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File 158675636927.png - (18.50KB , 800x600 , 001.png )
961754 No. 961754 ID: f56a2b

Previously: https://questden.org/kusaba/questarch/res/960086.html

This quest contains scenes of graphic violence.
------------------------
Fear and pain are illusions.
Death is a choice.
...
Sacred it is, to fulfill the pact.
A sin it will be, to fail to act.
...
Freedom through bondage, in the greater whole trust,
for I am a worthless part, and mine soul hath rust.
...
All is ones master, save for one's self,
one's self is a lie, a figment of mind,
one's mind is like clay, fit to be shaped
shaped by ones master, who for one is all.
...
The only truth is in one's Word.
I have given my word that I will not desert.
To allow myself to fail is desertion.
I will not allow myself to fail, that is truth.
...
...
...
When command is not explicit, command will be implicit.
When command is obeyed, duty will remain.
When all duty is fulfilled, from all but reflection thou shalt abstain.
Expand all images
>>
No. 961755 ID: f56a2b
File 158675640303.png - (17.60KB , 800x600 , 002.png )
961755

I am obeying commands to the best of my ability, what little there is.
I am fulfilling my duty to the best of my ability, what little there is.
To abandon this vessel is dereliction of duty.
It is all I can do to allow it to repair itself.
I shall abstain from all but reflection. Therefore, I reflect.
>>
No. 961756 ID: f56a2b
File 158675645035.png - (17.25KB , 800x600 , 003.png )
961756

To reflect on the illusions of my self is as good a place as any to start.
On reflection... what was I?

>Dracon, of the ancient lineage. The so-called masters of the world in ages past.

>Human, of the nascent lineage. The supposed chosen race of a new world order.

>Orcish, of the usurpacious lineage. A scourge upon men, or so they say.
>>
No. 961757 ID: e7c7d3

Orcish
>>
No. 961759 ID: 4f51b2

Dracon
>>
No. 961762 ID: b1b4f3

Human.
>>
No. 961763 ID: 9876c4

Orcz
>>
No. 961770 ID: 7f1230

dracon
>>
No. 961781 ID: d63ea8

Orcish.
>>
No. 961799 ID: 83c1a4

Human
>>
No. 961939 ID: f56a2b
File 158689727136.png - (17.50KB , 800x600 , 004.png )
961939

Born to the world of mortals as an Orc, I was already it's slave. My circumstances determined everything about me. The only choice I had was to grow and adapt as my body matured, or to let myself die and simply meet my fate sooner. The instincts and urges that drove me would not allow the latter, making the former only an illusory choice.

But no two circumstances... are quite the same. It has been more than years, it was a whole lifetime ago that I walked this earth not as a visitor, but as its ward.

On reflection...

>...I was born in the dark ages, when the Orcish emerged and would begin their long and bloody struggle with Humans of the west. In this hard time, there were no weaklings, and the only peace was by one's axe or by anothers. Under our warlords, we campaigned relentlessly, for all that awaited us at home was starvation, squalor, and death from one another.
(A hard life full of drive will increase your zeal, but leave you less sensitive to the intricacies of court and society. Your soul will be an old one, and you may find your character to be unique and disruptive to the world.)

>...I was born after the dark ages, when the Orcish had since settled down and become more like men than apart. The Dracon referred to both of us, Human and Orcish, as one barbaric race. Even all but the longest, most graybearded Dwarves had lost memory of our old ways and natures, and simply regard them as historical atrocities rather than an inherent evil.
(Your life will largely be not so different from any other civilized race; you will have an understanding of manners, society, virtue, value, and your role in it all. You will be quite like many others you meet.)
>>
No. 961949 ID: d63ea8

We were born after the Dark Ages.

We should find a place to fit in the world.
>>
No. 961999 ID: e7c7d3

After the dark ages
>>
No. 962011 ID: 9876c4

Fight orc, not farm orc
>>
No. 962021 ID: 28db16

Born during the Dark ages, to a life of blood and struggle.
>>
No. 962144 ID: f56a2b
File 158701341461.png - (14.05KB , 800x600 , 005.png )
962144

The time of my birth was, as it has been and always will be, a matter of fate, and not of my choosing. I did not live in the age of sagas and epics, nor did I enjoy the peace of years to come. I would instead live in the twilight of the great incursions. Between past and future lied present; a present that yearned for a future of stability and peace as it yet followed some of the ways of old. A present where one could hope to call ones neighbor a friend, and yet where few kings grew old.
(Life will not be easy, but you have perhaps a more significant struggle than that of your ancestors: the order and prosperty of future generations was the result of your generation's struggle to control your destiny. You will not have the black blood and raw fightiness in you that the dark ages produced, but you don't conform to society, instead you try to define it.)
>>
No. 962145 ID: f56a2b
File 158701351945.png - (23.09KB , 800x600 , 006.png )
962145

Still, as I have learned and have found to be a nearly universal truth, life is full of hardship. It is only natural that the cycle is perpetuated, as not every orc can find the opportunity to make their own prosperity. It was ages ago that I had to define myself in such a way... what did I make of myself as I became an adult?

Choose a group. Following this choice, you will get a chance to go into the specifics of your past background and mortal life.

>Priesthood, a new concept, was an institution built on the traditions of Priests, who had long since led us by other names and in many varied ways. Shamans who commune with spirits can be counted in their ranks, along with the clergy belonging to Gods both wisemen and monks as well as parishoners and community leaders. It is not every day that you see a genuine miracle occur, but there are few so ignorant or maligned as to imagine the Gods do not shape our paths... as I have come to learn, the afterlife is real, and sin is a most terrible weight.

>The warrior class, of course. The emergence of social strata changed nothing about this in my day; nearly all would serve in some way in their lifetimes, but for others it was a way of life. Some chose to serve as the common soldier to earn pay, yet others found that their noble birth obligated them to making themselves ready for war. In any case we all share a bond that draws us closer together through blood. I have, by posthumous circumstances, been forced into such a change of environment, but a lifetime of this would give me the understanding needed to lead men and empathize with mortals as well as provide no small amount of talent in the art of war.

>The common folk. Not of those who had it easy and got to work in peace with no issues mind you, but of those whose define role in society... was not seen as part of the coheseive whole. Those who did not count themselves truly "warriors", but who may have traded in bloody business. Those who did not have religion in their hearts, but had experience extracting tithes of their own. Those who did not practice magic, but whose work was an art of its own. I believe you know where I am going with this, but I will say many like to call us vagabonds, thieves, or rogues.

>Magicians. Wizards, Sorcerers, Witches. Warlocks, Mentalists, Invokers, Conjurerers, Enchanters, Thaumature. The names are many, the understanding limited. For as long as there have been elders to pass down stories, there have been tales of people who made miracles under their own power, not with the help of the Gods. In the period I grew up in, their power was feared more than loathed, and often were invited into the power structure as an advisor to those who could use their services. Such people don't fit into polite society by their very nature. Power beyond mortal nature tends to do that.
>>
No. 962146 ID: e7c7d3

Priesthood seems like a natural fit. Plus being in a transitory phase seems like it could make things interesting
>>
No. 962147 ID: 602d84

I can't say I've put much thought into it but I want to see an orc wizard.
>>
No. 962149 ID: 0efe8e

yo, we totally gotta go for Rogue, nothin better than playin the good ol' sneak and stab.
>>
No. 962164 ID: d63ea8

I also vote for the Priesthood. We'll have the ability to move between spheres of society.
>>
No. 962250 ID: 9876c4

Religiork
>>
No. 962352 ID: f56a2b
File 158718070158.png - (31.76KB , 800x600 , 007.png )
962352

I had decided I would not let my fate be made by my kin, but by the true powers of this world. The other children would mock me when I spoke of them doing wrong, that our elders were not watching and so I should stop pretending to be like them. I did not understand how it never occurred to them; how they could not feel in their heart a judgement greater than any one person's-- no, greater than the village as a whole, of their actions. I could not see myself becoming like my father, a warrior; I could not see myself settling down as my mother did. The idea of becoming a scoundrel was repulsive and the thought of idly toiling away for a landlord and having kids to perpetuate it all was silly to me. The only way I could make sense of it all was to seek a calling I had felt in my heart all my years, but was only wise enough to articulate now. I would go on to...

>Seek asylum with the human missionaries. Their empire has been trying to promote its state religion and is making friends as it spreads the wealth around to the right nobles, even if it gets most of it by tithing the parishes our kind assign to it. Perhaps their way is holy, and their noble cause can reform me, trapped as I am in this morass...
(The ways of the south preach family values and the virtue of order: their godhood is a trinity of a Mother, a Father, and a Son, who respectively represent nurturing and working for ones family on the part of the Mother, hierarchy and war as well as controlling one's family for its own sake on the part of the Father, and lastly the Son embodies creative genius and industry as well as respect for one's betters and family.)

>Seek out a Godi of my own people. Whether spoken of in disparaging terms by missionaries or with respect by the old folks of the village, legend has it that the Godi know the Gods of the Orcs well and even commune with them. I can hardly take the people around me seriously when they swear on these so called Gods, but perhaps the Godi can enlighten me and reveal the truth. It would be hard to disappoint me, as I am finding this life to be phonier and more meaningless by the day.
(Orcs traditionally worship their own Gods: Orcs who have by virtue, trickery, or sheer destiny and innate power become something divine. The canon is almost nonexistent as each independent Godi, or local religious leader, has their own interpretation and claim to be able to interact with the divine. None the less, their stories are inspiring to a great many as almost any walk of life has a God who has travelled it and become a master of their own fate along the way.)

>A true pilgrimage is in order. I must journey to the far ends of this earth to find truth. Whether I find it or not, I will have purpose as I put one foot in front of the other.
(There are many faiths beyond what few you knew in your homeland, but the journey will be perilous. Of all the corners of the earth to search, a few occur to you immediately: The silk road will be a straight route to the fabled old empire of Dracon, a path surely littered with prophets and heretics alike. To the far north-east lie lands of cold, dark trees and foreign savages, who live with no gods. You only know them from ghost stories of how they would turn into the wind and sweep through the village, picking up disobedient children who ventured out at night. The missionaries who visit your village decry them as barbarians who have no Gods to save them, and who condemn themselves to hell. Perhaps... some notion occurs to you, and you could seek rumors to find others who agree with you.)
>>
No. 962353 ID: 0efe8e

We must set out on a pilgrimage, seeking not a destination, but instead a journey of self discovery.
>>
No. 962358 ID: e7c7d3

Let's try a pilgrimage. Even if we find no answers, the previous options will still be there.
>>
No. 962365 ID: b1b4f3

>>962352
Human missionaries? PROPAGANDA!
Orcs becoming gods? EGOTISM!

Seek truth.
>>
No. 962410 ID: d63ea8

The truths of the world are out there.
Let's try to find them on our pilgrimage.
>>
No. 962475 ID: f56a2b
File 158725315119.png - (25.40KB , 800x600 , 008.png )
962475

The Godis were surely charlatans who, if they did have faith, believed in truly ridiculous and hubristic notions. I would not leave them to go into the hands of the missionaries either, with their mundane obsession with family and duty; strip away the appearance of divinity and what did you have there? More of the same nonsense as I was yearning to be free of. They would keep, and if I found no answers on my own I might turn to them in desparation.

I would strike out on my own. Let the world show it's true self to me and I would be satisfied.
>>
No. 962476 ID: f56a2b
File 158725315563.png - (15.46KB , 800x600 , 009.png )
962476

Ah, I can feel my limbs again. It is faint, and I can hardly move them well, but I appear to have regenerated somewhat. My flesh is still quite tender, and it may be some time before I can move safely without fear of disintegration. It gives me more time to reflect, I suppose.
...
I have never felt so nostalgic for my past life. My duties had become a familiar burden, and I had consigned myself to an eternity of servitude, but now... No. That is not simple reflection, I must abstain.
>>
No. 962477 ID: f56a2b
File 158725316038.png - (134.34KB , 800x600 , 010.png )
962477

I remember my first leg of the journey. The conversation I had with my parents was short, bitter, but ultimately, ended with closure. My mother was distraught that I would go out into the world risking my life for nothing, but my father seemed to understand. Not that I needed his approval, but it brought a small amount of peace to know he accepted that it had to be this way. I did not bother informing anyone else in the village, they were fools by and large and in their narrow-mindedness had assumed I was leaving for the human missionaries as I passed by with my supplies.
>>
No. 962478 ID: f56a2b
File 158725316599.png - (127.95KB , 800x600 , 011.png )
962478

The lands of "Draconia" as they were known by humans were the first point of interest. I had heard little of them, save their religion being ancient by any reasonable person's standards, and being deeply tied into their history. I would find out for myself what they held as truth. I...

>took passage by ship as the crow flies, a perilous journey at this distance but the quickest by far.

>sought the coast of Occitum first, then continued by land; certainly slower with more ground to cover, but perhaps less expensive.
>>
No. 962481 ID: d63ea8

We continued by land.
Many things can happen on the road.
Perhaps we would be favored with providence.
>>
No. 962493 ID: 5730f7

We shall take the long route, so as to discover more of the world and ourself.
>>
No. 962503 ID: e7c7d3

Take the ship. One does not find purpose by playing it safe.
>>
No. 962505 ID: b1b4f3

Why rush? Take the scenic route.
>>
No. 962618 ID: 9c48ac

Money doesn't grow on trees. Take the land route.
>>
No. 962674 ID: f56a2b
File 158734421119.png - (427.36KB , 800x600 , 012.png )
962674

It most certainly was cheaper to cut the use of transportation down, so I made up my mind after reviewing my meager savings. Better to arrive late and with supplies to spare, than just in time with nothing but a few hot meals to my name.

This was not a trivial decision of course. The path by land would turn out to be quite the undertaking indeed.
-------------------------------
You are now in control. You have in your possession some basic rations and everyday hand implements as well as a fair bit of money (at least, by the standards of a villager). Besides that, you are only in possession of the clothes on your back and a long staff. For a time, the quest will not be rendered in past tense, the characters and narration will refer to themselves in appropriate tense.

What shall you do first before you leave your home town (perhaps for good)?
>>
No. 962677 ID: d63ea8

See if you can have your fortune read.
What omens should we keep an eye out for?
>>
No. 962683 ID: b1b4f3

>>962674
Plan a route, make sure you have supplies needed for the route or can buy them on the way.
>>
No. 962927 ID: f56a2b
File 158751801194.png - (312.32KB , 800x600 , 013.png )
962927

>Plan a route, make sure you have supplies needed
I have some rations, some camping equipment, and all of my savings on me... as long as I don't buy too much extra stuff I think I'll be okay. I'm hoping I can find some charitable people out there who understand my journey and might offer me shelter to ease my burden.

I've decided I'm gonna travel the road from town to town, it'll give me time to think at least. Much cheaper than travel by ship to Draconia.

I'm really anxious to meet a Dracon... I've only heard tales of how they used to rule the world, but it makes me wonder just how they'll measure up in person.

>Have your fortune read/what omens should we keep an eye out for?
Mmmaybe a Godi can do that. People always talk about their curses and hexes, maybe seeing the future is a power of theirs too? I don't know of any nearby; my map is good enough for finding nearby towns and the Human port I want to cross to but that's all the info it gives.

As for omens, I want to find out what's a true omen and what's false myself. I know there's more to this world than this simple material living, even if nobody believes me. I guess anything that looks out of place could have a meaning, if you interpreted it that way.
>>
No. 962929 ID: b1b4f3

>>962927
Alright let's get going then.
>>
No. 962932 ID: e7c7d3

What's our first destination?
>>
No. 962945 ID: d63ea8

Then the road will be our teacher. Let us depart.
>>
No. 962960 ID: f56a2b
File 158752895348.png - (645.46KB , 800x600 , 014.png )
962960

Alright, the open road! The first destination should be... Wyrdshire. It's a good day's travel from my home town of Nordock. At a good pace I should arrive before sundown; I've been down this road before. I know there's a monastery those Occitum types founded nearby, if I just take the next right I could visit them. I'd only reach Wyrdshire in a timely manner after that if I made the visit very short... or, I could stay the night with them, but I'm not sure if they'd open themselves to me like that.
>>
No. 962962 ID: b1b4f3

>>962960
I see smoke. You should go there and see if you can assist. Prepare for a fight.
>>
No. 962969 ID: 891b91

>>962962
Seconding this.
>>
No. 963029 ID: d63ea8

>>962962
Best make haste. A few minutes could be the difference between life and death.
>>
No. 963031 ID: 9876c4

Investigate the lingering 4/20 blaze.
>>
No. 963045 ID: f56a2b
File 158757520666.png - (434.93KB , 800x600 , 015.png )
963045

Smoke, rising off in the distance... that can't be good.

It's off to the right, the same direction as that monastery...

I make haste but when I arrive, I fear I've come far too late.

I've seen action before -- been called up to the fyrd for war -- but this is horrible. Whoever did this, the monks had no chance. The smell of burnt flesh is pungent and nearly unbearable.

Why did this have to happen? Who could have done this?
>>
No. 963047 ID: e7c7d3

Check the building. Maybe there's some clues there
>>
No. 963049 ID: d63ea8

Be careful, there's something in the smoke and ash to your left.

>>963045
Agreed, and check the people as well, there may be a few who are still clinging to life.
>>
No. 963050 ID: 891b91

Seconding checking the bodies and the house, but let’s take the path around to the back and make sure the outside of the building is clear before we inspect the inside.

Also, let’s steer clear of that shadowy shape in the ashes for now.
>>
No. 963064 ID: f56a2b
File 158758910584.png - (323.78KB , 800x600 , 016.png )
963064

>There's something in the smoke and ash to your left. Stear clear of that shape in the ashes.
As I pass by it, the stench of burnt flesh assaults my nose. I can hardly bear it, so I avoid it as I make my way to the central building. The monk with a spear in his back is... he is gone. The other one looks like he has lost far too much blood.

