>>95868
OK, put the watch away. Is it morning?

>>95869
I put the watch away. It is early morning, and the dwarf still sleeps.

Loudly.

Find a squirrel or other harmless creature and point the watch at it, then try turning the knob. It does have a knob on it for adjusting the time or winding it, doesn't it?

>>95913
Actually, there's nothing for winding it! Peculiar, but I guess something like this doesn't need winding. Shi walks up beside me again, staying oddly close to me.

>>95916
"Hello, Shi. Sleep well? I got something new here in my sleep. It can see when things are going to die."

Point it at the dwarf and check the readout.

>>95918
"Hello, Shi. Sleep well? I got something new here in my sleep. It can see when things are going to die."
Shi smiles, then watches as I check the readout for the dwarf. Several hundre- no... It seems to be switching rapidly between a day from now to what seems to be death from old age.

>>95919
Interesting. We'll want to watch out for him tomorrow. Apparently Shi is going to be fine for quite a while, but let's not tell her; that causes all sorts of problems.

Show her what it does when you point it at yourself.

>>95924
I point it at myself and show it to her, but before the readout stabilises, she snaps it shut and gives me an angry look.

>>95925
She knows. Apologize to her.

>>95926
"Ah... I'm sorry. I thought..."
She sighs soundlessly and shakes her head, humming to herself as she retrieves a sharpening stone from her bag and her knife.

The dwarf awakens.

>>95928
Be on the lookout. It could be Ella, but then again it might not be.

Oh wait, I get it. It wasn't that it said you would *never* die, it just wouldn't tell you your own time of death.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2009/12/21(Mon)13:38 No. 95934 ID: 6faa8c
File 12614315093.jpg - (447.62KB , 700x447 , Jax.jpg )

>>95931
"Ella?"
"Amazing how you always spot me." she mutters. This time she is flanked by another, though his armor is much lighter. "Spidersworn, meet my brother, Jax."
The creature nods silently.
"I have heard tell of your and Ella's encounter, spidersworn. I am intrigued, but I wish to speak with you myself before I commit to anything."

>>95934
"I assume you wish to speak to me about swearing yourself to Anansi?"

>>95941

"I assume you wish to speak to me about swearing yourself to Anansi?"

"Nay. I only want the truth of the matter. Is it true that you wish to bring down our Church?"

>>95943
"Not anymore. A little bird spoke with me."

>>95951
"Not anymore. A little bird spoke with me."
Jax lifts his hat to look me in the eye. There's something odd about his gaze.
"Tell me more." he says.

>>95954
Tell them about your encounter with Raven.

Also tell him that if they stop killing magical creatures, it will be easier to track down this mysterious third party controlling the churches.

>>95957
>>95958
I tell him about my encounter with the Raven, and especially about the vague and unseen enemy the Raven mentioned.
Both Ella and Jax react oddly to the latter point, and retreat to speak privately.

>>95961
Get some breakfast.

>>95961
What happens to food you eat, anyway?

Heeyyy... Can you put your ear to the hat, and imagine an area near those two to eavesdrop?

>>96020
>magic eavesdropping
>magic
>eavesdropping on 2 anti-magic creatures
I wouldn't recommend it.

>>96020
I'm not going to do that. I trust Ella somewhat, and it's really their decision whether they want to get involved.

>>95998
While I'm waiting, I eat the meal Shi prepared for us today, which is some simple rabbit stew.

>>96030
If you're finished eating and they still aren't done talking yet, maybe you can ask Shi to sing for you again.

Let's talk to Shi about her past, instead.

>>96040
Changing vote to this

>>96040
"Shi... before you were sworn to Anansi..."
She smiles.
"I was a bard." she says, "A weaver of story and song. But I also loved to put rich men in their place. I would talk my way into their homes with sweet words, and knock them out with chemicals and steal their precious diamonds and pearls they used on other girls. Anansi saw my work and enjoyed it greatly. He told me I could put many, many more in their proper place, if I wanted."

>>96043
"I'm sorry to bring this up, but Anansi mentioned a relationship with you."

>>96049
She barks a laugh.
"Gods are poor lovers." she mutters coldly.

>>96053
"What do you think of me?"

