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113561 No. 113561 ID: 6faa8c

Di... did it work?
Well, I may as well introduce myself.

My name is Antares. I am the son of Hattori and Ella Delarosa. My father and his friends managed to save the world from the machinations of Clown. Now Xom is in power in Coyote's place, and while... unpredictable, he's better than the last.

The reason I beg your assistance, legion, is because of the task my father has sent me upon. My mother, you see... is dying. It is a slow death, but my father knows it to be preventable. However, the chemical he needs cannot be found in the old world, so he hired this boat and crew, and sent me to find it in the New World.
I am alone in my mission. I have no magical items, just my skill with runes, and no allies. Father says he expects I shall succeed.

I... am not quite so sure...
Expand all images
>>
No. 113562 ID: c0f3bf

Skill with runes?

Please extrapolate.
>>
No. 113563 ID: a64482

Don't worry man, we're awesome. And you're the kid of two awesome people. We got your father some awesome stuff, and we have all sorts of experience with this.

And don't say you have no allies. You have us, and that's all you need to branch out. How old are you anyway?
>>
No. 113564 ID: 34470e

Hi there, Antares. We know Hattori. He couldn't have saved the world without our help. How's he been doing?
>>
No. 113566 ID: b14128

Hello, there, Antares. We are Legion.

Hrmm... That's not good. If I may ask, why does your father not go himself? Perhaps he needs to stay to slow down the decline in Ella's health? Also, what are these 'Runes' you speak of?

Finally... Don't worry so much. We know your father, guided him throughout his adventures, from his gaining of his enchanted Hat, right up to the very end. With us on your side, you'll do just fine.
>>
No. 113567 ID: 1f2a4c

HELLO EVERYONE THIS IS W-IOOP WITH THE LATEST EXPLOIST FROM BEYOND!

TODAYS SPONSOR IS XOM, GOD OF CHAOTIC NEUTRAL, BRINGER OF LULZ AND LOLZ! NOTHING SYAS I LOVE YOU LIKE SAYING IT WITH 3 MOUTHS AND 4 LUNGS!
>>
No. 113568 ID: b14128

>>113567
...Um... That reminds me, how much do you know about us, Antares?
>>
No. 113569 ID: 6faa8c
File 12637847498.png - (7.09KB , 640x480 , Knownrunes.png )
113569

>>113562
Runecrafting is a school of magic that can enchant items without binding souls, if even temporarily.

The runes are etched onto items, and the magic inherent in the world flows throguh the rune, guided by its shape, into an effect. A rune can only last for a certain amount of time before the magic deforms the sigil, at which point it will cease to function entirely.

Multiple runes can be planted onto the same object, with varying effects. I know three runes:
Blessing and Courage least, and Undeath lesser. I know the effects they have alone, but I don't like experimenting.
>>
No. 113571 ID: a64482

>>113569
>>Don't like experimenting.

Antares. You're the son of a friend, so I'll cut you a little slack. But don't be daft. You're young. EXPERIMENT ffs! Go on, find a plank or something and make it a holy undead. Do it. Right now.
>>
No. 113572 ID: 6faa8c

>>113566
My father remained behind so he could maintain my mother's current health.

>>113563
I know you're the only demon I can summon reliably. And for free.
I am twenty one years of age.

>>113568
>>
No. 113575 ID: 1f2a4c

>>113569
gibe tutorial plees.

also, seriously, we help, but we camed from xom. he may own your dad a boon, but that is like requiring a unloaded dice to give you what you want.

now, id like a timetable. tell me about yout mother.

her illness that is, and how long you got.
>>
No. 113576 ID: 6faa8c

>>113568
You're free. And not face-eaty.

>>113571
I suppose I should explain the individual effects...

Blessing:
Allows you to inscribe an item with the BLESSING rune.
This rune boosts the purpose of the item. It also causes it to be anathema to Lycanthropes, Vampires, and Demons, excepting Legion.

Courage:
Allows you to inscribe an amulet, ring, or charm with the COURAGE rune.
This rune protects against fear effects and sanity loss.

Undeath:
Allows you to inscribe a ring with the UNDEATH rune.
This Rune allows you the following advantages.
* You may, at will, designate yourself with the Undead type. You will be seen by other undead as one of their own.
* You may, once an hour, touch someone with the chill of death with the hand the runescribed ring is equipped to.
* Lastly, you can see spirits and communicate with them, so long as you wear the runescribed ring.
>>
No. 113577 ID: 34470e

>>113569
You don't like experimenting? Looks like I need to tell you your father couldn't have gone anywhere without experimenting. After all, what use is a magic hat, cane, cufflinks, watch, cloak, book, and monocle going to do if you don't know what to do with them?
>>
No. 113578 ID: 632862

Erk, I'm up.

Ella? She's dying? The thought pains me, even knowing that death is inevitable... How long does Hattori estimate she'll hold on?

...hey, I'm curious. What's your appearance? Your combination of races is new to us.
>>
No. 113581 ID: a64482

>>113574
Helping? We pulled their asses out of the fire so many times...

Though, if you meet a dwarf... don't get attached. Bad track record with dwarfs.

>>113576
Right, right. First thing first. See if blessing rune can stack with courage rune. Basically, apply courage rune, check effect, apply blessing rune, see if it's stronger. Ya got it?
>>
No. 113582 ID: 3f4554

(Wow that was fast. You don't waste any time do you shot?)

Well, might as well put blessing on the boat. It will keep evil away and give you practice.
>>
No. 113586 ID: b14128

>>113571
Interesting, very interesting... What are the effects of your currently known runes? And... Don't like experimenting, huh? Hrm. Well, personally, I feel the only way you're going to truly come into your own with runes is -by- experimenting, I'm sorry to say. Caution is good, but don't let it control you. Sometimes you need to take risks. You're likely going to want to figure out the effects of mixing runes sooner or later, and sooner might be better than later.

>>113572
>>113576
...I -see-.

Not the most flattering of reasons for coming to us for aid, but it doesn't really matter much.

Anyway, your father never talked much of us, I presume?
>>
No. 113591 ID: 1f2a4c

>>113576
right now you will get the orb, some ink and inscribe us with blessing and undead.

if we explode, its ok, you now have more of us!
>>
No. 113593 ID: a64482

>>113591
I don't think we work that way in this universe. I could be wrong though. (except that I'm not)

Did your father teach you runes?
>>
No. 113600 ID: 6faa8c

>>113593
My father was rather against me using them. It was one of the causes of a falling-out some time ago.

>>113581
Courage and blessing, right, right...
Well, since they both work on rings, I will inscribe both on the inside of my signet ring.
It glows white. That's the sign Blessing is working. The surface is no different though... I am uncertain whether Courage is working, but I've always had some trouble with that one.

And no, father didn't talk about you much. Well, he doesn't like to talk much about his exploits at all. He hardly ever uses the old items, and doesn't let anyone touch them.
>>
No. 113603 ID: 34470e

>>113600
That's strange. Does he say why he doesn't want to use the items?
>>
No. 113604 ID: b14128

>>113600
I'd assume you'd rather not talk about said falling out, so I shall not ask.

Signet ring? You have a signet ring? Huh. I think this would be a fine time to ask what your current possessions are.

Hrmm... Blessing plus Courage equals... What?

He doesn't, huh? Hrm. Well, I can see why he doesn't use the old items much, as I recall, some of them shave time off your lifespan when you use them.
>>
No. 113606 ID: a64482

>>113600
>>113603
Well we know why he doesn't want to use the hate. It takes away your lifespan as you use it.

You do know your father used to be a lich and is over 3000 years old, don't you? Moving on... he still seems like he's become rather... well less fun then he was when we knew him.

IN ANY CASE. We have a new start with you! We'll have such fun! How many others on the boat? How long till you reach shore? Are there any pretty dames? Or... lads if you swing that way.
>>
No. 113607 ID: 632862

What does the "chill of death" do, via the Undeath ring? Is it damaging, or does it attempt to just straight up kill them?

Hey, did Hattori destroy the Hat? Also, note that there's a reason he doesn't let people touch his stuff. Some of them are heavily cursed, alongside the enchantments. Some others are just plain too dangerous to mess with if you don't know what you're doing.

I wonder if he still uses the monocle, though?
>>
No. 113611 ID: 6faa8c

>>113606
I am straight as an arrow, my good man. We're actually about to land. The boat shall remain here, making an outpost. I will be the first to step on this new land!


>Hrmm... Blessing plus Courage equals... What?
As I said, this school of magic is largely experimental. I might master more runes, later, but I would rather focus on those I do know. Father told me some of his item's functions were discovered by experiment, so... I might as well do the same.

I own my signet ring, a bronze medallion, a small charm (heartwood), a dagger, some simple clothing, some cold weather clothing, and simple leather armor. I currently wear the simple clothes.


one more thing! Inscriptions fade over time. The magical power knits the surface they are etched on whole as it wears thin.
>>
No. 113613 ID: 34470e

>>113611
Has anyone ever been to this new world?
>>
No. 113617 ID: 1f2a4c

>>113606
since courage seems to be protection, its somewhat safe to assume bless+courage = UNDED SMITHING TIME!

do you have any partners on this quest? if so, tell them you now have voices on your head that are willing to meet them.

then show the orb.
>>
No. 113619 ID: b14128

Hrm. Hey, Antares? Besides using runes, do you have any other skills and abilities? Your father pass on any of his almost supernatural skill at the healing arts? Can you also provide details on the chemical you're supposed to be looking for?
>>
No. 113621 ID: 6faa8c

>>113617
I have no allies here.

Legion is a possession of the mind, not an object.

>>113613
I am uncertain. But there are no maps of the land.

>>113619
Father said 'You will know it when you see it'. As for my own skills, I am adept at both stealth and close combat.

!!!
We're landing!
>>
No. 113625 ID: b14128

>>113621
Wait, wait. How did your father know the chemical was to be found in the New World, if it didn't exist in the Old World? ...Hell, how does he even know it -exists- if he can't get at it where he is?

'You will know it when you see it'? That's a rather... Odd set of instructions, to say the least. You really don't know anything about the chemical you're supposed to be trying to find?

Landing, hm? What are your surroundings like? Details on where you're making landfall?
>>
No. 113626 ID: 34470e

>>113625
Maybe it was Anansi, Raven, or The Incarnate who told him about the chemical.
>>
No. 113630 ID: 632862

Hehe, it's nice to know magic has recovered enough for more of our voice to come back... it's a pity that it also makes us more unreliable.

