did to the attacker in the garden. So, we need you to accompany us into the catacombs so it can be dealt with. Everybody else has at one point 'done what needs to be done' at some point, with the war and so on, and we need to move quickly, otherwise I wouldn't be asking to put you in danger.
>>
No. 830280 ID: fe7355

Well, damn, you hope bringing the earth elemental here will have some great benefit to stopping the Nightmare in the near future, because with it gone you just lost the only way you knew to restore corrupted limbs or detect Nightmare corrupted persons. Best not to stick around in case the elemental is doing something delayed that you don't want to be in the area of effect of when it happens.

Walk and talk with Zela while y'all head back to where Xarrin, Doxan and the rest of your escort is. Once you regroup, swing around to pack up Zela's painting stuff, then start heading back to the palace.

To answer her first question, that thing was a new earth elemental, born a few days ago from the death of the old earth elemental of the palace garden, and the first elemental born in recorded history since the Second Age. This was possible because in the last few months the level of ambient magic in this area is much higher, closer to what it was in the previous age. And that is tangentially related to why you need her help.

Tell Zela that before you can explain things, she has to promise she will keep what you say secret. If she can then you can start with saying that it's because she's a truly innocent person, which means her mere presence drives away the power of the Nightmare and those turned by it. For that reason she's needed to protect a group that will traverse the Catacomb of the Godless to reach the crypt of the Five before their corpses are used in a ritual at midnight tonight to ascend to godhood which will be stolen by the Nightmare. This will plunge Risavia, the surrounding region, and who knows how much farther into a living hell of torment under a insane, vindictive god. And yes, that sounds like you either repeated the plot of a novel, you've gone crazy, possibly both, but it's true. There's enough proof that Queen Kira is acting on it, and why she sent that request for a meeting.

Continue the explanation to Zela by telling her that the Nightmare is a entity formed of souls trapped in the Catacombs of the Godless. Has she heard about the Catacombs under the Grand Temple, the garden and the palace? It's a shifting magical maze filled with traps and undead, built in the age of the Old Empire meant to trap and torment souls of the condemned to extract magical energy from them, now broken and leaking. The Nightmare preys on those who have sinned, or lack of a better term. It gets its claws into a person by their deep dark emotions, amplifying them, and through them influencing their behavior. That is why it has no effect on her; She has nothing for the Nightmare to gain a hold on.

Let Zela know that she's actually saved your life twice and she didn't know it. The first was when you literally ran into her last night. You were fleeing a Nightmare entity that had manifested in the alley, though at the time you thought it was only in your head. Her presence banished it and saved you. Does she remember what you asked her to draw? That is what you were running from.

The second time was just a few minutes ago, when she came to ask your group to not make so much noise. That racket was because you had been attacked by Karas. The Nightmare had been working on him for years by cultivating his fear and hatred of Sakkilians and finally turned him completely after the trial yesterday and now he looks like that drawing she made for you. If she had not come along, you'd be dead, along with Briannah, Doxan, Xarrin and probably Sisah too. You and they are all still alive thanks to her arrival.

>I mean, I want to do it more but… once is fine?
...Ask Bri how adamant she is on you bedding Zela being a "one time thing." What if it's not a regular thing and you gave her fair warning so she doesn't walk in on you two like last night, or if you two did it elsewhere than your bedroom?

>>830139
>Also if the Elemental can just dig down to the crypt then... could we just dig straight down here? I think that was brought up before but if the elemental thinks it can make it, surely that means there's a passage here that doesn't involve solid rock.
Elete did say that it took months to dig the tunnel to the chamber the Five's corpses are in from the Grand Temple, but they also had to do it on the down low which would have made it take longer. Without that restriction, digging a tunnel from the surface would be faster. The distance down from the surface to the chamber would also likely be much shorter than from the chamber to the Grand Temple. Even so, there's only scant hours left until midnight when the ascension ritual is to be performed, which almost certainly isn't enough time to excavate into the Five's chamber or the Temple tunnel even with every resource Queen Kira could bring to bear. And while the earth elemental could presumably dig a suitably big tunnel out in no time flat, we have no way to talk to it to ask it to do so.

Considering how long that chamber the Five's corpses are in has been here without collapsing or being detected, it's likely that its not only built of something stronger than stone but been magically reinforced and warded heavily, and possibly infused with the Rune of Eternity as well to prevent its decay. That means it'll most likely not be able to be broken through by a newborn earth elemental and the elemental will have to go in through any openings in the chamber.

Actually, there might be a old entrance from the Five's chamber to the surface that has been filled in because this chamber is mirrored with the royal crypt and the royal crypt has a surface entrance. That would be easier to dig into than just through the top of the chamber. Kronos should remember to ask Elete if the Five's chamber has signs of a blocked or caved in surface entrance. Still, even if it does there wouldn't be enough time to dig a tunnel down to it. ...But what if instead of shovels we use high explosives? Loads of 'em. Just start blasting the dirt over the chamber away. Maybe even blast above the Temple tunnel to collapse it. There'll be loads of consequences for pulling such a thing, and everyone will know we're coming, but if it could get down and into the Five's chamber and we're out of better options then it's still on the table.

Y'know, the way this earth elemental bee-lined for the chamber of the Five's corpses raises the question of why the old garden earth elemental didn't do the same in all its many years here. Or even just in the time since the Archbishop completed the tunnel and opened up the chamber. With all the magic that's been pulsing out from there in the past months, why didn't the old elemental dive right into it like this newborn elemental? Because it knew it shouldn't for some reason? ...Oh, I hope there isn't some bad shit the old elemental knew would happen if it broke into the Five's chamber or chowed down in their corpses and we haven't fucked up horribly by releasing the new elemental here.
>>
No. 830303 ID: 91ee5f

>>830280
>...Ask Bri how adamant she is on you bedding Zela being a "one time thing." What if it's not a regular thing and you gave her fair warning so she doesn't walk in on you two like last night, or if you two did it elsewhere than your bedroom?
Can we please stop trying to fuck Zela already? Once was enough, it's unhelpful to keep trying, and it's hurtful to Bri.

How would you feel if you asked your fiancé to stop sleeping with someone else, they promise not to, and then turn around and ask that same person you asked them not to see if they wanna sleep with them right in front of your face? Because that's what you're trying to do with Zela right in front of Bri's face.
>>
No. 830308 ID: 91ee5f

>>830303
Also, before we go charging in to fight the Nightmare, shouldn't we check out Belseth's hint? He kept talking about Kronos' mom's remains, so we should at least go look and see if he managed to leave something there for us.

Or did we already sent someone down there to check it out? I don't remember.

And hopefully Elete has had enough time to think about where she saw the Rune of Eternity before, so that she can tell us where she remembers seeing it.
>>
No. 830327 ID: fe7355

>>830303
Okay, I'll at least concede that now is not the time for Kronos to negotiate with Briannah for her permission to conditionally fuck Zela again and put it off to later. But earlier Bri did imply that Kronos could continute to have sex with those he's laid with in the last few days. (See >>/questarch/770761) But Bri did just say "I guess if it was just a one time thing," which is more explicit so it's what should be gone with until Kronos can speak with Bri later.

However, the big thing is that Bri and Kronos agreed back then that she and Kronos should share who they want to have sex with and get each others' permission to first. And Zela just said she doesn't want anything more than a non-romantic sexual relationship with Kronos, meaning Bri won't feel nearly as worried that she'll lose Kronos to Zela. But Kronos asking her about Zela should wait until after tonight since with things being what they are not everyone may live to see tomorrow.

>>830308
We should head back to the place first because Elete said to bring Zela back ASAP so that she could be tested for if she's considered innocent enough by the Five's standards. (See >>827848.) We want to be sure Zela passes muster before bringing her along. We also need to relay what happened out here, especially what Karas said, to Kira and Elete ASAP too.
>>
No. 830348 ID: 65a774
File 150533115830.png - (33.31KB , 686x526 , 44.png )
830348

>...Ask Bri how adamant she is on you bedding Zela being a "one time thing."
This is definitely not the time… besides, you’re not really in that much of a need to bed Zela… at all…
>Be thankful that Zela is so understanding, otherwise this would've been way more difficult.
You’re not sure if she’s understanding or just got what she wanted from the start?
>If the Elemental can just dig down to the crypt then... could we just dig straight down here?
Didn’t Elete say it would be impossible? It’s probably more than just dirt and stone standing in our way after all.
>...But what if instead of shovels we use high explosives? Loads of 'em.
…and where are we supposed to get that much explosives? We don’t have something like that lying around the palace for obvious reasons… or the capital, for that matter.
>I'm pretty sure the elemental show up again when you least expect it to.
…If this was a story, then yes… and it’s pretty much by this point… if a badly written one.


>Walk and talk with Zela while y'all head back to where Xarrin, Doxan and the rest of your escort is.
:ZelaSB: Err… just… d-don’t say anything… oh gosh… embarrassing in front of… um…
>We should let her know that nobody other than her, Kronos, Bri, and I guess Sisah, know about what happened that night.
:ZelaSB: Oh… that’s… t-that’s good…
>That was an elemental, born or spawned or whatever from the one that was in the royal gardens that passed on recently.
:ZelaSB: Wait, an elemental? Aren’t they going… um… extinct?
:KronosSB: Apparently the return of magic means that they are coming back.
:ZelaSB: Oh… neat… um… so… err… is there a… water… one? I’ve heard that they are supposed to be… um… pretty and… oh gosh… paint… one?

>Tell her about the nightmare.
:ZelaSB: …w-what?
:KronosSB: yes, that sounds like I either repeated the plot of a novel, I've gone crazy or possibly both, but it's true.
:ZelaSB: …but that’s… I don’t… those things aren’t supposed to… but…
:SisahSB: A lot of things aren’t supposed to happen… yet here we are…
>We're mounting an expedition to strike at the source of it, so we need her to act as a kind of... safe zone for us. We will protect her while she protects us.
:ZelaSB: W-what!? How… I can’t… but… I’m not… how am I supposed to...!?
:KronosSB: Your… innocent drives them away. They can’t get a foothold in the reality you live in… so they can’t attack when you’re near.
:ZelaSB: But… that’s… um…
>Let Zela know that she's actually saved your life twice and she didn't know it. The first was when you literally ran into her last night.
:ZelaSB: Eh? I mean… I guess you were a bit frighten when you… um… so you really… but I… err…
>The second time was just a few minutes ago, when she came to ask your group to not make so much noise.
:ZelaSB: Oh gosh… y-you mean… I saved everyone there? I… I don’t think… um…
:XarrinSB: Sir! Everyone is accounted for and unharmed… um… sadly we weren’t in any state to follow you on such a short notice but… things seem to have worked out?
:ZelaSB: Oh gosh… this is just to much…

>Once you regroup, swing around to pack up Zela's painting stuff, then start heading back to the palace.
You have some of the guards pick up her stuff… gently. It wasn’t much, just a half finished painting of the pond and a few brushes and stuff…
>Shouldn't we check out Belseth's hint?
It might be prudent to do so while already here… the crypt isn’t that far from here after all. Still, you’ll probably enter the crypt later anyway… but then it might be too late?
>We should head back to the place first because Elete said to bring Zela back ASAP so that she could be tested for if she's considered innocent enough by the Five's standards.
She did tell you to hurry back… but you rather not run back and forth through the garden without reason… and you have a feeling something will come up if you go back the Elete now.

So… check on the crypt… or go back to the palace?
…and Zela seems rather distraught from everything you’ve just told her…
…and Briannah is still distraught from the attack…
…and Sisah seems nervous as well?
…well then…
>>
No. 830490 ID: 91ee5f

>>830348
Let's just go back to Elete. With everyone in their current emotional state of mind, I don't think going into the crypt will be a good idea.

Besides, your sister is very efficient when it comes to managing multiple tasks. So since you told her that you were going to go get Zela, she probably already sent someone down to the crypt to check out whatever Belseth might've been talking about, in order to save time and not just sit around and wait for you to come back with Zela.

In fact, the same thing would've happened if you had gone to the crypt. Your sister would've sent someone to get Zela, while waiting for you to come back.
>>
No. 830504 ID: 3ce125

>>830348
Talk to Sisah, ask if she noticed anything of note. Tell her you're really impressed that she managed to stand up to him while under the grip of that aura of despair. Then comfort your wife.
>>
No. 830543 ID: fe7355

You shouldn't go to the royal crypt right now for at least two reasons. First, based on what Karas said, is that it's very likely the Nightmare already knows about Belseth's plans there. If it has a lick of sense, it will be blocking Bel's actions and have either negated or subverted his plan there. Could be by waylaying the person Bel sends to the royal crypt, could be by altering or removing what Bel has set up there for you. And it's a near certainty that the Nightmare will lay a trap or ambush for you there too. Bottom line, if there's anything there in the royal crypt, you can't trust that the Nightmare's people haven't tampered with or altered it.

You'll need to send in scouts first, the sneaky kind like Cain or Doxan, to search the place and then examine what has been left there and report back what it is before you set foot down there. There's also the matter of the old Priest's Way from the royal crypt to the Grand Temple. That'll have to be blocked off while they're down there so nobody or nothing can come up from the Grand Temple to get at you. Jam the door closed, fuse the hinges, whatever. Just make sure nothing can slip in from the Grand Temple.

Second reason to not go into the royal crypt right now is that your entire group is seriously emotionally shaken. When facing the Nightmare, emotional state is very important because a bad one can amplify its powers and draw its agents and monsters. All of you need a bit of time to recover, talk and get your thoughts together. It could mean the difference between Sisah standing up to Karas and saving your life or breaking down completely. Head back into the palace and get some soothing tea for everyone, including your guards. That is, after y'all meet with Kira and Elete and share what happened out here so everyone is up to speed. You should speak with Bri, Zela and Sisah alone too, since they seem in bad shape.

Tell Sisah she looks unnerved, which is to be expected after what happened here with Karas, and ask her what she's nervous about.

Hug Briannah and comfort her. Tell her you love her and that we'll get through this together and then ask her what she's thinking.

For Zela, sit by her side with a cup of tea and ask her what she's feeling and thinking after getting all this heavy stuff dropped on her.

And take the guards that came out here off duty and tell them to go relax and recover. You'll get another, fresh, group of guards to head out with you next time.

Another possible reason to not go into the royal crypt now is that whatever Belseth was planning to set up isn't there yet, and he didn't give any hints as to when to go. Just how long has it been since he headed back to the Grand Temple?

It's fair odds that you'll need to enter the royal crypt to get down into the Catacombs. Elete said the Five's crypt chamber has a entrance to the Catacombs, so it's make sense the royal crypt, being mirrored with the Five's crypt across the garden, would have had a entrance to the Catacombs too. Remember to ask Elete where the Catacombs entrance in the Five's crypt is, then compare that to the royal crypt's layout.

Oh, and also get someone to watch the entrance to the royal crypt from the palace for anyone entering or leaving, especially ones from the Grand Temple. They may be whoever Belseth sent to set up things for you.

>>830490
>In fact, the same thing would've happened if you had gone to the crypt. Your sister would've sent someone to get Zela, while waiting for you to come back.
Which would have been worse because the royal guards would have forced Zela to come with them, terrifying the poor gal.
>>
No. 830547 ID: 91ee5f

Wait, wasn't there a bunch of toxic fungi down in the crypt that almost killed you?

Didn't someone mentioned that they cleared out the toxic fungi or has that not been done yet? Because if that hasn't been done yet, then that's another reason to not go to the crypt.
>>
No. 830561 ID: 65a774
File 150542697523.png - (58.59KB , 686x526 , 45.png )
830561

>There's also the matter of the old Priest's Way from the royal crypt to the Grand Temple. Jam the door closed, fuse the hinges, whatever. Just make sure nothing can slip in from the Grand Temple.
…wait, wasn’t there a way down to the catacombs or something in there according to the map you found? …or are you just misremembering? You’re pretty sure you asked Doxan to check it out but he didn’t find anything… hmm…
>Wait, wasn't there a bunch of toxic fungi down in the crypt that almost killed you?
That could be cleared out by now.

>Let's just go back to Elete. With everyone in their current emotional state of mind, I don't think going into the crypt will be a good idea.
As you return to the palace, you’re met by Elete waiting near the gate to the gardens.
:EleteSB: So you found her? Good. I need to do some test on her immediately.
:ZelaSB: …w-wait, tests?
:KronosSB: Where is Kira?
:EleteSB: She’s busy holding a meeting… Thalia is there as well. So unless you have something very important, I’d advise you leave her alone for now.
:ZelaSB: What tests?
:EleteSB: Now, if you’ll excuse us…
:KronosSB: Wait just a moment, I have something I need to talk about… to both of you.
:EleteSB: If you must… but do hurry. These test will take a while and I want to finish up as soon as possible.
:ZelaSB: What tests!?
>>
No. 830562 ID: 65a774
File 150542699293.png - (59.81KB , 686x526 , 46.png )
830562

>Get some soothing tea for everyone, including your guards.
You ask some servants to get tea for everyone and soon enough most of you are enjoying a calming cup of tanna.
:EleteSB: Did something happen out there?
:KronosSB: We were attacked. By Karas. He appeared in some kind of nightmarish form… but Zela’s mere presence drove him away.
:EleteSB: Really? Hmm…
>For Zela, sit by her side with a cup of tea and ask her what she's feeling and thinking after getting all this heavy stuff dropped on her.
:ZelaSB: Oh? Um… it’s just… I don’t… know? I’m not sure what to think… or believe… or… oh gosh… it’s like a dream, you know? It doesn’t feel real…

>Kira probably already sent someone down to the crypt to check out whatever Belseth might've been talking about, in order to save time and not just sit around and wait for you to come back with Zela.
:EleteSB: Ah, yes, before I forget, Kira did send someone down into the crypt. They found a smalls stash prepared down there… but it was mostly just incense and things used as offerings to the dead. There was this note though…
:KronosSB: Let me see… 5: 16… 3: 42?
:EleteSB: It’s psalm numbers… to tell you what psalms you’re supposed to sing, I guess?
:KronosSB: Wait, there’s more… it’s faint but… crypt… towards temple… 50 steps… right… way down?
:EleteSB: Hmm… secret instructions?
>>
No. 830563 ID: 65a774
File 150542700157.png - (41.92KB , 686x526 , 47.png )
830563

>Tell Sisah she looks unnerved, which is to be expected after what happened here with Karas, and ask her what she's nervous about.
:SisahSB: Unnerved? No… but I’m a bit skeptical about my shields power… I used up a bit much protecting you from Karas… an unnecessary amount…
:KronosSB: If you hadn’t…
:SisahSB: Still… right now it will probably just hold against two or three strong blows before giving out… and seeing as we’re heading towards danger before I can recharge it…
>Tell her you're really impressed that she managed to stand up to him while under the grip of that aura of despair.
:SisahSB: I’ve already failed to many others… I will not fail you, sir.

>Hug Briannah and comfort her. Tell her you love her and that we'll get through this together.
:BriannahSB: I love yah too, ‘un…
>Ask her what she's thinking.
:BriannahSB: Just thinking of all the cock I’m craving right now. Maybe we should invite someone to relax a bit before the big fight later, eh?
:KronosSB:
:BriannahSB: Don’t look at me like that.
:KronosSB: Bri, didn’t you learn anything from the Zela accident?
:BriannahSB: Sure… but I can’t just change who I am in my mind just like that, can I? While I can refrain from being with someone else and yah can do the same, I can’t really stop myself from imagining Sisah filling yah with ‘er eggs again, can I?
:KronosSB: Bri…
:BriannahSB: Or the two of us worshiping Thalia’s big fat cock together, eh?
:KronosSB: Please…
:BriannahSB: Hmm… maybe we can make it interesting… like… the three barbarian queens managed to capture the spoiled prince and teaches him a lesson…
:KronosSB: Briannah…
:BriannahSB: With cocks.
:KronosSB: Just stop.
:BriannahSB: I’m just saying, a threesome isn’t of the table if we both agree on the third wheel, eh?
:KronosSB: You know, you actually had me worried for a bit…
:BriannahSB: Or maybe I’m just hiding my fears behind perversion again?
:KronosSB: What was that?
:BriannahSB: Cocks?
>>
No. 830591 ID: a633c6

>Good. I need to do some test on her immediately.
Forget tests, I've seen her in the field. She'll do wonderfully.
> Cocks?
Yeah I heard. You even went into detail. What was the other thing.

Bri, Xuv is gone and that means the fear she was blocking out is back. And I know removing the dream demon thing only stopped it from magnifying your fears to the breaking point. We're both going to have to deal with our issues the old fashioned way, and maybe having the kind of sex that makes god-fearing folk bray for excommunications and disownment isn't a good idea?

That said blowing off some steam sounds good right about now, and I wouldn't want anybody else to do it with.
>>
No. 830594 ID: 3ce125

Do we have time for some lovemaking? Like, some actual lovemaking, not fucking.
>>
No. 830598 ID: 8cb228

Love. You should know. Xuv's gone, and so is the artificial block on my fear, among other things. So... we're going to have to deal with our issues the old fashioned way, through hard work and cleverness. I don't know what we should do to start. Maybe something to get me used to your toothy grin? Associate that with a good thing in my head, and 'flip' the fear into something positive?
>>
No. 830601 ID: 91ee5f

>>830562
>Let me see… 5: 16… 3: 42?
>It’s psalm numbers…to tell you what psalms you’re supposed to sing, I guess?
Well, look those up in one of the holy books that's around here somewhere. I wouldn't be surprised if whatever those are, Belseth picked them out specifically because they give you another hint on how to beat the Nightmare.

Yeah, they could just be psalms and have nothing to do with beating the Nightmare, but you should check, just in case there is a hint of some kind.

>Wait, there’s more…it’s faint but…crypt…towards temple…50 steps…right…way down?
It sounds like Belseth is telling you to go to the crypt and then go to the hallway that leads to the temple. Then, starting at the beginning of that hallway, walk 50 steps forward and stop. Then, turn to the right and there should be a way down right there.

>>830563
>Or maybe I’m just hiding my fears behind perversion again?
I think it's about time we all talked about our fears. No more hiding them or anything. We'll all probably feel better if we do.

>>830591
>>830594
>Sex.
I'm not entirely sure now is an appropriate time for that. I'm not sure if we even have enough time to do it properly.
>>
No. 830668 ID: fe7355

Take Briannah's hands in yours. "Bri, I heard what you said, about hiding your fears behind perversion. Did you say that because you wish you didn't feel you had to do that? That you had another coping mechanism besides that one? Would you be up to us going somewhere private and trying to tell me what you're fearful of? And we can make it mutual. I'll tell you my fears too. But if it's way more than you can stand to face now, I'd be okay with just sex this time."

For whichever reason you get in private with Bri, you need to tell her what Xuv did to bury your fear of Sakkilians and that it's back now. "Bri, there's something I need to tell you. My deep seated phobia of Sakkilians, I didn't overcome it as much as you thought I did. Xuv suppressed it so that my love for you could flow free. She said my love would have overcome eventually, she just sped things up for her own purposes. ...And now that Xuv is no more, her suppression of my fear is gone. That was why when I went in to kiss you after Xuv was dealt with, I faltered. My love for you is still there, strong and unbroken, but this fear of mine has twisting roots that run twenty years deep. It will take time and effort, and the help of my true love, to dig them out."

One way you can start to work to overcome your fear is by trying over and over to kiss Briannah, or having her try to kiss you. Try closing your eyes and feeling your way to see if that helps.

One issue with your resurgent phobia of Sakkilians is that you might not be able to stand having one join you and Bri in a threesome or more-some. Your love for Briannah would be enough to keep your fear in check during sex, but with another Sakkilian it wouldn't. So, Xarrin or Doxan would be a problem, but Belseth maybe not so much.

You ought to write down a summary of what happened with Karas, especially his powers and what he ran his mouth on about, and Zela and send it to Kira and Thalia. Suffice to say, any frontal assault on the Grand Temple when Karas or any other Nightmare agent with similar power are about will end in a slaughter for our side.

Also consider having Tim woken up and briefed on the situation so he can lend his help. Though, considering how little sleep he's gotten, even with the Nightmare's influence gone he's not gonna be in good shape for the coming confrontation. But at this point, we need every mage we have on deck.

Getting armor for Zela would also be a sensible idea, since she's gonna be vital to success here and she's also a physically big target. There probably isn't any Hiver armor in the armory, but maybe some was kept as war trophies. Something like pre-charged one- or limited-use magic shielding runes would also be a good idea to attach to her, if available. Same for you and Briannah and Sisah.

>Let me see… 5: 16… 3: 42?
>It’s psalm numbers… to tell you what psalms you’re supposed to sing, I guess?
Could be more hints like the one Belseth slipped to you earlier. Alternatively, they could be directions through the Catacombs to the Five's crypt chamber. Every intersection in the Catacombs has a plaque with a saying or scripture on it, so follow the ones that match the psalms. Either way, look up what the psalms are.

>Wait, there’s more… it’s faint but… crypt… towards temple… 50 steps… right… way down?
Sounds like directions to the secret way into the Catacombs from the royal crypt. But where do those fifty steps start from? The exact middle of the crypt? The surface entrance to the crypt? The crypt end of the Priest's Way tunnel from the Grand Temple? The small stash Bel left?

The Catacomb entrance is most likely along the Priest's Way tunnel, but if it's beyond the door Doxan busted the lock on that means there'll be a clear view from the Grand Temple side towards anyone opening that door. And a clear view means a clear shot, if those in the temple believe that they are so close to total victory they have to defend from any intruders so matter who.

Anyway, Doxan should be shadowing Bri right now, so ask him to step out of the shadows for a minute so you can ask him about these directions. What does he remember on the right side of the tunnel going towards the Grand Temple around fifty steps in, and is that point past the door he broke the lock on?
>>
No. 830788 ID: 8c51fa

>>830563
>Sure… but I can’t just change who I am in my mind just like that, can I?
Well, whenever that change happens, let's hope it doesn't mean giving up kinky sex games. But I don't think we have time for anything interesting right now. Still, that just means we've got plenty to look forward to while we're planning our victory celebration, right?

That said, there's something we need to talk about. Kronos had a deep-seated fear of sakkilians because of his childhood trauma, and when we first spoke to Xuv she said she was magically suppressing his fear to make sure he and Briannah got together. Now that Xuv is gone, it seems that his phobia is returning too. That doesn't make our love any less true; we've seen the kind of person Briannah really is, we know we can trust her, and we know we want to spend our life with her, no matter what Xuv was doing. But now that Xuv's influence is gone, Kronos will have to overcome his fears for real.

Now, what does Briannah really have on her mind?
>>
No. 830889 ID: 65a774
File 150558722046.png - (25.85KB , 686x526 , 48.png )
830889

>Well, look up those psalms in one of the holy books that's around here somewhere.
They are seemingly just random psalms… maybe they aren’t important?
>They could be directions through the Catacombs to the Five's crypt chamber. Every intersection in the Catacombs has a plaque with a saying or scripture on it, so follow the ones that match the psalms.
…or maybe the numbers in themselves are what’s important… hmm…
>It sounds like Belseth is telling you to go to the crypt and then go to the hallway that leads to the temple. Then, starting at the beginning of that hallway, walk 50 steps forward and stop. Then, turn to the right and there should be a way down right there.
It’s possible… but Doxan didn’t find anything down there, did he? Maybe he wasn’t able to look closely enough? It’s worth a try, you suppose… after all, the map showed a secret entrance somewhere near there, didn’t it?


>Yeah I heard. You even went into detail. What was the other thing.
:BriannahSB: That I want grow a cock just so I can fuck ye cute behind?
:KronosSB: …no, the other other thing…
:BriannahSB: That I want us to worship Thalia’s c-
:KronosSB: Bri… *Sigh*… I heard what you said, about hiding your fears behind perversion. Did you say that because you wish you didn't feel you had to do that? That you had another coping mechanism besides that one?
:BriannahSB: E-eh!? I mean… um… I’m…. kind of? I mean… I do love perversion… it’s just… eh… I don’t ‘now ‘ow to do it otherwise?

>Bri, Xuv is gone and that means the fear she was blocking out is back. And I know removing the dream demon thing only stopped it from magnifying your fears to the breaking point.
:BriannahSB: So… yah’re afraid of me again?
:KronosSB: I’m more afraid of your teeth than you. I’ve had… bad experiences with teeth like that…
:BriannahSB: Hrnn… so what now then, eh?
:KronosSB: Maybe something to get me used to your toothy grin? Associate that with a good thing in my head, and 'flip' the fear into something positive?
:BriannahSB: So yah want to rail my big arse while I smile at yah? I can do that… hmm… maybe we can ‘ave Sisah lay ‘er eggs in yah at the same time to maximize the pleasure, eh?
:KronosSB: Maybe having the kind of sex that makes god-fearing folk bray for excommunications and disownment isn't a good idea?
:BriannahSB: Well… if yah just want to breed me then… why, yah don’t like some kink in bed?
:KronosSB: Just… not right now. It’s a bit much… take it a bit slow and all that, right? Still, that just means we've got plenty to look forward to while we're planning our victory celebration, right?
:BriannahSB:
:KronosSB: …what’s wrong?
:BriannahSB: T-that’s the thing… I got this uneasy feeling about all this.
:KronosSB: …you don’t think we’ll make it out?
:BriannahSB: …I’ve experience battle before. Even if we walk out of there alive, there’s bound to be wounds with us. Both physical and mental. We won’t be the same people that walk in when we get out… and I’m a bit nervous of that…
:KronosSB: Hey, don’t worry… I’ll protect you.
:BriannahSB: Heh… that’s my job, love.

>One way you can start to work to overcome your fear is by trying over and over to kiss Briannah.
Having Briannah bend down a bit, you managed to plant a kiss on her snout without any real problem.
:BriannahSB: Well, that wasn’t that hard, was it?
:KronosSB: Now give me a big grin…
But as soon as those teeth came out…
:BriannahSB: …are you al- mff…
…yet you manage to force yourself close… and as your tongues dances together those teeth suddenly seem so far away… at least until you see them again when you disengage from each other.

>Do we have time for some lovemaking? Like, some actual lovemaking, not fucking.
:BriannahSB: What? Isn’t lovemaking when yah fuck each other real good, eh?
:KronosSB: Bri, we’ve already been through this…
:BriannahSB: Yes, yes, I’m just teasing… hmm… well, if yah actually want to take ye time then... I don’t know ‘ow many ‘ours we really ‘ave to spare.
:ThaliaSB: Several, apparently. We’re not moving out until about eight.
:KronosSB: Thalia!? How long have y-you been here!?
:ThaliaSB: Since just now? I just heard General Briannah ask how much time we had as we entered.

:ThaliaSB: Either way, the Queen has tasked me to gather a small force to infiltrate the temple with… and escort you down there, Prince. On that note, I am guessing you want to help protect him, General?
:BriannahSB: Of course.
:KronosSB: A small force?
:ThaliaSB: The Queen will send a larger force through the main entrance… to act like a distraction, if you will.
>You ought to tell Thalia of what happened with Karas, especially his powers and what he ran his mouth on about, and Zela.
:ThaliaSB: Hmm… so Zela was effective at keeping it at bay? Then she’ll be needed as well.
>Any frontal assault on the Grand Temple when Karas or any other Nightmare agent with similar power are about will end in a slaughter for our side.
:ThaliaSB: Except we already know their weakness? Without their powers they are just a bunch of priests… whom will be easy picking for trained soldiers.
:KronosSB: But where will you find a bunch of innocent people?
:ThaliaSB: There is a ton of servants and other workers around here. While we can test them as thoroughly as Elete wants to, we can simple bring a large enough number to make the chances that we aren’t protected near nil.

:ThaliaSB: So… you have some hours to prepare… and make sure to eat some dinner before we head down as well. Oh, and do try not to squander this time on something meaningless, alright?
:BriannahSB: …heh…
:KronosSB:
>>
No. 830901 ID: 91ee5f

>>830889
>…or maybe the numbers in themselves are what’s important…hmm…
Well, when you put it like that, normally when you write down psalms, you don't put a space between the colon and the number. So instead of writing them normally like "5:16" and "3:42", Belseth wrote them down with a space in between the colon and the number like "5: 16" and "3: 42".

So maybe, if you combine the numbers with the faint message of "crypt…towards temple…50 steps…right…way down", you'll get better directions?

That would make it, "crypt 5 , towards temple 16 , 50 steps , right 3 , way down 42". I'm.....not sure about that???

Or maybe the numbers are supposed to be combined to tell you when the Nightmare is planning to do the ritual? So combining the numbers gives you "8: 58" and that's supposed to be the time the ritual is going to start. If that's true, then if you're not going to move out until about 8:00, then you're only giving yourselves 58 minutes to get down there and stop the Nightmare! .....although.....maybe that's not what Belseth is trying to tell you either???

ARRRGH!!!!! I don't know! I'm so confused!

Belseth, I understand that you needed to make a secret message because the Nightmare is holding you hostage and you don't want it to find out what the message is, but did you have to make your secret message so hard to decode?! If you make it too hard for the guy you want to decode it, they ain't gonna figure it out in time to save you!

Then again, maybe the secret message is stupidly easy to decode and Kronos is making us doubt our previous solutions by thinking, "…or maybe the numbers in themselves are what’s important…hmm…"? And if that is the reason, then damnit Kronos! Stop confusing us!

>after all, the map showed a secret entrance somewhere near there, didn’t it?
Let's just check the map and see if any of these directions will work.

>Oh, and do try not to squander this time on something meaningless, alright?
What time is it now, anyways?
>>
No. 830910 ID: 3ce125

Well, you have some time to comfort your wife alongside doing things like checking those psalms and seeing if you can recruit Tim, and finding out where Cain went.
>>
No. 830911 ID: 3ce125

Wait where's Briannah's bodyguard anyway?
>>
No. 830912 ID: fe7355

>>830901
>Or maybe the numbers are supposed to be combined to tell you when the Nightmare is planning to do the ritual?
We already reasonably know the time of the ritual. When Karas was running his mouth (>>828175) he let slip that the ritual will happen at midnight tonight, or at least culminate at midnight. Kronos can also check how close this is by looking up the exact time the twin moons "kiss" tonight. If it's at or near midnight, then Karas wasn't lying and wasn't lied to about the time.
>>
No. 830915 ID: ec506b

>you have some hours to prepare
So Sisah should have time to charge here shield?

>squander
Sooooo you, Bri, Thalia, Sisah, Zela and Doxan?
Or should we wait on that until afterwards when he have Bel as well?
>>
No. 830916 ID: 3ce125

>>830915
REMOVE ZELA
>>
No. 830919 ID: 91ee5f

>>830915
I don't think an orgy is the right answer.
>>
No. 830920 ID: 8cb228

>>830915
No orgy, orgy bad!
>>
No. 830923 ID: be0718

>>830915
No time like the present!
>>
No. 830927 ID: a633c6

Make love like it's your last chance, just the two of you.
>>
No. 831019 ID: fe7355

Offer to Thalia and everyone else you know who's either going to escort you or attack the Grand Temple to share dinner with you and Briannah. They can order anything they want (that can be prepared in the time we have.) And you'll let Doxan loose in the wine cellar to pick out a excellent vintage for us to drain. We don't know who will come back, or in what condition, so we may as well live it up while we can, for we may not get to enjoy it later.

Ask Thalia if she will be busy with preparations all the way through until eight. If not then suggest that she could take Doxan and finish what she was going to do with him last night, if she has enough time. She may not get another chance to, with what is about to happen. Though, there might be enough time later for her to discipline a certain arrogant prince into submission and have her way with him, depending on how things go.

As Thalia says, don't squander this time. You and Bri should go visit your father for a little bit. Show how well he and Opalhia are getting along to Bri, then give him a big hug, tell him you love him and you'll do him proud. After that, visit Kira for just a few minutes in private if she has the time to give her a close hug and tell her you love her and you'll do everything in your power to come back for. And if Briannah has any more letters of atonement to write or deliver, now would be the time for her to do that.

After dinner, you and Bri will make love. You'll kiss, lick and caress each other. You'll kiss each other passionately. You'll put your silver tongue and nimble fingers to work bringing her to screaming ecstasy. She'll put her masterful fellatio skills to work to help "flip" your fear of her teeth. She will use her tail with great skill on your bum, while you'll put a vibrating plug up hers. And you will breed her, hard, like she wants and needs you to, collapsing and cuddling in mutual post-coital bliss.

But that will not be all you and Bri do. In the time left before you have to clean up and gear up for the final fight you'll turn the sexual direction over to Bri to do whatever and as much she wishes so she'll feel satisfied. You've made love like you wanted, now you'll fuck like there's no tomorrow in as myriad ways as possible like Bri wants. She can open up her chest and use any and all of her sex toys and potions. Call in whoever she wishes from these people we know: Sisah, Doxan, and Thalia, assuming she isn't busy and agrees to come. You'll try anything she wants, within reason. And you have some ideas, though she doesn't have to use them. Like being tied at the wrists and dangling by them from her tail like a slab of meat as she's bent over, your waist pinned between her glorious ass and the wall as she pounds you into her. Or you being the filling of a sex sandwich with Sisah and Bri as the bread.

Tim needs as much sleep as he can get before the upcoming fight, so arrange for him to be woken up at seven 'o clock, brought dinner and briefed on the situation.

At some point share with Bri that while you're sad that your fear of Sakkilians is back after Xuv's destruction, you're far more relieved that your love for her stayed. You worried greatly that it could have been nothing but a fabrication by Xuv.

>That I want grow a cock just so I can fuck ye cute behind?
Oh, right, those temporary sex change potions Bri has. ...When you're in private, ask her if those are not supposed to be taken by anyone pregnant. You ask because if Xuv's blessing worked and you two conceived, there may be a slim chance it doesn't need Xuv's power to remain viable. Even though it's real long odds, Bri still shouldn't take any sex changing potions the few weeks it'll be until a pregnancy test will definitively say yes or no.

As for you, considering how important your "family jewels" are now that you're the only one left in your line who can sire a heir to the throne, you shouldn't risk taking potions that change your sex either. Just one that doesn't work quite right and fails to restore your genitals completely correctly or leaves you sterile, and that's the end of the royal bloodline. Once you have a heir and a spare, at the very least, then you can try experiencing what it feels like to be female. ...Which is really a let down because you were rather interested in trying that out sooner rather than later.

And related to this, don't engage in any sexual shenanigans that may risk your "royal jewels" getting damaged. You should also get a sturdy, padded, preferably temperature controlled codpiece to protect against any attacks or accidents. A mithril one to go along with your under-armor.

>…or maybe the numbers in themselves are what’s important… hmm…
It could be a hint that doesn't make sense unless in the context of the royal crypt. Something like the number of urns, or numbered shelves, or something else. But getting more folks to think about what Belseth hinted could mean would be a good idea. Ask Thalia if she read Belseth's note and has any ideas of what it means and where the secret Catacombs entrance is.

>While we can test them as thoroughly as Elete wants to, we can simple bring a large enough number to make the chances that we aren’t protected near nil.
There's one possible major problem with this plan: Seeing and hearing a bunch of untrained, ineffectual priests trying to defend the Grand Temple from a seemingly unwarranted assault and being cut down left and right by soldiers would be a traumatic event for a number of these innocents, rendering them no longer innocent. This would leave parts of our forces unprotected, open for the Nightmare and its followers to throw around its power. And the effect of which has a good chance of being traumatic to see to those still innocent innocents, making them not innocent. The result would be a cascade failure that leads to defeat and many deaths.

Thing is, you can't think of a good counter for this possible failure. We can't blindfold and earplug every member of the group of potentially innocent, could we? But you can't think of a better plan we could do in the time we have then bringing them along. Just being aware of the risk and knowing to pull back if the cascade starts happening will have to do.
>>
No. 831179 ID: 8c51fa

>>830889
>They are seemingly just random psalms… maybe they aren’t important?
We might as well note them down anyway, just in case. What context are they in? Do you think he could be referencing some other book?

Looks like we actually do have quite a bit of time to spare, so we'll have time to indulge Briannah after all. Before that, though, we should take care of practical matters. First, you and Bri should do an equipment check to make sure your weapons, armor, and other gear is in working condition. You'll want to bring plenty of spare ammo for your guns. Do you think you could get any more body armor on short notice? A neckbrace would help cover at least one of Bri's weak spots.

Speaking of protection, how long does it take Sisah to recharge? Also, do we look any different to her special magic vision?

We should also spend some time attending to whatever personal matters we have left to attend to. If there's anything you want to say to anyone, don't leave it unsaid. Do you think you'll want to write a note and hide it somewhere, just in case you don't make it back?

Once we've got the preparations out of the way... this would be a good time to try doing bondage play with Briannah, if you're interested. We know she's a trustworthy and heroic person who would never want to really hurt Kronos, and there's a good chance you'll be putting your life in her hands, so it would help you get comfortable with the idea. Besides, she enjoyed doing it your way, but the two of you haven't gotten around to doing it her way yet.

Don't do anything too hardcore, though; we wouldn't want to exhaust ourselves. We'll need to be fully awake and alert for the main event.
>>
No. 831211 ID: fe7355

On second thought, you ought to let Briannah take charge and do whatever she wants sex-wise here, going along with her rather than holding her back (within reason.) Engaging in sexual perversion is Bri's ingrained primary go-to, tried-and-true coping mechanism when she's afraid and stressed, and right now she's really stressed and afraid under her restrained exterior. It's not a healthy coping mechanism, but it's what she knows and knows to work, and you're not going to be able to build up a better one in the scant time left so just go with it. And besides, you still owe her for the whole Zela debacle, so this will make you two more even, if not totally so. So Bri can pull out all the stops, bringing in any combination she wants of Sisah, Doxan and Thalia, and you'll do as she wishes, just so long as all participants remain in decent shape for the coming battle.
>>
No. 831260 ID: 65a774
File 150575641677.png - (50.03KB , 686x526 , 49.png )
831260

>Belseth, I understand that you needed to make a secret message because the Nightmare is holding you hostage and you don't want it to find out what the message is, but did you have to make your secret message so hard to decode?!
Hmm... He does believe you're rather intelligent... so you're pretty sure at least he believes you can solve this. Maybe you're just missing a piece of the puzzle? Maybe if you follow the other instructions something will come up?
>Sooooo you, Bri, Thalia, Sisah, Zela and Doxan?
Didn't you just tell Bri not to get too kinky... and now you want to throw a giant orgy? By the five, brain, keep it consistent. Still… it is tempting all the sudden…
>don't exhaust yourself.
...which is exactly why you might not want to invite everyone over to plow the prince.

>What time is it now, anyways?
Um... it's about... three? Four? You're not sure... it’s way too late for lunch, too early for dinner, you guess?
>You and Bri should do an equipment check to make sure your weapons, armor, and other gear is in working condition.
Both armor and weapons are ready as they will ever be…

>There's one possible major problem with this plan: Seeing the guard massacre the priests might render them no longer innocent.
:ThaliaSB: We’re not going in to massacre them, we are going to subdue them. Besides, that’s not really what innocence is, at least according to the belief of the five. You’re innocent as long as you’re not doing ill things out of fear and hate… or any other reason for that matter.
>The ritual will happen at midnight tonight, or at least culminate at midnight.
:ThaliaSB: We have come to the assumption that it will happen at midnight, when the moon kiss... Karas mistake only strengthen that theory.
>Find out where Cain went.
:ThaliaSB: We haven’t seen head or tails of him, Prince.
>Wait where's Briannah's bodyguard anyway?
:BriannahSB: 'is right there, ‘iding in the shadows.
:DoxanSB: Sir?
>So Sisah should have time to charge here shield?
:SisahSB: It's powered by my personal mana. The only way to recharge it is to not use magic for a day.

>Offer to Thalia and everyone else you know who's going to escort you to share dinner with you and Briannah. They can order anything they want.
:ThaliaSB: Dinner? Hmm... I guess I can send someone out with invitations to those I plan to take on this escort mission.
:BriannahSB: So... the Prince, me, yah, Doxan, Sisah and Zela?
:ThaliaSB: And Tim and Xarrin. We need a mage and Xarrin has a lot of knowledge of the old empire that might be useful.
>You'll let Doxan loose in the wine cellar to pick out an excellent vintage for us to drain.
:DoxanSB: T-thank you, sir.
:ThaliaSB: ...are you... skeptical of our chances of success?
:KronosSB: I'm skeptical that everyone who goes in will come out the same. Just experience this will probably change us.
:ThaliaSB: ...true.

>Recruit Tim.
:ThaliaSB: I am indeed planning on bringing him, but he'll need all the sleep he can get before then. I'll wake him up to that dinner you promise.
:KronosSB: Hmm... And I do believe I know just what he wants to eat too...
>You and Bri should go visit your father for a little bit. Show how well he and Opalhia are getting along to Bri, then give him a big hug, tell him you love him and you'll do him proud.
:ThaliaSB: The King needs his rest, Kronos. He will notice that something is wrong pretty quickly and even if you don’t tell him, he will stress himself over it. Let him relax for once… instead, make sure you make it back to him instead.
>Visit Kira for just a few minutes in private if she has the time.
:ThaliaSB: She is very busy. You might get a moment with her before the operation begins, but no sooner than that.

>Ask Thalia if she will be busy with preparations all the way through until eight.
:ThaliaSB: I’ll be able to make time for the dinner… and I might be able to make some more time… why do you ask?
:BriannahSB: …*Grin*
:ThaliaSB: …please tell me that you aren’t… I said to make the best out of the time you were given, not to throw a freaking orgy!
:BriannahSB: ‘ey, I didn’t-
:ThaliaSB: I know how you think.
>There might be enough time later for her to discipline a certain arrogant prince into submission and have her way with him…
:KronosSB: If my love allows it, of course.
:BriannahSB: Heh… only if I get to join yah too…
:ThaliaSB: While both tempting and something you direly need, Prince, I don’t think this is the best time for such foolishness.
:BriannahSB: One word. Spit roast.
:ThaliaSB: …that’s two words… and wait, you mean you’ll drink one of those… hmm…
>Ask her if those are not supposed to be taken by anyone pregnant.
:BriannahSB: They just change my outside, love, my inside will still be the same.

:ThaliaSB: I still don’t think-
:BriannahSB: Just imagen, having two new devoted priests to worship ye great, big Cock… A pair of royalty willing to get on their knees for ye greatness, hmm?
:ThaliaSB: …I-I still… Um… t-that’s…
:BriannahSB: Or maybe yah want to punish the arrogant prince by filling ‘im with Serpens eggs before taking turns trying to fertilize them?
:ThaliaSB: … … …I’m n-not entirely c-convinced that… um… the Prince is e-even in on this anymore…
:BriannahSB: Why, love… maybe you can convince ‘er otherwise, eh?
:KronosSB: Err…
>>
No. 831265 ID: 3ce125

Looks like Sisah is planning on making use of Doxan.

Anyway, tell her you're not opposed to anything Bri just suggested. You're okay with butt stuff when it involves ladies. Or ovales which are close enough.
>>
No. 831276 ID: a633c6

For the love of god you know this shit's bad for you, but if you're going to ignore the majority and do it anyway I guess that's just who you are.
>>
No. 831277 ID: 3ce125

>>831276
What are you talking about?
>>
No. 831278 ID: a633c6

>>831277
Bri literally just said she's hiding her fear behind her perversion, that isn't a hook to start an orgy. Kronos shouldn't be doing things that will make him walk funny before a dungeon crawl anyway.
>>
No. 831283 ID: 91ee5f

>>831260
>Hmm...he does believe you're rather intelligent...so you're pretty sure at least he believes you can solve this.
Oh, good, now we can feel even worse if the simple message he wanted you to decode ends up being too hard for you and you fail to rescue him because he wrongly thought you're smarter than you actually are!

>Maybe you're just missing a piece of the puzzle? Maybe if you follow the other instructions something will come up?
Or maybe you can stop trying to figure it out by yourself? There's plenty of people here! Try asking them for help!

>By the five, brain, keep it consistent.
We did. You're the one that latched onto the idea of an orgy!

> ………I’m n-not entirely c-convinced that…um…the Prince is e-even in on this anymore…
She's right, Bri's going overboard with this. Let's tone it down a little.

>>831278
>Kronos shouldn't be doing things that will make him walk funny before a dungeon crawl anyway.
I agree.

And I also think that we should avoid anymore of those potions! Remember how last time Kronos couldn't focus on anything because he overdosed on one of those potions? Yeah, let's not have a repeat of that in enemy territory!
>>
No. 831306 ID: 3ce125

>>831278
It's how she deals with fear, sure. That doesn't mean it's bad for her. As for walking funny, well, that may be a good point, unless there's some way around it.

>>831283
>potions
She's not planning on taking a fertility potion, she's planning on taking a Dick Potion.
>>
No. 831308 ID: 91ee5f

>>831306
>She's not planning on taking a fertility potion, she's planning on taking a Dick Potion.
I know. I'm talking about Kronos himself. I'm saying he shouldn't take any potions, for the sake of not overdosing by accident again!
>>
No. 831330 ID: a633c6

>>831306
This swinging bullshit led Bri to a breakdown that filled her with self-loathing that nearly pushed her over the edge in a very literal way. It's fucking bad for her and it's bad for the relationship. The two of them were meant to have a frank conversation about it that hasn't happened yet, and Kronos doesn't have any dream magic to fall back on if we end up crossing some unspoken boundary again, so until then don't do it.

And what happened to not going along with Bri's ideas because they always end in disaster?
>>
No. 831331 ID: 3ce125

>>831330
Well we already basically agreed on having a threesome with Thalia but if you think a 1-on-1 thing would be better you should probably say so instead of just being bitter and hurtful.
>>
No. 831339 ID: a633c6

>>831331
Was saying swinging was terrible for both Bri and Kronos and that starting an orgy would be an awful idea somehow unclear?
>being bitter and hurtful.
Next say I'm wrong. Bri was on the verge of suicide, I'm not going to sugarcoat it when I say don't go down that path in the future.
>>
No. 831355 ID: 8cb228

I think it's bad for her in the long term, for sure. The question is, is using her go-to method bad for her in the short term? And would she need to do something tried and true, as it were, to be in top shape for the upcoming problems?

I mean, yea, she needs to get her perversion--and her emotional state of relationships-- to a healthy place, but that's something that would take months of therapy, wouldn't it?
>>
No. 831376 ID: a633c6

>>831355
Sex to manage tension doesn't have to, and shouldn't be, self destructive.
>>
No. 831378 ID: 3ce125

>>831376
How is it self-destructive then? Kronos and Briannah both like Thalia, and Kronos has had his butt filled already and liked it. You're acting like any threesome or perverted behavior would be inherently bad for her, but the sexual behavior itself isn't a problem. The problem is when it involves her or Kronos being uncomfortable with something and not speaking up about it.

How about a compromise: spitroast with Briannah in the middle.
>>
No. 831379 ID: 3ce125

Or, you know, now that we know we have a good amount of time, we could do the whole lovemaking thing instead and let Thalia join Sisah and Doxan.
>>
No. 831381 ID: a633c6

>>831378
How the hell does it make a difference who's pitching?
It was literally two updates ago Bri said maybe she was hiding her fear behind her perversion, and the update after that saying she just doesn't know anything else. If Bri has another 'epiphany' half as bad as the incident with Zela, we can't dream delve to salvage the situation again. If Kronos wants to show her lovemaking or what he wanted for their first time or whatever flowery crap, I haven't argued against that- but Kronos can't play with fire and put Bri's well-being on the line.
>>
No. 831382 ID: 91ee5f

>>831379
That should work. On the condition that Kronos makes sure the balcony doors are closed this time, so that he doesn't embarrass himself from someone hearing all of the things he's doing to Bri again!