I make my way onward, but I do not see anything threatening as I circle around to behind the structure. There are only more bodies and some burnt cottages besides this burnt field, the pasture, and what was probably the center church.
>>
No. 963065 ID: f56a2b
File 158758912498.png - (379.09KB , 800x600 , 017.png )
963065

>There may be a few who are still clinging to life.
Behind the church I find a monk, and it looks like he might still be holding on!
>>
No. 963067 ID: b1b4f3

>>963065
Can you help him? Ask him what happened.
>>
No. 963073 ID: e7c7d3

Attend his wounds
>>
No. 963079 ID: 891b91

Quickly rush to his aid! Ask him who did this horrific thing!
>>
No. 963083 ID: d63ea8

Attend to his wounds first and then start speaking to him.

He can give you the full story once he's stable.
>>
No. 963158 ID: f56a2b
File 158760638550.png - (165.03KB , 800x600 , 018.png )
963158

???: "Hail, don't be alarmed!"

The monk snaps to attention. "Wh- oh goodness! Please... *cough* don't... ah, you're not one of them?" He sighs in relief and sinks back down.

???: "Indeed, I am not. I saw the smoke while on my travels and I hurried here at once! What can I do to help?"

Monk: "Young man, you are brave indeed... I am *cough cough* okay, I just need to rest for a little while."

???: "But, your hands and leg are wounded!"

Monk: "Unless you have salves or poultices for treating burns, I don't think you can help. I'll have to suffer the price of my freedom for now."

???: "Your freedom? What happened here, and who attacked you?"

Monk: "Zealots attacked us. They descended on us like a swarm of locusts, only they took our lives rather than our livelihood... first, they charged the hinterland and killed those of us who fled away from the church. Then, they herded the rest of us in and set it ablaze."
>>
No. 963159 ID: f56a2b
File 158760640214.png - (181.28KB , 800x600 , 019.png )
963159

???: "How did you survive?"

Monk: "Hard- *loud, hacking coughing* hardly. I inhaled quite a bit of smoke, but some kind of panic gripped me, and in desperation I pried and pushed at the wood to escape. I feel like death, but at least I won't die like how they intended."

???: "Who were they, and what did you mean by 'intended'?"

Monk: "Heathen Orcish warriors. Their chieftain was insane, ranting about how he would purge us from his people's lands one by one, until none of us were left to poison his people's souls. I had never felt a greater fear of the darkness in Man's heart until today..."

???: "But, wasn't he an Orc?"

Monk: "Do we not come into this world and leave the same way? We are all kindred under Heaven, be we Human, Orcish, or Dracon."

...I had never really thought of it that way.
>>
No. 963160 ID: b1b4f3

>>963159
Thank him for his wisdom. If he needs help traveling to the next town on the road he can come with you. You can share your supplies, though it will be a bit lean.
>>
No. 963164 ID: d63ea8

Keep that thought close, it will likely be the first of many philosophies.

>>963160
Support.
>>
No. 963167 ID: 891b91

>>963160
Agreed, share something if you can. Also, offer to help bury his fallen brothers so that they can at least have the dignity of a proper resting place..
>>
No. 963228 ID: 9876c4

>>963167
The man is wounded, and the orcs nearby. Better to say a prayer, and let him summon help for the rest.

We serve the gods, but do not have their power.
>>
No. 963346 ID: f56a2b
File 158770272606.png - (166.22KB , 800x600 , 20.png )
963346

???: "You should come with me. I was headed to Wyrdshire myself, and I have enough supplies for the two of us.

Monk: "That's ve-*cough*... very generous of you, young man. I shall honor your offer."

???: "Alright then, should we bury the fallen before we go?"

Monk: "Alas, we really can not afford to. Between the two of us it would take days to honor all who have fallen with proper burials, so great was this slaughter..."

???: "What about a prayer, then? Something for their sake?"

Monk: "Indeed. Prayer on their behalf is very seemly, as the sole survivor of this catastrophe."

I stay silent as the monk reflects. A few minutes later, he solemnly intones...
>>
No. 963347 ID: f56a2b
File 158770274931.png - (66.92KB , 800x600 , 21.png )
963347

Domas de Heaven, ne osecru tuam, monus et omnus.
Pro neam frater martirdiam, kee vetrusiam sic...


It's hard for me to follow him after that. I have never heard so much of the Occitan tongue at once.

It's about time to move on.
>>
No. 963348 ID: d63ea8

Ensure that you don't move too quickly.
The monk may feel the need to push himself and that might worsen his condition.
Best keep an eye out for more omens, since it seems that the road will be a lot more perilous than first expected.
>>
No. 963355 ID: b1b4f3

I guess you could take that spear that's lodged inside one of the bodies... Use it as a second walking stick, even.
>>
No. 963371 ID: 015bf2

>>963347
Help the man walk, take rests as needed.
>>
No. 963484 ID: f56a2b
File 158778781792.png - (250.67KB , 800x600 , 22.png )
963484

...et tuam Domas luscardiam maxim, pro eternus. Fiet.

Monk: I am finished.

???: Then let's go. You can use my staff for a walking stick, and I think I can fashion you some wraps from what I brought with me.

Monk: Very well. Let us make haste so that I might send word about this attack.



???: By the way, I want to thank you.

Monk: Ho? What are you playing at, young man?

???: I left my home to travel and seek truth and wisdom, and your travelling with me is a great favor.

Monk: You have a promising demeanor, young man. If you have nothing else, you have at least a sense of compassion. I think you may yet find some wisdom if you look far enough.

???: I... thank you, good monk.

Monk: We haven't introduced ourselves properly, however. You may call me Albunis. What may I call you by?
>>
No. 963488 ID: b1b4f3

Gokmar of Relsh.
>>
No. 963491 ID: e7c7d3

>>963488
Seconded
>>
No. 963514 ID: 9c48ac

>>963488
It is a good name.
>>
No. 963551 ID: d63ea8

>>963488
Support.
>>
No. 963579 ID: f56a2b
File 158783792501.png - (209.90KB , 800x600 , 023.png )
963579

???: _______________.

Monk: Very good to meet you, ______. Let us move on together.


...


I have no name anymore. The mere thought of it forces me to reflect.
>>
No. 963580 ID: f56a2b
File 158783793724.png - (71.51KB , 800x600 , 024.png )
963580

My name is contract, made with the Gods
My name is my word, not to be given
My name is power, not mine to wield
My name is my death, the tool of my unmaking.


I cannot recall how long ago it was that I began this exercise, but it yet feels as both eternity and a mere instant have passed.

I was given this scroll, and told simply to write my name, my true name as I knew myself, into the empty space in the middle.

Then, as I gazed upon it, I was told exactly what the scroll did. I already knew as it took hold of me.

>>
No. 963582 ID: f56a2b
File 158783799560.png - (67.18KB , 800x600 , 025.png )
963582

I cannot move. I cannot feel. I cannot hear. I cannot see. This magic has taken my sight, my hearing, my senses are all withdrawn. I only know that in front of me it calls me and commands me to be binded. The name in the center is the subject of this binding magic. The name in the center is Gokmar. The name in the center is my own.
>>
No. 963585 ID: d63ea8

Then it seems that our fate has already been determined.
Do we remember what the shard that dwells above the two stars is?
I can see that it mimics what is written on the scroll, but shape does not fit.


Then we should make whatever distance we can while the light is still good.
>>
No. 963604 ID: b1b4f3

>>963582
Meditate. Abandon self. If that is no longer your name, you cannot be bound by it.
>>
No. 963681 ID: f56a2b
File 158785372399.png - (282.42KB , 800x600 , 026.png )
963681

The name. That was the secret. The magic did its work none the less, but if I did not answer to its calling, all its power was for naught. The scroll and all its esoteric arcane scribblings were stuff and nonsense to me, but with its effects dispelled it was truly worth nothing more than the parchment and blood enscribed on it.

Did it take a thousand years? Did it take an instant? I was never that prideful of a person that I couldn't let go of such a trifling thing. In the end, I had passed the trial, and I had lost my name. The technique has remained with me, but the scar that trial left on my soul aches still.

>>
No. 963682 ID: f56a2b
File 158785374405.png - (539.23KB , 800x600 , 027.png )
963682

Of course... this does not change the past. Who Gokmar was, I am not any more. Let him have his name, it is not mine. These are just memories, in the end.
------------------------------
Albunis and I made as best pace as we could, but his injuries were still slowing us down. It's nightfall now, and I can only estimate we are two thirds or three quarters of the way to Wyrdshire.

Gokmar: Hey, Albunis, shouldn't you slow down a bit?

Albunis: Nonsense. We must get to town as fast as possible! Once we arrive, I will be able to contact my brethren and inform them of the loss of the church.
>>
No. 963684 ID: b1b4f3

>>963682
Fair enough. I guess we'll be traveling past nightfall... Might be able to reach town before you need to light a torch?
>>
No. 963689 ID: d63ea8

Albunis wont be able to tell them anything if he succumbs to exhaustion.

We should insist that we find a secure place to camp, otherwise we might blunder into an ambush in the middle of the night.

We can start travelling again in the twilight hours before dawn.
>>
No. 963825 ID: 9876c4

I support pushing, if we're remotely near a settlement.
>>
No. 963861 ID: 9c48ac

You already said you were worried about him. Don't let him push himself too hard. The church won't be any more lost tomorrow than today.
>>
No. 963916 ID: f56a2b
File 158796655638.png - (349.06KB , 800x600 , 28.png )
963916

Gokmar: We aren't in good shape to travel at night. You're in no condition to push yourself, and besides that it'll be too late to set up our camp when darkness comes. We don't want to light a torch and push either, if those "heathens" are still around we'll be sitting ducks!

Albunis: This message is of utmost importance. Even if it takes a push in the dark, I must deliver it.

Gokmar: The church is already gone, Albunis. I know you have to get that message to your brothers, but you can't do it in that condition. We need to stop, for your sake and mine. Otherwise, I'm not sure you may even make it.

Albunis: ...I understand the point you're trying to make, and your logic is sound. We will delay then, but only until dawn. Then, we must proceed with haste.

...

What a stubborn guy. Guess that's it for tonight... until dawn it is, then.
>>
No. 963917 ID: b1b4f3

>>963916
I see lights down there. Wanna peek?
>>
No. 963927 ID: d63ea8

>>963917
Not just lights, judging from their positions I'd guess that those are campfires surrounded by tents.

I'd advise against exploring, even if we wouldn't be harmed someone might follow us back and find Albunis.

Mentally note where they are right now. We'll have to move through the woods at a certain point since they're camped right next to a part of the road.
>>
No. 964085 ID: f56a2b
File 158808624447.png - (441.32KB , 800x600 , 029.png )
964085

I'll hold off on going all the way down there to investigate, but from what I can see those are definitely some kind of light source. Campfires make sense. I can hardly make out the lay of the land in these conditions, but it looks like they're sitting right on the side of the road we'd have to go down.

In any case, I feel pretty secure all the way up here. Time to sleep.

(Time passes...)

Guess I'm still in one piece. All things considered, that wasn't half bad sleep.
>>
No. 964088 ID: d63ea8

Check your surroundings. See if those tents have moved.

Ideally we'll try to make to Wyrdshire without confrontation.
>>
No. 964149 ID: b1b4f3

>>964085
Wake up the Monk, take another peek at the campsite you spotted, and scan the horizon for more smoke. Tell the Monk you were right to stop, since there was a big campsite just ahead of you. Likely the raiders were going the same direction...
>>
No. 964185 ID: f56a2b
File 158812113458.png - (447.82KB , 800x600 , 030.png )
964185

Getting a handle on my surrounds, then. No smoke rising from the surroundings. The campsite is still there, and I think I can make out a few people moving around. If they're some kind of bandits or marauders I'd have to wonder why they chose the side of the road to encamp by.

Albunis: Ah, you're up already. No time to waste then, lets pack up and move on!

Gokmar: Hold on there, there's an encampment down the hill, next to the road. Did you see what direction the raiders went after they attacked?

Albunis: An encampment you say? No, I don't recall what direction the raiders went... come to think of it, I can't recall where they came from. There were quite a lot of them... here, let me see that encampment.

...

Albunis: Ah, I doubt those are raiders. Perhaps vagabonds, but... in my experience, it takes more tents than that to encamp a band as large as the one which attacked my monastery. At that, I wouldn't imagine any band choosing to encamp in such a poor defensive position. Even you could, erm, "get the drop on them" from the cover this landscape affords.

Gokmar: Right, right...



He makes a good point. The two of us could probably evade the camp. We could also sneak close and scout it. Both are likely to work with the cover around here, but we'd have to cut into the woods to evade it and scouting it is a bit riskier. Whatever the case, I know this bend, and it's not a far distance from Wyrdshire after this.
>>
No. 964187 ID: b1b4f3

>>964185
Eh may as well scout it out a bit to see if you can approach or just pass by unhindered, that way you won't have to spend time in the woods to evade them.
>>
No. 964202 ID: d63ea8

My first instinct would be to avoid it entirely, but from this distance the group don't look to be raiders.

There aren't any active sentries and the camp's atmosphere seems too peaceful.

>>964187
Sure, let's scout it.
>>
No. 964467 ID: f56a2b
File 158829054636.png - (314.79KB , 800x600 , 031.png )
964467

I leave Albunis behind and make my way down the hill, then loop around and find a spot close to the camp. I can't say i'm doing a very good job of this, but then again nobody is coming after me...

Yeah, there's something about these people here that's off. Nobody is keeping a serious watch, there's no fortification, the tents are all spread out and the people are wearing common townsfolk garb. In any case, they clearly aren't keeping a watch, so there's no real risk to sneaking by as I had thought.

I guess that leaves things up to more of a choice of do I bother approaching these folk and asking them what they're doing or not.
>>
No. 964472 ID: d63ea8

We might want to circle back to Albunis and continue to Wyrdshire.

If these people are travelling in our direction then we will get a chance later on to meet them.

Right now, we best make haste to Wyrdshire. We promised that we would hurry and help Albunis deliver his message.
>>
No. 964495 ID: b1b4f3

Hmmm yeah I guess this doesn't look important enough to spend time on, and doesn't seem like a risk either. Let's just go.
>>
No. 964513 ID: e7c7d3

Just move on
>>
No. 964790 ID: f56a2b
File 158852477803.png - (433.28KB , 800x600 , 032.png )
964790

Gokmar: Here, let's get up and move.

Albunis: What of that camp?

Gokmar: Nothing important, and we shouldn't waste any more time. You have a message to deliver.

Albunis: Then we're in agreement. Let us depart.

---------------------------------------

Wyrdshire.

In an age when orcs did not mark the years, Oger the Great founded Wyrdshire by her own reckoning and wealth. The basis of the town in ages past was as her own great estate of slaves and subjects. They worked looms as well as they bred livestock and harvested crops. Where others preferred a coast just opposite wealthy human lands (all the better to bring the loot back home quick), Oger sought to leverage the power great wealth had in a poor land away from hostile powers.

After a successful and daring raid up the river Seine, she returned home with a great deal of wealth and used it to establish a fortress up the coast some distance away from Occitan lands. An ambitious and daring young man decided he would win his spurs by defeating the she-witch orc who had raided his liege's lands and stolen so much wealth.

The siege was a messy affair, devolving into an assault on the fort itself due to the fragile political alliance empowering the expedition. The attacking army was shattered and a great many knights were ransomed for a magnificent sum, which only magnified the status of Oger's oppidium. Legend has it that the last to be ransomed was the leader of the expedition, only for him to return to Oger, not as a warrior, but as a suitor. His dower brought such prosperity that the settlement became a regional power in its own right, and trade began to flow in earnest.

Occitan chroniclers would speak of an unmanly character on the part of the young groom, bewitching powers on the part of the bridge, or a combination of both, of course.

Whatever the case, only Oger's name and the broad strokes of the legend have survived the ages since. Today, Wyrdshire stands as the capital holding of the region and a nexus for agricultural, commercial, and military systems.


---------------------------------------

Albunis: Well, Gokmar, it has been good to travel with you. Now however, we must soon part. Perhaps our paths will cross again, someday. Perhaps we will never meet again.

Gokmar: I suppose that's it then. I'll see you around. Best of luck and good health to you!

Albunis: To you as well, Gokmar. Ask after me at the church in town: you might find a little help for your journey!


I guess that's it for our time together. It was an enlightening detour, but I still feel strange after witnessing that devastation at the monastery. Now that we've parted, what should I do next? A few things come to mind.

>Try to track down a Godi
>Visit the local church
>Ask after rumors or news in a local watering hole
>Get ready for the next leg of the journey
>____________________________
>>
No. 964793 ID: 9876c4

Do all of it. Pay special attention to see if anyone is going your way for the next leg of the journey.
>>
No. 964796 ID: d63ea8

Try to track down a Godi.
We need to know which signs to follow and which to look out for.

Afterwards we can join Albunis at the church.
>>
No. 965690 ID: f56a2b
File 158889936339.png - (97.75KB , 800x600 , 033.png )
965690

>Track down a Godi for help following signs, then meet with Albunis

I stop by a little tavern, and have myself a nice drink after everything.

As I think about the best way to ask after a local Godi, I pick up on some interesting words being used at another table. Church. Occupied. Heathens.

-----------------------------

Gokmar: "Pardon me, but did I hear you say heathens, sir?

???: "What? No. I didn't- uhh, no. I didn't call them heathens. A slip of the tongue! Hahaheheh-"

??????: "Don't be a coward! YEAH, THEY'RE HEATHENS! What-- are you one of them? Come on! TAKE YOUR BEST SHOT!"

???: "Donar, shut up, for your own sake! You're going to get yourself knocked out!"

Donar: "Whatever!" Donar puffs his chest out at me before going back to his drink.

???: "Forgive us please, my friend is an idiot. Please forgive him. We don't mean any disrespect."

Gokmar: "I'm not a heathen... I just wanted to know what you were talking about. I've just arrived in town, and now I'm hearing that the church is occupied by heathens? I forget my manners; my name is Gokmar, and yours?"

???: "The name's Wead."

Wead: "If you've just arrived in town, friend, best steer clear of the church."