Hey, did Hattori ever mention Shi? From the events related to us in our final contact with him, I've managed to deduce that she somehow got her hands on the fortune he had amassed as a demilich. I don't know much further than that; for instance whether or not it was willingly handed over or if she stole it. Or if she kept in touch.

For that matter, did he ever mention us?
>>
No. 113635 ID: 6faa8c

>>113630
Shi?

>>113625
The land around the landfall is a long beach of white, fine sand. There's rather thick forestation just ahead, and to the north and inland a range of mountains.
>>
No. 113638 ID: b14128

>>113635
Your father seems to have left out some amount of information on his adventures.

Anyway, I think you might want to slip into your leather armor now that we're landing. Just in case, ya know? Say, can you give us some details on the rest of the ship and the people on it? What's their reason for landing?
>>
No. 113639 ID: 1f2a4c

but there are so little anons here!

also do you have chemical or alchemical knowledge? maybe herbal? how are you supposed to know of it?

again, what is your mother illnes? i dun wanna go back home with a elixir of uranium knowing she didnt had cancer.
>>
No. 113640 ID: 34470e

>>113635
Shi tried to kill your father when he met her, much like your mother did. Shi was a thief. I don't know what she's doing now.
>>
No. 113641 ID: a64482

Are you fellows from a nation of any sort? will a colony be set up?
>>
No. 113645 ID: 632862

>>113635
If Hattori never spoke of Shi, then I shall not discuss the matter. It would not be right.

Did you get a map, or is this undiscovered country? It sure doesn't look like a port, so I'm going to guess the latter.

Do you have wilderness survival training? I guess we can help with that, in a pinch.
>>
No. 113656 ID: 6faa8c

>>113645
I have no map. No explorers thought it neccesary to cross the ocean.
I get into my leather armor and set foot on land. The captain approaches.
"We'll be setting up shop here." he says. "You'd best look around the area, kid. But be careful, no one is really sure what might be waiting out there. I'd send out some help, but we need all our men here to finish construction asap."

The ship is pretty standard. There's about thirty crewmen. I was the only passenger.

Where should I go? Should I etch any of my equipment?
>>
No. 113659 ID: a64482

Out of curiosity, if you etch things, can you erase them? Would etching ALL UR ARMOR with blessing be a bad idea?
>>
No. 113660 ID: b14128

>>113576
Well, if you can 'erase' the runes already on it, I'd suggest you set an undeath rune on your ring. After that, put a courage rune on your charm, set a courage/blessing combination on your medallion, and put a bless rune on your dagger (And your armor, as well, if you can).

Head a little bit up and down the beach, to see if there are any rivers nearby if nothing else, before heading back to the camp and going straight inland to scout there.
>>
No. 113661 ID: 632862

>>113656
Etch a ring on your other hand with Blessing and Undeath.

Etch the charm with just Blessing.

Hey, are you ignoring some of our questions, or what? Maybe there's some interference due to something on this new continent... or maybe we're just asking too much stuff at once?
>>
No. 113662 ID: 34470e

>>113656
Hmm... It'd be safe to bring your knife. Might want to etch blessing on it as well.
>>
No. 113665 ID: b14128

>>113661
I don't think Antares has two rings. And asides, Blessing and Undeath sound to be opposites, I don't think it would be wise to stick them both on one item.
>>
No. 113669 ID: 1f2a4c

so we need an inventory, a map and a tavern to gather info.

its time to get drunk!
>>
No. 113673 ID: 6faa8c

rolled 2 = 2

>>113660
Etched:
Courage -> Charm
Courage/blessing -> amulet
Blessing -> Dagger

I'll begin by heading down the beach, southerly.
>>
No. 113681 ID: a64482

>>113673
Be careful, our demon sense tell us there is... something coming. With Hattori these things tended to be dangerous. Don't take out the dagger, bu be very aware of your surroundings, okay?
>>
No. 113683 ID: b14128

Antares! Careful, getting a feeling something's about to happen. Keep an eye out to your surroundings. The forest, surely, but don't ignore the ocean, the sand beneath your feet, or even the sky above.
>>
No. 113688 ID: 6faa8c
File 126379106349.jpg - (21.38KB , 300x252 , Sal\'anTheReborn.jpg )
113688

>>113681
?
All I see here is a humanoid statue, resting on a rock.

There is a RUNE etched deep in its head.
!!!
I recognize it immediatly! It's a Greater rune!
Life!
>>
No. 113692 ID: c0f3bf

Memorize rune.

...Or, write it down or something.

Whatever, DO IT!
>>
No. 113698 ID: 34470e

>>113688
He... I thought he was dead... Introduce yourself.
>>
No. 113700 ID: b14128

>>113688
...Huh. Interesting. Take a look over the statue, see if there's anything else of note about it.
>>
No. 113702 ID: b14128

>>113698
...The 'statue' is alive isn't it?
>>
No. 113704 ID: a64482

Of course it is. It's a goddamn golem. Look at it.
>>
No. 113708 ID: 6faa8c

>>113700
A living statue? Preposterous! It's never been done.
I approach, looking closely at the statue. Indeed that's the symbol for Life. I reach out. Such runes are legendary, known for power-
Erk!
Its eyes light up and one three-fingered hand closes aroung my neck as the statue rises, covered all but the arm with the cloak. What I can see is made of metal, stone, and wood, but it grips me tightly, holding me up high.

"Don't ye dare touch dat, yer little bastuhd." it growls lowly.
>>
No. 113711 ID: 632862

>>113708
Tell Sal'an that Legion says hi.
>>
No. 113712 ID: 34470e

>>113708
Try to say you're Hattori's son!
>>
No. 113713 ID: a64482

>>113708
"Sal'an, it is legion, and the son of Hattori Delarosa. Sorry about the whole accidentally letting you die thing. Our bad."
>>
No. 113714 ID: b14128

>>113708
'Never been done', eh? We've been around since before you were born, we know our stuff a lot better than you, mate.
>>
No. 113715 ID: 6faa8c

>>113714
okayokaygrantedgranted!

"M-my many apologies, my good man." I manage, as he looks me in the eye. Small metal sheets narrow the eyes, and he sets me down.
"Hattori's boy." he mutters. "Just as well, I suppose."
"How..."
"His hair. Yer got 'is hair."
"Oh..."
>>
No. 113717 ID: 34470e

>>113715
Ask him how he was revived. I'm curious.
>>
No. 113718 ID: b14128

Formally introduce yourself.
>>
No. 113719 ID: 632862

>>113715
Say "Sal'an, Legion sends its regards."

Ask him what happened since we last saw him.
>>
No. 113726 ID: 6faa8c

>>113719
"Legion sends its regards."
"Legion can stuff 'em roight up it's arse."
My eyebrows rise. "Sorry. Ah'm a little bittah."

"Noted. Ah... My name is Anteres Delarosa."
"Sal'an."
We shake hands.
>>
No. 113727 ID: 34470e

>>113726
Eheh... You see, Hattori had a watch that can tell when people can potentially die. Sometimes, there's choices. We didn't choose the right choice.
>>
No. 113729 ID: 6faa8c

>>113727
I... See.
"All th'same, though... Why're you here?" Sal'an asks.
"My mother... a wasting disease has struck her, and he sent me here to get something to help him."
Sal'an grunts.
"Shi yer mum?"
"Who?"
Sal'an gives me a long look.
"Inneresting..."
>>
No. 113730 ID: 632862

I'm... surprised that he knows we fucked up.

That was not one of our best moments. Thankfully we did manage to avoid losing any other companions, though we did make one other error of judgement that led to... ...no, I don't want to talk about it.
>>
No. 113733 ID: 34470e

>>113729
Tell him a Seeran is your mother. Named Ella.
>>
No. 113736 ID: 632862

I believe he's figured out you're half-Seeran.
>>
No. 113739 ID: c0f3bf

We're um, glad he's not dead? Anymore?
>>
No. 113748 ID: 6faa8c

>>113733
"My mother's name is Ella."
"Aaah, that esplains a lot, actually."
He rises. "She was a nice lass." he says, reaching behind the rock to pull out the biggest god-damned battle axe I have EVER seen.
>>
No. 113750 ID: 34470e

>>113748
Uh axe hi- ASK him where he got that axe, and what he's going to do with it.
>>
No. 113751 ID: a64482

>>113750
This. Make it a compliment. You know men and their freakishly large weapons.
>>
No. 113752 ID: b14128

>>113748
...Uhhhhhhhh...
>>
No. 113753 ID: 6faa8c

>>113750
"What... are you going to... do with that?"
"Protect yer sorry arse." he grumbles.
>>
No. 113754 ID: b14128

>>113753
Oh. ...Good.

...Be sure to thank him.
>>
No. 113755 ID: 34470e

>>113753
whew... Thank him.
>>
No. 113756 ID: 34470e

Also ask him how he got here.
>>
No. 113758 ID: a64482

Awesome. Ask him if there's anything in particular you should be wary of around here.
>>
No. 113797 ID: 6faa8c

>>113758
"Naw. There's the Vorn, but you shouldn't have to worry. You came here alone, right?"
"Er..."
"Don' tell me..." he walks back with me. "No, no, no, no NO!" he growls, seeing the group of people, as well as a young woman with gray hair being ragged from the ship kicking and screaming.
"You have to send them home! Quickly!"
>>
No. 113800 ID: a64482

Tell him why you need to have fast transport back. The whole "mother dying" thingie.
>>
No. 113801 ID: 107da3

...

Earthflame, is that you?
>>
No. 113805 ID: 6faa8c

>>113800
"But my mother..."
"WILL DIE unless you get them to leave! Don't you understand why even the gods won't cross over here?"
>>
No. 113806 ID: 34470e

>>113805
Do as he says. He knows things.
>>
No. 113807 ID: a64482

"Nope. My father kinda just sent me here to look for the medicine without very much background. Kindly explain it?"
>>
No. 113808 ID: a64482

>>113806
BUT WE HAVE TO SAVE MOMMY.
>>
No. 113810 ID: 34470e

>>113808
Which would you rather have: Antares taking a giant axe to the face or waiting until a ship comes?
>>
No. 113811 ID: c0f3bf

Screw it, send them back. It's obviously important.
>>
No. 113812 ID: 6faa8c

>>113807
"The Vorn are a parasitic race. They burrow into minds, take over, and transform their victims slowly. If you let those people stay any longer than a few days, they will return on a boat so laden with Vorn eggs it'll barely even float.... and the people on board it won't be human anymore."
>>
No. 113815 ID: 34470e

>>113812
Repeating >>113806
>>
No. 113817 ID: a64482

Can we even send them back?
>>
No. 113819 ID: 6faa8c

Very well.