>>96057
"What do you think of me?"
She giggles.
"One of the most interesting men I've met in a long time." she says, "But denser than a sack of half-bricks at times."

>>96058
Tell Shi what you think of her.

>>96060
I chuckle.
"And you are one of the most beautiful women I've ever met, and it's an honor to have heard you sing."
She smiles.
"Oh, thank you. But is now really the time for this sort of thing?" she asks, pointing out the Dwarf eating quietly, who clears his throat.
"Dun mind me."

>>96069
Tell her it's her decision for right now.

>>96071
"Well, that's up to you, now, isn't it?" I ask, putting away the food as the Seeran approach.
Jax clears his throat.
"I have decided to pledge myself to the Raven you saw, Hattori. My research indicates that this area hold significance to him, hence why you were capable of finding him... however, this Enemy might also know of this location. How do you think we should proceed?"

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2009/12/21(Mon)16:31 No. 96087 ID: 6faa8c
File 126144190329.png - (24.88KB , 1000x1000 , Ravensloft.png )

>>96072
For the strategem dudes, here's a map. Feel free to draw up batel plans!

>>96087
So our options are:
1) Stay here and wait for nightfall, killing whatever may come to attack us
2) Travel aimlessly for a day evading enemies, then return when it's dark.

How far are we from our destination? We could just go there then make sure we arrive here again at nightfall, if possible. Of course, having the Seerans with us might make anyone we meet rather fearful.

At least this area is a defensible position, at least from enemies that walk along the ground. If we're going to be fighting fliers it's actually pretty bad, what with the cliff there. They could toss us off it.

>>96087
I think we should stay here for a little while.

>>96174
"We shall remain here until night falls." I state.
Jax nods.
"The location is commendably easy to defend. What are you or..." he pauses. "What do you reccommend?"

>>96211
Can we have a quick inventory check?

>>96226
Certainly.

Sa'lam holds three throwing axes, two handaxes, and one large, two handed axe. He also has a utility knife and and coat-of-plates armor.

Shi has five throwing daggers, one long knife, and her leather armor.

Ella has her spear, two disarming knives, and light cloth armor with metalplates sewn into it.

Jax has his spear, three disarming knives, one short sword, and light armor.

I hold one knife, the cane blade, the armor inside my hat, my suit, cufflinks, and hat.

>>96087
Let's see. Hattori should stand as far ahead as possible while still being able to see both choke points, and thus be able to use hat tricks for support of both. One Seeran should be at each choke, so as to apply antimagic on both sides. Shi and Sa'lam will also be split between each side.

Oh, Shi should pair up with whichever Seeran is the better fighter. Keep the power spread evenly.

>>96232
Keep in mind that Seeran disable whatever magic they see and are aware of.

I am no slouch in terms of combat, and am only turly disabled when all sensory input is lost. I recall one fight that ended with the enemy beheading me and myself landing a debilitating bite in a rather sensitive area... Anyway. That sounds like a good strategy. Should we do anything with the trees?

>>96237
Are they any good for any sort of blockade?

>>96266
There are several dozen here. Just one could be placed all the way across a ramp, if need be.

>>96267
We can cut a couple down and put them in the way.

>>96267
Oh, if you blocked off one ramp completely everyone could cluster around the other. You should be able to keep the assailants from messing with the barricade via hat tricks while actually being on the front lines, as well.

>>96271
I direct Sa'lam to cutting down some trees to erect a sort of palisade, and split up the group as such:

>Northern ramp: Sa'lam, Ella
>Southern ramp: Jax, Shi
>Central area: Myself

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2009/12/21(Mon)19:21 No. 96282 ID: 6faa8c
File 126145210040.png - (26.52KB , 1000x1000 , Ravensloft.png )

rolled 66 = 66

---

>>96275
This is the map of the current situation.

Hey, while we're waiting, take out the watch and point it at yourself. Try 'slow' 'fast' 'slower' 'faster' 'speed' 'warmth'

>>96300
I do so, but none of the key words do anything.


I hear a low, long howl from the north.

>>96307
Get ready. This could be it.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2009/12/21(Mon)19:55 No. 96311 ID: 6faa8c
File 126145412480.jpg - (473.36KB , 1325x1992 , GretchintheSmasher.jpg )

>>96308
I call out to my companions to prepare, and look out through the hills.

