Evie 2011/06/10(Fri)21:12 No. 311753 ID: 9a34be
File 130776553316.jpg - (28.64KB , 411x236 , evie.jpg )

...That's how the story was taught to me, anyway. The details change depending on who's telling it... whether they believe or not. As for me: I believe. The goddess promised us paradise. She wouldn't break that promise, right?
Either way, I'm Evie: novice mercenary and magician working for the Crimson Blades mercenary company.

As a mage, I'm not all that skilled... yet. Everyone tells me I have a lot of potential though! Right now I can fire bolts of magic from my staff at a moderate rate, transmute small objects into minor life erg crystals with healing properties, lift and throw objects heavier than I could lift normally with force magic, and maintain a constant mana field around myself to passively protect from attacks. There's a lot I can learn though... elemental magic, enchanting weapons and armor, healing magic, alchemy, detection... I've heard that some powerful mages can create golems from objects laying around at will, or resurrect the recently killed... some become battle mages in the royal army, using both physical and magical prowess to devastate entire armies... there are a lot of possibilities.

Evie 2011/06/10(Fri)21:12 No. 311754 ID: 9a34be
File 130776557934.jpg - (124.98KB , 530x398 , spiderbelltower.jpg )

Oh, but back to the situation at hand. We're at an abandoned bell tower outside Colhen, where the Crimson Blades are centered.

Teams of two push eight ballistae toward the tower, as a giant white spider clambers up its' side.

"Load Ballistae! Ready!" That was Aodhan, the captain of the Crimson Blades.
"Sir, the tower will collapse if we fire right now." Marrec, one of the top-ranking mercs.
"Doesn't matter."

I stand back and watch as the ballistae teams load the bolts, and take aim at the Spider struggling to climb the sheer surface of the tower.

That is... or at least was... Colhen's guardian, Wenshardt. About a day ago he started acting erratic, and got more and more unpredictable, and began to cause untold damage. It's a shame, but decided that we had to kill Wenshardt before he kills anyone. ...When Tieve finds out, she's going to be devastated.

"Prepare to fire!"

Cutscene End Evie 2011/06/10(Fri)21:14 No. 311755 ID: 9a34be
File 130776568233.jpg - (182.91KB , 1152x864 , tieve.jpg )

"Stop!"
"Hold! HOLD YOUR FIRE!"

...Tieve stands in front of a ballista, arms flung wide in defiance.
Tieve is Colhen's oracle, living proof of the goddess' existence. I've heard that she's been with Wenshardt since she was a child.

"Tieve, what are you doing?! Get out of the way, it's dangerous!"

"Please, Aodhan, give me some time. He's not usually this violent, I'll talk to him!"

"People's lives are in danger. That's no longer the town's guardian, it's just a monster! Move aside!"

"Don't you trust me? I must go up there. He's frightened, terrified. I can hear his voice..."

There's a pause, before Aodhan sighs heavily. "Alright, but I'm going with you. Marrec, grab some men and follow."

"All right men, follow the captain! You too newbie!" ...Oh! That's me. I hurry after everyone heading into the tower.

ALRIGHT LETS CHOKE SOME GNOLLS

Ok, so. The Fomors are every sentient race except the Humans. What you're saying is that you need to genocide everyone else to secure your spot in Paradise? And you're the good guys?

Sounds good! Onwards! Protect that Oracle. She's the only one who might be able to calm Wenshardt down.

>>311761
I must agree with this fine gentleman

>>311761
>>311774
Silly voices. There are no gnolls here! We're going after the spider. Now focus on the matter at hand.

>>311763
Facsism is Lawful Good!

Let us go, then.

Tell those morons to raise their shields in case of Crossbows. There may be OTHER monsters nearby. Like Gnolls. Who may or may not kill everyone in one shot except the newbie.

Anyway, ONWARD! Let's go kill things!
(And watch out for bells)

Evie 2011/06/11(Sat)13:08 No. 311969 ID: 9a34be
File 130782293749.jpg - (18.67KB , 268x268 , gnoll.jpg )

Wait, kill everythi- Oh, no! The Fomorians are an alliance of different races that want to kill humans. And gnolls? I mean, we're not always on friendly terms, but they're not really on anyone's side. They mostly keep to their own-

Suddenly, a group of Gnolls armed with clubs and shields charges out from behind a corner!
"Wha- AMBUSH!"
The rest of the squad raises their shields and meets the charge. In the confusion, Tieve runs past the fight and toward the stairs.

"Damnit! Newbie, go after her! Protect the oracle!"