"Captain! You are to sail back immediately."
"What? But we just got here."
"A local tells me there is a creature of great danger that may infest you and your men should you remain. I will not have my homeland terrorized by it because I wanted simple comfort. Go home."
"And your father?"
...
"I'll deal with that."
"Very well." he whistles loudly. "Was nice workin' with ya, kiddo." he says as his men head back onto the ship.
The young woman shouts back at them in a tongue I do not understand.
>>
No. 113820 ID: a64482

Point and ask your golemy friend here if she's infected, and how it's transmitted.
>>
No. 113822 ID: 6faa8c

>>113820
"Is she infected?"
"She came in on your ship. She must be speaking Antillan."
Ah, the southern folk. Pioneers of Lesser Runes.
"And how is it transmitted?"
"The elder Vorn find large groups of people. While these people sleep, the Vorn will lay eggs with a long, thin thing into their inner ear. From ther-"

"OKAYOKAYTHATISENOUGHTHANKYOU."
Sal'an chuckles.
"You don't want a lotta folk in one place. That's all.
>>
No. 113824 ID: c0f3bf

Earplugs?

...Metal earplugs?
>>
No. 113842 ID: 6faa8c

>>113824
"Nope, wouldn't work, boyo." Sal'an mutters. "I suggest you find what yer lookin' fer and then find a way off this gamn place. There's folk here... not kind folk, but reasonable folk, who listen to sparkle and clink if you get my meaning."

"ASHALI TERR COTTA NII, UTSALA!" the young woman shouts at the departing vessel. "Bastuhds."
>>
No. 113851 ID: a64482

>>113842
BEFRIEND GIRL. I realize you don't speak her language, but wing it will ya? If things seem stalled, try giving us to her for a bit. We'll explain the situation and have her wave at you when we're done. If she runs then yank us back, since we're here to help you, but I think she may be an asset.

Can you do that?
>>
No. 114000 ID: 6faa8c

>>113851
"Uhm... miss?"
"What is it?" she replies looking up at me and into my eyes through her gray bangs. She reaches into a pocket, pulling out a tin, flipping it open with her thumb. With a flick, a clump of material springs from it, and while it's in the air, she snaps the tin shut and pulls out a square of some kind of paper, catching the clump.
Then she rolls it up, licks it sealed, and smiles as she sticks it into her mouth, lighting it with a match.
>>
No. 114032 ID: 632862

>>114000
A cigarette? I wasn't aware that people smoked in your world. Perhaps things are different on this new continent.

Well, introduce yourself and ask what all the fuss was about.
>>
No. 114036 ID: 6faa8c

>>114032
"What was all that about?"
"I stowed onboard. Thought it was a river boat."
"But shouldn't it be obvious it's a vessel for open seafare?"
"To someone who's never sailed in her life?" she blows some smoke into my face. "No."
>>
No. 114059 ID: 34470e

>>114036
Ask her what her name is.
>>
No. 114072 ID: 632862

...hey Antares, how old are you? And why was Hattori against you using runes anyway? Is it because it's a new frontier of magic?
>>
No. 114074 ID: 6faa8c

>>114059
"What's your name?"
"If I gave it to a city boy like you..." she says, climbing a tree with ease and picking off fronds, "You would get it dirty. No thanks."

>>114072
I'm 21, remember? My father dislikes runes because... well...
Some idiot inscribed heat and wind onto a bottle... and... uncorked it.
In a busy street.
>>
No. 114075 ID: 34470e

>>114074
Ask her what she knows about this new world.
>>
No. 114078 ID: 632862

>>114074
Oh, you did tell us earlier. I missed that somehow.

Sounds like the bottle began breathing flames like a dragon. A flamethrower. Well, that doesn't sound much worse than what could happen if someone got their hands on a regular magic item and used it improperly. I guess the main problem with rune magic is that it lets you make magic items yourself without knowing exactly what they will do. You just have to be careful, and experiment away from other people.
>>
No. 114079 ID: b14128

>>114074
...Explosions? Flames? Your father having a busy day at work?

...Yeah, that'd piss Hattori off. Some people... What happened to the jerk that did it?

...Sorry, getting kind of off track, here. Anyway, for the girl, I get the vibe that she's an experienced outdoorsman. ...Outdoorswoman. -Anyway-. She'd probably be useful to have along, so we should probably make an effort to convince her to accompany us.
>>
No. 114080 ID: 6faa8c

>>114075
"What do you know about this new world?"
"That I shouldn't be here. Mum's hosting an important meeting. If I'm not back in three days or less, I'm as good as mongrel kibble."
>>
No. 114090 ID: 34470e

>>114080
Well, tell whoever this woman is and tell her that your looking for a cure for your mother. Maybe she knows something about it.
>>
No. 114096 ID: 6faa8c

>>114090
She raises an eyebrow.
"I'm sorry, where was the part where I'm supposed to care?" she asks, jumping down and taking all the fronds with her. "I'm all for helping you survive here because lord knows you can't cross the Godwall alone, but I'm not helping you find some mushroom or something."

>>114078
N-no, he made the heat rune too large and it simply exploded. Anything the law could have done was... well, let's just say if it had been a dragon-bottle he would have been happier.
>>
No. 114100 ID: b14128

>>114096
Bastard got was what coming to him for his carelessness and lack of respect for the powers he wielded. It's just unfortunate he harmed others when he annihilated himself.

Antares, do you know anything of this 'Godwall' she just mentioned?
>>
No. 114105 ID: 6faa8c

>>114100
It's what they named the Eastern Sea.
The Western is so full of leviathans it churns with them.
>>
No. 114115 ID: 632862

>>114105
Is Sal'an coming with you too, or is he just content to sit on that rock?

You should inquire as to where the nearest town or something is so you can get a map.

Ask the girl if her mother taught her to be this rude, or if it just comes naturally.
>>
No. 114116 ID: a64482

Ask if her mother is named Shi. And if she's 21 years old.

Just for giggles and shits.
>>
No. 114121 ID: 34470e

>>114116
No, don't as her for her age. Just if she's Shi's daughter.
>>
No. 114122 ID: a64482

>>114121
You're worried I'm wrong, and she'll trust us less?

Well fine, I guess I see the logic there.
>>
No. 114123 ID: 6faa8c

>>114115
Sal'an appears to be chuckling as I speak with her.

"Is your mother Sh-"
Before I can finish, she grabs my neck and slams me down onto the beach, her other hand bursting into heavy fur and claws, the sharp nails pressed against my neck.
"Who's askin'?" she asks softly.
>>
No. 114124 ID: 632862

>>114123
Tell her you're Hattori's son.
>>
No. 114125 ID: 6faa8c

>>114124
"I'm Hattori's son."
Her eyes narrow and she sits up, looking down at me, her legs on either side of my waist. She taps her chin with her claws, in thought.
"You know, I don't really need to be at that meeting." she says quietly.
>>
No. 114131 ID: a64482

>>114125
Tell her legion sends it's regards, and ask her if she'll accompany us, since we could really use her help, and she has nothing better to do.
>>
No. 114132 ID: 34470e

>>114125
Get up and ask her about her hand.
>>
No. 114146 ID: 6faa8c

>>114131
"Legion sends his regards."
she grunts.
"You can help me by looking for anything that can talk." she says simply. "Do me a favour and head inland. Don't talk to or make contact with anything, just come back here and let me know."
She turns to Sal'an.
"Clunky, help me get something of a shelter going."
The statue rises and walks towards her.
>>
No. 114147 ID: 632862

I think her mother will be quite amused that she's been hanging around with you. It's hard to say who the father is though... It should be either Hattori or Jax.

Um, tell her to get off and you'll get right on it.
>>
No. 114220 ID: 6faa8c

>>114147
"Uhm, I'll be right on it. As soon as you get off me."
"Oh! Sorry." she laughs and stand up as Sal'an works away at the tree with her.

I wander inland. To the north are the mountains I spotted earlier. East is more forest. South is shore.
>>
No. 114226 ID: 632862

>>114220
Head towards the mountains. A forest is a fine place to get ambushed by a wild predator.
>>
No. 114232 ID: a64482

>>114226
Mountains are good, see if you can see a river on the mountainside, rivers mean people.
>>
No. 114235 ID: 6faa8c

>>114226
>>114232
The mountains? Very well. I make my way towards the mountains, and the forests thin as I climb up the sloping terrain.
?
Further up the coast I can see smoke.
>>
No. 114237 ID: a64482

>>114235
Head toward the smoke. Like a moth to a flame.
>>
No. 114246 ID: 6faa8c
File 12638688779.jpg - (73.58KB , 500x800 , Asala.jpg )
114246

>>114237
...
Please don't say it like that...

I make my way back to the shore, and peer at the source of the smoke. It's a small campfire, and a young woman is sitting there on what seems to be a home-made stool.

Anchored nearby is a small ship, also of... rather simple make. She looks away from the book to tear a bit from a leg of... something.
>>
No. 114254 ID: a64482

>>114246
Does the something look even remotely human?
>>
No. 114260 ID: 6faa8c

>>114254
...
No.

Stop that.
>>
No. 114270 ID: a64482

>>114260
Stop what?

Well hail her! Introduce yourself and such. Be polite.
>>
No. 114281 ID: 6faa8c

>>114270
"Hail, miss!" I call. She looks back at the book and then snaps it shut loudly, tossing the meat over her shoulder and over the boat. A huge beast of some sort snaps it from the air and disappears out of sight again.

"Hail, sir. What business do you have with me?"
>>
No. 114299 ID: 632862

>>114281
...there's something about her outfit that worries me. Um, I won't share it because it will probably disturb you, and it's not really important or dangerous anyway. I'll wait until we find out more about her.

Tell her you're looking for a town or something, somewhere you can get information and supplies.
>>
No. 114333 ID: 6faa8c

>>114299
I don't see anything wrong with it.

"Do you know of any towns or the like? A source of information and supplies?"
"Towns don't last long around here with the Vorn stirring up shit, but Goblin shamans know how to ward the bugs away. Don't go too far east, or you'll run into the nest."
"East from where?"
"Anywhere. The hold half the continent."
...
>>
No. 114410 ID: e828f5

Decide to stride valiantly into the east and single-handedly slay the horde. FOR HEROISM!
>>
No. 114411 ID: a64482

>>114333
Hmm. Can you ask her if she knows anything about this chemical? Explain your predicament to her, and ask if she's willing to help.
>>
No. 114418 ID: 6faa8c

>>114411
"My mother has a crippling disease... and my father said I'd find something to help her here."
She pauses in thought.
"Well... There is the stuff that the Vorn use to make their nests. The Orcs use it as a general panacea, but... well, only Orcs can really reliably get it, and they don't want to let go of it for obvious reasons.