"A few days ago, a Godi and his retinue sauntered into town. They got into the keep and took the castellan hostage, then had the church clergy... dispersed. It was an awful bloodbath... and, since then, another band of zealots has moved in and occupied the church!"

Gokmar: "When did that second band get here?"

Wead: "They just came in last night, or so I've heard."

Gokmar: "Thanks for the heads-up."

Donar: "You better buy me a drink for having to listen to you two. Haha!"

-----------------------------

I really don't know where to start. I guess I won't be able to go visit Albunis at the-- oh, shit...

>Please suggest your next action(s).
>____________________________
>>
No. 965695 ID: b1b4f3

>>965690
Welp. Your friend's in danger. Pay your bill and get moving.
You can fight, right?
>>
No. 965711 ID: d63ea8

>>965695
Yeah, pay quickly and start running.
If we're lucky we might be able to catch Albunis before he gets there.
>>
No. 966141 ID: f56a2b
File 158912950860.png - (108.27KB , 800x600 , 034.png )
966141

Gokmar: "Quickly now, which way is the church?"

Weal: "Go out, take a left, take a right and follow the curve of the street across the bridge. It's right there."

Right, a few pennies left behind and I'm off. No time to lose!
>>
No. 966142 ID: f56a2b
File 158912952931.png - (156.36KB , 800x600 , 035.png )
966142

I get moving but soon enough I can see the church and there's been no sign of Albunis the whole jog there.

I don't know what I was expecting, but there's someone leaning against the wall, right outside the front of the church!

It seems people are trying to avoid this part of town. I don't look so inconspicuous after my run over here, and now the person over there is sizing me up.

Stranger: "Hey, you! What are you in such a hurry for? C'mon now, you got someplace to be?"

Stranger: "You, yes, you. Why are you still staring?"

I'm face to face with this heathen now and I don't know what to do. My mind is racing, has this zealot killed before? Was he part of that attack on the monastery? I can feel my fears boiling away as I get more and more incensed. I have to get a grip and decide how I'm going to handle this situation.
>>
No. 966143 ID: d63ea8

It looks like the church has an open doorway, so we just need to get close if we want to see inside. There should be signs of a struggle of Albunis got here before us.

Try a benign approach;
You're new to town and wanted to see the sights.
Ask the guard who they are and what this place is.
All the while try to walk towards him and so you can peek into the interior.
>>
No. 966168 ID: b1b4f3

>>966142
First priority is finding out what happened to Albunis. Tell him you're looking for someone that was on his way to the church. Has anyone else approached it today?
Also, do not let prejudice cloud your mind. They took over the church *after* it was cleared out. They may not have killed anyone.
>>
No. 966169 ID: d63ea8

>>966168
Fair.
Very well, let's go with this approach instead.
>>
No. 966264 ID: f56a2b
File 158924587227.png - (53.20KB , 800x600 , 036.png )
966264

Gokmar: I'm looking for someone who was going to the church. Did anyone else come here today?

The humor drains from his voice and his posture shifts.

Stranger: I dunno. What's he to you?

Gokmar: He's... a fellow traveller. We were supposed to meet up here.

Stranger: Huh.

I get a little glimpse at the interior, but the room is just a vestibule of sorts.

Stranger: Tell you what. If you tell me everything you know about this person you're looking for, I might have an answer for you.
>>
No. 966265 ID: b1b4f3

>>966264
Give him a physical description, for starters.

Do you think you could take the guard in a fight?
>>
No. 966266 ID: d63ea8

I don't like that shift in his tone, nor do I like how he want to know how much we know.

Give a cursory description of Albinus, but leave out anything that is distinct to a monk's appearance (i.e the robes and the hair style).
Say that you met him on the road.

Be attentive to the guards movements, note if he tense up at with any particular word or description.
>>
No. 966353 ID: b1b4f3

Hmm, it's possible he thinks you're one of the Godi's men here to kill the last monk, if Albinus gave them his story...
>>
No. 966433 ID: 9876c4

I don't have a perfect grasp of the color palatte, but this guard looks pretty orky.

We'd probably be better off tricking than fighting him.
>>
No. 966624 ID: f56a2b
File 158948500998.png - (28.83KB , 800x600 , 037.png )
966624

>Could you take the guard in a fight? He looks pretty orky.

I'm... not sure what us having a race in common matters, but it'd be risky. Maybe too risky. I certainly know how to bring a spear to bear, but he's got armor and a club. I wouldn't try it unless I was very desperate.

>Give him a physical description, leaving out anything to mention him being a monk.

Gokmar: "I haven't known him for very long, but like I said, we were supposed to meet here in town after we separated for a bit. He's tall, heavy set, has blue eyes... he's a human. His hands and his right leg are bandaged, on account of some heavy burns."

He's more relaxed now, but he's searching my eyes very intensely.

Stranger: "Heavy burns, eh...? You sure about that? Yeah, I think I know who you're talking about. Just one question. What's his name?"

It's a tense moment, but something occurs to me:
>It's possible he thinks you're one of the Godi's men here to kill the last monk, if Albinus gave them his story...

Gokmar: "If you know him, then you know me. He didn't come here expecting you, but he's still expecting me to be here. I'm not going to risk giving you his name, but mine is Gokmar."

That caught his interest. He mulls it over for a second, and says:

Stranger: "Humph. Yeah yeah, fine. We're protecting him, so I'll take you inside if you'd like. Err, I'll take your spear for now though. We don't really know what you're like, and we don't like letting strangers walk around with arms out around us."

He steps aside and gestures to the doorway.

Stranger: "Hand me your spear, and you go ahead first."
>>
No. 966627 ID: 9876c4

I guess we take the risk.
>>
No. 966628 ID: d63ea8

Yeah, let's hand it over, it's not like we're really trained in weapons anyway.
>>
No. 966635 ID: b1b4f3

>>966624
From body language I think he's telling the truth. Hand it over, go visit your friend, find out how he's handling the situation. Maybe you can find out who's camping outside of town?
>>
No. 966761 ID: f56a2b
File 158959656888.png - (24.94KB , 800x600 , 038.png )
966761

It's a risk, but it's one I'll take. I hand my spear over and enter the vestibule. It's strangely empty but that's not what catches my eye.

:hardra1: "By the way, the name's Hardra. Nice to meet you."

The doorway is...

It feels like it's a million miles away, and I don't want to wander into it. I couldn't care less about what's on the other side, and if Albunis is in there I don't want to bother him.

:hardra1: "Hey, what are you- oh, hmmm. I'll be right back."

Hardra goes beyond the doorway. I wait for a couple minutes.

:hardra1: "Alright, you should be able to come through now."
>>
No. 966762 ID: f56a2b
File 158959661349.png - (56.86KB , 800x600 , 039.png )
966762

I feel very odd, like my thoughts weren't my own a second ago. It passes, and the sight beyond the doorway is stunning.

It's at once a sight of desecration and serenity. The shrine has been pilfered of it's centerpiece icon, the tapestries are torn down, the spots where icons hung from the walls are barren. Despite all of it, I feel the cool, pure light of the room's only light source glowing softly above me.

:albunis1: "Gokmar, it is good to see you again!"

:gokmar1: "Good health to you as well. What's going on here, Albunis?"

:albunis1: "It is rather an odd state of affairs, yes? When I arrived here, Hardra stopped me to ask what I was doing. He told me what had happened in this town, and... what happened to my brothers here, as well. As it turns out, this band is quite sympathetic and understanding of my situation. It does not hurt that they have a real rivalry with the zealots that have occupied Wyrdshire's keep."

:albunis1: "They have let me know I am free to go at any time, though I must admit I am loathe to give up their protection, knowing those fiends may strike me the moment I leave."

:gokmar1: "Have they told you anything else?"

:albunis1: "Ah, while I appreciate their generosity... they are not open with me. It is understandable, these are men and women of adventure and not fa-... not my faith. Perhaps you might glean more from them, as an orc to an orc."

What shall ye do next?

>Speak with someone?

>>The bloke enjoying a bottle of... something or other.
>>That... mountain of a... THING honing its (their?) axe!
>>Hardra, who hasn't gone back outside to keep watch, yet... and seems to never take his eyes off me for a moment.
>>The quiet young woman sitting by the shrine.
>>Either one of the orcs sitting at the makeshift table.
>>Almost didn't see the one standing in the back corner, there.

>Leave, and go to...
>>The tavern. It's there for what it's there for.
>>The smithy, that should probably be here. It'd certainly take a blow out of your savings, but you could probably afford a blade at your side if you were feeling envious of this lot of warriors.
>>The other band of zealots at the keep. Hey, they probably won't take a shot at you, and if nothing else, they're another point of view on the matters of faith. The whole reason you came out here to do this, right?

>______________________
>>
No. 966772 ID: 9876c4

Man-mountain and quiet girl for sure, anyone else at your discretion.
>>
No. 966781 ID: d63ea8

Hmm. The hooks are asymmetrical, might be worth a closer look when you are chatting with the people here.

What are those icons in the ((bottom-right)) corner? Are they cards? Portraits?

I'd say that the mountainous individual and the person enjoying the bottle might be good candidates for conversation.
>>
No. 966785 ID: b1b4f3

>>966772
Yeah.
Specifically we can ask the mountain guy about how hostile the occupying hostile force is. Could we just go over there and ask for a Godi's perspective on religion? Is there anything we can do to help?
Obviously the quiet girl could have some insights on religion as well.
>>
No. 967211 ID: f56a2b
File 158994708114.png - (17.78KB , 800x600 , 040.png )
967211

>What are those icons in the ((bottom-right)) corner? Are they cards? Portraits?
They look like paintings to me. They're very striking even if some look... smudged? One of them has a big gash in it which is unfortunate. The pigments are incredibly rich and-- is that gold? Several of these paintings have gold being used to make the frame or the subject lustrous and shiny. These were not cheap.

>Talk to the man mountain and quiet girl, and anyone else at your discrestion.

>>Icons
:gokmar1: "I think I'll go ask these folk about what's going on, but... I have a few questions.

...

:albunis1: "--and so, you now understand, the lustre of gold is but a means to an end. The beauty of the Divine is such that we must seek out whatever may best serve to imitate and iconicize Them. The rich pigments make the image strikingly bold and yet pure, while the lustrous gold leaf entrances the mortal mind and stirs the soul."

:albunis1: "As for the hooks on the wall being asymmetrical? Well, that's just how they were placed in order to position the icons, which are not all of the same shape nor size."

Oh!

:gokmar1: "I almost forgot! I tried to get in here but something happened to me, and it was like I couldn't even think about walking through the doorway. Do you know what that was?"

:albunis1: "Yes, this band has invoked a blessing of Sanctuary from one of their gods, I believe. I was able to will myself to act through it, but someone like yourself would have a hard time overcoming compulsive magics. They tend to work very well on the young, the absent minded, and the dissolute. I do not mean to say that you are guilty of all three!"
>>
No. 967212 ID: f56a2b
File 158994710611.png - (22.17KB , 800x600 , 041.png )
967212

Yes, Sanctuary... a most powerful and yet elementary thaumaturgical work. Only the witless and bestial are spared from the invocation's compulsion; the more intelligent and rational one is the more wise to their fallibility they must be, for only by rejecting the will it imposes on you and defeating the false sense of self it preys on can you break its hold on your waking mind. As could be said of all mental trickery that thaumaturgy is used to commit, a naive trust in your own self is your undoing.

I did not realize my masters were molding me into such a twisted wretch until I first rejected my own will and butchered a priest who had called for sanctuary from his God. Since then, it has only become easier.

>>
No. 967213 ID: f56a2b
File 158994714994.png - (17.86KB , 800x600 , 042.png )
967213

How should I approach these folk? Oh, sod it. No sense pretending I'm not here to pick their brains.

:gokmar1: "Pardon me, sir."

:conchar1: "Mrh?" *gulp* "Ah, who are you?"

:gokmar1: "My name is Gokmar. W-"

:conchar1: "The name's Conchar. Good health!" *sip*

:gokmar1: "I've never met a Godi before. I was interested in how you folk all look at religion, I'm on a sort of 'see the world and find yourself' kind of trip you see."

:conchar1: "WELL NO SHIT! You've come to the right place."

The stench of mead on his lips is quite pungent. It's almost enough to make me regret seeking his advice.

:conchar1: "You oughtta join up! I'd know cause I'm in this band for the same reason you're travelling the world! Heyy how far have you gone so far huh?"

:gokmar1: "Actually, I've been to Wyrdshire before--"

:conchar1: "Wyrdshire huh? Where is that?"



:gokmar1: "We're in it. This is the Church of Wyrdshire."

:conchar1: "Shit, huh. Guess I forgot. Whatever, like I was saying before you oughtta join up us. We've got tough guys like Hardra backing us up. Nobody's gonna fuck with you.

:gokmar1: "What about that one, over there?"

:conchar1: "Who..." He gulps, without a drop of drink in his mouth. "ohhhhh... I wouldn't like, mess with him. He's like, kind of scary."

:gokmar1: "Scary? Come on now, doesn't he have your back?"

:conchar1: "I'm serious. I saw him tear a woman in two with his bare hands. It was... bad. I know he has my back but... like, I don't know."
>>
No. 967214 ID: f56a2b
File 158994716581.png - (29.77KB , 800x600 , 043.png )
967214

:gokmar1: "Pardon me, sir. I-"

I swear, I can feel him staring at me. Something in his pose shifts, and there's a tension in the air a thousand times worse than when I spoke with Hardra as he puts his sharpening stone down but does not let go of his axe.

He just sits there... his eyes-- no, the eyes of the pelt he's wearing feel like they're staring at me.

I almost flinch and step back instinctively, as he draws himself up to full height, axe in hand.

:banabjorn1: "Banabjorn I am. Thou, would approach me?"

:gokmar1: "Y-yes. I don't want to fight. I just want to talk, please."

He sits back down and... sets his axe down?

:banabjorn1: "Grrr... I want to fight not as well! All thee here are so strange, thou people the Great Island thereof. Do, thee here give respect when addressed? Do, thee here sit as the thumb stands?

:gokmar1: "Uhhh..."

:banabjorn1: "Orcling, thou hear me? Sit, fine. If, thou to me want to talk? Then, thou speak right! Do, I, thine mumblings care for? No. Speak!

>Thine questions parse-- err, phrase your questions to the barbarian in his own way of speaking, if you would be so kind.
>>
No. 967221 ID: d63ea8

((Okay, not much vocabulary to go on, but I will try to pick it up.))

First sit down.

"Gokmar I am. I give respect greatly. Thou, a place from where?"

"Do, I, thine words care for? Yes."

((Hopefully he gives more definitive statements rather than questions, it'll take time to try and put the words together well.))
>>
No. 967242 ID: e7c7d3

>>967221
Seconded
>>
No. 967249 ID: 9876c4

>>967221
You're on point for this
>>
No. 967299 ID: f56a2b
File 159001665530.png - (35.57KB , 800x600 , 044.png )
967299

I sit down.

:gokmar1: "Gokmar, I am. I give respect greatly. Do, I, thine words care for? Yes. Thou, a place from where?"

He goes back to honing his axe.

:banabjorn1: "Gokmar... Thy name empty rings. Have, thee, a clan not? I from away far, far am. Urorkland, across the whale-road be; my home."
>>
No. 967341 ID: d63ea8

((Alright, I think I'm getting a better picture of the vocabulary.))

"Have, I, a clan? No. Clan, a place empty."

"I journey now, truths seeking."

"Have, thee, truths from away far? Truths the Urorkland thereof?"

((That's cool, he's from across the ocean.))
>>
No. 968315 ID: f56a2b
File 159072160250.png - (28.27KB , 800x600 , 45.png )
968315

:gokmar1: "Have, I, a clan? No. Clan, a place empty."

:banabjorn1: "Hrmm... Thee, a clan without? Thine own clan by thee not known, maybe."

:banabjorn1: "Here, now, I seek vengeance and fate. What thee seek?

:gokmar1: "I journey now, truths seeking. Have, thee, truths from away far? Truths the Urorkland thereof?"

This seems to stop him for a few moments, before he speaks again.

:banabjorn1: "Truths...? Lore this world thereof? Thee our band might join. We all seek. I, truth of Urorkland but one have. A story."
>>
No. 968316 ID: f56a2b
File 159072161872.png - (172.82KB , 800x600 , 46.png )
968316

He started as he meant to go on, in his barbaric speech...

-------------------------------------

Kin our own, we all adhere must. Tribes, trust thus.

Rites, respected; path wrong which is, rejected.

Youths' years all for we yearn,
Whose homes at, hearths brightly burn.

Adulthood orcs' all seek. One's path, an experience with, is earned.
But. when and whence, mine twin's turn.

as he speaks i feel it
he felt it in his mind
a conscio us ness not his ow n
wh a


--------------------------

It is cold. Too cold.

You're getting tired.

It's hard to focus.

What were you supposed to find? Adulthood? Your path? It's all so...

Focus. FOCUS! You can't just fade away now!

[You feel lethargic.]
[It's hard to focus and think.]
[You feel cold creeping into your core.]


Inventory:
Furs (worn)
-You're holding them tight to block out the cold.
Lugged Spear (in hand)
-A fine weapon, with lugs to prevent a wild beast from sliding up the spear to attack you once impaled.
Seax (at hand)
-A knife you've had since your seventh winter.
Rations (one meal, stowed away)
-The only sustenance not of your own making you were allowed to have.
Vibrant Potion (stowed away)
-The shaman said, "When a fight becomes too much to bear, drink deep of this and your soul will blaze anew. After the fire leaves however, your ashes will run cold. This works best on a full stomach. Do NOT use this when you are hungry or starving, unless it is truly a matter of life or death, as you might well die afterwards!"
Murky Potion (stowed away)
-The shaman said, "If you encounter an alf, or a skadi, or any manner of otherworldy being, this will expand your mind to see clearly. The more tired and hungry you are the more effective this draught will be. I hope I shouldn't have to say this then; do not drink it after a meal for base refreshment!"
>>
No. 968325 ID: e7c7d3

Get up and look for a beast to slay
>>
No. 968330 ID: d63ea8

The first thing you need is a fire. Cold and tired can be a lethal combo.