Ffs

Told you to go and choke gnolls
NOW see what happens!?

Bitchslap those gnolls! BITCHSLAP THEM OUT THE WINDOWS!

Also, make sure to carry that Oracle around with you. She might be kinda sorta useful. I guess.

chase after the oracle. If any gnolls attack you throw them out of windows.

Can you use force magic to grab their weapons and/or hit them with said weapons? It beats hitting them with random objects because that also deprives them of weapons (and unlike crates or whatever, those maces menace with spikes of iron.)

I run past the battle, knocking down a gnoll in the process with magic. Tieve's just gone up the stairs, out of sight, and I follow quickly.

I reach the second floor to see the Tieve has stopped nearby, as a group of five more gnolls advance from across the room.

>>312019
I don't think I could throw them physically, and the interaction of the trace life magic with any other kind (in this case, force magic) cause a destabilization with destructive effects. It takes a very talented mage to do anything other than heal or hurt a living being. But...

>>312200
Their weapons are a different story. I can only concentrate on one object at a time, so that should be enough. I wrest a spiked club from one of the gnolls, who looks briefly surprised before it comes back in his face.

I try not to look too hard as I do this. I can handle blood, but it's not exactly pleasant...

Four gnolls left. three of them are heading toward me now, but one's still going toward Tieve. What should I do?

Sorry for the bump, realized I was missing part of my post. Is there any way to edit besides just deleting and reposting with the edit? Kinda new to this thing.

Does your force magic have a set about of force it exerts? (In other words, do smaller objects levitate faster?)
If so, hitting them with their weapons seems like the best way to use that as weapons are built to be efficient in terms of deadlyness/weight.
If not, take a moment to look around for a large box or log you can use to take the three gnolls out with one spell.

Does the oracle have any ability to fight or at least survive in combat? If she can't, getting rid of the gnoll chasing her is priority because you at least have some shields.

If you can move while casting without a penalty, do that to put more distance between you and the gnolls.

try sniping the gnoll headed for tieve with magic bolts.

>>312335
Yeah, force magic exerts the same force despite what is lifted. I can use more power to lift heavier objects at the same speed, but that tires me out pretty quickly.

Moving away doesn't seem like much of an option at this point, I'm just at the top of the stairs, and there no way to go but toward the gnolls.

But Tieve's defenseless. I fire off three magic bolts toward the gnoll heading toward her. The first two stun it, and the third sends it to the ground.

The gnolls are almost on top of me now. I grab the fallen gnoll's mace from afar and bring it toward the head of the leader, knocking him down. The remaining two slow and seem to hesitate. ...what, are they afraid?

I could probably scare them off if I wanted. Then again I could probably kill them with as much effort if they're just going to stand there for me...

>>312685
Shrug.
Either way works. Or we could do the classic thing and try to capture one to find out why they're doing this. But that should really be more the role of the captain, wouldn't you think?

Evie fires magic bolts at the gnolls, killing one. The other turns to flee, but is struck down by another wave of bolts. The floor is clear. The sounds of battle can still be heard on the floor below, but it sounds like Aodhan and Marrec are winning. The building creaks and shakes as Wenshardt climbs it. There's one more floor above Evie, and above that is the deck, from which the belltower itself protrudes.

Tieve's legs give out, and she collapses. Evie jumps over and manages to catch her before she hits the ground. She looks like she's on the verge of tears.

"P-please, I need to see him. I can help him..."

Damn it, I could carry her upstairs, but there could be more gnolls up there... Aodhan and Marrec would kill me if she got hurt. ...but there's still a battle going on downstairs as well, and maybe she can calm down Wenshardt... argh, what am I supposed to do?!

Do as she asks, and if you fail to protect her, well that is that.

Aodhan already agreed to help the oracle get up there, and you were to protect her. Nothing has changed but the difficulty of it. Try to calm her and convince her to stand on her own, she needs to be strong so you can protect her. Then head upstairs as cautiously as you can.

"Hey, I've got you. I'll take you to see him."

Evie Helps Tieve back to her feet, and they cross the room to the next staircase. As they pass, the body of the last gnoll Evie killed turns to stone.

They head up to the third floor. As they reach the top, an arrow the wall to the side of Evie's head, and another strikes a barrel in front of the stairs. Two archers stand by the windows at the far side of the room, likely they were the lookouts.

Damn, they're too far for force bolts to reach, I need to close in on- gah!

Evie uses force magic to stop an arrow heading for Tieve, but is hit by the other gnoll's arrow, which shatters a mana shield.
[2/3 Shields remain]

...Need to close in on them. I could grab or break something and use it as cover, or just run up to them, but they could still probably get one or two more shots off each before I get to them!