And Thalia never did get around to what she was planning to do to Doxan, did she? Maybe now would be a good time for her to pick that back up? And I'm assuming whatever it was, it requires 3 people, since Bri was going to help her. So if she'd be willing to allow it, I'm sure Sisah could help her with whatever she was going to do to Doxan.
>>
No. 831391 ID: 8c51fa

>>831260
I think that... Kronos can't deny his own interest in the idea, and he could certainly use some discipline, but we'll have plenty of time for that after the dungeon crawl. We're working on limited time and this isn't something you want to rush into, or rush through. When we're under a little less pressure, Thalia will have time to plan what she wants to do to Kronos, and if anything happens during the trip she can take that into account.

Also, weren't we going to talk to Briannah about this sort of thing, to help her sort out her feelings on the matter so it doesn't go horribly wrong again? We kind of put that conversation on hold. She seemed pretty confident that doing it with Thalia wouldn't be a problem since it wouldn't get in the way of our relationship, but it wouldn't hurt for her to be sure.

I'm also concerned about whether this is what Bri really wants. Didn't she say something about wishing she had other ways to cope with stress besides sexual perversion? We know she has other hobbies; maybe we ought to do something else together to help her relax. Perhaps you could play a game of Regicide with her, or she could make a painting about how she feels.

Do you play music, Kronos? You could play a song for her while she paints your picture. I don't think she's done a lot of painting recently, besides that one time during your courtship. It would be a good way of relaxing before the final quest.

That's not to say that I'm opposed to kinky bondage sex in principle, as long as she's sure about it as well. But if she is then I think you should just keep it between the two of you the first time, to avoid wearing yourself out or getting in too deep too quickly.
>>
No. 831400 ID: 3ce125

>>831381
>How the hell does it make a difference who's pitching?
Because then Kronos isn't having sex with anyone but Briannah. Her emotional weakness involves him putting someone else above her. Again, you're not being helpful.
>>
No. 831402 ID: a633c6

>>831400
Did you actually read the quest? Bri seeing Kronos with Zela made Bri realize her promiscuity was hurting people and that's what caused her breakdown.

If you're recommending this course of action because you know it's a bad idea but want it anyway, go ahead, that's is well within Kronos' character. But don't try to twist and confuse the facts -or only respond to 1 sentence of an argument- to justify your position, it just muddies everything up.
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No. 831407 ID: 3ce125

>>831402
Okay, yes, she had a breakdown because she realized she had a history of just using people for sex. Now she's not doing that, and Thalia isn't going to take any offense.

I'm not making an effort to argue with you because I don't want to-- there really isn't any point in doing so. I'm trying to get you to make a real suggestion or at least clearly explain yourself. "Don't do anything perverted because she might get sad due to undiscovered emotional baggage" is the best summary I can think of for your position, is that close?
>>
No. 831408 ID: a633c6

>>831407
What do you mean she's not using people for sex anymore? What has she changed? She literally just said she doesn't know anything except what she's doing right now. If she's going to change, Kronos is going to have to show her another way.

Again, Was saying swinging was terrible for both Bri and Kronos, and that starting an orgy would be an awful idea somehow unclear?
>>
No. 831411 ID: 91ee5f

>>831407
>>831408
Could both of you please take this over to the disthread: http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questdis/res/92354.html ?
>>
No. 831417 ID: ec506b

>Me: Sooooo you, Bri, Thalia, Sisah, Zela and Doxan?
>orgy
>lots of nos
>orgy
>may happen anyway
YYEEEESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!
This is way I'm not allowed around kids
Remember to take one of each dick.
>>
No. 831427 ID: 35089a

Maybe we can also get Xarrin involved
More "fun"then your body has room for!
>>
No. 831440 ID: fe7355

Okay, stop right there. Kronos, what the fuck are you doing? Not but two minutes ago you were not in the mood for most of Bri's kinky shenanigans, wishing to make sweet love to her instead, only to pull a 180 and be down for being in a orgy directed by her. You can not keep capriciously flipping like this if you want anyone to take you seriously.

But besides that, while Bri's suggestions involving Thalia are enticing, you know giving in to Bri's unhealthy coping method will be bad for her and you in the end. She admitted sexual perversion is the only way to cope with her fears she really has, and that she wishes she had other ways than it. And with how much harm Bri has caused to others by using sexual perversion as her sole coping mechanism, it has to be a major source of her self-hatred. And that leads to her being even more sexually perverse as a means of self-destructive self-punishment. For her sake you can't just blindly go along with what she feels she needs or it'll just get worse. You need to be a check on her, and you need to help her work through this and build more coping methods. And you need to have a heart-to-heart talk with her now. Thalia said to not squander your time on something meaningless, so this is what you should use it for.

Tell Thalia that while you find your wife's suggestions enticing, you can't in good conscience take Thalia away from her duty as a general when we're approaching a battle that will decide the fate of Risavia and beyond. Who knows what may be overlooked if she's not there to notice and correct it. So unfortunately, you will not get to appreciate Thalia's mighty phallus this evening, but perhaps another day. Then ask Bri to come with you somewhere private to talk.

Why is Doxan blushing? And why is Sisah reaching behind him like that? Did she just grab his ass? No, she's reaching too high for that. Well, whatever. If she wants to get it on with Doxan, then that's between them to work out.
>>
No. 831540 ID: 8c51fa

>>831260
Let's put it this way. If Thalia manages to get everyone through this in one piece, the prince would be in on just about anything.
>>
No. 831788 ID: 65a774
File 150593247619.png - (44.66KB , 686x526 , 50.png )
831788

>Maybe you can stop trying to figure it out by yourself? There's plenty of people here! Try asking them for help!
You did read it aloud and no one else had any idea what it meant. Though, maybe it’s prudent to discuss it again before you venture down into the catacombs.
>Maybe we can also get Xarrin involved? More "fun" then your body has room for!
Xarrin isn’t even into men…
>Remember to take one of each dick.
…right, got to try all the exotic flavors…

>She's right, Bri's going overboard with this. Let's tone it down a little.
:KronosSB: Ugh… what am I doing? I’m letting my damn fantasies get the best of me again.
:BriannahSB: Kronos?
:ThaliaSB: As I said… I don’t believe the Prince is completely behind you.
:KronosSB: Bri… she’s right… we’re going a bit overboard with this. We need to take it a bit easy, you know. Especially so close to us going up to… whatever we’re going up against.
:BriannahSB: Aw… but I wanted to ‘ave some fun…
:KronosSB: We can have fun… later, after all this. Right now we need something else entirely… so unfortunately, I will not have the honor to appreciate Thalia’s mighty phallus this evening. Perhaps another day?
:BriannahSB: Heh…
:ThaliaSB: Hmm… maybe. But if we’re done here, I’ll take my leave… before the generals libido starts going out of control again.
:KronosSB: Wait, you never did get around to do that thing with Doxan, did you?
:ThaliaSB: …no, I did not. But I can do that after we’re done with this crisis. As a reward, if you will… now, if you’ll excuse me.
And with that, Thalia walks out the door… leaving you, Bri, Sisah and Doxan alone in the room.

>I'm also concerned about whether this is what Bri really wants. Didn't she say something about wishing she had other ways to cope with stress besides sexual perversion?
:BriannahSB: What I want is to fill that cute bum of ye with… err…
:KronosSB: *Glare*
:BriannahSB: …um… I mean… I want to be with yah and… I want us both to enjoy ourselves so…?
>We know she has other hobbies; maybe we ought to do something else together to help her relax.
:BriannahSB: Other ‘obbies?
:KronosSB: Like painting… or playing Regicide… or… or I don’t know… we can’t base our whole relationship on just having sex all the time!
:BriannahSB: Hrrn… I guess…
>Do you play music, Kronos? You could play a song for her while she paints your picture.
:BriannahSB: Yah can play music?
:KronosSB: I’m trained in the violin… I’m not very good, but I can play.
:BriannahSB: Then I’d love to ‘ear yah play… though, I’m in no mood to paint right now. Hmm… maybe we can play some board gamess? Something a bit more… easy going than Regicide. I want to relax my mind a bit… hmm… maybe something with four players?
>I also think that we should avoid anymore of those potions! At least until after this is all over.
:BriannahSB: Aw, come on… yah’re not fun at all…
>>
No. 831843 ID: 91ee5f

>>831788
>Though, maybe it’s prudent to discuss it again before you venture down into the catacombs.
But by then, it'll be too late! You should figure it out now instead of at the last minute!

Of course, you never did give an answer on my thought of combining the numbers and the faint message together to see if that'd work. But you got distracted by thoughts of sex, so I can see how you'd ignore me.

Anyways, if we combine them, then we get "crypt 5 , towards temple 16 , 50 steps , right 3 , way down 42". Yeah, I'm not sure it's right either, but hey, at least I'm trying!

>I want to relax my mind a bit…hmm…maybe something with four players?
That's probably a good idea. Maybe if you relax and not try to figure out Belseth's message for a while, the answer will come to you or you'll get another hint?

In fact, the answer might become so obvious, it'll hit you square in the beak so hard, you'll be thinking, "VARK!!! The answer is so obvious! Why didn't I think of it sooner?!"

..........so what 4 player games do you have?
>>
No. 831921 ID: a633c6

>Aw, come on… yah’re not fun at all…
Bri I don't want to offend, and I'm not saying that I'm somehow bitter, or even that it's your fault, but your ideas tend not to end well. I mean I'm not going pretend bringing that full guard detachment when you recommended otherwise saved me from some kind of deadly ambush, but Thalia really wasn't meeting in good faith there. I'm also not saying that I haven't made my share of mistakes either, but usually the trouble I get into is more disciplinary, and less imidiately causal. and less dire. That's including my kitchen escapades that made people fear anarchists were placing bombs in the palace. So please forgive me if I'm being overly cautious.

Does she have any ideas about the note? She's known Belseth longer than most anybody else here.

> maybe something with four players?
Oh you and your group activities. What about poker?
>>
No. 831923 ID: 3ce125

Poker sounds good. Or some kind of trivia game.
>>
No. 831941 ID: fe7355

We'd have to check the games cabinet in your apartment to see what's available, but off the top of your head we could play cards like you did with Tim, Sisah and Cain a few days ago. ...Man, it feels like ages since then. And thinking on it, if Tim hadn't read your fortune then things would have gone so differently, and likely for the better, primarily because you took that fortune as a sign to do Xuv's summoning ritual. And you have to wonder what your fortune would be now, and what Bri's would be. Perhaps you should ask Tim to read your fortunes after dinner.

Tell Bri that you aren't adverse to the kinks that she would like to do with you. There's a whole wide expanse of sexual experience she's had that you would like to explore and share together with her. But, you want to pace it out, not rush to do it all ASAP. We have our whole lives ahead of us together, so no hurry.

Though, complicating things sex-wise with Bri is your feelings about how she uses sex as her primary means of coping. It feels like she reaches for sex like your alcoholic father reached for booze. It leaves you feeling kinda like if you sat down with your dad to share all the different kinds of drinks he's had until you're both drunk. It just sits kinda wrong in your mind. That's partly why you don't think it's good to have sex every time she wants and in every way she wants. And that you believe that once she can't just reach for the easy way of sex all the time that she'll find other ways.

Get out your violin as well and play a couple practice pieces to get back into the groove. Does Bri have any requests for what to play that you might know? Maybe you could try playing your mutual song. The one from the night you first made love. ...And that reminds you: Ask Bri what that song is from and why she said it's ironic. ...Keep this to yourself, but you have a feeling that the irony might be because it was her and Krotos' song too.

Mention to Bri that you visited your father earlier and Lady Opalhia was with him. They seemed to get along real well with each other, so thank Bri for arranging their meeting. You hope your father can find at least good companionship with her, if not love. ...And add that you were a bit surprised Opalhia has blue skin. You'd never read or heard of Sakkilians having that color of scales before. Is it a really rare coloration?

What does Bri think of you two going to the next costume ball as a pirate king and queen? Or she could be the pirate queen and you could sit on her shoulder as her parrot. Repeat snippets of what she's said, often at inappropriate times, make demands for crackers and be a general nuisance

>Aw, come on… yah’re not fun at all…
Admit that on second thought, you're being way too cautious excluding all those sex related potions. The fault for what happened before wasn't with them but you for bungling the dosage. As long as we're extra careful that the dosage is correct, and that the duration won't run past eight o' clock, it'll be safe enough to use. ...And you're rather interested in her idea to use a temporary sex change potion on herself.

>>831843
Please don't berate the characters, and by extension the author, for not doing exactly what you want, when you wanted it. And that aside, it'd make more sense to bring up what clues Belseth left at dinner for everyone to mull over rather than now because Thalia, Zela, Tim and Xarrin will also be present then. Specifically, Tim's magic knowledge and Xarrin's knowledge of the Old Empire may shed light on what Bel wrote. And keep in mind there's also the possibility that what Bel wrote won't make sense outside the context of the royal crypt or the Catacombs, making figuring them out here very unlikely.

>>831921
Okay, I have to ask, where did you get the idea that Kronos' fertility potion overdose was Briannah's fault? Because it wasn't. It was Kronos's fault. He's the one who didn't read the directions right when pouring it and accidentally gave himself a double dose. (Reference: >>/questarch/761665 and >>/questarch/761938) And the idea to take a means to enhance his fertility so as to increase their chances to conceive was suggested by Kronos to Bri, not the other way around. She just knew what would work and had it on hand. (Reference: >>/questarch/744201)

This means not only was the OD Kronos' fault, but it was also his idea that directly resulted in him taking the fertility potion in the first place. This means none of what resulted from it can be laid at Briannah's feet as a example of her ideas not ending well. So you need to present other substantial examples to back up your statement that her ideas tend not to end well, and weigh them against how many of her ideas worked so as to be fair. Otherwise your claim is baseless and should not be spoken to Briannah.

This also means that avoiding all sex related potions when Bri and Kronos make love after dinner is being unreasonably cautious. As long as they both read the potion's full instructions, effects, side effects and durations in full beforehand, each double check the dosage before either takes one, and don't take more than one or two potions between them, it'll be fine.

I am left wondering why Briannah gave Kronos a fertility potion when she had a bottle of virility potion in her chest too. Virility is the male equivalent of fertility in females, so it'd seem to make more sense to give him a potion to enhance that.
>>
No. 831967 ID: 91ee5f

>>831941
Yeah, sorry about that. I just think the answer to Belseth's message is supposed to be easy to figure out, but I'm such an idiot that I can't figure it out. This is me being an idiot and trying to brute force the puzzle in the hopes that I'm right for once.

You're right, I shouldn't have done that. I'm sorry.

But I was serious about taking a break from trying to solve it. The answer might just automatically come to Kronos if he's not activly thinking about it. I just wasn't very polite in the way a was suggesting the action.....sorry.
>>
No. 831977 ID: 8c51fa

>>831788
>Aw, come on… yah’re not fun at all…
Not that it doesn't sound fun, but this is a time where we'll want to avoid any potential surprises. Briannah is potentially pregnant right now, and it could be your only chance to have a child together; I don't want to take any chances with possible side effects on the baby, even if they're reasonably safe for adult use.

>Hmm… maybe we can play some board gamess? Something a bit more… easy going than Regicide. I want to relax my mind a bit… hmm… maybe something with four players?
That sound nice. Have you got any board games about a group of adventurers going on a quest or something? I'm sure someone has made at least one of those. It won't take too much mental energy if you're reacting to encounters rather than planning long-term strategy.

Does she have a heroic fantasy novel she's always wanted to read? She could read it aloud with you while you provide thematically appropriate background music.

What I'm getting at is that she likes to be a courageous hero as well as a sexual deviant. That's a significant part of her personality and it would do her a lot of good to remember that side of herself.

>>831921
This isn't a good idea. Bri has severe self-esteem problems already, and it won't help her relax or focus if we exacerbate her guilt complex now.
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No. 832048 ID: 65a774
File 150603177213.png - (46.83KB , 686x526 , 51.png )
832048

>Provide thematically appropriate background music.
When you said you play but aren’t very good, you mean it. You can play… what, one song out of memory, maybe?
>Get out your violin as well and play a couple practice pieces to get back into the groove.
Where did you even put that old thing? Is it even in your apartment? Dammit, where is Cain when you need him? Eh, the violin play can wait…

>Not that it doesn't sound fun, but this is a time where we'll want to avoid any potential surprises.
:BriannahSB: Hey, I’ve used those things a thousand times. I know what they do.
:KronosSB: Bri, you might potentially be pregnant with what might be our only child… if there’s any chance these potions might harm it…
:BriannahSB: I’ve already told yah that it won’t… but if yah’re really that worried... *Mumble* Seven months without fun…
:KronosSB: I… just… let’s just be more careful about what we do from now on, okay? We don’t need to quit completely, but we need to at least read through all the instructions properly.
:BriannahSB: So we can-
:KronosSB: And we need to pace it out a bit. We have our whole lives ahead of us together, so no need to hurry.
:BriannahSB: …I guess we do…

>She likes to be a courageous hero as well as a sexual deviant. That's a significant part of her personality and it would do her a lot of good to remember that side of herself.
:BriannahSB: Heh… I guess that’s one part I can be proud of, eh? Problem is, there are really not a lot of situations where I can show it off… unless I want to suicidaly run of and challenge every wyvern in the land without cause.
>Does she have any ideas about the note? She's known Belseth longer than most anybody else here.
:BriannahSB: Let’s see… hmm… the ‘idden text looks like some step-by-step instructions if yah ask me. Don’t know what they mean, but that’s what I gather from them. As for the numbers… one through six… each number only appears once. So, six things yah need to take in order? Six things yah need to press? I don’t think it’s a coincidence he choose those numbers, at least.

>Mention to Bri that you visited your father earlier and Lady Opalhia was with him. They seemed to get along real well with each other, so thank Bri for arranging their meeting.
:BriannahSB: Good to ‘ear they are doing well. Opalhia ‘ave wanted to meet the king for so long as well.
>...And add that you were a bit surprised Opalhia has blue skin. You'd never read or heard of Sakkilians having that color of scales before. Is it a really rare coloration?
:BriannahSB: It’s a skin disease. She needs to eat special food as ‘er scales can’t really absorb sunlight properly anymore.
:KronosSB: …so she’s like an albino?
:BriannahSB: Well… more like the opposite of an albino. A… bluedino?

>...so what 4 player games do you have?
Going back to your apartment, you waste no time digging out the few board games you have there.
:KronosSB: Let’s see… we always have a deck of cards.
:BriannahSB:
:KronosSB: …and no, Bri. No strip poker.
:BriannahSB: ‘ey! I’m kind of offended that yah think I was considering that. I mean… it’s kind of true but I wasn’t going to suggest it… not seriously, anyway.
:KronosSB: Right… then we have “Trivial Pursuit”… a trivia game about all kinds of subject and-
:BriannahSB: And twister?
:KronosSB: …and twister… yes, I do indeed have twister. We also have this neat game called Hero’s quest for loot. Each player is an adventurer that tries to-
:BriannahSB: …don’t yah mean Quest for Glorious loot?
:KronosSB: Meh, the original name was better… fits with the other titles they did much better.
:BriannahSB: Yah’re such a nerd, yah know that? Oh, and we completely forgot to ask Doxan and Sisah if they wanted to play… and what.
:SisahSB: I’m up for anything… as long as I get an hour break before dinner… I need to… check my gear.
:DoxanSB: I to need to make sure my daggers are… polished properly as well…
:BriannahSB: Of course yah do… heh…

…so, what do we waste our evening on?
>>
No. 832055 ID: 3ce125

Hero's Quest.
>>
No. 832062 ID: 91ee5f

>>832048
>Hero’s Quest
If that's anything like Dungeons & Dragons IRL, then we don't have anywhere near enough time to play that!

>Twister
Although it would be hilarious and fun to see how Kaktus would draw that, I don't think that's a good idea. Kronos is physically the smallest person in the room. If someone slips and falls on him or he ends up underneath everyone when the eventual collapse into a pile happens, he's going to literally get crushed under the other 3 players!

Won't that be an embarrassing death? Crushed to death by playing Twister with 2 Sakkilians and a Serpens.

>Trivial Pursuit
Bri said she wants something to relax her mind and Trivial Pursuit seems to be the opposite of that.

>Cards
I guess we can play a card game? Let's at least make it interesting. Anybody got some money on them? Or does Kronos have any poker chips that can be used?

>as long as I get an hour break before dinner…I need to…check my gear.
>I to need to make sure my daggers are…polished properly as well…
>Of course yah do…heh…
If Bri can pick up on it, then it's pretty obvious on what they're actually going to be doing during that 1 hour before dinner. Just be polite and don't call them out on their sexy times, Kronos. ~~~

And maybe you and Bri can use that same hour to have your fun too? Although, it might be too late for that after how we told her no earlier. No wait, that was for the orgy, we didn't say no to just you and her. Or was that included?

Crap, now I'm confused on if we should have sex with Bri an hour before dinner, when Sisah and Doxan leave the room or if we shouldn't do that at all.
>>
No. 832120 ID: fe7355

Well, the only way it could have been more apparent that Sisah and Doxan are gonna be having sex together in that hour is if Sisah just outright said it. But it does conveniently leave a clear hour where it'll be just you and Bri together in which you can make love to each other. Anyway, on to picking a game.

>Let’s see… we always have a deck of cards.
Honestly, you've played so many rounds of poker and other card games over the years it's gotten kinda boring.

>Right… then we have “Trivial Pursuit”… a trivia game about all kinds of subject and-
Considering how much random trivia you've picked up over the years from reading so many books while cooped up in the palace, it really wouldn't be a fair game. Also, you think this edition was written in Risavia during the war, so there's gonna be some nasty anti-Empire and anti-Sakkilian propaganda questions in there.

>And twister?
You just know Bri was thinking "Naked Twister" then. ...Which does hold some interest for you. Mentally file it away for another day. As for today, you'll pass on this one. In addition to the effect having your bodies rubbing against each other would have that you want to avoid for the moment, there's the risk of injury if Bri is on top of the Twister pile and slips. It'd likely be nothing a trip to the medical wing couldn't fix in short order, but better safe than sorry right now.

>We also have this neat game called Hero’s quest for loot. Each player is an adventurer that tries to-
You'll go with this one, since it's more interesting than the rest of the games here. You have to wonder how Bri knows about it's renamed later edition though. Has she played this game before?

>Where did you even put that old thing? Is it even in your apartment? Dammit, where is Cain when you need him? Eh, the violin play can wait…
Eh, it's for the best. You have a selection of music runes that'd be much more pleasant for your company to hear than you screeching through remembering how to play that violin. Set up a few of those runes to cycle through in the background.

>>832062
>If that's anything like Dungeons & Dragons IRL, then we don't have anywhere near enough time to play that!
From the name alone it sounds like it'll be a parody of D&D in a similar vein to the game Munchkin that will play much, much faster. Probably something like rolling up a murderhobo, hack 'n slashing everything in your way and trying to rack up more loot than everyone else first, with zero RP to get in the way of the dumb fun.
>>
No. 832122 ID: a633c6

Trivial pursuit or cards. For some reason, dungeon delving doesn't feel so fun right now. Do that until dinner.
>>
No. 832194 ID: 65a774
File 150611436583.png - (44.67KB , 686x526 , 52.png )
832194

>Honestly, you've played so many rounds of poker and other card games over the years it's gotten kinda boring.
It is a bit... similar, yes. Though there always the thrill of new opponents… hmm…
>If that's anything like Dungeons & Dragons Quarters and Quetzalcoatl, then we don't have anywhere near enough time to play that!
It’s a bit based on Q&Q, true, but it’s a lot more streamlined and simple. It’s not a roleplaying game, after all.
>you think this edition of Trivial was written in Risavia during the war, so there's gonna be some nasty anti-Empire and anti-Sakkilian propaganda questions in there.
Hmm… you remember now why you stopped playing that game… best to let that sleeping wolfhound lie.
>Won't that be an embarrassing death? Crushed to death by playing Twister with 2 Sakkilians and a Serpens.
…right, so no twister… ever… Bri is simply too big for it to be safe…

>Hero's Quest.
:KronosSB: -and then the one with the most loot points wins. Simple, right?
:SisahSB: It’s a bit… complex, but I’ll learn when we start playing.
:DoxanSB: Wait, so are we working together or…?
:BriannahSB: We start as allies… but as there only can be one winner…
:DoxanSB: So it’s a game about backstabbing? …neat…
>You have to wonder how Bri knows about its renamed later edition though. Has she played this game before?
:BriannahSB: Once or twice… Belseth used to own it… and yah ‘now ‘ow much of a nerd ‘e is, eh? That’s why I ‘now about the renaming… ‘e always was a bit grumpy that ‘e never got the original.

So, the question is… seeing as I’m the only one with any real experience of the game…
Do I completely crush them?
…or do I cripple myself to give them a chance?
>>
No. 832195 ID: 65a774
File 150611437567.png - (42.56KB , 686x526 , 53.png )
832195

>If Bri can pick up on it, then it's pretty obvious on what they're actually going to be doing during that 1 hour before dinner.
…Sisah will help Doxan polish his dagger while she sheaths her sword?
>And maybe you and Bri can use that same hour to have your fun too? Although, it might be too late for that after how we told her no earlier.
…You didn’t say that you were completely against all forms of that, just the more… extreme ones… with a lot of people… and potions.

>Set up a few music runes in the background instead of making your company suffer through you screeching on the violin.
:SisahSB: You want some music, sir? I’ll see if I can find one that fits the mood.
:DoxanSB: Yah don’t ‘appen to ‘ave something to drink? I’m a bit thirsty…
:KronosSB: There’s a drinking cabinet over there. Why don’t you pick out something good we all can enjoy? Just make sure it’s light on the alcohol.
:DoxanSB: Thank you, master.

As Doxan is busy getting something to drink and Sisah tries to find some suitable music, Bri once again start lapping the top of your head, only stopping to whisper in your ear…

:BriannahSB: So… while they are busy later… are we going to… yah ‘now…
:KronosSB: Hmm?
:BriannahSB: I’m just asking because… yah already ‘now ‘ow a want to do it with the potion… so… are yah completely against it or...?
:KronosSB:
:BriannahSB: …so… what do yah want to do, love? Can I drink the potion or do yah want me just the way I am? …because I need to drink it soon if we wants its effect to take ‘old in time... and I really want to try it with yah… if yah’re in on it… err… if yah want to do anything at all, that is…
>>
No. 832197 ID: a633c6

'the' potion? Bri you have like an entire alchemy lab kicking around, what's 'the' potion?

I think the two of us have enough chemistry already.
>>
No. 832224 ID: 91ee5f

>>832194
>So, the question is… seeing as I’m the only one with any real experience of the game…
>Do I completely crush them?
>…or do I cripple myself to give them a chance?
Come on, Konos, be nice. Give them a chance.

>>832195
>Bri whispering about the potion.
"I'm afraid you're going to need to be a little more specific about which potion you're referring to."

>…so…what do yah want to do, love? Can I drink the potion or do yah want me just the way I am? …because I need to drink it soon if we wants its effect to take ‘old in time...and I really want to try it with yah…if yah’re in on it…
"I just want to appreciate you for your natural beauty."

>err…if yah want to do anything at all, that is…
"I'm not that mean. Of course, I want to do something.....later.....when they leave."~ *kiss*
>>
No. 832226 ID: 3ce125

>>832197
The Dick Potion.

>>832195
>she really wants to dick you
If she wants it that badly then you should just let her do it. Be compassionate to your wife. But only if she lets you put it in her butt too.

>crush them?
Ask them what they want! If you crush them and they weren't expecting you to play seriously then they might not have any fun, but if you cripple yourself when they were expecting a strong opponent then they also won't have fun. Perform to their expectations, it's part of being a friend and a leader.
>>
No. 832239 ID: 8cb228

I think you should do whichever ONE potion you most want to do, love!
>>
No. 832243 ID: a633c6

Oh, and as for the game, just have fun. I don't know if your idea of fun is playing with your food, or if you'd rather crush your opponents, see them driven before you and hear the lamentations of their women, but you do you.
>>
No. 832256 ID: 600f38

>While I do want to know the truth, sometimes a lie is more important than it. His judgement is what created the necessities for the peace between our nation to be signed… unearthing it now might be a political disaster.

Calling bullshit here.
We need to know the truth, and none of the royal family is going to restart the war over this.
Bri is committed to this alliance, and deserves to know the truth. She is the official representative to the empire, and can decide what information needs to be shared.

Besides, it would be trivial to cast it as a plot to frame the prince in an attempt to extend the war which was uncovered to late. That way if the story leaked it would be a tragedy caused by those who advocate for war.


>>832195
"There's a chance the seed I have at the ready is still... compatible. I'm going to plant it where it will do the most good. ALL of it.
Lets save the potions for when we come back."
>>
No. 832272 ID: fe7355

Just to be clear, she is referring to the temporary sex change potion? If so, then you can say you would not be adverse to her taking a dose and plowing your bum, after you've licked her length like a lollypop. And you also have to admit you're interested in trying that potion yourself at some point too. But in either case only after you read the potion's documentation in full. In her case you want to be sure there's nothing like a warning against ladies taking it if they are trying to get pregnant, since that would indicate a recently conceived embryo would be destroyed by the potion's effect. You're a fast reader so it'll take only a short time and maybe delay the game a little bit.

Don't be so sure that you're the only one with real experience at this game. Briannah may have played much more of it with Belseth than she's letting on and withholding that fact so she'd be underestimated. It is a game of backstabbing, after all. So play to the best of your ability, but be a gracious winner if you do trounce everyone else. No gloating.

...And is that that damn Sakkilian anatomy book on the table to your left? The one that you read three nights ago and nearly had a panic attack when it confirmed the extent of Sakkilian consumption capabilities? What is it still doing here? You'd have expected Cain to have returned it to the library by now after its effect on you. ...Wait, did you tell Cain about that or to return that book? You can't remember if you did, so maybe the maid just put it back on the table from where you dropped it. Well, you're not going to ever open it again without a real damn good reason to, especially now that Xuv's suppression of your fear of Sakkilians is gone.
>>
No. 832457 ID: 8c51fa

>>832195
She's getting really insistent on this, isn't she? Didn't she already agree to stop pressing the issue? Shutting her down so often is starting to make me feel guilty, but it's not making me any more comfortable with it. I can accept that her potions are safe for recreational use, but I don't want to risk using them while she's pregnant unless we can be certain that it won't have any side effects on a developing infant. And I don't want to just hope for the best because they're not supposed to be permanent or affect her insides; there are lots of drugs that have only mild effects on adults but can cause serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy. If we don't have strong evidence that it won't do any harm to a baby, then I'll be constantly worried about it until the egg finally hatches and we can see our child with our own eyes.

Again, it's not that I don't want to try it or that I'm rejecting that side of her. I just want to be careful, becaue I know how much we'll regret it if something goes wrong. And it's not like we have to give them up completely; we'll have more chances to use them in the future. In the mean time, there are plenty of other things we can do instead.

...But that's what she's worried about, isn't it? We might not want to say it out loud so she won't have to dwell on it, but she's probably worried that this will be the last time you spend with each other. She wants to try things now because she might never get another chance. Honestly, I can understand why she feels that way; there are some things that I want to try now, before we put our lives at risk, but we won't have time to try them all. I know the old saying "hope for the best, prepare for the worst", but I think we should prepare for the best too.

And if this does turn out to be the last time we spend together, we should make it a time we can look back on without regret. And I know Briannah would regret it immensely if the last thing she did with you was pressuring you into something you weren't okay with. So let's just enjoy ourselves for a while and have a day we'll remember fondly.
>>
No. 832495 ID: 22d3a4

Yeah that sounds like a great time and everything, but it will be the worst possible time to be dealing with the fallout of a potion's effects if shit goes wrong, again. If she tells you it's safe, remind her she has a very relative definition of safe.
>>
No. 832508 ID: fe7355

>>832457
Those are some very good points. We don't know what kind of testing and trials that temporary sex change potion was put through regarding those who are pregnant, if any. Who did the study and on whom? Was it done properly? Was data not altered, fabricated or omitted? Has the study been repeated with same or similar results by others? Did they thoroughly study the effects on very early pregnancy, in the few weeks before a pregnancy test can even detect one? It could be that the potion's effect would disrupt the embryo, killing it. And then there's the possibility of other lasting effects on the child. It wouldn't be a stretch to think that this potion could mess up their sexual development in some way. There's just so many ways that potion, and others, could be bad for a pregnancy and we wouldn't know it.

It may feel like you're being excessively cautious, but it's warranted as this is the only chance you two are going to get to have a child together. When Bri takes a pregnancy test in a few weeks, when it'll be 100% accurate, if it comes up negative you don't want the two of you left with a feeling that it may have been because of something you two did that could have avoided and not just Xuv's magic going away.

Unfortunately, this caution also extends to alcohol and other drugs, recreational or medicinal. This could be a issue with the psychiatric potions Bri has to take regularly to keep her depression in check, or to get to sleep. She can't just stop taking them because the effect of not having them on her and her pregnancy would most likely be worse than continuing to take them. You need to ask the Royal Alchemist and other alchemy scholars and masters about this and her other potions' possible effects on a pregnancy.

However, no potion doesn't mean she can't pound her beloved's behind in another way. She could wear a strap-on, or use a double-ended dildo, possibly for that "butt buddies" thing she mentioned a few days ago, or use another of the many sex toys she has. Of course it's not the same as if she had a flesh and blood penis, but isn't this more about the joy of feeling so intimate with the one you love than the method used?

>>832495
While it's unlikely that she'll take a incorrect dose since after what happened with Kronos they'll both double-check that it is correct, it may have another detrimental effect while on the mission when it wears off. Briannah being distracted even a little by the feeling of her genitals shifting from male back to female could mean the difference between her reacting in time to block a strike or failing to.
>>
No. 832657 ID: 8c51fa

>>832194
Briannah might not be as inexperienced as she claims. It wouldn't be the first time she tried that trick. If she's trying to fake you out, then it would be enjoyable to match wits with her, but if she's not then I don't want to ruin her fun.

Here's what I suggest. For the most part, play to help the party and increase their overall success, so that everyone will be having fun with the game. At the same time, make it look like there's a subtle weakness in your strategy, one which would make you a tempting target but which only an experienced player would be able to notice and exploit... but also set it up so that anyone who tries to do that would be caught in a hidden counter-trap and be easy prey. Briannah would appreciate an opponent who's grown wise to her tricks... and if Doxan or Sisah prove to be cleverer than you think, we'll be able to catch them too. Don't forget what we learned about not overlooking pawns.

>>832508
That's also important to consider later, but for now we don't need to make in-depth plans for matters of long-term importance. As long as we don't mess anything up, we can just relax and have fun for now, and make plans for the future when we've gotten past the imminent danger.

I also think that we shouldn't be too hard on Briannah about it unless she keeps being stubborn. There are good reasons why she shouldn't be using magic potions during pregnancy, but we don't need to bring them up now for the sake of making her feel guilty. We can just tell her that it's going to take a lot of evidence to put our minds at ease, and reassure her that there are plenty of other things we can try today. For instance, she's probably got a leather harness somewhere that would look good on Kronos. We'd be happy to do something like that today as long as it's just between us.

Here's an idea. Bri can pick out a potion for Kronos to try, and he'll try to guess its effects before the end of the game. As long as it doesn't interfere with his ability to concentrate during the game, it shouldn't be a problem; I trust her enough to be confident that she won't accidentally mess up the dosage or pick something that would last long enough to interfere with the mission.
>>
No. 832802 ID: 65a774
File 150637640092.png - (33.28KB , 686x526 , 53.png )
832802

>Briannah might not be as inexperienced as she claims. It wouldn't be the first time she tried that trick.
You can’t underestimate her, can you?
>For the most part, play to help the party and increase their overall success, so that everyone will be having fun with the game.
We’re supposed to have fun, all of us… you’ll do your best to make sure everyone does.
>At the same time, make it look like there's a subtle weakness in your strategy, one which only an experienced player would be able to notice and exploit...
Can you even do that in this game? Hmm…

>Bri, you have like an entire alchemy lab kicking around. Just to be clear, you’re is referring to the temporary sex change potion?
:BriannahSB: …yes?
:KronosSB: You know… I think the two of us have enough chemistry already.
:BriannahSB: Yet we’ve still ‘aven’t filled the smaller flask with liquid, ‘ave we?
:KronosSB: It’s just… I still don’t trust it… not if you’re actually…
:BriannahSB: It’s safe, trust me.
:KronosSB: Still… I’ll be constantly worried about it until the egg finally hatches… and if you never carry any eggs at all… I… I can’t help but blame myself…
:BriannahSB: … … …if yah’re really that worried then… I’ll relent. I won’t take any potions like that… not until this is all over… still… I was really looking forward to this…
:KronosSB: We’ll have more chances in the future… meanwhile, no potion doesn’t mean you can’t pound my butt, does it?
:BriannahSB: …heh, I guess not. Hmm… maybe we can finally become butt-buddies… I do ‘ave a double sided weapon lying around… or do yah prefer a more classic sword?
:KronosSB: Err… heh… um… I mean… maybe a bit soon to… or h-how about this… you can choose a potion for me to try… and I’ll try to guess what you gave me before the game ends?
:BriannahSB: Now that does sound kind of fun…
:KronosSB: Though… with my luck it will be the worst possible time to be dealing with the fallout of a potion’s effect if shit goes wrong… again.
:BriannahSB: Don’t worry, I’ll make sure yah don’t overdose again. Yah trust me, don’t yah?
:KronosSB: I do… but then there's the chance that the seed I have at the ready is still... compatible. Maybe we shouldn’t… um… waste it?
:BriannahSB: Heh… are yah afraid that little Beatrix will never be because… yah ‘now, I was about to say something a bit to morbid there… ‘ot, but morbid.

:BriannahSB: So anyway… I’m guessing the potion isn’t an option anymore… so… what do yah want to do instead? Become Butt-buddies and play with some toys with me? …or do yah trust me enough to try one of my… special potions? …or do yah just want… hrnn… do what we usually do?

You can’t help but hear the disappointment in her voice as she mentions the last option. Yet you do not have much time before something else catches your attention. Both Sisah and Doxan have found what they are looking for… yet they both seem to be at odds to the others choice. Sisah is arguing that the alcohol Doxan chose is to strong, while Doxan is arguing the music Sisah chose is to hectic.

:BriannahSB: …Maybe yah should go sort those two out while yah think, eh?
>>
No. 832878 ID: 3ce125

>>832802
You trust her enough to try a potion. Butt stuff isn't off the table regardless.

>bodyguard squabble
Ask them to pick out something everyone can agree on. Maybe they can swap tasks if that gives better results?
>>
No. 832884 ID: a633c6

>Sisah is arguing that the alcohol Doxan chose is to strong, while Doxan is arguing the music Sisah chose is to hectic.
Is there a problem, girls?
If they complain that neither of them is a girl tell them to damn well act like it. You still have that music box, right? Bring that out, along with more varieties of alchohol.

Tell Bri we'll see where the night goes and you'll keep an open mind if she does too.
>>
No. 832894 ID: 91ee5f

>>832802
Whisper to Bri, "I'm not that mean! We'll skip the potions this time, buuuut.....I guess you could pull out some toys if you want."

>Sisah is arguing that the alcohol Doxan chose is too strong, while Doxan is arguing the music Sisah chose is too hectic.
"Oh, I didn't know you two were married! When did that happen and why didn't you invite me and Bri?"

And when they ask what you're talking about or say that they're not married, that's when you say, "Then why are you two arguing like an old married couple?"

After that, go see what they both picked out. And then you and Bri help them decide if the alcohol is too strong and/or the music is too hectic.
>>
No. 832942 ID: fe7355

"What the heck has gotten into them? Yeah, I better go sort 'em out." Walk over and ask 'em what's the big argument about, and say that everyone here should give their input on the matter. For the drink, remember that we'll be having a fine wine chosen by Doxan at dinner in a few hours, so keeping the alcohol level very low would be prudent so we aren't inhibited any on the big mission. As for the music, you're partial to something symphonic and sweeping, evoking wide horizons, but what does Bri have in mind? You remember she said she likes big, bombastic orchestrated pieces and little, slightly sad songs.

If the effect of Xuv's magic on your sperm is still there, it likely effected every sperm in you, not just the ones you're about to "shoot." And if you remember correctly what you read of male sexual biology, there's more than one "shot" worth of matured sperm down there "in the pipe" at any one time. This means you'll have more than one chance, you just don't know how many more. So try and avoid spreading your seed where it won't possibly take, especially the first few shots, and not use more than a few this evening. But you do know that once you and Bri and through this ordeal and it's a brand new day, you two are gonna hole up in your bedroom, mutually knock back fertility potions and breed her 'till every drop of possibly compatible seed you have is in her.

As for your decision on what Bri is suggesting, you trust her more than enough to take her special potion. And you'll be up for trying some butt shenanigans in bed as well. However, you do want to get to plow her and plant your seed at least once first. You'll take a little alchemical assistance if you can't recover afterwards in a timely manner for the other stuff.

>Heh… are yah afraid that little Beatrix will never be because…
Is that the name Briannah imagined she'd give her first daughter? You wonder what special significance it has to Bri, if any. You also wonder if she has a boy's name lined up too. Your guess is it'd be her father's name, "Eratin."
>>
No. 833128 ID: 8c51fa

>>832802
>Can you even do that in this game? Hmm…
Maybe, maybe not. It would require a high degree of skill and subtlety to pull off, if you get the chance at all, but it would be fun to see if any of them can see it coming.

Is there a way to influence whose character gets which items? You could try to set things up so that each of them gets treasure that makes them strong against monsters but weak against another player, so that if any of them betray the group you'll have a good shot at defeating them in turn.

Ultimately, we've just got to remember that our goal isn't to beat the other players, we're just here to have fun. Of course, we can have fun trying to win, but the competition is what makes it exciting.

>narrowly avoiding morbid sex jokes
Thank Heaven for that. We already got too much of that from Xuv.

Well, I guess we can't really thank Heaven for that. We can thank Briannah, then. Mentally, because mentioning it now would be kind of awkward.

>anal toys
>secret magical potions
Both of those sound good to me. Bri knows her potions well enough to avoid ones that would cause trouble later, and I know you'd enjoy getting pegged in your cute fluffy butt as much as she would. And if Bri's in the mood for it, today would be a good day to let her try binding and dominating you. I know you've had some interest in that for a while.

>drink selection problems
Do their species have different alcohol tolerances? I agree that we should play it safe with our drinks here, since we're also going to be drinking at dinner and won't have time to get it out of our system. Do you know how much alcohol is in the drink Doxan picked out, and how much it would take for you to be inebriated? We should make sure to undercut that threshold by a significant amount.

>music selection problems
Do you recognize the music that Sisah chose? I think we should pick something heroic and bold but not too frantic, something that would go well with an exploration scene as opposed to a battle scene. Maybe we could have two soundtracks, one for exploration and one for combat. Would it be inconvenient to switch between them?

Since they don't like each other's choices, ask them what they would have chosen instead. But there's no need to give them any grief over their disagreement; it's a normal part of the planning process. Everyone's got their own tastes.

>>832942
>residual magic sperm
I don't think that's going to be an issue. We saw that the earth elemental sucked out everything remotely Xuv-related out of Kronos, and we don't have a reason to believe there's anything left in him anywhere. The elemental didn't show any interest in Kronos' genitalia, which is fortunate for several reasons. But I guess Xuv could have altered it at the genetic level rather than just applying god-magic, so there's no harm in trying it.

Could we extract and preserve Kronos' sperm for later? Has Risavian science figured out how to do that yet?
>>
No. 833525 ID: 65a774
File 150670424543.png - (76.24KB , 686x526 , 54.png )
833525

>We've just got to remember that our goal isn't to beat the other players, we're just here to have fun. Of course, we can have fun trying to win, but the competition is what makes it exciting.
Indeed, this is a time for having fun. You’re probably worrying about it unnecessarily.
>Is there a problem, girls? If they complain that neither of them is a girl tell them to damn well act like it.
Considering one of them is a girl and the other is from a culture that sees women as superior you’re not sure that insult would really work.
>The elemental didn't show any interest in Kronos' genitalia, which is fortunate for several reasons.
Very fortunate… though, does that mean Xuv “blessing” is already gone? …or did she do something a bit more… permeant?
>I know you'd enjoy getting pegged in your cute fluffy butt as much as she would.
… … …w-well, that’s… um… w-why are you even having this d-discussion with yourself?


>You trust her enough to try a potion.
:BriannahSB: Oh, really? Hmm… hehe… I know just the one yah deserves…
:KronosSB: …why do I have the feeling I will regret this.
>Butt stuff isn't off the table regardless.
:BriannahSB: I’ll make sure to not go to ‘ard on ye, love, don’t want to walk funny later, eh?
:KronosSB: I… um… appreciate the concern…
>You do want to get to plow her and plant your seed at least once first.
:BriannahSB: But do we really have time for that?
:KronosSB: I could always take a potion to speed things up a bit, can’t I?
:BriannahSB: …weren’t yah against those kind of potions just a moment ago? …yah ‘now, in case it ends up like last time?
:KronosSB: …oh right… I… kind of forgot about that for a second. Right, no potions like that… but I do trust you to choose a less… um… dangerous potion for me now.
:BriannahSB: Of course. I’ll go get it right away.
:KronosSB: Meanwhile, I’ll sort out those two.

As you approach the bodyguard pair, they are still arguing over their respective choices.

:KronosSB: Oh, I didn't know you two were married! When did that happen and why didn't you invite me and Bri?
:DoxanSB: Eh?
:SisahSB: Oh har har, sir. No, we’re just having a discussion.
:DoxanSB: A civilized one at that… not counting a few uncivilized words…
>Ask them to pick out something everyone can agree on.
:SisahSB: Well… there’s the problem, sir…
:DoxanSB: She got kind of a unrefined taste.
:SisahSB: And Doxan got a shit one, sir.

>Since they don't like each other's choices, ask them what they would have chosen instead.
:DoxanSB: Something a bit calmer… softer. I rather not stress myself up unnecessary before a mission. I’ve always preferred to relax... to meditate…
:SisahSB: …to fall asleep. No, I don’t think listening to a waterfall will be very fitting to the board game. As for the liquid… let’s just say I rather not have any alcohol inside when we venture down… and I prefer those that watch our back are the same.
:DoxanSB: It’s not that strong! Besides, the only thing without alcohol ‘ere is juice! Why drink freshly pressed juice worth a ten when we got a hundred years old bottle worth tens of thousands?
>For the drink, remember that we'll be having a fine wine chosen by Doxan at dinner in a few hours, so keeping the alcohol level very low would be prudent so we aren't inhibited any on the big mission.
:SisahSB: Which mean we’ll get even more alcohol in us…
:DoxanSB: Ugh… fine… but I’ll get to choose anything for dinner, yah ‘ear?
>I think we should pick something heroic and bold but not too frantic, something that would go well with an exploration scene as opposed to a battle scene.
:SisahSB: Go well with exploration?
:KronosSB: That way it’s both a bit calming as well as uplifting, no?
:DoxanSB: Hmm… I guess?
:SisahSB: I’ll see what I can find… though, your selection isn’t optimal… and it’s hard to see what is what in the dark like this.
:DoxanSB: Dark? It’s only just after three in the middle of the summer! ‘ow can it be dark? …actually, it is a bit dark in ‘ere, isn’t it?

As the two of them leaves, Briannah returns holding a small bottle with a green, fizzling liquid in it.

:BriannahSB: Well? …are yah ready?
>>
No. 833526 ID: 91ee5f

>>833525
Uhhh guys? Are the moons supposed to be that close to each other already?!
>>
No. 833527 ID: 3ce125

What the fuck is fucking going on?!
>>
No. 833530 ID: 65a774
File 150670677299.png - (19.79KB , 686x526 , 55.png )
833530

>Are the moons supposed to be that close to each other already?!
:BriannahSB: ‘ey, is it dark already? Doesn’t the sun usually set in like… six ‘ours?
:SisahSB: …um… the moons aren’t supposed to be up yet…
:DoxanSB: …are the moons about to… kiss?
:KronosSB:
:BriannahSB:
>>
No. 833531 ID: 0d45a9

Aw, fuck. How on earth are they that close already? I thought we had more time.
>>
No. 833533 ID: 3ce125

Looks like the Forgotten One has played their hand. Only a god could push time forwards like this. Wouldn't Sisah have noticed the magical surge required for that though?
Is it possible this is an illusion?

Time to storm the crypt I guess.
>>
No. 833541 ID: 91ee5f

>>833530
What time is it? Look at a clock to see if you guys took longer than you thought trying to play a game or if the sun and moons were magically forced speed up!

Everyone go find Kira and/or Thalia right now!
>>
No. 833564 ID: 600f38

>>833530
"Bri, cork that back up.
Everybody, the meeting point is the entrance to the catacombs. ASAP.
Sisah, get Zela.
Doxan, inform the General.
>>
No. 833571 ID: 5ca8f3

>>833564
This seems like the best course of action. In the meantime, gather your armor and weapons.
>>
No. 833603 ID: fe7355

How? Fucking how?! Making it day or night, moving the whole damn planet and moons around, is firmly in the category of divine level magic! They shouldn't have that kind of power until after they do the ritual, not before! This is some epic fucking bullshit!

...Wait, wouldn't the surge of magic to do that been gigantic, more than enough for Sisah's eyepiece to pick up or at least sense the palace wards blocking it? And why didn't they just go to exactly when the twin moons kiss? Also, if they did have that kind of power they'd have won already. So what else could it be?

Mass illusion? But it doesn't make sense for them to do something that would hasten our response. Temporal stasis? Freeze the whole palace in time, maybe even the whole capitol besides the Grand Temple, so nobody can challenge them. That fits better, but if that's it you don't know why they stopped doing that before the ritual even started. Maybe they needed all the magic power for the ritual. Well, whatever the reason you thankfully still have some time to stop them. Get moving!

Tell Bri to put that potion back and get her helmet on 'cause it's go time. We've gotta hurry and round up Zela, Thalia, Tim and Xarrin, meet up with Kira, then do a equipment check before heading to the royal crypt. ...Fuck, this temporal bullshit is gonna seriously screw with the plan for the distraction attack, since there isn't going to be nearly as much time as expected to organize it. We may have to go in without it, though you really hope that isn't necessary.

Check the clock on the way out, and any other clocks you pass by. They've probably all been effected as well so they won't be telling the correct time, but you may as well look at 'em. Also grab a astronomer or anyone else that has knowledge of the moons and find out how long it is until they "kiss," based on the current gap between them.
>>
No. 833646 ID: 094652

Genius, really; it's subtle for commoners, ridiculous for scholars, deemed unimportant by the military, deemed inevitable by kings, and even if you disrupt the ritual and kill the caster, the physical effect can't be stopped without precise and abundant force. Best of all, it'll look like the biggest accident in the solar system - well, second biggest, if you count the sun going supernova.

I don't care how ridiculous it sounds, but you have to find a way off this planet. NOW.
>>
No. 833853 ID: 65a774
File 150687809060.png - (48.26KB , 686x526 , 56.png )
833853

>Looks like the Forgotten One has played their hand. Only a god could push time forwards like this.
We’re still not sure what this Forgotten One goal is… or if it’s even part of everything that’s happening. What’s for certain is that something very powerful is currently working against us… but if it’s a new player or if it’s simply the nightmares doing…
>I don't care how ridiculous it sounds, but you have to find a way off this planet. NOW.
...how? As far as you know no one has ever reached the heavens, not even the gods… besides, there’s nothing out there anyway. Just a bunch of specks of light and darkness... this world is the center of the universe, after all.