I see one huge figure, flanked by about two dozen smaller ones. He holds a massive smashing weapon, and is adorned with more. The creatures behind him are armed with small axes and sheilds, made with low quality metal, while this larger creature has his equipment made from what seems like higher quality metal.

>>96311
Newton check.

>>96312
3000 newtons. Sheild prepared.

>>96311
Heh.

I bet we can just stab him in a vital organ via the hat and be done with it. We *should* probably wait until it's obvious he's hostile though.

>>96315
He is heading directly for this location.

I can kill him now with a precise blow. If I wait much longer, the option will not present itself again, most likely.

>>96316
Kill it. Don't use up your newtons yet.

>>96319
I slide my blade quickly into the hat, aiming for his side and to dismbowel him.

HAT TRICK: CUNNING ASSAS-
COYOTE'S LUCK!

But he trips on a root, falling forward, the blade nicking his side and back barely. I pull my arm and blade out before he sees it.

Strange...I didn't expect that to happen. I didn't even notice the root until he tripped on it.

>>96322
Stab him while he's getting up, preferably in the brain.

>>96323
Again! This time I assault directly from above and behind!

HAT TRICK: CUNNING ASSAS-
COYOTE'S LUCK!
...but I fail to notice one of the other, smaller creatures get in the way, until the last second. He is impaled, and falls to the floor, dead.

Whaaaat?!

>>96328
One more test: Grab your hat in the hand with your sword and just touch him.

>>96328
Keep trying, damn it.

>>96344
Gods damnit! I will kill him!

HAT TRICK: CUNNING ASSAS-
COYOTE'S LUCK!
HAT TRICK: CUNNING ASSAS-
COYOTE'S LUCK!
HAT TRICK: CUNNING ASSAS-
COYOTE'S LUCK!
HAT TRICK: CUNNING ASSAS-
COYOTE'S LUCK!

Each time I stab, some random, chanced thing causes me to miss, or hit something else, or inflict only minor cuts. Still, he advances.

>>96352
Fine, just take his weapon then.

>>96355
I cannot. It's held in his h...
I have an idea! There's no way he could evade this!

I reach through, pulling his arm through, freezing both him and the hat in space.

Then I call out to Ella.

>>96352
Calm down. I think there's a reason you're missing. He must have some sort of MAGICAL SPELL on him.

>>96356
Ella runs over, sees the flailing arm sticking out of the hat, and...

There's a loud snap, and a scream in the distance, as the hat falls to the ground, the arm severed cleanly.
"Wha... how..." Ella blinks.
I smile.

"Not so lucky now, are you, son of a bitch."

>>96360
Tell Ella to look away from you until you call her name out again, then try doing the same thing with the rest of his limbs.

>>96360
The howl erupts again, and I send Ella to her station. I hear the rumbling of a charge, and the howling cry of the one I disarmed. He's still coming?!
Incredible.

They are now in range of Ella's magical null, hattricks are now disabled. Which ramp should I help?

>>96370
Help the one Shi is on. Tell the Seeran to try and look away from you at all times.

>>96377
It appears that the enemy uses very little magic... and if indeed that incredibble luck was magical, it would take a while for it to be effected by Seeran null.

I take the south ramp, working with Shi as I watch the forces hammer into the northern palisade. Even as they try to hack it apart, Ella's spear hits again and again, killing each time, and Sa'lam manages to decapitate several.

I see them coming, and before they arrive, I stand beside and slightly behind Jax. Then I turn to the encroaching army.

Just when his attention turns away, I expel the contents of the hat violently, the suit of armor rocketing out faster than the eye can see, embedding in trees, the earth, rocks, and many, many creatures. Jax looks at me in awe and fear as I place the hat on my head and draw my blade.
"Keep your eyes on the enemy." I state, and Jax nods.

I understand even better now. Seeran sight does not effect instant effects unless they expect it.

The enemy forces are at half strength now, but the huge, lumbering, blee-

?!?!

His wound is sealed?!

He's still one-armed, but... incredible!

>>96391
It's too bad the watch is not to be used for 'unfair death'... I imagine it could probably be used to kill or immobilize. We really need to find a way to find out more about what it can do, without using it improperly in the process.