>>114410
I, ah, n-no. That... that would be a... bad idea. Yes.
>>
No. 114421 ID: a64482

>>114418
"Do you think they'd be willing to tell me how they get it? I mean, considering the giant nest I assume there's extra at the source..."
>>
No. 114427 ID: 6faa8c

>>114421
She looks at me.
"Only my father would be so insane! Anyone who steps on the Grock is almost instantly hunted down and slaughtered. Only Orcs know how to extract the stuff, and they aren't telling."

She shrugs.

"Sorry I can't help you more."
>>
No. 114430 ID: 632862

>>114418
Maybe later then. For now our mission is to gain enough power to head into their territory and grab some, then head home.

Hmm, ask who her father is. And what the Grock is.
>>
No. 114433 ID: a64482

>>114427
"I'm not insane, but I must save my mother. I've got two people who I think will help me... well, one person and a golem.. thing, would you be willing to come along too? You look like you can handle yourself, and I'm sure it'd be alot easier to get what I need with your help."
>>
No. 114434 ID: 632862

Oh, I also noticed she has a boat. We're going to need a trip home, right?
>>
No. 114437 ID: 6faa8c

>>114430
"Who's your father?"
"Erhgal the Intense. He and I landed here a few months back. He's out there somewhere, probably nearly getting himself killed." she sighs. "Again."

"And the Grock?"
"It's a waxy substance that the creatures that work with the Vorn use to make nests. Inside is a strange, hot chemical that works as a digestive fluid for them. The trap those that fall in and pull the meat off like a boiled ham."
>>
No. 114440 ID: 34470e

>>114437
Damn! If only she knew where Ehrgal was. I'd like to meet him again.
>>
No. 114444 ID: 632862

>>114437
Haha, your father met Erhgal when we were helping him. Mention that you're Hattori's son, and she might help you just due to that. Or at least give you a ride home when you're done here.

Man, we sure are meeting a lot of people here with ties to our previous adventure. Two could still be a coincidence, but three makes me wonder. Seems like fate is gathering everyone together for the second act!
>>
No. 114445 ID: a64482

>>114437
Ask her if she'll join us on our noble quest of awesome.
>>
No. 114458 ID: 6faa8c

>>114444
I'll admit, that is rather conspicuous...

>>114445
"Miss, if you have nothing better to do, would you like to help me at least gather supplies from the goblins or something? I would rather not dissapoint my father, but I also wouldn't want to place anyone but myself in undue danger..."

She tilts her head to one side.

"Ask me later. Right now, I can't take my eyes off the beast." her eyes move to the ship, then back to me.
>>
No. 114463 ID: a64482

>>114458
What beast? Can we help?

Incidentally, brace for impact.
>>
No. 114466 ID: 632862

>>114458
Oh, she can't leave the beast that pulls her ship. Makes sense. I guess it could get into trouble if she left.
>>
No. 114486 ID: 632862

...so anyway, let's head back to camp. May as well walk along the beach.
>>
No. 114488 ID: 6faa8c

>>114463
"Can we help with the beast?"
"Maybe..." she says quietly. "If you sit here and watch him, I'll get you enough food and provisions for three people. My dollar."
>>
No. 114495 ID: 34470e

>>114488
"Is the beast dangerous?"
>>
No. 114497 ID: 6faa8c

>>114495
"He's a sweetheart!" she says, inching away. "Sodowehaveadealorno?"
>>
No. 114499 ID: a64482

Of course we have a deal, Tom Sawyer.
>>
No. 114500 ID: 632862

Waaait wait wait no.

Go talk to the others first.
>>
No. 114505 ID: 34470e

>>114500
Seconding.
>>
No. 114509 ID: 6faa8c

>>114500
Ah...
"I need to speak with my friends."
She sags a little, dissapointed.
"Oh... alright, then. Hurry back!"

I make my way down the beach to find a small hut being finished.
The girl, who I now notice is actually far tanner than most from my land, looks over at me, earring jingling.
"Did you find anyone?"
>>
No. 114512 ID: 34470e

>>114509
Tell them you found a girl who was guarding a beast. Also tell them she was very intent on having you watch the beast.
>>
No. 114513 ID: a64482

>>114509
EXAMINE EARING.
>>
No. 114514 ID: a64482

>>114512
Mention her offer of enough provisions for three people.
>>
No. 114519 ID: 6faa8c

>>114512
>>114514
"Yeah, that's more than a little fishy. Clunker, go with the kid and make sure nothing untoward happens.

Sal'an grumbles, and I lead him back to the young woman, who smiles.
"So what did they say, huh?"
>>
No. 114520 ID: 632862

>>114519
We'll do it. Any idea how long it'll take?
>>
No. 114522 ID: a64482

Also, ask her her name, I'd rather not have us use it before it's given. Mention your own of course.
>>
No. 114554 ID: 632862

May as well introduce Sal'an too.
>>
No. 114794 ID: 6faa8c

>>114522
"May I ask your name, first?"
"I am Asala." she says with a nod. "And the creature behind you?"
"I am Sal'an." he rumbles in reply.
"My own name is Antares." I give a little bow. "I will keep an eye on your creature."

She smiles and nods, running into the woods.
I sit on the stool and sigh, as Sal'an sits opposite me.
>>
No. 114797 ID: a64482

>>114794
"So, d'you need to eat or sleep?"
>>
No. 114798 ID: 632862

>>114794
"So... what have you been doing around here?"
>>
No. 114808 ID: 6faa8c

>>114798
"Watching the sea, mostly. Can't really craft anymore. Not the same with this... I'd have to start over from scratch." he shrugs. "It's alright. Peaceful most times, 'cept when the adult Vorn feels he's got something to prove on the shore. Been here for long enough to know how to deal with them. Do some simple smithing for the gobbins and the Orks to keep in practice." he shrugs heavily.

>>114797
Not eat. But old habits die hard. I like to rest like to found me."
>>
No. 114809 ID: a64482

Ask him if he can walk under the water. And ask him about your parents, if you're curious.
>>
No. 114810 ID: 632862

>>114808
Ask him what the Vorns are like in a fight. We're probably gonna have to deal with them at some point.
>>
No. 114827 ID: 6faa8c

>>114809
"Your mother and father were both very... driven folk. They wanted to save the world, and save they did. Your father was very..." he taps his chin. "Strong of heart and mind."

>>114810
"Every one of 'em are a little diff'rent. They take aftah what they were born in a great deal, exemplifying the strengths and weaknesses of the individual they hold."
>>
No. 114837 ID: a64482

Is there any good way to tell when someone has been infected?
>>
No. 114841 ID: 6faa8c

>>114837
"Look 'em in the eye. They look dead."
>>
No. 114842 ID: a64482

Is there any of the dead creature left? Try some of it, if so. Ask Sal'an if he knows anything about runes he could teach you, failing that, ask if he has any problem with you practicing copying his rune on a stick, or the ground or something. You need your practice. Then ask if he's ever been to the vorn nest.
>>
No. 114938 ID: 6faa8c

Drawing runes one doesn't... 'know' is a dangerous proposition. While I cannot obtain the specific effect they grant, (in this case, granting life and a soul to an inanimate object) I might get an effect anyway... one that might prove more deadly than any sword in my neck. Everyone knows what the Runes are, and what they look like: it's the first thing a Runist learns. The second thing they learn is that Greater and Truth are known to very, very few, or even no mortal man, in the case of Truth.

I know my runes because I act them. Blessing, because I work to help those around me. Courage, because I cannot turn away from new places or experiances. Undeath, because of my own heritage.

People can learn and 'know' more runes as they live, of course. My teacher, the esteemed Mistress Vallen, knew seven Least and two Lesser runes, and the effects of five seperate combinations and size patterns!

By that token, I am only a master in my knowledge of runic theory, and my ability to inscribe my own runes without error.
>>
No. 114944 ID: 632862

>>114938
It looks like each rune, with the exception of Truth, has two runes 'below' it that seem to be related. Could you perhaps learn to know the Necromancy and Rebirth runes through knowing the Undeath rune?
>>
No. 114948 ID: a64482

So how do you learn new ones? I mean, you're alive, ain'tcha?
>>
No. 114952 ID: 6faa8c

>>114944
Lesser runes, such as those under Undeath, carry less inherent risk than scribing ones that are wholly unrelated.

>>114948
By living up to them. It's similar to the process of Self-Swearing,. but with much less commitment. It takes time to "learn" a rune, but once you know it it's impossible to forget it.
>>
No. 114955 ID: a64482

So save some bloody lives. Your father is a lifesworn after all.
>>
No. 114972 ID: 632862

>>114952
How the heck do you commit to concepts such as Fire or Lightning?
>>
No. 114981 ID: 6faa8c

>>114955
I am not my father.

>>114972
the guy who blew himself up knew both his runes.
>>
No. 115005 ID: 632862

>>114981
That doesn't exactly answer the question. When it comes to elemental runes like that, it's hard to 'live up to' them, as far as I can think of.

Would living in an area closely attached to that element or concept also work? Like, a place where it constantly rains, or really windy or hot? Could you learn Water and Ocean by becoming a really good swimmer? Learn Rock and Earth via mining?
>>
No. 115011 ID: 6faa8c

>>115005
>Could you learn Water and Ocean by becoming a really good swimmer? Learn Rock and Earth via mining?

Immersing oneself and trusting oneself to the element commonly are the recorded methods.So is consistently accomplishing tasks through the element.
>>
No. 115012 ID: a64482

So if you kill enough enemies...
>>
No. 115017 ID: 6faa8c

>>115012
...That's as maybe.

There is one thing I forgot to mention, and that is that size matters. Size of runes, and size of the object.

Let's say a rune at its smalles is a one, and a rune at its largest is a five.
Every object in the world can only handle so many runes of so many sizes. Clothing can handle 5 sizes worth or runes, while a sword could only handle maybe three or two, and a ring can only handle one.

Do you understand that?
>>
No. 115048 ID: f52552

>>115017
Could you build a building, or maybe drag a pattern in a field that was of a rune?
Or would you explode or something?
>>
No. 115054 ID: 6faa8c

>>115017
I hear shaking. The trees some distance inland are being shoved aside. Whatever it is, it's coming this way...Sal-an rises and draws his axe.

"'member how I said 'dey take on the form of dere birther?"
"Y-yeah?"
"Dey also make 'im mindless and insane, too."
"O-oh. P-peachy."