>What time is it?
It’s just after three… supposedly.
>Check the clock on the way out, and any other clocks you pass by.
All the clocks here say the same thing… that it is just after three o’clock.
>Gather your armor and weapons.
You arm yourself with both your guns and make sure your armor is properly fitted, while Briannah grabs her helmet, sword and a few potions of some kind.


>Wouldn't Sisah have noticed the magical surge required for that though?
:SisahSB: My tools haven’t given off any kind of readings on this, sir. It seems a bit beyond… um… beyond what my enhancements were designed for. What they were made to detect are simple parlor tricks compared to this. This is someone who’s throttling the very heavens, sir.
>Sisah, get Zela.
:SisahSB: No. I’m not going to leave your side, sir. Send a servant instead.
:KronosSB: Right…
>Bri, cork that back up.
:BriannahSB: Oh… um… right…

Bri looks around a bit, searching for something before simply drinking the potion and throwing it in the trashbin.

:KronosSB: Err… was that really…?
:BriannahSB: Don’t worry, it was just water… with some bitter tasting coloring and fizz…
:KronosSB: …water?
:BriannahSB: Yes, water. I wanted to see if yah would drive yeself mad trying to figure out what I gave yah while we played. Kinda funny, eh?
:KronosSB: I… guess?
:BriannahSB: Then I’d give yah the real thing after the game was done… something a bit more… exotic, heh…

>Get out of the apartment. We've gotta hurry and round up Zela, Thali-
:KronosSB: :ThaliaSB: -OFF!!
>>
No. 833854 ID: 65a774
File 150687810681.png - (61.16KB , 686x526 , 57.png )
833854

:KronosSB: Thalia?
:ThaliaSB: There you are. Good. I guess you’ve seen the sky as well? Queen Kira is preparing to assault the grand temple in a few minutes, so we need to hurry and prepare for our journey down into the catacombs. We only need to wait for the mage to finish his coffee…
:KronosSB: Coffee? You mean Tim?
:ThaliaSB: Indeed. Tim, Xarrin, Elete and Zela are all ready to for this venture.
:EleteSB: Zela has proven to be quite the innocent maiden. Why, I’d pay handsomely for a steady supply of her pure blood.
:ZelaSB: Err… I’m n-not-
:EleteSB: Not that kind of maiden, thankfully.
:ZelaSB: Wait, w-what was that a-about… err… blood?
:EleteSB: We’ll discuss that later.

>Is it a mass illusion? But it doesn't make sense for them to do something that would hasten our response. Maybe temporal stasis?
:ThaliaSB: So far the only thing we know for sure is that its local… very local… as in its only visible over the palace.
:EleteSB: Tim had a theory that it was a portal through time itself of some kind…
:KronosSB: A portal through time? Is that even possible?
:EleteSB: Tim said the same thing… but we’re facing something that bend reality to its will… something like this might be a simple matter.
:KronosSB: …yet it hasn’t done a very good job trying to stop us…
:EleteSB: Have it actually tried? For all we know everything we’ve witness and experience is simply side-effects from its true goals.
:KronosSB: Or it’s simply not as powerful as you think…
:ThaliaSB: Either way, we need to move out soon. I believe everyone is ready… unless you have any last minute changes you want to do, sir Kronos.
>>
No. 833860 ID: 3ce125

Foreshadowing says Cain is the Forgotten One and the Nightmare goons are under orders to avoid killing Kronos either because of personal attachment or because Kronos needs to do something important.

>>833854
This might be a good time to ask how Cain is able to sneak up on two skilled bodyguards without any trace of magic, while pushing around a tea cart.

It'd also be a great time to contact Life but I'm not sure we have any access to beginnings or endings right now.
>>
No. 833888 ID: fe7355

If you're still at or near your apartment, hurry back and pocket the music rune containing your and Bri's song. It helped in her dream, so maybe playing it could bring her back if she gets mentally assaulted and incapacitated.

And ask her to open or take her helmet off for a moment so you can give her a deep kiss. She's probably going to be keeping it on and closed for the whole mission, so this will be your last chance for you two to kiss for awhile. ...And hopefully not the last one.

Since it's feeling kinda like you've fallen into a Q&Q campaign, ask about bringing a couple coils of rope and a couple of poles. They'll be good for trap checking in the Catacombs, among other things.

Ask Thalia if anyone has measured the distance between the moons to determine how long we have.

>...while Briannah grabs her helmet, sword and a few potions of some kind.
Ask Bri what potions she got and which one is which so you'll know if you or anyone else in the group needs to use them. You'd be right to assume healing ones, with maybe a stamina one? ...Not that kind of stamina, but the general physical kind.

And does she have a shield as well? You don't think you've seen her equipped with one, even in her dream, which strikes you as a little odd. You'd think with her great strength she could wield one easy in addition to the rest of her gear and armor.

>>833860
>Foreshadowing says Cain is the Forgotten One...
Nah, my money is on him being a agent of Fate, meant to help Kronos survive until at least this pivotal moment. But there's no way for us to find out that we know of, so we can only speculate.
>>
No. 833894 ID: 91ee5f

>>833854
>Not that kind of maiden, thankfully.
Good news, Kronos! You didn't accidentally literally fuck away your chances of stopping this!

>unless you have any last minute changes you want to do, sir Kronos.
"The only changes I'd want are: Getting a chance to eat, understanding what Belseth was trying to tell us with his hints, Belseth actually making his hints easier to understand, and preferably, having none of this 'end of the world' bullshit happen in the first place! But other than that, no, I can't think of anything else."
>>
No. 833974 ID: fe7355

Get the prayer book out of your chest's secret compartment and pocket it. If it ends up in a situation where the rituals to the Six in it will be needed in some way to stop what's coming, better to have that book than rely solely on just Tim and Elete's memories of the rituals. You'll also be able to show the book to Elete so she can tell you if the ritual to Xuv she got was the one from the book or a fake.
>>
No. 833995 ID: a633c6

Get your armor, and reloads for your gun. Bri should get her armor too.
>>
No. 834043 ID: 65a774
File 150696549266.png - (25.25KB , 686x526 , 58.png )
834043

>Foreshadowing says Cain is the Forgotten One.
Cain, your manservant, is a god so old time itself has forgotten him? That sounds… implausible. While yes, he can appear and disappear on seemingly a whim, but a god?
>My money is on him being an agent of Fate, meant to help Kronos survive until at least this pivotal moment.
Hmm… considering how many times he’s pulled you out of the fire… still… he’s your manservant… why would something like fate care enough about you to be a manservant?
>It'd also be a great time to contact Life but I'm not sure we have any access to beginnings or endings right now.
You guess you can always have someone hanged for a petty reason like the rest of nobility does… or just crush an insect or something.

>Good news, Kronos! You didn't accidentally literally fuck away your chances of stopping this!
…the question is still, have you non-literally fucked away your chances of stopping this?
>If you're still at or near your apartment, hurry back and pocket the music rune containing your and Bri's song.
You’re just outside the door, grabbing the rune wouldn’t be a problem.
>Get your armor, and reloads for your gun. Bri should get her armor too.
You’re already wearing your armor… and the guns are loaded and ready.
>Get the prayer book out of your chest's secret compartment and pocket it.
Right… you guess it might be useful…


>The only changes I'd want are: Getting a chance to eat, understanding what Belseth was trying to tell us with his hints, Belseth actually making his hints easier to understand, and preferably, having none of this 'end of the world' bullshit happen in the first place!
:ThaliaSB: While I can’t really help with you misunderstanding your boyfriend, I do have a few soldier rations on me if you’re really hungry.
:KronosSB: *Nibble* …w-what is this thing?
:BriannahSB: It’s protein, that’s what it is. *Crunch* Mmm… I love these… *CrunchCrunch*so much better than the crap the Empire made…
:KronosSB: Ugh… I think I rather go hungry…
>Ask about bringing a couple coils of rope and a couple of poles. They'll be good for trap checking in the Catacombs, among other things.
:ThaliaSB: We got ropes and other tools already ready. It’s expected that we might need to use it on our venture down into the catacombs.
>Ask Thalia if anyone has measured the distance between the moons to determine how long we have.
:ThaliaSB: We are not sure… an hour? Maybe more? We do not have a lot of time, that we know.

>Show the book to Elete so she can tell you if the ritual to Xuv she got was the one from the book or a fake.
:EleteSB: This looks exactly like the ritual I got… it’s almost uncanny how well copied it was… even this ink stain was copied…
>Ask Bri what potions she got and which one is which so you'll know if you or anyone else in the group needs to use them.
:BriannahSB: They are all ‘ealing potions. Those are the ones that are the most useful. So if yah start bleeding, just swing one of these and yah should stabilize... though the wound might still be crippling until yah get proper ‘ealing.
>And does she have a shield as well? You don't think you've seen her equipped with one, even in her dream, which strikes you as a little odd.
:BriannahSB: Shield? I’m wearing full plate armor, a shield seems a bit redundant on that.
:KronosSB: …you’re not wearing anything on your legs, though.
:BriannahSB: Well… I usually wear armor there to but as I wasn’t expecting to do something like this when I traveled ‘ere… either way, I’m not trained with a shield… and it would ‘inder my fighting style with a two handed broadsword… or in this case, probably a longsword as we will be somewhere a bit cramped.

>Ask her to open or take her helmet off for a moment so you can give her a deep kiss.
Luckily, she isn’t wearing her helmet yet…
:TimSB: Get a room, you two… I haven’t had enough coffee for this…
>>
No. 834044 ID: 65a774
File 150696550045.png - (32.75KB , 686x526 , 59.png )
834044

…and here you are once again, the crypt of the royal family.

:ThaliaSB: So… where to, Prince? You’re the one who said there was a secret way into the catacombs from here…
:SisahSB: We’re ready to move out at your command, sir.
:TimSB: Ugh… why does something like this always happen when I’m tired?
:EleteSB: As soon as we enter the catacombs I might be able to lead us to the crypt of the gods. We just need to get into it first.
:BriannahSB: Well, Kronos? Show them ‘ow it’s done…

Right... like Belseth note said… “5:16, 3:42. Crypt, towards temple, 50 steps, right, way down.”… whatever that means.
>>
No. 834048 ID: 3ce125

>>834043
>This looks exactly like the ritual I got
Looks like Cain did not follow your directions.

>>834044
Maybe the number sequence is a combination. Six gods, six numbers. Can you press any of those marked stones on the ground? Which god is number 1 though? Maybe the one pointing towards the temple? Or should we just assume the god of light is 1?
>>
No. 834070 ID: 91ee5f

>>834043
>This looks exactly like the ritual I got…it’s almost uncanny how well copied it was…even this ink stain was copied…
>even this ink stain was copied…
If someone copied that by hand, they wouldn't have copied a stain like that. Could someone have magically created a copy of the rituals and then given them to her?

>>834044
According to Belseth's notes, I think we're supposed to go towards the direction of the Temple and walk 50 steps in that direction. Then when we get to 50, we're supposed to turn right and there will be a way down right there.

Also tell them that if we end up getting lost, it's because Belseth gave us terrible directions.
>>
No. 834073 ID: 600f38

>>834043
>You guess you can always have someone hanged for a petty reason like the rest of nobility does…
Hang some nobility for the petty reason of hanging someone for a petty reason.
Make it a point that you're new to this whole authority thing, and you're taking cues for how underlings are supposed to be treated from your own underlings; you will treat the nobility under you the way they treat those under themselves, and what you've learned so far is that executions are supposed to be regularly applied for entertainment and discipline - although you personally find the practice distasteful, if that's how the nobility thinks is required to ensure obedience...
>>
No. 834087 ID: 830fb7

>>834043
Long sword? Over a broadsword? In terms of size they are around the same length. A long sword is generally around the same length as a bastard sword, with the only main difference being that a bastard sword has a 2 handed hilt. And broadswords are topically arround that length.
>>
No. 834092 ID: a633c6

>it’s almost uncanny how well copied it was… even this ink stain was copied…
Once you're done here, you need to carefully compare the original copy of your assignment and the revised version Cain gave to your sister.
>>
No. 834218 ID: fe7355

Look around the place and compare it to what you remember from when you were last here and under the influence of Xuv and toxic spores. How is the floor the same or different? And what about the wall with the bricked up doorway marked with Xuv's symbol? Is there anything of note there? Anything of note on the ceiling?

Before you say your ideas, has everyone been told the contents of Belseth's note so they can think up their own ideas? If not, do that now. Now, you have five ideas.

First idea is walking fifty steps along the tunnel to the Grand Temple and looking at the wall on the right for any marks on the stonework that match the numbers in the note. Issues with this is where to start walking from and how long a stride to use. We'll go with from the center of the crypt and a stride that matches Belseth's to start with.

Unfortunately, a big problem is if those fifty steps take us beyond the door. Open that door and we'll probably catch either gunfire, crossbow bolts or magic spells from down the temple end of the tunnel. And they might have rigged the door with a trap to blow up anyone who opens it, or just barricaded it shut from the other side. We got a pole long enough to try pushing it open from a safe spot, or can we pull it open with a rope? But if we do, you don't want to open the door until we exhaust all other ideas because it'll expose anyone who crosses in front of the open tunnel to shots from down it.

Second idea is similar to the first, except that the 5:16 and 3:42 correspond to times when the way into the Catacombs is open in that spot on the right side of the tunnel. You hope it's not this one because we'll have waste... What time is it now? Quarter past three? Later? Around twenty to thirty minutes waiting around when we have only roughly a hour left.

Third idea is that the "50 steps" may refer to stair steps. Are there fifty or more steps down from the surface into the royal crypt? If there are, then look to the right at the 50th step for any numbered markings to be pressed.

Fourth idea is that the numbers refer to the Six and have something to do with the medallion set into the floor here. Assign the "1" to the symbol pointing towards the Grand Temple and the rest in order going clockwise, then press them in the order in Belseth's note. Of course Xuv's symbol would have been chiseled out long ago, but just pressing the spot where it was may be enough. But if it doesn't work then assigning the numbers to the symbols counter-clockwise. And if that doesn't work, brute force it by putting the staring "1" at each god's symbol in turn, trying clockwise and counter-clockwise number assignments. ...But you're not so sure about this idea because it doesn't include the "50 steps" from the note.

And your fifth idea is that Belseth's note might only make sense in the context of either where he left the pack with the note, or where your mother's urn is. Better check both of those locations.

Also, double check that everyone knows that we have to move as a group with Zela. Which unfortunately will make checking these ideas out slower because we can't split up, but that can't be helped.

>This looks exactly like the ritual I got… it’s almost uncanny how well copied it was… even this ink stain was copied…
Dammit, it's looking more like Cain made a legit copy of Xuv's ritual, going against your orders. ...Though, would he have made such a exacting copy given it wasn't needed and there was a time constraint? Are there magical means to make copies of documents that could have been used on the prayer book to make such a exact copy? Or mundane ones using mirrors and other optics to project a image on paper to copy? ...It's possible he inserted a exacting copy he made earlier while doing the translation for you. But dammit, why would he have given Elete a real copy of the ritual at all?! It makes no sense when he had to at least strongly suspect it would be used for ill.

Hand the prayer book to Elete for a minute and ask her to look at the other five rituals and tell you if the copies she got are as uncanny as the one for Xuv. Then ask Tim if Cain came to him a few days ago to ask him to make a convincing fake Xuv ritual along with real copies of the other five rituals. Cain almost certainly did do that and put a copy he made of the real Xuv ritual in in place of the fake one, but it doesn't hurt to check to be sure. Also ask Tim how exact were the copies. They didn't include more than what was required to perform the rituals, right?

>Get a room, you two… I haven’t had enough coffee for this…
...You didn't realize it until just now, but in addition to fears of losing best friend to Briannah, Tim is probably also bitter that you get your true love dropped in your proverbial lap while he hasn't found someone to love. You really are gonna need to make sure to work to stay friends with Tim despite your marriage and new obligations, and also help him find someone who'll love him.

>You guess you can always have someone hanged for a petty reason like the rest of nobility does…
Shame on you for even considering this. All the terrible injustice perpetrated by the nobility along with their horrid, callous behavior and gross excess is a big part of why Risavia is in such poor shape now. You're better than that. You'll have to be, for the future of Risavia. But what's more, the nobility's vile actions are why Nero and Hera were able to be turned by the Nightmare. And a significant part of why the Archbishop felt the need to make a new god at all.
>>
No. 834248 ID: 65a774
File 150704292928.png - (76.21KB , 686x526 , 60.png )
834248

>Looks like Cain did not follow your directions.
First he disappears without a trace… and now this? You don’t want to suspect him… but something isn’t right.
>If someone copied that by hand, they wouldn't have copied a stain like that. Could someone have magically created a copy of the rituals and then given them to her?
Hmm… they usually use printing presses and the like for copying… but the stain? You’re not sure how he managed that.
>Once you're done here, you need to carefully compare the original copy of your assignment and the revised version Cain gave to your sister.
Right… but that’s then… you have far more important matters to focus on right now.

>Shame on you for even considering hanging someone.
You were being sarcastic, brain… geez, why do you even have to tell yourself that you were sarcastic?
>Hang some nobility for the petty reason of hanging someone for a petty reason.
While tempting, that would probably lead to civil war or something… or just an assassination.
>Look around the place and compare it to what you remember from when you were last here and under the influence of Xuv and toxic spores.
Hmm… it’s mostly the same… expect that the door which lead to Xuv’s domain now leads to the entry stairway. In fact, it looks like the place Xuv symbol was before is now instead an arrow pointing to the outside. Other than that… oh, the door the hallway leading to the temple is open as well… and you think it’s… you think you can see a pile of rubble at the end of it… as if someone has deliberately caved it in. You guess they don’t want anyone entering the temple from the crypt…


>Long sword? Over a broadsword? In terms of size they are around the same length.
:BriannahSB: Well, the long sword is my father’s, so it’s made for males… as in, it’s a toothpick for a longsword. More of a short sword in my ‘ands, really…
:KronosSB: I don’t think the naming convention of swords work that way, Bri.
:BriannahSB: It’s about ‘alf the size of my broadsword, so it’s a ‘alf-sword then?
>Before you say your ideas, has everyone been told the contents of Belseth's note so they can think up their own ideas?
:BriannahSB: I already said that the numbers are probably a code or something.
:ThaliaSB: As for the rest… I think he wanted us to go towards the temple… but that way seems to be blocked off.

>Maybe the number sequence is a combination. Six gods, six numbers. Can you press any of those marked stones on the ground?
:KronosSB: These symbols here on the floor… you can’t press them, can you?
:TimSB: They are solid stone, Kronos, so no, we can’t.
:KronosSB: Hmm… though even if we could press them, which god would be number one anyway?
:XarrinSB: The god of air, if I’m to guess.
:KronosSB: Huh? Why?
:XarrinSB: As the year started with the season of air with winter? Then when spring came it was the season of water… then life and fire for summer, earth with autumn and death with winter.
:KronosSB: Really? Interesting…
>>
No. 834249 ID: 65a774
File 150704293974.png - (35.71KB , 686x526 , 61.png )
834249

>I think we're supposed to go towards the direction of the Temple and walk 50 steps in that direction. Then when we get to 50, we're supposed to turn right and there will be a way down right there.
You walk down the corridor, making sure to count each step you take as you itch ever closer to the large pile of stone blocking out access to the grand temple. As you reach the count of fifty, you look to your right and see… nothing?

:KronosSB: Aw, come on… there’s supposed to be something here…
:SisahSB: …I think I see something a bit further down… behind all that filth and plant life over there.
:KronosSB: Oh… let me just remove some of this overgrown… hmm? Some kind of disc?
:XarrinSB: Ah, let’s see… it’s the symbols of the day, I believe. The sun for the middle of the day, sunset, night and then sunrise, yes?
:KronosSB: …and this helps us how, exactly?
:SisahSB: I think you can press them like buttons, sir…
:KronosSB: …in what order? There isn’t six buttons to press here, is there?

>Double check that everyone knows that we have to move as a group with Zela.
:BriannahSB: Of course.
:XarrinSB: We’ve already discussed matters before yah joined us, my lord.
:ZelaSB: Err… oh gosh… just… t-tell me if I’m t-to slow…
>Hand the prayer book to Elete for a minute and ask her to look at the other five rituals and tell you if the copies she got are as uncanny as the one for Xuv.
:EleteSB: I’m not sure… I wasn’t as interested in them… but they do fit the rituals we already know of.
>Then ask Tim if Cain came to him a few days ago to ask him to make a convincing fake Xuv ritual along with real copies of the other five rituals.
:TimSB: Eh? Um… sure? I think? …I did something with the rituals with him, yes? Oh yeah… I did make a fake one, I remember now… why, you should have seen it, some of my best work yet!

>A big problem is if those fifty steps take us beyond the door. Open that door and we'll probably catch either gunfire, crossbow bolts or magic spells from down the temple end of the tunnel.
The tunnel has been collapsed from the other side. We were just lucky the disc wasn’t buried in the rubble as well.
>>
No. 834269 ID: 3ce125

>>834249
Ask Tim what part of the ritual he changed.
5:16 and 3:42 could be times of day, but... I don't know. Check for traps to see if there's a consequence for putting in the wrong combination.
>>
No. 834325 ID: 830fb7

>>834249
The code for opening it could be in the parts 5:16 and 3:42 because a secret entrance to a holy place could be related to a holy book (it could be obscure).
>>
No. 834330 ID: fe7355

This is exactly why we brought long poles. Use a pole to push the buttons from afar, in case a incorrect sequence activates a trap.

Your first idea is to think of 5:16 and 3:42 as being the positions of the hour and minute hands on a clock's face. Overlay those clock hand positions on this disc and press the buttons in the order of which quadrant the hand is pointing to. That'd be hour hand at 5, then minute hand at 16, hour hand at 3, and minute hand at 42. This gives the button sequence: Night, sunset, sunset, sunrise.

Your second idea is more complicated. It involves assigning appropriate seasons to the time segments on the disc, then pressing them based on which god goes with each season in the order of the numbers Belseth wrote. So winter would be night, spring is sunrise, summer is day, and autumn is sunset.

And to be totally sure, ask Xarrin if the sequence of the gods is first air, second water, third life, fourth fire, fifth earth, and sixth death. If that's correct, then the sequence of numbers Belseth gave, 5:16 then 3:42, would mean: Earth, air, death, life, fire, water.

When matched to their seasons the sequence would become: autumn, winter, winter, summer, summer, spring. And finally, matching those seasons to the buttons it'd be: sunset, night, night, day, day, sunrise.

Now the question becomes whether Belseth would make his hint the simpler one or the much more complicated one requiring knowledge of the numerical order of the gods and the leap of matching their seasons to the time periods of the day. Would Belseth be too clever for his own good?
>>
No. 834333 ID: 91ee5f

>>834330
Really? I was thinking he only has to push 2 buttons.

Like where would the sun be positioned in the sky at 5:16 and 3:42? And then Kronos will push those buttons and hope that it's just a "choose all that apply" instead of having an order to push them in.

>Would Belseth be too clever for his own good?
If it is that complicated one, then I think after saving him, Kronos should be allowed to flick Belseth on the nose and tell him to not make the secret message require a giant leap of logic like that next time! .....hopefully there won't be a next time.
>>
No. 834347 ID: fe7355

>>834333
Yeah, I thought of that possible solution too, but dismissed it for two reasons: First is because a two press solution seemed way too simple and easy to brute force when this is supposed to be a secret way into and, more importantly, a way out of the Catacombs. You don't want to risk it opened up and left that way for undead or condemned convicts to possibly come out, or for random nosy royals or groundskeepers to poke and accidentally open.

My second reason is that the times are ambiguous because we don't know if they are based on a 12-hour or 24-hour clock, and if it's using a 12-hour clock whether each time is AM or PM. That leaves four possible combinations of AM and PM for these times. We also don't know at what time each period on the dial starts and when they end at. Is the day period centered on noon or does it start at noon? Are they all the same length of time? Those kinds of questions we don't know the answer to.
>>
No. 834454 ID: 65a774
File 150713644053.png - (36.44KB , 686x526 , 62.png )
834454

>Ask Tim what part of the ritual he changed.
:TimSB: Eh… a rune here, a rune there… a few chants… you know, basic things.
>Check for traps to see if there's a consequence for putting in the wrong combination.
:DoxanSB: I cannot see any traps around, sir.
:SisahSB: Hmm… I can’t detect anything magical either…
>This is exactly why we brought long poles. Use a pole to push the buttons from afar…
Except, as the disc is located in the middle of a narrow corridor, there wouldn’t be enough room to get any leverage to press the button from a distance…
:SisahSB: Sir, allow me. Just tell me the combination and I’ll put it in.
:KronosSB: Oh… um… sure…
:SisahSB: Though… I don’t think I can press down the individual segments? They all seem to be stuck to the disc as a whole.
:KronosSB: Hmm… I think you need to rotate the whole disc? Try to pull it out first.

Sisah manages to pull the disc a centimeter or two from the wall, revealing a small etching above as well as leaving it hanging freely from an unseen axel. The snake looks up to you expectably as she waits for your command.

>Where would the sun be positioned in the sky at 5:16 and 3:42?
:SisahSB: Um… that depends?
:KronosSB: Right… it’s probably not that, as it would change depending on the time of year it is…
>Your first idea is to think of 5:16 and 3:42 as being the positions of the hour and minute hands on a clock's face. This gives the button sequence: Night, sunset, sunset, sunrise.
:SisahSB: …and sunrise… nope, nothing…
:KronosSB: Hmm… how about…
:SisahSB: Wait, let me just reset it.
>Assign seasons to the time segments on the disc. Winter is night, spring is sunrise, summer is day and autumn is sunset. Then we combine what Xarrin said with the numbers to get the sequence Earth, air, death, life, fire and water…
:SisahSB: Err… I don’t have a earth symbol on the disc?
:KronosSB: And as earth is autumn, that would make it sunset, which means-
:TimSB: Sunset, night, night, day, day, sunrise. No need to explain every step, Kronos.
:KronosSB: Fine fine…
:SisahSB: And sunrise… … …maybe if I press the whole disc down again it will-

*ClicK*
>>
No. 834455 ID: 65a774
File 150713644957.png - (22.50KB , 686x526 , 63.png )
834455

You feel a wave of magic flow over you as the very wall seems to take itself apart, revealing a circular stairway going downwards into the darkness below.

:BriannahSB: The way into the catacombs, I presume?
:ThaliaSB: Right… time to organize properly. I’ve heard that the catacombs mostly consist of narrow hallways, which means we need to make a proper walking order…
:EleteSB: I’ll go first. I think I can lead us to the crypt of the gods from here.
:ThaliaSB: And Zela needs to be in the middle… but as for the rest of us…
:KronosSB: Wait, why are everyone looking at me?
:XarrinSB: Yah are the ‘ighest ranking one ‘ere, my lord… and the only one who ‘as any experience with the area.
:EleteSB: *Cough*
:XarrinSB: Almost the only one…

>If it is that complicated one, then I think after saving him, Kronos should be allowed to flick Belseth on the nose and tell him to not make the secret message require a giant leap of logic like that next time!
…you’re going to do more than just flick his snout after all this…
>Would Belseth be too clever for his own good?
…yes? That isn’t really a new revelation, is it?
>>
No. 834460 ID: 3ce125

>>834455
Ranged support goes in the middle, that's the prince and Tim. Sisah can be right behind Elete so we have her magic sensing capability up front, then Briannah, Kronos, Zela, Tim, Xarrin, Thalia, Doxan. Doxan should be stealthy in order to catch rear attacks by surprise. Even if he can't manage stealth in a corridor I assume he's one of the more skilled combatants here and trained to spot ambushes so he'll make a good rear guard.

...swap Thalia and Briannah if Kronos would be distracted by her ass.
>>
No. 834626 ID: fe7355

Ask for a minute to think, then put your finger to your beak to signal to keep quiet and motion for the group to huddle up with you and whisper. You don't want what we say to travel down the stairs to possible hostile ears.

Say you suspect there'll be a ambush or additional traps laid down those stairs by the Nightmare. Possibly both. You say this because from what Karas said we know the Nightmare knows about Belseth's plans, so it or its followers would have figured him pointing you at the royal crypt would be for that plan. And that old partial map of the Catacombs, made by the Temple, showed a likely entrance under the royal crypt, so you figure they would have seen it on a newer map and put two and two together. ...Which makes you wonder why Elete, who's so extensively studied the Catacombs, didn't know about this way in. And for that matter, how did Belseth know about not just it, but the combination to open it?

Anyway, you think that Elete should hang back while we descend the stairs and until we reach a junction so that those more combat capable or with skill in detecting traps goes first. ...Actually, you think she shouldn't be on point at all, since she's the only one who can guide us through. If she's done in by a trap or surprise attack then we're done for. And she's also the only one here who can cast healing magic, which is another reason not to risk her being up front. She doesn't have to be up front all the time, just when we have to choose a direction at a junction, right? So she can hang back until needed at the front.

Put Sisah on point so she can scan for any magical traps ahead, with Doxan right behind her, looking over her shoulder for mundane traps. You'll take the next position, followed by Briannah. That way you have a clear line of fire ahead for ranged targets. And if the situation calls for Bri to move up to assist Sisah with a close quarters hostile, both you and Doxan are more than agile enough to slip back around or even over Bri.

Next back, in the middle, is Zela. She should try to stay low as we go, since she's such a large target. After her is Elete, who'll move up to the front as needed, then Tim, Thalia and finally Xarrin, the three of them comprising our rear guard. Tim is able to see over or around Thalia and Xarrin adequately to target his casting, right?

Of course, if anyone sees any deficiencies in your walking order, please pipe up. While you technically outrank everyone else here, you and they damn well know you aren't experienced in tactics or military matters at all.

Now, there is another possible explanation for the real Xuv ritual getting to Elete: It was Chronicler's doing. Documents are one of its fundamental aspects, so altering the fake ritual's content into a exact duplicate of the real one would be easy for it. And it is already breaking the rules by conversing with mortals, namely you and Bri, to give you a edge so your story would be better, or just to help you not fail. Considering the Forgotten One's endgame is the total oblivion of everything, that would be very good reason for Chronicler and its siblings to bend or break the rules to intervene and stop that, since they'd cease to exist too. So Chronicler may have put the real ritual in to keep the story moving and interesting, or maybe for reasons that actually were to aid you or its objectives in a way you can't see, both or neither.
>>
No. 834849 ID: 8c51fa

>>834455
So we're deciding on a marching order? Okay, let's see what we've got...

This would be easier to sort out with a neat list of our current party members and their relevant skills.

Okay, so we'll want to have people with high alertness and senses in both the front and back of the line to alert us to potential ambushes. I think Sisah and Doxan are the best choices for that; Sisah should go in the front so her magical vision can locate invisible traps, and Doxan can cover our rear with his stealth skills to stop anyone from sneaking up on us from behind. Or is there anyone else with especially acute hearing? Also, can Sisah see magical threats through solid matter? Because it might be best to put her behind someone if that's the case.

Next to them, we'll want strone melee fighters who can react to threats quickly and help fight off attackers. That includes at least Briannah and Thalia, I think. In the front, it would be good to have someone who's also skilled at spotting traps to assist Sisah's magical vision, in case there are any non-enchanted traps waiting for us.

We'll keep our more vulnerable party members like Kronos and Tim near the center. Should Kronos be closer to the front or the rear? His skills are in agility, precision and reflexes, so we might want him in the front to react quickly to enemy groups that we encounter, or behind to stop surprise attacks. Shooting past allies is risky; maybe he should be somewhere close to the front, so he can shoot at enemies before melee starts and then fall back behind the more melee-focused party members.
>>
No. 834977 ID: 65a774
File 150739938385.png - (57.25KB , 686x526 , 64.png )
834977

>Put Bri far back unless you want Kronos to be distracted by her ass…
You’re pretty sure you have enough self-control not to stare when your life is on the line. Though… she is rather big… she’ll probably block sight on anyone standing behind her… hmm…
>Now, there is another possible explanation for the real Xuv ritual getting to Elete: It was Chronicler's doing.
…yeah, that does sound more plausible. It wants this story to go the way it wants it too… and Cain is your best friend, why would he betray you?
>How did Belseth know about not just it, but the combination to open it?
Belseth has had visions of the future before, so you wouldn’t be surprised if he know thing no one else does.


:KronosSB: Alright… We want people that can detect traps in the lead… that means Sisah and Doxan for both magical and mundane traps respectively.
:SisahSB: Sir, there seem to be so much magic in the air itself down there that I don’t think I’ll be detecting anything at all.
:TimSB: *Sniff* Indeed… there’s so much magic welling out from that passageway that my nose gets all stuffed.
:BriannahSB: Wait, yah ‘ave a nose?
:DoxanSB: And any non-magical trap would have stopped working by now... this thing was build ages ago, after all.
:KronosSB: Well… you two are still the ones with the most combat experience… and we need someone with high alertness and senses both in front as well as in the back to make sure we don’t get ambushed.
:SisahSB: I’ll take the front, then.
:BriannahSB: That means yah got to watch our rears, Doxy… snrk…
:DoxanSB: I’ll make sure we’re safe, master.
:KronosSB: And Elete should go second so she can guide us.
:EleteSB: Indeed…

:KronosSB: Then we’ll want our melee fighters, so that can actually reach whatever is attacking us. One in front and one in the back…
:ThaliaSB: I’ll be the one in the front, otherwise no one will see what is going on.
:BriannahSB: Did… yah just call me fat?
:ThaliaSB: No, I called you big… which you are. You barely fit in these small corridors.
:BriannahSB: …well, I guess that’s true…
:KronosSB: Then we our ranged fighter, as in me and Tim, on each side of Zela who will be in the middle.
:TimSB: I’ll be in the back, as I won’t need a free line of sight like you do with your gun to conjure my fire.
:ZelaSB: Um… oh gosh… I g-guess I’m in the… um…
:KronosSB: Of course, if anyone sees any deficiencies in my walking order, please pipe up. We both know damn well that I’m not that experienced in tactics or military matters at all.
:ThaliaSB: It seems well planned out… So, are we ready to go?

>Say you suspect there'll be an ambush or additional traps laid down those stairs by the Nightmare. Possibly both.
:ThaliaSB: Right… Then we’ll send our soldiers in first… Sisah, Doxan?
:DoxanSB: On it.
:SisahSB: As you command.
:ThaliaSB: Elete, you’ll go next followed by Kronos, in case there’s something down there either of you need to see and react to. I’ll make sure we all make it down safely.

Venturing down into the cramped circular stairwell, you find yourself in a small circular room. You can’t help but notice the similarities with it and the entrance hall of the royal crypt, both being the same size and having eight other doors leading away into the darkness, not counting the door you just entered from. As you look around, the stench of death and decay assaults your nostrils and the sheer amount of magical energy down here makes your neck feathers stand on end.

:DoxanSB: Perimeter secure, sir.
:SisahSB: Ugh… there’s so much magic down here that my augmentations are going crazy. I won’t be able to scan for magic down here at all!
:EleteSB: Oh, interesting…
>>
No. 834978 ID: 65a774
File 150739939513.png - (59.26KB , 686x526 , 65.png )
834978

:SisahSB: Eh? Don’t go in there! Come back! We don’t know if it’s safe yet!
:EleteSB: Nonsense, I’ve read enough about the catacombs to know that the halls with this symbol is free of traps… and looking at these runes here on the walls, it outright tells us how to navigate the catacombs without-
>>
No. 834979 ID: 65a774
File 150739940514.png - (49.42KB , 686x526 , 66.png )
834979

:EleteSB: Wai-
>>
No. 834980 ID: 65a774
File 150739941262.png - (35.09KB , 686x526 , 67.png )
834980

*Crunch*
>>
No. 834981 ID: 65a774
File 150739943622.png - (35.28KB , 686x526 , 68.png )
834981

:ZelaSB: Ugh… I’m getting crushed in here… why can’t they build stairwells fit for a Hiver?
>>
No. 834983 ID: efcc58

>>834981
>Watch for traps
No, ThErEs No PoInT bEcAuSe ReAsOnS
>Get crushed by trap
LoL gOoD jOb
>>
No. 834986 ID: 3ce125

>>834981
Welp I guess the bad guys win then.
>>
No. 834987 ID: d887c0

Oh shit.
Oh no.
>>
No. 834990 ID: a633c6

Oh for fuck's sake. That was retarded even by a kronos-tier metric.

Everyone move down so Bri can break down the door & we'll see if she can't be saved.
>>
No. 834992 ID: efcc58

>>834990
But someone will point out the blood in the doorway, which means she's obviously dead and there's no point in trying. If she shows up later only missing a limb, it's a miracle that nobody could have seen coming.
>>
No. 834993 ID: 91ee5f

>>834992
>If she shows up later only missing a limb, it's a miracle that nobody could have seen coming.
That's even more of a reason to check right now.

If she's still alive, then we need to get her out of there so that she can guide us.

And then she can live with the humiliating fact that she was an overconfident idiot and has no one but herself to blame for losing that limb.
>>
No. 835002 ID: 600f38

>>834981
"Bri, can you smash that open?
Doxan, NOW will you start looking for traps in this magical dungeon that we knew had working traps before we entered because the church kept losing followers to them while exploring?"

See if you can get the Old Man's attention. If you tell him we need her to stop them from starting another round of gods that Dreams says will result in the end of all life, he might be willing to make some allowances. Tell him he can't go near places with his antithetical symbol, so if he wants this fuckery stopped then he can't be taking away the tools we need to stop it.

That was kiiiinda bullshit. We knew there were traps in here before we entered because we knew the church kept losing followers to them.
We warned them about traps, and Kronos backing down when Doxan blew him off just made things worse.

>>
No. 835004 ID: 91ee5f

>>835002
>Church kept losing followers to traps.
.....I think what we just saw happen to Elete explains how and why those guys kept dying.

They saw that symbol and thought, "Oh, this means no traps!" and then promptly walked straight into a trap!
>>
No. 835008 ID: a633c6

>>834992
eh, maybe she sat on an old ketchup packet or something. If she were really mashed to death this whole place would look like the floor of a slaughter house.
>>
No. 835013 ID: 3ce125

>Old Man
Hey that's right. If Elete just died, we can talk to Life and tell him what's going on. Also give him the good news that Xuv is dead.
>>
No. 835023 ID: 91ee5f

>>835013
There's a problem with that.

Xuv was down here, yet Life didn't know she was here. Which makes me think that Life isn't going to show up down here like you're expecting.
>>
No. 835032 ID: fe7355

There is no word of profanity known in this world that can adequately convey how you feel about this current situation, nor enough breath in your body to adequately scream it, so you can only let this pass through you like a ghost and think what can possibly be done next.

Consider that this may be illusionary bullshit, meant to break your group's will. Also remember that it wasn't just Zela's proximity but her line of sight that banished Karas, so her breaking line of sight to the group in this chamber while she descends the stairs may have broken her protection on this group. It's also possible that the intense magic down here has reduced her area of effect. Who knows.

Tell whoever is nearest to Zela, on both her front and back, to help her get down the stairwell as fast as she can and into this chamber. And tell everyone behind her on the stairs to get down here as quick as they can so they're for sure in her area of effect.

If this is no illusion, then it means Elete's knowledge of the Catacombs was worthless and she couldn't guide the group anyway. It's probable that the Nightmare has changed the Catacombs' rules around so everything learned of traversing it safely before is worthless. It's also possible that now that there's way more magic down here than before that traps that laid dormant now have enough magic charge to work. You just wish we didn't find out this very hard way that the Catacombs' rules have changed. And to make it suck even more, you also lost the only person in the group who could cast healing magic, who knew the layout of the Gods' Crypt and how the Ascension Ritual works, and who knows what other helpful information.

Ask Tim, Xarrin, and everyone else here if they have an idea what the symbols on the archway keystones mean.

Ask Tim if it'd be possible to tap into all of this ambient magic and using it in some way without everything exploding. It'd unlikely we could do it with who and what we have down here, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

The only one you can think of who could possibly have found out how to traverse the Catacombs safely now that they've been changed is Krotos. But how to get in contact with him? With Xuv and her dreamwalking power gone you can't just take a quick nap to speak with him. But maybe he can manifest in some way in the Catacombs.

You'll call out Krotos' name, but first you want to get everyone into a defensive position. There's decent odds other, hostile things will come running as well. Put Zela just this side of the entrance stairwell doorway, then form a defensive semi-circle around her, you and Tim inside it with her. That done, yell for Krotos.

>>834990
>Everyone move down so Bri can break down the door & we'll see if she can't be saved.
That does not look like a door, but rather a solid block of stone the length of the corridor segment that slid across and crushed Elete into paste against the opposite wall. This may mean that corridor segments with one or both walls composed of a single solid piece stone and not stone blocks are potentially traps.

>>835013
>Hey that's right. If Elete just died, we can talk to Life and tell him what's going on. Also give him the good news that Xuv is dead.
Even if Life does show up, will Kronos be able to see it? He didn't get the ability to see the likes of Life and Chronicler and their kind until after Xuv gave him her "gifts," so it may have been her power that gave him that ability. Now that she and her power is gone, that ability may be gone too. That leaves Briannah as the only member of the group that for sure can see and converse with Life.

>>835023
That's true. The Catacombs of the Godless, originally known as the Soul Kiln, was built to contain souls, so keeping them beyond Life's view so it couldn't just drop in to usher them back into the River of Souls would have to be part of its design. And according to Chronicler or Dreamer, the only reason Life didn't throw a enraged fit about the Soul Kiln doing that was because the Soul Kiln would not last forever, eventually breaking and leaking the souls out, which is what happened. Xuv's soul would have leaked out that way if not for crossing ways with Krotos' dying body and getting stuck in it.
>>
No. 835037 ID: 91ee5f

>>835032
Or maybe the Nightmare didn't change anything and it was Elete's own lack of common sense that killed her?

I mean, just because you see a symbol that tells you, "No traps" that doesn't mean you shouldn't check and make sure there aren't traps!

.....and this is making me think about how Karas said that Belseth would try and stop them himself. He probably read he could do that somewhere, the same way Elete read about those "no traps" symbols. Meaning, just like Elete, Belseth might be acting on worthless information and he's just going to get himself possessed!
>>
No. 835117 ID: 3ce125

Oh, if she did just die and we're already deep enough for Life to be unable to give us a visit, that ALSO means her soul is trapped here. I believe Briannah and Kronos will be able to see her, so she can still act as a guide. An invincible one, even.
>>
No. 835152 ID: 069483

Just face palm.

Remind everyone that these are the CATACOMBS OF THE DAMNED.
Come to the realization that part of the reason for all the crap leading up to and including this God bullshit may in fact just be because of good old fashioned stupidity.
Also realize that maybe you're actually pretty smart all things considered.
>>
No. 835177 ID: 094652

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why everyone thinks religion is full of stupid people. No matter how much research is done, faith is no excuse for ignoring uncertainty in any experiment.

Open the door and figure out the damage. Then get some engineers to weld the deathtrap open.
>>
No. 835178 ID: 65a774
File 150749280280.png - (58.26KB , 686x526 , 69.png )
835178

>If she were really mashed to death this whole place would look like the floor of a slaughter house.
You’re pretty sure most of… um… her is still stuck between the walls…

>Doxan, NOW will you start looking for traps?
:DoxanSB: I am looking! I just said that any trap I might actually find are traps that won’t function anymore. She didn’t step on a pressure plate or broke a piece of thread to activate some hidden machinery… her presence activated some kind of rune of some kind. no, what you need is a trained mage to find these traps, not an assassin.
:SisahSB: And as there already so much magic down here… it’s practically impossible to detect magical traps as well...
:KronosSB: …great… just great… so we’re stuck down here, without a guide and without any way to detect all the traps that litter the corridors here… great…
:ZelaSB: W-why is everyone yelling?
:KronosSB: There’s… a slight change of plans?
:ThaliaSB: Wait, where is the priest?
:KronosSB: About that…
>Bri, can you smash that open?
:BriannahSB: Hrrnn…. It’s a solid block of stone… if it was smaller I might ‘ave been able to move it, but this thing weight several tons.
:TimSB: Hmm… I might be able to use magic to open it… though I’ll need some time to analyze the magical flow down here first…

>Ask Tim, Xarrin, and everyone else here if they have an idea what the symbols on the archway keystones mean.
:XarrinSB: It means judgement… as in, being judged. I guess they mean anyone who enters that corridor will be judged? Going by the symbol of death, I guess someone just got the death sentence?
:ThaliaSB: You didn’t answer my question, where is Elete!?
:KronosSB: Well… she’s… um… she tried to run ahead and… activated a trap?
:ThaliaSB: …w-what!?
:SisahSB: I tried to stop her, but I was too late…
:BriannahSB: Well… fuck…
:ZelaSB: …I-I don’t w-want to be d-down here anymore…

>The only one you can think of who could possibly have found out how to traverse the Catacombs safely now that they've been changed is Krotos.
But he’s not… wait… didn’t he say something about how he could help you find the crypt of the gods? There has to be a way you can reach him, even without Xuv’s powers…
>You'll call out Krotos' name, but first you want to get everyone into a defensive position.
:ThaliaSB: We’re in position, Prince… but why? Do you think we’ll be attacked?
:KronosSB: What I am about to might draw unwanted attention, but we need a guide so… *cough* KROTOS? CAN YOU HEAR ME!?
:BriannahSB: K-Krotos…?
>>
No. 835179 ID: 65a774
File 150749281158.png - (54.48KB , 686x526 , 70.png )
835179

Suddenly, as if he was always there, Krotos is standing in front of you… or… at least a transparent version of him.

:KrotosSB: Ah, there you are! I’ve been waiting for you to come.
:BriannahSB: …It can’t…
:KrotosSB: Quick, you don’t have much time, this way. As long as you use these passageways marked with… with… why is there a wall blocking off this corridor?
:KronosSB: Um… someone accidently triggered a trap?
:KrotosSB: But… there aren’t supposed to be any traps here! I’ve seen countless priests walk right through these corridors before… but… how are you supposed to…
:ZelaSB: Is he… t-talking to himself?
:ThaliaSB: Shh, let him talk… hopefully he’s using his odd powers and hasn’t gone mad.

>If Elete just died, we can talk to Life and tell him what's going on.
You can feel a cold wind in the distance… but it doesn’t seem that it can fully reach you down here. This place seems to be out of reach from Life itself.
>The Catacombs of the Godless, originally known as the Soul Kiln, was built to contain souls, so keeping them beyond Life's view so it couldn't just drop in to usher them back into the River of Souls would have to be part of its design.
It’s been designed to keep souls imprisoned for eternity… and punish them… judge them… wait… what if that’s the reason why there’s suddenly a trap there… Elete was judged… and the catacombs found her guilty.

>Oh, if she did just die and we're already deep enough for Life to be unable to give us a visit, that ALSO means her soul is trapped here.
That’s right… she could still be around here somewhere… but-
>>
No. 835180 ID: 65a774
File 150749281932.png - (99.76KB , 686x526 , 71.png )
835180

Your thoughts are interrupted by scream, a scream no one else seem to notice… then out of nowhere an older, more ragged looking Elete comes stumbling towards you. She only managed to take a few steps before several other spirits appears and lash onto her… several, you notice, are the souls of Sakkilian children…

:EleteSB: NO! LET GO OF ME! HELP ME!
:NonSB: MURDERER!
:NonSB: BETRAYER!
:NonSB: THIEF!
:EleteSB: I only did what needed to be done!
:NonSB: You did it out of selfishness.
:NonSB: You hurt so many out of selfish desires.
:NonSB: You are nothing but filth that needs to be unmade!
:EleteSB: HELP ME! PLEASE!
:NonSB: She is at fault for your brothers!
:NonSB: She is the one who broke your love!
:NonSB: LET HER SUFFER LIKE SHE DESERVES!
:EleteSB: P-PLEASE! Y-YOU CAN’T LEAVE M-ME DOWN HERE!

As the souls starts to drag Elete to whatever fate that awaits her, she reaches out to you in desperation…
>>
No. 835185 ID: 3ce125

>>835180
>she was judged guilty, now ghosts are dragging her into hell
She did what

Oh my god don't tell me SHE was in league with the Nightmare? That explains why she survived the attack against the other priests. Considering when Karas attacked none of you could even run away, it doesn't make sense in hindsight for Elete to be able to escape. That was done just to get Belseth in the position he's in now, and then gain your trust so that she could bring you to the ritual as well.

Don't let her touch you, as she might try to possess you. Ask the red ghosts to keep her restrained and explain exactly what she did. You need to know, so that you can stop any of her plans that would continue without her.
>>
No. 835188 ID: be0718

Grab her! If anyone's going to torment her for eternity for being an idiot, it's you!
>>
No. 835212 ID: d5cc8e

"Dammit, let her go! You don't get to murder someone to then torment their soul! You didn't even offer her a chance of penance!"

And pull her to you!
>>
No. 835213 ID: d5cc8e

>>835212
Also an "I don't care, torment is not the answer!" In response to what they are saying to you. You can clarify to the living after the crisis.
>>
No. 835219 ID: 3ce125

Guys keep in mind we do plan on disrupting the infinity wards down here. Life will recycle all the souls once that happens, she won't be tormented for very long.
>>
No. 835222 ID: 600f38

>>835180
Grab her.
"All true, but for now we still need her.
She's trapped here same as you, and I can't stop you from giving her what she deserves, but please, for the countless people will suffer and die should we fail here, hold off on your revenge for now.

Krotos? Bri?"
>>
No. 835225 ID: 91ee5f

>>835178
>Picture.
So that's what Bri looks like in her armor in color! That looks pretty cool!

>It means judgement…as in, being judged. I guess they mean anyone who enters that corridor will be judged? Going by the symbol of death, I guess someone just got the death sentence?
Are you telling me that Elete passed through a magic symbol WITHOUT KNOWING WHAT IT MEANS?!?!

Come on! If you're going to be studying this place, then fucking learn what the symbols mean!

>>835179
>Krotos appears.
Yay! He's here!

>Krotos tries to lead us down the same path that killed Elete.
.....fuck.

> But…there aren’t supposed to be any traps here! I’ve seen countless priests walk right through these corridors before…but…how are you supposed to…
Then they were probably already possessed by the Nightmare or their sins weren't enough for them to be judged and killed.

>>835180
>older, more ragged looking Elete comes stumbling towards you.
>spirits of Sakkilian children are tormenting her.
Oh fuck.....Elete.....please tell me you weren't sacrificing Sakkilian children in some sort of ritual to keep yourself looking young and beautiful!

Although, if that's not the reason, then explain what she was judged for before you drag her away! We still need her here!
>>
No. 835229 ID: a633c6

>I’ve seen countless priests walk right through these corridors before…
Well we can always depend on your powers of observation, huh.
>You can feel a cold wind in the distance…
What the fuck does that even mean?!?

alright well it looks like somebody's going to escape punishment again because of on some foggy idea of forgiveness and because justice for its own sake is inconvenient sometimes, so let's get this shitshow on the road.
>>
No. 835262 ID: 600f38

>>835229
Justice is doing what is best for society in the long run. Sometimes that means good things happen to bad people, and it can be murky as shit, but you can't allow emotion to cloud your judgement.