I'm thinking we try to get in close, guard against an attack using the cufflinks, then teleport his head off via the hat while his arm rebounds. The Seerans won't expect that to happen so it should work.

First, we need to clear a path to him through the small fry.

>>96409
This sounds like a plan.

Clearing a path is not neccessary.

I leap over the palisade, running past the creatures. Even as they swing at me, I take one blow to the hand, one to the foot, and keep going, leaving the peices behind. As I get into range of the big one, he rears back and punches at me, and I block with the sheild. I leap up, take off the hat, and place it on his head.

"Wha-"

HAT TRICK: SHOW STOPPER!

There's a horrible ripping sound, and the body falls down as I flip over it by grabbing his shoulder and lifting my body over. I land behind him and replace my hat, smiling as the head lands.

"That's all, folks."

The creatures flee.

>>96419
See if you can grab one of them to interrogate them.

>>96419
YEAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH

>>96419
Whistle merrily as you walk back, picking up your missing pieces.

"Shi, if you would, please."

>>96424
They're gone rather quickly, and out of sight before I can even try.

Everyone emerges from the palisades, as we gather around the dead body.

"I thought gnolls were extinct." Shi says, frowning.
"They aren't gnolls." Jax says, kneeling down. "Look at the ears and teeth. "These are people changed by... But that's not right either. He's dead."
"Who is?" I ask.
"Coyote." Jax replies.

>>96427
"A dead god? How did that happen?"

>>96427
Can gods become liches?

>>96429
We will discuss that in camp." Jax says. "It's only just before nightfall." We return, resting near the fireplace, as Jax speaks.

"Once there was three gods of trickey, each representing a facet. Raven, the god of elaborate plans and deceit. Anansi, the god of quick thinking and magic. And Coyote, the god of misplaced trickey and, some debate, malicious pranksters."

>>96435
"Can you tell me about Raven?"

>>96436
"Certainly. He was the first to seek the death of Coyote. Raven is one who thinks and plans, and tries to make certain that either his target knows not the slightest he did it, or that the target fears him. He oly targets the wicked, though, whereas Anansi will target anyone who is egotistical, and Coyote will aim for anyone he likes."

>>96437
"Why did Raven want to kill Coyote?"

>>96438
"Coyote was making the Raven appear to be behind his schemes, breaking apart the following of the Raven's church..."
he pauses.
"And he's doing it again, appearently."

>>96435
"Tell me about Coyote then. How did he seem to die?"

>>96440
"At first, the Raven made him the target of his own schemes, causing them all to backfire one after another, and placing the blame on Anansi. Anansi then did the same, placing the blame on the Clown. Coyote challenged the Clown, not wanting to seem weak, and was totally annihilated. His scripture vanished from books, his stories from tongues, leaving naught but his name, and the memory of how he died. That is how a god dies."

>>96442
"Why didn't Raven just whack Coyote upside the head and tell him to stop?"

>>96442
Hmm. What if we were to contact the Clown again? Would he not want to know that Coyote is back?

>>96443
"He tried. It was his nature to defy authority, while the image is amusing." Jax lets a grin flash across his face.

>>96444
"I... am not certain how he would act. The Clown is very, very insane."

Hmm. Why wasn't the Raven weakened when Coyote fractured his church back then? He is apparently unable to fight back this time.

>>96447
"He was weakened. Why do you think the only worshippers are Seeran?" he sighs.

>>96448
Why was and is Coyote doing this? For power? Amusement?"

>>96449
"Most likely? The latter. He doesn't care who dies, who goes down, who loses everything they had. By pitting Anansi and Raven against one another and killing a whole race with a slow death, he gets exactly what he wants: Entertainment."

>>96450
Oh god, he's a /b/tard.

>>96450
What about the Incarnate? Do you think we could get their help? A god raised from the dead seems to fly in the face of Order.

"What if we called the god of order? Surely he'd have a vested interest in stopping this whole thing."

>>96455
>>96456
Orderlymind.

>>96453

This gives me an idea. What if we had a way to sour his fun? I don't know how we could do that exactly, other than finding a way to tell the church that they're being trolled.