[Scream | panic | Flee | Hide | Scribe Undeath onto ring | Fight]
>>
No. 115059 ID: a64482

>>115054
FIGHT.

If you can't manage that, then scribe undeath onto ring, but honestly, FIGHT.
>>
No. 115067 ID: 632862

>>115054
I can't think of it being a good idea to etch Undeath into the ring when you've still got Blessing and Courage active on it.

...I have a feeling Asala is being chased by that thing.
>>
No. 115072 ID: 6faa8c
File 126396422440.jpg - (46.91KB , 487x618 , UrgugTaken.jpg )
115072

>>115059
R-right! I'll fight!
How... I have no idea, but I guess that's what you gu-

There's a feminine scream as Asala sails out of the forest, propelled by an unseen force, directly into my gut. The two of us roll on the sand and into the shore.
I can feel my runes winking out.

Sal'an stands, dwarfed by the massive beast that pushes aside two trees to step onto the beach,
"Oh. A medium one."
>>
No. 115075 ID: a64482

Have you ever been this close to a woman before?

Just asking.

Also, damage report.
>>
No. 115077 ID: 632862

>>115072
...well. I guess Sal'an will have to fight by himself.

Well, check Asala over for injuries, then quickly inscribe Undeath on your ring so you have some form of offensive power.
>>
No. 115082 ID: 6faa8c

>>115075
I'm fine. The rune on my armor has been expended.

A-a-a-and this isn't the time to ask such questions!

Asali looks fine, though her armor on her chest is bent oddly. She stands and draws a blade at her hip, turning to face the beast. A huge fist rockets at Sal'an, and he brings his axe down on it.

For all the reaction he got, he may as well have been attacking sand.

The fist slams into him, sending him flying back with an elongated "IIIII'LL BEEEEE FIIIINE!" as he falls into the water some distance offshore.

The thing bellows mightily and turns towards Asala.

I quickly re-inscribe my ring with Undeath.
>>
No. 115088 ID: 632862

>>115082
You need to touch him to use the ring's power right? Try to flank him while Asala is distracting him, then rush in when there's an opening.
>>
No. 115103 ID: 6faa8c
File 126396609530.jpg - (54.10KB , 400x291 , Taker.jpg )
115103

>>115088
Asala charges in before I can even say a word, and it tries to slam its fists down on her in a hammer blow. She backs away in time to dodge as I run around behind it, climbing on its rough, shelled back as she leaps onto its arms, running for the head. She lifts her sword, and brings it down... Only to lop off part of its face, the blade skittering off the thick skull.
She mutters an oath as she's plucked from the head and tossed downshore.

I'm looking at the back of its head now. I reach out, and slap the top of its head.

CHILL OF DEATH!

A blue and black glow suffeses its head and it twitches, falling to one side as I jump off.

When it impacts the ground, a small creature slides from its nose, covered in a deathly pallor. It fits in my palm, unmoving.
>>
No. 115109 ID: a64482

>>115103
Do you have a jar or something you can put it in?

Wrap it in something, then go check on Asala.
>>
No. 115110 ID: 632862

>>115103
It's a Vorn, or some kind of 'Taker' related to them anyway. Is it dead? Hmm. Dissect it.
>>
No. 115113 ID: 6faa8c

>>115109
For now, I drain one of the glass jars of freshwater and place it inside, sealing the lid tightly.

I run over to Asala.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine. You?"
"I'm okay."

I help her up.
...
Er.

I let go of her hand.
"Sssssssooooo.... About those provisions?"
"Being prepared."
>>
No. 115116 ID: 632862

>>115113
Shove the jar in her face and go "CHECK OUT THIS BUG I FOUND"

Inscribe Blessing on your armor again.
>>
No. 115125 ID: a64482

Smile a bit sheepishly at her. Then study the specimen!
>>
No. 115132 ID: 6faa8c

>>115125
I manage a grin, looking over the creature. There's not much I can tell, until she yanks it from my grasp.
"You sure it's dead?" she asks.
"Yes. I am certain."
"Good. This thing is more dangerous than any dragon."
"Why?"
"You can tell a dragon is coming to bite you in half." she says calmly, tossing the jar at me idly as she walks by. "With those, you won't even know you're dead."
>>
No. 115137 ID: a64482

>>115132
Obviously it's time for some mad science, of the undead sort.

Can we do that?
>>
No. 115140 ID: 6faa8c

>>115137
You know, I think for once that it is warranted. Jars and containers have an odd relationship with runes at any rate.

Are you sure you want to etch? [Undeath, Courage, Blessing]
What size? [1,2.3]
>>
No. 115141 ID: 34470e

>>115140
Ask first. If you get permission, then etch a small undeath.
>>
No. 115143 ID: a64482

>>115141
Ask who? Fuck that.

Etch undeath on the jar!

LEVEL 3
>>
No. 115144 ID: 6faa8c

>>115141
>>115142
ETCHED:
[UNDEATH 1]
The inside of the jar glows an eerie blue light. The creature inside stirs slightly, then falls to the other side.
>>
No. 115145 ID: a64482

>>115144
How are jar runes special?

Also shake the damn thing.

Consider applying another undeath rune.
>>
No. 115146 ID: 6faa8c

>>115143
Eh. I didn't like that result...
I erase the rune with a force of will, then re-etch it, the rune taking up a third of the surface.

This time the glow is much brighter, and the cork shakes. I hold it in as the creature bursts to life, skittering inside madly... until it simply falls to peices and rots away to nothing, leaving a fine white sand.
>>
No. 115147 ID: 632862

I think 3 was too much. 2 might've gotten what we wanted...
>>
No. 115150 ID: a64482

Consider opening jar. AWAY from face.
>>
No. 115151 ID: 6faa8c

>>115147
Agreed. I erase the rune and the eerie light fades, leaving little but the sand within.

?

I store the dust in a small pouch. Never know...

Anything else you guys want to try, or should I return to the mystery girl?
>>
No. 115153 ID: a64482

Gather seawater, undead it, report.

Level... 1 actually, cylce through if you feel so inclined.

Also, look to see what Asala is doing.
>>
No. 115154 ID: 632862

>>115151
Blessing the jar when it's full of seawater. Make it size 2. Mayhaps it will make the contents lighter?
>>
No. 115273 ID: 6faa8c

I fill the jar with seawater and bless it on my way back to the hut, looking at the effect of a Bless 2.

Nothing seems to change.
>>
No. 115339 ID: a64482

Open jar away from face.
>>
No. 115342 ID: 6faa8c

>>115339
Nothing...

Hurm.
I take a si-
!!!

It's not salty anymore!
>>
No. 115346 ID: a64482

>>115342
Pour out water, gather more without erasing the rune. See if the effect is continuous, afterward, (if it is) erase rune and see if the water reverts.
>>
No. 115349 ID: 632862

>>115342
Nice. I bet it's holy water, too.
>>
No. 115350 ID: 6faa8c

>>115346
Rune effects are, but I'll humor you.

I notice that the water remains clean even after leaving the bottle, once entering it.
By this virtue, it also remains clean after erasing the rune.

"What are you doing?" asks that familiar female voice behind me.
>>
No. 115358 ID: a64482

>>115350
"I was just experimenting with runes a bit, I found a way to turn seawater into drinkable water!"

Gloss over the whole bug thing entirely.

Also DO NOT stare at her chest.

Don't.
>>
No. 115360 ID: 6faa8c

>>115358
"So you have a use after all!" she smiles. "Good." she looks up at the sky, frowning. "It's getting dark."
She's right. Already, it's less light than it was when we arrived.
"Asha! I forgot to gather for the fire!" she smacks her face. "I'll be back momentarily. Please don't get eaten."

She runs into the forest.
>>
No. 115363 ID: a64482

Stare at dat ass until it is no longer visible.

Make sure the boat creature hasn't fucked off.

Consider placing a jar into the water and looking through it for Sal'an.
>>
No. 115366 ID: 6faa8c

I... agh!
Stop that! I'm not interested in this foul, rude, monstrous, tongue speaking, beautiful, willful, woman!

>>115363
Sal'an emerges from the water, standing beside me.
He opens a small hatch near his belly and lets water pour out with a sigh.
"Hate the water." he grumbles.
>>
No. 115371 ID: 632862

>>115366
I imagine so, since he's got metal on his body. It should rust from exposure to seawater, unless it's been enchanted somehow.
>>
No. 115382 ID: 6faa8c

>>115371
"Will you rust?"
"Dwarf-made." he replies, as if that explains everything. Well, it somewhat does.
>>
No. 115394 ID: a64482

>>115366
>>Not interested

Of course you are. And who could blame you. You said yourself she's beautiful. And you need a little lovin'. Trust us, we're the orb. We got your father two threesomes. Once of which was with a god.

(Both were with your mother)

Besides, we need this for the hilarity when... oh nevermind.

Where is Asala?
>>
No. 115395 ID: 632862

Psst! You may want to figure out who her father is before hitting that. Just sayin'.

What about the other girl, though? Hmm? I'm partial to warrior women myself.
>>
No. 115397 ID: 6faa8c

>>115394
Asala is back with her father.

A-a-and I have more pressing matters to worry upon than mere romance!

"Finally." she mutters. "Clunker, couldja come over here a second?"

There's a loud banging noise, then a cheer of success.
"I knew it would work!" she says, putting away the flint. "Clunky, you're okay with sleeping outside, right?" she asks, the night falling in rather rapidly now.
She turns to me and sighs.
"Now how are we gonna work this out..." she mutters, looking between me and the hut.
>>
No. 115405 ID: a64482

>>115397
Offer to "warm her bed" in the most chivalrous way you can muster.

Then burst into laughter. She will find it hilarious and adorable, though she may make you sleep outside for it. That's not likely though.
>>
No. 115407 ID: 632862

>>115397
Ask if there's only enough room in the tent for two.
>>
No. 115417 ID: 6faa8c

>>115407
"Is there room for two?"
"Barely."
Eeerrrgh.
"I could... ah..."
"Don't bother." she replies.
"Oh."

There's a long pause. It's strange, it's almost like her eyes glow. She lets out a huff and sits down beside the fire.

Oh god. Behind her, so still and qiuet as to be invisible, is a huge creature. Its legs are all like long claws, supporting a central, armored mass with a long head that ends in huge mandibles.

It's staring at us, unmoving. It's easily as large as the creature from before, if not larger.