/

Take cover behind the barrel if it is large enough for that. If your telekinesis can't reach them, you should slowly push (either physically or magically) the barrel along the floor towards the gnolls while still taking cover behind it. Once you are in spell range, off them. (If you aren't already, keep one or two small melee weapons such as daggers or maces that you get from the enemies you beat. Those are handy for flinging at other enemies.)

Evie tells Tieve to duck back down the stairway, a lifts the barrel to cover her advance. The gnolls' arrows either hit the barrel or miss entirely. She gets within range and throws the barrel at one of the gnolls, while charging a ball of force magic in her right hand. She steps toward the other gnoll, striking him and detonating the ball of magic, sending him flying out of the window.

[Magic Skill Learned: Eagle Talon]

Evie calls to Tieve to tell her it's safe, and they climb the last staircase onto the roof.

Cutscene Evie 2011/06/17(Fri)02:39 No. 314186 ID: 9a34be
File 130830354334.jpg - (181.19KB , 1600x900 , spider1.jpg )

As they reach the roof, Tieve runs up to Wenshardt. It moves as to attack her, but then stops as she speaks to it.

"Are you alright? ...why did you attack? Why are you so scared?"

Evie looks down at the ballistae. One of the men is shouting orders at the troops.

"...Who did what? Wh-"

Cutscene End Evie 2011/06/17(Fri)03:05 No. 314187 ID: 9a34be
File 130830515822.jpg - (184.89KB , 1600x900 , spider2.jpg )

"Who cares what Aodhan says! I said FIRE!"

Tieve screams. Evie turns to see Wenshardt knock Tieve aside, its compound eyes trained on Evie. An emblem on its head glows, and it roars in an alien combination of terror and rage.

[BOSS BATTLE]
[WENSHARDT: GUARDIAN OF THE ORACLE]

...Goddess protect me.

>>314186
Are those chains he seems to be wearing normal for a guardian to wear, or are those new? They might be related to the problem. (Same question for that emblem on its head.)

Shout to him "If you calm down, I can keep them from shooting you", but back away from him while doing so.

ok that embalm thing looks magical, it might be why its going crazy. can you mess with it?

Evie dodges to the side as Wenshardt attempts to stab her with its front leg. The impact leaves a hole in the roof where she had been standing, through which the third floor can be seen.

The ballistae fire. Most of the shots go astray, flying past Evie and Wenshardt and striking the building's belltower. A single bolt finds its mark, burying itself in Wenshardt's abdomen.

"Reload, and fix your aim!"

It roars again, and lashes out at Evie with its foreleg, knocking her across the roof, nearly into the belltower.

[1/3 Shields Remain]

-Gah! That hurt, even through the shield! I need to do something quick or this spider'll wipe the floor with me...

>>Shout to him "If you calm down, I can keep them from shooting you"
I doubt shouting at him would help. Tieve's the one that can speak to animals, and if even she couldn't get through to him I doubt he'll listen to someone yelling in a language he can't understand.

>>Emblem
The emblem on his head is definitely radiating some powerful magic, but I'm not sure what. I've seen the chains before, but never this. It could be what's causing him to act this way. I could try to mess with it... but to do that, I'd have to get on to his head. Between the sharp points on the legs and the mouth, that might prove a bit difficult...

maybe try jumping onto one of its legs and climbing onto it? spiders can't reach there back so if you get on top it probably won't be able to hit you. can you use telekinesis on the chains its wearing? if you can it would be a great way to mess with its strikes.

Grab a ballista bolt and slam it through one of Wenshardts legs. Quickly grab a second and slam it through one of his legs on the opposite side. Use the short time his movement is limited to circle around him, and try to get onto his abdomen. Once your on his back, carefully move forward to the head and check out the embley=m.

Evie stands and brushes herself off. Wenshardt turns toward her and charges. At the last second, Evie dives and rolls under as it impacts the tower. With Wenshardt momentarily stunned from the impact, Evie grabs one of the ballista bolts from the wall, and spears Wenshardt through the leg, lodging the tip into the roof in an attempt to stop it from moving. She climbs the immobile leg onto its back. Lodged there is the source of them emblem: a shard of metal with a symbol carved into it an painted red. She grabs-

Kill it. Kill the guardian. It isn't one of you it isn't human it does not belong it will kill you kill it before it kills you or you will die here you will die alone no one cares about you no one loves you you are weak you are pathetic but you can change that kill them all show them you are not weak show them what power y

Evie drops the emblem, it falls to the ground.