She inflicted the madness on those children so Krotos would have to kill them. She inflicted madness upon Krotos to break Bri and the royal family. She likely was behind the assassination of the queen, as it served no purpose other than provoking a war, as was the case with her other actions.
Does she deserve this? Oh, without question. However, she knows more about this ritual of theirs than anyone, and with milions of lives on the line it's far more important that we have that information than allow her to reap her just reward.
Normally justice would say let her suffer to avoid people exploiting this in the future, but if we do that then there is no future. In this case she's getting a few hours reprieve and a chance at partially atoning for her crimes. That is the most just path.
>>
No. 835264 ID: 3ce125

>>835262
The fact that she knows so much about the ritual means we should keep her as far away as possible from it. She could likely still manipulate events to her advantage. Remember that Belseth is well informed on the ritual and Krotos can serve as a guide. All we really have to do is figure out how to reset the trap so everyone can pass through the judgement gate.
>>
No. 835278 ID: 91ee5f

>>835264
>Don't need Elete.
The problem is, Belseth only knows what Elete told him about the ritual, but that doesn't mean that Elete told him everything about the ritual. She might've left out a few things, which would be enough to fuck us up if we rely on Belseth to try and stop it with whatever he knows.

>Krotos can be guide.
Yeah, that's true.

>Reset the trap.
But would that also reset the Judgement Rune? I don't think anyone else is going to risk going through there and having something from their past come back and bite them in the ass right now!
>>
No. 835286 ID: 3ce125

>>835278
I doubt all the other priests are free of sin. The judgement rune kills those who are worthy of death, not just anyone who's committed a crime. Be reasonable.

As for Elete not telling everything to Belseth, that's true, but she could also LIE to us if we take her.
>>
No. 835287 ID: 3ce125

Basically the question here is "do we save the knowledgeable but completely evil motherfucker and take her with us to try to stop her own plans?" and the answer to that is fucking no!
>>
No. 835293 ID: 600f38

>>835287
Our plan is to stop the ritual, and remove every eternity symbol we see.
Once that's done Life will come in and clean up.

If Life takes her then she isn't going to be trapped in here with the ghosts of those she tortured and murdered.
Also, she would hav no way of combining with the other spirits into a gestalt monster like Xuv or the Nightmare. Or escaping. It would ensure she never harms anyone ever again.

Basically, she'd be escaping millennia of torment by jumping right into the wheel of reincarnation. That's acceptable for us, and a trade up for her.
>>
No. 835294 ID: fe7355

DO NOT HELP ELETE! Do not even let her touch you! For one, she is incorporeal so you wouldn't be able to grab hold of her, and even if you could you don't have the strength to wrest her away from all those spirits. But that ghostly state means the only way Elete could escape their grasp would be to jump into your body. And whether that means possessing you or just riding around, it would mean all the spirits down here who are out to exact justice on her will turn on you! They will rip at your soul and body to get her, and even if they can't pull her out they can turn all the magical traps down here on you to get at her. And they will judge you as a accomplice to her crimes for helping her escape, so you will be equally guilty in their eyes.

And she is assuredly guilty. Those souls of Sakkilian children are almost certainly the war orphans that were kept in the Grand Temple's basement by her and went viciously mad down there. The ones that attacked Karas when he went to save them, which sowed the seed of hatred and fear of Sakkilians in him that led him to the Nightmare. Her actions led to their madness and deaths, and to Karas' fate.

With Elete's "ends justify the means" attitude, and with the ends being so massively great in her mind, she must have engaged in a unfathomable amount of terrible acts towards that end. And with her access to the Catacombs she had a easy way to dispose of all those who would dare get in the way of that end who could not be swayed otherwise. All their souls are down here, and they all are coming to drag her to justice. You try and pull her away and you will be dragged down with her.

Ask the spirits what she, the Archbishop, did to be at fault for Krotos and Karas fates, and what she did to break Briannah. What did she do to those Sakkilian children, the war orphans? What did she do to all the others who's souls are trapped down here because of her? Speak all that she has done to deserve this fate.

Ask the spirits who can safely pass through the corridor inscribed with the rune of justice. Then ask that they reopen the corridor of judgment so that we may traverse the Catacombs and put a stop to what the Archbishop's terrible acts have set in motion.

Once Elete has been dragged to her fate, ask Briannah and Krotos if they saw and heard what happened here with Elete's soul. Does Krotos know of the Archbishop's misdeeds? Then inform the rest of the group on what happened since they couldn't see or hear it.

>>835229
>What the fuck does that even mean?!?
It means that Life is somewhere nearby but can't get here because the Catacombs block its entry, as designed.

>alright well it looks like somebody's going to escape punishment again because of on some foggy idea of forgiveness and because justice for its own sake is inconvenient sometimes, so let's get this shitshow on the road.
Please, don't give up and throw your vote behind a choice you don't want just 'cause right now it looks like it'll tip that way. That just reinforces that choice and makes folks who'd vote your way not bother voting at all. There's still time for others to come in and vote our way, or the ones who've voted to try and help Elete to be possibly swayed by argument to flip. It's not over, so please switch your vote to leaving her to her fate, or at least clarify that that what you wrote meant your intention was for that and you were being sarcastic.

>>835262
But you're forgetting that all those spirits that are dragging her away to her just punishment will not just give up if Kronos pulls her away. They will all descend upon Kronos to get her back, and likely judge him guilty for trying to help her escape. Those spirits will then turn the Catacombs and its traps against Kronos. This means she is now a fatal liability to the mission. She must not be saved.
>>
No. 835295 ID: 91ee5f

>>835286
>I doubt all the other priests are free of sin. The judgement rune kills those who are worthy of death, not just anyone who's committed a crime. Be reasonable.
That's my point. Our group has quite a few people in it that might've done things in the past that makes them worthy of death. Bri, Doxan, Sisah, Thalia, and Xarrin could be next to get squished!

>>835287
But is she really evil and was it really her plan? Or was she deceived?

She mentioned to us one time, while she was dressed up as the Archbishop and before we knew it was Elete, that this plan was given to her by her master. And I wouldn't be surprised if this "master" was actually the Nightmare the whole time.

Which would mean that the Nightmare tricked Elete into setting up this ritual in the first place, while making her think that it would benefit the world if she did this.
>>
No. 835302 ID: 3ce125

>>835295
Yes she's really evil, look at what the ghosts are saying- wait why are the sakkilian children here? They shouldn't be here. They sure didn't get thrown into the crypt.

As for our party members being judged worthy of death, I find that very very hard to believe. None of them have done things THAT bad in the past, to our knowledge. If they have, then they'll know better now than to keep it secret from us.
>>
No. 835308 ID: 094652

"... Can you help me save the world? You can have her and leave, but you're only going to get like two hours of revenge if the Beast completes his ritual. Then he'll declare victory over good and ensure only the guilty get to be happy, including her. In comparison, I'll let you stay topside and use all the shiny spirit torture tools if you do something heroic."
>>
No. 835318 ID: fe7355

>>835295
>Which would mean that the Nightmare tricked Elete into setting up this ritual in the first place, while making her think that it would benefit the world if she did this.
If what Krotos said earlier about someone, presumably Elete, sabotaging the Nightmare, stealing power for a Sakkilian priest, presumably Belseth, is true, then Elete already figured the Nightmare was trying to trick her and tried to con it right back. (See >>822425) Which anyone with a lick of sense could see was all kinds of hubris on her part, but she was blinded by the possible divine payoff.

>>835302
>Yes she's really evil, look at what the ghosts are saying-
Yeah, the kind of evil that comes from a unbending ends-justifies-the-means attitude combined with ends she believes are so massively beneficial to everyone that it'll totally eclipse the atrocious means she used.

>wait why are the sakkilian children here? They shouldn't be here. They sure didn't get thrown into the crypt.
The violently insane Sakkilian war orphans were in the basement of the Grand Temple when they were cut down when they attacked Karas and his guards when he came to attempt to save them. That was right over the Catacombs, (not crypt,) so the souls from at least some of them ended up falling into the Catacombs and trapped. And we know the Catacombs can catch passing souls that flow by because Dreamer (or Chronicler) mentioned the war flooded the Catacombs with souls, charging it up more than normal.
>>
No. 835323 ID: 3ce125

>>835318
...okay, I guess that indicates Elete is on our side, despite the evils she committed. We should save her after all. Kronos should feel a bit icky about doing it even so.
>>
No. 835527 ID: fe7355

>>835323
But that doesn't matter because if Kronos somehow does manage to save Elete from her fate, the Catacombs and every soul trapped in it because of her will judge him guilty of helping her escape that fate. It and they will turn against Kronos, and every trap and door down here will be out for his blood. Kronos will not be able to continue and have to flee for his life, assuming the Catacombs hasn't sealed the exit to stop him.
>>
No. 835529 ID: 3ce125

>>835527
Look, she's already died for her crimes. Kronos is already opposed to torture, and we do need her help to save the world or whatever. The catacombs won't judge him for that, and the undead here are already pretty hostile in general. We'd have to worry about the sakkilian children, but I think we could strike a deal with them-- like Kronos could say that once the world is saved he'll give Elete the punishment she deserves. Which involves sitting in the timeout corner, forever.
>>
No. 836220 ID: 65a774
File 150784129360.png - (43.65KB , 686x526 , 72.png )
836220

>Pull her to you!
>Don't let her touch you, as she might try to possess you.
>Grab her! If anyone's going to torment her for eternity for being an idiot, it's you!
>DO NOT HELP ELETE! Do not even let her touch you!
As Elete is being dragged away to her hellish fate, you can’t do anything but hesitate. A part of you screams for you to rescue her, that no one deserves what she’s about to experience… but another part warns you that that helping her might end up badly for everyone, how she might hurt you… or even possess you. Then there’s the part of your brain who is telling you that the idea itself is just foolish, she’s a ghost and thus incorporeal… and even if you could grab her, would you even be able to wrest her away from the spirits anyway?

In the end, the decision is made for you, as Elete is finally dragged away into the floor screaming…

:EleteSB: SAVE ME DAMMIT! I CAN HELP YOU! P-PLEASE! D-Don’t l-leave me like this! GAH! Why didn’t you protect me, master! SAVE ME MASTER! SAVE ME!!!
:KronosSB: W-wait, can’t we talk about this!?
:NonSB: She deserve this…
:KronosSB: At least listen to what I have to say!
:NonSB: …we will listen…

>Don't tell me SHE was in league with the Nightmare?
:NonSB: She saw it as a tool, it barely knew she existed. Her arrogance made sure she never stood a chance.
>Please tell me she weren't sacrificing Sakkilian children in some sort of ritual to keep herself looking young and beautiful!?
:NonSB: She sucked out our futures and threw our remains here to hide her crimes…
>We still need her here!
:NonSB: Her goals does not align with yours… she would hinder you, not help.
>Justice is doing what is best for society in the long run.
:NonSB: JUSTICE IS THE PROTECTION OF THE INNOCENT! She has hurt so many… and would have hurt so many more. Her very presence would make society worse for everyone but her.

>You didn't even offer her a chance of penance!
:NonSB: She already had her chance many times before… but each time she turned it down, justifying herself that she only did what needed to be done.
>I don't care, torment is not the answer!
:NonSB: Then grant her salvation! End the nightmare and destroy this place!
>...Can you help me save the world?
:NonSB: …we are… weak…
>Ask the spirits who can safely pass through the corridor inscribed with the rune of justice.
:NonSB: The guilty will find only death and those seeking redemption will be redeemed. Only the truly innocent can pass without fear.
>Then ask that they reopen the corridor of judgment.
:NonSB: We cannot do that… but your friend might be able to…
:KronosSB: …friend?
>>
No. 836221 ID: 65a774
File 150784130759.png - (63.72KB , 686x526 , 73.png )
836221

As on cue, the wall of the “Judgement” corridor comes to life once again to move aside, reopening the corridor for another brave fool to enter.

:TimSB: There we go… good as new… also, ew?
:ThaliaSB: Dammit, mage, when I said to stay in defensive positions I meant it.
:TimSB: Just because you’re content with watching the Prince act like a loon doesn’t mean I am. Besides, I’m not going anywhere…
:ThaliaSB: Someone just died from a trap, you idiot. Stay put until we’re sure it is safe to move again!
:ZelaSB: Eh? W-what’s so “ew” o-over there?

>Ask Briannah and Krotos if they saw and heard what happened here with Elete's soul.
:BriannahSB:
:KrotosSB: Well, yes… though I don’t really have any sympathy for her. She’s is kind of the reason I’m here, after all.
>Then inform the rest of the group on what happened since they couldn't see or hear it.
:ThaliaSB: So you’re telling me Elete was evil all along and was just dragged into hell?
:ZelaSB: … … …I really don’t want to be down here anymore…
>I don't think anyone else is going to risk going through there and having something from their past come back and bite them in the ass right now!
:ThaliaSB: We’ve already lost someone, of course we aren’t stupid enough to try the same corridor again.
:KrotosSB: Yet, it’s the only corridor that isn’t tr- well, have a trap that’s always active…
:DoxanSB: If only we had a way to check for traps in the other corridors… but I don’t think a long stick or a stone will do the trick on these magical devices.
:KrotosSB: Or you can just trust me and walk through the Judgment corridor… you’ll be fine… I think…
:TimSB: Hmm… I might be able to use all this magical energy hanging around to make a fake “soul”, so to speak… if the trap is activated either by moment or the presence of living things, that would do the trick.
:KrotosSB: Which will be a waste of time… but of course you can’t actually hear me so I’m not even sure why I’m trying to argue here…


>She mentioned to us one time, while she was dressed up as the Archbishop and before we knew it was Elete, that this plan was given to her by her master. And I wouldn't be surprised if this "master" was actually the Nightmare the whole time.
If she truly was under the control of the nightmare… it would explain so much, wouldn’t it?
>Are you telling me that Elete passed through a magic symbol WITHOUT KNOWING WHAT IT MEANS?!?!
Going by how she was screaming about her “master” not protecting her, she might have thought the nightmare would… well, protect her from the trap?
>That explains why she survived the attack against the other priests.
That was always a bit suspect, wasn’t it… yet, the only reason you trusted her was because of… Cain… is he in on this too or was he duped by her as well?
>She inflicted the madness on those children so Krotos would have to kill them. She inflicted madness upon Krotos to break Bri and the royal family. She likely was behind the assassination of the queen, as it served no purpose other than provoking a war, as was the case with her other actions.
By the five… she has done so much… and she was right under our beaks the whole time, scheming…
>>
No. 836228 ID: 91ee5f

>>836220
>Then grant her salvation! End the nightmare and destroy this place!
Looks like we're adding "Destroy the Catacombs" to the list of things to do down here!

Tell everyone what you were told. "The guilty will find only death and those seeking redemption will be redeemed. Only the truly innocent can pass without fear."

>>836221
>Just because you’re content with watching the Prince act like a loon doesn’t mean I am.
Oh, that's right, Tim is pretty much the only one here that doesn't know about what you can do and thinks you're crazy. I'm sure you and the others can convince him.

>We’ve already lost someone, of course we aren’t stupid enough to try the same corridor again.
Repeat what your brother said to her.

>If only we had a way to check for traps in the other corridors…but I don’t think a long stick or a stone will do the trick on these magical devices.
Repeat what your brother said to him.

>Hmm…I might be able to use all this magical energy hanging around to make a fake “soul”, so to speak…if the trap is activated either by moment or the presence of living things, that would do the trick.
Repeat what your brother said to him and agree that we don't have time to do that.

Look around the room. Is there anything here that could be related to the numbers 5: 16 and 3: 42, which are the numbers that Belseth left for you?
>>
No. 836230 ID: 3ce125

>>836221
Well. I say go through the Judgement corridor. Tell everyone that is your decision, so if they believe the trap will kill them they should leave. And also not talk to you again because you don't want to be friends with anyone who the trap would kill.
>>
No. 836235 ID: 3ce125

...oh, something occurred to me. If Cain is working with the Nightmare as well it makes more sense that he's the saboteur than Elete. ...him having Nightmare powers would explain why he's able to seemingly appear out of nowhere, too. The other Nightmare agents can do that! Strange that nerdfat didn't recognize him as your dream guardian, though. Or maybe he did, and just assumed (rightly) that it wasn't really Cain.
>>
No. 836236 ID: f6105e

You okay there Bri?

>she has done so much
Should we inform the others of this revelation or at the very least that she may have been planning on betraying you?
>>
No. 836239 ID: a633c6

Unless it can be the soul of a homicidal maniac, it won't set off the trap.

Look, if anybody feels they remain on a dark path in their lives with no attempts at redemption you can back out, otherwise we have no time to waste.
>>
No. 836253 ID: 3ce125

>bri is speechless
Come to think of it, part of that reveal was that Elete was responsible for her suffering as well. She probably needs a moment to come to grips with that.
>>
No. 836265 ID: f268c5

>>836221
Abandon her. She was lost long ago.

Tell everyone that as long as they know that they are truly good at their cores, or wish to become good, they should follow you.

Step through the hallway. No fear or pointless updates to procrastinate with.

These are the kids that fucked up Karas. If we meet him again,
we can reveal that Elete his current master caused them to attack him,
which will hopefully cause him to chill the fuck out unless Kaktus decides no because more narrative stupidity.

>>
No. 836364 ID: fe7355

Tell the group what the Catacomb spirits said on how to cross the Judgment corridor: "The guilty will find only death and those seeking redemption will be redeemed. Only the truly innocent can pass without fear." So Zela can walk through it safely, and you're pretty sure Tim could as well, unless he's done anything worthy of a death sentence you don't know about. As for the rest of us... You don't know. Do we all deep down seek redemption for what we've done?

Wait, you have a idea for how those unsure if they'd pass the Judgement corridor's scrutiny might do so safely. You figure a "Judgement trap" wouldn't kill a innocent to kill one who is guilty; That goes against justice. So have both Zela and Tim "ferry" others along the corridor one at a time between them. They'd have to get in real close with the "ferried," preferably around them in some way, to maximally shield them from the trap. Though, this idea depends on there being a safe zone on the other end of that corridor, and that it's not so far away those at either end are outside of Zela's area of effect. Bunching up next to the corridor entrance would help with the latter of those two.

Elete said that the runes on the wall of the Judgment corridor describe how to navigate the Catacombs, so if Tim could peek around the edge and read them that'd be good. Someone else should hold on to him and be ready to yank him if the corridor moves at all. And yes, Krotos is guiding you, but having a backup in case he gets yanked away somehow is a good idea, if we have time for Tim to read the runes. How much time do we have left?

Briannah looks like she's been shaken hard by Krotos' presence and then what happened with Elete, all on top of what happened with Karas earlier. Go hug her and ask her how she's holding up. Say you wish with all your being we all didn't have to be down here, but all we can do is push on together. Then take out that music rune you brought and ask her if she'd feel a little better if you played it for a bit. At low volume, so we don't announce our position.

If you have the paper with the drawing of the Rune of Eternity on it, show it to Krotos and ask him if he's seen a rune like it and if so then where. If you don't have it, get a piece of paper and a pen and draw it right now to show him. And while you're at it, show it to everyone else here so they know what to look for. Tell 'em that this rune's effect is what is keeping Life from entering the Catacombs so it can't carry the souls within to the River of Souls. It also protects the Nightmare and the corpses of the Five from Life. If we break this rune, Life will swoop in, rip the Nightmare and the Five apart on a soul level and clear out the Catacombs. So everyone keep your eyes out for this rune.

>Hmm… I might be able to use all this magical energy hanging around to make a fake “soul”, so to speak… if the trap is activated either by moment or the presence of living things, that would do the trick.
Repeat to Tim what Krotos said, but after that add your reasoning for why it would be very unlikely to work: First, this "judgment trap" was designed and built by the Old Empire, who had a much greater grasp of applied magical knowledge than us. Second is that the Old Empire assuredly threw a lot of mages down here. Put those two together, and the odds this trap would be fooled by something a mage could make using just the ambient magic down here are really damn small. And besides, how long would it take to weave a dummy "soul" anyway? How much time do we have left before the twin moons kiss?

>Yet, it’s the only corridor that isn’t tr- well, have a trap that’s always active…
What does he mean by this? That all seven of the other corridors are trapped with indiscriminate traps? Ones that aren't avoidable and can't be disarmed in the time or with the resources we have? And how does he know there's traps in those corridors? Can he see their magic? Because if Krotos can reliably see the magic of the traps, then he could guide your group to avoid them. Heck, as a spirit he might be able to reach in and trigger or jam up the traps until y'all pass.

But even if y'all could avoid the traps, then the next problem is that the only route through the maze of the Catacombs Krotos knows is via the Judgment corridor. Follow another way and y'all will get lost or just plain run out of time. ...That is, unless Krotos knows other routes that wouldn't normally be safe, but could be made so.
>>
No. 836448 ID: 65a774
File 150792141809.png - (62.47KB , 686x526 , 74.png )
836448

>Looks like we're adding "Destroy the Catacombs" to the list of things to do down here!
Hopefully, that will be a side effect of destroying the eternity rune.
>Look around the room. Is there anything here that could be related to the numbers 5: 16 and 3: 42, which are the numbers that Belseth left for you?
Not that you can see… though, you’ve already used those numbers, haven’t you? To solve the puzzle to get in here?
>If Cain is working with the Nightmare as well it makes more sense that he's the saboteur than Elete. ...him having Nightmare powers would explain why he's able to seemingly appear out of nowhere, too.
You really hope Cain isn’t some kind of dark cultist or something… though, it would explain a lot of oddities about him.

>How much time do we have left?
:KrotosSB: *Shrug*
>If you have the paper with the drawing of the Rune of Eternity on it, show it to Krotos and ask him if he's seen a rune like it and if so then where.
:KrotosSB: Ah, yes, I have… um… but I can’t really remember where, though. I think it was in the crypt of the gods? I’m not sure… yet, it feels like I’ve stared so long at that shape that it’s burned itself into my eyelids… hmm…
>How does he know there's traps in those corridors?
:KrotosSB: While I can’t say for certain that these corridors actually have traps in them, as far as I’ve seen only corridors with a rune of Judgment, Repentance, forgiveness as well as no rune at all do not have traps in them.


>You okay there Bri?
:BriannahSB: EH!? Err… y-yeah… no problem…
You can’t help but notice that she’s staring like mad at Krotos… who doesn’t seem to know Briannah can actually see him. Instead, he’s busy insulting Tim as the mage starts to create one of those “fake” souls…
:KrotosSB: YOU. DENSE. MOTHERFUCKER! JUST ENTER THE DAMN CORRIDOR!
>Briannah looks like she's been shaken hard by Krotos' presence and then what happened with Elete, all on top of what happened with Karas earlier. Go hug her.
:BriannahSB: Hrnn? Stop worrying yeself about me, Krotos, I’m fine… I… I just need a minute or two, that’s all.
>Then take out that music rune you brought and ask her if she'd feel a little better if you played it for a bit. At low volume, so we don't announce our position.
:BriannahSB: The music rune? Yah actually brought it? No, I… I rather not ‘ear it right now, but thank you for asking, love.

>Elete said that the runes on the wall of the Judgment corridor describe how to navigate the Catacombs, so if Xarrin could peek around the edge and read them that'd be good.
:XarrinSB: Ah… let’s see… it’s ‘ard to read after… um… *cough* Elete… so… something about… redemption and… innocent?
:KronosSB: Something like "The guilty will find only death and those seeking redemption will be redeemed. Only the truly innocent can pass without fear."
:XarrinSB: Might be… there’s also something about seeking Judgment, Repentance and forgiveness… as well as nothingness?

>So Zela can walk through it safely, and you're pretty sure Tim could as well, unless he's done anything worthy of a death sentence you don't know about.
:TimSB: Um… well, I guess I haven’t actually killed anyone… but still… I did help build a lot of weapons at the end of the war so…
:ZelaSB: There’s no way I’m going in there! Not after what h-happened to t-t-the… t-t-the… oh gosh…
:ThaliaSB: No one is going to enter that death trap. We have to find another way.
>You figure a "Judgement trap" wouldn't kill an innocent to kill one who is guilty; That goes against justice. So have both Zela "ferry" others along the corridor one at a time between them.
:ZelaSB: W-what!? B-but-
:ThaliaSB: We’re not going in there again, Prince, no matter what your spirit friend says.
:ZelaSB: I mean… i-if someone else managed to get through I… um…
:ThaliaSB: We need to find another way and that’s the end of that.

>Well. I say go through the Judgement corridor. Tell everyone that is your decision…
:ThaliaSB: No you don’t. You’re not going to go and get yourself killed!
:XarrinSB: Well, according to the door…
:ThaliaSB: I don’t care what the door says, that corridor is trapped!
>Look, if anybody feels they remain on a dark path in their lives with no attempts at redemption you can back out…
:BriannahSB:
:DoxanSB: There was this one time, at that camp…
:ThaliaSB: We’re not entering that corridor! Stop trying to suggest it!

>Step through the hall-
:SisahSB: No.
:KronosSB: But-
:SisahSB: If anyone will enter that corridor it will be me.
:KronosSB: …are you sure?
:SisahSB: Yes. Now stand back, sir.
:ThaliaSB: What!? NO!
:SisahSB: We don’t have time to argue, General.
:ThaliaSB: Gah! GET BACK HERE!
>>
No. 836449 ID: 65a774
File 150792142721.png - (88.32KB , 686x526 , 75.png )
836449

Sisah visibly hesitates right as she’s about to enter the corridor, but after taking a deep breath (or whatever Serpens does) she reluctantly start to traverse it. She keep one of her hands on her wrist the whole way through, as if her enhancements had some kind of function that would help her in case the walls started to move, yet in the end it seemed unnecessary as she reaches the other side without harm. As she exits the corridor you can feel the whole room you’re standing in letting go of a breath no one knew they were holding…

:SisahSB: …there… if it didn’t react to me, I doubt it will react to anyone else.
:ThaliaSB: Well then… *cough* …I guess the trap won’t be an issue?
:ZelaSB: Ugh… but all that b-blood…
:DoxanSB: Still… if the trap is still active…

Suddenly, Sisah reenters the corridor and walks a few meters towards you before stopping, her gaze locked to the room she just left as she slithers forward.

:ThaliaSB: What’s wrong?
:SisahSB: It’s the darkness. It’s… it’s eating all the light I create with my augmentations… and I’m pretty sure I felt a shadow grasp after me.
:TimSB: So… it’s some kind of darkness magic?
:SisahSB: Or I’m just getting out of range from the Hiver. So if you should hurry up and join me?
:DoxanSB: Well…
:BriannahSB:
:ZelaSB: I really don’t want to w-w-walk down that corridor…
>>
No. 836453 ID: f268c5

>>836449
Get on with it.
>>
No. 836455 ID: 91ee5f

>>836448
>Hrnn? Stop worrying yeself about me, Krotos, I’m fine…I…I just need a minute or two, that’s all.
She just called you Krotos again. But don't bring it up with her, it was an accident.

>no matter what your spirit friend says.
That "spirit friend" is my brother Krotos and he's been down here long enough to know that this is the only way. And I will not hear anymore objections from you because we don't have time for this! So let's go!

>>836449
>Darkness is reaching for Sisah.
Well, at least now we know the range of Zela's protection.

>Zela doesn't want to enter.
"It's ok to be scared, Zela. But you don't have to worry, you're not alone. We'll be here with you."

I suck at motivation, so could someone else please come up with something better than this to motivate Zela and everyone else to enter the Judgment hallway? And hurry before Sisah is killed by the darkness!
>>
No. 836456 ID: 3ce125

>>836449
"See? It's safe so long as you seek redemption. You just have to seek to make up for the bad things you've done." Also point out that if there's anyone evil enough to trigger the trap you really don't want them following you anyway. Appeal to your sister's paranoia. What if there's another traitor in your midst?
Go in next, to remain close to your bodyguard, but take a moment to remember your sins and repent. You can make up for them.

Also continue to not even think about what Sisah did. There's enough clues to put two and two together and you just do not like the shape of that four.
>Zela
Maybe it would be better if she closed her eyes so she doesn't have to look at the gore?
>>
No. 836457 ID: 91ee5f

>>836456
>Maybe it would be better if she closed her eyes so she doesn't have to look at the gore?
Yeah, that could work!

.....wait, do Hivers even have eye lids to close their eyes?

If they don't then she can cover her eyes with her.....species equivalent of hands.
>>
No. 836507 ID: a633c6

Hold zela's hand as you cross the threshhold. Ask if anybody here has done anything as bad as sacrificing children to extend your own life in a dark, forbidden ritual. Nobody? Then put in your tampons and let's go, we haven't got time to get lost down here. Otherwise go back to the surface.
>>
No. 836528 ID: fe7355

In case those shadows aren't encroaching because Sisah is near the edge of Zela's area of effect, or not just because of that, ask Sisah to move towards your side a bit, out of the worst of the darkness but still in it, and hold there a moment. Then ask Zela to stand next to the doorway, followed by asking Sisah to report if the darkness lessened. If the darkness doesn't lessen where Sisah is, then either it's unaffected by Zela, or it is and the effect is getting stronger.

But whatever the response, ask Sisah to move back to this end of the corridor so we can group up. You also don't want to risk something in that darkness making a grab for her, or striking her. When she gets to this end, she can scrape off the direction runes so Xarrin can get a clear look at them to be sure nothing was missed.

You can see the lower edge of a rune on the keystone of the fourth arch in. Ask Xarrin to crouch down and check whether it's a judgment rune or something else. If it's something else then we should hold for a moment to determine if we should continue or choose another corridor.

Since all the blood and viscera from Elete's demise are a problem for Zela, could it be scraped to one side of the corridor so she could walk past on the other side? Ah, but there's just too much blood to do that, is there? She'd still feel stepping in it. ...So how about if Zela shut her eyes and we carried her past the blood and gore? Yeah, that could work, if Bri agrees to it. We'd still need one or two other people to hold up the side of Zela Bri isn't on, though. And everyone carrying Zela should get in close and overlap Zela so the corridor can't get them without getting her.

Each section of the corridor most likely has traps that can be triggered independently, so the safest way to move through is as a tight group with as much overlap between us as possible so it can't trigger on just one alone. Anyone who's less sure they could get through should pair with one who's more sure and move side-by-side. And everyone avoid standing in a section by yourself. If everyone got that, lets group up and move out. And if Tim has a spell that'd really illuminate the place, he should cast it.

>...I’ve seen only corridors with a rune of Judgment, Repentance, forgiveness as well as no rune at all do not have traps in them.
>Might be… there’s also something about seeking Judgment, Repentance and forgiveness… as well as nothingness?
Well, if none of the other doorways have the runes for repentance or forgiveness on them, or no rune at all, then that has to leave only the judgment doorway. But even if they do have a matching rune, then it's very likely they have to be traversed in the correct order, which is probably judgment, then repentance, forgiveness and finally nothingness.

>YOU. DENSE. MOTHERFUCKER! JUST ENTER THE DAMN CORRIDOR!
Tell Krotos that yelling insults at people, even when they can't hear, makes him sound like something of a jackass to you, so kindly knock it off.
>>
No. 837162 ID: 65a774
File 150817111749.png - (17.12KB , 686x526 , 76.png )
837162

>Take a moment to remember your sins and repent. You can make up for them.
What have you really done that you need to repent? …you guess you’ve stolen a few things… and beaten someone to death, but that was self-defense… and that fight you had with those nobles… um… and you might have taken a bit too much glee on seeing Sakkilian getting hanged when you were small, but you kind of feel bad for that now?
>You can see the lower edge of a rune on the keystone of the fourth arch in.
It’s just another judgment rune… there are several on the walls as well.

>That "spirit friend" is my brother Krotos and he's been down here long enough to know that this is the only way. And I will not hear anymore objections from you because we don't have time for this!
:ThaliaSB: Your brother? As in the one who betrayed our whole nation, tried to have the king murdered and take the throne for himself?
:KronosSB: Um… actually, it’s kind of a long story but he’s not-
:ThaliaSB: But you’re right, we don’t have time for objections. I just have you to trust you for now… even if I find less and less reason to do so…
>If Tim has a spell that'd really illuminate the place, he should cast it.
:TimSB: Kronos, you do realize we’re standing in a stone structure underground, with no torches nor any opening for the natural light to come from?
:KronosSB: …oh, you’ve already…
:TimSB: I’ve already cast a weak light enchantment on everyone here. You will all emit light for the next few hours.

>Ask if anybody here has done anything as bad as sacrificing children to extend your own life in a dark, forbidden ritual.
:DoxanSB: I’ve assassinated people… but I don’t think I’ve ever killed a child?
:ThaliaSB: If killing people for gold was enough I’m pretty sure it would have reacted to Sisah…
:TimSB: I’ve sacrificed a chicken once… does that count?
:XarrinSB: Hmm… though, it’s possible it doesn’t count killing in the name of war? I don’t think miss Sisah ‘as been going around killing peasants in cold blood, have she?
>Point out that if there's anyone evil enough to trigger the trap you really don't want them following you anyway.
:XarrinSB: Are we even sure what the old gods considered evil? They might not ‘ave the same morals as we do…
:KronosSB: Still…
>Each section of the corridor most likely has traps that can be triggered independently… Anyone who's less sure they could get through should pair with one who's more sure and move side-by-side.
:DoxanSB: I don’t think it’s actually divided into sections. It looked more like the whole wall just morphed out of the side.
:TimSB: It’s magic. Of course it doesn’t need to adhere to the laws of normal world.


>It's ok to be scared, Zela. But you don't have to worry, you're not alone. We'll be here with you.
:ZelaSB: B-but… w-what if… oh g-g-gosh… I d-don’t w-want to…
>Could it be scraped to one side of the corridor so she could walk past on the other side?
:ThaliaSB: That would take a long time… time that we don’t have, Prince.
>Maybe it would be better if she closed her eyes so she doesn't have to look at the gore?
:ZelaSB: B-but… I m-might… bump into… and it’s s-s-still there and oh gosh…
:KronosSB: But if I hold your hand and guide you through it?
:ZelaSB: I… guess?
:ThaliaSB: Right, everyone remember the walking order? Prince, you take the lead until we regroup with Sisah, as you’re our guide now.
:KronosSB: Right… Let’s go, Zela.

Slowly at first, you guide Zela through the tunnel. You can’t help but hold your breath as you walk between the bloodstained walls, but nothing seems to happen as you venture onwards towards Sisah. As soon as there is room Thalia goes in after you, followed by Tim and Xarrin… and finally Briannah and Doxan. Everything seems to be going fine…

…and then you hear the wall starting to move behind you.
>>
No. 837163 ID: 65a774
File 150817112769.png - (62.58KB , 686x526 , 77.png )
837163

“Arg! No!”

Behind you, you can see the trap has pinned Briannah to the opposite wall… yet for some reason it hasn’t crushed her yet.

“N-not like this! P-please… ‘elp m-me…”

You can hear the wall move slightly, as the metal on Briannah’s armor is audibly shifting under the strain…

>>
No. 837170 ID: 91ee5f

>>837163
That's not the same rune that showed up when Elete was killed, so that means it's not the death symbol!

Quickly, someone tell us the meaning of that rune! Once we know what it means, then we'll know what Briannah has to do for the trap to let her go!

Just in case though, have Tim try to open it!
>>
No. 837181 ID: 8b2654

>>837170
Also: "Spirits! What the fuck are you doing?"
>>
No. 837187 ID: 3ce125

>>837163
Rush over there and try to push the wall back. Even though it really should be someone bigger than you pushing. Like Xarrin or Doxan.
>>
No. 837189 ID: 91ee5f

>>837187
Doxan was right behind Bri, so he's probably on the other side and pushing the wall already.

But still, yeah let's do this!
>>
No. 837195 ID: 3ce125

Oh wait, if the theory about the Justice hall being forced to protect the innocent is true, Zela should be the one to hold the wall back.
>>
No. 837205 ID: 91ee5f

>>837195
>protect the innocent
Oh, I think I see what happened.

Bri saw Kronos holding Zela's hand and she had a tiny thought of, "I'm gonna kill her!" or something like that.

If that's true, then she obviously didn't mean it in the literal sense of killing Zela, she only meant it like slapping her or something.

The Judgement Hall must think that Bri meant that she was literally going to kill Zela!
>>
No. 837292 ID: 3ce125

>>837205
We saw her grudge against Zela in her subconscious. I think it's a bit more than just wanting to slap her. If you're right and the Justice hall is taking a proactive stance to protect Zela then what we have to do is make peace between them. Which I suggest involves Zela fully submitting to her and promising to never get between her and Kronos. Or Kronos could get Briannah to openly promise never to hurt Zela? I mean we know she already has no real plans to, but she's not under any agreement to, so the trap might think there's too much of a risk. A promise would reduce the risk.
>>
No. 837489 ID: fe7355

NO! Charge towards Briannah, dodging and ducking around those in the corridor. Point at the rune on the trap wall and shout "Xarrin, translate that!" And as you cover the distance, say "The hall hasn't judged you guilty, since it has not killed you! That means it sees you can still redeem yourself in life! And after being in your dreams and psyche, seeing your best and worst, I know that too." Put your back to the wall and push along with Bri. "We just have to figure out the way to that redemption."
>>
No. 837722 ID: 65a774
File 150836619695.png - (57.85KB , 686x526 , 78.png )
837722

>Rush over there and try to push the wall back.
You rush towards the wall as fast as you can, practically climbing over Thalia, Xarrin and Tim. Putting your back against the opposite wall, you push with all your might… to absolutely no effect.
>Even though it really should be someone bigger than you pushing. Like Xarrin or Doxan.
Doxan is on the other side of the trap and is probably already pushing as hard as he can… but Xarrin? Xarrin isn’t that much bigger than you, is he? You mean… he is a soldier, so he might be a bit more well trained than you but… err… right, that’s not important right now.
>"Spirits! What the fuck are you doing?"
…but the only response you get is a deadly silence.

>That's not the same rune that showed up when Elete was killed, so that means it's not the death symbol! Quickly, someone tell us the meaning of that rune!
:XarrinSB: Err… well… um… I think it’s… maybe it’s something about fear or… or… no, this part is wrong but… um… can I come back to yah with that when I have access to a few books and my notes?
>Just in case though, have Tim try to open it!
:TimSB: Err… I made it move by infusing it with mana… infusing it now would probably just crush her quicker.
:BriannahSB: C-can yah stop a-arguing AND ‘ELP ME!?
:KronosSB: We’re trying!

>Bri saw Kronos holding Zela's hand and she had a tiny thought of, "I'm gonna kill her!" or something like that.
You can’t seriously think that this trap will be that fickle?
>Oh wait, if the theory about the Justice hall being forced to protect the innocent is true, Zela should be the one to hold the wall back.
:ZelaSB: Um… I mean… I don’t think I can… um… maybe I can get my a-arm in there and… oh gosh…
:ThaliaSB: The wall will crush Briannah long before your arm is in any danger…

>The hall hasn't judged you guilty, since it has not killed you! That means it sees you can still redeem yourself in life! And after being in your dreams and psyche, seeing your best and worst, I know that too.
:BriannahSB: I… I… I’m n-not…
:KronosSB: You are far better than you think you are.
:BriannahSB: I’ve… I’ve tried so ‘ard… y-yet… I’m still… still n-not a good p-person…
:KronosSB: But you’re trying to be better… and I know that you can be a better person.
:BriannahSB: I… K-Kronos… I’m s-sorry… I w-want to m-make things right… f-for you… b-but… I’m too weak…
:KronosSB: You just need some help… just remember that I’ll never leave your side, love!
:BriannahSB: …p-please… ‘e-elp me be… better…
>>
No. 837723 ID: 65a774
File 150836620404.png - (63.04KB , 686x526 , 79.png )
837723

Then, just as sudden as it had ended Elete’s life, the wall frees Bri from its confines. She stumbles out of the corridor, barely able to keep herself on her feet before collapsing in the center of the room.

:BriannahSB: B-by… by m-my a-ancestors…

You can see her shaking a bit, her breath uneven as she slumps to the ground.

:KrotosSB: Why I understand that you’d like to take a moment I… I need to urge you to hurry. The ritual has already started…
>>
No. 837737 ID: 3ce125

>>837723
I think you're going to need to hold Bri's hand through this instead. Promise her you'll help. Whatever it takes, you will lead her to redemption. Can she be strong for you, enough to finish this? Things will get better after we stop the ritual, you promise.
>>
No. 837740 ID: 91ee5f

>>837723
>I need to urge you to hurry. The ritual has already started…
Oh for fuck's sake, give us break already you fucking Nightmare assholes!

Tell everyone what Krotos has told you and tell Krotos to show us the way!

>>837737
This!
>>
No. 837844 ID: 3ce125

Don't do anything that would make Krotos too envious.
>>
No. 837862 ID: fe7355

Hug Bri tight for a couple moments so she has a opportunity to speak first before softly speaking. "...How are you, love? ," then let her reply. "I want you to know, I'll do everything in my power to help you become a better person, atone and reach redemption, no matter how long it takes. And there are others close to you who will help you too, I know it. You needn't shoulder your burdens alone any more, my love." Wipe her tears away, then help her up... Er, ask Doxan to help you help her up.

Inform the group of what Krotos said, then get a move on. Now, going by the directions written on the wall of the Judgment corridor and what Krotos said earlier, the next corridor should be marked with the rune of repentance, the one after that marked with a rune of forgiveness, and the last one with a blank. We'll go that way unless Krotos has reason otherwise.
>>
No. 837864 ID: 3ce125

Oh there are more trapped corridors to go down? Everyone's going to have to repent their sins for this next one I guess. Then people have to forgive those that have sinned against them.

Blank corridor should be trapless. Or filled with mundane traps.
>>
No. 837865 ID: 91ee5f

>>837864
>Blank corridor should be trapless. Or filled with mundane traps.
Actually, I think Xarrin said that one would be about seeking nothingness. And if that's true, then that scares me because I have no idea what the fuck we should do to get past that one!
>>
No. 837868 ID: a633c6

Ask if she can breathe, then help her to her feet.
>>
No. 837869 ID: 3ce125

Oh, nothingness...

I guess meditation and clearing your mind.
>>
No. 837963 ID: 65a774
File 150843880740.png - (76.05KB , 686x526 , 80.png )
837963

>Don't do anything that would make Krotos too envious.
You’re alive, getting married to the person he loves and you might be remember as the hero he always wanted to be… yeah, a bit late for that, you think.
>Hug Bri tight for a couple moments so she has an opportunity to speak first…
She doesn’t say anything as you embraces her… instead, the only sound she makes is light whine as you cheek gets drenched in her tears…

>...How are you, love? Can you breathe?
:BriannahSB: Hrrnn? …I’m… I’m just so… w-weak…
>I want you to know, I'll do everything in my power to help you become a better person, atone and reach redemption, no matter how long it takes. And there are others close to you who will help you too, I know it. You needn't shoulder your burdens alone any more, my love.
:BriannahSB: T-thank yah, Kronos… t-thank you so much…
:KrotosSB: Not to ruin the mood but… we really need to get going… now.
>Can she be strong for you, enough to finish this? Things will get better after we stop the ritual, you promise.
:BriannahSB: I… I just w-want to get out of here… and into the fresh a-air… but that can’t ‘a-appen until that ritual is stopped. I… I need to be s-strong.
>I think you're going to need to hold Bri's hand through this instead.
:BriannahSB: H-heh, n-no need for that, love… just ‘elp me get on my feet and we’ll get moving.

You make sure to wipe her tears away before you give her a shoulder to steady herself on.
:BriannahSB: Right… lets end this, eh?

>The next corridor should be marked with the rune of repentance, the one after that marked with a rune of forgiveness, and the last one with a blank.
:KrotosSB: Oh no, that won’t work at all. While all those corridors are without traps, this place is still a maze. We’ll need to traverse far more than just four corridors to reach the crypt of the gods.
:KronosSB: So, where to first? The one marked with repentance?
:KrotosSB: First we take forgiveness, then a blank, another blank, repentance, judgment, a stairway downwards, repentance and forgiveness… after that you’ll have a choice to make as the fastest route is blocked. Either you’ll walk through an area that’s filled with the undead but have no real traps… or several larger rooms with active traps in them. Luckily, it seem that the Sakkilian priest fellow is giving us some more time… let’s hope it’s enough.
:KronosSB: Wait, you said the main path was blocked? How?
:KrotosSB: There’s a large boulder blocking it.
:KronosSB: I’m sure Briannah can move it easily.
:KrotosSB: Then there’s a 8 meter tall wall leading to the floor above.
:KronosSB: I can climb that.
:KrotosSB: And the rest?
:KronosSB: We have ropes and stuff. If I can just get up there I’m sure I can help the others as well.
:KrotosSB: …and then there’s a pair of metal bars that-
:KronosSB: Tim can melt those!
:KrotosSB: …fine, we’ll take the shortcut then… either way, follow me.

As your group gets ready to move on, Briannah leans in to you and whispers…
:BriannahSB: W-when you s-said that you didn’t w-want anyone evil enough to triggered the trap to follow you… d-did you really m-mean it?
>>
No. 837965 ID: 8b2654

>>837963
"I don't want anyone else to die.
Besides, it didn't kill you. It just showed that you have... Er... Crushing guilt.
I already knew your demons, and won't let a magic chunk of rock second guess my own judgement."
>>
No. 837970 ID: 3ce125

>>837963
Tell her you didn't think the trap would kill anyone who regretted doing bad things but didn't think they could be better. That's not what you thought "seeking redemption" meant, or else you might have gotten her prepared for it before she went in. You thought it would only kill an unrepentant villain like Elete.

Also uh, forgiveness is next which means everybody's gotta deal with that drama. For instance I think you've got to confront your feelings about Sisah (I mean you do subconsciously know that she's likely responsible for your mother's death) and Briannah has to confront her feelings about Zela. Make sure everyone is ready before you go in, because we really do not want to lose any party members here.
>>
No. 838015 ID: 3ce125

Aw shit you're gonna have to forgive Karas too. And Elete.

...well before that you should try to read the description of the corridor. The last one had a description.
>>
No. 838093 ID: fe7355

Whisper back, "I meant anyone who was as irredeemable and unrepentant as Elete. Everyone else who can atone, reform and redeem themselves I think should get the chance and support to do so. ...Sadly, this seems to so rarely happen out in the world."

Continue whispering, "Do you have anything to say to Krotos, or to let him know you can see and hear him? ...He, uh. ...He told me that he sent you a message to not to come to the summit. And... He didn't know it was you because you were wearing a helmet and thought you were just another guard. ...But you're so distinctively tall, I don't know how he didn't notice that. Anyway, this'll be your last chance to converse, but it's your choice."

Let Tim know that you brought that new earth elemental to the magically charged spot over the Crypt of the Gods and let it go when it was obviously trying to get at the ground. You figured since it drew Xuv out of you and ate her, and it also reformed your right arm after Nerfatu tried to possess it, that maybe letting it have a whack at chewing up the biggest source of death and decay around may help us. You just hope it won't end up biting us in the ass somehow.

>You’re alive, getting married to the person he loves and you might be remember as the hero he always wanted to be… yeah, a bit late for that, you think.
Well, you can't do anything about the first two, but the third you might be able to alleviate somewhat. Ask Krotos if he knows he's known all across Risavia as a big hero for ending the war, but who tragically died doing so and was given a hero's funeral. All the nastiness falsely laid on him and his true fate was kept secret, so his reputation among the people is as a great war hero. ...Y'know, if you get the opportunity, you should cremate Krotos' body and collect the ashes to secretly give him a proper funeral and internment.

>Then there’s a 8 meter tall wall leading to the floor above.
>We have ropes and stuff. If I can just get up there I’m sure I can help the others as well.
But do Tim and Zela have the strength to pull themselves up a rope? Well, Tim, being a Cibic, you could imagine folding himself around the rope and shimmying up, but Zela? You're not going to assume she isn't strong enough just because of her profession, but you don't know how strong she actually is.
>>
No. 838272 ID: 65a774
File 150851084085.png - (46.03KB , 686x526 , 81.png )
838272

:KronosSB: I meant anyone who was as irredeemable and unrepentant as Elete. Everyone else who can atone, reform and redeem themselves I think should get the chance and support to do so.
:BriannahSB: But it tried to kill me…
:KronosSB: It didn't kill you. It just showed that you have... Er... Crushing guilt. I already knew your demons, and won't let a magic chunk of rock second guess my own judgement.
:BriannahSB: And yah ‘ark at me for morbid jokes, eh? But not letting rocks change ye mind is a rock solid idea… heh… yah might ‘ave ‘ad a rocky start, but yah’re crushing it now!
:KronosSB: …well, at least someone found their good humors again…
:BriannahSB: Heh…

:KronosSB: …um… and another thing… do… do you have anything to say to Krotos, or to let him know you can see and hear him?
:BriannahSB:
:KronosSB: ...He, uh. ...He told me that he sent you a message to not to come to the summit. And... He didn't know it was you because-
:BriannahSB: …no… I… I rather keep that part of my life buried… at least right now.
:KronosSB: Then I won’t say anything.

>Ask Krotos if he knows he's known all across Risavia as a big hero for ending the war, but who tragically died doing so and was given a hero's funeral. All the nastiness falsely laid on him and his true fate was kept secret, so his reputation among the people is as a great war hero.
:KrotosSB: I’m what? I… no, that doesn’t matter right now. We need to stop the ritual, brother... what people think of me is a far lower priority than that.
>But do Tim and Zela have the strength to pull themselves up a rope?
You have more than one rope, you can simply fashion some kind of simple basket thing for them to sit in and haul them up. What worries you, though, is if you have enough rope to carry Briannah’s weight… with her size and armor… geez…
>Also uh, forgiveness is next which means everybody's gotta deal with that drama. For instance I think you've got to confront your feelings about Sisah, I mean you do subconsciously know that she's likely responsible for your mother's death…
While Sisah might have been able to prevent her death, she isn’t the one to blame. The Sakkilian’s that killed her are.

>Make sure everyone is ready before you go in, because we really do not want to lose any party members here.
Each time you venture down a corridor you can feel everyone holding their breath, yet in the end it seems that you worry for naught as no other traps activate. While you notice Briannah hesitate each time, she managed to rush her way through each one of the tight corridors without too much trouble… thought it might just appear that way as her helmet hides any displeasure her face would show. In the end, neither the boulder nor the iron bars poses any trouble, though the wall takes a while for everyone to scale, especially when it came to Zela and Briannah.

:ThaliaSB: Alright, she’s ready. Start pulling…
:ZelaSB: H-hey, d-don’t touch m-my butt!
:BriannahSB: Hrnn? And what else could I lift? Ye abdomen is like ‘alf ye body!
:ZelaSB: D-did… did you just call me FAT!?
:KronosSB: Ladies, please…
:TimSB: Someone is calling the kettle black…
:XarrinSB: …I would call it thick…

Still… we managed to get through in one pieces… so far this seems too… by the five, you weren’t going to say it… you promise.

:KrotosSB: We’re almost there. It’s practically a linear path from here on out, just two more rooms before we reach the cr-
>>
No. 838273 ID: 65a774
File 150851085168.png - (104.55KB , 686x526 , 82.png )
838273

“LOOK OUT, SIR!”

“PEEK-A-FUCKING-BOO, JERKFACE!”

>>
No. 838306 ID: 3ce125

>>838273
We can fight him this time! Unleash an assault!
>>
No. 838347 ID: fe7355

Fuck, Sisah's shield is down! She has no protection now! Where the fuck did Nerfatu come from?! And where the fuck is Zela? Her zone of effect should have stopped him! Maybe we're so close to the source of his power that he's only weakened by Zela's presence. Well, that means your weapons will actually effect him and he can be really killed or at least defeated long enough it'd be the same.