"Kid?" she asks, eventually. "What's up?"
>>
No. 115422 ID: 632862

>>115417
Tell her we've got a visitor. It's not acting like a Taken though, so it could be non-hostile.
>>
No. 115425 ID: a64482

"Person, I'm talking casually because I hope to god the huge thing behind you can't understand me. I'm trying not to stare at it, and not doing too well, you should probably run."
>>
No. 115436 ID: 6faa8c

>>115422
"We have a visitor..."
She follows my gaze, and I allow myself a little smile as she lets out a startled "Eep!"

She doesn't jump, though.
"No sudden movements. Get into the hut." she mutters, pulling me slowly inside.
We stand there, in the darkness, no noise but our own breath, for a while. And then we hear it lumber away.

The creature looked... incredible. Perfectly suited for its environment. In it's own way, it had a predatory beauty, a sleekness and simplicity of form. I was awed and terrified.

So that... that is what owns half the continent.
>>
No. 115439 ID: 632862

>>115436
You think that was a Vorn huh? I guess it would make sense.

Hey, did you catch what color the mystery girl's eyes are?
>>
No. 115442 ID: a64482

>>115436

"So... What's your name?"
>>
No. 115443 ID: 6faa8c

>>115439
They... They're a brilliant green. I never noticed until now.

"Is it gone?" she mumbles quietly.
>>
No. 115446 ID: a64482

>>115443
"I believe so, yes."

*beat*

"So, what's your name?"
>>
No. 115462 ID: 6faa8c

>>115446
She looks me in the eyes. "Jai." she says quietly. "My name is Jai, city boy." she murmurs. She's looking at her feet. Did I mess up or someth-thing?
>>
No. 115465 ID: 632862

>>115443
Hmm. Well, the issue of her parentage is still up in the air.

I guess you could just straight up ask who her father is.
>>
No. 115466 ID: 632862

>>115462
Mess up? How? If you ask me, she's probably attracted to you.
>>
No. 115467 ID: a64482

>>115462
"Messed up? How would you have messed up?"

She also seems like she may need a hug.

And don't ask her about her father, at least not yet. She may not even know.
>>
No. 115470 ID: 6faa8c

I take a deep breath and embrace her. At first she stiffens against me, shocked, but... then she holds me in return.
"I'm cold." she mumbles. "I don't like you, you're just warm."
>>
No. 115475 ID: c16184

"Then why dont you help me cool off?"
and show her your erection
>>
No. 115477 ID: a64482

>>115475
...

*snerk*

Okay, you. You better not laugh goddamnit. Cute moment must not be interrupted by laugh.
>>
No. 115478 ID: 3416ec

"Hey baby, we can stay warm all night long. Heh heh heh."
>>
No. 115479 ID: 632862

Hahaha, I don't know what to say.

Anyway, I suspect we now know who her father is. So I guess she's not your half-sister. Let me tell you though, you want to keep on her good side.
>>
No. 115480 ID: b14128

...No, guys. Antares, don't say anything, just nod silently and continue holding her.
>>
No. 115481 ID: 34470e

>>115480
Seconding this
>>
No. 115482 ID: a64482

>>115481
Third. Let the moment dissipate by itself.

She need never know frat boys are living in your head.
>>
No. 115483 ID: 6faa8c

>>115478
"I'll keep you warm, then." I murmur.
She giggles, then laughs.
"Oh, oh... you are too much. I think I can manage tonight, city boy." she laughs. "keep me warm..." she mumbles to herself before barking out a laugh.

I sigh and slip into bed.
"Don't feel bad." she says before I fall asleep. "I've heard far worse ones."
>>
No. 115485 ID: c16184

RUB ERECTION AGAINST HER
SHIVER DURING CLIMAX
EJECULATE IN PANTS
do not speak
>>
No. 115486 ID: a64482

>>115483
Dream of Jai and Asala...

Soft lips...

Warm... feathers?

Dreaaamm~
>>
No. 115487 ID: c16184

Wet Dreams & Morning Wood
>>
No. 115497 ID: b14128

>>115485
>>115486
>>115487
...

<Facepalm>

Just go to sleep, Antares.
>>
No. 115499 ID: a64482

>>115497
He's already asleep.

At least I didn't try to get him to ruin that cute moment with sex. This is just for lulz.
>>
No. 115502 ID: 6faa8c

>>115485
>>115486
>>115487
...

I sleep.

It is morning.
Jai is not here.
>>
No. 115505 ID: a64482

>>115502
Look outside tent.

Consider possibility of bathing in the ocean.

Ascertain situation.
>>
No. 115508 ID: 34470e

>>115502
Check outside.
>>
No. 115517 ID: 6faa8c

>>115505
I peer outside the hut, looking around. The fire is out.

I hear oaths in a strange tongue coming from the woods.

Sal'an is chuckling.
>>
No. 115519 ID: a64482

>>115517
Head for the source of the sound! ONWARD INTREPID SOUL.
>>
No. 115521 ID: 632862

>>115517
Ask Sal'an what's up.
>>
No. 115522 ID: 6faa8c

>>115519
I make my way to the sound, looking up.

Jai is here, hanging by one foot from a vine. Her arm is tangled as well, the whole arrangement leaving her about five feet off the ground.

"Don't you dare laugh, city boy." she growls.
>>
No. 115523 ID: 34470e

>>115522
Ask her if she needs a hand.
>>
No. 115525 ID: a64482

>>115522
Ask Sal'an what the pretty bird in the tree is called. Mention how you and sal'an can only marvel at the grace of such creatures.
>>
No. 115526 ID: 632862

>>115522
Manage a smirk.

...must resist urge to suggest you draw on her face.

"So the trap worked after all! I'll be eating barbecue tonight!"
>>
No. 115529 ID: 6faa8c

>>115525
I turn to Sal'an, and we exchange dialogue while Jai struggles against her bonds. After a moment, I carefully get her down.
"You alright?"
"Bruised pride." she mutters, "I'll be fine."
>>
No. 115536 ID: 632862

>>115529
Ask how the trap was set, so we can avoid them in the future.
>>
No. 115541 ID: 6faa8c

>>115536
She leans down low to the ground, resetting the trap. I don't really... pay attention to how she sets it up.

But when she stands up, I notice how easy it blends in.
"You know what to look for now?" she asks. "Because I want you to go deeper inland and get our food."
>>
No. 115547 ID: 632862

>>115541
I thought Asala was supposed to bring us the provisions?
>>
No. 115552 ID: 6faa8c

>>115547
No, she paid for them. I have to go get them appaerently.
>>
No. 115553 ID: 632862

>>115552
Ah, alright then. Get some directions so we can do it.
>>
No. 115580 ID: 6faa8c

>>115553
"You know the way there?"
"Can't be that hard, that brute managed to find it."
>>
No. 115583 ID: 632862

>>115580
Brute?

I guess we could go check to see if Asala is at her campsite.
>>
No. 115590 ID: 6faa8c

>>115583
The term rankles me a little, but I say nothing.
"I'll get you the food." I say, walking off.

This time, an elderly or middle aged man sides by the fire, holding a black plate of metal in his hand. He's scoring something off of it. As I walk closer, a realization strikes me: He's holding a peice of the carapace of the creature from last night! Looking him over, his armor is made of it, and his cloak is made of a pale leather of the softer hide.

His hammer, sitting beside him, is bent back slightly, as if compromised by some great blow.
>>
No. 115591 ID: 632862

>>115590
Erhgal the Intense, I presume.
>>
No. 115593 ID: 34470e

>>115590
This better be who I think it is. Greet him.
>>
No. 115595 ID: 6faa8c

"Erhgal the Intense, I presume?" I ask as I approach.
The old man looks up and grunts.
"Hattori's boy, eh? Nice to meetcha at last." he says with a smile. There's something odd about his teeth. He holds out one calloused hand and I shake it, noticing his Sworn scar. "M'daughter said you were here and I could hardly believe it! Little boy from the iv'ry towah, going out and seeing the world! But I s'pose yeh got the motivation fer it. I'm right sorry about yer marm, it's a right shame." he shakes his head.

He smiles again, perking up as he sets aside the plate of carapace.
"So! What kin I do fer yeh?"
>>
No. 115598 ID: 632862

>>115595
Let me guess. He's got diamond dentures.

Ask him for directions. Even a general "that way" would probably be good.
>>
No. 115599 ID: 34470e

>>115598
Also tell him legion sends they're regards. And tell him we missed him.
>>
No. 115604 ID: 6faa8c

>>115598
"You know where the goblin town is?"
"Oh, fer certain. Yer jus' follow the river that ways." he sais, pointing into the forest vaguely. "You'll either hit grunk or goblin."

"Legion sends its regards."
"Hahh. Glad to be entertainin' to erm. Now git, if you're anything like yer pap, yer gotsa irritable lady waitin' on it."
>>
No. 115605 ID: 632862

>>115604
That is true.

Well, move along.
>>
No. 115613 ID: 6faa8c

>>115605
I bow to the man, and run into the woods, following the stream. It isn't long until I notice, again, small creatures with the black carapace.
They don't attack me. They just watch, their eyeless heads following me without sound as I move through the woods.
Everywhere I look there's more. In the trees, in the water, in the grass.
>>
No. 115617 ID: a64482

Creepy. Well keep on the path. If you don't engage I don't think they'll hurt you unless you're asleep.
>>
No. 115619 ID: 632862

>>115613
Creepy. You're not going east, right?
>>
No. 115623 ID: 6faa8c

>>115619
Well, we landed on the western shore. The only way to go is east.

I decide not to harm them. It's not long before I find the large walls fashioned out of logs that signify some form of civilization. The creatures cease their pursuit here.
>>
No. 115643 ID: 6faa8c

>>115623
I nearly trip over something on the ground.
Looking down, it's a small creature, maybe it would come up to my waist were it standing. Covered in ridges of spikes, it's curled into a ball, blood trickling from a head wound.
>>
No. 115646 ID: 632862

>>115643
Hmm. I think that is a goblin. Ask it if it is alright.
>>
No. 115648 ID: 6faa8c

>>115646
I kneel beside the creature.
"Are you alright?" I ask gently.
It whimpers in pain, curling further.
>>
No. 115656 ID: 632862

>>115648
Hmm. Maybe you should pick it up and bring it into town for some medical care.