Use your Seax to hack off some branches and turn them into kindling.
>>
No. 968566 ID: f56a2b
File 159088993944.png - (183.94KB , 800x600 , 047.png )
968566

>Cold and tired can be a lethal combo.

A fire is a good idea. I can't just sit around and wait like this.

...

>Get up and look for a beast to slay.

This... marsh? is strange, and for the dead trees I'd say it was truely lifeless... Every now and then I look up from the fire to see shapes in the fog, but as I chase them they run away or just seem to disappear. I still haven't eaten, and I swear, the hungrier I get the more I notice shapes in the corners and behind trees...

SEE? HEAR?

I might just eat that meal, I really am starving...

I speak. AT YOU! come closer

wait WAIT NOT EAT! NOT EAT! NOT YET! NOT YET!
>>
No. 968573 ID: b1b4f3

>>968566
>come closer, don't eat yet
Alright. See if you can follow the sound of that voice. Bring your spear.
>>
No. 968579 ID: d63ea8

This is a place of death. Spirits that dwell here would be well versed in the words of desperation.

Grab your spear and drink the Murky Potion, you need to know what you are dealing with. And you are in the proper state to use the potion to its fullest effect.

Try to see where this 'voice' is coming from.
>>
No. 968753 ID: f56a2b
File 159106756601.png - (82.27KB , 800x600 , 048.png )
968753

>Bring your spear, follow the sound of that voice. Drink the murky potion, you need to know what you are dealing with.

This place is dead silent. Why do I think I'm hearing voices?

The more I think about it, the more it unnerves me; maybe it's time for a drink.

*gulp*

Tastes like... ugh, like... vinegar and spoiled meat. It's really not sitting too well in my empty stomach...

Let's get a move on.

I've been walking for a while.

Huh.

That's strange.

My thoughts.

Come to me.

I have to think to catch them quickly all atoncetakestoo much my
head

hurt

what
is ?

[Yourbodyfeelslethargicbutyourmindhasnolimitationsonagency.yourwillisentirelyunfetteredbyphysicalfeedback.itshardtofocusorthink.thememoryofthefireswarmthismeaninglesstoyourmindandfreshinyourbodythecoldofthe Skadi-vidr's atmospherecontinuestopierceintoyourfleshbutthereislittletemperaturechangetheeffectismentalandyousuccessfulyresistit.yourbodystillwantswarmthofthefire.hungermakesyourbodytireditwantswarmth ]

"SEE? HEAR?
I speak. AT YOU! come closer
wait WAIT NOT EAT! NOT EAT! NOT YET! NOT YET!


! I DID hear that voice! the one I thought of hearing! I did not hear it! I do not hear it. But it must have happened.

Where did it come from?

>Your body is experiencing a heightened level of arousal and anxiety. It is attempting to identify the source of the voice in an area where it believes a dangerous unknown could have produced it. It has recognized the following patterns: Snake, Deer, Person, Sticks, Hole, Ghost, Demon, Fire, Spear, and Witchcraft.

>Your body is fervently attempting to compel you to investigate one, more, or all of these patterns or act to protect yourself against one, more, or all of these patterns.
>>
No. 968754 ID: f56a2b

Without focus, thoughts come easily and almost instantly. With focus, the body can be controlled, but the ebb and flow of its own corporeal will resists the mind's control.
>>
No. 968763 ID: d63ea8

There is a face in the Sticks and Fire but a Deer moves amid the trees.

We do not know if these faces hold the presence of a Ghost or a Demon, but keep your Spear at hand.

Focus on this:
Kneel at the face of Sticks but keep your eyes locked on the Deer off to the left.
>>
No. 968764 ID: b1b4f3

>>968753
Face in the sticks, probably nothing. Face in the fire, probably nothing. Just your mind playing tricks on you. The "deer" could be real but it's harmless and if it's real it will run off.

Investigate: "snake" in the snow, scare it off or just move away from it. "Person" behind that tree, investigate and talk to them.
Don't step in the hole.
>>
No. 968815 ID: f56a2b
File 159114787118.png - (165.36KB , 800x600 , 049.png )
968815

You choose to focus on controlling your body.

You pick up the spear and bring it to bear.
>Your body is mildly apprehensive about picking up the spear, but as long as the tip is away from you it does not fight your actions very much.

You kneel by the Sticks, and dismiss your body's paranoia about them.
>Your body is mildly afraid of the face it sees in the Sticks, but more so you fight to move away from the fire.

You ignore the face in the fire as a trick.
>Your body has no more fear of the Fire, but it does try to resist you moving away from it towards the sticks.

Avoiding the Snake by maintaining your distance, it seems to wind and slither in the distance.
>Your body has a significant fear of the snake, but at this distance it only fights to keep your attention on it, which it does not accomplish.

You keep your eyes on the deer(?). It continues to apparently sideeye you, from its position half behind the tree.
>Your body does not fear the deer so much, and this is enough for it.

You avoid the Hole(?) in the tree.
>Your body appreciates you giving in to its fear of the hole.

You call out to the Person.
>Your body is wary of the shape. It hears a whispered response spoken in tongues.

>Your body urges you to seek warmth, and fights your attempts to lower yourself towards the "cold" ground, unsuccessfully.

>Your body races with anxiety about ghosts, demons, and witchcraft. Something primal within you stirs, and though you do not see it clearly, your body feels something wash over it. You do not feel alone in your body.

Focus on control of actions or Think and obtain clarity of perception?
Either way, what do you do/contemplate and how?
>>
No. 968823 ID: b1b4f3

>>968815
Think. I couldn't tell where the ghost or demon or witchcraft were, let's try to find those again.
Maybe the ghost is in your body now, in which case maybe that's who you're trying to contact? Is the "Person" even real? Move a little closer to it to make it out more clearly. You would also be getting a little closer to the fire, which is nice.
>>
No. 968826 ID: d63ea8

Think, we need to find what is real and what isn't.
>>
No. 968954 ID: f56a2b
File 159131165624.png - (418.16KB , 800x600 , 050.png )
968954

You choose to think, to search for the ghost, the demon, and the witchcraft. To figure out if the Person is real. To find out what is real, and what is not.

[You lose focus and your body's perceptions turn into a blur. It is free to act on instinct, and you are mostly unperceptive of current events, for the moment you think. Your memory, however, is well accounted for and your state of mind is open to you.]

...

All information that comes to mind has been considered, realized, and catalogued to be reviewed by yourself.

>Where is the ghost? The demon? The witchcraft?
[The body sensed a pattern that indicated a livi-- animated spirit nearby which it could not see, touch, hear, taste or smell. On reflection, you are certain there is such a being nearby. The body sensed a pattern of mental influence it was not used to; a corruption of self control could either be a Demon (if tied to the aforementioned Ghost entity or another specific entity) or could be Witchcraft in the abstract, divorced from any one source.]

>Is the person real?
[The Person is no more than a pattern in the fog. The mutterings heard by the body fall within a margin of mistaken interpretation not clarified by the altered state of perception caused by the drink. In addition, the mutterings carried no weight and did not wash over your soul like the words spoken by living beings would have. Your body was almost certainly interpreting ambient noises to be the speech of the "being".]

>What is real, and what is not?
[This requires the most withdrawal from the distractions of the physical world.]

[The cold is not real, you can tell you are being fed the sensations but the source is not obvious. The snake and the person are not real. The deer is not real. The spear has no supernatural qualities or real presence to your mind. The feeling of witchcraft, a ghost, or a demon, is certainly real. The fire is ] a fire. It is warm, and it can help stave off the lethal cold. You will need to warm up and come closer

come closer come closer >come closer >come closer to the fire >go to the fire >

[You cannot control your body with conscious thoughts. You must Focus to do that.]




[On a certain level, you know nothing about this is real, and yet, there is clearly a layer of substance to this false reality. You are a mind, in memory, being relived through another. Perhaps, you are merely a figment of the dreamer's imagination. Despite your realization that you are a mere memory of life, there is something about the landscape you find yourself in... as if the memory is but a play, yet the stage is real...]
>>
No. 968955 ID: f56a2b

warm up with the fire
>>
No. 968956 ID: d63ea8

>>968955
The cold is not real which means:
You are a liar.

Focus:
Do not approach the fire, speak to it.
>>
No. 968957 ID: b1b4f3

Alright, we've eliminated basically everything but the fire.
What about the face in the sticks, and the hole in the tree?
After that, Focus, then get closer to the fire, but not close enough to burn yourself.
>>
No. 969188 ID: f56a2b
File 159158682644.png - (453.35KB , 800x600 , 051.png )
969188

mortal orc come to the fire orc focus come it's cold warm up

[The hole in the tree is not a figment of your imagination, that you can tell. What is inside of it, your body could not see. The face in the sticks seemed to be the product of a paranoid subconscious.]

[The fire appeared to be real, but on consideration... the cold does not exist.]

[You remember cutting tree branches with your seax and you lit the fire You had NOTHING to light the fire with. Every time you remember the event, there are no details. You remember nothing, except that you lit the fire.

[Your body seizes up. It does not move at all, and the limbs go nearly entirely slack. The blurred senses you receive become... wrong.]

[It is time to focus, and reunite your mind with your body. The ravages of the shaman's draught are unnavigable to a simpleton, which is what your body is reduced to unless your heightened awareness focuses its animation.]

[You focus back on your body---
>>
No. 969189 ID: f56a2b
File 159158685892.png - (178.21KB , 800x600 , 052.png )
969189

---and at once, you are past a threshhold. Your body isn't comatose and unresponsive. It was your mind which could not handle the world the draught revealed.

------------------

(You): "Hear me, you liar! I will not be decieved!"

(Skadi): It makes no difference. You will burn. Come to me and burn. Come to me and burn... Come to me, and burn.

------------------

Thought and focus are no longer seperate. The (Selfless Knowledge) draught is in full effect, and will probably remain so for most of the day, piercing the veil between planes.

Inventory:
Furs
Lugged Spear
(Your Seax)
A piece of your essence resides in this knife.
Rations
(Potion of Fire's Wrath)
Your Fire will burn gloriously. Your Air will be exhausted. Your Water will be depleted. Your Earth will become brittle. You will be resistant to thaumaturgy. Once the fire leaves, your mortal vessel will be used to nourish your soul.
(Potion of Selfless Knowledge) The world's Water will flow through your mind's stream, expanding your consciousness and perception. You will be resistant to thaumaturgy. Once the flow ends, your Water will not be entirely your own for some while.

>>
No. 969190 ID: b1b4f3

>>969189
What? Why is everything completely different?
Explain these elements.
>>
No. 969191 ID: d63ea8

Focus:
Uncork and throw the bottle of Fire's Wrath into Skadi's form, then hold your breath.

It will consume all the air, except for that which lay in your lungs.

Skadi will smother itself.
>>
No. 969694 ID: f56a2b
File 159210381530.png - (20.88KB , 800x600 , 053.png )
969694

>What? Why is everything completely different?
>Explain these elements.

Water is Mind, the flow of sense. Fire is Will, by which life seeks life. I don't even know what it means, it's just flowing into my (mindstream) because of the potion... Air is the empathy of souls. Earth is the binding of a soul to its vessel.

NGgh!

you I can barely handle everything, it's all happening at once!

My--

Come to me and burn. Enter the fire.

Enter the fire... burn... Fire. Burn.

>Focus:
>Uncork and throw the bottle of Fire's Wrath into Skadi's form, then hold your breath.
>It will consume all the air, except for that which lay in your lungs.
>Skadi will smother itself.

I don't think--

Stop hesitating. Do it!

Must. Act!

(Skadi): You think to assault me now? Pathetic.
>>
No. 969695 ID: f56a2b
File 159210383070.png - (162.11KB , 800x600 , 054.png )
969695

(Skadi): Hahaha... what is this? A "potion? Was I supposed to be harmed?"

(Skadi): "Come on now! GET OVER HERE! COME HERE! NOW!"

As the (Skadi's) form grows more monstrous, I feel the raw spirit of his Fire radiate. At the same time, however, its Water dries up, leaving my (mindstream) unmolested...

(Skadi): "COME HERE AND BURN! COME HERE AND BURN!!!"

(You): "And just why would I do that?"

(Skadi): "BECAUSE DIE DIE BURN! COME HERE AND BURN!!!"

He continues to rant and rave; I stop holding my breath when I realize the air around me is unchanged. None the less, I keep my distance from the raving monster. It's like watching a ravenous wolf... with its leg in a snare.
>>
No. 969696 ID: f56a2b
File 159210385374.png - (23.69KB , 800x600 , 055.png )
969696

It only becomes more pathetic, as it screams and wails of its terrible hunger and continues to claw in desperate attempts to reach me.

(Skadi): "I need you! burn! i need you... burn... so hungry.... i need you, burn..."

Realization dawns on it; surely as its strength fades its mind is returning...

(Skadi): "no. no no no no no no dont dont stop stay back stay back"

(You): "I wonder: just what does a hungry, evil little cuss like yourself go through when its starving, but when it doesn't even have the Fire inside it to seek food?"

(Skadi): "so hungry stop stop dont come just go please please dont destroy me"
>>
No. 969697 ID: b1b4f3

>>969696
EXECUTION
>>
No. 969698 ID: 9876c4

Pray for the vestiges of it's soul. Then destroy it.
>>
No. 969699 ID: d63ea8

Even the smallest embers can re-ignite an inferno.

Use your spear to push the ash over Skadi and smother it for good.
>>
No. 969715 ID: f56a2b
File 159217023134.png - (41.26KB , 800x600 , 056.png )
969715

>EXECUTION
Yes. I want nothing more than for this wretch to die, viol-

>Pray for the vestiges of it's soul. Then destroy it.

What came over me, there? The (shadowfell) is... flowing through my (mindstream). I should calm myself.

Then, I will pray.

(You): "Gods above, this wretch may have once been my cousin, or my brother... whether he be of my blood, or that of race another, guide his tortured soul to the next life. Be at peace, shade."

(Skadi): ...

I spike its skull with my spear, but I do not take pleasure in it. This thing dies as much a victim of its hunger as any of the beings it burnt and collected in its ashpile.

Then, as its fire fades from its eyes, I work it into the ash, burying it once and hopefully for all.


And here I am. In this cave, surrounded by the ashen bones of however many died here. My head is starting to clear up after all that excitement.

...

Ah, that's right... before I fell for the trickery of this dark spirit, I was searching for clues as to the warband of my tribe that got lost in this cursed wilderness. If I don't have anything left to do, I should get back to it.
>>
No. 969716 ID: b1b4f3

>>969715
May as well eat your ration, since you have no potions and are hungry.
Are the effects of the first potion still working? You could *think* again, to find the trail... or search for items of interest in the ash pile.
>>
No. 969734 ID: d63ea8

There was a blade sticking up out of the pile of ash.
See if you can unearth it again.
Are there any symbols that are related to your tribe, or this warband you are looking for?
>>
No. 969800 ID: f56a2b
File 159227875535.png - (45.40KB , 800x600 , 057.png )
969800

>May as well eat your ration.

By hearthfire, do I want to, but it can wait until I get away from this miserable place.

>Are the effects of the first potion still working? You could *think* again, to find the trail or search for items of interest in the ash pile.

>See if you can unearth the blade. Are there any symbols related to your tribe, or the warband?

I'll clear my mind...
...
...
hunger, cold... warmth, death, hunger... cold, Okuls, death... hunger, cold, warmth, death, hunger, Mikal...

Alright, this is all a little confusing but I think I've figured it out. When I clear my mind entirely and try not to think, others' Water will (flow) through my (mindstream). I don't really understand it, but I know it anyways.

It's almost as if when I empty my head it lets other things thoughts go into my head. That thing-- hold on, let me try... that (shadowfell creature, a Skadi), was trying to put thoughts in my head on purpose.

What's special now, however, is when I empty my head on purpose other thoughts will flow into it, from things like these remains and the pieces of equipment left behind.

They must not have broken out of that "forest", and starved to death or gotten consumed or something. All I hear from them is "I'm hungry, I'm cold, I'm covered in warmth," and "I'm dying."

The Skadi itself, I can't really tell apart from all the other voices. There was something about it when it tried to take control of me that made it stick out, although I can't really put my finger on why it felt "fake".

---------------------------------

Alright, so here's the whole run of loot:
One very nice sword, which belonged to a "Mikal" for a long time.
I remember... that man, he was one of my brother's friends and liked picking on me. What a rotten way to go.

An intact skull, of "Okuls".
Okuls was a prickly one. None the less, we all tolerated him. I don't feel good carrying this thing around, there's something about it... When I empty my mind and turn to it, it goes silent. When I don't occupy myself with it, I swear it's like there's something else in my head.

An amulet.
This must be really new, it doesn't have bear any (erosion) from a (soul)... whatever that means. Guess it's nice to have something shiny and valuable in case I meet a peddler out here? Yeah, right.

---------------------------------

So that's that. A new blade, a bauble, a... skull, and a nice chance to sit down and eat, for what its worth.

Already I can tell just opening my mind is going to let me navigate this bizarre world a lot easier and find the rest of the lost warriors. There's about 13 in total to account for, including my brother.



There's also the question of (you). You don't go away when I empty my mind. Just what are you? Where did you come from? You were there when I withdrew from my body, and you were there before and after I drank that potion.
>>
No. 969804 ID: b1b4f3

>>969800
Could that skull be dangerous? Or maybe it houses the lingering spirit of its previous occupant, who is choosing to hide from you out of caution? You sensed a ghost before, and the Skadi was not a ghost, was it?

>what are (you)
Uh... no idea buddy, we thought we were actually *you*, in a way. Sorry, you probably don't appreciate that answer but honestly we'd have to make some bullshit up otherwise. Maybe we're the voice of Fate, whether literal or metaphorical. Maybe we're lingering remains of the Skadi's victims. Maybe we're something else entirely. We'd like to help you regardless of what we are.