...What the hell was-

"Once more! Fire!"

The Ballistae unleash another barrage of bolts. As before, most go astray. One flies beneath her, and strikes Wenshardt, but two more seem to be heading straight for her. She deflects one with force magic, but there's no time to move the other. Evie closes her eyes, and there is the sound of the bolt piercing flesh.

...I'm... not dead?

She opens her eyes again to see that the bolt is speared through one of Wenshardt's legs, who apparently moved to protect her.

Voices can be heard below. Apparently Aodhan's men have finished fighting and he's berating whoever ordered the ballistae to fire for disregarding orders. Tieve's also come to, and she running toward Wendshardt and Evie

"Oh goddess... Wendshard----vie, are y---lright? Hold o---get someone t---"

...huh, that's strange, I can't hear her very well... I think I'll just... take a nap here...

[Evie has passed out from exhaustion]

You have just improvised a new attack type, but you need to manage it again. Move in past it's legs and ready an attack as you would eagle talon, but change it. Imagine it blowing up at it's target in a powerful scouring blast, scratching and shaving away at the surfaces around it. In normal combat it will be enough to hit adjacent enemies, here it has to simply screw up that damn emblem on it's head!

Evie's magic power has increased. You may upgrade two of the following, or you may suggest a category of magic of your own to upgrade:

ELEMENTS:
[Force Magic level 1 -> level 2]
Special Ability: Remote manipulation
Force magic is low damage, high-knockback.
Upgrading Force magic increases amount of knockback and allows more control over direction of knockback.

[Fire Magic level 0 -> level 1]
Special Ability: Burn
Fire magic is High damage, and can set foes alight for damage over time. Upgrading Fire magic increases damage and flame intensity.

[Ice Magic level 0 -> level 1]
Special Ability: Flash Freeze
Ice Magic deals moderate damage, and can freeze and slow foes. Upgrading Ice magic increases freeze strength and duration.

[Earth Magic level 0 -> level 1]
Special Ability: Earth Manipulation
Earth magic deals moderate physical rather than magical damage. Upgrading Earth magic increases the amount of earth that may be controlled at a time.

[Electric Magic level 0 -> level 1]
Special Ability: Stun
Electric Magic is high-damage, fast-moving, and stuns enemies, but is difficult to control and sustain.

[Life Magic level 1 -> level 2]
Special Ability: Heal
Life magic is not offensive. Upgrading life magic allows for new healing techniques to be learned.

[Light Magic level 0 -> level 1]
Light Magic is the magic of illusions. Each level of light magic allows a new illusion to be learned.

[Shadow Magic level 0 -> level 1]
Shadow magic is the magic of stealth and manipulation. With it, one may hide themselves in the shadows or sow fear into the minds of their foes. However, such magic is controversial, and those that practice it feared and degraded by society at large.

[Suggested Element? level 0 -> level 1]
Special Ability: ???
???

ATTACK TYPES:
[Bolt Magic - Learned]
[Bolt Magic Strength level 1 -> level 2]
Increases the strength of Evie's standard magic bolts.
[Bolt Magic Range level 1 -> level 2]
Increases the range of Evie's standard magic bolts.

[Blast Magic Unlearned -> Learned]
Blast attacks are close-range area-of-effect spells that do high damage.

[Ball Magic Unlearned -> Learned]
Ball magic are low-to-medium range balls of elemental magic that explode upon hitting a target. They deal high damage but are slow moving and easy to dodge.

[Eagle Talon - Learned]

[Suggested Attack? Unlearned -> Learned]

MISC:
[Enchantment level 0 -> level 1]
Enchantment magic allows Evie to give mundane items magical properties. The stonger her enchantment the more powerful or more specific her enchantments can be.

[Mana Shields level 1 -> level 2]
Leveling Mana Shields increases the number and strength of Evie's Shields.

[Suggested Misc. Ability? Unlearned -> Learned]

I recommend sticking with force magic for now. it has some serous postnatal if we can get creative with it.

Yeah, I agree force magic seems nice, though the low damage thing is unfortunate... Life magic and healing should be very useful however, even if we only ever put one upgrade in it. We should also definitely use one of the upgrades to learn blast magic, for some close-range kick, so we won't get screwed over if we're caught in melee.

Yes, I think the three best investments look like force magic, life magic, and enchanting.
Force magic is amazingly versatile, and can be used for lots of offense or utility things.
Healing magic lets you help injured allies, which is often more useful tan being able to attack.
Enchanting works great with force magic, as we can get things like an enchanted blade to fling around, and eventually enchant some armor with force magic to get power armor.