You know Nerfatu is focused on you and will rip through anyone and anything in his way to get at you, so using your superior speed and agility to stay out of his grip and get him chasing you and turned away from the members of your group that couldn't take a hit from him makes sense. So dodge back and to whichever side gives you a clearer shot at his head while drawing your Singing Dragon and immolate his face. Don't figure it'll kill him, but do figure it'll blind him for at least as long as the flames are hitting him and use that to get back and around him.

Also try to keep out of the line of sight from Tim to Nerfatu. Tim is almost certainly going to light Nerfatu up like a bonfire and needs to see him to target him.
>>
No. 838429 ID: 1e7aa8

Insult him as you get out of LoS between him and Tim.

Then shoot him in his stupid fucking face.
>>
No. 838507 ID: 4746a3

Oh hey it's asslips or whatever his name was! Say hi as fire your guns.
>>
No. 838690 ID: 65a774
File 150869428285.png - (88.21KB , 686x526 , 83.png )
838690

>Fuck, Sisah's shield is down!
Then you better not take another hit!

>Where the fuck did Nerfatu come from?! And where the fuck is Zela? Her zone of effect should have stopped him!
:nerfatuSB: GAHAHAHA! You really think a weakling like her can keep my master away? With my masters blessing I’m unstoppable! NOW DIE YOU MA-
>Shoot him in his stupid fucking face.
:nerfatuSB: GAH! STOP IT! DO YOU REALLY THINK A LITTLE BIT OF FIRE WILL STOP ME!?

While the fire doesn’t seem to do much damage, it does both distract him long enough for you to get out of reach of his next attack as well as keeping so unbalanced that Sisah can easily block him when he goes on the offensive.

:nerfatuSB: NOW DIE YOU FILTHY BLUE B-
>>
No. 838691 ID: 65a774
File 150869430136.png - (82.54KB , 686x526 , 84.png )
838691

>Tim is almost certainly going to light Nerfatu up like a bonfire.
:nerfatuSB: ARGH! WHY IS IT ALWAYS FIRE!?
>>
No. 838692 ID: 65a774
File 150869431598.png - (45.18KB , 686x526 , 85.png )
838692

*Hissssss…*
*Click-eli-click…*

:TimSB: Ah, the sweet smell of victory…
:ZelaSB: Err… m-mage? I-I think t-the d-door…
>>
No. 838693 ID: 65a774
File 150869432382.png - (30.78KB , 686x526 , 86.png )
838693

:TimSB: That will teach you from entering my dreams, demon…
:ZelaSB: T-the door?
:TimSB: What was that about- oh…
>>
No. 838695 ID: 65a774
File 150869436450.png - (23.41KB , 686x526 , 87.png )
838695

As the door closes and divided Tim and Zela from the rest of you, you can feel a coldness watch over you… and suddenly everything feels just a bit darker…

:KrotosSB: Oh no… r-run…
:XarrinSB: Err… did we just lose two more people?
:KrotosSB: Start running towards the crypt of the gods and don’t look back! You could be safe there!
:ThaliaSB: Don’t worry, Tim can melt through that wall in a minute or two. We just have to wait.
:KrotosSB: RUN! NOW!
:ThaliaSB: We just need to take a breather and they’ll join us again.

With each second that passes, the shadows seems to be drawing closer… and it almost start to feel like it trying to grab a hold of you…
>>
No. 838698 ID: 3ce125

No running. My gut feeling is that Krotos is still influenced by the "master" and their plan is to split up the group so you arrive there with no support and fall prey to whatever they're planning. At this point you're obviously supposed to get there. Nerfatu had no chance of killing you alone, after all... why send him at you by himself if the goal was to stop you?

A better option is to figure out how that door works by the symbol on it, and get it open again.
>>
No. 838702 ID: 91ee5f

>>838695
>Krotos telling us to run.
Gee, telling us to run is so helpful when he doesn't give us a fucking direction to run in! Well just get split up even further without a direction!

Wait, we've seen this symbol before at the entrance of the crypt right here: >>834248 !

Which god/element did that represent again? And how do we open it? Use the same element on the door or the opposite element on the door?
>>
No. 838703 ID: 91ee5f

>>838702
That's supposed to say, "We'll just get split up even further without a direction!"
>>
No. 838716 ID: 3ce125

>>838702
I believe that is "Illasia, the goddess of life, light, nature and fertility".

Some sort of nature or light magic might open it. Tim enchanted everyone with a light spell, maybe all we have to do is touch the door?
>>
No. 838731 ID: 094652

We need Zela to disrupt the ritual, we can not leave her behind! Hack the door open!
>>
No. 838743 ID: 91ee5f

>>838716
If us touching it doesn't work, then we should yell it to Tim on the other side and then he'll open it from his side.

But if the door requires the opposite element to open it, then we've still got Nerfatu's pile of bones we could touch to the door.
>>
No. 838781 ID: fe7355

Why the hell is Thalia saying that we should stay put? Doesn't she see and feel the goddamn shadows closing in by the second and starting to try and grab us? We don't have a "minute or two!" And besides, you really doubt that the walls and doors of the Catacombs can be so easily defeated. We have to run now, before Zela's effect completely wears off and Karas or who knows what other Nightmare goon drops on top of us. The Crypt of the Gods protects from the Nightmare and the Catacomb's dark spirits and it's only two rooms away, so we can make it if we run. You'll follow close behind Krotos as he guides us, everyone else follow you close in a line. And it's gonna get dark, so everyone grab hold of the person in front of them and don't let go for anything.

But in the ill-advised case you stay here and gamble you can get this door open again or Tim can melt through the wall, then have everyone bunch up around the door so as to be as close to Zela's effect as possible if it opens, and have Bri put her prosthetic hand to the door. Her animated prosthetics are imbued with the same kind of magic as the symbol on the door indicates (as shown on the back of her prosthetic hand in >>/questarch/653207.) If the door needs either a sample of that kind of magic, or to absorb that kind of magic, to open, then it'll get it from that prosthetic. But if that doesn't work then have everyone feel and watch the door and wall for signs Tim is burning through, then apply the flame from your gun at the same spot to speed it up a bit.
>>
No. 838885 ID: 65a774
File 150875216161.png - (33.71KB , 686x526 , 88.png )
838885

>Gee, telling us to run is so helpful when he doesn't give us a fucking direction to run in!
Seeing as the way we came from was just blocked off, there really is only one way to actually run and that’s towards our destination. Krotos said we were right outside the crypt, didn’t he?

>We need Zela to disrupt the ritual, we cannot leave her behind!
:ThaliaSB: Indeed, no need to panic just yet… and can someone light a torch? These light enchantments seem to be growing weak…

At first it looks like she’s right, that the enchantments are growing weak, but after Xarrin lights a torch it becomes apparent that the darkness down here is simply… too thick to be pierced by light…

>Wait, we've seen this symbol before, it’s the symbol of life.
:XarrinSB: It is indeed the s-symbol of life… which means they were judged to be allowed to live? Wait, what does that say a-about us stuck on this side of the wall?
:KronosSB: Hmm… Maybe if we touch the door it will open? …or if Bri touch it with her prosthetic hand. It got this symbol on it as well, doesn’t it?
:BriannahSB: I c-can give it a try.

The large Sakkilian reaches out to touch the door, first with her prosthetic, then with her normal hand… yet nothing seems to happen.

:BriannahSB: Hrrn? It’s all warm?

Unconsciously, it seems to whole group has gathered together at the door, with everyone standing back to back. The darkness is even thicker than it was before… and you can swear you hear something moving in it. In fact, you can’t help but to keep looking over your shoulder, as it feels like there’s someone standing right behind you… watching… and waiting…

:ThaliaSB: D-did y-you hear that?
:XarrinSB: I swear I saw something move just then…
:DoxanSB: Why does it feel like we’re being watched?
:SisahSB: Sir, stay back… I can sense danger…

Though, the one that has it the worst is Briannah, as her earlier experience has left its mark on her. She jumps to each shadow that moves, swinging her sword around each time there’s even the smallest sound…

:BriannahSB: Gah! G-get me o-out of ‘e-ere!
>>
No. 838887 ID: 094652

Damn it.

Leave a small vanguard to pick up Tim and Zela (they can run if they see a monster), get out of the infected room!
>>
No. 838897 ID: 91ee5f

>>838885
>Seeing as the way we came from was just blocked off, there really is only one way to actually run and that’s towards our destination. Krotos said we were right outside the crypt, didn’t he?
It's still a bad idea to leave Tim and Zela behind.

Besides, running in a panic is a good way to trigger a trap that'll end up killing someone!

>Hrrn? It’s all warm?
Good, that means that Tim is currently melting his way through the door!

>Picture.
And look, see that little glowing spot? That's where Tim is focusing his fire.

Maybe you can help by trying to melt the door from this side?

>Briannah swinging her sword around.
Try to calm her down. Let her know that you're right here with her and you're not going anywhere.
>>
No. 838949 ID: 3ce125

>>838885
There's a glowing spot on the door. Tim is almost through. Give him some help! Either hit the spot physically or use your own source of flame to melt it from this side.
>>
No. 839083 ID: 3ce125

It occurs to me that Tim's fire will gout through the door once it's melting. Don't stand directly in front of the glowing spot!
>>
No. 839092 ID: fe7355

Tell Bri to look you in the eye and focus on your voice as you reach out to hold her hand. Tell her that you need her to find that courage you know she has and bring it to the fore. Can she do that for you?

Then say to Bri and the rest of the group that this is a paranoia trap. It amplifies our fear, tricks our senses and engulfs us in darkness so we'll end up separating in panic, then in the dark we'll end up attacking each other thinking we're the assailants. There aren't any physical enemies here, just mental ones. So we just have to stay together and not run off or start swinging blindly. We put our backs to the wall, bunch up and hold tight on to each other and don't let go 'till Tim burns through this door.

And would now be the time to use that music rune? You think it might help distract from some of the false sounds we are hearing.

Inform the group that you can see a glowing red spot in the door, which must be Tim melting through it. What do we have that can help him along? You can fire your pistol's flame at close range from the side and below. That way you're not standing in the way of Tim's flame and any of your flame that glances off goes towards the ceiling and not your group. However, your pistol's fire power isn't nearly that of a fire mage, so physically hitting that spot would be a good idea too.

Unfortunately, all the weapons we brought down here are edged and not good for breaking stone. Maybe Sisah's magic blades are sharp and sturdy enough to break away the heat weakened stone. And if there's a heavy hammer in the equipment we brought, Briannah can bash at the glowing spot as well. All we need is to make a hole through the door and Zela's effect will flow through enough to make a safe zone around the door.
>>
No. 839155 ID: 65a774
File 150886415222.png - (13.54KB , 686x526 , 89.png )
839155

>Tell Bri to look you in the eye and focus on your voice as you reach out to hold her hand. Tell her that you need her to find that courage you know she has and bring it to the fore. Can she do that for you?
:BriannahSB: I… I n-need to…
:KronosSB: Breath in… focus… let us bring an end to this together…
:BriannahSB: …Breathe… focus… I can do this…
>Then say to Bri and the rest of the group that this is a paranoia trap. It amplifies our fear, tricks our senses and engulfs us in darkness. There aren't any physical enemies here, just mental ones.
:ThaliaSB: W-well, it’s w-working…
:XarrinSB: I s-swear I j-just saw something move…
:KrotosSB: Because you did! You’re in grave danger!
:DoxanSB: Do anyone else hear… insects?
:SisahSB: We need to stay vigilant.
:KrotosSB: You need to RUN!

>Would now be the time to use that music rune?
:KronosSB: Here… this might calm our nerves a bit…

As you turn on the music rune, instead of the expected song, it start to play a soft… skittering? As if there’s a massive amount of insects on the walls…

:KronosSB: …or maybe not.

But even as you deactivate the rune, the skittering persist… and it’s growing louder…

:ThaliaSB: …that isn’t c-creepy at all…
:KrotosSB: RUN DAMMIT!
:ThaliaSB: Everyone, take a defensive position… everyone together with our backs towards a wall…

>See that little glowing spot? That's where Tim is focusing his fire. Maybe you can help by trying to melt the door from this side?
:KronosSB: Hmm… I think I can help Tim a bit with a bit of my own flame magic…
:KrotosSB: YOU. ARE. IN. DANGER!
:KronosSB: A danger I’m about to dispel by opening a w-
>>
No. 839156 ID: 65a774
File 150886418079.png - (14.49KB , 686x526 , 90.png )
839156

…but before you can press the trigger a sharp pain emits from your hand…
>>
No. 839157 ID: 65a774
File 150886419088.png - (2.84KB , 686x526 , 91.png )
839157

…and then your world is engulfed in darkness… and pain. The skittering grows louder, but soon enough it is drowned out by the sound of screams… both from your group as well as whatever beasts that are attacking you.

:ThaliaSB: Defensive positions! Defensive positions now! W-where are t-they coming from!?
:XarrinSB: T-they are everywhere!
:SisahSB: Protect the Prince at- Nngg… son of a-
:BriannahSB: GET ME OUT OF HERE! KROTOS! PLEASE! GUIDE ME!
:KrotosSB: This way… take my hand…
:BriannahSB: EVERYONE! WITH ME! WE NEED TO RUN!

You feel yourself being grabbed by someone immensely strong before being dragged away, all the while it feel like a million bugs are crawling over your skin… and some of them start ripping your flesh from your bones.

:ThaliaSB: Everyone, into the tunnel! We need to- GAH!
:XarrinSB: General!?
:DoxanSB: I’ll t-try to keep them off u-us!
:SisahSB: I’ll c-cover our r-retreat!
:DoxanSB: Get moving befo- *Gurgle*Cough*

And all things, body, mind and soul, fell into the darkness…
>>
No. 839158 ID: 65a774
File 150886420176.png - (68.11KB , 686x526 , 92.png )
839158

:BriannahSB: Drink up, love.

As you come to your senses, you have a bottle in your beak, it’s bitter tasting content being forced down your throat by Briannah…

:BriannahSB: There, that will stop the bleeding…
:KronosSB: W-what h-happened?
:BriannahSB: I managed to drag you to safety with the help of Krotos…
:KronosSB: …and Tim… Zela?
:BriannahSB: They didn’t have time to get through the door before the darkness came…
:KrotosSB: And you don’t have time to wait for them now! The Sakkilian priest will succumb to the nightmare at any moment now… wait… Sister? What are you… no… Oh no! Don’t! DAMMIT!!
>>
No. 839478 ID: 35089a

why didnt you run again
>>
No. 839487 ID: 91ee5f

Oh? Were we supposed to be suggesting stuff?

Sorry, I was waiting for the last picture because this looks like there's supposed to be one more picture in the update.

>>839475
>Why didn't you heed Krotos' warning? Why didn't you run?! Why?! WHY?! WHY, YOU F-No! No, you don't have time to beat yourself up. This isn't yet over. Once it is, then you'll have time to rip into yourself before atoning and working to redeem yourself.
How about he doesn't rip into himself at all? That's just giving Karas an opening to to use his bullshit powers again!
>>
No. 839515 ID: fe7355

Ask Krotos what Kira did as you get up, steadying yourself against Bri since you'll probably be weak from blood loss. Check how hurt Bri is before checking yourself. You know you lost your right fingers along with the Singing Dragon, but what other damage is there? You still have your other pistol? And did anyone else make it into the Crypt of the Gods with you and Bri? Look around for anyone else alive. ...You know Doxan didn't make it, and Thalia didn't sound like she did either. ...Fuck, their souls are trapped in the Catacombs now too. Are they gonna be following you like Krotos?

What can we even do to stop Belseth from succumbing to the Nightmare? We can't just go up there and yell "stop" at him, can we? So, knock him down? Disrupt the ritual otherwise? ...Kill him? Or just break the Rune of Eternity? But where is it, and how can we break it? We don't have a way to break stonework. What does Krotos say we need to do?

And what about anyone else here that'd get in our way? Hera? Maybe Karas? And who knows how many other priests and Nightmare turned are present too. And there's also the tunnel to the Grand Temple from which more Temple guards can come. How can we even get near the ritual to stop it?
>>
No. 839591 ID: 65a774
File 150896008224.png - (51.03KB , 686x526 , 93.png )
839591

>Get up while steadying yourself against Bri since you'll probably be weak from blood loss.
While a bit dazed and confused, you don’t think you’re suffering from any major blood loss. You do need Bri’s help to steady yourself, though, as your right leg hurts like hell… you’ll probably be walking with a limp for weeks after this…
>Check how hurt Bri is before checking yourself.
…she seems remarkable unharmed. Her armor has several nicks and scratches on it, but very few seem to have made any real damage. Her good leg, on the other hand, does have a few cuts and bruises on it… some which has left a bloodstain or two.
>You know you lost your right fingers along with the Singing Dragon, but what other damage is there?
You’re not entirely sure how much of your fingers you lost thanks to the haphazardly bandage job your hand have received. You definitely lost your index finger… and maybe half your middle finger? As for the rest of you… you got a black eye, a ripped ear, a nicked beak and several smaller cuts all over your body. The worst is probably the one right above your right knee, as it’s the only other wound that’s been bandaged… and the only one that hurts so much that it will hinder your moment.

>And did anyone else make it into the Crypt of the Gods with you and Bri? Look around for anyone else alive.
As you look around you can’t help but feel a bit confused… it almost feels like you’re standing in the middle of an open field all the sudden, a field filled with an odd purple looking mist. It must be an a trick of the senses originating from the mists property of obscuring your vision after a few meters...

:ThaliaSB: D-Dammit… I’m s-so useless…
:XarrinSB: D-don’t talk, General… yah need to keep still…

Near the door you spot general Thalia, whom is currently leaning against the wall with a rather nasty looking wound at her side. Above her is Xarrin, whom seem to have gotten out of the ordeal rather unscathed, not counting the small cuts all over his body. Then when you let your eyes wander further downwards you spot her… Sisah… or what’s left of her. You can see her struggle to breath for a bit… but as soon as your eyes lock you can see them light up for a second before the last of her life is drained away from her…

:KronosSB: S-Sisah…
:BriannahSB: We weren’t a-able to… get ‘er out in time. Doxan also got s-stuck on the wrong side of the door and we can only assume the worst… and we ‘ave n-no idea where Zela or Tim currently is.

>Ask Krotos what Kira did.
:KrotosSB: I always knew her pride would… no, that isn’t important right now. What’s important is that we have little time. We need to move, brother, right now. Or everyone will share the fate of those we already lost!
>What can we even do to stop Belseth from succumbing to the Nightmare? What does Krotos say we need to do?
:KrotosSB: Eh? D-didn’t you have a plan!? You have a plan, RIGHT!?
:KronosSB: We… we need to destroy the rune of eternity… but…
:KrotosSB: You still got my gun, it might… no… it’s too weak… then you can’t…
:KronosSB: …I still got two bags of Arcane powder as ammunition…
:KrotosSB: …even then, firing several times might-
:KronosSB: I only need to hit them once to make them explode, don’t I?
:KrotosSB: Oh… yes, that… that might work…

>And what about anyone else here that'd get in our way? Hera? Maybe Karas? How can we even get near the ritual to stop it?
:BriannahSB: Then we’ll deal with them as t-they come. As Krotos said, we need to m-move… the s-sooner we get out of ‘ere the b-better. Now, let’s kick some tail, eh?
:KronosSB: …let’s…
:BriannahSB: Then let’s get through this weird purple mist and find that c-crypt!
:KrotosSB: …wait, what mist?
:BriannahSB: The one that surround us? Xarrin, are yah go-
>>
No. 839592 ID: 65a774
File 150896009205.png - (64.77KB , 686x526 , 94.png )
839592

There’s a loud crack as something smashes into Briannah’s breastplate with enough force to make an impression in the metal. She’s thrown across the room and into the wall, her legs being unable to keep her balance as she collapses against it.

:BriannahSB: G-gah… f-fuck…
:XarrinSB: GENERAL!
>>
No. 839593 ID: 65a774
File 150896010688.png - (65.61KB , 686x526 , 95.png )
839593

This time you see it coming. A sharp rock whizzes by Xarrin’s face, missing with only a few millimeters before crashing into the wall behind him. The sheer shock of what happened sending him falling backwards on his ass.
:XarrinSB: ‘O-oly s-shit… t-that was…

…It seems that you have new problem to deal with…
>>
No. 839600 ID: 91ee5f

>>839593
This is obviously Hera.

Remember, we were told that she's blind, but apparently she's got really good hearing because she only attacked whoever was making noise.

Make sure you have everyone be quiet. And since Krotos can's see this mist, then it's probably an illusion. Which would've made this something that Sisah could've easily handled.

Well, since illusions don't effect ghosts, Krotos should be able to see through it and point at Hera so that we can attack her somehow.
>>
No. 839605 ID: 3ce125

If you can sneak up on Hera close enough to see her, you'll have time to aim carefully. Take her out with one shot. Or if she's another nightmare creature that won't die from one hit, take out whatever she's using to shoot those spikes. Then you can get assistance from Xarrin, who seems to be the only one left who can fight. Unless Bri can get back up after that body shot.
>>
No. 839806 ID: fe7355

Whoever or whatever is launching those stone bolts might be aiming by sound, but if they were they'd have aimed for Bri's head, where her voice comes from, and not her chest. Could be whoever is firing can see y'all but can't aim so well, though it could also be they're aiming by sound and can't aim so well either and hit Bri in the chest while aiming for her head. You can only hope that this attacker can't see and is going by sound alone because otherwise y'all are totally fucked since there's no cover here and the rest of the group can't move quick enough to evade.

Silently shift your position in case the shooter launches at your previously heard position, moving to where your whole group can see you, and get down to make your cross-section smaller and harder to hit. Put your remaining index finger to your beak in the gesture of silence, turning your head to make sure everyone can see it, and make the downward horizontal palm gesture with your other hand to get down and stay down. They're all from the military, so they should all understand using hand gestures for silent ops and to shut up.

Trace back the trajectory of both shots and estimate where they came from. Watch and listen that way for any movement or more shots coming your way and be ready to dodge. Get Krotos' attention, point at him, then towards your eyes, then in the direction of where the shots came from and trace "who?" in the air to get him to tell you who and what he sees over there.

Once you know who is shooting, hold up a moment to evaluate them and the situation and think if they can be taken down and how. Unfortunately, you're the only one here who can move quietly enough to possibly get within visual distance of them without them hearing. Xarrin, the only other person here in fighting capability, would make too much noise getting into striking range. But once you do get within visual range, you have to be sure you can kill the target in one or few shots, since you need all the arcane gunpowder you have to blast the Rune of Eternity so can't reload. And holding your pistol in your off-hand, your aim is going to be pretty bad.

If your assailant is going by sound to aim and locate you and your group, then perhaps you could use the music rune to mess with that. Turn its volume up all the way, then place it down and activate it with a tap from as far away as you can reach with the barrel of your gun held as far out as possible, then get out of the way of the incoming shots. Though, a problem with this is that the music rune'll be zeroed in on real fast and possibly smashed by a stone bolt. You need to put the rune behind cover before activating it. ...Sisah's corpse. Put it on the ground behind Sisah's body, then activate it.

You saw a trail of blood from under the mouth of Bri's helmet. That may mean she has a punctured lung from that hit, or maybe that she just has a bloody lip or tooth knocked out from the shadow attack. Yet another reason you need to wrap this up quick, so she can be tended to.

>I always knew her pride would… no, that isn’t important right now.
...You have a terrible feeling that Kira left the safety of the warded palace for some damn fool prideful reason and was killed for it. Her leaving the warded area would explain how Krotos was able to sense her at all, and his surprise at sensing her. You can only hope your feeling here is wrong, or that at least Kira was just injured and didn't die.

>…I still got two bags of Arcane powder as ammunition…
And there's also whatever other arcane supplies that may have been brought in to prepare for the ascension ritual. Probably doesn't include arcane gunpowder, but anything with a strong thaumic charge that would react explosively to a ice bolt would do the trick.
>>
No. 839835 ID: 65a774
File 150902570189.png - (58.76KB , 686x526 , 96.png )
839835

>...You have a terrible feeling that Kira left the safety of the warded palace for some damn fool prideful reason and was killed for it.
Considering how everything else is going to shit it wouldn’t surprise you anymore if she did something foolish like that…
>Trace back the trajectory of both shots and estimate where they came from.
The mist is wreaking havoc on your sense of direction… all you know is that both shots came from somewhere in the mist…

>This is obviously Hera. Remember, we were told that she's blind, but apparently she's got really good hearing because she only attacked whoever was making noise.
Didn’t Elete say she had bad eyesight and wasn’t blind? Either way, it does seem like whatever it is attacking us by sound… so if you could use that to your advantage… either way, you make sure to quietly shift your position, just in case it remembers where it heard you last.
>They're aiming by sound and can't aim so well either and hit Bri in the chest while aiming for her head.
Considering they also missed Xarrin, even if it was by just a feather length, it’s clear that this thing’s aim isn’t perfect. Either that or they want us alive for some reason?

>Put your remaining index finger to your beak in the gesture of silence, turning your head to make sure everyone can see it, and make the downward horizontal palm gesture with your other hand to get down and stay down.
While the second motion seem a bit redundant as everyone is already on the floor in one way or another, they do nod in acknowledgement and remain still as to not make a sound.
>Get Krotos' attention…
…Krotos spirit is gone… you can’t see him anywhere. Where did he go?

At the corner of your eye you can see Thalia picking up a small rock from the floor and throwing it away from her…

*Thock!*

As soon as the rock hits the floor another spike comes flying through the air and smashes itself against the wall near where the rock landed. It seems Thalia found a way to distract it.
>>
No. 839836 ID: 65a774
File 150902571113.png - (118.90KB , 686x526 , 97.png )
839836

>If you can sneak up on Hera close enough to see her, you'll have time to aim carefully. Take her out with one shot.
As Xarrin keep it occupied with rocks, you proceed to skulk along the opposite wall to try and find whatever it is that is attacking you.

*Thock!*Thock!*

You don’t have to take many steps into the mist before you see it, the other creature Elete drew hiding behind a large pillar of stone. It seems that this mist is really disorienting, as the room you’re currently in can’t be very large at all.
>Then you can get assistance from Xarrin, who seems to be the only one left who can fight. Unless Bri can get back up after that body shot.
You’re not sure how you can signal any of them without being noticed by what you guess is Hera. Maybe you can finish her off yourself before she does…

There is just a few things nagging you at the back of your mind, though… you’ll have to use your off-hand to fire and you have no idea how bad your aim is on that hand… nor do you know how close you dare to creep to that thing before it notice your presence. And going by Nero, a shoot to the head might not even kill her... not to mention that they seem to be able to detect magic, don’t they? Nero found you as soon as you drew your gun… and the darkness attacked your gun first as well, didn’t it? Why wouldn’t she notice you as well as soon as you drew it?

*Thock!*

…at least she’s distracted by Xarrin and Thalia’s rock throwing…
>>
No. 839840 ID: 094652

I wonder what happens if you make the monster shoot itself.
>>
No. 839842 ID: 3ce125

>>839836
Well, killing her isn't important if you think about it. Maybe you can sneak past her? Get to the ritual site and shoot the infinity symbol? If she's blocking the path somehow (it looks like she isn't) then you can wait for her to throw a spike and use that opening to draw your gun. There is a delay between attacks, right? She has to take the time to grab a new spike?

Use both hands to fire. Your left hand to grip the pistol, your right hand to steady it.
>>
No. 839849 ID: 91ee5f

>>839836
You know, if we did run like Krotos told us to do, then we would've been make a bunch of noise, which would've resulted in this thing immediately killing whoever was first through the door.

Not only that, but if Zela was here, then this thing would only need to listen for Zela's voice and then killed Zela without being anywhere near her influence!

>>839842
>Sneak into the next room.
Let's not do that.

Bri said that Doxan got stuck on the wrong side of the door when they were running from the shadow things. Which makes me think that if we try to leave, a door will close behind us and leave Kronos all by himself. And I'm pretty sure whatever's in the next room is something that Kronos can't fight by himself!
>>
No. 839866 ID: 3ce125

...wait how is she going to detect the magic in your gun when this entire place is drenched in magic already? The shadow monsters probably just SAW your gun to aim at it.
>>
No. 839874 ID: 91ee5f

>>839866
>...wait how is she going to detect the magic in your gun when this entire place is drenched in magic already?
If she's the one creating the purple fog, then she could probably sense a source of magic that isn't coming from her.
>>
No. 839881 ID: 3ce125

>>839874
There are other sources of magic. Everywhere. The catacombs are drenched in it which made Sisah unable to use her magic detection to find traps.
>>
No. 839895 ID: 91ee5f

>>839881
Oh, yeah, that's right.
>>
No. 839910 ID: 65a774
File 150905073459.png - (122.88KB , 686x526 , 98.png )
839910

>I wonder what happens if you make the monster shoot itself.
…while a fun proposition; you’re not sure how you can achieve that. It’s blind, not stupid… well, it might be stupid, but not stupid enough to stab itself… probably.
>You know, if we did run like Krotos told us to do, then we would've been make a bunch of noise, which would've resulted in this thing immediately killing whoever was first through the door.
Except you’re pretty sure you made more noise running in here screaming, didn’t you? In fact, considering Xarrin and Bri managed to bandage both me and Thalia after we got in here… why didn’t it attack then? Hmm… maybe it was preparing itself? …or it wasn’t here when we got here?

*Thock!*

>...wait how is she going to detect the magic in your gun when this entire place is drenched in magic already? The shadow monsters probably just SAW your gun to aim at it.
The same way you might spot a new smell in a sea of smells… it wasn’t there before.
>Well, killing her isn't important if you think about it. Maybe you can sneak past her?
Except that would leave everyone else at her mercy… and you don’t think they are in any condition to fight this thing alone.

*Thock!*

>You can wait for her to throw a spike and use that opening to draw your gun.


…dammit, it seems like it finally figured out that we were messing with it, as it stopped throwing spike after each rock…. What are you-
You hear the loud sound of metal hitting metal coming from where Briannah was sitting, but you simply don’t have the time to reflect over the implications of that as you draw your gun and fire as soon as the spike leaves the monsters hand.

It tries in vain to dodge the shoot but it’s too late, the ice borrows through its shoulder and cuts off two of its arms... though you were aiming for the head so…
>>
No. 839911 ID: 65a774
File 150905075004.png - (83.76KB , 686x526 , 99.png )
839911

Not giving you a moment to recover, it lunges at you, trying to stab you with a rock spike that it must have grabbed as it threw itself from its hiding spot. While the attack is fast, you saw it coming and gracefully avoid its swing… or, thanks to your messed up leg, you barely manage to avoid it as you awkwardly stumble a bit backward while almost losing your balance…

But as it’s making itself ready for another attack it seems momentarily distracted by something… and soon enough you can hear the sound of a metal armor moving towards your position… and you can see the monster making itself ready to throw the spike its holding…
>>
No. 839916 ID: 91ee5f

>>839911
>and soon enough you can hear the sound of a metal armor moving towards your position…
Here comes Bri!

>and you can see the monster making itself ready to throw the spike its holding…
Grab it's arm!
>>
No. 839917 ID: 3ce125

>>839911
At who? First, move your body so the gun isn't anywhere near your body, but keep the gun at about the same place. Then shoot again, but don't even bother to aim this time, it's just a feint, to get Hera to either throw one at the gun or where you were standing. Optimally you'd also move the gun and your arm immediately after shooting so that she can't hit it or your arm.

Or you could shoot while doing a dodge roll and abuse the invincibility frames.
>>
No. 839933 ID: fe7355

That has to be Bri moving towards you. She probably could hear your shot and followed it. If she can get here she'll be able to cut this monster to ribbons. ...And the mist has thinned out too. Your shot likely weakened the monster's concentration on keeping the mist up. Good, that'll make it easer for Bri and the rest of your group to find your position. Can you see Bri through the fog yet?

Wait, is it moving to throw the spike at you or at Bri? If it's going to throw it at you, then it'd make the most sense to hold your pistol at arms length roughly where you fired from before while moving your body to the side, then firing in the direction of the monster and immediately yanking your pistol back. It'd throw at the position your gun was, and if you're fast and lucky enough it'll miss and Bri'll get within striking range before it can grab another stone spike.

But if it is going to throw the stone spike at Bri, then you should shoot the monster before it does. Take a half-step back to steady yourself, then aim at its torso and shoulder on the side the arm it'll throw with is. You'd shoot it in the head, but you aren't sure that'd stop it, so severing or damaging its shoulder to stop it from throwing makes the safest sense here. And your previous shot was low and to the left, so take that into account and compensate. When you fire the monster will have to either dodge, which will throw its aim off, take the hit, which will either stop it from throwing or throw its aim off, or change targets to you, which will take time and you'll see it coming so you can dodge. And as soon as you fire, get your finger off the trigger so your pistol goes into "holstered" mode and powers down so it can't be tracked while you change positions.

And how many shots do you have left before you're out? Because you need to leave at least one left to shoot the arcane gunpowder to detonate it and break the Rune of Eternity.

>>839916
>Grab it's arm!
A featherweight like Kronos grabbing the arm of a monster that's so strong it can throw a stone spike with enough force to knock Briannah backwards sounds like a bad idea. If he did that, if he was lucky he'd get thrown across the room, and if he wasn't he'll be pulled into a literally bone crushing bear hug.
>>
No. 839943 ID: 91ee5f

>>839933
While that's true, if you're trying to throw something, then any amount of someone slapping your hand or grabbing your hand before you throw, is enough to mess up your aim.

Grabbing her arm isn't meant to stop her from throwing, it's to throw off her aim so that she'll miss Bri!
>>
No. 839960 ID: fe7355

>>839943
Okay, normally that's true, but with the short distance and the great strength of this monster, I don't think it'd throw her aim off enough to matter. However, now that I'm looking at it again, I think Hera's arm is going to be out of reach of Kronos anyway.

From the way the arm that's holding the stone spike came down at Kronos, it'd have to be one of Hera's left upper arms to swing down from that angle, not the lower arms. And it looks like Kronos fired from Hera's right side, so if Hera is drawing back to throw with her left arm then Kronos won't be able to get to that arm before she throws.
>>
No. 839965 ID: 91ee5f

>>839960
If that's the case, then if she's winding up to throw, she's not paying attention to Kronos.

So I think he should attempt to shoot her throwing arm before she throws!
>>
No. 840105 ID: 1e7aa8

Kronos, you don't have time to get into fisticuffs with a monster that is stronger than you.

And since Bri is charging Hera, you need to take another shot and hopefully distract the monster.

Aim for either the lower torso area, where Hera's upper body is connected to her lower half OR shoot her in the head/other arm.
>>
No. 840345 ID: fe7355

Wait, you don't need to shoot first here, which would leave you having to hold still to aim then holding a magic source for Hera to target you on. You just need to distract Hera from Bri, get Hera to waste throwing the only stone spike she has right now so she has nothing to throw before Bri arrives, and signal your position to Bri so she knows which way to go. So shout "Bri!" then immediately hunch down and to the left so Hera throws to the right and above you, where your voice was. Then straighten up and move backwards while taking aim then firing so you're out of range of her reach. Hopefully Bri will charge in to strike by this point.
>>
No. 840350 ID: 65a774
File 150921295907.png - (116.41KB , 686x526 , 100.png )
840350

>You could shoot while doing a dodge roll and abuse the invincibility frames.
Trying to do that with a leg you can barely walk on would end badly. Maybe if you had a way to lower your equip load though… hmm… nah…
>How many shots do you have left before you're out?
About three or four… you’re not entirely sure the exact number, but there are a few shots left.
>Grab it's arm!
You’re not getting into grabbing distance with something that has that many arms. That’s a fight you cannot win.

>Hold your pistol at arm’s length roughly where you fired from before while moving your body to the side, then firing in the direction of the monster and immediately yanking your pistol back.
With the awkward angle, not to mention using your off-hand, your aim is completely off. You manage barely to scratch one of the monsters arms, but it is enough of a distraction as it again lunges against you instead of focusing on Briannah. Once again your hurt legs make itself know, as the odd positioning of your arm and the pain makes it impossible for you to evade its attack, instead it managed to grab a hold of you. It pulls you close before jabbing the stone spike right into your stomach, hard enough for you to lose your breath but not hard enough for it to penetrate your mithril armor. Before you can regain your footing and catch your breath, Hera readies a second attack, this time against your unprotected head…
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No. 840351 ID: 65a774
File 150921297185.png - (89.55KB , 686x526 , 101.png )
840351

Then out of the mist Briannah suddenly appear. Before Hera have time to react Bri grabs her head with both hands and crushes it. The monster can only helplessly flail around a bit as the sickening sound of breaking bones and squeezed fluids fills the room. With one last breath, the thing manages to lodge a stone spike into Bri’s prosthesis leg before its body falls to the floor lifelessly sans a head…
>>
No. 840352 ID: 65a774
File 150921298798.png - (76.56KB , 686x526 , 102.png )
840352

Unable to handle the strain of both Bri’s heavy stature as well as getting jabbed with a stone spike, Briannah’s artificial leg breaks in half and makes her plummet to the ground. Hera’s lifeless body dampens her fall a bit, as it gets crushed beneath her weight, but still looks like it hurt.

:BriannahSB: Gah! Daughter of a wolfhound!

…and with that things death, the mist finally dissipate and reveal the small room your standing in, as well as the way forward, deeper into the crypt of the gods.
>>
No. 840355 ID: 3ce125

>>840352
Thank Bri for the assist. Can Xarrin help her up? Or maybe it would be faster for her to crawl... or use her sword (in its sheath) as a walking stick. We still have Karas to contend with... I hope Tim catches up soon.

Look around now that you can see clearly. Is there an infinity symbol anywhere? If not we have to keep moving.
>>
No. 840357 ID: 91ee5f

>>840351
>Before Hera have time to react Bri grabs her head with both hands and crushes it.
Take that, you ugly bitch!

>With one last breath, the thing manages to lodge a stone spike into Bri’s prosthesis leg before its body falls to the floor lifelessly sans a head…
Good thing that wasn't Bri's real leg, otherwise that would've hurt! Now let's-

>>840352
>Unable to handle the strain of both Bri’s heavy stature as well as getting jabbed with a stone spike, Briannah’s artificial leg breaks in half and makes her plummet to the ground.
.....damnit.

>…and with that things death, the mist finally dissipate and reveal the small room your standing in, as well as the way forward, deeper into the crypt of the gods.
Well, take a look around at the walls real quick to see if there's anything important on any of them. And see if you can find Krotos.

If this room is anything like the last one, a door is going to close when we try to leave and separate us even further!

So have Xarrin help Bri through the door first while you help Thalia. And make sure you follow closely behind Xarrin and Bri, so that if there is another door, you and Thalia will be able to get through before it can close on you!
>>
No. 840365 ID: da1652

>>840352
look around, pray that some of what appeared to have happened was only an illusion
>>
No. 840555 ID: fe7355

Crawl over to Bri's side and put your hand in hers and lean to her ear. Wheeze and whisper your thanks and love and then ask in what ways she's hurt, and don't hide anything. You can see blood dripping from her mouth and lips. After getting hit in the chest as hard as she was you worry she has a broken rib that has punctured a lung.

Look around the room, now that it is clear of mist. Are those bas-reliefs of Ifocen and Xuv set into that wall? What else is here? Look for Krotos' spirit as well, and if he isn't here then call his name. If he shows up, ask him where he vanished to, because he would have been a real big help in the confrontation you just had.

Ask Bri where her helmet went and why it's gone. Was that metal on metal noise you heard before she started moving towards you her taking it off?

Take stock of the group, both in gear and physical condition, capability, and injury. How bad is Thalia's wound? Were all the healing potions Bri brought used up? Is there anything that Sisah was carrying or equipped with we could take?

Bri may as well take off the part of her prosthetic leg that's still attached since it's just dead weight now. You and Xarrin can help her with that to make it quick. You wish you had something that could fuse the broken pieces together so she'd at least have peg-leg level mobility, but you don't. And honestly, you'd think her leg would have been sturdier than that, though maybe it isn't because she expected to go into battle wearing her armor over it.

Now, is there anything here that could be fashioned into a makeshift crutch for Bri? Any of those poles that were packed in the gear make it in here? Otherwise, Xarrin is gonna have to support Bri or Bri'll have to use the wall for support.

Inform the rest of your group that the Nightmare's monsters, like Hera here and Nerfatu/Nero earlier in Tim's nightmare, can sense the location of active magic sources. You just figured out that that's why the shadow beasts focused on attacking Sisah, Doxan, (presumably because he had a bunch of magic stuff on him to do what he could do,) and the gun you were about to fire. Why they didn't attack Bri's animated prosthetics as well, you don't know. But this means that when we use the pistol we have, it'll get the attention of every nearby Nightmare creature or corrupted.

Ask Thalia or Xarrin if either of them have training or experience in using firearms and how much. Because with the state you're in, you can't aim for shit. When it comes time to shoot the bags of arcane powder planted on the Rune of Eternity, you want whichever of them with better aim to take the shot. It'll be from outside the blast radius, so about how far would that be?

You should also make sure everyone knows what the current plan to break the Rune of Eternity is, to be sure we're all on the same page. That and your pistol only has one or two shots left and you can't reload because you need the arcane powder for the plan, plus one shot. ...And that you really shouldn't shoot at all, since you don't know if it'll be the last shot, so nobody make tactical decisions that rely on shooting.

When the group continues on, make sure everyone stays real close together because the door will very likely close behind us. And also that we make sure we've taken everything we want from this room. ...And you hope against hope Karas isn't in the next room because you have no clue how we'll defeat him in our current state.
>>
No. 840733 ID: 65a774
File 150930765450.png - (63.94KB , 686x526 , 103.png )
840733

>Pray that some of what appeared to have happened was only an illusion.
Sadly, the only illusion in here seems to have been the mist.
>Take a look around at the walls real quick to see if there's anything important on any of them.
The room appears to be octagonal in nature, with the entrance and exit located opposite of each other. The rest of the walls are covered on mosaics depicting the six gods, including Xuv herself right next to the god of fire Ifocen. Seeing how decorated this room is compared to the rest of the catacombs, it’s not hard to figure out that you’ve just entered a more important area of it… the Crypt of the Gods themselves.

>Crawl over to Bri's side and put your hand in hers and lean to her ear. Wheeze and whisper your thanks and love and then ask in what ways she's hurt, and don't hide anything.
:BriannahSB: *Cough* P-potion…
:KronosSB: …huh? What was that?
:BriannahSB: H-healing potion. *Cough*Cough* in the bag on m-my leg… *wheeze*
You quickly dig out the last healing potion and give it to her. She wastes no time to quaff it completely, not caring that she manage to stain her tabard green with everything that misses her mouth.
:BriannahSB: *Cough* Fuck… I… *wheeze* …I think… t-the bitch p-punctured a lung…

>Inform the rest of your group that the Nightmare's monsters, like Hera here and Nerfatu/Nero earlier in Tim's nightmare, can sense the location of active magic sources.
:ThaliaSB: Gun… go… uh… boom…?
:XarrinSB: Ah, so that’s why it went for ye and Thalia’s guns… and Sisah…
:BriannahSB: *cough* and Doxan p-probably castes some k-kind of… *wheeze* night vision…
:XarrinSB: …and they went after the rest of us because of our life essence…
>Take stock of the group, both in gear and physical condition, capability, and injury. How bad is Thalia's wound?
:ThaliaSB: Ugh… I’m… uh… pink?
:XarrinSB: It’s not good, sir. Not good at all. While she stabilized for now by drinking a healing potion, I’ll need to keep ‘er stable or she’ll bleed to death in minutes. If we can’t get ‘er proper care within a few ‘ours she’s as good as dead…
:KronosSB: So… we can’t move her?
:XarrinSB: No. Moving ‘er now would be a death sentence. Add that she’s starting to become completely delirious and we’ll probably put everyone in danger to try and move her.
:BriannahSB: *Cough*Cough* Heh… s-seems like y-ye… *Wheeze* ye are g-going in alone from ‘ere on, eh?
:KronosSB: Y-you can’t…
:BriannahSB: *Cough*… Kronos… I only g-got one leg at t-the… the moment… *wheeze* …and I d-don’t ‘now ‘ow bad it is i-inside but… I c-can’t… *cough* can’t even tell if I’ll m-make it right now… *wheeze* …I… I can’t c-come…
:KronosSB: But… but…
:BriannahSB: *cough* …s-sorry, love…
>Ask Thalia or Xarrin if either of them have training or experience in using firearms and how much.
:ThaliaSB: Wheels go… around…?
:XarrinSB: Um… while I do ‘ave some training I’m not really proficient… but that doesn’t matter, I need to stay ‘ere. Without me the general will surely perish… and… I can’t if General Briannah might need-
:BriannahSB: Bah… I’m either f-fine or already dead…

>And see if you can find Krotos.
:KrotosSB: What are you doing! You need to keep moving!
:KronosSB: Wait, where were you!? We needed your help!
:KrotosSB: Eh? Oh… um… see… I rather not be near one of those… soul eating monstrosities for too long… seeing as I rather not be consumed for power.
:KronosSB: Right…
:KrotosSB: But enough about that, you need to keep going! We’re running out of time.
>You hope against hope Karas isn't in the next room because you have no clue how we'll defeat him in our current state.
:KrotosSB: The next room is the main hall of the crypt where the ritual is about to happen. If Karas is anywhere right now it would be there. But you can’t hesitate now, you need to move. Your Sakkilian friend is about to be flayed alive and then there’s no stopping the gods from ascending once again! Where’ talking about seconds here and- OH GODS, THERE GOES HIS ARM! HURRY! RUN!

…and everything is going to shit. Again.
>>
No. 840742 ID: 3ce125

>>840733
Fuck. Fine. Get in there, time to see what it is they have planned for you.
>>
No. 840773 ID: 3ce125

Oh, before you go, ask for any potions that would be useful. Anything that would help you sneak around?

And put some powder in your gun to start recharging it.
>>
No. 840786 ID: fe7355

Oh, no, Belseth... As fast as you can do so without losing your footing from the pain, push yourself onto your feet and hobble towards the ritual hall. Get a wall on your right as soon as you can so you can to put your arm on for support so you can move quicker.

There's no time for eloquent goodbyes, so as you get going simply tell Bri you love her. Then ask Krotos to as quick as he can tell you the layout of the ritual hall and anything else he thinks is vital. Where's the Rune of Eternity relative to the entrance? If and where's the cover from there to the Rune? Where are the hostiles located? And don't say this out loud, but make sure to take a quick glance over the ritual hall once you're inside to confirm what Krotos says.

>>840773
Kronos already took stock of what the group has and there's no more potions, there was no mention of other potions earlier, and there's literally no bloody time left to get anything now. Besides, if there were any potions that enhance sneaking type abilities, Doxan would have been carrying them.

And don't load any more powder into the pistol. We need every speck to put on the Rune of Eternity to have the best chances to break it from the powder explosion. And having more shots won't help anyway because as soon as Kronos takes a shot at the bags of powder, his position will be given away to every hostile in the ritual hall and they'll descend on him. A couple more shots won't stop them. And besides, Kronos doesn't have any time to load powder into his pistol, nor can take the risk he fumbles and drops something while doing so.
>>
No. 840789 ID: 3ce125

>>840786
Oh is THAT what we're doing with the powder? Okay then.

I guess we get to just waltz in there and hope Karas doesn't kill Kronos!
>>
No. 840795 ID: fe7355

>>840786
And make sure to stay down, out of sight, behind cover and quiet as you go in there, if possible. You'll want to tell Krotos be your scout and tell you which way to go that'll keep you hidden.
>>
No. 840798 ID: 91ee5f

Get moving!

Hopefully, you can make it there and at least have a fair and not at all unfairly railroaded chance to stop everything and save Belseth!

And hopefully a door doesn't close behind you and a bunch of the things from the last room show up and murder everyone you're leaving behind!
>>
No. 840808 ID: fe7355

>>840798
Hey, maybe the earth elemental will pop up and somehow help. Or, heck, maybe Cain will show up and turn out to not have been on the Nightmare's side but against it and Elete's plans the whole time. ...He does have a fear of having his blood drawn, like Elete did for her magic, and he was a war orphan, like Elete took in for her nefarious means. Cain might have escaped from the basement of the Grand Temple and Elete's clutches all those years ago. That'd explain why he was discovered stealing food from the palace kitchen and not literally anywhere else easier; He crossed the garden from the Grand Temple. ...Maybe that's too much to hope now.

At this point, we don't want fair because by all odds the Nightmare would win in this situation if it was straight up fair. We need a finger on the scale in our favor to even have a chance after all our fuck-ups.
>>
No. 841332 ID: 65a774
File 150947479461.png - (36.22KB , 686x526 , 104.png )
841332

>Put some powder in your gun to start recharging it.
Basic gun safety states that you should always empty the gun on powder before refueling it, or things might end up explody. Heck, if you put enough powder in it you can make a freaking grenade with these things.
>What if a bunch of the things from the last room show up and murder everyone you're leaving behind!
If they could do that why haven’t they already? No, it doesn’t seem like the things in the darkness can enter the gods’ crypt… they seem to be part of the catacombs, not the nightmare itself.
>Hey, maybe the earth elemental will pop up and somehow help. Or, heck, maybe Cain will show up and turn out to not have been on the Nightmare's side but against it and Elete's plans the whole time.
Yeah, right… you’re not going to be that lucky. You’re pretty sure the universe hate you and things will only get worse from here on.


>Oh, before you go, ask for anything that would be useful, anything that would help.
:XarrinSB: Um… we still ‘ave some ropes and stuff… and bandages… but I think those things will mostly just slow yah down?
:ThaliaSB: W-why, I d-d-do *cough* want another… cup… mother?
:BriannahSB: Heh… sorry, love, but I’m all out of potions… *Cough* but ‘ere… this might ‘elp…
:KronosSB: your sword?
:BriannahSB: My father’s sword. *Wheeze* It would be the right size for yah… *Cough*Cough*and I’m in no shape to use it myself. Besides, I got my normal sword anyway…
:KronosSB: …thank you… I guess?
>There's no time for eloquent goodbyes, so as you get going simply tell Bri you love her.
:BriannahSB: And I love yah too, Kronos… and I really ‘ope this won’t be the last time we ‘ear those words from each other. Ugh… *wheeze*…

>As fast as you can do so without losing your footing from the pain, push yourself onto your feet and hobble towards the ritual hall.
With Briannah’s father sword on your back and your brother’s gun at your side, you manage to achieve a walking pace that doesn’t hurt to much.
>Hopefully a door doesn't close behind you.
…and as soon as you enter the next corridor the door behind you closes itself, isolating you once again from the others. Going by how dark everything just became, you’re guessing Tim’s light spell must be fizzling out… which might just be luck, as it will make you harder to spot, won’t it?
>Ask Krotos to as quick as he can tell you the layout of the ritual hall and anything else he thinks is vital.
:KrotosSB: Oh… um… I can’t actually see into the main hall of the crypt so…
:KronosSB: Geez, what help you- wait, the how the fuck did you know that Belseth was just hurt?
:KrotosSB:
:KronosSB: Krotos? KROTOS!? DAMMIT, COME BACK!
Gah! Dammit… has he been lying this whole time? But that doesn’t make sense… why would he guide us here if he wanted us to fail? Why not just let a trap finish us? Krotos… what are you doing? …are we even in a hurry anymore? Dammit, too late now, anyway…
>>
No. 841333 ID: 65a774
File 150947480625.png - (47.08KB , 686x526 , 105.png )
841333

>I guess we get to just waltz in there and hope Karas doesn't kill Kronos!
Karas… how the fuck are we supposed to deal with him? If he spots us we’re screwed, aren’t we? We don’t stand a chance…
:KarasSB: That’s right, brother… you don’t stand a chance…
:KronosSB: Oh, for fuck sake…
:KarasSB: Just get down on your knees and give up, Kronos.
Your body can’t take it anymore… you fall down or your knees, your face in your hands and the weight of the world that’s been on your shoulders finally makes itself known. You failed… you never stood a chance…

:KarasSB: Everything you’ve done is pointless. Everything you’ve tried has failed. Let me ease your suffering… so I can drag your corpse and soul to the master… so we can finally ascend. We need you, Kronos… we need your lifeless body for the ritual. Please, do take some joy that you will finally be useful to someone… even if it was in death.
It can’t end like this, can it? After all you’ve done? What kind of story ends like this? There has to be something you can do… some way out… Krotos… didn’t Krotos manage to break free from the nightmares influence? How did he do it? …if that even is Krotos, that is.
>>
No. 841392 ID: 094652

>>841333
Let the galaxy burn. Let the galaxy burn. Let the galaxy burn. You have nothing left to lose. Let the galaxy burn. Let the galaxy burn. Let the galaxy burn. Let the galaxy burn. Let the galaxy burn. Stop the ritual. Let the galaxy burn. You have nothing left to care for. Let the galaxy burn. Regicide is not chess, kings are killed not ambushed. Let the galaxy burn. Let the galaxy burn. Let the galaxy burn. Let the galaxy burn. Kill both kings, and all will fall to anarchy. Let the galaxy burn. Let the galaxy burn. Let the galaxy burn. Let the galaxy burn. You kill Belseth with a bomb. Black king takes white king. White explosion takes black king. Double Checkmate. Let the galaxy burn. Let the galaxy burn. The masses turn cancerous against each other. Technology develops unchecked. Mortals conquer the stars to beg the gods for new kings, and find no gods there. Despair. Disease. Madness. All is war. All other life forms throughout the cosmos are sucked in and set on fire.