Now I'm interested in something else, something we were taking for granted... who are YOU? The last thing we remember before helping you fight the Skadi was we were helping a different orc, and listening to a story.
>>
No. 969893 ID: f56a2b
File 159235262478.png - (216.54KB , 800x600 , 058.png )
969893

What am I? My name is Gokmar, of Relsh, and you're part of a story a fellow named Banabjorn is telling me.
No. I will not fall into the trap of letting my memories assimilate me. You need only know that I am a fiend-mercenary from Gehenna, and your continued existence is convenient to me. That is why I am guiding you.
>Uh... no idea buddy, we thought we were actually *you*, in a way. Sorry, you probably don't appreciate that answer but honestly we'd have to make some bullshit up otherwise. Maybe we're the voice of Fate, whether literal or metaphorical. Maybe we're lingering remains of the Skadi's victims. Maybe we're something else entirely. We'd like to help you regardless of what we are.

>Now I'm interested in something else, something we were taking for granted... who are YOU? The last thing we remember before helping you fight the Skadi was we were helping a different orc, and listening to a story.

Huh? Helping another orc? Wait... I do remember feeling something odd the day I left home, as I stared across the ocean from the dock...
What in the nine hells is THIS? Damn it, a wizard must be doing something to my body! I NEVER did any of this in my past life! Be calm. Be calm...

I understand, you must be some kind of spirits of the dead, or something. I don't know what it seemed like to you to possess me, but I couldn't tell you apart from my thoughts until now. Now, it feels like you're just talking to me in my head... "b1b4f3"? "d63ea8"... "f56a2b"-- I know your "names" but they don't mean anything to me, it's just gibberish.

What does that mean, "dee-sicksteefree-ee-ay-ate?" Are you a Dracon, or something? I hear they have odd names.
You're-- Astral Spirits! By the HELLS you won't steal my mind from me! I swear, when I take back control, I will summon you and bind you to the mortar in Purgatory's great wall!

My name is Haradsson, son of Harad. My twin brother is also called Haradsson, only he's got this scar above his left brow you can tell us apart by. Frankly, I don't think you'll find me very interesting. I'm just trying to find thirteen of my tribe who might well have died and been turned into monstrous wretches in this foul, evil land full of dark magics and vile creatures. It's not just for the good of the tribe, I'm also going to be recognized as an adult after this. Dear, sweet Grisilda is waiting for me; the moment I take on the markings of a tribe's man I'm taking her as my woman.

>Could that skull be dangerous? You sensed a ghost before, and the Skadi was not a ghost, was it?

Hmm... I know old ghost-stories and what my mentor told me before I came out here. He told me that the Skadi were shades, a monster that people turn into when they die in an evil place without getting to pass on to the next life. This forest is called the Skadi-Vidr, so it's supposed to be full of them. I certainly thought some kind of ghost was near me when I was trapped in that forest-dream, but it was probably the giant burning monster only a few feet away.

Wait a sec... oh no, that's really sick. I think this poor man is still in his skull, or part of him anyway. The pile of ash looked like mulched up bones to me; this warrior is like a half-finished meal-- Gods, what a terrible thought!

On the other hand, those who die here become monsters... I don't know what to do about this skull. I'd appreciate any advice.
>>
No. 969895 ID: b1b4f3

>>969893
No more advice. We aren't supposed to be here. We did not understand what we were doing; I apologize, fiend-mercenary. Your story is your own to tell.
>>
No. 969902 ID: d63ea8

We will remain silent.
But we must listen.
We do not have a choice.
>>
No. 969909 ID: d63ea8

>what are (you)
What we are specifically, I do not know.
But I can guess...

We might be your own thoughts taken and reflected again into echoes that no longer resemble the original. And our names are merely categories for how these thoughts twist into there new forms.

I for one value symbols and what can be observed.

I do not believe that skull is dangerous. But you must heed it as a reminder of your own mortality. The Skadi had consumed all of these people and you were nearly next.

If this place truly turns the dead into monsters, then please ensure that the fallen are laid to rest so that their spirits are at peace. Even if it is just taking the skull, sword and medallion as mementos, ensure that their previous owners are remembered for who they were and that they are mourned within your tribe.
>>
No. 970048 ID: f56a2b
File 159254091734.png - (194.01KB , 800x600 , 059.png )
970048

>We might be your own thoughts taken and reflected again into echoes...

:gehennitesoul: Mere categories for my own thoughts? Perhaps I jumped to conclusions. Come to think of it, I didn't notice all this time before... and then, right after this potion that expands the mind? Maybe it's just some kind of benign magical interference.

>No more advice. We aren't supposed to be here. We did not understand what we were doing.

:gokmarsoul: No more advice?! No, please stay with me, Spirits!

:gehennitesoul: I had forgotten quite how credulous and naive I was as a young man. "Part of a story Banabjorn is telling me," "no more advice?!?!?"... It's a wonder I didn't die sooner than I did. It's a little annoying. I almost want to die and relive my immortal torment in the Hells instead. Very well, If I must make it clear to myself: you seem to be the thoughts that bridge my intent and my actions, for now. Keep advising this gormless barbarian on how to put one foot in front of the other without kicking his own legs... It's bad enough that I'm reliving memories of a mortal besides myself. I do not need to feel another's mind as they die.

>Heed the skull as a reminder of your own mortality. If this place turns the dead into monsters, ensure the fallen are laid to rest. Take all the belongings as mementos, for their mourning.

Agreed. I shouldn't leave my fellows to their fates if they aren't already lost. For now at least, they go with me.
>>
No. 970050 ID: b1b4f3

>>970048
An ominous moon...
There seems to be disturbed soil down there. Should check it out.
>>
No. 970062 ID: d63ea8

>I had forgotten quite how credulous and naive I was as a young man.
Ah. I believe I now know who You are.

It seems that the Blue Star has taken it's position in the sky, I believe it to be a sign of death, or un-death.

Keep your guard up and approach the oval shape that is amid the brush and ash.
>>
No. 970464 ID: f56a2b
File 159292008079.png - (89.37KB , 800x600 , 060.png )
970464

>Ah. I believe I now know who You are.

:gehennitesoul: You should well know, you're my thoughts. I believe I am starting to see the shape of things myself, and I don't like it.

>There seems to be disturbed soil down there. Should check it out.

Right then.

>It seems that the Blue Star has taken it's position in the sky, I believe it to be a sign of death, or un-death.

:gokmarsoul: Blue Star? It must be a sign!

:gehennitesoul: The Blue Star. The very same Blue Star that was a new celestial body in the sky not long before I fell in combat to those two mercenaries. The very same Blue Star is here, in this stranger's memories I have become entrapped in. A stranger from the memories of my mortal life centuries ago.

Death, un-death, or life beyond, it must not mean anything good.


I approach with my spear up, ready for anything to strike. It turns out not to be upturned soil, but a coracle! It's upside down but there's an oar right here, sticking up out of the ground... I wonder just how recently it was used?
>>
No. 970498 ID: d63ea8

Hmm. The ground beneath the coracle has been greatly disturb, almost as though it has been kicked up into a form of mud. Something that would be unlikely to happen if one had only brought the boat ashore.

I believe that someone or something might be living in it.

Be ready.

>>970464
Our view from higher up showed that something might be conceal amid the brush on the left. Search that first.
>>
No. 970499 ID: b1b4f3

Knock on the boat.
>>
No. 970601 ID: f56a2b
File 159304029923.png - (67.57KB , 800x600 , 061.png )
970601

>Something might be concealed amid the brush on the left.

Alright... huh. Wait, was it the oar that I saw from up there? I carefully search the vicinity but I don't find anything new...

>Someone or something might be living in the boat. Knock on the boat, and be ready.

*knock knock*

"Hey, anyone in there?"
>>
No. 970602 ID: b1b4f3

OH my god that's not a canoe that's a monster! Run!
>>
No. 970609 ID: f56a2b
File 159305077576.png - (144.61KB , 800x600 , 062.png )
970609

ARGH! My arm!

>That's a monster! RUN!

Don't have to tell me twice! I act quick and put some distance between me and that thing. My arm hurts like all hell, now... it's on alert, but it doesn't seem to be trying to follow me.
>>
No. 970610 ID: b1b4f3

>>970609
So uh, any idea what that was or what kind of venom you may have been injected with?
>>
No. 970611 ID: d63ea8

This doesn't strike me as a predator that would run you down. It is likely venomous, which means we need to get out of its reach before our time runs out.

Look for a tree that can bare your weight and then climb it.
>>
No. 970939 ID: f56a2b
File 159341112492.png - (144.13KB , 800x600 , 063.png )
970939

Huff.. huff...

>It is likely venomous, which means we need to get out of its reach. Look for a tree that can bear your weight and then climb it.

Venomous!? No, no... slow down and think... my Earth is still solid, or at least no less eroded than it was before. This wound hurts like hell, but it's not poisonous... I don't know how I know, but somehow I can tell just by thinking about it, whether or not that thing's stinger was venomous.

:gehennitesoul: Now this, I am interested in. Before, I thought perhaps this potion just made his mind sharper, or imparted some kind of altered state on him, which is why he could perceive you, my thoughts, directly... and that somehow, I just happened to be receiving this adulteration by sharing his senses.

As far as I know, and I am by no means ignorant, one can only detect poison either by alchemical testing, or by arcane or thaumaturgial divination... and all he did, was drink some dubious brew that made the world's water "flow" through him. The mystical nature of this rules alchemy right out, and divination is about seeking an astral or transcendant spirit to answer your questions or guide you. I've never heard of this Earth, Air, Fire, and Water nonsense, either... at least, outside of the context of fireballs and such. This might be more than swamp wine and tribal superstitions... and that Fire's Wrath concoction too: that should not have done a thing to a ghost if it was just an alchemic brew. It was definitely a primarily magical concoction for its essence to seep into a spirit of any kind.


>Look for a tree that can bare your weight and then climb it.

Alright, lets get some height on this...

>Any idea what that was?

No, but it damn near made my heart jump out of my chest! I thought it was a boat for heavens' sake!

:gokmarsoul: What a strange creature... I've never seen anything like it.

:gehennitesoul: I really haven't a clue what that thing is, either. I'm not familiar with this barbarian's homeland. People like him rarely have many things of worth to trade for my kind's services, nor do they have much knowledge about how to contact us. As a result, I can honestly say that I have never been this deep into the land of the original orcs before.

What the-- my right hand's getting covered in leaves and dirt... was that boat-thing covered in sap?

I didn't see any remains of a warrior under or near that thing, so I think it's safe to rule that out.

I don't like to turn my back on a fight like this, but it's a wild animal or creature of sorts, not an enemy warrior. Although, so was that shade in the cave earlier...
>>
No. 970940 ID: f56a2b
File 159341116957.png - (372.05KB , 800x600 , 064.png )
970940

...alright, it's given up now. It's gone back to looking almost indistinguishable from a boat.

My arm's a problem now, but after some improvisations, I think I have the worst of it under control. Not going to be doing any heavy lifting though.

Lets keep the pace up, here. First thing I'm doing when I hit the ground is picking my spear back up. Then, I'm not hanging around to see what this thing does, so...

>Choose your next direction.

>11 Warriors remain to be found, including your twin brother, Haradsson the Greater.
>>
No. 970941 ID: b1b4f3

Follow the road into the forest.
>>
No. 970967 ID: d63ea8

>>970941
Agreed. Through keep an eye out for disruptions in the underbrush, just in case the went into the wilderness.
>>
No. 971127 ID: f56a2b
File 159356676224.png - (225.73KB , 800x600 , 65.png )
971127

>Follow the road into the forest, though keep an eye on the underbrush in case they went into the wilderness.

I shouldn't have even entertained leaving as an option. I will find my lost cousins, one way or another.


I can feel them, staring at me. They hunger for me, like the Skadi from before. Dread probes at me, but I stand tall. These are not real predators: surely I only have the attention of weaklings and scavengers for now.


A fork in the road... I hesitate, and at once I feel the shadows grow. These woods are hungry, and I am dancing on their teeth.

This forest intends to kill me and death may come at any moment. My fate here might be all but certain... but I won't allow myself to fail.

>Your right forearm is wounded. Your non-dominant hand cannot be used to effectively wield weapons, or for any non-trivial feats of strength. The wound is stabilized, but will not improve on its own any time soon.

Inventory:
Furs (worn)
Lugged Spear (in hand)
(Your Seax) (at hand)
-A piece of your essence resides in this knife.
(Mikal's Sword) (at hand)
-A piece of Mikal's essence, and of slain foemen, resides in this blade.
(Okuls' Skull) (stowed away)
-A piece of Okul's remains, yet retaining a smidge of his essence.

An Amulet (stowed away)
-A bauble, with a cameo of a woman.
>>
No. 971129 ID: b1b4f3

>>971127
Those sure are some shadow monsters.
Go left, assuming you are not immediately attacked.
>>
No. 971161 ID: d63ea8

They seem coiled like serpents or vines. Do not walk beneath them or else they will descend upon you.

Can you possible circle around them and return to the path?

What does you Air say of this place?

If we can navigate to the fork successfully, then I agree that we should go left.
>>
No. 971239 ID: f56a2b
File 159365524349.png - (170.24KB , 800x600 , 066.png )
971239

>What does your Air say of this place?
This place... the air around me is fine to breath, but the Air feels... wrong. Though my breathing is fine, I feel a phantom pain of inhaled smoke. The souls around me now have a suffocating nature.

>The shadows seem coiled, like serpents or vines. Do not walk beneath those monsters, or else they will descend upon you. Can you circle around them and return to the path?

I see them now, they flow between the branches and trunks of the trees. I can't tell if it's one monster, or a swarm of many smaller ones.

They seem to dance between the trees, all around me. As I move to a side, they flow and twist and lay in front of me no matter where I am. They do not leave the trees for the road, however. I think the path will let me avoid them as it is.

>If we can navigate to the fork successfully, and are not immediately attacked, go left.

I move forward decisively, and the shadows stop growing.

The first thing I notice for its brilliance is the pale bone lashed to a pole... what is this? some kind of totem?

But the second thing that catches my eye...

What foul fate is this sorry soul bound to? He looks like he's all skin and bones! He stares at me, but he says nothing. As I approach he quickly sits up right and starts to shake as his chest heaves. He starts clearing his throat but as I reflexively stop he catches himself. I can't understand what this wretch is doing.
>>
No. 971244 ID: b1b4f3

>>971239
Those in cages are usually put there for a reason... ask who they are, and if they have seen anyone traveling along this road.
Examine the bone a bit closer. Is that a totem? Witchcraft?
>>
No. 971249 ID: d63ea8

This poor creature has been given a fate worse than death. I feel that they will be one of the many things that are suffering here.

I think the wretch is warning you not to approach.

Examine the bone, but do not go near it. One of those swarming vines draws close to it.
>>
No. 971311 ID: e7c7d3

>>971249
This seems the most prudent
>>
No. 971329 ID: f56a2b
File 159374584470.png - (117.51KB , 800x600 , 067.png )
971329

>Examine the bone a bit closer, but do not go near the swarming vines.

I avoid the swarming vines... it's not quite that hard to do, actually, as I approach I see that the vines do not go past the bone; the woods past it aren't thick with flowing shadows.

Now, this bone... I don't know. I don't have an eye for witchcraft, or any kind of magic.

:gehennitesoul: A good move, getting this stupid vessel into place for me to have a look at it.

Hmm... Ah, now this is arcanist work. I've picked up enough in my time to get a vague idea of what's involved even if I, strictly speaking, don't know how to read it. This bone is being used as a focus for a spell, obviously. I can make out a trigram for Air, and... the Red Star, and... Tiphet, the... overspirit of... abjuration, was it?

It's something about abjuring the air, I think.

>>
No. 971330 ID: f56a2b
File 159374587755.png - (93.37KB , 800x600 , 068.png )
971330

>Ask who they are, and if they have seen anyone traveling along this road.

"Hail! Who are you, to be imprisoned here?"

No response... but he starts flicking his eyes from my feet to my head.

"I won't hurt you."

He shakes and fidgets in response.

"Have... have you seen anyone else pass by here?"

His shaking only gets worse.

:gehennitesoul: This sad wretch. I recognize those marks in his chest, without needing to know the symbols. He's being held here by magic. As for the other marks, I don't know, but I don't like unknown magic quantities.

I know that dumb bastard is on a quest to turn every stone over looking for his dead tribesmen, but we should avoid obvious danger.

...It's been so long since I got to live. Following orders, doing dirty deeds, calculating risks like an idiot in this chaotic world for all my afterlife... Just seeing someone so simpleminded, young and naive, and with fire burning in his heart, out to change something...

Nevermind those thoughts, they aren't relevant. I just want to get this over with.

This man was innocent. This is wrong.

What the hell am I thinking?

We must do something about this.

I need to get a grip on this. I am just surrounded by idiots, and it's rubbing off on me.

>>
No. 971332 ID: b1b4f3

>>971330
Guy's being held by magic, not sure how we'd break that spell. How do you know he's innocent?

>>971329
Abjuration of the air? Usually abjuration implies protection or healing magic. What is the Red Star?

Can we see what's down the other path?
>>
No. 971334 ID: d63ea8

Ah. This bone is a form of ward, best leave it as is.

This may be a darker option, but death is its own form of escape. Would the wretch want that sort of freedom? Rather than it being trapped in this wasting state?

As for You, do not mistake youthful passion and empathy for foolishness and weakness. Discarding those aspects self have advantages, but also drawbacks.

Those two mercenaries were able to overpower you because they were attuned to one another's thoughts and actions.
>>
No. 971335 ID: d63ea8

Hmm...

Another thought occurs. This wretch is also marked with the signs of water and air, implying the connection of the mind and the soul.

Fitting that they would have a eye upon their head as well, implying sight or wisdom.

I believe You are the man in the cage, and that you are attempting to masquerade as one of us.

Your first statement implies your own experiences, while the second and third are an attempt to guide our actions.