This level I think we should put one point in force magic and one point in life magic. (Blast magic is useful, but not quite as vital when we have force magic to throw enemies out of melee range.)

yeah, i like force magic as well. The option to keep people away from you is always good, and I like the idea of being able to use it to obtain unreachable items, knock enemies into environmental hazards, so on and so forth.

Force Magic and Life Magic. We can start upgrading the other ones next time.

When you wake up be sure to punch the idiot who ordered the Ballistae to fire. Once for firing against orders, twice for shooting it in where friendly forces were, and a third time for shooting you.

Earth and life. Hands shall rise up out of the ground and crush our foes.

>>315544
Why do we need the ground for this when we can crush them directly with some tasty force magic?

Force and Life.

Are mana shields related in any way to other forms of magic? They seem like they could be a force effect. I'd like to boost our defense, but if we can just pour lots of upgrades into force magic and then use it for defense and offense both that might be a better path.

Update Evie 2011/06/21(Tue)02:11 No. 315857 ID: 9a34be
File 130864748737.jpg - (13.46KB , 168x210 , tieve2.jpg )

[Force Magic increased to level 2]
Individual force bolts have a greater chance to knock down targets, though this depends on how prepared and balanced the target is.
Using Eagle talon with force magic now produces enough knockback to blast an average human several yards.
Remote manipulation can now be used on a single nonliving object of of medium weight (such as single bed).
[Life Magic increased to level 2]
Healing Crystals may now be created without a catalyst. Healing crystals take several minutes to create, heal a small amount of health, and are used instantly upon touching someone who is injured.
Evie may now share life with an ally, healing the ally while hurting her. This requires physical contact, and for the moment only allows a small amount of life to be shared. The process may also be reversed to heal Evie, but this cannot yet be used on unwilling targets.

>>315621
Mana Sheilds are partially a byproduct of mana of all kinds gathering around those with the affinity to use magic. One of the most basic techniques is to structure this natural mana accumulation into a defensive barrier. Another technique is to later break these shields purposefully to temporarily increase one's abilities.

---

Evie wakes quickly and attempts to get her bearings. She's on on comfortable bed in a small room with just a dresser and a nightstand as furnishing. Evie's staff is leaning against the dresser.

The door opens, and Tieve appears. She seems surprised.

"Thank Goodness you're awake! You've been out for days, I was worried that you weren't going to wake at all!"

"Ow, my head... I've been out that long? Wait, where am I?"

"Oh! I'm sorry, after you passed out we brought you here to the inn. That reminds me- Marrec came by to say that Aodhan would like to speak to you at the Crimson Blade Headquarters once you woke up, and Brynn came by saying he'd like to talk to you about something as well at his workshop. If you're not in too much of a hurry, I was just about the put breakfast on on, you must be starving."

Breakfast would be nice, but if Aodhan wanted to talk it might be important. ...then again, he didn't know when I would wake up, so maybe not, and I can probably think of a few questions I should ask Tieve about what's happened in the meantime. If I remember correctly, Brynn is a magic researcher, but I'm not sure what he would want with me. What to do...

>>315857
We should talk to Tieve to hear what happened to Wenshardt and whether they recovered the sinister shard.

>Healing Crystals may now be created without a catalyst.
Awesomeness. I presume there is a maximum number of those we can carry at once, of course. We should build up our stockpile of those while talking to Tieve and waiting for tasty breakfast.

>>315894
Yeah, probably be a good idea to see if he is recovering from the ballista wounds.

Heh, when we have time, we should get somebody to make us something like a "grenade belt" to carry multiple, easily accessible healing crystals.

you know i have an idea for a Battle technique, basically you use force magic but instead of a simple push, you use it to grab either the targets codpiece or underwear and pull up. I call it the force wedgie, and there seems to be an over eager artillery officer who volunteered to be a test subject!

EveryZig 2011/06/21(Tue)10:43 No. 315928 ID: eba49f
File 130867820416.gif - (87.41KB , 443x389 , d3_Mana-potions.gif )

Like this but with health crystals:

ask her if she's making pancakes

>>315894
I dont think you can stockpile crystals like that. It says that they are used when you touch them, so unless that means strictly skin contact, there is no way to stockpile them.

Hmm... a suggested improvement. With Evie's new talent in force magic, would it be possible to imbue our mana shields with force magic? In other words: Have them explode outwards when destroyed. It won't prevent us from getting hurt, but it might give us some space if we're getting swarmed.