Surrender to Krotos, break his hold over you, set an explosion in the ritual chamber, and LET THE GALAXY BURN.
>>
No. 841515 ID: 3ce125

>>841392
kome no.

>>841333
Tell him those Sakkilian children were possessed by Nightmare, possibly even with Elete's help. His entire reason for hating them was a lie-- he was manipulated. He's still being manipulated and lied to. They're not going to ascend. There's only enough power here for one person to become a god.

If he makes the excuse that he still wants to kill you because of what you did to him, apologize sincerely. It was not right to mock him like that after he'd already been brought so low.

You could also pull the "Tell me one thing before I die" cliche. Ask him if he was really planning to assassinate you and your sister. And why.
>>
No. 841521 ID: 1b2c07

You've got a sword for a reason, Kronos. pretend that Karaks's bullshit is working then CUT HIS HEAD OFF.
>>
No. 841556 ID: fe7355

>>841392
NO! FUCKING NO! Do NOT fucking suggest snapping Kronos' mind! We will not turn down the way to some fucking downer ending where if Kronos does get out of this alive he's totally broken and mad and lost! We will not take Kronos from Briannah and all those he loves and cares for and those who care and love for him! We will not subject Briannah to the continual sorrow and suffering of her love in such a state for the rest of his life, and the crushing memory of it for the rest of her days!

And besides, it wouldn't have fucking worked. Karas said his master only needs Kronos' corpse and soul. Surrender and Kronos will be killed immediately by Karas, leaving Kronos unable to do jack shit. And even if Kronos isn't outright killed, he's not gonna be allowed to do anything once he's dragged to the ritual, much less locate the Rune of Eternity and set arcane powder on it to be detonated.

>>841521
But Karas' bullshit is working. Did you not catch on from the earlier encounter with Karas in the garden that his power is that of inducing crippling despair and hopelessness in others, meaning they can't get the will up to fight? Kronos can't just shrug that off without reason. Also, even if Kronos wasn't in the bad shape he is right now he wouldn't have anywhere near the strength to swing a sword around hard enough to lop off Karas' head; Kronos is no swordsman.
>>
No. 841559 ID: 3ce125

>Karas' bullshit is working
OH. Right. Dream-Krotos said that he couldn't stand to see Kronos die and that let him break free of control. I wonder if Kronos likes Belseth enough for that to work here? Pretty sure Belseth will die if Kronos doesn't stop the ritual.
>>
No. 841560 ID: 35089a

what the fuck happened to your mustache
>>841392
milk for the khorneflakes
>>
No. 841576 ID: fe7355

Krotos said that he broke free of the Nightmare because of you. That it had brought you while you were dying down into the Catacombs and wanted him to take your place, presumably by possessing your body. But he couldn't bear to see you die and carried you back up, and after that act of defiance the Nightmare kicked him out of his body and kept him from returning. So Krotos broke free of the Nightmare's influence out of what appears to be love for you, his brother.

But how does knowing this help you here and now with Karas? What does he even love or care about that much any more he could be reminded of? Or would you take it to mean you could overcome Karas' power of despair by focusing on your love of Bri and maybe Belseth too? That Bri trusts you to take her father's sword, symbol of your mutual love and her family's heirloom.

>Let me ease your suffering… so I can drag your corpse and soul to the master… so we can finally ascend. We need you, Kronos… we need your lifeless body for the ritual.
What? Why do they need your corpse and soul in particular for the ritual? Why can't they use anyone else? ...And what's this "we" business? 'Cause there isn't enough power left in the Five's corpses plus whatever is left of Xuv's soul in Krotos' body to ascend more than one to divinity. Dreamer said that there's only at most a sixth of the power needed in each of the Five's corpses, and five sixths plus whatever is left of Xuv's soul does not add up to two ascensions.

>>841560
For the love of god, don't back Kome! And please don't annoy Karas even more either.
>>
No. 841581 ID: 1e7aa8

>>841556
Then I guess Krotos lays down and dies? He can't use the freaking gun, he needs all the ammo for the rune!
>>
No. 841605 ID: b9b4da

>>841392
As much of this as you can manage before descending into incoherent yelling. Then unload your gun into the illusion of familiarity.
>>
No. 841742 ID: 65a774
File 150957715716.png - (62.08KB , 686x526 , 106.png )
841742

>Milk for the khorneflakes.
Part of the complete morning sacrifice. Now include a skull of a heretic in every box!
>You've got a sword for a reason, Kronos.
Your strength fails you… you can barely stand anymore… and even if you could reach the sword, what’s the point? You can’t harm him… you can’t do anything… you have failed…

>Why do they need your corpse and soul in particular for the ritual? Why can't they use anyone else?
:KarasSB: …heh… you’re about to die, and that’s what you ask? Really? Why, brother, it’s simple… we have the blood of gods.
:KronosSB: …wha-
:KarasSB: Our bloodline are the descendants of Ifocen, the god of fire, himself. That, and master mentioned some prophecy Fate itself told them about us stopping the ascension, but we both know that won’t happen.

You can feel his tendrils encircle your neck before he lifts you up from the ground.

:KarasSB: Aren’t you at least going to beg before I break your pathetic little neck?

>Tell him those Sakkilian children were possessed by Nightmare, possibly even with Elete's help. His entire reason for hating them was a lie-- he was manipulated.
:KarasSB: …what? No… you’re lying… master would never… I won’t believe you, you lying… you lying knave!
:KronosSB: …knave? Really?
>He's still being manipulated and lied to. They're not going to ascend. There's only enough power here for one person to become a god.
:KarasSB: DON’T YOU DARE LIE ABOUT THE MASTER! WE ARE GOING TO BECOME GODS!

He shakes in rage as he screams at you, ready to snap your neck like a twig… yet… he hesitates.

:KarasSB: Hera… Nero… me… we are destined for greater things than this! We will ascend!

>Ask him if he was really planning to assassinate you and your sister. And why.
:KarasSB: Why, it’s simple, really… I needed you gone so I would be… king… a-and… and… be king and… w-why? Why did I…? GAH! STOP FILLING MY MIND WITH LIES!
>Apologize sincerely. It was not right to mock him like that after he'd already been brought so low.
:KarasSB: Oh, of course you’re sorry now…
:KronosSB: I’m so sorry… not j-just for that… but for everything…
:KarasSB: Do you honestly believe I-
:KronosSB: I’m sorry for the t-time I stole your favorite crate of whisky… the one you had saved for when you turned 25… I k-kind of ruined that party, d-didn’t I?
:KarasSB: I… but… t-that’s…
:KronosSB: And for the time I put itching powder in your shirt just b-before you would meet your future wife…
:KarasSB:
:KronosSB: And I’m s-sorry for breaking your telescope when we were small… and blaming it on Krotos…
:KarasSB: Y-you did…
:KronosSB: But still… heh… the things we did to get back at him… heh… those were the times…
:KarasSB: …we… we… brother?

All the sudden you can feel it all come back. Hope… determination… will… his grip is weakening… both on your body as well as mind.

>Let the galaxy burn. Let the galaxy burn. Let the galaxy burn.
…w-what…?
>You have nothing left to lose. You have nothing left to care for. Kill both kings, and all will fall to anarchy. Despair. Disease. Madness. All is war. Break his hold over you, CUT HIS HEAD OFF.
You feel your strength return… and you can feel his confusion. If you were to attack him now he… he wouldn’t be able to defend himself. Yet… he is your brother…

…will his blood be on your hands?
>>
No. 841751 ID: 3ce125

>>841742
Tell him to let you go. Believe only the evidence he has seen with his own eyes. Those decaying corpses, does he think each one holds the entire power of a god? Tell him to trust you, you are his brother and you forgive him for what he's done-- what he was forced to do. His mind can be his own again, and you will fix everything if you can get to the ritual and stop it. You have a plan. (the plan is to ask Life to let you borrow the power for long enough to fix what the Nightmare broke. Like resurrect anyone killed by the nightmare demons, and you should be able to see into the minds of those influenced by/were serving the nightmare, to see if they can be redeemed-- at which point you resurrect them too. Probably not Elete. Also make a cornucopia that holds a vast quantity of food- enough to feed your nation for a few years. Should be long enough to find a long term solution.)

Who the heck is the master, anyway? Can he tell you that?
>>
No. 841787 ID: fe7355

No, you will not cut down your brother. You will not get his blood on your hands. That is the way that leads into the grip of the Nightmare. The way that so many others followed that led to the Nightmare gaining its power. You will not contribute to it. You choose love, forgiveness and compassion, and the belief that people can be redeemed.

Hug your brother close and tell him that you love him and you forgive him. His actions were not his own. Keep regaling him with tales of the good times you two had, and he had. Ask him to remember his wife and our father and everyone that has loved him, everyone he's ever loved and cared for, and keep them in his mind. We can make things right, you can feel it. We can stop the Nightmare from ascending and spreading pain and suffering and death over everything. Fate said that we would, and one way or another Fate will not be denied.

Ask Karas to tell you everything he can remember about this "master's" plans and how far along they are. How complete is the ascension ritual? What is Belseth's status and what was he planning to do to try and stop the ritual? Who else is in the ritual hall now?

So if the ritual couldn't be done without sacrificing you, then you're left wondering why Krotos hurrying you along to the ritual hall. Is he in cahoots with the Nightmare, is he not actually Krotos but the Nightmare or one of its thralls, or is he running his own agenda? If he's trying to con the Nightmare out of ascension like Elete was trying to, he's a bigger fool than you on your worst day, and that's saying something.

Unfortunately, you'll need to keep a eye on Karas for signs that the Nightmare has kicked him out of his body and taken it over. That's what happened to Krotos after saving your life. Though, you only have Krotos' word on that, so take it with a grain of salt.

>Our bloodline are the descendants of Ifocen, the god of fire, himself.
Heh, that might explain why you tend to be impulsive and aggressive, but there's also plenty of other reasons to explain why you tend to that behavior as well.

Though, considering the population bottleneck at the end of the age of the Old Empire, you'd think by now most every Vark would be descended from Ifocen to some degree. The few direct descendants of Ifocen who survived the cataclysm would have children together and with other Varks, and so on and so on, spreading out. Perhaps it's the inbreeding of the royal bloodline that "concentrated" the traits of Ifocen enough to work, or to work better, for the ritual.

...Oh, dammit, this means that Kira would be a sacrifice target as well. Krotos cursing at her pride earlier might have been for her getting herself snatched up by the Nightmare for this ritual. And for that matter, Karas would be a sacrifice candidate too. Maybe his "master" was gonna sacrifice him if you didn't make it, or would do so even if you did. Spill even more of the bloodline of Ifocen to be more sure the ritual works.

Art error: Kronos' right hand is intact, not missing index finger and half of middle finger, and not bandaged up.

>>841751
I really doubt Life will allow Kronos to hold divine power no matter how short the time he promises to because Life knows that once someone has that power, they'll be too powerful for Life to stop. ...Though, if the person with that divine power isn't infused by or under the effect of the Rune of Eternity so they'd eventually die, maybe Life would agree. Ah, but with such power Life knows they could easily and quickly recreate the Rune of Eternity and its effect, putting them beyond Life's view and reach, so Life wouldn't agree to that either.
>>
No. 841793 ID: be0718

Off with his head! Seek redemption in oblivion, monster!
>>
No. 841794 ID: 91ee5f

>>841742
>Our bloodline are the descendants of Ifocen, the god of fire, himself.
Huh.....that probably explains the whole "Phoenix" thing that Xuv was going on about.

>…will his blood be on your hands?
Of course not!
>>
No. 841808 ID: 094652

Give your brother an amazing gift, one that could quiet his gibbering mouthers and bring him to greatness or redemption. You are giving him the gift of choice.

Specifically, whether he wants to take the throne as an immortal tyrant and rule as the victor, godless but free to decide the fates of the entire world under his eldritch power, or abdicate and leave a nation in anarchy, freed from the spiked chains of the noble's court and given new insight into the universe to pursue greater progress and accomplishments - including galactic war.

Your sister is dead. Belseth will die soon. Briannah will be childless forevermore. The age of lineage is ending, only ashes remain in the holy braziers known as thrones. And he can be the last and the greatest of hellfire, or watch it burn from a cozy seat of eternity.

All he has to do is let you go. You'll kamikaze the ritual and leave none alive. Karas will have his throne, his freedom, and his ascended body.

Win-Win - Fire-Fire.
>>
No. 841813 ID: 3ce125

>>841808
kome. Please stop.
>>
No. 841818 ID: 1e7aa8

Ask him how he's feeling and what he's thinking. Keep up the ceaseless remorse/logic until he either regains his sanity or let's you go. Or if we're damn lucky, both.
>>
No. 842235 ID: 65a774
File 150973306703.png - (25.19KB , 686x526 , 107.png )
842235

>whether he wants to take the throne as an immortal tyrant and rule as the victor, godless but free to decide the fates of the entire world under his eldritch power, or abdicate and leave a nation in anarchy, freed from the spiked chains of the noble's court and given new insight into the universe to pursue greater progress and accomplishments - including galactic war.
…did… did your mind just snap completely and threw itself into the sweet chaos of insanity?
>Huh.....that probably explains the whole "Phoenix" thing that Xuv was going on about.
You’ve had enough about all these Phoenixes, dragons, prophecies and gods. Fate can go fuck itself after all it has put you through.
>I really doubt Life will allow Kronos to hold divine power no matter how short the time.
Then we simply don’t ask for permission before we grab it?
>So if the ritual couldn't be done without sacrificing you, then you're left wondering why Krotos hurrying you along to the ritual hall.
So you would be forced to run through this hell without a plan or time to think?


>Tell him to believe only the evidence he has seen with his own eyes. Those decaying corpses, does he think each one holds the entire power of a god?
:KarasSB: But… t-they promised me… e-everything… I didn’t… b-but I didn’t… agree? I didn’t want this… but why… why did I? I didn’t…? G-get… out…
>Ask him to remember his wife and our father and everyone that has loved him, everyone he's ever loved and cared for, and keep them in his mind.
:KarasSB: Love… but…there’s no one that…
:KronosSB: …do you think father… father would be proud of what you’ve b… b… become?
:KarasSB: Poppa? …but… I… I’ve done… what have I… shut up… SHUT UP! GET OUT!
:KronosSB: …l-let me g-go and-
:KarasSB: SHUT UP! MY BROTHER IS TALKING! SHUT UP AND GET OUT OF MY HEAD!

Karas let out an inhuman scream as he lets you go, seemingly more to free his hands than actually releasing you, as he quickly put them on his ear to try and drown out whatever voices he is hearing.
:KarasSB: SHUT UP!!
>Hug your brother close and tell him that you love him and you forgive him. His actions were not his own.
As soon as you get back on your feet and try to approach him he shoves you away.
:KarasSB: NO! GET AWAY! I CAN’T… I won’t… help… me? K-Kronos?

>Who the heck is the master, anyway? Can he tell you that?
:KarasSB: Six… SIX… Six in unison voices whispering my ears get out get out get out!
>Ask Karas to tell you everything he can remember about this "master's" plans and how far along they are.
:KarasSB: When the moon kiss at midnight all we know will end as fire and ice and thunder and earth and disease and death will rain eternal. Blood… blood is needed… blood blood blood get out get out GET OUT OF MY HEAD!!!

His body starts to twist in odd angles as laughter escapes his shaking beak… then with an abnormal speed he turns around and starts run down the corridor, away from you and into the great hall of the gods’ crypt.

:KarasSB: GAHAHAHA! GET OUT! STOP SCREAMING! GET OUT GET OUT GET OUT GET OUT get out of my head six six six get out…

You try in vain to follow him but with your hurt leg you can only slowly shamble after him as he runs laughing into the darkness…
>>
No. 842236 ID: 65a774
File 150973308253.png - (31.88KB , 686x526 , 108.png )
842236

Slowly you creep forward… and after about half a minute you reach a doorway leading out into a great hall… great being an understatement. Looking up, you can barely see the roof above you, the hall being clearly taller than the palace itself… somehow… and the room itself… you swear it’s rectangular with only four walls… yet there are six grand statues, each guarding a wall on its own… ugh, your head hurt just looking out on it… this hall was not constructed by mortal hands.

In the center of the room you can see what you guess used to be a large, marble table… on it lies the shape of a female Varkian… and sitting on a nearby chair you can also see the shape of a… human? A very large human, you think? Before you can ponder further, there is some moment on the other side of the table, as the shape of Sakkilian holding a Varkian suddenly stands up. You can see the Sakkilian shake a bit as he drops the lifeless body of the Varkian on the ground, creating a muffled thud across the hall.

:BelsethSB: I did it… I managed to defeat it… I stopped the ritual! I saved the world! Every bard in the land will sing my praises after this, haha!
>>
No. 842237 ID: 1e7aa8

Scan the room for the rune of eternity. Don't tip off anyone still standing that you in the same room with them and about to blow up the central focus of their collective delusion of power.
>>
No. 842238 ID: 3ce125

>>842235
>SIX in unison
Fucking hell, even your mirror twin was lying to you. There's no seventh god, the Nightmare was just the fragments of the six dead gods melded together. Xuv's soul and the five rotten minds of the other gods. ...or the seventh god wound up down here too, and is the sixth mind. I guess your mirror twin wasn't lying if that's the case.

>>842236
That Belseth could be an illusion. Don't let down your guard, keep looking for the rune of eternity and keep quiet as you move further into the room.
>>
No. 842247 ID: 91ee5f

>>842238
>That Belseth could be an illusion.
True.

But it could also be the real Belseth and he's already under the Nightmare's control and is trying to trick us. Or maybe Belseth himself has been tricked into thinking that he's stopped the ritual when he actually hasn't stopped it?

But if it is Belseth, then he looks unusually thin for someone that was supposed to eat all of the corpses of the gods.

>Don't let down your guard, keep looking for the rune of eternity and keep quiet as you move further into the room.
Agreed.

And if we can't find the Rune of Eternity anywhere.....well, remember how Bri had a vision of Bel having the rune around his dick as a tattoo, but it wasn't there? And how Bel said that image popped into his head one day and he was thinking about getting it tattooed around his dick because it looked cool? Yeeeaaahh, if we don't find that rune anywhere in the room, then things aren't looking all that great for what's gotta happen to Bel's dick.
>>
No. 842248 ID: 3ce125

I don't think the rune would even work tattooed around his dick, since it's not a ring. It's got stuff in the center, which means there's not enough room to fit the whole rune there.

It's got to be in this room somewhere. Also let's keep in mind we don't have to destroy the whole rune, just part of it.
>>
No. 842251 ID: 91ee5f

>>842248
I sure hope so.
>>
No. 842262 ID: fe7355

It appears Belseth is fully enveloped in a illusion by the Nightmare, playing on his overblown pride to trick him into do its work while he thinks he's triumphant. It looks like Bel killed at least the male Vark, thinking he was performing the ritual. Hm. That Vark guy might have been Karas. ...And you really, really hope that Vark woman on the table isn't Kira.

Move silently to the right around the edge of the room so you can lean on the wall and look around for any sign of the Rune of Eternity. It effect is fundamental to this chamber, so it'll likely be real big and set right into the structure. Check the floor and the walls behind the statues and hope that it isn't in the ceiling.

Keep a eye and ear on what Belseth and that unnervingly large human are doing, and try to get a better look at the Varks. The human is most likely some kind of conduit for the Nightmare. It doesn't feel right when you look at it. It also has a sorta spur like protrusion from its elbows, though that could be from it wearing long leather gloves or gauntlets. Anyway, if it looks like something vital and irrevocable is about to happen, you'll have to decide then whether to step in or stay hidden.

Also be on the lookout for the corpses of the Five and Krotos' corpse. If you can't locate the Rune of Eternity, and the corpses haven't been used in the ritual yet, then destroying one or more of them would keep it from happening.

Remember what Karas said about the ritual needing blood, and before that his master needed your corpse and soul. Your blood is needed to complete the ritual, so that's yet another reason to not get caught.

>>842247
>But if it is Belseth, then he looks unusually thin for someone that was supposed to eat all of the corpses of the gods.
Belseth doesn't have to eat their entire corpses to gain their power, just certain organs like the heart. That is, according to the Sakkilian beliefs on the matter Kronos asked Bel about before their dinner together. (See >>/questarch/757208) Bel could eat or even swallow six whole hearts or brains and not show it unless you get a clear look.

Though, a big question is how he'd get Xuv's power this way. Her corpse was specifically said to be lost or trapped in the depths of the Catacombs. Though, her soul was tracked by Elete to Krotos' corpse, and his corpse brought here, so would eating his heart work because his corpse has Xuv's soul in it?

>And if we can't find the Rune of Eternity anywhere.....
Belseth said that he was thinking of getting that rune tattooed above his dick, not around it, since that was the only spot left that wasn't already tattooed. But the Rune of Eternity that's keeping Life out of this chamber won't be on Bel, it'll be set into the structure itself or something within it.
>>
No. 842286 ID: 91ee5f

>>842262
>hope that it isn't in the ceiling.
I agree with that. Please don't be on the ceiling!

>Belseth doesn't have to eat their entire corpses to gain their power, just certain organs like the heart. That is, according to the Sakkilian beliefs on the matter Kronos asked Bel about before their dinner together.
True, but this is the Nightmare we're talking about here. It doesn't care about the Sakkilian beliefs of only eating certain organs. In fact, it might go off the thought process of, "The more that's consumed, the more power that's gained."

I don't know, I'm just guessing.
>>
No. 842291 ID: fe7355

>>842286
Eh, I have a feeling that the Sakkilian belief on consuming the heart to gain the deceased's power is based on actual knowledge from the age of the Old Empire. Unfortunately, we don't have a reliable way to check that. Chronicler is the only one who could tell us definitively, and it's not here.

...Wait, didn't Chronicler say that it would appear to Kronos in this chamber? ...Went back to check and couldn't find it saying that, but it did say in regards to the Rune of Eternity: "In the deepest of reaches, in a chamber of fallen gods, you will find it where you stand as you witness the ascension of a mad god." (See >>/questarch/753038) So good odds it's set into the floor, and bad news that it sounds like it'd only show up as the Nightmare ascends. Can only hope Chronicler wasn't speaking literally and taking poetic license there.
>>
No. 842294 ID: 91ee5f

>>842291
>So good odds it's set into the floor
I hope so! Because if it's on the fucking ceiling, then that's unfair!

>and bad news that it sounds like it'd only show up as the Nightmare ascends.
I hope that's not true! Because I'm really not liking how many of these things only give us tiny windows of opportunity to stop them! DX
>>
No. 842521 ID: 65a774
File 150982142204.png - (37.37KB , 686x526 , 109.png )
842521

>Fucking hell, even your mirror twin was lying to you.
You have no idea if he was actually lying or just misinformed. Hell, there’s so much lies, misinformation and misunderstandings going around right now that you have no idea what’s going on anymore!

>That Belseth could be an illusion. Or it could also be the real Belseth and he's already under the Nightmare's control and is trying to trick us. Or maybe Belseth himself has been tricked into thinking that he's stopped the ritual when he actually hasn't stopped it?
Whatever is happening, you don’t think you can trust Belseth right now. This is clearly a trap and they expect you to stupidly walk right into it.
>But if it is Belseth, then he looks unusually thin for someone that was supposed to eat all of the corpses of the gods.
Did they actually mean that literally, or is it more in a “consume their essence” kind of deal?
>I have a feeling that the Sakkilian belief on consuming the heart to gain the deceased's power is based on actual knowledge from the age of the Old Empire.
They don’t just consume the heart, but the organs and muscles that symbolize whatever skill the deceased had mastered. You’re not sure which part would symbolize god like power, but the heart or brain would be good guesses?
>Though, a big question is how he'd get Xuv's power this way. Her corpse was specifically said to be lost or trapped in the depths of the Catacombs.
…except you accidently gave them a ritual capable of summoning Xuv… which might be used to summon her corpse as well… dammit.

>It looks like Bel killed at least the male Vark, thinking he was performing the ritual. Hm. That Vark guy might have been Karas.
Karas did run in here screaming like a madman, didn’t he? Hmm… or maybe it is Krotos? The nightmare was supposedly possessing his body, wasn’t it? …or was that just another lie?
>...And you really, really hope that Vark woman on the table isn't Kira.
…getting a bit closer, you sadly think it is… but… wait, is she still breathing? You can’t say for certain from this far away, but you swear you saw her chest move.
>Keep an eye and ear on what Belseth and that unnervingly large human are doing.
Belseth has collapsed against the table, seemingly having given his all to defeat the nightmare… while the human just… sits there? Is it even alive? It looks more like just a large suit of armor than anything…

>Move silently to the right around the edge of the room so you can lean on the wall and look around for any sign of the Rune of Eternity.
You follow the wall for a bit, passing under the statue of God of water, yet you can’t seem to spot any runes anywhere…
>"In the deepest of reaches, in a chamber of fallen gods, you will find it where you stand as you witness the ascension of a mad god." So good odds it's set into the floor…
Looking down on the floor all you can see is dust and other filth… and bones… lots of bones… bones that look remarkable fresh? …and pieces of armor… royal armor… by the five, is this what’s left of the force that was sent through the front door? They must have reaches this chamber before you did and… gods...
>Also be on the lookout for the corpses of the Five and Krotos' corpse.
…actually, that is odd. Where are the five? You’d think their corpses would be easy to spot… but it’s possible that one of the bone piles around the room might contain them? They’ve been here a long time, after all.
>And if we can't find the Rune of Eternity anywhere.....well, remember how Bri had a vision of Bel having the rune around his dick as a tattoo, but it wasn't there?
… … …you really, for the love of the five, hope that you don’t have to go looking down there for it.
>It effect is fundamental to this chamber, so it'll likely be real big and set right into the structure.
…wait, what if it’s simply too big for you to see? That it’s right in front of you but you can’t see the whole picture? You can spot a few carved lines along the floor, but you can’t really see what they depict… maybe if you-
>>
No. 842522 ID: 65a774
File 150982143343.png - (47.73KB , 686x526 , 110.png )
842522

:BelsethSB: Kronos! Thank the five yah’re ‘ere! I was getting worried yah wouldn’t make it through the catacombs… even though it wasn’t needed in the end…

All the sudden Belseth is standing behind you. You swear you only let you gaze leave him for a second, yet in a blink of an eye, here he is.

:BelsethSB: But yah wouldn’t believe what just happened. The nightmare was about to overcome my defenses when out of nowhere a crazed Varkian screaming about something in its ‘ead attacked it. He wasn’t able to do any true damage, true, but ‘e was enough of a distraction for me to land the killing blow! We won, Kronos, we defeated the nightmare! It’s finally over!
:KronosSB:
:BelsethSB: Kronos, what’s wrong? Yah seem… a bit put off?
>>
No. 842538 ID: 3ce125

>>842521
That's the edge of one of the symbols in the rune. The O|.

>>842522
That's probably Cain in disguise. He's the only one that can sneak up on you that effectively without being a Nightmare demon. ...I think Cain is the Master, and the suit of armor is designed for him to wear after ascending. Even the expression is right for Cain and wrong for Belseth.
..."it wasn't needed in the end" he's going to use Kira's blood instead of yours.

Okay, obviously you can't just shoot him, or pull out the powder and shoot the rune to disable it. You need a distraction. Stare at him for a moment then just slump down to the ground. Then say "Can I have one last cup of tea before you ascend?"

You want to blow up the rune while he's in the middle of ascending. That's when he'll be the most distracted.
>>
No. 842539 ID: 203d6d

"You aren't Belseth. Who are you?"
>>
No. 842546 ID: 3ce125

...actually wait you probably shouldn't wait until he's ascending. Unless the process takes a long time or something. He must have a rune of eternity on his body which means Life won't be able to see and thus stop him, which means you need to take him down before he becomes a god.

He'll be most vulnerable when he's drawing Kira's blood, because he's squeamish about it. Unless that was a lie? Hmm, well, you'll be able to tell when he does it. Just watch him carefully, and blow up the rune whenever the opportunity presents itself. I expect the ensuing release of magical energy will interrupt whatever he's doing and when the elemental shows up you can use it against him.
>>
No. 842548 ID: 91ee5f

>>842522
From looking at him, I can already tell that's not Belseth. Because, last time I checked, Belseth is supposed to be a little shorter than Kronos, as seen here: >>/questarch/733278 .

And from that same image, we can see that the top of Belseth's head isn't supposed to have that little "point" on it.

Also, if he dealt the killing blow, then there should be 2 corpses. But that only looks like 1 corpse, which is possibly Karas. So where's the other guy that Belseth supposedly killed?

Don't reveal that you know this isn't Belseth. Just play along by saying how happy you are to see he's alright. Then start walking over to the Varkian corpse he just dropped and tell him that you want to kick it a few times to get revenge for all the shit he's put us through (since you're supposed to believe that's the Nightmare)!

While you're walking over to the corpse, take a look at the carved lines on the floor and make sure that's the rune you need to destroy. Because it would be very bad if it turns out you blew up the wrong rune!

Then you'd need to think of a way to get the bags of Arcane powder in place. Maybe if you pretend to trip, you can use that as an excuse to slip the bags out of your pockets?

.....also, I'm wondering if you could take off your eyepatch and "see" anything? Or maybe that could only happen in the dream?

>It's Cain.
Yeah, probably. But let's see if the special "Summon Cain" phrase will still get a reaction outta him because he's so used to doing it, it's become a force of habit.

You might be able to get away with saying, "I sure hope Cain is still alive. Because after all of this, I could really go for a cup of tea."

I've also noticed that the sword on Kronos' back has been missing ever since Karas tried to strangle Kronos: >>841742 , and it was never mentioned that Karas or Kronos removed it. So I'm just wondering if Kaktus has been forgetting to draw the sword on Kronos' back?
>>
No. 842576 ID: 094652

"Belseth... Everyone's dead."
>what-
"EVERYONE! Briannah, Kira, Poppa, Cain, Tim, Zola, Thalia, Xarrin, Doxan, even Elete, they're all @#$%ing dead! The empress had a heart attack when she learned what you did, and my liver was LITERALLY stolen along with my fingers and ear, I've got a week to live! There are reports of 'cursed thrones' and 'the apocalypse has started on the moons'! You @#$%ing IDIOT, we've lost everything! Now help me activate the Lovecraft protocol so some MISERABLE SCRAP of our DEAD CIVILIZATION can survive on a HOSTILE PLANET in AGONIZING TORMENT, or there will be NO TRACE THAT OUR WORLD EVER EXISTED!"
>>
No. 842578 ID: 91ee5f

>>842576
Damnit, Kome! You stop that!
>>
No. 842674 ID: fe7355

Of course don't say this out loud, but you suspect this isn't Belseth. But at this point you don't know if you can trust your own senses. Could be Bel and you not noticing him coming to you was you just blanking out, losing time. Could be that he's really Bel but he's under a illusion. Could be Bel possessed by the Nightmare or Krotos or who knows what else. Could be a illusion or a disguise wrapped around Cain, Krotos, the Nightmare, something else, or just nothing at all. Could be something you don't think of. That is what you hate about all this Nightmare bullshit: You can't take anything at face value any more. At least you can reasonably assume if this isn't Bel that whoever or whatever they are wants you for something alive, since they could have killed you easy.

Alright, that thought out, time to analyze Belseth's actions for anomalies. Okay, first, if it was Belseth he most likely would have approached you from the front, in plain view so as not to startle you. It's also probable Bel would have called out to you from a fair distance away as he approached, not waited until he was next to you to start talking. And Bel also can't move anywhere near as silently or quickly as would be needed to to get behind you undetected like this.

Bel also keeps his accent suppressed unless startled or agitated, though in this situation he could be so emotional he let it slip. However, compare Bel's accent between when you just entered and right now. If it was less pronounced when you entered, that is inconsistent with Bel's known behavior because it's expected under the circumstances he'd be so emotional his full accent would come out.

He also looks like he's a bit taller than you when Bel was about the same height as you, though this might be because you're not standing at your full height because of your leg injury.

Put it all together and it's fair odds this is someone impersonating Bel, either in illusion, disguise, or by possession of Bel. But you aren't sure it's not Bel yet, and you're not gonna shoot him unless you're sure. You also don't know if it's not Bel if it's someone or something that could take a hit and retaliate. Best play along like you believe this is Belseth until you're more certain he is really Bel or not.

Turn around to face him. "I'm sorry, it's just that... I know the Nightmare's defeat is joyful news, but after what I've been through, then seeing all that died here trying to stop the Nightmare," waving towards the bones all over the hall floor, "it's drained my mood. But seeing that you've survived lifts my spirits a lot." Put your arms out and hug and kiss him. If this isn't Belseth, you're gonna make 'em work hard at keeping in character.

Say that we should head over to Kira to help her up and out of here, and hobble along that way with Bel at your side. Ask him what happened with him after you parted last night, and what happened down here. Where are the corpses of the Five? What's that big human shaped armor thing sitting at the table? ...A golem? And what do we do now that the Nightmare is gone? And as you walk, pay close attention to how Bel replies and acts.

Tell Bel that he has you to thank for Karas charging in to attack the Nightmare. What you told Karas as he was about to choke you broke his Nightmare master's hold on him. ...And speaking of Karas, what happened to him after he struck the Nightmare?

You're going to have to reevaluate your plan to break the Rune of Eternity due to the sheer scale of it. Those carved lines next to the wall you were standing next to were the "|" and "O" of one of the "O|" portion of the rune. You're not gonna be able to blast a chunk out of those all the way across with just two pouches of arcane powder. You'd need a keg full of powder to do it. ...Though, you could possibly get more arcane powder from the dead guards' gear, since they have to have had spare powder for their guns.

>>842538
>..."it wasn't needed in the end" he's going to use Kira's blood instead of yours.
Or it could be referring to not needing Kronos' help in the end to stop the Nightmare.

>>842539
Don't bloody confront someone who's trying to impersonate someone you know unless you're bloody sure you can handle taking them down if they switch to a hostile plan B. And right now, Kronos is in no state to do that. And if it's Cain, then Kronos would never be in a state to take 'em down head on.

>>842538
>Then say "Can I have one last cup of tea before you ascend?"
>>842548
>You might be able to get away with saying, "I sure hope Cain is still alive. Because after all of this, I could really go for a cup of tea."
Please, no, don't say anything like this. Cain is no dummy, and if this is Cain in disguise this would all but announce that Kronos has caught on, forcing Cain to possibly take other, more direct, measures. Any attempt to get Cain, or whoever this impostor is, if it's a impostor, to reveal themselves as a fake will have to be much more subtle.

>>842546
>He must have a rune of eternity on his body which means Life won't be able to see and thus stop him, which means you need to take him down before he becomes a god.
It doesn't matter if he has the Rune of Eternity tattooed on himself or not. This chamber and everything inside it is already under the effect of the Rune of Eternity that's built into the chamber. It's how the Five's corpses and everything else in here remained beyond Life's view and reach.
>>
No. 842675 ID: 3ce125

>>842674
>doesn't matter if he's got a rune on him
Uh yes it does? If Life can't see him then even if we break the rune on the chamber, Life won't be able to kill him for us. He's effectively under two layers of protection in that case.

>don't bother trying to blow up the big rune
We don't have to completely interrupt the "line" do we? We have to do something here!
>>
No. 842702 ID: fe7355

>>842675
>Uh yes it does? If Life can't see him then even if we break the rune on the chamber, Life won't be able to kill him for us. He's effectively under two layers of protection in that case.
Then if it's not Belseth, Kronos will kill him himself. However, if I remember correctly, it takes more than just placing the Rune of Eternity upon a object or person to infuse it or them with its effect. Without some additional magic or ritual, just the area with the symbol of the Rune of Eternity will be eternal. And we haven't heard of whatever method that is being rediscovered.

>We don't have to completely interrupt the "line" do we? We have to do something here!
I don't know if we have to break the line or just knock a chunk out of the edge, but since we're probably only getting one shot then cutting it all the way across is how we can be sure.

However, we have to keep in mind that Kronos told Krotos the plan to break the Rune of Eternity. That means Krotos or anyone he was working under or with will know that plan and if they're possessing, impersonating, or otherwise influencing Belseth and they'll be on the lookout for Kronos planting arcane powder.

And we also have to consider whether to break the Rune of Eternity at all, or at least before the ritual. Because once Life gets in here, it'll rip away all the souls powering the ascension ritual, meaning Kronos will lose the opportunity to take the ritual himself. To use its power to right so much that has gone wrong. To bring Doxan and Sisah back from the dead. To restore his and Bri's missing limbs and eyes, and fix Kira's sterility, and heal his father Helios' heart, and cure and restore so many other Risavians and Imperials. To create food and wealth and health for Risavia's people to restore the nation to power. And when he is done, he will drain out the Catacombs and break their binds so they no longer threaten trapping souls, before giving up the divine power.
>>
No. 842708 ID: 91ee5f

>>842702
>Use the power.
Let's not. Sure, good intentions and everything, but Life made Kronos promise to stop the ascension of the new god or else Life would take Kronos' soul.

And since you want Kronos to use the power, that would count as Kronos failing to stop the ascension of a new god. Which means that Life would just kill Kronos, no matter how good his intentions were.
>>
No. 842717 ID: 3ce125

>>842708
That was not the deal. The deal was that Kronos would stop the ascension of the new god, and in return Life would remove Xuv's blessing of immortality.

Kronos should *absolutely* use the power of the gods. If he doesn't, we have lost so goddamn much for no gain whatsoever.

>>842702
>souls powering the ritual will be taken by Life
We could just ask Life for permission to use the river of souls instead of this alternate path. Or get him to not immediately remove the ritual's power source. Remember, Life is very patient. He is angered by outright immortality, not power itself.
>>
No. 842723 ID: 91ee5f

>>842717
>The deal was that Kronos would stop the ascension of the new god, and in return Life would remove Xuv's blessing of immortality.
That's right, stop the ascension of the new god. Life never specifically said that the new god was the Nightmare, only said to stop a new god from ascending.

If Kronos uses this power, then it still counts as him failing because Kronos himself is becoming the new god.

>Kronos should *absolutely* use the power of the gods. If he doesn't, we have lost so goddamn much for no gain whatsoever.
This isn't Dragon Ball Z, where you can just make a wish to fix everything bad that happened and revive all the people that the Nightmare killed.
>>
No. 842724 ID: 3ce125

>>842723
There was no fail clause. Life considered immortality to be a curse because there is no tech available to keep Kronos' body intact.
Also, while we don't have any specifics on how powerful gods were I'm pretty sure it's within their power to repair bodies and put souls back into them. There are a lot of people who died down here that we could easily "resurrect" because their souls are still hanging around.
>>
No. 842728 ID: 91ee5f

>>842724
You sure Life won't do all of that himself? If he hates unnatural things, then wouldn't he also hate deaths from unnatural causes? He'd probably bring everyone that died back to life because the Nightmare is an unnatural cause of death.

Or maybe if Kronos doesn't use the power of the gods, then Life would give Kronos a reward for keeping his promise to Life and also not using that power? Then Kronos could just ask Life to revive everyone.
>>
No. 842730 ID: 3ce125

>>842728
Okay first off, Life is a bit of an asshole. Second off, he hates it when souls are permanently cut off from the river. Things like immortality and the afterlife are offensive to him, and for good reason- it starves the river which fuels the world. Apparently he isn't too shook up about the catacombs, because... I forget if it was because it leaks or if it was because it would eventually break open on its own. Either way he didn't consider it a priority because there aren't a huge number of souls in here.
Thirdly, you still aren't getting it. He doesn't hate the power involved in being a god. He hates IMMORTALITY.

He won't do anything on his own. He'll just be like "Good work, oh you got rid of the blessing on your own I guess I don't have to do anything then" and take the souls and leave, unless Kronos objects to it. Even then it's a bit of a long shot because, again, he's an asshole. We'll have to persuade him to help.
>>
No. 842735 ID: 91ee5f

>>842730
>He hates IMMORTALITY.
And how exactly is becoming a god different from becoming immortal?
>>
No. 842740 ID: 3ce125

>>842735
Okay let me spell it out in very simple terms.
Gods have power from drinking the river of souls. Then they USE that power to become immortal. My impression was that the rune of eternity is required for true immortality or something, but not necessarily required for obtaining the power.

Kronos just needs the power. He doesn't need the immortality. Therefore, Life won't hate it too much. I'm not suggesting Kronos become a literal god, just use the same POWER that gods use. That is why I kept referring directly to the word POWER.
>>
No. 842770 ID: fe7355

>>842740
Yes, this is what I was thinking of would be the best way. Use the power to perform divine-level magic. ...But then I think it through and realize that the only way we know of to channel and weave all this power is by one who has ascended to become a god, and that ritual has the Rune of Eternity baked into it; Use it and that rune is infused into the ascended. Now, presumably it's possible for non-gods to work such power, since there were mages before the Old Empire who did to discover the Rune of Eternity and how to ascend to godhood. But here and now there's none in the world who know how to.

But that aside, there's a present obstacle to Kronos either taking the power or stopping anyone from ascending: Belseth, or Belseth's impostor. If this is actually Bel, he's gonna take a lot of talk to convince him not to go through with ascending, and even more to for Kronos take his place. It'd probably be too hard to convince him to allow Kronos to take Bel's place. And if it's a impostor, they aren't gonna be swayed at all.
>>
No. 842785 ID: 3ce125

>>842770
If the rune of eternity is required to wield the power of a god, then Kronos can't do it. He doesn't have a rune. We'd have to convince Belseth to ascend (assuming he has the rune like we suspect), fix things, then immediately give up that power and remove his rune.

Personally I think the belseth impostor is someone who is a master of illusion. Illusion and lies appear to be the Nightmare's bread and butter. It's gonna be real difficult to confront them directly, which is why I just wanted to blow up the rune at a critical moment to disrupt the ritual by allowing Life to come by and gobble up all the power in the corpses of the gods. Or whatever's down here that allows someone to ascend without using the river.

On the other hand, if Kronos manages to distract the impostor by kissing him, that'd be a real good time to blow his head off. On the other other hand if that's Belseth's body simply *possessed* by Nightmare, killing him won't go well. Also Kaktus probably wouldn't let us.

Maybe we should try to shoot/stab the human-shaped armor instead.
>>
No. 843160 ID: 65a774
File 151006774644.png - (60.68KB , 686x526 , 111.png )
843160

>Kronos should *absolutely* use the power of the gods.
>Don’t use the power of the gods!
Aren’t you putting the raptors before the cart? You’ll need to deal with… whatever Belseth here is and the nightmare before you can even consider using the gods power for anything. Or maybe you can use their power to defeat them? Hmm…

>That's the edge of one of the symbols in the rune. The O|.
…it is, isn’t it? You’re standing on it… the rune of eternity… it’s covering the whole floor of the room.
>Of course don't say this out loud, but you suspect this isn't Belseth. But at this point you don't know if you can trust your own senses.
Suspect? That is clearly not Belseth. There’s just too much that is… wrong. The way he walks… the way he talks… the way he looks at you… the way he stands… everything is just… wrong. And its eyes… the way it looks at you… you can feel the hatred behind those eyes. That’s either an illusion or some evil force is using him as a puppet.
>That's probably Cain in disguise. He's the only one that can sneak up on you that effectively without being a Nightmare demon.
Cain? Can Cain really be behind everything? Is he really… this thing?
>Even the expression is right for Cain and wrong for Belseth.
…Cain is usually clad with a frown, this… thing on the other hand is wearing a smile of pure malice. It brings it great joy to simply see you suffer…


>Put your arms out and hug and kiss him.
You turn around and stumble a bit towards “Belseth”…
:KronosSB: I'm sorry, it's just that... I know the Nightmare's defeat is joyful news, but after what I've been through, then seeing all that died here trying to stop the Nightmare, it's drained my mood. But
seeing that you've survived lifts my spirits a lot.
You embrace him with shaking hands… and he guides you into his arms. Your lips met his and for a moment you become one… yet, it isn’t the warmth and passion of Belseth that meets you… but a coldness… a coldness you recognize from your dreams… Xuv…
:BelsethSB: There’s no need to worry Kronos… everything is going to be okay…
>Say that we should head over to Kira to help her up and out of here.
:BelsethSB: Oh… don’t worry about ‘er… she’ll be fine. No, there are other things we need to… focus on first, don’t we? More important things?
:KronosSB: …but sis… what’s more important than saving her?
:BelsethSB: …why, our ascension, of course.

>I sure hope Cain is still alive. Because after all of this, I could really go for a cup of tea.
:BelsethSB: Oh, I’m sure one of ye servants can serve yah a nice cup of-
For the first time his wicked grin disappear from his face… and you can see genuine fear in his eyes as he looks around the room, seemingly looking for something… or someone. Then he shakes his head for a second before returning his piercing gaze to you, his grin having returned as if it was never gone.
:BelsethSB: …a n-nice cup of tea when we’re done here.
>Ask him what happened with him after you parted last night, and what happened down here.
:BelsethSB: Why, they came for me because they needed a worthy sacrifice.
The sound of his voice shift slightly… and you think you can hear more than one person talking…
:BelsethSB: But… heh… what they found was something they couldn’t handle. Ah, the pride of some people…
>What's that big human shaped armor thing sitting at the table? ...A golem?
:BelsethSB: Oh, that? It’s nothing to worry about… just relics of an old age…
As he speaks, you can feel a coldness envelop you… a coldness that chill you all the way to the bones.
:BelsethSB: Heh… the arrogance... do they really think they can’t worship us? Filthy Serpens filth… your disgusting species will be unmade…
>Where are the corpses of the Five?
:BelsethSB: Heh... such questions you ask… you never believed I was Belseth from the start, did you?
Six… all the sudden there are six voices speaking to you…
:BelsethSB: Such hubris, even believing you can stand up to the gods… in the end, his pride didn’t last a second against our might. He does make a worthy vessel for us… as your brother was falling apart.
The voices rip into your very soul. You can feel a blasting heat sear the flesh from your bones… you can feel a razor sharp wind flay you alive… feel yourself drown as your lungs fills with water… your bones getting crushed by the weight of the air… your skin is cowered in bleeding boils… and then you can only scream as you claw your own eyes out in madness. Yet… you still stand there… you cannot move…
:SixSB: How can you even hope to stand against us? How can a mortal even believe that they can hurt us?
Listening to the voices of the hells itself… the voices of the gods… wishing that you had the strength to end your own existence…
:SixSB: Such arrogance. Your kind can’t even comprehend our power… understand our strength…
Your legs shakes… you can barely stand from just hearing it…
:SixSB: We… WE ARE GODS… AND YOU ARE NOT EVEN AN INSECT COMPARED TO US!
Blood… you can feel blood pouring from your ears…

>...also, I'm wondering if you could take off your eyepatch and "see" anything? Or maybe that could only happen in the dream?
You try to reach up to your eyepatch with a shaking hand, but you can barely move your arm anymore…
:SixSB: Oh, no, I don’t think so. Trust me… you don’t want to see what your little eyes can’t handle…
>You'd need to think of a way to get the bags of Arcane powder in place.
…the bags… the gun… they… they are gone? You’re not wearing your gun anymore!?
:KronosSB: Wha-
:SixSB: Honestly, you tell us your plan in complete details… and now expect not to act on it?
:KronosSB: But… I-I was… h-how…
:SixSB: We… are… gods… our will is the world. We willed that your pathetic gun didn’t exist… so now it don’t.

:SixSB: Heh… now, we were hoping to have some fun with you until the ascension… but seeing as you actually tried to stop us, even as pathetic the attempt was… we’ll simply will that your neck was broken.
:KronosSB: Wha-
>>
No. 843161 ID: 65a774
File 151006775647.png - (85.55KB , 686x526 , 112.png )
843161

*Crack*
:SixSB: And so ends the story of Kronos, Prince of some mortal filth.
>>
No. 843162 ID: 65a774
File 151006776661.png - (3.98KB , 686x526 , 113.png )
843162

:SixSB: “…four children of fire, three will succumb and the last will succeed.”
:SixSB:”One will be unmade by love…”
:SixSB:”One will be unmade by fear…”
:SixSB:”One will be unmade by pride…”
:SixSB:”Only the one that conquers all three and then oblivion itself will stop the ascension of a mad god.”
:SixSB: …once again, Fate, your prophesy is wrong and meaningless.

:SixSB: …why are we talking to ourselves? Hera? Nero? Where are you? We need someone to monolog at.

…and then there were only darkness.





















…and the faint smell of tea?
>>
No. 843169 ID: 094652

Cain: OPEN FIRE
>>
No. 843176 ID: 91ee5f

>>843160
>For the first time his wicked grin disappear from his face…and you can see genuine fear in his eyes as he looks around the room, seemingly looking for something…or someone.
Ok, so it's not Cain. But they're afraid of Cain.

.....wait, wouldn't that mean that Cain's ability to seemingly show up outta nowhere is so good, that he can even sneak up on the gods?! Cain, how the actual fuck are you that good?! That's inhuman! Cain's not human, is he?!

>Heh…the arrogance...do they really think they can’t worship us? Filthy Serpens filth…your disgusting species will be unmade…
Oh, that's what happened to the 7th god. That's actually the Serpens god, but since it's missing its tail, it just looked like a human to us.

>Heh...such questions you ask…you never believed I was Belseth from the start, did you?
Well, it's not Kronos' fault that all of you are terrible actors/actresses!

>Godly levels of bullshitery.
>They said we told them our plan.
Annnnd I guess that wasn't Krotos after all.

..........fuck.

>>843161
Kronos is still technically alive, even with that broken neck. He's still immortal after all. And I don't think they've taken away his immortality.

>>843162
>…once again, Fate, your prophesy is wrong and meaningless.
They do realize that Kronos himself doesn't have to directly be the one to stop them, right? Kronos can still indirectly stop them with something he set in motion a while ago.