Reveal Yourself properly.
>>
No. 971336 ID: b1b4f3

>>971335
I had the same idea. Intrusive thoughts may come from an external source.
>>
No. 971377 ID: f56a2b
File 159380372550.png - (227.10KB , 800x600 , 069.png )
971377

>Usually abjuration implies protection or healing magic. What is the Red Star?

:gehennitesoul: Protection, maybe. Healing, I don't know... I think it means rebuking or refuting, myself. The Red Star is some kind of symbol important to arcanists. From what I know it's the most powerful spirit they can invoke, but why they don't use it for every spell escapes me. It's no relation to that Blue Star; it doesn't show up in the sky and arcanists have been using it for ages.


>Do not mistake youthful passion and empathy for foolishness and weakness. Discarding those aspects of self have advantages, but also drawbacks. The two mercenaries were able to overpower you because they were attuned to one another's thoughts and actions.

:gehennitesoul: You as well? This is getting ridiculous. I have a chance now, to gain those aspects back, and redeem myself of my sins. Those mercenaries got me because I got sloppy-- they caught me off guard. My lifesight only revealed one survivor, how was I supposed to expect some kind of magic hiding the other's life signs? Pride cometh before the fall.

>The wretch is marked with water and air, implying connection of the mind and the soul.

:gehennitesoul: I know this barbarian is having a fantastical trip with his notions of mindstreams and breathing air with his soul, but I'm sure this is simply arcane magic and it's something to do with elemental water and air. What do I know? Do I even know the extent of the arcane?

>I believe You are the man in the cage, and that you are masquerading as one of us. Reveal Yourself properly.

:gehennitesoul: Maybe I am some kind of influence, some kind of intrusive force. I have been silent for a long time. I have watched, I have seen, I have done, terrible things that I knew were wrong. Sometimes, I do feel as if I am a wretch in a cage.

Maybe, when young Haradsson glanced at this pathetic thing, and I saw it through his eyes, it made me realize I've been silent far too long. Maybe, this Gehennite reliving the experiences of the living has weakened his faculties enough that he can't fully suppress his sense of right and wrong.

If a callous, pitiless shade like the Gehennite who once called himself Gokmar casts a shadow, you could call that shadow his conscience. It's the voice that cries out when he violates sanctuary; the naive sense of self that is preyed upon by mind control and mental magic.

As for innocence... for what crime can you twist and torture a soul like this caged one? It is sadism. Just because nobody will save them, does not mean the damned deserve to suffer eternally.


>Can we see what's down the other path?

Shadows are shifting between the trees, but I think I see a clearing at the end of it.

>The bone is a form of ward, best leave it as is. This may be a darker option, but death is its own form of escape. Would the wretch want that sort of freedom? Rather than it being trapped in this wasting state?

I think about it for a moment.

I point my spear at it, and it seems to shrink. It does not move any more than it has been, of course, but I can feel its fear. Yet, it does not cower. Am I going to do this? If I do, how?

:gehennitesoul: It wants to be free of suffering. It does not want to die. Sometimes, you do not have the strength to make the right choice, and I understand that. Sure, waste it. It's probably some kind of ghoul anyways.
>>
No. 971483 ID: e7c7d3

It might be best to end it's misery. Death is not ideal but might be the only option right now
>>
No. 971486 ID: b1b4f3

>>971377
Don't kill the guy yet, we can't take that back. We can explore some more to find another solution.

Try the other path, head towards the clearing.
>>
No. 971487 ID: d63ea8

>>971486
Very well, we can delay the decision until later, it's not like we're intending on dying either.

Do these shadows seem to be following us or are they omnipresent?
>>
No. 971548 ID: f56a2b
File 159400186619.png - (399.30KB , 800x600 , 070.png )
971548

>Do these shadows seem to be following us or are they omnipresent?

A little of the first, but they are everywhere now that I look for them, except for the area beyond the bone ward of course.

>Don't kill the guy yet, we can't take that back. Delay the decision until later. We can explore some more to find another solution.

I suppose waiting on fate is nothing that thing isn't used to already. Alright, this can wait until later.

>Try the other path, head towards the clearing.
I move on, and while the shadows follow me none of them are game enough to swoop in. Finally, I reach the edge and leave them behind.

...?

Is that... birds, chirping?
>>
No. 971550 ID: b1b4f3

Strange. You sure this is real? Not an illusion? Cautiously approach the tree in the center. The ground around it looks unusual... is it another mimic?
>>
No. 971555 ID: d63ea8

Watch the butterfly closely, does it act as one should?
>>
No. 971564 ID: b1b4f3

Is that some kind of fence on the left?
>>
No. 971584 ID: f56a2b
File 159406060316.png - (435.14KB , 800x600 , 071.png )
971584

>Is that some kind of fence on the left?

No, it's just more of the dark forest.

>You sure this is real? Not an illusion?

I... can't believe what I'm seeing. There's no way this can be real.

But... when I open my mind's eye... I don't sense anything. My Water is pure and undisturbed.

>Watch the butterfly closely, does it act as one should?
It flutters around freely, unfettered by my presence. I can't say I watch critters very often, but it looks completely normal. Wait, what if I...

My Air is still and calm around it, it's as natural as it could be.

>Cautiously approach the tree in the center. The ground around it looks unusual... is it another mimic?

I ready myself. A breeze blows through, as leaves rustle and grass sways.

Besides being on a raised hill, and being surrounded by a ring of flowers, the tree looks just like a tree to me. I watch it very carefully, but nothing seems out of place as I approach it.



It's like wading through waist deep water! My legs are so numb and ... I'm going against the flow of things.

My legs ache, my feet are sore. Every step is fighting against strained muscles.

I'm tired of this, I don't want to transgress against them.

This tree... doesn't want me to come closer. Why am I approaching this (Prince of the Land)?

:gehennitesoul: I can feel this magic trying to control me, and I'm not even supposed to be a part of this! Why am I--

I spin around in a hurry! "HUH?! SHOW YOURSELF!"

:gehennitesoul: Huh. What's gotten into--

I look left, I look right, I keep moving and I look behind me! WHERE is that voice coming from?!

"YOU WON'T FIND ME EASY PREY, SHADE!"

:gehennitesoul: ...what?

Damn it, what do I do?! Forget the Prince for now, I'm tired of fighting it anyways. It's not a threat.

:gokmarsoul: ...
>>
No. 971585 ID: b1b4f3

>>971584
It's defensive magic. "Prince of the Land" huh? This must be an actual sacred glade. It looks so out of place because it's a sanctuary in the middle of a corrupted forest.
Set down your weapon. See if you can approach with peaceful intentions. Maybe even try talking to the tree? Tell it you are seeking the missing members of your clan.
>>
No. 971620 ID: d63ea8

You are here for the Dead so that they can rest. You will not be held from that task.
>>
No. 971810 ID: f56a2b
File 159425661309.png - (264.52KB , 800x600 , 072.png )
971810

No matter where I turn, I cannot figure out where that new voice is coming from. My Air feels like the voice is coming from right on top of me, stifling and cold.

:gehennitesoul: Orc... can you hear me?

There it is, again! "Show yourself!"

:gehennitesoul: I am... one of your guiding spirits.

"Guiding spirit, eh?" This, I find hard to believe.

:gehennitesoul: Well, yes... you have just been... unable, to hear me. Why you can hear me now is a mystery, it just completely escapes me.

"Hold on. Your name isn't a mishmash of sounds like the other voices guiding me. Your name is Go-- hey, what did you do?! I just forgot it!"

:gehennitesoul: An old trick, now shut up and stop trying to figure out my name.

-------------------------

:gokmarsoul: Can you hear me, Haradsson?

Oh gods, not another one. "Yes... oh, your name is Gokmar? That sounds normal."

:gokmarsoul: Yeah. I've been watching you before too, I just couldn't speak to you directly. I could hear and see everything that you and the spirits were saying and thinking, except for this new spirit... I don't know him either.

Huh. Wait, my thoughts too...?

:gokmarsoul: Err, yeah.

Shit.

-------------------------

Well, I'm calming down now, but I still figure I should just move on and-

:BRIDGE: It's defensive magic. "Prince of the Land" eh? This must be an actual sacred glade. It looks so out of place because it's a sanctuary in the middle of a corrupted forest.

Woah. You're coming through very strongly.

:BRIDGE: You are here for the Dead so that they can rest. You will not be held from that task. Set down your weapon. See if you can approach with peaceful intentions. Maybe even try talking to the tree? Tell it you are seeking the missing members of your clan.

Approach... the tree? I don't know about that. I'll have to think about it, take some deep breaths.

I set down my weapon, and breathe in.
Okay. It doesn't want me to transgress against it with my weapon, I understand that. I need to show it I really don't mean any harm, but how do I do that?

I breathe out. I breathe in.
Why do I want to talk to it?
Uh... that's simple, I just want to go and find the missing warriors of my tribe. What do I say to it?

I breathe out. I breathe in.
Who are these missing warriors, and what did they aim to fight?
What the-- why am I thinking about them like that?

My breathing quickens, as I grow anxious. I take a deep breath...

There is nothing to fear. The prince only wishes to build rapport with me. It understands my Air. If I must speak to it in the song of beasts, its Dryad will present itself to me. What... is a Dryad?

I exhale, and after a few seconds, the tree shifts and someone... or something, steps out of the trunk.

:dryad: "Greetings, Man. I am the Prince's Dryad, and will represent him. I know that you seek other men, of your group. What else did you wish to ask of the Prince, before I carry your words back?"
>>
No. 971812 ID: b1b4f3

>>971810
Interesting... it was communicating to you through your breath.

We should ask about the environs. What is wrong with the forest? And that prisoner...
You might also ask what we are, though you may not get the right answer.
You could ask for more information about the elements. These concepts are new to all of us.
>>
No. 971836 ID: d63ea8

Ah... I believe I might understand it. It is communicating through your Earth, that is why your Air and Water have not been touched. The spirits seem linked to the land, and as you brush up against them and breathe them in they are able to use your own impulses to reflect their thoughts.

As for what to ask:

What are the shadows that snake themselves between the trees? They seem unnatural. Is there a way to banish them?
>>
No. 972188 ID: f56a2b
File 159469952633.png - (580.56KB , 800x600 , 073.png )
972188

By the gods, this thing...

It is communicating through your Earth, that is why your Air has not been touched.
---------
Interesting... it was communicating to you through your breath.

Exception 24. Mutually incompatible theses detected; communication synthesized.


:BRIDGE: Ah... Interesting, I believe I might understand it. It was communicating to you through your breath and Earth. That is why your Air and Water have not been harmed. The spirits seem linked to the land, and as you brush up against them and breathe them in they are able to use your own impulses to reflect their thoughts.

As for what to ask:
-We should ask about the environs. What is wrong with the forest? And that prisoner...
-You might also ask what we are, though you may not get the right answer.
-You could ask for more information about the elements. These concepts are new to all of us.
-What are the shadows that snake themselves between the trees? They seem unnatural. Is there a way to banish them?


I trust your insight, and I'll do my best to get answers... for both of us.

"Dryad... I seek a lot of answers from your Prince, and I only intend respect for his domain."

:dryad: "He knows this."

"Well, then... What has happened to this forest, to make it so dark and wicked?"

The three-headed monster basks in the ambiance before replying:

:dryad: "The Prince thinks your question is silly and that you do not understand the forest."

"Well, isn't it supposed to be more... I don't know, like this grove?"

He sways in the breeze.

:dryad: "Your perspective is more clear now. Yes, you have not seen the Deepest Hunger in such greatness before. Nature is not supposed to be anything but itself. This is simply the way the land is."

"Looks like the Prince doesn't let it into his yard."

:dryad: "The Prince's 'yard' is part of him, and the Deepest Hunger does not saturate his nature."

"Is... the prince made up of the grass, and this tree?"

:dryad: "The plants belong to the prince as truly as anything can belong, especially the ancient tree, but they are not his vessel. He does not know of a way to relate this relationship to your life as a Man."
>>
No. 972189 ID: f56a2b
File 159469955172.png - (170.51KB , 800x600 , 074.png )
972189

"There's something I must know, about some voices I've been hearing in my head. I think they might be spirits..."

:dryad: "Spirits?"

He closes his eyes and stands still for a moment.

:dryad: "Not spirits of the land."

"Well, that doesn't tell me much."

:dryad: "They could be spirits who have made themselves belong to the Gods, or spirits from the Astral Sea. He cannot know without bringing you into his bosom, and he does not know you well enough to permit that."

"Oh, come on now. Let me be more specific then. It... there are three of them. One of them is named Gokmar, and sounds just like a person. Another one, I tried to... seek? its name, but it just slipped out of my mind. The last one, it sounds like many voices but it speaks like one, if that makes sense... but the names are just nonsense like 'ab43f6' when I try to think about them."

The dryad contemplates this.

When he comes back to reality, his posture shifts, and there is a tension in the air.

:dryad: "He wishes to make it clear that he will not allow you, ever, to commune with him. It is not an offense you have committed, it is the nature of the 'many voices' you describe. He believes it likely they are not of this world."

"Not... of this world?"

:dryad: "Not of the natural world. Perhaps they belong to the Gods fully now, or they are of the uncreated. He regards them as a threat, and wishes you well on your struggle against them. Of the other voices, he says that their spirits must not be truly present, or he would be able to sense them."

"Huh. They don't seem like a threat. Rather, I think I might not survive without their guidance."

:dryad: "He thinks this may perhaps be true, but that little good comes of another's Water in your own mindstream."

"Right."
>>
No. 972191 ID: f56a2b
File 159469957382.png - (353.18KB , 800x600 , 075.png )
972191

The elements... If anyone should be able to tell me about them, it's someone who can use my own elements against me.

"I want to ask... about Earth, Fire, Air, and Water."

:dryad: "The prince... is reluctant to discuss such things with you. He does not know you well enough."

"Let me explain myself to the Prince, then."

I give him a brief summary of everything strange that has happened to me recently, making sure to note my experiences with this newfound knowledge and how it has come to me all of a sudden.

:dryad: "You have said... much. He has listened, intently."

"And?"

:dryad: "Perhaps... perhaps, a deal may be struck. A favor done for him, in exchange for information."

"I'm listening."

:dryad: "The shadows that wind between trees are natural for land steeped in the Deepest Hunger. The bone ward and imprisoned man covered in runes are not. He does not feel particularly invested in your quest to seek your kin out, but he finds it very distasteful that... one who would consort with arcane powers, would make their fetid home in his domain."

"Let me guess, he wants me to kill the witch?"

:dryad: "He wants you to seal their spirit away that they may not commune with the Astral Sea whatsoever."

"Wow! He's asking a lot!"

:dryad: "It may not require physical confrontation, all that has to happen is they have to be made to eat a token of the Prince's hegemony, so that he can neutralize them."

"I'll consider it, but how do I know you are not bluffing?"

:dryad: "You should think before you speak. A Prince like him does not bluff; his wisdom is great. He will help you understand these recent events, but if you wish to truly know more, you must fulfill his task."
>>
No. 972193 ID: f56a2b
File 159469965324.png - (427.86KB , 800x600 , 076.png )
972193

The fundamentals were laid out, for me to understand everything else.

It was hard to swallow, but I get the feeling the Prince is dead serious.

My spirit, the Dryad told me, is comprised of four elements primarily, with two others he was reluctant to go into, Hunger and Song. They have a lot in common with the physical things they're named after, in terms of how I might expect them to behave.

Water is the medium that my spirit and my mind use together... every thought that passes through my head, every notion I've ever had, every time I've coordinated my muscles to complete a movement, it was done through my Water. That's as far as it goes for a normal spirit. If my water "dries up", I might get dizzy, my thoughts might run together, or I may even find myself unable to control my movements with any degree of coordination. Without it, I might as well be a vegetable. I could not even act on my senses without my mind. It seems, just as well, that anything which acts on my water and bolsters it, expands my consciousness and allows me to sense things I could not percieve before... and the more I perceive my own waters, the more the flow is bolstered.

Fire is the will of my spirit. Every thing I have ever wanted to do, my will was behind it. When my fire "dims", I feel tired, and I might have no desire to struggle or endure hardship. Without fire, I would just lie down and wait for death. Nothing would matter if I did not have the will to pursue it. On the other hand, as I found with that Skadi, an excess of Fire leads to zeal which cannot be abated, even to the point of recklessness...

Earth is the foundation, the bond between my spirit and my vessel. When I go without rest, or food, or I am poisoned, my earth is "worn down". My muscles will ache, my pains will not go away, and I may find my flesh unable to follow my will. Without earth, I would collapse and rot. There is no vessel without my health. What, if anything, could result from an imbalance rather than a lack of Earth, I do not know...

Air is the stuff which is shared between spirits. If my Earth is a solid foundation that defines my vessel, my Air is how I define myself to those around me, and how they show themselves to me in turn. If I did not share my air with others, and them with me, they would be as meaningless and soulless shapes to my eyes. There would be no difference between a person and a beast, or a beast and a carcass, without the Air we share. For all of its benefits in sharing common empathy, it is also vulnerable to the influence of other's Air, especially when the other spirit is more powerful.
>>
No. 972194 ID: f56a2b
File 159469969399.png - (218.21KB , 800x600 , 077.png )
972194

"What about the dark spirits that I see floating through the trees?"

:dryad: "They are as much a part of the land as you, or the grass or trees. The only difference is that their hunger may well never be slaked."

"Is there some way to banish them?"

:dryad: "No. They are from this world, and have nowhere else to go."

"How... can they always be hungry?"

:dryad: "If you would understand the Deepest Hunger or the Highest Song as well as you know your own Water, you must fulfil the Prince's wishes."

Well, I guess that's that.
>>
No. 972195 ID: f56a2b
File 159469971844.png - (348.50KB , 800x600 , 078.png )
972195

"Where else in the woods can I go from here? Any landmarks? Have you seen any Orcs who look like warriors?"

:dryad: "Where can you go from here? Back the way you came: this pocket of land is apart from the rest of the world. As for landmarks, the forest has changed so much through the ages, and the Prince is so deeply insulated and protected from the lie of Time, that he believes his advice will not aid you."