Of course, it may be too difficult for us, or impossible, depending on how magic works. We're already straying from how Vindictus works (Which is a good thing! Makes it more interesting!)

Next time we get points, I suggest dabbling in light magic. It's always good to be able to divert attention away from us. Or at higher levels (I assume) be able to make false images of Evie, to confuse enemies.

Anyway, eat breakfast. It's no use going around on an empty stomach. Ask about Wenshardt, if he's ok, and what happened after you passed out. After that, talk to Aodhan. He's in charge after all, you gotta listen. And besides, Brynn can wait. I'm sure he's got plenty of experiments to keep himself occupied until you've wrapped up your other obligations.

>>315940
Umm, how would they be used on other people if the merest touch causes them to expire?

I think skin contact is exactly what is required for them to be used.

>>316008
When you make them, they are scattered around. They can then be picked up by those who need healing. If someone cannot move, you could probably just make it standing over them, and surely some would fall to them.

(Unless my assumptions are wrong, in which case the Author needs to tell me otherwise)

Discussion thread now open: http://quest.lv/kusaba/questdis/res/348194.html

Evie gathers her belongings, and heads downstairs for breakfast. As she does this, she creates a healing crystal and places it in her coinpurse. She speaks with Tieve between pancakes.

"How's Wenshardt doing? His wounds looked pretty bad, but I don't know how well spiders heal."

"He's been wounded, but he said he would be fine for a month or so. You'll probably not see much of him for awhile, he's resting in a burrow near town for now." She frowns for a moment in thought, but then giggles, "He's a little sore at you for stabbing his leg, but he's mostly thankful that you got that rune off of him."

"Rune? I guess that's what I grabbed off of him. What's happened to that? When I touched it..."

Tieve looks somewhat worried as she trails off. "I think Brynn's been studying it." She frowns. " ...I'm sorry. Wenshardt told me what it was like, it must have been horrible for you. And- By running ahead I put you into so much danger. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have..."

Sh-she looks like she's on the verge of tears. How should I...?

Put a hand on her shoulder, and reassure her. She only did it because she was worried about Wenshardt. He would have died if it wasn't for Tieve's efforts. Had you gotten there any later and he might have climbed the bell tower. There's no way you could have gotten to him once he climbed that. Also remind her that you are a mercenary. Danger is just part of the job. She shouldn't worry herself too much. Tell her, all she has to do is keep a cheerful smile, and do... Oracle things.

>>317484
Also, call her cute to see what her reaction is.

>>317522
you are aware the oracle is like 15 right?

>>317484
Doubling >>317494. And >>317522. Regardless of her age, messing with people is fun.

And speaking of that...

Ahem... EVIE! Do you hear me?

Evie places a hand on Tieve's shoulder as she attempts to reassure her.

"No, it's alright. If you hadn't had gone up when you did, there's no way we'd have gotten to Wenshardt before he climbed the tower, and if the ballistae had hit him while he was climbing... you did the right thing going up after him, despite the risks. Plus, I'm a mercenary, remember? Danger comes with the job. Anyway, cheer up! Tears don't suit you, you're cuter when you smile."

Tieve blushes slightly, and wipes her eyes on her sleeve. "Th-thank you. You're right. I should believe in myself more. ...Oh! That reminds me, I should head to the temple. Excuse me." She heads upstairs to change into her oracle's clothing.

Alright then, time to go see Aodhan. I wonder wh-
>>318007
Gah! You don't have to yell, I can hear you just fine, as always.

>>317684
Huh? No she isn't. She's a little older than me, I think.

>>318157
Age problem nonexistent? Evie/Tieve steady as she goes.
>>317684
No, I was not aware of it, nor does it seem I needed to be, heh.

Well, you shouldn't keep Aodhan waiting.

In the meantime, what can you tell us about yourself. I know you're from the East, but that's about it. You haven't really discussed it much with anyone, which is your right, if you don't feel like talking about it.

Tell you about myself? There isn't that much to say, really. My father was a researcher working in the magic academy, my mother was the daughter of a noble. I lived easy, got a better education than most, and my father taught me the basics of magic. Then... something happened at the academy. They never said what exactly. We didn't even have his body at the funeral- we didn't even know if there was a body. My mother was devestated. She died a year later, still in grief. She left me some of hr fortune, and a pendant- you- and I left. I heard they had relocated the magic academy to Rocheste so I headed there. When I reached Colhen, I found myself unable to continue on to Rocheste, I don't know why. So I joined the Crimson Blades, thinking that maybe I could at least die fighting for the Goddess. But then I met Tieve, who seems to make me forget the past, and apparantly I'm not that bad of a fighter... so maybe things will turn out allright after all?