>…why are we talking to ourselves? Hera? Nero? Where are you? We need someone to monolog at.
For a bunch of "all knowing gods", they're doing a really terrible job at knowing what happened to Hera and Nero.

>Elementals are falling from the ceiling.
I sure hope that was because we allowed the Elemental from earlier to dig its way into the overgrown area of the garden! And since they managed to dig their way down here, hopefully they'll start digging at the floor and mess up the Rune of Eternity!

>…and then there were only darkness.
>…and the faint smell of tea?
Cain, please help us!

.....I'm kinda surprised that they're all working together so perfectly. You'd think that with 6 of them in a single body, they'd be fighting each other for control and become so distracted that they'd accidentally give us an opening to fuck up their plans.
>>
No. 843181 ID: 65a774
File 151007512864.png - (15.76KB , 686x526 , Stay.png )
843181

>Ok, so it's not Cain. But they're afraid of Cain. Cain, how the actual fuck are you that good?! That's inhuman! Cain's not human, is he?!
Cain… who… what… are you… old friend?
> Oh, that's what happened to the 7th god. That's actually the Serpens god, but since it's missing its tail, it just looked like a human to us.
Serpens doesn’t have gods… Serpens never had gods…
>...I'm kinda surprised that they're all working together so perfectly. You'd think that with 6 of them in a single body, they'd be fighting each other for control…
Rage… you feel rage… both towards the world… and each other… in the end, their desire to ascend outweighs their hatred…

…then the last of your thoughts leave you… and you embrace oblivion…



:BriannahSB: Kronos…

Warmth…

:BriannahSB: Love… wake up…

You are embraced by such familiar warmth…

:BriannahSB: It’s time to wake up, Kronos…

You’re almost afraid to open your eyes… but when you do, you’re met by the soothing visage of your wife…

:KronosSB: Briannah…? I had the weirdest dream…
:BriannahSB: Yah can’t nap away the whole afternoon, silly. After all, I’ll need ye ‘elp to put away the picnic, eh? …and yah promised Beatrix, remember?
>>
No. 843182 ID: 65a774
File 151007513712.png - (19.98KB , 686x526 , Warmth.png )
843182

You see her come running, your little princess, your most precious treasure… your and Briannah’s daughter…

:NonSB: Poppa! Poppa!
:KronosSB: Beatrix?

She jumps up into your arms and you twirl her around you, feeling happier than you’ve ever done before. They are here… they are safe… your love… and your little princess… they are here…

:NonSB: You promised that we would play after lunch, remember?
:KronosSB: Haha… of course I remember, my little princess. I’ll just need to help mommy-
:BriannahSB: No, love, go play with her. I’ll clean up here.
:NonSB: Can we fly that Kite uncle Tim made today? The one that looks like a dragon!?
:KronosSB: Of course, princess, of course…
>>
No. 843183 ID: 65a774
File 151007514844.png - (23.56KB , 686x526 , Love.png )
843183

:CainSB: Sir… your tea?
:KronosSB: Tea…?

All the sudden Cain is besides you… and is handing you a cup of… “tea”? It’s… green… and it’s so bitter you can smell the taste…

:KronosSB: …it’s… green?
:CainSB: …it’s herbal tea, sir. It’s good for your… health, sir.
:KronosSB: I… I don’t think I’m in the mood for tea, Cain…
:CainSB: Please, sir, I insist. You’ll need the… ah… caffeine for your other duties. I do apologize, but we’ll sadly need to… postpone any other plans, as something very important has just come up.
:BriannahSB: Bah, I’m sure whatever it is it can wait for a bit, eh? After all, we can’t just break our little promise, can we Kronos?
:KronosSB: Bri is right, I promised to play with Beatrix and that’s that.
:CainSB: Sir… please… there still so much you need to do… it isn’t over yet.
:NonSB: Poppa?
>>
No. 843186 ID: 094652

Kronos. This is stupid.

You don't have a wife, you have a throne.
You don't have a daughter, you have a country.
You don't have a family, you have a future.

And it's time for six extremely stupid demiurges to step aside before they get burnt by the plutonium flames of these "mere mortals" and their grand ascension.

Light the spark of progress with fire and blood, and tell the cosmos...

"Hello".
>>
No. 843187 ID: 0d45a9

Apologises to your wife and drink up, there's work do be done. Playing with Beatrix is important yes, but you are a prince, and if you have a very important task to do, failure to do it will effect a lot of people.
>>
No. 843188 ID: 094652

Drink the tea. Then look at how BUTT-UGLY your "daughter" is when she's not hidden behind that stupid silhouette crap you've been forced behind this entire quest! Then throw her to Cain so he can spank her and shoot your wife in her train-track thick monobrow! How's that for Waxing?!

Now snap out of it and will your gun back into existence along with the most creative form of imaginary explosive material you can come up with! I think a Nuclear-Powered Dynamite-Dressed Rabbid (DAAAH!) will really get some divine jaw-dropping!
>>
No. 843196 ID: ce3153

Listen to your manservant, Kronos. You have urgent work to do. Your daughter? She doesn't exist... and the only way she EVER WILL is if you do what you came here for.

Deface the symbol. Replace eternity with a life well lived. You have just seen who you're doing it for. You can not fail them.
>>
No. 843202 ID: 91ee5f

Kronos, the gods are trying to keep you down. This is an illusion. You don't have a daughter.....yet. But don't say this out loud.

Cain, your faithful manservant and friend, is here to help you once again. No matter what you decide to do, the tea will give you the energy you need to do it. Just take the tea, thank Cain, and drink it down.
>>
No. 843205 ID: 3ce125

>>843183
He's right you know. You have to get back up again and stop the six if you are to ever truly have a daughter. Drink up.

Become the Phoenix.
>>
No. 843253 ID: 65a774
File 151009242868.png - (32.17KB , 686x526 , PAIN! SUFFERING! DON'T GO! STAY!!.png )
843253

>You don't have a family, you have a future.
…your family is your future!
>Look at how BUTT-UGLY your "daughter" is.
Hey! She might have a bit of an overbite… and those feathers aren’t really… but… ow, why does your head hurt when you try to look at her closely?

>Light the spark of progress with fire and blood, and tell the cosmos... "Hello".
:CainSB: Hello?
:BriannahSB: Huh? No one said anything, Cain, why are y-
:KronosSB: Never mind, love.
>No matter what you decide to do, the tea will give you the energy you need to do it. Just take the tea, thank Cain, and drink it down.
Reluctantly, you take a sip from the tea. It’s disgustingly bitter… yet… you swear you’ve had this before... but when did you- in your dream? As you drink a horrid pain in your neck makes itself know… no, you realize it’s been there all the time… the tea is simply… making it better? Removing it?
:KronosSB: Ugh… what is this crap!? It’s disgusting!
:CainSB: Most things that are good for you is, sir.
>Playing with Beatrix is important yes, but you are a prince, and if you have a very important task to do, failure to do it will effect a lot of people.
:KronosSB: I… I’m sorry, princess, but… grown up things are calling.
:NonSB: But poppa, you promised! You promised to play with me!
:BriannahSB: Dear, please, I’m sure whatever it is can wait. Just give ye daughter some time, love.
:CainSB: There isn’t any more time…
:NonSB: You’re such a meanie, Canny! Father promised that he would play with me.
:BriannahSB: Kronos… love…
:KronosSB: I… I need… I can’t…
:CainSB: Sir, this way…

Cain beckons you toward a dark rift… a rift that emits a constant stream of… suffering…

>Your daughter? She doesn't exist... and the only way she EVER WILL is if you do what you came here for.
…your daughter… she… she is here… she isn’t… she is real here… she exist here… she is… here…
>This is an illusion. You don't have a daughter.....yet.
Illusion or not, why can’t you stay? You’re happy here… you have a family here… if you continue you’ll… you’ll never see them again. Pain… suffering… fear… you can feel it… that place is filled with it… and it lacks the things you love… your daughter and your love. They are here… not over there… and if you continue… you know, in your heart, you will never see them again… you can’t… you can’t give them up! You can’t… your train of thought is broken as you feel someone tug at your leg.

:NonSB: Poppa? Please… don’t leave…
>>
No. 843255 ID: 54dec8

It is not the duty of royalty to suffer for the sake of their people, it is their nature. Go and be royalty, it is, sad as it is, who you are
>>
No. 843256 ID: 4854ef

If you remain here.. Many more will suffer, the six will devour souls to keep themselves alive and feed their power causing others eternal suffering.

Which will include, your sister, your poppa, your people, Briannah's people, Tim, Sisah, Doxan, and all the others.. Including Briannah. They will suffer, and you will live here in an illusion of happiness. Or could you retain happiness knowing others will suffer?

Exit Kronos, or will you shirk responsibility once more like the prince you were. Or take that responsibility and know that sometimes, you must make the hard choice so that others won't suffer.
>>
No. 843259 ID: 094652

If you stay here, Life will win. Then he will strip your memories until you're an empty shell waiting for a dumber empty shell to live in.

Besides, a lifetime of suffering will be worth it just to hear those six demiurges scream "But that's impossible! You're a pathetic mortal! No, don't you dare, put that imaginary gun down you inse- blehbluhbluhbluhbluhghkkk."
>>
No. 843260 ID: 3ce125

>>843253
Yes, you will suffer. For the sake of the world.
>>
No. 843261 ID: 4148dd

Duty calls. Tell Beatrix you're going to protect her. Tell her to protect mom in the meantime.

No go, and secure her existence. An illusion is fleeting, just long enough to destroy the world, but reality will last all your life!
>>
No. 843264 ID: 91ee5f

>>843253
>ow, why does your head hurt when you try to look at her closely?
Because you're finding flaws in the illusion.

>As you drink a horrid pain in your neck makes itself know…no, you realize it’s been there all the time…the tea is simply…making it better? Removing it?
That tea is fixing Kronos' broken neck!

>Don't care that it's an illusion.
>Family is here, out there is pain and suffering!
So you'd prefer having a fake family instead of your real wife and daughter?

If you don't go now, the Bri will die and Bea will never get a chance to exist!

Go and save your family's future!

>Poppa? Please…don’t leave…
Tell her that you have to go because you need to protect her future.
>>
No. 843267 ID: 3ce125

Also uh I guess we know who the seventh god is now. Cain. He can read your thoughts, which the six can do. He can apparently bring back the dead, which gods should be able to do. He can teleport around, like the six just did.

He wasn't the one behind the nightmare though, that was Xuv all along... except her soul has a mind somehow? We destroyed her mind, so there should only be five voices in there, right? All that should be left of Xuv is the raw power of her soul! What was with the mind-soul separation crap when it doesn't make any difference whatsoever apparently? Maybe that was a lie, Xuv never lost her body, and thus her mind was never separated from her soul. That would mean she just split off a small part of herself and implanted it into you, so the golem just weakened her overall when it ate that part.
>>
No. 843305 ID: 0d45a9

What good is a illusion if you suspect it? If you stay, you will constantly think things aren't quiet right, and it will eat at you constantly, forever more. Better to face reality, no matter how terrible it is, than that I think.
>>
No. 843322 ID: fe7355

>All the sudden Cain is besides you… and is handing you a cup of… “tea”? It’s… green… and it’s so bitter you can smell the taste…
>Reluctantly, you take a sip from the tea. It’s disgustingly bitter… yet… you swear you’ve had this before... but when did you- in your dream?
>As you drink a horrid pain in your neck makes itself know… no, you realize it’s been there all the time… the tea is simply… making it better? Removing it?
And you now remember where you saw, smelled and tasted such a drink before: The healing potion Briannah poured down your throat after... After the shadows swarmed and attacked you and your group. But that was no dream; That was real. This, where you are now, is the dream. The illusion. Woven by the Nightmare Six to hold your soul 'till the clock runs out on Fate's prophecy and they ascend. But why do that? 'Cause they still fear you'll stop them somehow, even as a soul.

But know this: This dream, this illusion you are in, only exists as long as the Nightmare Six wills it. As soon as they have no need to keep you wrapped up in its vague warm, fuzzy embrace, it will all cease to be. And when that happens, you will not be so lucky as to be consumed and get the peace of oblivion. For even trying to stop them they will make you suffer, and it will be far, far worse than anything you're feeling from that rift. And they will do the same to everyone you've ever loved or cared for. Briannah, your father Helios, Kira, Tim, and more. So many more. They will all be plunged into eternal torment alongside you if you do not go through that rift, return to reality and stop the Nightmare Six.

So Beatrix can exist for real, with her own mind and soul and life and not just your reflected wishes and desires, you will step through that rift. So Briannah will live and have the life with the one she loves she so deserves, you will step through that rift. So your father will finally have the time with his son he never had as king, you will walk through that rift. So everyone in Risavia, the Zadian Empire, and the entire world will have a life and a future, you will walk through that rift. And so everything and everyone that was lost will not be lost in vain, you will bear the tempest of pain and fear and suffering and step forward. Step forward, Kronos, for you do matter and the world needs you.
>>
No. 843465 ID: af39eb

kratosandcalliope.jpg
>>
No. 843532 ID: 65a774
File 151017769170.png - (21.07KB , 686x526 , Tears.png )
843532

You hesitate… you know what you must do… you know what must be done. You are a Prince… you cannot abandon your people… you can’t abandon your friends… and you cannot abandon those that you love. She might not even be alive outside of this… this dream of yours, but you must take the chance…

This illusion… no, this dream… this dream your mind have conjured up with its dying breath, the culmination of your deepest desires… you will need to brave the flames of reality to make it just that… reality.

You bend down and hug your princess tightly… tighter than you have ever before. You whole body shake as tears stream from your eyes… as you know what you’re about to give up…

:NonSB: Poppa?
:KronosSB: …I… I need to go, princess…
:NonSB: B-but p-poppa!?
:BriannahSB: Love, what are you-
:KronosSB: I need to… to protect your future, Beatrix… I need to protect you.
:NonSB: B-but-
:KronosSB: Can… can you protect mommy while I am away? Can you do that for me?
:NonSB:
:KronosSB: I… I need you to be strong… for me… for poppa… can you do that, princess?
:NonSB: …y-yes Poppa…
:BriannahSB: Kronos…
:KronosSB: I… I’m sorry… I’m so sorry for this…
>>
No. 843533 ID: 65a774
File 151017770014.png - (36.96KB , 686x526 , BURN!.png )
843533

Unable to bear it any longer, you throw yourself into the rift, as every moment you stay here will only amplify the agony you’ll feel. As you enter the rift, you’re engulfed in flames… but the pain you feel from the fire barely register against the pain you suffered from what you have just done… from what you’ve just given up…

>Become the Phoenix.
Your flesh is burned from your body… your blood boils away… and your bones are scorches into ash… and from that ash, you are reborn.
>>
No. 843534 ID: 65a774
File 151017770811.png - (71.02KB , 686x526 , 114.png )
843534

*Crack*GASP!*

Your whole body shakes in pain as your lungs once again fills with air. You find yourself lying on the cold rock floor, unable to move a muscle and covered in elementals that are… um… feasting on your corpse?

:ElementalSB: :ElementalSB: :ElementalSB: *Purr*

You can outright feel the bones in your neck mend… and soon enough the pain dissipate almost completely. With a light twitch of your finger… a harder jerk with your leg… you slowly manage to convince yourself that you can move again.

>I guess we know who the seventh god is now. Cain. He can read your thoughts, which the six can do. He can apparently bring back the dead, which gods should be able to do. He can teleport around, like the six just did.
First he is the nightmare… now he is a god… what truly is he? He’s… he’s your friend… and you trust him, no matter what he is…
>He wasn't the one behind the nightmare though, that was Xuv all along... except her soul has a mind somehow? We destroyed her mind, so there should only be five voices in there, right?
Six souls… yet their minds works as one? You’re sure you ended the threat of Xuv, yet… a part of her is still here… with the others. Are they even the same minds of the old gods anymore… or are they something else?
>>
No. 843535 ID: 65a774
File 151017771833.png - (56.90KB , 686x526 , 115.png )
843535

Using a chair to steady yourself, you manage to stand up on shaking legs and look around you. It seems that the Six dragged your body closer to the center of the room, leaving you lying right next to the… suit of armor? What is this thing? Looking at it you can’t see how someone is supposed to wear it… or remove it… is it a golem of some sort, maybe?

:SixSB: KlaatuVaradaNiktof’thangBoomChakalaka…

In the center of the room you can see Belseth… no, the Six possessing Belseth levitating in a beam of light. Bones from the gods themselves floats around them as they recite strange, alien incantations… you’ll need to act soon, or they’ll complete the ritual! ...dammit, where is your gun when you need it?
>>
No. 843544 ID: d54bcb

the suit of "armour" seems more like a cloth suit. You can easily wear it by holding it above your head, then lowering it onto yourself and pushing your arms and head into the respective openings.

Regardless of that... The golem appears to be holding some kind of wand or weapon in it's hand? That may be very important for the ritual taking place.
>>
No. 843548 ID: 3ce125

>>843535
Ah, I see. The Serpens created something that was supposed to match the power of the gods. It's a highly advanced golem! It looks like it broke though. I wonder if it was involved somehow in getting the corpses of the five here in the first place? ...does this mean Cain is some sort of reincarnation of this thing? Or is Cain something else entirely? A force of nature like Life or the three incarnations of time? Heh, maybe he's Fate. The impression we got from the legend of the Dragon and the Phoenix is that Fate is an antagonistic force, though.

Grab what the golem is holding. See if you can figure out what it does. If it's some sort of weapon then you should use it on the Six. Or on the rune. Depends on what it does and how confident you are that it'll outright kill the Six. If it's not strong enough to kill a god then you'll have to rely on Life for that. Then again for Life to be able to kill them you'll have to ensure the rune on Belseth's body is broken as well. This situation sucks. Maybe the best thing to do is to aim carefully at Belseth's groin and hope the ensuing blast damages the rune in the floor as well? Without obliterating your body?
>>
No. 843553 ID: 91ee5f

>>843535
It's in the golem's hand. Or at least, that's a gun, pretty sure it's not your gun.

Just grab it and hope it has some kinda magical instruction manual on how to use it!
>>
No. 843596 ID: fe7355

If it's not in your holster or on the ground, then your pistol was actually unmade by the Nightmare Six, along with your arcane powder. And betting the Six weren't thorough and didn't wipe away every other gun and bit of arcane powder the royal guard force brought as well and running about in the very little time you have yet trying to find them is a bad bet.

However, there's something that could be far better than your pistol grasped in the metal man's hand: A genuine Old Empire era magic wand. How come something so valuable was left here after this chamber was opened you have no idea, but you're damn glad it was. Pull it free, quickly skim over the runes on it to guess at its function and hope to the heavens it's just what you need right now, still has a charge left and that it's easy to use.

Grasp the wand then take aim at... What? Depends on what the wand does. If it'd blast out or remove a big enough chunk of the Rune of Eternity, do that. If it can't do that but it's some kind of specific counter to the ritual or would disrupt the ritual, then you have no choice but to shoot Belseth's possessed body.

>Looking at it you can’t see how someone is supposed to wear it… or remove it… is it a golem of some sort, maybe?
It's one of those "metal men" made by the Seventh, the ascended Serpens, that Xuv and the amalgamated Six mentioned before and seemed to be really angry about. A super-advanced golem with sapient level intelligence, perhaps? Whatever it was, it's broken and dead now. Or perhaps it just ran out of power. Well, you don't have the time nor the arcane powder to test if pouring that into its mouth would reactivate it.
>>
No. 843600 ID: 094652

>>843535
>where is your gun when you need it
The six willed it out of existence. You need to will it back or make due with what you have.

>KlaatuVaradaNiktof’thangBoomChakalaka
Yaaay, they've gone insane from the ritual! Strike them down, they're in no condition to out-gambit you!
>>
No. 843770 ID: 65a774
File 151023344189.png - (35.45KB , 686x526 , 116.png )
843770

>The six willed your gun out of existence. You need to will it back or make due with what you have.
Seeing as you aren’t a reality defining god you’ll just have to do with what else you can find.
>Yaaay, they've gone insane from the ritual!
You’re pretty sure they were already mad. Just… the dangerous kind of mad, not the “lying in a corner drooling” kind of mad. Wait, are they rich? They are gods so… if might be just eccentric. People with money can’t be insane, after all.

>The suit of "armour" seems more like a cloth suit.
…no, it’s more like a large suit of metal which is wearing clothes on top of it. It’s completely covered in metal, even under the cloth.
>The Serpens created something that was supposed to match the power of the gods. It's a highly advanced golem! It looks like it broke though.
This thing looks like no golem you’ve ever seen. Most golems are just pile of stones that takes the shape of a humanoid… or bones if you’re in Lorentia. This… this is something else.
>It's one of those "metal men" made by the Seventh, the ascended Serpens, that Xuv and the amalgamated Six mentioned before and seemed to be really angry about. A super-advanced golem with sapient level intelligence, perhaps?
Hmm... Didn’t chronicler also mention something about the seventh species without a god created a forge that made men out of steel and fire or something... or did you just dream that? But yes, this must be whatever the Serpents had instead of a god when the old empire existed.

>...does this mean Cain is some sort of reincarnation of this thing?
A nightmare… a god… and now some kind of super golem? This is just getting sillier and sillier…
>Or is Cain something else entirely? A force of nature like Life or the three incarnations of time? Heh, maybe he's Fate.
Why would fate itself take the time to be a friend to you? No, whatever Cain is you won’t speculate without some real proofs. He is your friend… and he might have just saved your life. Anything else doesn’t matter until after you’ve stopped the Six and all this is over.

>There's something that could be far better than your pistol grasped in the metal man's hand: A genuine Old Empire era magic wand.
The metal man is indeed holding some kind of wand… but as you try to remove it you accidently break off the things arm. Wops.
>>
No. 843771 ID: 65a774
File 151023344911.png - (47.51KB , 686x526 , 117.png )
843771

You did get the wand… and luckily it seems to have some kind of trigger? In fact, it looks remarkably like one of those old proto-guns the Serpens made. The modified wands that nearly anyone could use if they were charged. The only problem, as this thing doesn’t have a silver pipe to fill with arcane powder (not that you have any powder to begin with) you cannot recharge it. You just have to hope there’s enough juice still in it to be enough for what you’re about to do. In fact, you really hope there’s enough juice to do anything with it… but the runes are glowing so…

>How come something so valuable was left here after this chamber was opened you have no idea, but you're damn glad it was.
They must have been so focused on the corpses of the gods they missed it… or they were already under the Six’s control when they came here.
>Grasp the wand then take aim at... What?
Hmm… well, you only really have two targets, don’t you? The rune on the floor or… Belseth. What else is there to-
>>
No. 843772 ID: 65a774
File 151023345701.png - (48.48KB , 686x526 , 118.png )
843772

”Why, would you look at that! It seems like master heard my prayers! I finally get to mutilate the body of that fucking prince!”

“Nero, don’t play with your food. Master doesn’t-”

“Hush, Hera. You can keep that stick up your butt if you want, but I’m going to have some fun! TIME TO SUFFER, FILTHY BLUE BLOOD!”

…three targets.

>>
No. 843786 ID: da1652

Zap the rune. If the wand is destructive, damaging the rune should ruin the ceremony and leave Belseth more intact than zapping him directly would.
>>
No. 843806 ID: 3ce125

>>843772
Assuming we have one shot: if you shoot Belseth and interrupt the ritual Nero will kill you. If you shoot Nero the ritual continues. If you shoot the rune, Life will show up and deal with Nero and possibly the ritual.

Shoot the rune.

...why is Hera alive?
>>
No. 843807 ID: 91ee5f

>>843806
I agree with all of this.

Shoot the rune!

>...why is Hera alive?
Yeah, why are both Nero and Hera still alive?
>>
No. 843847 ID: 4148dd

>...why is Hera alive?
>Yeah, why are both Nero and Hera still alive?
Could be an illusion, placed on top of friendly personnel.

Whatever. The rune is target #1 anyway.
>>
No. 843864 ID: fe7355

How are these two still alive? Were those monstrous forms not their real bodies but remote puppets? Or illusions? Or... Y'know what? Fuck it. You have a job to do: Breaking the Rune of Eternity.

If Nero is walking across a part of the Rune of Eternity, then try to go two-for-one and aim for the rune under his feet and fire. Otherwise take aim at the nearest part of the rune within your field of view of Nero and fire. That way if the wand has another shot in it you can put it in him. Just move behind some cover after you shoot, and grab Bri's sword with your free hand as well in case you don't have another shot.

And where did all those earth elementals run off to? 'Cause you'd think they'd be bee-lining to pile on Nero and Hera right now. ...Actually, why didn't they converge on the Six in Belseth? Maybe they knew they couldn't deal with the Six.

>>843806
>if you shoot Belseth and interrupt the ritual Nero will kill you.
Assuming it would interrupt the ritual, which we don't know. There's a maelstrom of magical energy swirling around him which could just reflect, deflect or absorb the shot. And even if it does work, and the wand has another shot to take at Nero to stop him, the Six will still be trapped in here and they will be enraged beyond measure at Kronos. So shooting Belseth seems like an even worse option than before.
>>
No. 843876 ID: 91ee5f

>>843864
>And where did all those earth elementals run off to? 'Cause you'd think they'd be bee-lining to pile on Nero and Hera right now.
Actually, they probably are swarming Nero and Hera right now!

Because since Kronos is right in front of them, they're focused on him and have no reason to look down! XD
>>
No. 843883 ID: a633c6

I thought people were worried that destroying the rune could lead to an enormous explosion?
>>
No. 843933 ID: fe7355

>>843883
No, that was if the Catacombs of the Godless/Soul Kiln broke open and released all the magical energy it had stored up from the souls trapped in it at once. But since this chamber is outside the Catacombs, breaking the Rune of Eternity here won't have a effect on the Catacombs.
>>
No. 844034 ID: fe7355

Hey, did the earth elementals fix your leg too? 'Cause if they did, then you can lead Nero into moving over a part of the Rune of Eternity to get to you by running, then shoot him and the rune with the same shot. Accompany your running with a cry of "Why the fuck can't you stay dead?!" At the least your running can put distance between you and him to get more chances to shoot, if the wand has more than one charge.

And it's almost certainly bad news, but what happened to Kira?
>>
No. 844036 ID: 91ee5f

>>844034
>lead Nero into moving over a part of the Rune of Eternity and shoot them both
Unless he's already standing on a part of the Rune of Eternity. If he is, then shoot the floor at Nero's feet!
>>
No. 844038 ID: 1e7aa8

Shoot the rune, do not shoot a part of it by nero's feet.
>>
No. 844074 ID: 91ee5f

Now that I think about it, since you did the whole "phoenix" thing of dying and being reborn, does this mean that your body has been fixed?

Because your ear looked like this: >>841332 , but now it looks like it grew back here: >>843534 . So maybe that means that your fingers are also back? If they are, then you don't have to shoot with your offhand, use your primary shooting hand!

Unless your fingers are still missing, then just shoot with your offhand.
>>
No. 844085 ID: fe7355

If Nero is already so close that he could reach you before you can take aim on the Rune of Eternity, then you have to shoot him first before he tears you apart. You'll have to hope that this wand has more than one charge or that it recharges from the ambient magic. But since you're fated to destroy the Six, until you do the odds will be more in favor of keeping you alive and able to do that than usual. Just don't push the odds or dawdle; The clock's still ticking down on the ritual.

It's also possible that it'll take more than one shot to break the Rune of Eternity, so put enough distance between you and Nero that if the rune isn't broken in the first shot you have time to take aim on Nero and fire.
>>
No. 844096 ID: 65a774
File 151034290315.png - (44.99KB , 686x526 , 119.png )
844096

>Hey, did the earth elementals fix your leg too?
They… did? Actually, most of the pain in your body and wounds seems to be gone! …you’re still missing an eye, two fingers and an ear though. Seem like they can’t regenerate lost parts.
>It's almost certainly bad news, but what happened to Kira?
You’re pretty sure she’s still laying in the center… no idea if she’s still alive or not.


:KronosSB: Why are you two still alive?
:NerfatuSB: What is this? Aren’t you shaking in your boots from seeing us again?
:KronosSB: …not really?
:NerfatuSB: Well, you’re going to when I’m done with you!

Nerdfat tries to look menacing as he starts to slowly approach you. While the unnatural way his body distort itself as he change into his more bestial form is a bit creepy, the way he moves is just… silly. You can even see Hera facepalm behind him with sigh…

:KronosSB: No, seriously, why are you still here?
:NerfatuSB: Because master brought us back so we could feast upon your flesh and-
:NonSB: Master wanted someone to monolog at… so here we are…
:NerfatuSB: As long as master exist, we are IMMORTAL! NOW DIE YOU INSIG-

>Zap the rune… preferable when Nerdfat walks over it.
The bad news is that you have no idea how to aim with this wand. The even worse news is you still can’t use your right hand so you’re aim is going to be shit. The worst news seems that this thing pack one hell of a punch, because as soon activate it the recoil makes you shoot up towards the ceiling even as you try to hold it down with both hands. On the other side of the coin, the good news is that the floor is such a big target it’s hard to miss even with all your handicaps. The better news is that the sheer power of it makes you hit pretty much hit everything right in front of you… of course, the “in front of you” you aimed for isn’t the “in front of you” that you hit for very long, making you miss Nero and Hera completely. Though you did a real number on the rune… and the floor… and wall…
>>
No. 844097 ID: 65a774
File 151034291989.png - (93.36KB , 686x526 , 120.png )
844097

:NerfatuSB: HA! Are you so inbred that you can’t even aim straigegg... eh? What…?
:NonSB: Gah, get off! Nero, help me get these things off me!
>>
No. 844098 ID: 65a774
File 151034292928.png - (96.26KB , 686x526 , 121.png )
844098

:NerfatuSB: GAH! STOP IT! IT BURNS!? WHY DOES IT BURN!?
:NonSB: Nero! Stop screaming and help me!
>>
No. 844099 ID: 65a774
File 151034293988.png - (93.06KB , 686x526 , 122.png )
844099

:NerfatuSB: MASTER! SAVE ME!! AAAHH!!
:NonSB: NERO YOU FUCK! HELP!

:SixSB: WHAT!? What just transpired!? You… you despoiled the rune! You ruined everything! But that's impossible! You're just a pathetic mortal! THIS CANNOT BE HAPPENING! NOOOOOOOOO-
>>
No. 844101 ID: 65a774
File 151034302713.png - (64.38KB , 686x526 , 123.png )
844101

:SixSB: Nah, I’m just fooling.

As the Six appears before you, you can feel as your body is freeze in place.

:SixSB: Honestly, did your truly believe the we, the gods themselves, wouldn’t consider that your plan, which I need to remind that you told us directly, might actually have merit? Of course we’ve taken precaution against anything you can even fathom. Our might is inconceivable to a simple mind like yours!

You can feel its mind focus on you, taking control over your body completely. As long as its attention is on you, you’re completely unable to do anything… let alone try to stop it.

:SixSB: But you somehow managed to return to the mortal realm, which we admit we must deem… impressive. For a mortal, of course. So… we have an offering for you. An offering that, if you refuse, we’ll simply consume your soul here and now. An simple offering… get down on your knees and worship us. Swear yourself; body, mind and soul, to us and only us! Do so… and I’ll make sure you and those that love, at least those still alive, will be moved somewhere safe as we ascend once again.

The Six gives you the ability to kneel and speak… but not much more.

:SixSB: SWEAR YOURSELF TO US, ALL SIX… OR BE CONSUMED!
>>
No. 844106 ID: 3ce125

>>844101
All six? Hmmm... I bet if you swore loyalty to just one of them, it would cause some infighting, which would buy you time. Swearing loyalty to Xuv specifically might work the best since she's the outcast. You could ham it up a bit and say that everything is going to her plan. Soon she will be the only god, and there's nothing the other five can do about it.

Also since that wand apparently kills body AND soul we can't use it on the Six, since that would kill Belseth permanently. We need to find another way.

...before you do anything tricky, ask why they're not afraid of Life showing up, but they were afraid of Cain showing up.
If they become sufficiently distracted you could try using the sword to cut where Belseth's rune should be. Alternatively you could kill someone in the room, if you think the reason Life hasn't shown up is because nobody's died who wasn't already dead. Like Kira.
Heck, it might even be possible to goad them into making you kill Kira.

...or maybe their deal has a flaw in it? Belseth is someone you love, so they'd be forced to give up their host body. Then once they're gone your oath of loyalty would be nullified.

...or if you want to go full defiance mode, you could swear loyalty to Life.
>>
No. 844107 ID: 3ce125

Oooh, you know what, I'm really liking the "cause infighting" plan. You could start out by telling them they're fools, you never came here to stop all six of them, you've always been trying to stop one of them. Xuv. She's the only one with any real power, since she's the only one with an intact soul. Do they really think Xuv will let them share the power once she's ascended?

If they band together and kill Xuv, you can then go on to say "Illasia, I have done what you asked, your rival is dead. Please, let me ascend alongside you as you promised!" If that works, then you can go "Oh did I say Illasia, I meant Ifocen. All Varkians revere the god of fire after all, and the Phoenix most of all." Then there's only three left. At that point it's pretty unstable on its own and they'll be real paranoid. They might off the god of water since he's unopposed, then there's just two left and you can go "Hmph, either one of you could take the other out." then there's one, and I expect that's not enough to hold Belseth back.
>>
No. 844111 ID: 91ee5f

>>844101
>The Six gives you the ability to kneel and speak…but not much more.
Attempt to summon Cain again.

"I thought you guys were supposed to be all knowing? You want to know what the secret to coming back from the dead is? It's a nice cup of tea!"

If that doesn't work or you're unable to attempt it, then kneel, go for blowjob, and use your beak to put one big scratch through the rune to mess it up and remove it's effect!
>>
No. 844115 ID: 3ce125

>>844111
>blowjob to biting the rune
That could actually work but I doubt the Six are interested in such things. Also I don't think Kaktus is going to let us beat the final boss by being lewd.
>>
No. 844118 ID: 91ee5f

>>844115
I was kinda hoping to play it like an, "I never got to be intimate with Belseth, please grant me this request." kind of moment.
>>
No. 844138 ID: 1e7aa8

"Everyone I know and love? Would that include Cain, perhaps? Ooh, I know! How about Xuv! Goddess of love and death!"

Two plans with one line, let's go.
>>
No. 844152 ID: fe7355

>>844106
>Also since that wand apparently kills body AND soul we can't use it on the Six, since that would kill Belseth permanently. We need to find another way.
For fuck's sake, Belseth is already fucking DEAD! His soul has undoubtedly been consumed by the Six, burned up for its energy and is spirit shit by now! Only his body remains, a shell for these monstrous warped facsimiles of the real Six. If Kronos gets the chance to blast it and the Six away with that wand, he shouldn't hesitate for a nanosecond, 'cause that's not Belseth any more. ...And even if by some outrageous odds Belseth was still around in there, destroying the Six is many orders of magnitude more important than his life. Kronos should still not hesitate in the slightest because there's no way to save Belseth as long as the Six exist.

>If they become sufficiently distracted you could try using the sword to cut where Belseth's rune should be.
You do realize that Bri's sword is on Kronos' back, right? The Six are not gonna be distracted nearly enough to not notice him pulling it from over his shoulder and swinging at them.

>>844138
Goddammit, don't bloody announce possible flaws in their deal to 'em! If it's some kind of automatic magic binding oath thing that'll remove to safety everyone that Kronos loves to safety and binds the Six to not harm them, we don't allow the Six the chance to put in exclusions.

Also, Kira is included in the number that Kronos loves, and she's the ritual sacrifice. She goes and the ritual can't complete. ...Though there's still Karas and Kronos who can be sacrificed, so that won't put as much of a hitch in the ritual as we'd want.
>>
No. 844155 ID: 8ad80f

>>844152
For some reason, they are absolutely scared of Cain. And if Xuv is part of the six, it'll probably cause the six to start in-fighting.

Mentioning both is gonna put them off their game, big time. Unless you have a better idea that you have yet to come up with?
>>
No. 844167 ID: fe7355

>>844155
How 'bout don't mention it, kneel and swear fealty to the Six and hope that whatever magic shit they weave to bring Kronos' loved ones to a safe spot works autonomously from the Six and goes by what Kronos thinks so they can't override it in time. Oh, and hoe that the "safe spot" is this chamber, 'cause if it's some impervious empty box in the middle of nowhere then Kronos and his loved ones are just gonna end up sitting around for a hour while the Six ascend, then get yanked out to be at the Six's whims. Because the deal as the Six said it only lasts until the Six ascend, not any longer.
>>
No. 844182 ID: 91ee5f

>>844167
>hope that whatever magic shit they weave to bring Kronos' loved ones to a safe spot
You believe that? There's a thing called "lying" and I'm pretty sure this is it.
>>
No. 844187 ID: 8cb228

What incentive would they have to tell the truth? And even if they are telling the literal truth, there are so many holes in the way they phrased that, anything could happen...
>>
No. 844197 ID: fe7355

>>844182
>>844187
Right, right, you're both right. I was acting dumb and panicky. They already faked being Krotos. They've lied to and manipulated all their followers. There's zero reason to trust their word. And even if they honor the deal, as they worded it it'd only last 'till they ascend, which has to be just minutes from now. It's a rotten deal, through and through.
>>
No. 844258 ID: 65a774
File 151040595010.png - (52.71KB , 686x526 , 124.png )
844258

>How 'bout don't mention it, kneel and swear fealty to the Six and hope that whatever magic shit they weave to bring Kronos' loved ones to a safe spot?
While that might save you and those that you love, the rest of Risavia… no, the rest of the world wouldn’t be so lucky. Heck, you have no idea if they are even speaking the truth or not! No, you’ve gotten this far… you won’t give up now!
>...or maybe their deal has a flaw in it?
You’re pretty sure it isn’t a contract that follows the instruction to the letter. They’ll probably just alter the deal further if they notice something they don’t like.
>...or if you want to go full defiance mode, you could swear loyalty to Life.
And end your life right here and now… smart plan.
>Go for a blowjob.
Now that’s just silly! Do you really think the gods would actually… hmm… though, they are gods… and gods tend to be… you know… and how often do you get the chance to do it with a god? Hmm… maybe if you… no… no forget it.

>Everyone I know and love? Would that include Cain, perhaps?
:SixSB: We don’t know who this Cain is but we’ll see if we can find it when we ascend.
>Belseth is someone you love…
:SixSB: Oh, don’t worry. We won’t need a physical form after we ascend, so Belseth will have his body back. After all, he is more useful to us alive than being a pile of spirit shit.
>Kira?
:SixSB: Her on the other hand… her soul is needed for the ascension… so she has a bright future of being a royal pileGah stop it with the feces references, it’s disgustingWell excuse me, princessThe lady is right, it’s a bit muchI’m an IT you fools!
>...before you do anything tricky, ask why-
:SixSB: No more questions! SWEAR OR DIE! WORSHIP US!

:KronosSB: …very well. I, Prince Kronos Helios Mediean the Second, swear my mind, body and soul to the one true god. The god of all gods… Xuv, the beginning and end of all things!
:SixSB: Xuv? The god of gods! HA! Don’t make me laugh! She’s the weakest of us allThat’s because you killed me you bitchIt’s your fault you’re so damn annoying, you hagLadies, please, stop arguing in front of our new head priestLadies!? I’m an IT, you fool! IT!!! Either way, I don’t know who this Prince is, but I like his moxie, willing to swear himself to meMoxie? Please… idiocy is more like it.
:KronosSB: On second thought, I think I’ll swear myself to Illasia…
:SixSB: See, he has some common senseIn contrast to you, weedHey! She got a point, this all started because you killed Xuv andThis all started because you guys crucified me for killing Xuv! That’s when it happenedActually I’m pretty sure this all started to happen before we even started fighting overListen, stop fighting! We must ascend together!
:KronosSB: Or… yes… Ifocen! I SWEAR MYSELF TO IFOCEN! All Varkians revere the god of fire after all, and the Phoenix most of all! Oh, lord of fire, you are truly the god of GODS!
:SixSB: Well, he got a point. They do revere me so it’s isn’t a stretch that he would become my head priestNo they revere me! I am the main god! Illasia, the god ofWhining! Hey! Just becouseLadies, stop fighting alreadyIT! I AM AN IT!
:KronosSB: …no, I’ve made up my mind… there is only one god… one thing that I will get on my knees and worship… and that is… Thalia’s BIG FAT COCK!
>>
No. 844259 ID: 65a774
File 151040596057.png - (52.09KB , 686x526 , 125.png )
844259

:SixSB:
:KronosSB:
:SixSB:
:KronosSB:
:SixSB:
:KronosSB:
:SixSB:

… … …
>>
No. 844260 ID: 65a774
File 151040597072.png - (39.57KB , 686x526 , 126.png )
844260

:SixSB: BAHAHAHAOh shut it, that wasn’t funny at allYes it was that was hilarious!
:SixSB: That was just filthyWhich is what makes it so funnyYou guys are always just thinking with your penises!
:SixSB: Hey! I’m a lady, you knowWait does that mean you don’t have oneUgh, can we stop talking about this, I’ve had blue balls for thousands of years alreadyWell, I haven’tBecause you’re a freaking plantWhich is clearly superior!
:SixSB: I haven’t had blue balls eitherBecouse you’re a ladyLady or not, I for one is pent up like hell even if I don’t have ballsCan we please stop talking about this shit! It’s disgusting!
:SixSB: I don’t know about you guys, but I wouldn’t mind having someone worship my “BIG FAT PHOENIX COCK” right nowFor fuck sake, you sound just like XuvWell if you don’t like it you can always retreat a bit into our mind and make sure the ritual goes as intendedYou know what I’ll make go as intended? My boot kicking your assYou don’t even have boots, you’re a plantHey don’t disrespect people without boots! We tentacle people are a proud people who won’t-

…they seem to be… um… distracted. Very distracted. You can feel their grip on you disappear completely as you regain control over your body once again.

>You could try using the sword to cut where Belseth's rune should be.
Are you even sure you know where it is? You’re just guessing right now… if only there was a way for you to truly see where they hid the rune.
>If Kronos gets the chance to blast it and the Six away with that wand, he shouldn't hesitate for a nanosecond.
Sadly, the blast turned most of the wand into charcoal… apparently you had it on to high of a setting or something…
>>
No. 844263 ID: 094652

It is now time for you to perform the most incompetent castration in the history of your entire empire.

A.K.A. carve up his groin until you can pull it out with your bare hands and choke Belseth to death with it.
>>
No. 844270 ID: 91ee5f

>>844260
>if only there was a way for you to truly see where they hid the rune.
Take your eyepatch off.

Remember when you tried to take it off earlier? They stopped you and said, "You don’t want to see what your little eyes can’t handle…" Which makes me think that looking through your missing eye will let you "see" where the rune is, the same way you were able to "read" that book in Tim's dream with your missing eye!
>>
No. 844273 ID: 1e7aa8

Okay, Kronos. You've gotten them distracted. Now, remember when you killed the assassin who took your eye? You are going to have to brutally kill the six's host with the same ferocity. Don't hang up on the fact that it's Belseth's body. IT IS NOT BELSETH ANYMORE.
>>
No. 844274 ID: 3ce125

>>844260
>no way to truly see where
Actually... there was a vision you had once of Belseth in this skeletal form. It was on his forehead.

You'll only have one shot though.
>>
No. 844278 ID: 64610c

>>844274
>only one shot
This is why you need to confirm the target first. Go down on Belseth to check whether the rune is down there.
>>
No. 844296 ID: fe7355

Kronos, you're gonna go down in legend as the prince who stopped the ascent of a mad god with quick thinking, deft speech and a raunchy line. Which is totally appropriate for who you are, isn't it?

Okay, one chance to find the Rune of Eternity on Belseth's body. You remember seeing it on his forehead in a vision of him as he is now, but you also know Bri saw a vision of it tattooed above his dick and he was thinking of getting it put there. Could be either place, though the Six very likely have access to Bel's memories and know that you know that Bel was gonna tattoo the rune down there, so they'll put it elsewhere. But you didn't tell anyone else about the Rune of Eternity in your vision of Bel possessed by the Six, so the Six shouldn't know about that to counter it. But again, they could have put the Rune of Eternity anywhere on Bel's body. You gotta confirm its location first.

The Six said you shouldn't flip up your eye patch 'cause you wouldn't like what you see, so get into position to look at Bel's forehead and flip it up. Just be ready to flip it down the second you confirm if the Rune of Eternity is there or not 'cause it's probably gonna be like looking directly into the sun with your second sight.

If the Rune of Eternity isn't on Bel's forehead, then next spot to check is above his groin. Though, how to do that without the Six feeling that you're pulling the front of Bel's pants down? Could you cut the fabric just enough to look in with your second sight? You're gonna need Bri's sword for this anyway, so get down low where the Six can't see, slip the scabbard off to hold it in front pull it off that blade. ...Y'know, if you carried a pocket knife you wouldn't need to use this big obvious sword.

And if you can't see the Rune of Eternity either spot, then check his feet and move around to check every side of Bel's head, 'cause those are the only other spots of exposed skin on him. Then you'll have to risk pulling Bel's pants down to get a look at everything below the waist.
>>
No. 844303 ID: 3ce125

>>844296
I don't think they have access to Belseth's memories, because they don't know who Cain is. Well, it's that, or they FORGOT who Cain is.
>>
No. 844315 ID: 65a774
File 151043362375.png - (58.71KB , 686x526 , 127.png )
844315

>Now, remember when you killed the assassin who took your eye? You are going to have to brutally kill the six's host with the same ferocity.
Attacking them head on is suicide. No, you might have one good attack but no more than that.
>There was a vision you had once of Belseth in this skeletal form. It was on his forehead.
>But you also know Bri saw a vision of it tattooed above his dick and he was thinking of getting it put there.
So… it’s either up there… or down there… if you only where sure…


>Take your eyepatch off. Look at them with your missing eye!
And thus the flesh lost opens the path of understanding. Witnessing the darkness of what you’ve lost you see the words of the prophets, or in this case the runes, carved in the skin of those that are damned. Only by seeing without eyes can find the fire that will purge the shadow cast by rotting gods be found…
You were lucky that you’d already lost your eyes, as you can almost feel your broken eye explode from your socket as you look towards the Six. Unable to peer at them for even a second, the image you see is ungodly bright that it burns itself into your mind...

…there are two runes… one up there… and one down there… and you only have one shot.

Behind you, you can hear Hera getting up again, finally being able to escape the grasp of the elementals.

:NonSB: GAH! YOU FUCKER! WHAT DID YOU DO TO NERO!?
:SixSB: -construct statues showing of my hugeSeriously what is wrong withBut if we carve out the world and give a part to each we can do pretty muchI still don’t want to see she-bitch over thereI AM AN IT, XUV, A FUCKING ITCalm down ladies, there’s no-
>>
No. 844318 ID: 3ce125

>>844315
...if Cain was here, he could do it. Another option would to get Kira on her feet, but does she have a weapon? ...or you could try to trick Hera into throwing a spike and hitting one of the runes. She aims for the head, so you should hit the groin.
>>
No. 844322 ID: 91ee5f

>>844315
Try to trick Hera into hitting one of them and when the Six get mad at Hera, you swing the sword and hit the other one!

Crouch in front of the lower rune and taunt Hera by saying, "It's not my fault your aim sucks! If you had killed me in that last room, then Nero would still be here! So it's your fault that I made it to this room and killed Nero!"

When she throws a spike at your head, move outta the way so it hits the lower rune!

Then when the Six are distracted by what Hera did, pull out the sword and swing at the rune on Belseth's forehead!

>>844318
>She aims for the head, so you should hit the groin.
Flip it around the other way, Kronos hits the head and Hera hits the groin.

Because even if Kronos stood up and Hera aims for his head, she's only going to hit Belseth's nose and not the forehead.
>>
No. 844324 ID: 91ee5f

>>844322
Also, if we need another distraction, then after they punish Hera, which will probably mean killing her, they'll focus on Kronos again.

So to get another distraction, Kronos should say, "Which 1 of you are ascending? Sure, you've got one body, but I've been told repeatedly that there's only enough power for one to ascend and there's 6 of you 7, if what they say about Bel still being in there is true. So which of you is ascending without the other 5?"

That should get them to argue with each other and give Kronos a chance to swing the sword!
>>
No. 844407 ID: 1e7aa8

>>844324
I'm pretty sure that they are trying to fudge the process a bit by storing the power in a central location (Belseth) that they ALL have access to instead of splitting it up.

But after they DO ascend they are most likely going to go about acquiring MORE power to fund godhood for all of them. (There may or may not be some backstabbing at this stage.)
>>
No. 844434 ID: fe7355

Get the scabbard holding Briannah's sword off your back and into your hands to draw it forth. You're going to need that sword for whatever plan you go through here.

What you'll have to do here is not just cut both Runes of Eternity, but do so nearly simultaneously. And not just because one rune getting broken will catch the attention of all of the Six and they'll stop bickering and focus on what is going on here. It's also because they'll very likely use their power to immediately heal the flesh and restore the rune. This means you can't stagger breaking the runes.

You'd prefer any strike against the forehead rune be one that won't puncture or otherwise seriously damage Belseth's head. If it's possible for Bel's soul to get his body back after the Six are ripped out, that won't be possible if it has fatal head trauma. The lower one can take more "collateral damage," like a piercing hit from a thrown stone spike, and not be fatal. However, top priority remains maximizing the odds of breaking both runes at once, so don't do anything that'll lower those odds in the hope of saving Belseth. If getting the best odds means Bel's head gets punctured, then you have to take it.

Now, first idea that comes to mind is to put your head in front of one of the runes, then goad Hera into throwing a stone spike at where your voice is like she did earlier. Then you dodge out of the way, striking the other rune with the sword as soon as the stone spike hits the first rune. The first problem with this idea is that Hera isn't accurate enough when throwing that you can rely on her spike hitting the rune.

The second problem is that Hera doesn't have a pillar of stone spikes like she did before, so if she doesn't have one on her, or any other throwing implement, she'll likely resort to getting into close combat range to attack. If she does that, then she could try to grab or punch you instead of slashing at you, which means if you dodge out of the way her strike may not cut the rune. The noise and sight of a close in fight may also draw the Six's focus back, which you really don't want.

To reliably break both runes at the same time, you're going to need to get another cutting implement to wield. Any improvised tool will do, as long as it has a edge or point sharp enough to cut Sakkilian hide. One of the fingertips from the metal man could work since they looked pointy. A sharp talon from the skeletal remains of the foot of one of the Varks that died here could also work. The Six may have already created a ceremonial dagger for sacrificing Kira and left it on the table next to her, so look over there. You could even goad Hera into throwing a stone spike where it'd just harmlessly stop and you could pick it up to use. Any sharp edge or point will do.
>>
No. 845070 ID: 65a774
File 151069593738.png - (76.51KB , 686x526 , 128.png )
845070

:KronosSB: Hey, Hera. Do you want to know what happened to your boyfriend? I freaking incinerated his SOUL!
:NonSB: You did wh- wait, boyfriend!? Do you really think I would have anything to do with that idiot?
:SixSB: And with my martial prowess we’ll split the atoms themselves!
:KronosSB: I saw how you were looking at him… how you were undressing him with your eyes~
:NonSB: Pff… oh please. If anything, I’m glad that moron is dead.
:SixSB: Dibs on the southHey I wanted the southMe too, you can’t just-
:KronosSB: Hera and Nero sitting in a tree, K-I-S-
:NonSB: Oh that’s fucking it. You’re dead!