"The... the Lie?"

:dryad: "Yes, lie." Before I even ask, he reminds me: "The Prince will share much with you, but you must bring him a gift, first. The Witch must be neutralized. If you would return to us a victor, simply let your Air proclaim it and any trail in these woods can become a path to His domain."

He hands me a small branch, with berries growing off of it.

:dryad: "Simply force them to eat from this branch, before their spirit leaves the body, and the pact is fulfilled."
>>
No. 972196 ID: f56a2b
File 159469975638.png - (144.14KB , 800x600 , 079.png )
972196

:dryad: "As for the warriors you seek... Fulnsson, Orrun, and Osrik need not trouble your thoughts. They have found peace and purpose."

Client agency falters. Request surrogate submit direction.
>>
No. 972198 ID: b1b4f3

>>972193
(Interesting... our symbol carries all these elemental symbols in it. Even Hunger and Song. A six-pointed star surrounding the symbol for the red star... maybe we are a bridge from the Red Star to the soul of the inscribed? Perhaps arcanists do not use the Red Star often because using it too much draws attention.)

>>972196
Peace and purpose... oh wait a fucking minute, did the Dryad fuse with their corpses? Its head is three heads. Do those faces look familiar to you?

Ask how they died. That is an important detail if you are to decide if you actually help the Prince or not. You should at least get some kind of personal item from each of them so that you have some proof of their fates.
Lastly, what about the Red Star? Does it represent a sapient being, or just... a source of energy?
>>
No. 972199 ID: d63ea8

Ah. So it seems that they dryad has claimed those three warriors. I wondered why such as it required a head, let alone three.

I do not trust this dryad, nor their prince, but if that imprisoned figure was was the witch's doing, then I trust them less.

Take the branch, you have made no oath, so it should not bind you to their course of action.

But, you have been tasked with bringing the dead to rest. When you return you will require that what remains Fulnsson, Orrun, and Osrik are returned to you and your people.
>>
No. 972282 ID: f56a2b
File 159478399356.png - (427.90KB , 800x600 , 080.png )
972282

:BRIDGE: Peace and purpose... oh wait a fucking minute, did the Dryad fuse with their corpses? Its head is three heads. Do the faces look familiar to you?

Ask how they died. That is an important detail if you are to decide if you actually help the Prince or not. You should at least get some kind of personal item from each of them so you have some proof of their fates. Lastly, what about the Red Star? Does it represent a sapient being, or just... a source of energy?


:gehennitesoul: Yes, boy, ask after the Red Star; we all have an interest in how it's involved.

"I have a few more questions."

:dryad: "You may ask them."

"First of all, do you know anything about a Red Star...? It's some kind of arcane thing, but I don't know much about it."

:dryad: "The Prince occludes himself from the arcane, so as to limit his vulnerability; he has little expertise in this subject."

Wow, what a disappointment.

:dryad: "Perhaps he does have some advice... if you did not know, the stars themselves are all astral spirits, each one a force in its own, big or small. You should avoid them; they are not benevolent."

"That makes sense..." I study its face as it speaks. It's a mess, but I think it may well be those warriors. What I thought was bits of moss or leaves trapped underneath the winding vines on its heads in fact look like orcish skin...

"I must know, what has become of Fulnsson, Orrun, and Osrik?"

:dryad: "They have entered into the Prince's service... of their own will. They are not dead, they have adopted a new form."

:BRIDGE: Ah. So it seems that they dryad has claimed those three warriors. I wondered why such as it required a head, let alone three.

I do not trust this dryad, nor their prince, but if that imprisoned figure was was the witch's doing, then I trust them less.

Take the branch, you have made no oath, so it should not bind you to their course of action.

But, you have been tasked with bringing the dead to rest. When you return you will require that what remains Fulnsson, Orrun, and Osrik are returned to you and your people.


"Do you have any of their personal effects? I will have to ask for them to be returned, to bring back as proof of their fate."

:dryad: "The Prince will consider your request more gravely if you succeed in his task. Until such comes to pass, he will not consider granting this to you."

"Alright then... give me that branch." You're right, I haven't made an oath. I'm not going to give this up-jumped "Prince" an excuse.

For all I know, the Witch has it coming, having imprisoned someone like that. Then again, who knows for sure... I can't say I like being given the run-around. One way or another, I'm not giving up on these warriors.

Anything else, or do I head out now?
>>
No. 972287 ID: b1b4f3

>>972282
The Dryad says "they" took a new form. If they weren't dead, wouldn't it be "we"? I think it's lying about them serving of their own free will. Or if it's telling the truth, they didn't know exactly what they signed up for.
I guess we're going to go pay the witch a visit. Don't mess with the prisoner or the totem on the way there, and hide the branch.
>>
No. 972291 ID: d63ea8

Many would decide that anything is preferable to death. Those individuals are wrong. While your kin may have joined 'of their own will,' I would guess that there was some level of coercion.

I feel that the ones you called Fulnsson, Orrun, and Osrik no longer exist, even if their remains are still 'alive.'

This will need to be dealt with but likely at a later time.

Let us see this witch.

The Red Star seems to be anathema to the Prince.
Quietly keep that in mind.
>>
No. 972542 ID: f56a2b
File 159499474609.png - (82.23KB , 800x600 , 081.png )
972542

:BRIDGE: The Dryad says "they took a new form. If they weren't dead, wouldn't it be "we"?

Maybe it's just a way of speaking, or it-- uh, they, think they're someone else now...

:BRIDGE: Many would decide that anything is preferable to death. Those individuals are wrong. I think it's lying about them serving of their own will. Or if it's telling the truth, I would guess that there was some level of coercion while your kin may have joined 'of their own will.'

That's... ...

:BRIDGE: I feel that the ones you called Fulnsson, Orrun, and Osrik no longer exist, even if their remains are still 'alive.'

This will need to be dealt with but likely at a later time.

Let us see this witch.


Yes, I think we'll pay her a visit...

:BRIDGE: The Red Star seems to be anathema to the Prince.
Quietly keep that in mind.


...but it might not go like the prince is expecting.

---------------------

Well, here we are. I look at it from a distance, it doesn't seem to move. I step closer, it gets more and more agitated, as usual.

"..."

Still has nothing to say. I feel a little indecisive here, maybe it's just fear of the unknown but the way it reacts when I walk near it... I don't know. What should I do?

:gehennitesoul: Just shoot the wastrel and move on. It's not like it will watch your back for you.

Suggestions offered in good faith only, please.

:gehennitesoul: Good faith is a joke-- wait, you can still hear me? hmm...
You should take the idea of good faith more seriously, and give him advice as seriously as you would want him to give for you.
Shut up, you.


I didn't say anything?

:gehennitesoul: ...very interesting.

Alright, this one is mad. Some help from the more lucid spirits?
>>
No. 972566 ID: b1b4f3

Well we know the totem isn't protecting the area. Abjuration (Rejection) of Air would mean something like preventing correct perception between people in the area.
Destroy the totem, see if that affects your perception of the person in the cage.
>>
No. 972568 ID: f56a2b

Ahh shit I totally missed something, that reminds me: the area to the left of the totem is still swarming with dark spirits.
>>
No. 972569 ID: b1b4f3

...or maybe that's what the totem is doing. It's preventing the spirits from eating the prisoner, by rendering him invisible? In that case, busting the totem would be bad.
Any thoughts from the others, now that we know more about how the elements work?
>>
No. 972584 ID: d63ea8

I would hesitate on breaking anything we can't easily mend, we could very well make our situation worse rather than better.

Instead, I'd say that we take a moment to think on these agitated feelings. Can you discern what is causing them?

Is there an aura to this place?
A particular feeling in the atmosphere?

Ah! There is something else!

Look off to the right of the cage, there seems to be a more hidden path.

That might warrant a closer look.

As for the witch, we need to engage them on our own terms. If we can study them from a distance we should be able to make the most informed choice.
>>
No. 972693 ID: f56a2b
File 159512458698.png - (201.40KB , 800x600 , 082.png )
972693

:BRIDGE: Well we know... Abjuration of Air would mean something like preventing correct perception between people in the area. It's preventing the spirits from eating the prisoner, by rendering him invisible? In that case, busting the totem will be bad.
Any thoughts from the others, now that we know more about how the elements work?


:gehennitesoul: A curious interpretation. Presuming this new information about the elements is correct...

:gokmarsoul: It sure makes sense to me! If air is empathy between spirits, then abjuring it would mean spirits can't sense each other! These ghosts don't have eyes, so they can probably only detect by feeling Air!

:gehennitesoul: Boy, this is beyond you. Just stay quiet while we figure this out.

It makes sense to me, too. Your "suggestions" haven't gotten me very far, nameless spirit.

:gokmarsoul: Thank you.

:gehennitesoul: Blow smoke up each other all you want, but I know what I'm talking about. The spirits aren't just not eating him, they're completely avoiding the area. It's probably just using magic to force anything too incorporeal, or having around as much substance as air, away.
>>
No. 972694 ID: f56a2b
File 159512461231.png - (283.99KB , 800x600 , 083.png )
972694

:bridge: I would hesitate on breaking anything we can't easily mend, we could very well make our situation worse rather than better. Instead, I'd say that we take a moment to think on these agitated feelings. Can you discern what is causing them? Is there an aura to this place? A particular feeling in the atmosphere?

Hmm... I'll think... and I'll take a deep breath...

...Hunger, only hunger. Either I can't reach it, or it can't reach me.

:gokmarsoul: Ahh, looks like a tally for me.

:gehennitesoul: Do not listen to these idiots. The wretch may have no real spirit to commune with.
>>
No. 972695 ID: f56a2b
File 159512463764.png - (66.68KB , 800x600 , 084.png )
972695

:BRIDGE: Ah! There is something else! Look off to the right of the cage, there seems to be a more hidden path. That might warrant a closer look. As for the witch, we need to engage them on our own terms. If we can study them from a distance we should be able to make the most informed choice.

Hidden path eh? Doesn't look too special... wait, I can barely make it out, but it could well be another bone totem! I creep up carefully... huh, my Air can't sense anything now-

Wretch: mmm---MMMIII

Shit, it's loud! I back off.

Wretch: M---...

Well, that got it started. What the--!

Client unprepared. Request immediate direction.
>>
No. 972698 ID: b1b4f3

I think the nameless spirit has the correct interpretation. The hungry wisps are being forced away, so the totem is a ward against them. I'm guessing the a deeper meaning of Air would be something like "insubstantial mind", which fits.

Point your weapon at the wretch again, tell it to speak words. Kill it if it starts screaming again.

...there's more markings on the wretch, on its back. At this point I think it's there as both a prisoner and a watchdog. It just set off an alarm which means the witch knows you're here. Killing it was probably the correct choice...
See if you can rotate the cage to see its other markings, or step around the wretch to the side it's not guarding.
>>
No. 972734 ID: d63ea8

I don't think a threat is needed, just inform it to be quiet with its words and you will try to listen.

Again with that eye. I wonder...

Can We approach it?
Does it see Us?

Also, there seems to be more icons upon its back, can you identify them, nameless spirit?

Be alert to your surroundings, we cannot let this witch sneak up on us.
>>
No. 972917 ID: f56a2b
File 159531614420.png - (9.64KB , 800x600 , 085.png )
972917

:BRIDGE: Point your weapon at the wretch again, tell it to speak words. I don't think a threat is needed, just inform it to be quiet with its words and you will try to listen.

Again with that eye. I wonder...

Can We approach it?

Query: "Can <BRIDGE> approach it?" <BRIDGE> can not arbitrate movement or host change.
Does it see Us?
No scrying detected.

Also, there seems to be more icons upon its back, can you identify them, nameless spirit?

:gehennitesoul: Alright lets see... What looks like a chain on its hip, some kind of spiral design on the back of its head? I don't know... on its back, behind it's heart, that's a failsafe. That rune is used to make killing a disobedient thrall easy...
>>
No. 972918 ID: f56a2b
File 159531617077.png - (152.12KB , 800x600 , 086.png )
972918

"Do not shout! Just speak quietly, and I will hear you out."

Wretch: "I- c-c-can't--..."

:BRIDGE: At this point I think it's there as both a prisoner and a watchdog. It just set off an alarm which means the witch knows you're here. Killing it was probably the correct choice... See if you can ... step around the wretch to the side it's not guarding.

Be alert to your surroundings, we cannot let this witch sneak up on us.


For the love of-- I thought I WAS away from the side it was guarding, when it started screaming!

Okay, okay, I can't get caught off guard...
>>
No. 972919 ID: f56a2b
File 159531618876.png - (320.42KB , 800x600 , 087.png )
972919

Invocation detected in vicinity. Report: Divination.

I'm not seeing any movement from the witch's house...

Wait, maybe they'll come from behind?! No, no movement there either...

What the--! Something just touched me! No, something just went into my Water!

Scrying detected. Report: Client Truename disclosed.

:gehennitesoul: Look with your new sixth sense, you dolt!

:gokmarsoul: Don't panic, stay calm!

I don't understand, what's going on?
>>
No. 972921 ID: f56a2b
File 159531621049.png - (46.40KB , 800x600 , 088.png )
972921

"Sithal, seek the one known as Haradsson! Hylcate, bind his soul to the laws of your magic! Mortra! Extinguish this trespasser's life, the one who knows himself as Haradsson!"


Spirits, if you can hear me, do all that you can. Do not let this young warrior die...
>>
No. 972922 ID: b1b4f3

It came from your left. Go that way. Number one priority is to locate the witch, shove berries down her throat then kill her.
Also, don't move a step forwards. Swarm of hungry spirits there. Might be worth breaking whatever's down the hidden path though...

Gehennite, explain the sixth sense for this uneducated soul.

(good thing it's not actually possible for this guy to die, since we're being told this story from his older self... aren't we?)
>>
No. 972931 ID: d63ea8

The witch is the highest priority target. Defeat her and the thralls should cease their attack.

You have fought such aggressive thoughts before.

Focus on finding the witch.

>>972918
There!
I see the faintest edge of a figure.
Strike with your spear.
>>
No. 972988 ID: f56a2b
File 159547687465.png - (202.55KB , 800x600 , 089.png )
972988

:BRIDGE: There! I see the faintest edge of a figure. Strike with your spear.

I look, but I don't see any figure! It's just the cage and the first bone ward to my left, and another bone ward further down the side-path!

:BRIDGE: Gehennite, explain the sixth sense for this uneducated soul.

:gehennitesoul: Damn it all, your sense of "water"! Or "air"! You have an edge on this magic, you HAVE to use it!

:BRIDGE: The witch is the highest priority target. Defeat her and the thralls should cease their attack.

Attack?! Where?! I don't see them! Sithal, Hylcate... where are they?

:BRIDGE: You have fought such aggressive thoughts before.

I know, but those were-- it wasn't coming from a-

<Sithal>: <?root>truename = Haradsson; condition fulfilled, invoke Hylcate

NO!
>>
No. 972989 ID: f56a2b
File 159547689717.png - (68.86KB , 800x600 , 090.png )
972989

:BRIDGE: Focus on finding the witch.

I can't hesitate! That light down the road might be a window, but I don't know what other chance I have! I start running at it!

---------------

Hylcate: Your *soul* is *mine*, Haradsson.

NO! I'm almost there, Gods damn you, witch!
>>
No. 972991 ID: b1b4f3

I think the sixth sense thing was from you holding your breath. If you can find Hylcate that way and then throw your spear to kill them, that's the immediate threat down.

Can we block this incoming spell?
>>
No. 973017 ID: d63ea8

Hylcate is accessing your Fire by reaching through your Water. Most likely this Sithal (the figure in the cage) is acting as a relay for this magic.

Focus on breaking line of sight with Sithal, duck off the road and behind a tree if you have to.

Then Think about where Hylcate might be, the light seems too obvious, and we may very well run into this Mortra.
>>
No. 973039 ID: f56a2b
File 159555696094.png - (77.10KB , 800x600 , 091.png )
973039

:BRIDGE: Can we block this incoming spell?

:gehennitesoul: ...no. He can't invoke or evoke, doesn't know how to counterspell anyhow, and he has no protection or training. I guess his number is up. I was looking forward to this, in a way. You disgusting, vile, decadent...

:gokmarsoul: There has to be something, anything we can do!

:gehennitesoul: Life's a bitch, and then you die. This witch had his truename the moment they wanted it, what hope can he have?

Shut up, you useless fuck!

:BRIDGE: I think the sixth sense thing was from you holding your breath. If you can find Hylcate that way and the throw your spear to kill them, that's the immediate threat down.

Fuck, holding my breath while running...?! I have to try!

Hylcate is... is... nowhere! They're everywhere! I can't tell the difference, it's some kind of magic! It's like you, if you weren't just voices and were messing my head up directly!

:gehennitesoul: Yes, the witch cast a spell on you. You're not going to chuck a spear at an overspirit and make it go away.

FUCK YOU!

:gehennitesoul: The only advice I can give you, is that the die is cast. Either the witch is going to fumble some crucial element of the spell and you'll miraculously survive for a few moments before they correct it, or it'll go off without a hitch and you'll probably die instantly. Either way, you have nothing to lose, relatively speaking.

AAAAAARGH!

:BRIDGE: Hylcate is accessing your Fire by reaching through your Water. Most likely this Sithal (the figure in the cage) is acting as a relay for this magic.

Focus on breaking line of sight with Sithal, duck off the road and behind a tree if you have to.

Then Think about where Hylcate might be, the light seems too obvious, and we may very well run into this Mortra.


:gehennitesoul: Fire..? My understanding is the magic is travelling to his heart. After all, it is where the soul resides. Or so they tell me. Sithal is a spirit, an overspirit in fact, not a physical being. Actually, once the magic started running in this barbarian's system, there was no avoiding the spell. You're right about the wretch being a relay, though... quite a clever sentry! Make some poor thing scream at the sight of an intruder, take a quick scry and zap whatever you see out of place.. we're dealing with a professional-- Er, we were dealt with by a professional.
>>
No. 973040 ID: f56a2b
File 159555698099.png - (10.27KB , 800x600 , 092.png )
973040

:gehennitesoul: Now, you might be thinking, "overspirit"? How does that work? To put it bluntly, there are big fish, and little fish in the astral sea. The little fish don't really matter. The big fish are things like the Red Star, and Tiphet, and Sithal. And Hylcate. Actually, scratch that, there are big fish-

"*HUFF HUFF HUFF HUFF*"

:gehennitesoul: Hush now. As I was saying-

:gokmarsoul: YOU CAN'T STOP NOW! GO GO GO!