Oh. I have an idea. Give it the Courage charm.
>>
No. 115658 ID: 6faa8c

>>115656
That would not help in this case. It's clear in great pain. With care, I pick it up, carrying it to the entrance. The gaurd, similar looking but wearing a breastplate of Vorn armor, takes the creature away as a smaller one with a cane approaches.
"Whatyername?"
>>
No. 115661 ID: a64482

Introduce yourself to the creature. Bow respectfully.
>>
No. 115664 ID: 6faa8c

>>115661
"I am Antares." I say, bowing deeply.
"Whenshow repect, tilthead, likelike." the creature says, rotating his head to one side slightly, the ridges sliding aside and showing pale flesh.
"Wehave your foodready." he says. The way he throws nouns and verbs together like colliding carriages is a bit... offputting, but it's nothing I can't get used to. "Pullcart, back to camp. Eatlong, eathard, matehard. The Vornstir. Notlong, no, notlong at all."
>>
No. 115665 ID: 632862

>>115664
Inquire as to if you could purchase some of the panacea.
>>
No. 115667 ID: 632862

And try out that head tilt thing he showed you.
>>
No. 115668 ID: 6faa8c

>>115665
"Do you have access to the panacea that the Orcs produce?"
"Nono. Orcs on notgood standing withus. Theyhurt our huntergirls, and insult our fightermen. I am certain they deliberately rilethe Vorn for their medicinegoop."
>>
No. 115669 ID: 632862

>>115668
Ask the location of the nearest Orc settlement then. We're going to have to get it from them or somehow figure out how they extract it...
>>
No. 115670 ID: 6faa8c

"Thisone advises you stayaway from Orchomes. Nastynastypeople. Notnice at all. Breakbones over smallthings. Break younglings over smallerthings."
For a moment, the creature seems sad. "Thankthank for helping young huntergirl back. Forreward, wantsend food or girl?"
>>
No. 115671 ID: 632862

>>115670
Ask him what he means by 'girl' and how much food he's talking about.
>>
No. 115673 ID: 6faa8c

>>115671
"...Girl?"
He wheezes out a laugh.
"Iscustom. When save, you either get the nexttheycatch, or... them."
He shrugs. "Sheis nicegirl. She willunderstand if you pickfood. You smell of othergirl anyway."
>>
No. 115683 ID: 632862

>>115673
Well, may as well, if that's the tradition. We could use the help.
>>
No. 115684 ID: 632862

I mean, think about it. She would know the area very well, and it's not like marriage or anything right?
>>
No. 115686 ID: 6faa8c

>>115684
It's not... binding, is it?" I ask.
"Nono, it morelike... Uhm... Itmorelike justdaytogether." he states. "Wherego is upto youand her."
>>
No. 115793 ID: 6faa8c

>>115686
Well, I suppose I could use some help...
"Very well. The girl."
"Shewill seeyou when she isrecovered." the creature says. "Takefood. Eathard. Matehard."
I pick up the handles of the cart and get moving towards the camp.

As soon as I leave the area of the town, the critters from before show up, watching me intently and, as always... silently.
>>
No. 115953 ID: 632862

>>115793
"What? What do you want?"
>>
No. 115970 ID: 6faa8c

>>115953
... I call out to the creatures, a little annoyed.

One of them mimics the actions of the goblin from earlier, tipping its head to one side. The others are still silent as the rest.

I continue moving and deliver the cart to Jai.

"Good, good..." she murmurs, looking over the food and the cart, then over my shoulder. "Are those... attracted to you or something?" she asks quietly, and I look to see an assortment of Vorn again.

Staring at me. Endlessly.
>>
No. 115975 ID: 632862

>>115970
No idea. They've been following us.
>>
No. 115981 ID: 6faa8c

"Damn things follow me everywhere." I mutter, pulling a wrapped up parcel of meat from the caAAAAAUGH!

A small, round one looks up at me, a single eye on its front and hundreds of tiny legs on its oval body.
>>
No. 115983 ID: 632862

>>115981
Touch it.
>>
No. 115987 ID: 34470e

>>115981
Ask Jai why she thinks they're following you.
>>
No. 115988 ID: 6faa8c

>>115983
It shies from my touch at first. It's about the size of my hand. It crawls onto my arm, then up, and sits atop my head.

"Well, at least they're mostly harmless." I say with a grin, as Jai shakes her head.
"Just help me get this all put away. Some of it needs to be eaten tonight but most of it is non-perishables."

I help her unload the cart beside the hut and then we construct an addition to the hut for housing the food.

This activity takes us until noon.
"Well, there." she looks up at the critter on my head ant pokes it. It lets out a chittering noise, then scurries down to my shoulder.
>>
No. 116002 ID: 632862

>>115988
Inspect it closely. Does it seem to be interested in any food?
>>
No. 116005 ID: 6faa8c

I do so.

It doesn't seem to be interested in my food, merely in staring up at me.

After a while I notice the eye has a slight red tint I didn't notice before.
>>
No. 116011 ID: 632862

>>116005
...oh. You've got red eyes, Antares. They like you because of your eyes.
>>
No. 116013 ID: 6faa8c

>>116011
I really doubt that.

I set the creature on the ground, letting it skitter away on the sand.

"Those things send chills up my spine." Jai says quietly.
>>
No. 116014 ID: 34470e

>>116013
Ask Jai if she has any idea why they like you.
>>
No. 116015 ID: 632862

>>116013
Well another possibility is that it was changing its eye to match yours but that sounds even sillier.

...oh hell, maybe they're attracted to you because of US. Legion.
>>
No. 116016 ID: 34470e

>>116015
...Send Legion over to Jai for a while.
>>
No. 116031 ID: 6faa8c

>>116016
"Jai, I need to try something. Could you accept Legion for a moment?"
"I suppose."

^%$^@$@#

Ugh, fine. What is the little brat trying now?

The bugs still stare at him. Their heads bob as he walks up and down the beach and he returns.

%#^%$$^$

Okay, this is starting to get on my nerves a little.
>>
No. 116053 ID: 632862

>>116031
Erm. I guess they might like your hair... White is a rather unusual color.

Or the dust you collected?
>>
No. 116054 ID: 6faa8c

>>116053
I'm honestly tired of trying to find out. If they want to stalk me, fine.

[See Erhgal | See his daughter | Hang with Sal'an | Talk to Jai | Timeskip]
>>
No. 116057 ID: 34470e

>>116054
Don't you have a date with a goblin?
>>
No. 116058 ID: 6faa8c

>>116057
When she recovers, yes. For now I have all the time in the world.
>>
No. 116061 ID: 34470e

>>116058
Go hang out with Sal'an.
>>
No. 116062 ID: 632862

>>116058
We haven't spoken much with Asala.
>>
No. 116100 ID: a64482

Delicious Asala.
>>
No. 116117 ID: 6faa8c

>>116100
Asala I shall see, then. No reason why not, after all...

I approach the campfire, where I see her and her father speaking with one another conversationally. I cannot hear the conversation clearly.
>>
No. 116129 ID: a64482

Eavesdrop. It always worked for your father.
>>
No. 116134 ID: 632862

>>116117
Well no point in eavesdropping from a distance where you can't hear them. Get closer.
>>
No. 116173 ID: 6faa8c

>>116134
I move closer steadily.

"...And then he just... slapped it and it fell over."
"Haven't I tole yer, yer silly gal, ter always, always, ALWAYS aim fer da center of da head?"
"W-well, the thing was moving an-"
"Den COMPENSATE!" he roars. "If dat boi wasn't dere yer'd be a dead gal, and I don't raise no dead gal, yer hear me?"
"...Yes, father."
>>
No. 116180 ID: 632862

>>116173
Hrm. His style of parenting is fitting, I suppose, considering who he is.

I bet Erhgal would notice if you actually snooped. Keep moving closer until they notice you.
>>
No. 116198 ID: 6faa8c

>>116180
I move closer.

"As fer yer, boyo, learn tah use a propah sword. None of this silly glowy ring bullshit." he crackles his neck. "Gal, you teach 'im. I'm gonna head from tha grunk and blow off some steam."

He walks away, grumbling.
>>
No. 116213 ID: 632862

>>116198
...this is going to be great. It's too bad we aren't going to be getting Raven's 'help' during this sparring match.

"He seemed a bit grumpy."
>>
No. 116218 ID: 6faa8c

>>116213
She grunts.
"He means well." she says, tossing me a practice sword. It's quite dull. "Now, you might get a little hurt, so that's why we have these." She holds up three bottles with a large "heal" rune inscribed on them.
>>
No. 116225 ID: a64482

>>116218
Is it a one handed sword? If so, then use your dagger as a parrying weapon.

I don't care that you've had no training, do eeeet
>>
No. 116226 ID: 632862

>>116218
Did you re-Bless your armor yet? That could help.

Ask who it is that etched the bottles.
>>
No. 116228 ID: 6faa8c

>>116226
"Who etched those?"
She pauses, looking away.
"No one important." she draws her own practice blade.
"Are you prepared, rune engraver?" she asks, a smirk quirking one side of her lips as I bless my armor.
>>
No. 116233 ID: 34470e

>>116228
Tell her yes.
>>
No. 116238 ID: 632862

>>116228
Hmm. I think she did. To be close to the 'healing' rune... She's been hurt frequently. Hopefully just through regularly sparring with her father.
>>
No. 116254 ID: 6faa8c

>>116238
Let's hope that...

"I am ready, amazon." I retort, grinning.
holyshitshe'sfast!
I bring up my sword just in time to block the blow that should have broken a rib, the impact sending tingles shooting up my arm. I stumble a few steps, the blades locked.

...And now I see them.

Tiny, tiny scars. Lines on her cheeks, her brow, her neck. small white lines, less than an inch long everywhere. I lose focus and I'm flung back, stumbling over the sand as she walks over and I fall.

The point is pressed to my neck.
"Again? Or do you want to go to that little hut?"
>>
No. 116258 ID: 632862

>>116254
Again.
>>
No. 116275 ID: 6faa8c

>>116258
"Again." I say, rising up as she walks away.
"Fine. I'm not going to go easy on you this time." she mutters. "Come at me when you are prepared."
>>
No. 116284 ID: a64482

BLESS SHOES.
>>
No. 116286 ID: 632862

Oh, and gloves if you've got em.
>>
No. 116292 ID: 6faa8c

>>116284
>>116286
I quickly bless my shoes and gloves, feeling the world around me slow down ever so slightly, and smile. I run forward, the fire moving as if it were slowed or in molasses. Her sword rises ever so slowly.

I think I've actually engraved these a little too big, eheheheh... The world slows to a crawl, just shy of actually stopping.

Hmmmm.... What should I do?
>>
No. 116295 ID: 34470e

>>116292
Well, you can search around for the cure, find it, and then come back to this spot, ready to deflect her sword. Or you can will one away.
>>
No. 116302 ID: a64482

>>116292
Get behind her, admire her figure.