She reaches into her… err… chest and pulls out a dagger to throw at you.
>>
No. 845071 ID: 65a774
File 151069595827.png - (74.49KB , 686x526 , 129.png )
845071

Of course, with her being blind and all the extra motions she must go through, you’re nowhere near where she’s aiming by the time the dagger whizzes past you.

:SixSB: I always wanted the isles at theWait what is even beyond the sea isn’t there supposed to be another- GUH!?

Instead, it hits Belseth square in the forehead, shattering his skull with a loud crack!

:SixSB: …Hera…
:NonSB: …Oh fuck. Master, please, it was an AAAA-
>>
No. 845072 ID: 65a774
File 151069596776.png - (80.99KB , 686x526 , 130.png )
845072

With a single stroke of their hand they make Hera simply… cease. Their skull is quickly repairing itself from Hera’s attack, but you don’t believe they can remake the Rune that quickly. At least, you hope they can’t. Either way, you take the opportunity while they are distracted to swing Brinnah’s sword between their legs… and manages to cleave a large part of their lower body before they react.

:SixSB: …did you just try to kill me or is this some kind of fetish of yours?
:SixSB: Err… the second symbol, I placed it down there.
:SixSB: What!? Why?
:SixSB: Because I didn’t think anyone would attack us down there?
:SixSB: Ha! You always were naïve.
:SixSB: No matter we still have another symbol.
:SixSB: Actually, I was never able to carve a third one.
:SixSB: What!? Why!?
:SixSB: I didn’t have enough soul energy! We voted to not eat Xuv, remember?
:SixSB: You did WHAT!?
:SixSB: Gah! Then quick, eat what’s left of Hera and the prince and carve another before he notice our-
>>
No. 845073 ID: 65a774
File 151069597728.png - (40.43KB , 686x526 , 131.png )
845073

:LifeSB: Seven souls in one body? Why, I do believe I need to fix that. Time to remove the vermin and return this home to its proper owner.
:SixSB: OH SH-
>>
No. 845074 ID: 65a774
File 151069598561.png - (46.55KB , 686x526 , 132.png )
845074

:LifeSB: Poke.
:SixSB: AAAARGHHGHJbLbjsdl,gn”#%/#¤(

Belseth seemingly explodes as your vision is filled with a blinding light.
>>
No. 845075 ID: 65a774
File 151069599324.png - (2.60KB , 686x526 , 133.png )
845075

…with nothing but soothing light.



…soothing… light…



…sooth…ing…



:NonSB: Kronos… time to wake up…
:KronosSB: Ugh…
:NonSB: Are you alright?
:KronosSB: I… I… it was just…
:NonSB: Another nightmare?
:KronosSB: …yeah…
:NonSB: While I understand you’re still a bit shaken, I hate to inform you that you’ve overslept on this important day.
:KronosSB: …overslept? Why didn’t you wake me up sooner?
:NonSB: I tried too… but you threatened to throw a shoe at me and… said some things that’s best not repeated in polite company.
:KronosSB: Oh… wait… who… where… uh…
>>
No. 845076 ID: 65a774
File 151069600218.png - (53.50KB , 686x526 , 134.png )
845076

:FateSB: Good morning, Kronos, my old friend.
:KronosSB: Who are you? Where am I?
:FateSB: You’re still in the sanctum of the Six gods. I’ve just taken the… liberty to stop the passage of the world for a bit, as you’ll need some time to think about what to do next. As for who I am… well, you’ve already met my two siblings so you understand what we are… as for me personally? I am the here and now, the guide of paths, the spider of the web, the… present.
:KronosSB: …you are Fate.
:FateSB: …that is indeed one name your kind have for me.

:KronosSB: Wait, you said I needed time to think? About what?
:FateSB: Why, which path to choose of course. When the old man ripped the souls of the six from your friend’s body and tore them to shreds, enough power was released to complete the ritual of ascension.
:KronosSB: …wait, so I failed!?
:FateSB: Oh no, quite on the contrary, old friend. The six are gone for good, so they are unable to use this opportunity… but not the same can be said about your friend. As we speak, Belseth is, even in his weakened state, tapping into the gateway to the river of souls the Six opened and is absorbing a huge amount of power from it.
:KronosSB: …he’s trying to ascend… to become a god…
:FateSB: Trying is the wrong word. He is succeeding… or will succeed, if you let him.
:KronosSB: …wait, you want me to stop him?
:FateSB? Want? What I want is irrelevant, old friend, all I am giving you is a choice. Either you let him ascend into godhood… or you stop him by claiming the gift of gods yourself. As I said, he is still weak from what the Six did to him, so stealing the power from his grips would be… child’s play… even for you. There is no other way to stop him, not in the time you’re given.
:KronosSB: …you want me to become a god?
:FateSB: I want you to choose. There are two paths. Nothing less, nothing more. That is what the dreamer dreamt off… and the chronicler has written… two paths to choose from… to become a god… or let Belseth become one.
>>
No. 845077 ID: 65a774
File 151069601533.png - (54.15KB , 686x526 , 135.png )
845077

:FateSB: And so it all comes to an end, old friend, with a simple choice. Who will ascend, Kronos… you… or Belseth? Do take your time before you choose.

Choose one of the following:
1) Become a GOD.
2) Let Belseth become a GOD.
































:ChroniclerSB: Kronos, Do take your time and consider. Think back on what has happen… on what you’ve learned… on the stories I’ve told you.
:DreamerSB: Dare to dream of worlds yet not seen, Kronos.
:FateSB: Past? Future? Are you here as well?
:DreamerSB: I have dreamt of this for ages…
:ChroniclerSB: This is an occasion that will be written about for eons, isn’t it?
:FateSB: Ah, indeed it is, sibling…
>>
No. 845079 ID: 33cbe7

rolled 2 = 2

Defy the gods one last time by leaving it up to chance.
>>
No. 845085 ID: 3ce125

>>845077
1. Become a god. Fix what the Nightmare broke. Heal your friends, save your brothers. Take steps for a brighter future... then give up the power. Belseth would never accept this path, he would never give up the power. His pride would stop him- he firmly believes he would be a righteous god. And according to the Dreamer, he would be... for a while. The Six were for a while too, but power sinks its teeth into your heart and corrupts you bit by bit until what you think is right is no longer what is right for the world.

From now on, gods should be temporary. Make a pact with Life based on this act, form an order to keep the infinity rune from being used again, and through that order Life should allow the temporary use of the River in times of great need to steer the path of the world back towards peace and prosperity.

...actually I guess this path does not require you to steal the power from Belseth. Even if Belseth becomes a god, so long as you act quickly you can convince him to give up the power.

Though there is one piece of the puzzle I am still concerned about. Ask Fate who Cain is. He's no mortal, that much is certain. There is a slim chance Cain will steal the power himself.
>>
No. 845090 ID: 91ee5f

>>845077
Isn't there a 3rd option to split the power between Kronos and Belseth? That way neither of them can become a god, they'll just be really powerful mages.

Let's be honest, this world doesn't need anymore fucking gods! The gods are the reason all of this "end of the world" bullshit started in the first place! And if either Kronos or Belseth become a god, then whether they mean to do it or not, they will end up repeating what the 6 were trying to do just now! So if neither of them become a god, then there will be no risk of this ever happening again in the future! And I don't care how good someone's intentions are, no 1 person should have that much power and the sooner that power no longer exists the better the world will be!

But if that isn't possible, then Kronos should become a god and then ask Old Man Life to take that power away.....after reviving everyone that died here.....and making sure Beatrix can be born as Kronos' and Bri's biological child.
>>
No. 845098 ID: a633c6

Didn't we agree Zela would be a better choice? Or that messing up mortal affairs at all would be a bad idea? Or to try and put the elemental in the pilot's seat? or literally anything other than accepting a crap dichotomy?
>>
No. 845099 ID: 4854ef

..Aim the shoe anyways. Not like you've ever hit cain with it anyways.

This is certainly a big decision.. But if there's no ability to split the power between the two, it might be best to take it unto yourself.

You've sacrificed a fair bit learning quite a lot to get to this position.
>>
No. 845104 ID: 3ce125

>>845090
Well if we can split the power, will that be enough to fix everything? Will Kronos and Belseth be able to resurrect those that died fighting the Nightmare? If it's possible to split the power and still get the work done we need, I support that instead.
>>
No. 845107 ID: 91ee5f

>>845104
After looking at your idea, I think that could work also.

So, yeah, I agree, if we can't do what we need to do by splitting the power, then Kronos should become a god and then give it up when he's done using it.
>>
No. 845115 ID: 094652

Destroy the source.
Destroy the false avatar of life.
Destroy L.I.F.E.

Harness what remains and use it to increase the intelligence of everything. And I mean EVERYTHING. Sentients, animals, trees, bacteria, rocks. Keep up the intelligence radio waves until you have nothing left.

They want you to be a god. You will be a mortal. Because in the next 24 hours, the definition of mortal is going to undergo a serious paradigm shift. Redefine godhood. Redefine power. Redefine civilization. Redefine mortality. Redefine how your world works, and you win.
>>
No. 845138 ID: b71966

Screw the mad, dead gods. Screw this binary choice.

option 3: siphon off half of the power and ensure that Belseth gets the other half.
>>
No. 845208 ID: fe7355

After all you've heard and seen and read and experienced, you've come to the conclusion that no mortal should hold on to such power as this. Even if it starts gloriously, somehow it will all go terribly wrong in the end. With Belseth, you see him trying to save everyone, to solve all problems and ills, up to and including death, pulling ever more from the River of Souls to do so until it's drained dry and everything comes crashing down once more.

However, such power could be wielded for only a short while to make things better in the world, just not to fix everything now or forever. And once that is done, give up the power. Like in Chronicler's little story of the three brothers. (>>/questarch/752683) Then those in the world will be able to take that windfall and continue to make things better their own ways.

You'll become a god, but only for a bit. Only until the immediate power available to work with, including what's built up in the Soul Kiln/Catacombs, is used up. You do not want to cause long term problems by pulling too much magic from the flow of souls. Once that is done, you'll give up godhood and become mortal again.

First order of business would be to right what you can of the wrongs wrought by the Nightmare Six and their followers and their influence, including by Elete. Bring back to life those who died recently because of them, if possible. Fix injuries, both physical and mental. Return that which was stolen. That kind of thing. ...Could your brothers be brought back?

Then there's dealing with the Soul Kiln/Catacombs of the Godless. Use up its built up magic charge, safely release all the souls in it into the River of Souls, then open it up so it can't capture any more souls as well as rendering all its traps inert.

And then its on to healing and restoring crippling injuries in the populace, starting with yourself and those close to you. Kira, Belseth, Briannah, Thalia, your father Helios, onward and outward. Serious illness, lost limbs and eyes, malnutrition and starvation, disease and defect, and so on will be remedied. After that, food, shelter and wealth for the masses, so they will not be trodden upon easily by the powerful. And knock the powerful and wealthy down a few pegs too. Restore the farm fields and make the land fertile again. Do what you can to increase the odds of peace and prosperity for a long time after you're done.
>>
No. 845213 ID: 094652

Well, your self-loathing says everything would be better if you were never born...

So how about this: you go back in time and rewrite your existence, stealing yourself when you were just a little fetus and convincing the queen that she had a phantom pregnancy and whatever medical complications you can associate with breeding. Then you regrow the fetus-you to experience life as you did, but also steal the divine power from the catacombs before the Six can get to it. You also give Elete a thorough talking-to and if she still doesn't shape up you take her out of the picture. Then when your past self is fully grown, you give him the divine power so he can go back in time and do all of this over again, stabilizing the paradox, and you @#$% off to another universe where you can learn to harness your powers and attain enlightenment.
>>
No. 845234 ID: b9b4da

Divvy up the curse between Chronicler, Dreamer and Fate instead, watch them destroy each other over infighting.
>>
No. 845264 ID: 1ce946

Can we choose neither? Like can we take the power from him but then instead of using it or keeping it or what ever we just let it disperse or fade something? A world without gods.
but maybe fix what happened when we were going through the catacombs before giving up the power, like your fingers, Thalia, Sisah, your sister?
>>
No. 845288 ID: fe7355

>>845264
I'd say hold on to that power a bit longer to search the world for any other hiding old gods or Runes of Eternity or other nasty surprises from the last age. Then remove them so there won't be a chance of another god ascending or some other shit that'd pop up to wreck the world. Also remove all record of what the real shape of the Rune of Eternity is from the world, including written, chiseled in stone or remembered in memory, including from Kronos' mind. Leave the only memory of its real form Chronicler's.
>>
No. 845297 ID: 65a774
File 151078307304.png - (64.42KB , 686x526 , 136.png )
845297

:KronosSB: …okay, first off I have a question. Several in fact.
:FateSB: Ask away. We have all the time in the world, after all.
:KronosSB: In that case... Who is Cain? Or better yet, what is Cain? He clearly isn’t mortal.
:FateSB: Cain? He is… another actor of destiny, a mask for Fate to wear.
:DreamerSB: I still have many dreams of action he will do.
:ChroniclerSB: There are still history that will be written by his actions.
:KronosSB: That didn’t explain anything!
:FateSB: Didn’t we? Why are you so inclined to know who he is?
:KronosSB: Because he is a friend! And… and I don’t know if I can trust him anymore! What if he tries to steal the power for himself or something!?
:FateSB: The Power coming from the River of Souls is in your hands and your hands only. While he still have many roads to build, his role here is over.
:DreamerSB: The dreams I have is of the future, not the here and now.
:ChroniclerSB: There will be nothing written about him for a generation. He has done his part for now… and he will do his part in the future, long after your story is over.
:KronosSB: …so what you’re telling me is not to worry about him?
:FateSB: It would be for the best, yes.

:KronosSB: Can I bring people back to life?
:FateSB: Ah, you mean Sisah and Doxan?
:DreamerSB: It is… possible, but I wouldn’t recommend it. I’ve had nightmares of that…
:ChroniclerSB: You can bring them back… but history show us that they wouldn’t be… the same. At best you might have to deal with someone that can only lie twitching on the floor and drool… at worse… well…
:DreamerSB: *Shudder* The blood…
:ChroniclerSB: Unless you use the power to change history itself… but the amount of power that would take… it’s beyond even a god.

:KronosSB: Right… next question, can’t we just share the power between us?
:FateSB: Ah, there is a bit of a catch with power. You need power to wield power… thus, if you don’t have enough… well…
:DreamerSB: You’ll go boom thanks to overindulgence of mana.
:FateSB: At best only one of you will die… at worse both of you will “survive”.
:ChroniclerSB: Imagen it’s a dam linked to the river. If you don’t ride on top of the wave when it breaks you’ll simply drown, and there is only place for one at the top.
:KronosSB: …so I’m guessing I can’t just take some of the power?
:ChroniclerSB: Again, a dam. It would be like trying to stop it from flooding a whole valley with your bare hands.
:KronosSB: And if I just let the power flow away?
:ChroniclerSB: You’ll flood the village in the center of the valley… in this case, Risavia and the nations next to them will… cease. In fire… lots of fire…
:FateSB: So there is only two paths you can take. Who will it be? Who will become the new god of th-

:KronoSB: NO! FUCK THAT!
:FateSB: But the web of fate says-
:KronosSB: FUCK FATE! FUCK THE GODS! FUCK BELSETH! Not literally… except maybe the last one… but later.
:FateSB: But doing nothing will mean that Belseth will-
:KronosSB: No… I will break this dam… and instead of riding the wave I will simply redirect it! I will do what the gods’ lust for power never let them… I will use the power here and now instead of ascending! I WILL REWRITE REALITY ITSELF!
:FateSB: B-but… but the web of f-fate… you can’t j-just-
:KronosSB: I AM THE FUCKING PHOENIX! I will throw off the shackles of fate and make my own path!
:FateSB: T-this can’t be- This isn’t how it’s supposed to- You’ll mess up everything! Stop this nonsense!
:DreamerSB: Though… do you believe you are capable?
:ChroniclerSB: Do you know what needs to be done? With great power comes great responsibility, after all. I know you, Kronos, and you aren’t the most… responsible people.
:KiraSB: But I am.
>>
No. 845298 ID: 65a774
File 151078308147.png - (63.53KB , 686x526 , 137.png )
845298

:KronosSB: Sis!? Y-you’re alive?
:KiraSB: Apparently I am.
:DreamerSB: The Six souls was used instead of that of your sister… and brothers.
:KiraSB: But what’s important is that I know what will need to be mended in our nation.
:DreamerSB: Ah, yes… yes… I see it in my dreams… with her guidance… and your compassion…
:KiraSB: Together we will lead the world into a new golden age.
:DreamerSB: Not exactly… but you will make the world a far better place… with a far brighter future.
:KiraSB: …which is good enough. So what do you say, Kronos, can I aid you in making-

:SonorkSB: HOLD IT!
>>
No. 845299 ID: 65a774
File 151078309024.png - (44.84KB , 686x526 , 138.png )
845299

:SonorkSB: We both know who is at fault for the way the world turned out. We know how one of our actions changed the course of history for the worse!
:KiraSB: Wait? Kronos?
:KronosSB: Wait, what are you… err… me doing here?
:SonorkSB: Saving your sorry ass… again. This is your fault, after all.
:ChroniclerSB: I wouldn’t say fault but he does speak the truth, Kronos, some of your actions are the reason things turned out so dire.
:SonorkSB: So I suggest, instead of trying to repair something that is unrepairable, we simply change the course of history! We go back and change the single action that started this whole mess. We make it so mom never died… and the war never started.
:ChroniclerSB: There could be enough power to accomplished something like that, yes… and it would mean the war would never happen. Instead, the diplomatic tension between the Empire and your kingdom will dissipate… and an alliance, far stronger than the one you’ve so desperately formed today, would be born.
:SonorkSB: And the war wouldn’t feed the gods, thus this whole ordeal would never happen.
:ChroniclerSB: Actually, as you’ve destroyed the rune of eternity, the old man will simply collect them as soon as the change is done. After all, forever is in both directions, so the rune is broken today as well as tomorrow and yesterday.
:SonorkSB: Even better. So, what say you, Kronos, do you want to go back and right what once went wrong?
>>
No. 845300 ID: 65a774
File 151078310366.png - (84.86KB , 686x526 , 139.png )
845300

:KiraSB: Now hold on a moment! We can’t just go back and fix our mistakes like that. We’re supposed to learn and grow from them, not just unmake them.
:SonorkSB: Learn what? That starvation is bad? That massive corruption mess up our country? That war kills people? Are learning experience really that much important then the life of thousands!?
:DreamerSB: We still learn if we remember the mistake we made, even if we undid it.
:KiraSB: Weren’t you on my side?
:DreamerSB: Oh, I am. I would rather see the future change than the past.
:ChroniclerSB: And I rather see history written in a new way. But we aren’t here to convince each other, are we? We are her to convince Kronos. He is the one who will make the choice.

:SonorkSB: Then let me begin with a simple fact. The war killed hundreds of thousands, laid waste to our economy, despoiled our farmlands and gave the already rich and powerful even more power to abuse. Starvation, corruption and death… and we can unmake it all in one action.
:KiraSB: It will take work, but we can overcome all of that… and come out stronger from it! We can learn, grow and change so that it won’t happen again. What is stopping history to repeat itself, just against another opponent at another time?
:SonorkSB: Families was torn apart, life was lost, people were scarred both physically and mentally. That includes your family! Your mother and brothers are dead, your father is dying of grief and your sister is… well. We won’t heal from this, even with the power you’ll get… no, the life that was lost can only be brought back one way and one way only.
:KiraSB: And of those that was born after that event? You will make hundreds of thousands people to never be born!
:SonorkSB: Others will be born in their place!
:KiraSB: What gives you the right to decide who will be born or not!?
:SonorkSB: What gives you the right to decide who will die or not!?
:KiraSB: What gives you the right to bring them back!? No, let me bring out the big swords. Briannah, your beloved wife… if the war never happened, you would never have met her.
:DreamerSB: And the children you have will never be made.
:KronosSB: Wait, children?
:ChroniclerSB: She is bearing twins… and Zela is with your child as well.
:SonorkSB: Are you really going to throw thousands upon thousands of lives away because you want to protect your own blood? What a hero you are. No, then let retort. Briannah is… broken. She has experience more things that no one deserves to… and it has left her scarred. You know she will never be alright again, that she will always be unwell. She might not be suicidal anymore, but the path she took to get there will not be forgotten.
:DreamerSB: It is true. Her past will haunt her forever. Her scars will never heal fully.
:ChroniclerSB: Her past cuts to deep.
:KiraSB: We can fix th-
:SonorkSB: NO! NO YOU WILL NOT! You will not brainwash my love, you will not remake her brain nor will you remove her trauma. She is Briannah, my love, and I will not let you force her to change against her will. No… what I ask is to give her a past… and a future where she will be whole… will be happy… and loved… even if that isn’t a future we are in. I love her just as you do Kronos, and I would give everything to see her truly happy.
:DreamerSB: …she would find a future where she was happy if you changed the past.
:ChroniclerSB: But she will find one in this timeline as well… just one that’s a bit more… scarred.

:SonorkSB: And there we have it… will you save thousands, save our nation, save Briannah… or will you be selfish and only do it for yourself? Are you a hero, Kronos, or just a spoiled prince who can’t make sacrifices for the greater good?
:KiraSB: Those that doesn’t learn are doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past. From where we are now, with the power we are given, we can do so much more than just prevent a war. We can truly change the future for the better… and not just bet that it will by undoing our past mistakes. We can make a better tomorrow… for your children, Kronos.
:ChroniclerSB: In the end, your choice will change the world… and history itself.
:DreamerSB: There are many paths ahead of you, Kronos, but these two are the only ones that will end well. Trust me on that one.
:FateSB: B-but… my web… it’s g-going to be ruined! I must r-redo everything from scratch! *Sob*…

…do you change the past with the help of Chronicler and… um… other you?
…or the future with the help of Dreamer and Kira?
>>
No. 845312 ID: a633c6

What would your mother want for you?
>>
No. 845313 ID: 094652

>Retcon souls
Normally I'd oppose this, but... well, they'll all be reincarnated eventually. I'd rather chose the option that eventually gives people the choice to defy this. SO:

>vote
One final question: which choice brings about a future filled with science, discovery, and the will to live life to the fullest? My vote's for that one.
>>
No. 845319 ID: a633c6

Also, why is Kira so attached to this timeline? And since she's the responsible one, shouldn't you listen to her? And unless I've messed up my chronology, wouldn't Bri still be down her particular path even if the war didn't start and not have that revelation she had not too long ago? And wouldn't those radical factions that started the war, including Elete, still be alive and full of wicked ambition? I'm not so convinced things are guaranteed to turn out better if we try again, and we've only got one chance to use this trump card.
>>
No. 845320 ID: 51b8ec

As wild of a ride as it has been, I vouch for accepting the past, as scarred as it has been, and embrace the future with Kira and the Dreamer. With Briannah and the twins.

Messing with the past would likely only end up with another flavor of disaster anyways.
>>
No. 845321 ID: 3ce125

Wait, more questions. If we rewrite the past, will a Dragon-Phoenix hybrid offspring still be created? Xuv was talking about using that to defy fate, yet Krotos got manipulated by Nightmare and that never came to pass, and we killed Xuv's soul so that she couldn't use Kronos' child as a vessel to (I assume) overthrow the Six and rule on her own. With the war prevented, would Krotos and Briannah ever meet? Would they be able to have a child without Xuv's blessing? Would ANYONE be able to make a hybrid if we rewrite the past?

Secondly, how exactly would Kira's choice work? How would we take power away from the nobility without them immediately taking it back? I mean, Kira's choice implies that everyone still remembers everything that happened, so anything we change will result in people going "what the fuck just happened?" and possibly refusing to accept the new situation. According to the Dreamer it will work in the end, but I'd like to know exactly how. I suspect the methods involved are unsavory.

Another option I was considering was not directly rewriting the past, but simply allowing Life to reclaim the Six's souls at an earlier point as if we had. This would prevent the Nightmare from manipulating events, which is what caused both of Kronos' brothers to go nuts. The war might still happen but events DURING and AFTER the war would change. Maybe it would end earlier? Maybe we could avoid the worst changes in Varkian government? Has the Dreamer considered this option? It would certainly be the most hands-off option. Fate's web might even be partially intact. ...is that a good thing though? Fate intended all these horrible things to happen. Maybe we should give him the big middle finger. "Old friend" my ass, what was he even talking about there? Heck, ask him why he called you an old friend.

The biggest middle finger would be, of course, ensuring that Dragon-Phoenix hybrids exist. Those are apparently the most anathema to Fate that there is.
>>
No. 845322 ID: 3ce125

>>845319
>Briannah would still be addicted to sex if the war didn't happen
Hey that's right. Is the Dreamer lying to us about her being happy if we change the past?
>>
No. 845323 ID: 0764a8

>>845300
Change the past. If it was your actions that led to this outcome, then your happiness is the price you will pay for that of others'.
>>
No. 845325 ID: c2051e

>>845300
Let's solve this with the usual methods. Start sodomizing everyone including both of your selves until something starts working.
>>
No. 845330 ID: 2c8807

>>845300
Look, hindsight is 20/20, everyone in the world thinks they know how they'd make the everything better if they just had the chance to go back and right a wrong that was done.

But all actions have consequences, nobody is above that.
Other You is right and always will be, but even changing history won't fix everything. That voice of regret won't go away, there will always be something you didn't say or do, something you want to change.

It's wrong to wipe away the past, present and futures of so many others in order to indulge that wish even once.
You'll just have to do what everyone else has to: live with the memories of the past and work for a better future.
>>
No. 845331 ID: 33cbe7

Past. Roll the dice on a brave new world!
>>
No. 845343 ID: 3ce125

...if you change the past, will you forget you had done so? Will you become the immature, irresponsible playboy you were before you met Briannah? Also what's going to happen to Belseth if you change the past? You only asked about Briannah. He was a war hero. What will he do if there will never be a war? Will Elete be Archbishop again? Was she merely manipulated or was she a willing accomplice? She might get up to something terrible.

Lastly, you now know the truth about the Six. If you change the past, people will continue worshipping the Five, not knowing that they are dead. Not knowing what they did. People will try to become gods again someday, not knowing how bad an idea it is. It's not the lessons taught by the war that we should be worried about. It's the lessons taught by the gods.
>>
No. 845360 ID: 91ee5f

>>845297
>You can bring them back…but history show us that they wouldn’t be…the same. At best you might have to deal with someone that can only lie twitching on the floor and drool…at worse…well…
>*Shudder* The blood…
So it's like Full Metal Alchemist when the Elric brothers try to bring their mom back to life? Ok then. Don't bring people back to life.

>>845298
Wait a minute! Waaaiiit a minute!

Kira, how the fuck can you see and hear what these guys are saying?!

>>845299
Other Kronos is here too?!

Ok, how do I know if either of you are real?! Because Kira is supposed to be laying unconscious on that table in the middle of the room and she can't see or hear Chronicler, Fate, or Dreamer! And.....other me, is supposed to be in my head and not outside of it!

Even though both of you are making good points in your arguments, both of you can't be real! Is this some kinda trick that Fate is trying to pull to make me not mess up its web?!

>>845300
>She is bearing twins…and Zela is with your child as well.
Wait, Zela is also.....?!

.....we're not looking forward to explaining that.

>>845319
This is true!

Would changing the past really stop others with wicked ambitions?

>>845330
This!

Everyone always wants to have the power to change the past, but that doesn't mean that the change would be best for everyone!

>>
No. 845371 ID: 3ce125

Hey, if the only thing we do with the past is to get Life to capture the Six earlier than usual, would we still have the power to change the future/present? I kindof want to annoy all three time-siblings.
>>
No. 845377 ID: 3ce125

...oooh, what if... Fate worked alongside us on this? We push Life into the past to get rid of Nightmare, but Fate ensures that most events go along the same lines as they did before?

I dunno, nobody else seems to want to support me on this hands-off approach to altering the past, but it would get what we wanted done instead of these two options which only do half of what we want. I don't really want to trust that the Dreamer has accounted for this choice, since the Dreamer wasn't aware before that we could choose anything other than who to ascend.
>>
No. 845467 ID: fe7355

Okay, you want to hold up on deciding for awhile. This is the fate of the world we're talking about, after all. You want to ask questions and triple-check you're clear on everything. It's the prudent and sensible thing to do. And Fate said you have all the time you could want to deliberate and think before you finally decide. Can you conjure up the memory of comfy chairs for us to sit in and fine tea to drink while you contemplate this choice?

Now, there's a great threat lying over the horizon that you have, rather ironically, forgotten about: The Forgotten One. Chronicler and Dreamer can tell you what is, now possible and how dire the threat of the Forgotten One's rise would be. But from what bits you've picked up so far, from Dreamer, your mirror self's tirade and from when you met the Six-in-Krotos'-form (the text in the image from >>/questarch/805744) you gather it represents not just a existential threat to the world but to reality itself, and that it is a for a future generation to face. And so you must ask which of these two choices before you leaves a world that has better odds of stopping the Forgotten One, because that is the one you will choose. For if the price of failure is the end of everything, then you must choose the best odds possible.

However, this presents a third possible choice, a variant of the 'change the future' one: Use this power to remove the threat of the Forgotten One right now so it will never come to pass. Remove any chance that the Forgotten One will rise in the future by destroying it in the present. For no matter how prepared that future generation is to stop the Forgotten One's rise, there's always the chance all the dice will come up ones and they will fail. And the price of failure then will be the unmaking of everything that is, was and will ever be. In the light of such stakes, spending some, or even all, of this great power to make sure that threat never comes to pass does make sense. But you have to ask Dreamer what the possible results of this would be.

You have to wonder just what your mirror self is. You thought it was a manifestation of your self-loathing, then your suppressed "ruthless" side, but now that he has appeared right now you aren't so sure what he is. A manifestation of the thin blood of Ifocen that runs through your veins? Who you would have been if your mother had not died? What do Chronicler and Dreamer say this other you is? And how did he, before you reconciled, knew and saw so much, albeit warped by his dark view of you? Especially about the Forgotten One.

Question to Chronicler and Dreamer: If you choose to change the past, how much of what we have learned in this timeline be lost? Because without the Six's hints, the crypt of the gods would not be discovered and the true fate of the Five revealed. Without what has happened, we would not know so surely that mortals should not become gods, or how and why the world of the Old Empire collapsed. And most of all, we'd lose the forewarning of the Forgotten One's potential rise.

>>845319
>And unless I've messed up my chronology, wouldn't Bri still be down her particular path even if the war didn't start and not have that revelation she had not too long ago?
No, because it was Briannah's father's death in a battle in the early years of the war that turned her down the path she went. Losing him was her first deep emotional trauma. No war means Bri's father wouldn't die leading troops into battle and he would raise her instead of a emotionally distant army friend of his that felt obligated to.

>>845377
>We push Life into the past to get rid of Nightmare, but Fate ensures that most events go along the same lines as they did before?
>I dunno, nobody else seems to want to support me on this hands-off approach to altering the past, but it would get what we wanted done instead of these two options which only do half of what we want.
I don't know where you're getting the idea it would get the best of both worlds, because as far as I can tell it'd end up even worse. If events go so close along the lines they did before that it'd result in a world close to what it is now that wouldn't be any better. Kronos' mom is still dead, a devastating war still happens with all the consequences of that. And then Fate would have to make a hell of a lot of changes with Karas, Krotos, Elete and everyone else influenced by the Nightmare Six to have 'em behave close enough to how they behaved before to get a outcome close to what happened in this timeline.

And in the end it'd be even worse because there wouldn't be the magical power to make a brighter future because it had already been used up to make a past that was almost but not quite the same as it was before. And on top of that because Xuv isn't around to suppress Kronos' fear of Sakkilians, he'll have to take the long and fraught road to overcome his fear to find his love for Briannah. ...And Kronos may not even live that long, because Krotos won't be around to save Kronos from those deadly spores in the royal crypt.
>>
No. 845474 ID: 1e7aa8

Anyone who fucks with the past is doomed to failure. Change the future for the better instead. Take the power from Belseth, listen to Zela and everyone else. DO NOT BRING ANYONE BACK FROM THE DEAD.
>>
No. 845502 ID: 88bd6f

So no war means no arranged marriage to Bri, no meeting Bel, no kids and going forward means no Sisah or Doxan or mother or those to brothers who's names I don't care about you know the ones.
Both these outcomes are bullshit.

There's no real guarantee that working towards a better future will actually beget a better future and are we 100% sure that changing the past will actually stop the war?
If we change the past we will still remember everything that happen in this timeline right? Is there a way to have everyone currently in the catacombs also remember?
I honestly don't know which to choose both have too many cons.
>>
No. 845508 ID: 3ce125

You know, since we still can't come to a consensus we should probably get some more people in here to talk about it. A bunch of our friends are still alive. Thalia might not be very helpful though.

Also we can ask Briannah directly if she wants her mind messed with, if we decide not to change the past at all.
>>
No. 845510 ID: 1e7aa8

>>845508
Uh, no. Pretty sure that the time siblings aren't going to cater to our every indecisive whim.

ALSO psychic brainwashing is a HORRIFIC IDEA even with all the best intentions in the world.
>>
No. 845516 ID: fe7355

Ask how far back in time could be rolled back with the power at hand, both with and without changes to the past. Because the farther back the negative influence of the Nightmare Six is removed, the better you think things would go. How would things turn out in those scenarios?

And you have a idea for a possibly better variant on changing the past you want to run by Dreamer and Chronicler. What if in addition to making the small change that heads off the war, you send back a thick tome containing a complete detailed account of what happened in this timeline and the knowledge from it that would be lost otherwise to a few who would be most receptive to that knowledge and have the means to put it to good use. A incontrovertible gift of dire warnings and hard earned knowledge sent at great cost from a dark and bloody future, containing that which could not be known otherwise. Forewarning of the Forgotten One. The truth of the Six and how the Old Empire fell. Where the Crypt of the Gods is. Personal experiences from all those involved. All wrapped up in a tome with a Old Empire preservation enchantment upon it. Would this be possible, and how would things turn out if this was done?
>>
No. 845518 ID: b9b4da

Rewind time as far as possible with this power and remove the Six from living memory.
>>
No. 845530 ID: fe7355

>>845502
>So no war means no arranged marriage to Bri, no meeting Bel, no kids and going forward means no Sisah or Doxan or mother or those to brothers who's names I don't care about you know the ones.
>Both these outcomes are bullshit.
You apparently forgot that changing the past would mean there's no 17 years long war that killed hundreds of thousands total between both Risavia and the Empire, trashed the economy of both, befouled and left the farmland untended leading to famine, and left both nations in such a bad state from war exhaustion they had to ally with each other, their hated enemy, out of sheer necessity, lest they be overrun by neighboring nations. That Kronos never has to marry Briannah and gets the opportunity to fall in love with her and have a family with her, and that he doesn't get to meet Belseth and have a romance with him, is very small in comparison.

>There's no real guarantee that working towards a better future will actually beget a better future and are we 100% sure that changing the past will actually stop the war?
Nothing is 100% sure, but it can get damn close. And we have Dreamer. It can say what the odds are. And from what we've gathered, it'd only take a small change. Just make sure 3 year old Kronos doesn't want to return to the palace to play with his toys so his mother and him don't leave the peace summit out where the ultra-nationalist Imperials can get at 'em. Either distract him at the crucial point or leave something interesting for him to play with. If little Kronos is anything like adult Kronos in the attention department, he'll forget about leaving half a minute later.
>>
No. 845534 ID: a5e143

Going back in time always causes more trouble than it solves.
>>
No. 845539 ID: 91ee5f

>>845534
Agreed!
>>
No. 845541 ID: 3ce125

Well, if the consensus winds up being to change the present/future, we should at least get Briannah in here to ask if she wants her PHYSICAL scars healed.

Also obviously Kronos should heal himself.
>>
No. 845583 ID: fe7355

To summarize and clarify, as of now my order of preferences are, in order of most to lesser: Use the power here and now to remove the Forgotten One and its threat to the future and reality, then use whatever power is left to better the world.

If that is not possible, either because there isn't enough power or for some other reason, then use the power to not just change the past but also send back written record of what happened in this timeline. This is to, among other warnings and knowledge that would otherwise be lost or not discovered, warn of the coming threat of the Forgotten One.

If sending a written record back as well is not possible, then use the power for whichever of the two listed options will result in a world better prepared and more likely to stop the Forgotten One. I think it'll be the one where the power is used now to better the future, since in it we'll know of the coming threat and to prepare, but whichever one Dreamer says has better odds you'll go for.

However, if either of the first two is possible but Dreamer or Chronicler point out severe downsides or repercussions to either of them you have not thought of, then you'll have to reconsider.
>>
No. 845588 ID: 91ee5f

Let's not change the past. Time travel of any kind usually ends badly!
>>
No. 845722 ID: 65a774
File 151095175407.png - (32.77KB , 686x526 , End.png )
845722

>What would your mother want for you?
She would want you to be happy… and a responsible Prince who cared for his nation…
>Wouldn't Bri still be down her particular path even if the war didn't start and not have that revelation she had not too long ago?
She started walking that path when her father died in the war… so if there wasn’t a war, she would never have lost him in the first place.

>Kira, how the fuck can you see and hear what these guys are saying?!
:KiraSB: I… I’m not entirely sure? …and why do I already know who you are?
:DreamerSB: Because you’re dreaming Kronos… we brought you into your dreams so we could discuss this.
:ChroniclerSB: And with Kira unconscious nearby it was easy to bring her in as well.
:KronosSB: And my other self over there?
:DreamerSB: That’s your own creation. Another part of your mind.
>We should probably get some more people in here to talk about it.
:ChroniclerSB: There is no one else that’s nearby.
:DreamersSB: Well, no one that’s alive… or asleep.

>Fate intended all these horrible things to happen.
:FateSB: Intended!? What I intended was that I would be able to get back home and enjoy a fine cup of tea before tomorrow, but now with the mess you made with the web…
:KronosSB: …you have homes? And tea?
:ChroniclerSB: We technically don’t. But Fate is right, it didn’t intend anything.
:DreamerSB: Ironically, Fate is far harsher bound by destiny than any mortal. It is one of the few things that can’t choose a path for itself, instead you make your own fate.
:FateSB: And I was really hoping my path would involve tea… I like tea…
>Heck, ask him why he called you an old friend.
:FateSB: Because I’ve always been by your side, old friend, ever since you were born. You are destined for great things, so Fate will follow you wherever you go.

>Why is Kira so attached to this timeline?
:KiraSB: Those that seek to change the past are doomed to failure.
:FateSB: Her pride can’t admit that things might get better without her help.
:KiraSB: T-that’s not- I’m not- That’s a lie and you know it!
>Wouldn't those radical factions that started the war, including Elete, still be alive and full of wicked ambition?
:ChroniclerSB: Without a cataclysm to start the war they so desire, their machinations will fail.
:DreamerSB: They either see reason or a noose… sometimes both.

>There's no real guarantee that working towards a better future will actually beget a better future.
:DreamerSB: Isn’t that the beauty of it? No matter how hard you try, sometimes you might just fail anyway. You can never be sure if you made the right decision… but what you can do is to try and make it the right choice.
>We have Dreamer. It can say what the odds are.
:DreamerSB: Actually, Fate is the one who count the odds.
:FateSB: The chance of you choosing that neither you nor Belseth would ascend was approaching zero! This isn’t supposed to be possible? Did… did someone manipulate the web!?
:ChroniclerSB: *Whistles innocently*
>Are we 100% sure that changing the past will actually stop the war?
:ChroniclerSB: You have my word. How much you value it is up to you, Kronos.
>Is the Dreamer lying to us about her being happy if we change the past?
:DreamerSB: You have my word as well. It’s value is about forty danar on the market of Cara’zil.
:ChroniclerSB: Cara’zil haven’t existed for forty thousand year.
:DreamerSB: Exactly, it’s priceless!
:FateSB: Or worthless…

>Which choice brings about a future filled with science, discovery, and the will to live life to the fullest?
:DreamerSB: Both or neither. One action might change the world, but people will still make their own destinies.
>With the war prevented, would Krotos and Briannah ever meet?
:DreamerSB: Possibly.
>If we rewrite the past, will a Dragon-Phoenix hybrid offspring still be created?
:DreamerSB: Possibly.
>What's going to happen to Belseth if you change the past?
:DreamerSB: Possibly.
:KronosSB: That doesn’t even- are you just messing with me?
:DreamerSB: He would possibly be happy. He is intelligent, driven and good hearted, I’m sure he would find a place in the world by himself.

>...if you change the past, will you forget you had done so?
:ChroniclerSB: Having the memories of two lives would drive most people mad so…
:DreamerSB: It will be like a dream…
:ChroniclerSB: …and the closer you are to the epicenter the more lucid it will be.
:FateSB: …and seeing as you’re standing on it, yes, yes you will remember it.
:DreamerSB: Most of it. As a dream that felt real.
>Will you become the immature, irresponsible playboy you were before you met Briannah?
:FateSB: How can you become something you already are?
:ChroniclerSB: How can you not become something else when so much will change?
:DreamerSB: How can you not become something else if you don’t change the past?
>If you change the past, people will continue worshipping the Five, not knowing that they are dead.
:FateSB: They will continue to worship them if you don’t change the past as well.
:ChroniclerSB: Just because you and some other know the truth, doesn’t mean everyone else will simply accept it.
:DreamerSB: Many have worshipped those that don’t exist in the past… many do so today… and many more will do so in the future. You alone cannot change that fact.
>What if in addition to making the small change that heads off the war, you send back a thick tome containing a complete detailed account of what happened in this timeline
:ChroniclerSB: You don’t have enough power for that.
:FateSB: Changing history is… hard. There is a reason why people aren’t changing it all the time.
:DreamerSB: All you can send back is a single though… just enough to change the mind of child you at a critical moment.
:ChroniclerSB: Though… I do have some ideas for later…
:FateSB: Are you messing around with the mortal world again!?
:ChroniclerSB: Oh, no, of course not…

>Secondly, how exactly would Kira's choice work? How would we take power away from the nobility without them immediately taking it back?
:KiraSB: I do have several plans, but they will take time. First, we need to strengthen the standing of the common folk… to make sure they can push back against the elite…
:DreamerSB: …and start a civil war?
:KiraSB: I was planning to not let that happen. It is possible, correct?
:DreamerSB: Possibly.
>Use this power to remove the threat of the Forgotten One right now so it will never come to pass.
:ChroniclerSB: Oh… I’m not even sure the power of a god can stand up to it…
:DreamerSB: Nor do we know what to do even if it did. It is forgotten… thus we can’t remember how to combat it… or stop it… or what it is.
:FateSB: Not even you can damage the center of the web. It will come to pass, no matter what happens.
:KronosSB: Great… I really hope I’m long dead by then…

:FateSB: So… have you decided yet? What will you do?
:KronosSB: …I do believe I know what I need to do, yes…

To make it easier for me to count the votes, please use the finely crafted link below to vote.
http://www.strawpoll.me/14423231
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No. 845732 ID: 3ce125

>>845722
So, the Forgotten One will cause trouble no matter what we choose here, and people in the Palace will still remember the redacted history. "Possibly" isn't a good enough answer for us having access to a hybrid if we change the past, though. We need that to come to pass.

...considering Briannah is nearby, she'll remember some of this too. How about this: we change the past, then seek out Briannah and get started on making her pregnant again? Kira can help you with that since she's VERY close and will remember a lot of it.
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No. 845742 ID: a633c6

> There is no one else that’s nearby.
Really? Not even Belseth?
>Her pride can’t admit that things might get better without her help.
That's stupid. This entire time she's dreaded the responsibility she's been saddled with to the point of absolute self destruction, now she wants to make bold new plans for the future?

What about changing the present, does Fate want to make a pitch? and what are we going to do with that 'suit of armor'?
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No. 845743 ID: 91ee5f

>>845722
>And I was really hoping my path would involve tea…I like tea…
"So do I. In fact, I think we could all use a nice cup of tea."

<_<

>_>

".....guess I'll have to get used to Cain not appearing out of nowhere with tea anymore."

>Great…I really hope I’m long dead by then…
That shouldn't be a problem, as long as you don't keep the power and become immortal.

>Vote
I voted!

And if it wins then, Kronos should tell Kira that he trusts her judgment, but he should let her know that whatever her plans are, they shouldn't rely on him keeping this power because as soon as Kronos uses it for what is needed, he's going to give up this power. Keeping it would feel wrong, especially since this power is what caused all of this to happen in the first place!

.....and whisper that if she wants, Kronos can help fix Kira's "problem" so that she could one day have a child of her own. Obviously, Kronos isn't going to be the father.
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No. 845786 ID: 094652

>Cure fertility and other crippling injuries
I get the feeling that would be an abuse of power, but there should be enough to spare for a pouch of personal use.

Incidentally, if you DO retcon the past, what exactly are you going to do? Give baby Kronos his toys? Trip up the assassins so Sisah gets to them in time? Literally time-travel and defeat the assassins yourself, including a "I am you from the future, there's no time to explain, follow me to the - SIX BE DAMNED! AAA-"? Or will you just appear during the negotiations with Kira and Belseth AND the three brothers and perform an entire broadway musical about "church is bad, Dragobirds are good, magic toasters are awesome"?
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No. 845787 ID: 3ce125

>>845786
It says there right in the update that the past-manipulation is simply making baby Kronos change his mind about wanting to go home early.
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No. 845796 ID: 3ce125

Huh, I just thought of something. If resurrection normally doesn't work via god power because (I assume) the soul is already gone due to Life taking it, we can use reality rewriting to truly resurrect those that died here. I mean Life didn't collect everyone's souls yet right? Just fully heal the bodies and shove the souls back in. If gods normally can't reattach the souls properly, reality rewriting sure can.

I mean Kronos came back to life, thus it must be possible to bring back the others that died down here. It might even be possible to bring back Krotos and Karas but we'd have to figure out how to make matching bodies for them.
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No. 845800 ID: 91ee5f

>>845796
It was already explained to us that we can't do that because we'll just end up with something like this: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bvpJjbphJWQ (from 4:07 to 4:18 in the video).
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No. 845801 ID: 3ce125

>>845800
No, that before we decided to rewrite reality. Nobody has ever done this before, and the power is beyond that of a god's.
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No. 845815 ID: fe7355

In the end, you can only come to the conclusion that Kira's pride is clouding her stance. To get back what was taken by that devastating war and the Six's influence would be much more than what even this colossal power could do here and now. Here and now this power can't bring back the hundreds of thousands who were killed, nor restore the broken families, nor remove the memories of all the horrors and atrocities that were committed in that war. It can't bring back Briannah's father or your mother and brothers or Nero's sister or Sisah or Doxan or the hundreds who died assaulting the Crypt of the Gods or the tens of thousands more who died from starvation and the untold number who died in the Dynasty-Lorentia war because Risavia couldn't keep them apart. But changing the past, preventing the war and removing the Six, that would bring about a future better than what could be done with the power here and now.

You know what you have to do, and it twists in your heart like a dagger because you know what it means. Everything you've had with Briannah, and with Zela, and with everyone and everything else, and everything everyone else has done and experienced for the last twenty years will be gone. Your children with Bri and Zela will never exist. ...But you trust that in the end a better future will come of changing the past. One where Briannah will be happy and loved, even if it's not with you.

You reach into your suit pocket and take out the music rune, activating it in the process, and let the memory of your and Briannah's song wash over you. With tears running down your cheek you whisper "Briannah, I love you" and keep that in your mind as you choose Chronicler and to change the past.

>…and the closer you are to the epicenter the more lucid it will be.
So this means that Kira and Belseth will dream almost as much as Kronos does of this, since they're right next to him. And Briannah, Thalia and Xarrin will dream somewhat less of it, since they're nearby.

>>845732
>How about this: we change the past, then seek out Briannah and get started on making her pregnant again?
Have you forgotten that it took Xuv's blessing for Kronos to get Briannah pregnant? That magic ain't gonna be available after changing the past 'cause Xuv'll be gone. ...Actually, Xuv's soul would still be around in the past, trapped in the Catacombs and unreachable by Life. But Dreamer said her soul would have eventually leaked out of the broken Soul Kiln/Catacombs if not for getting snagged on Krotos' body. And without all the power from the souls of those killed in the war getting trapped in the Catacombs, Xuv can't do anything.

>>845742
>Really? Not even Belseth?
He's not asleep, so he couldn't be pulled into Kronos' dream. Kira could because she's both unconscious and right next to Kronos.

>What about changing the present, does Fate want to make a pitch?
The "change the future" option is to use the power to change the present so as to change the future. And Fate already made its "pitch" with the choice it presented between either Kronos or Belseth becoming a god.

>>845743
>...but he should let her know that whatever her plans are, they shouldn't rely on him keeping this power because as soon as Kronos uses it for what is needed, he's going to give up this power.
Kronos couldn't keep the power anyway. Without going through with divine ascension, he couldn't contain it. It has to be completely used up immediately, otherwise it'll explode with him as the epicenter.

>>845796
>I mean Kronos came back to life, thus it must be possible to bring back the others that died down here.
That was with assistance from Cain, Fate's agent, to heal his body, along with all those earth elementals, and also because Kronos was under the effect of the Rune of Eternity so Life couldn't collect his soul.

That said, I'd think it'd be possible to bring Sisah and Doxan back and not all the others who died in the assault because both of their souls presumably were trapped in the Catacombs when they died. So regenerate both of their bodies, then grab their souls and stick 'em back in. ...Ah, but even if it worked, as soon as they left the Catacombs, Life would sniff out that they shouldn't be alive and yank their souls back out. It'd take putting a working Rune of Eternity on both of them to keep Life at bay, and that a lot of power to do.

However, I still can't figure out how the Six could keep bringing Hera and Nero back to life without them both turning into either drooling vegetables or raging bloodthirsty beasts.
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No. 845818 ID: 88bd6f

Que the Forgotten One showing up and being like " While all this was fun and shit I'm bored now" and clicking his finger and the world either explodes or we get the super secret super good perfect ending Please Kaktus PLEASE My heart can't fucking take this PleeeEeeEase!!?! or some shit.
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No. 845828 ID: 91ee5f

>>845815
>...Actually, Xuv's soul would still be around in the past, trapped in the Catacombs and unreachable by Life.
Not true. The only thing preventing Life from coming down here was the Rune of Eternity and it was explained that since eternity goes both ways in time, destroying it in the present means that it'll also be destroyed in the past, which means that Life would be able to come into the catacombs and snag all 6 of the gods' souls in the past.
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No. 845879 ID: 3ce125

>>845815
>That magic ain't gonna be available after changing the past 'cause Xuv'll be gone.
Yeah but we just asked and the answer was that it's POSSIBLE. So we just have to find out how. Easy peasy.

As for Life un-resurrecting people, he doesn't work that way. Life is patient. As long as he knows a soul will eventually return to the river, he's willing to wait.
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No. 845882 ID: fe7355

>>845828
But we don't know if the Crypt of the Gods, where Kronos is now, and the Soul Kiln, A.K.A. the Catacombs of the Godless, all used the same Rune of Eternity set into the floor here or if the Soul Kiln has one of its own. I was assuming the Soul Kiln has its own, but I realize now that that I have nothing to base that assumption on.
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No. 845901 ID: 3ce125

Okay nevermind, Kaktus is saying that there's no way to bring back the dead. If we want to save anyone who died due to the Nightmare, we'll have to change the past.

...another reason to change the past instead of the future is, if we change the future people will realize it has been changed, and to the benefit of the crown. This means they will know that it is POSSIBLE to change reality, which is a secret we probably don't want getting out.
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No. 846308 ID: 35089a

hey kaktus you haveing fun
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