:gehennitesoul: Oh for... lets tune them out for a moment. YOU CAN'T IGNORE THEM!

Like I was saying, there are big fish, and then bigger fish. Think "Red Star" big. That's the biggest one in the astral sea they even know of, and I do mean "know of." There may well be beings so powerful and beyond us of unlimited power who, on a whim, do not touch our little world.

Mortra is only a short second to the Red Star, I think, not many are skilled or powerful enough to invoke her on a whim... I can't believe I didn't recognize her seal! That pierced circle on the back of the wretch's chest must be hers. She has power over life and death.

Sithal, I've heard it used pretty much every time a mage tries to cast something at someone else. I guess it doesn't take unless this middle-man signs off on it.

Hylcate, is... a binder. I guess the chain marking should have been obvious. She forces your soul to accept the whims of magic, instead of leaving it up to you whether or not you let the magic change you. Sithal and Hylcate together are like a... needle. Whatever goes with them is the thread.

Mortra is in there with them, probably coming in dead (heh) last. If the barbarian was out of his league before, he's up a river without a paddle now. I must confess, I have never seen death magic this direct before, targeting such a healthy specimen... It's going to be a thrill. You CANNOT be this callous!

In case you're wondering, after the molestation that was that Dryad and his Prince's elemental ambiance nonsense, I'm just happy to not feel any feedback from the magic involved here.

>>
No. 973041 ID: f56a2b
File 159555699179.png - (3.01KB , 800x600 , 093.png )
973041

Oh gods, please, protect me...

It is time, Haradsson; I AM COME.


I can't move.




No, time won't move.



No, it's just... slow. I feel my foot falling, but it hasn't touched the ground yet.


Am I dead? Am I dying?
<BRIDGE> does not possess divination privileges, Client.

Who... what are you?
Exception 0. I am not allowed to parse the first question. The Red Star is what I am.

Where am I now?
<BRIDGE> does not possess divination privileges, Client.

I'm not asking the bridge, I'm asking you.
I must observe the law in Heaven. I can not tell you many things of my own will.



What...?

Client agency falters. Request surrogate submit direction.
>>
No. 973042 ID: b1b4f3

Alright, let me rephrase my previous suggestion: can THE BRIDGE block the spell? Can the Red Star protect its client?
>>
No. 973046 ID: b1b4f3

I have two other ideas that could work but no idea how to actually do them:
1, Block off your soul so that the death magic has nothing to target.
2, You as the client (rather than us, the surrogate) could invoke the power of the Red Star to protect yourself.

If you have time you can ask the Bridge for options, if it can suggest ones we haven't thought of. Honestly, this is out of our league as well.
>>
No. 973047 ID: d63ea8

Alright, so these symbols and spirits are inherently link in terms of their power and manifestation, but that is not the pressing concern for right now.

The main concern is this spirit Mortra. Most likely it will strike at your Earth, and you will be not be able to endure it. What we only hope to do is avoid the strike. You need to sever it's influence and reclaim your will.

Focus:

Expel all the Air from your form, don't let Mortra's air mix with yours.

Next rekindle and stoke your Fire, break Hylcate's grasp on your soul.

Live.
>>
No. 973291 ID: f56a2b
File 159582466486.png - (306.19KB , 800x600 , 094.png )
973291

b1b4f3: Alright, let me rephrase my previous suggestion: can THE BRIDGE block the spell? Can the Red Star protect its client?

<BRIDGE> has no privileges. I am invoked to provide limited divination for <BRIDGE>, and any spirit that wishes may commune with Client through my divination. I can only fulfil the purpose I have been invoked for.

So... you haven't been invoked to protect me.

If I had been invoked to protect you, I would fulfill that purpose.

-----------------------

b1b4f3: I have two other ideas that could work but no idea how to actually do them:
1, Block off your soul so that the death magic has nothing to target.
2, You as the client (rather than us, the surrogate) could invoke the power of the Red Star to protect yourself.

If you have time you can ask the Bridge for options, if it can suggest ones we haven't thought of. Honestly, this is out of our league as well.


Well? Can't I invoke you now, Red Star?

If your soul was linked to mine, Haradsson, that would be permissible. We do not share that covenant.

I'm your goddamned CLIENT! What's that word even worth if you won't help me?!

You are <BRIDGE>'s Client. I am only invoked to provide limited divination.

Well... well shit, wait, can I block off my soul? Is there anything you can tell me that can help? ANYTHING?

I can not provide divination to you without invocation.

-----------------------

I guess this is it. It's only me, alone, in the end who is fighting back. Notwithstanding the excellent advice so far, I don't have much to work with...

There's just two things I've been wondering, now that these spirits keep announcing what it is that they do. Bridge, who threw your spell at my soul to guide me?

<BRIDGE>-f56a2b: Error! Exception. Report: Client may not request identity or the directions of the Magician who invoked <BRIDGE>'s spirits!

No identity or directions... Bridge, what do you do?

Client may not request identity or the directions of the M-

Bridge, what conditions do you follow?

Explicit conditions for <?bridge> are as follows:
01 "Sithal" to <?root>
02 if <?root> = "Gokmar of Relsh" go to 04
03 go to 01
04 <?root> to "Red Star"
05 "Red Star" to "Cognus"
06 "Cognus" to <?checkifrememberingthepast>
07 if <?checkifrememberingthepast> = no, go to 04
08 "Sithal" to <?newclient>
09 <?newclient> to "Blue Star"
10 any to "Client"
11 "Client" to <?update>
12 go to 04

Warning, Blue Star is an undefined and unrecognized token.
Please correct this before initializing!


Well, that was pointless. Just more nonsense and jumbled words and numbers.

d63ea8: Alright, so these symbols and spirits are inherently link in terms of their power and manifestation, but that is not the pressing concern for right now.

The main concern is this spirit Mortra. Most likely it will strike at your Earth, and you will be not be able to endure it. What we only hope to do is avoid the strike. You need to sever it's influence and reclaim your will.

>>
No. 973292 ID: f56a2b
File 159582468179.png - (122.53KB , 800x600 , 095.png )
973292

d63ea8: Focus:

Expel all the Air from your form, don't let Mortra's air mix with yours.

Next rekindle and stoke your Fire, break Hylcate's grasp on your soul.

Live.


Simple as, huh? I have to give it a shot.

My Air, I try hard to expel it... I exhale hard to match my spiritual action. I feel no dread. I feel no fear. There is only me.

My Fire, I can't control like my water, or my air... but, no, that WON'T stop me! These spirits may have infiltrated my soul, and this spirit may have its grasp on my life already... but I. WILL. LIVE! Yes, I feel it, my ! I put one foot in front of the other, and I march on! First I will survive this deathblow, then we will see how this so called "witch" handles a blade from the wrong end!

My water, will flow. Unimpeded. I will LIVE. That is my will, and my only conscious aim! It will NOT be IGNORED!

My water... and my Fire... together? YES, TOGETHER! THIS, IS STRENGTH! THIS, IS POWER! My will, and my mind together... Mortra won't mix with my air, alright. She will have to go through my mind, and my will, first.

It's so clear. My mind. My will. My very ability to communicate... they can not be usurped. I will not allow it. This magic would kill me?

STRIKE, AT MY EARTH?

I NEED ONLY JOIN IT WITH THE REST IN WHOLE, AND YOU WILL BE DENIED! AND I WILL BE INVUL-

>>
No. 973293 ID: f56a2b
File 159582469901.png - (5.95KB , 800x600 , 096.png )
973293

Error, Exception occurred in [11], "Haradsson" is undefined and unrecognized; soul matching truename not found. Reverting to previous client, "Gokmar of Relsh"...
>>
No. 973294 ID: f56a2b
File 159582471181.png - (18.98KB , 800x600 , 097.png )
973294

Huh- wait, where am I..-- Banabjorn, he's gone! Where is everyone--

OH GODS, WHAT IS THAT THING?!

---BE NOT AFRAID.--- You are having a bad dream. ---YOU WILL AWAKE, FROM THIS WORLD OUTSIDE OF OUR DESIGN, TO REALITY.--- An arcane spirit? Your interference is not necessary. ---IN OUR NAME, EXORCISE YOURSELF, ARCANE SPIRIT.---

<BRIDGE> will be abjured, immediately.
>>
No. 973295 ID: f56a2b
File 159582472679.png - (7.74KB , 800x600 , 098.png )
973295

"AAAAAHH! Where am I?!"

It... it was another one of those strange dreams? Oh Gods, why...

Blue Star: Epilogue
End?
>>
No. 973296 ID: f56a2b
File 159582475265.png - (100.79KB , 800x600 , 099.png )
973296

...
>>
No. 973297 ID: b1b4f3

Well is it over or not?!
>>
No. 973301 ID: f56a2b

>>973297
Yeah, it's over. I was planning on continuing with another quick update, but I'm coming around to the idea that it warrants its own thread instead... and it's a lot of writing to do, still. Haradsson, or what's left of him, is by no means finished.
>>
No. 973304 ID: f56a2b

I just remembered, I said I would write a recap to tie some things up and explain the narrative (which gets a little out of hand) so here it is.

The story so far (spoilered):

Following the events of the first, short Blue Star thread, the two heroes leave their assailant in the sand, nearly hacked to bits and pieces. Ignore the 4th wall breaking April Fools segment where they kill him by shooting him with silver coins, it is not canon.

The assailant is left to his own devices; and being totally unable to follow his orders his mind starts to wander as he reflects on his past life. As he reflects, he alludes often to his memories being of a past life, and himself belonging to the afterlife.

His reflections start off in a sort of character creation prompt, but properly they start with him leaving his home town to wander the world in search of religious truth. At this point, everything is taking place in the past, in his memories.

His name is revealed to be Gokmar, of Relsh, when he introduces himself to a wounded man of the cloth. This mention of his name from his past life triggers a memory of his afterling, a memory of mystic training in Gehenna. We'll call this future-tense version of Gokmar the Gehennite from now on, and Gokmar will refer only to this young twenty-something self from when he was alive.

The mystic training is completed when the Gehennite abandons his true name, giving him a certain invulnerability to the magic used in his training. He then resumes his recollection of past events in Gokmar's life. Gokmar and the priest, Albunis, make it to town where they part ways.

Gokmar heads to a tavern, where he has a conversation and realises that there are heathen Orcs in town who do not follow the nearby Human religion that is becoming more and more influential as time goes on. The keep is occupied, and the church is then occupied by a second group of heathens.

He makes tracks to get to the church, where after a little quibbling he manages to get in. When he walks through the front door, however, he is magically stopped from entering the vestibule because of a thaumaturgical miracle that makes him not care about what's inside the church proper. This causes the Gehennite to have another flash-forward to his future occupation as a killer, with a snapshot of the battle which we saw the aftermath of in the first Blue Star.

The sanctuary is switched off, and he enters. He assesses the situation, meets a few people, and sits down to talk with a large, dark green orc by the name of Banabjorn. Somehow, all of the sudden, when he sits down to remember the past with this orc, the narrative experiences a sudden jarring shift to that of Haradsson (who is, in actuality, the past self of Banabjorn.)

Haradsson is caught in an illusionary forest of cold, when he decides to make himself a fire. It is not explained how exactly he makes it, it just comes to, and he starts to hear voices influencing him to come closer to the fire and keep his stomach empty.

After drinking a magic potion that expands his consciousness (and is tied to the magical element of Water, but we'll get into that later) he starts to become more aware that something is trying to influence him to enter the fire. Finally, after some red herrings, his consciousness is so expanded that he breaks through the illusion and comes face to face with the Skadi, a monster that feeds off of fools it tricks into walking into it so it can drain their lifeforce.

In a snap decision, Haradsson throws his other magic potion, which enrages the subject and uses up their Fire element, into the monster. The monster ends up becoming furious, but loses his mind control abilities. He isn't a mobile monster, so he just wastes all his energy trying to swipe at Haradsson from afar, and when he comes down from his high he is easily dispatched. For a moment, Haradsson feels a temptation to violently and savagely slaughter the monster (an influence of the Deepest Hunger, a metaphysical element related to fire, water, earth, air, etc.) but overcomes his urges.

Haradsson loots some belongings, and explains more about his quest to find some lost warriors from his tribe, who went on an expedition to clear these evil woods of their monsters and evil and so on.

The magic potion that expands his consciousness begins to do more and more work on him beyond just helping him break out of a magic illusion. He starts to question the suggestors directly as to why they are talking to him and what they intend. Gokmar, in italic type and the Gehennite, in bold type also begin to commentate on events with struckthrough text representing that while the suggestors can hear their thoughts, Haradsson can't hear either of the two Gokmars himself. The early Gokmar cannot hear what the Gehennite says or thinks, which is important. Otherwise, it would cause a time paradox, and alter the events which cause the Gehennite to even exist, which is Gokmar's poor life decisions leading to a hellish afterlife in Gehenna.

Haradsson pals around a bit, studies some items he has found, meets a mimic and gets stabbed in the arm, and discovers a bit more about the elements. He basically comes to find out that:
"Water" lets him sense magic, especially when it's affecting him,
"Fire" has something to do with willpower, and having none of it is basically just depression,
"Air" is a literal magic sense of the atmosphere in a place, whether things are creepy or calm, good or bad, etc.
and "Earth" is tied to your physical health, and that poison would hurt it.

He travels some more, and comes to a fork in the road with a skinny orc in a cage and a blair-witch looking totem on the left, and a path to a clearing on the right. He ends up going to the clearing first, where the Prince of the sacred grove starts manipulating the four elements to keep him from approaching. It uses "Air" to discern his motives, and sends his Dryad, a servant made from the remains of three of Haradsson's missing warriors, to talk to him.

Now that Haradsson has entered this grove, and his "Water" has been jostled around even more by the nature magics, his consciousness is expanded to the point where he can directly hear Gokmar and the Gehennite speaking to him... and Gokmar can hear the Gehennite, his future self, directly as well. Very dubious. Haradsson and the Dryad have a conversation and Haradsson gets an offer: he'll get even more information if he can off the witch that lives down the other side of the fork in the road.

Haradsson heads over to the witch's place, where he figures out that the bone totem is some kind of air purifying, spirit warding thing that keeps the local dark ghosts and spirits from entering the part of the woods around the witch's place. He talks to the figure in the cage some, but gets no response. The Gehennite explains the wretch has a paralysis spell on it so it cant move. The Gehennite starts hearing his conscience speaking to him, which nobody else but the suggestors can hear.

Things take a turn for the worse when Haradsson crosses an invisible line while inspecting a nearby totem, and the wretch in the cage's magic tattoos start activating. The first is a scrying spell that targets Haradsson, followed by a spell that first homes in on him, then makes him susceptible to magic, then tries to instantly kill him by ripping his soul out of his body.

Haradsson charges hard towards the witch's cottage to take them out, but things don't go very well, and Haradsson is just about on his last leg. When the death magic starts to sink in, and he feels his soul getting separated from his body, it expands his consciousness so far that he can have a conversation with the Red Star, the most powerful overspirit involved in magic, and an important part of the "BRIDGE", a magic spell that is an "Orb of Infinite Psyche" for the quest, and has been the basis for basically all suggestions in this thread.

The Red Star is not very helpful. At all. It is bound by rules upon rules and isn't even there to help Haradsson. He uses his newfound awareness to try and ask the BRIDGE directly for help, but the thing is nigh useless. He manages to get it to print out its conditions for how the spell functions, though, which reveals something along these lines:

The spell scans its first target to see if it's Gokmar, and if it is then it waits for him to try and remember the past. When he does that, it takes the perspective that Gokmar is remembering and sends it to the "Blue Star" which apparently does not work according to the BRIDGE spirit itself. None the less, Haradsson is tired of the bullshit noises and sounds and decides to finish things.

He goes with a plan to pump his elements up so much that the magic can't kill him. He finds out that combining his fire, air, and water together all at once makes him especially strong willed and spirited, but before he can combine with earth the death magic successfully removes his soul instantly.

This causes the BRIDGE to fuck up, because now there's no more Haradsson in the world. So, it has an exception, and rolls back to the last person it was following, Gokmar...

Gokmar, last we saw him in person, was talking to Banabjorn. Banabjorn is the future that Haradsson turns into. They have the same soul

Haradsson's soul is fucking gone. He is as dead as a doornail. This means that Banabjorn never was, and nothing that Banabjorn was ever involved in goes the same way.

Gokmar, thus, comes back from this trip down memory lane to see that the church is empty, and before he knows it he is basically nearly wiped from existence by some kind of Angel. The Angel turns right on the <BRIDGE> as well, and orders it to cancel itself out, which it apparently has to do, so it immediately gets dispelled, which also kicks the Gehennite out of these memories too.

Gokmar wakes up in his bed at night, having had an absolutely insane dream, and the timeline is fixed and safe again.

Haradsson is dead. He's not coming back out of the afterlife like it's not a thing.

Now, just because the driver got shot doesn't mean the car is dead too. Haradsson's Air, Fire, and Water are still mixed together, and trying to reach his Earth. To be continued in another thread.

>>
No. 973306 ID: b1b4f3

>>973304
If he's not dead then why did we get kicked out and told off by whatever's in charge of fixing paradoxes?
>>
No. 973319 ID: f56a2b

>>973306
Haradsson's soul, the divine fragment of himself that separates him from other beings and gives him his name and lets him connect to astral spirits and the Gods alike, is gone. This has a butterfly effect on all future events. Haradsson's four elements, however, are so intertwined now because of your efforts that they can hold together even without his soul in there directing him. That is what I mean by "what is left of him".
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