...Huh, maybe there was a bit to say.

As Evie reaches the outpost, she can hear a heated debate inside. One voice is clearly Marrec, the other is iron hard and female. She enters the outpost.

Update 2/3 Evie 2011/06/27(Mon)00:22 No. 318302 ID: 9a34be
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"-e're the Crimson Blades, not some division of the army! You don't have any authority over us!"
"You're being absurd! Colhen could be in serious danger, and you're-"
"Danger?! And where were you when the spider went on a rampage?! Holed up in behind Rocheste's walls, that's where! Colhen is under our protection!"

As Evie watches the shouting match, a young man in a Royal Army outfit sighs and speaks to her.
"They've been at it for the past ten minutes. She asked to speak with whoever was in charge, he refused, and then this." He sighs again.
"...Oh! By the way. I'm Ellis, cadet leader in the Royal Army academy. I don't suppose you know where Aodhan is? I've asked everyone else..."

Evie shakes her head. She's about to introduce herself when the door bursts open, and Aodhan enters.

"What is the meaning of this! Marrec, I leave you in charge for a day and you gen into a shouting match with the Royal Army? Get out, go cool your head."

Marrec looks like he's about to object, but then grumbles and leaves the outpost grudgingly.

"...Now then, you're a Captain of the Royal army, are you not? What are you here for?"

"Finally, someone who will listen to reason. We need to talk about the investigation you're conducting about the gnoll presence near Colhen. I'm here on behalf of the Royal Army to order the Crimson Blades to hand over the investigation to us. If the gnolls are performing raids and attacking humans, it would mean-"

"I understand. We should speak about this in private, though; no need to startle anyone with talks of raids. Could you wait in my office? I have something I have to attend to, it will only take a moment. Then we'll speak about this further."

The captain nods and is escorted upstairs by another Crimson Blade. Aodhan turns and approaches Evie.

Update 3/3 Evie 2011/06/27(Mon)00:31 No. 318306 ID: 9a34be
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"So you're the one that climbed the belltower with Tieve. Evie, was it? Took on five gnolls on your own, fought Wenshardt and not only survived but climbed onto him to pull off that thing driving him mad? Hah! Not bad for your first combat. In fact I'd like to promote you to a special position- but I need to see another demonstration of your skills, first. Not just combat- tactical and reasoning as well."

He hands Evie a rolled up scroll.

"I'd like you to meet Ceara at the docks in an hour, she'll have a boat waiting for you that will take you to the ruins we use for combat practice and training. I've marked a location on that map, there you'll find a trinket. Find it and return it to Ceara once you've done so. If you'll excuse me, I need to speak with that captain. Ceara! Answer any questions Evie has that you are able. Within the restrictions, of course. As for the others needed, take Gallagher and his friends, he's been asking for a challenge."

Ceara salutes Aodhan, then addresses Evie.

"Well then, any questions? If not, I'll let you prepare and meet you at the docks in an hour."

What's the trinket for?

Right then, in case you didn’t know, the pendant that lets us talk to you is the Orb of Infinite Psyche. Basically how it works is it puts you in touch with us voices. (There may or may not be an actually infinite number of us but its close enough to not matter in any case) The most common way we aid you is by giving advice, now keep in mind that individually we probably are not that much smarter than you, but due to the way we perceive time we have a long time to think things over. We also have access to a rather large, though somewhat erratic knowledge base. There is also no grantee that any given voice will stick around for any length of time. The turnover in voices can often be a bit of confusing, being asked the same question multiple times and such. One last thing, some voices are either very stupid or think they are funny, and will purposely give you comically bad advice. Bad things have happened when we had earned allot of trust from our bearer but only the jokers were around when they needed advice. Oh and we are probably going to try and get you into a romantic relationship with Tieve. No I don’t know why but that sort of thing is one of the very few constants with our behavior.

Yes, we should ask whether the trinket has any magical effects you are allowed to talk about before the test.

>>318157
Ah, sorry, didn't mean to startle you. It's just our interactions with different worlds - and yes, they really do exist - can be implemented via different means, and each time we have to do some tests to determine what we're dealing with. Again, sorry.

>>318300
>>318329
Ok, so this is a pendant type connection. Not bad, although it could've been better. But no matter! Let's catch up a bit, shall we?