I bet you could drive girls crazy with this if you figured out how to use it...

Oh! Can you remove her armor and possibly disarm her? It'd be amusing. Though kinda ruins the point of this training.
>>
No. 116315 ID: 6faa8c

>>116302
I smile, walking up to her and pulling apart the straps to her armor. Then I pull out my own blade, place it against her neck, and then the runes short.

She blinks.
"Wha-"

And then her armor falls to the ground. Under it, she is still clothed but quite vulnerable-looking.

"I... what?"

She blushes massively, reflexivly backing away and covering herself... dispite her clothing. Then she gathers up her armor, and runs onto the ship.
>>
No. 116356 ID: 632862

>>116315
I think that was a bit too much. Walk up to the side of the boat so you're comfortably within earshot.

"Sorry, I guess I couldn't help myself. I should make the runes smaller..."
>>
No. 116361 ID: a64482

Apologize, say you couldn't think of another way to win against someone so skilled, and that you thought she'd find it amusing.
>>
No. 116366 ID: 6faa8c

"I, ah... My apologies, Asala. I... I got caught up in the moment."

A long board slides out from the boat and slaps onto the sand, Asala says nothing.
I can walk onto the boat if I want now.
>>
No. 116383 ID: a64482

Board the boat slowly, normally I'd say to ask for permission, but the plank itself might count as that.
>>
No. 116388 ID: 632862

>>116366
Go ahead and do so. If she wants to give you a big ol' slap there's the healing drinks to heal your broken jaw and loose teeth.
>>
No. 116409 ID: 6faa8c

>>116388
I climb up, fearing the worst.

"Don't tell father." she says meekly.
Oh... oh my.
Now, when I say that Asala is attractive, I meant it. But because of what she wore, I didn't really notice before. But this outfit?
A long blue dress, the armor on her chest now mostly beautifully ornamental and tastefully covering the neckline of the dress. It comes down all the way to the floor, and her hair is down, past her shoulders and likely halfway to her waist.
I'm stunned. I never noticed, really, but her hips are rather wide, and... her body is quite well porportioned.

"F-father doesn't like me wearing dresses." she mumbles. "But I thought it might be w-w-worth it i-if..."

her arms, like her face, are covered in tiny scars. Her arms have muscle, but it is more lean than toned, hard to notice unless you seek it out.
>>
No. 116442 ID: a64482

>>116409
Jawdrop, Tell her she looks absolutely gorgeous.

Cause, y'know. It's true.
>>
No. 116454 ID: 6faa8c

>>116442
"I, uh, er... you... ah... you look gorgeous." I manage.

She smiles slightly. "I don't really think so. Ever since..." she looks at her own arm, habitually tracing the scars with two fingers. "Well, I don't think I'm that much of a catch anymore." she walks over to the side of the boat, brushing hair from her face and latting the wind rush over her.
And, um. Her dress. Uhm.
I walk up beside her.
Er...
[ahm | uhhh | uhm | Well... | I... | Aaah]
>>
No. 116463 ID: a64482

"I... I think you're an amazing catch.. I mean! Woman. I mean! Lady! Lady.

*awkward silence*

Do you mind if I ask what happened?"
>>
No. 116466 ID: 6faa8c

>>116463
"I... I think you're an amazing catch.. I mean! Woman. I mean! Lady! Lady."

She giggles.
"My we're both utterly imcompetent at this, aren't we?"
There's a soft, low lowing from the side of the boat, and a heard and neck rise up. It... looks like a huge... cow of some sort, or rather a steer, on a long neck with curling horns. I look over the side to see it attached to a lard body made for swimming.

Asala laughs and hugs the beast's head, patting it.


"Do you mind if I ask what happened?" I ask gently.
"I do mind." she replies softly. "But I won't fault your curiosity."
>>
No. 116469 ID: 34470e

>>116466
Ask her what the beast is called.
>>
No. 116485 ID: 6faa8c

>>116469
"What is that?"
"I... we... are not certain. We just know it likes to pull things. And eat meat." she shrugs.
"D-do you really..." she shakes her head. "I... ah... I'd best go change before my father gets back. G-goodnight, Antares."

Wait, goodnight?

I blink, looking up. The sky has indeed darkened.
"Be more careful with your runes from now on. You passed out on your feet after pointing your sword at my neck."

With that, she turns and heads into the depth of the ship.

Oh.
>>
No. 116503 ID: 34470e

>>116485
Well, go back to the camp. Are you tired?
>>
No. 116504 ID: a64482

Find Sal'an. Also, keep an eye out for the vorn, tell me when you see some. See if you can get them to mimic you.
>>
No. 116505 ID: 6faa8c

>>116503
I feel fine.

Except that the big Vorn is back. And following me closer than before.

I stop, and it bumps me gently with its head, settling onto the sand.
>>
No. 116506 ID: 34470e

>>116505
You know what? Just ask it why it's following you.
>>
No. 116507 ID: a64482

>>116505
Wait "big" vorn? Not the massive one from the campsite, right?

Pet it. and try rapping on it's shell lightly.
>>
No. 116509 ID: 6faa8c

>>116507
The one and the same.

I stroke its carapace on its head and it shitters slightly and pushes me gently with its head, wiggling into the sand again.

I notice its back is vaguely shaped like a saddle.
>>
No. 116511 ID: a64482

Ask it aloud. "can I ride you?"

If there's no negative response, attempt to.
>>
No. 116512 ID: 632862

>>116505
Hmm. I think you've been invited to chat with someone. Get on the horse.
>>
No. 116518 ID: 6faa8c

>>116512
>>116511
"Can I ride you?"
Nothing.
Alright then.

I get on and grap the chitin before me.
Well, that wasn't so baaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH OH GOD OH GOD AAAAAAH THIS THING IS VERY VERY FAST.
I leaps through the forest as if the forest does not exist, huge bounds that cover wide areas. Until I notice the trees simply stop, replaced by a thick, waxy goop, glowing softly red. The creature lands heavily, breaking the surface of it, and lets me down.

Two smaller creatures approach and make a strange bow, their front claws out to either side and their mandibles touching what I assume to be the grunk. It has a waxy, solid surface.

The creatures begin to walk into a tunnel.
>>
No. 116519 ID: a64482

>>116518
Follow them.
>>
No. 116520 ID: 34470e

>>116518
This is a bad idea, but follow it.
>>
No. 116521 ID: 632862

>>116518
Well... follow.
>>
No. 116526 ID: 6faa8c

I follow them into the cave, where small bits of Grunk are set up to light the way. Eventually, I arrive in a large, circular chamber.

A black-cloaked person, hood up, face shadowed, looks me over.
"I... apologize for your suv-surv-surveillance." it says, slowly, as if new to the language. "I am named Vorana."
She lifts the hood. Beneath, entirely green eyes glimmer in the darkness, and jet black skin... no, carapace, but carapace so fine it resembles skin... covers her face dor the exception of her lips, behind which are... very, very sharp looking fangs. She has no hair on her head, merely a shining black dome.
The cloak covers the rest of her body.
>>
No. 116527 ID: 34470e

>>116526
"Why, um... Why did you want me here?"
>>
No. 116529 ID: a64482

Do that respect thingy the goblins show you, and maybe then bow.

Be exceedingly respectful, and ask why she brought you here.
>>
No. 116531 ID: 632862

>>116526
Is she a hottie?
>>
No. 116532 ID: 6faa8c

I bow deeply, and she smiles.
"Such respect." she murmures. "I brought you here to tell you of a terrible monster, and to give you a chance. You see... Some time ago, humans inhabited this land. But there was a great and terrible war, and a demon that began it. The demon stole the very bodies of man, and soon, they dissapeared. He moved here as well, annihalating dwarf and gnoll and kobold, forcing those that remained into the earth and beyond his grasp. It was only I that was able to eventually repel the demon, but not without price."

She sits heavily on her stone throne.
"That being humans on this continent. To craft soldiers of war, I was forced to take the men untouched by the demon. It is a sad thing, for our two peoples used to coinside and thrive from one another... especially because of a certain... How to put it... issue with the Vorn's genetic power."

She sighs heavily. "Vorn Queens do not die of old age. They can command a colony as large as mine with ease. But I am the last queen left. For while a taker can create itself in man's image..." she gestures to her honor gaurd, humanoid and with chitin resembling platmail, "A taker, nor a Vorn, can mate with its queen to produce another."
>>
No. 116533 ID: a64482

Ask her what she expects of you, if you help. Is this going to be a long term thing? Are you going to be infected? Will you get something from the deal?
>>
No. 116534 ID: 632862

>>116532
Hey... If you do this (and by this I mean giving her your genetic information), maybe you can get that panacea without any trouble.
>>
No. 116537 ID: 6faa8c

>>116533
Erm...
"What do I need to do to help?"
"The demon has retreated to his kingdom in the north, where the sun is low always and the ground is white for three seasons. In order to finish him for good, I need to birth a new queen, so she may rally her brood against him. To that end, I wish to mate with you."

Er...
"Are there any long term things? Will I be... changed?"
"No. You may leave the instant you finish, if you desire. However... I know what you seek, and I am sad to say that while I possess the raw materials, I do not know how to craft it into what you seek. Just as there is little cost for you in this endeavor, there is equally little reward. I am sorry."
>>
No. 116539 ID: 632862

>>116537
I'm not seeing much of a drawback here.

I'll ask again: Is she a hottie?
>>
No. 116540 ID: 34470e

>>116537
I say do it. Think of it as helping a race out, just like your father did with the Seeran. The helping, not the fucking, I mean.
>>
No. 116541 ID: a64482

Ask her if she will support us if we help her in this thing. Help us with our quest if we need the help.
>>
No. 116542 ID: 6faa8c

>>116541
"I can see that as a viable reward." she murmurs, standing. She pauses.
"If this form is displeasing, I can take any that you like." she adds quietly, discarding the robe.

>>116539
Yes. In a jet black, smooth, and shiny sort of way...
>>
No. 116543 ID: a64482

Do it. Go crazy.
>>
No. 116544 ID: 632862

>>116542
Well if you're satisfied with her general shape, I guess the only thing missing is hair, or something that looks vaguely like hair.
>>
No. 116548 ID: 6faa8c

>>116543
...Very well.

"I... I've never..."
"Do not worry. Pleasure is not key here." she says simply. "Well, yours is. Not mine."
We enter the next room, where she lies down on a rock bed.
Goodnight, Legion.

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

Part one: complete!
New runes obtained: Augmentation
Paths found: Jai | Asala | Iklip | Vorana
Path taken: N/A
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