First, our connection to you is both a blessing and a curse. As the new guy said, we have unique perspective on your world, and our advice has saved countless behinds - although not many of them as charming as yours - from being handed to their owners in painful and life-threatening ways. On the other hand, the Orb of Infinite Psyche is often subject to Infinite Psychosis, which seems to be triggered by something cool and/or controversial happening to you, our dearest host. The symptoms include, but are not limited to, random shouting and bickering and holding votes that end up being stalemates. That can actually be quite distracting, especially in the heat of battle. We (and our hosts) have been punished for that too, but it still happens from time to time. So, to maximize your projected lifespan, and until we've conducted more experiments and know more about your world's Physics, Magic and Narrative Metaphysics, here are two simple rules that I suggest you follow. We'll call them the Stalemate Associate Guide:
1. Lesser evil usually nets results.
2. Given options A and B, choose C.

Now that that's out of the way, let's examine our nexus. That is, the pendant. Could you please describe it to us? I'm specifically interested in its fragility, both perceived and real, and its chain. Can you sense any magic on it? Actually, can you sense magic at all? If so, how fine?

And speaking of magic trinkets, ask for details on your quarry. What does the trinket look like, what does it do, how is it guarded, are we or its guards allowed to use it? Also, who is this Gallagher, why does he need to go with us, and if we are to work together, who's in charge. Ascertain whether there are any restrictions, like time limit, extent of damage, anything else - try to phrase it in such a way that Ceara can't only address the ones you've mentioned and ignore everything else. Request access to armory, both magical and mundane (this will most likely be denied, but if not, we could get some cool equipment).

If you get armory access, that's your next stop. We are on the clock, so our visit will have to be brief. I guess there's no use planning this in finer detail at the moment.
After that, or if you don't get armory access, we're off to Brynn's. We, and this time I mean just the voices, have some ideas to bounce off of him - this has a bit more priority, which is the cause for the rush in the armory.

Oh, and, um, it's a bit late for that, but nice to meet you. Hope we'll get along.

I am unsure if you have any ability with daggers or small swords, but I believe it would be wise for you to acquire a few daggers. They would be useful holdout weapons if really needed, no matter your skills and you never know when a sharp blade will come in handy in survival situations.

If there are any potions in your world, then I advise you also get some, if possible. Preferably something to combat exhaustion from excessive casting and maybe healing if such are available.

Also, ask how long this little venture might be and if you should bring water and rations.

And yes, we will try to hook you up with Tieve, there is no escape from that, heh. Hope you wont mind.

Ask who shot ordered the ballistae to fire the other day.

Update 1/2 Evie 2011/06/28(Tue)16:50 No. 319095 ID: 9a34be
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"What's the trinket look like? Is it important?"

"It's just a gold bracelet, but it should stand out enough to be easy to spot. It's just your objective, nothing more."

"Who's Gallagher? Why's he coming with us?"

"He's rude, a pig, a coward, a boaster and a gambler... but he also happens to be a competent fighter when he thinks he can win. As for why he and his friends are coming with us... well, you didn't think the test was going to be as easy as just grabbing the bracelet and coming back, did you?"

"Are there any restrictions? Like a time limit or something?"

"No swords, warhammers, or other weapons meant to kill. You can take wooden weapons from the training armory if you'd like, though. I guess we can't stop you from using magic, so I guess I have to add 'don't kill anyone.' as well, though that should be pretty obvious. Try not to rough them up too bad either, no matter how much Gallagher might deserve it."

"How long is the test going to take?"

"An hour there, an hour to set up the test, probably less than an hour for the test itself, and an hour back. We should be back before nightfall if all goes well."

"Okay. Oh, and this isn't about the test, but who was the guy that ordered the ballistae to fire? I need to punch him."

"Hah! Sorry, Aodhan beat you to it. Kicked him out of the Blades in an instant, said he didn't want to see his face in Colhen. Almost fired the entire ballistae squad too, until he remembered that the guy outranked them.

Evie thanks Ceara for the information, and leaves for Brynn's.

>>Voices
So you're a bunch of voices that give advice? I guess that's helpful.
>>What's the pendant look like?
The chain is gold, the pendant itself looks like a glass bead hanging from it, but it could be another clear stone. It probably won't break just by dropping it or anything. If there is any magic, I can't sense it... then again, I'm not that good at sensing magic. I hear that studying light magic improves your magic sense...
>>Hooking you up with Tieve
Evie trips, nearly falling facefirst into the door to Brynn's workshop, but catches herself.
Th-that was a joke, right? That's not funny! She probably doesn't... even...

Evie sighs and opens the door.

Update 2/2 Evie 2011/06/28(Tue)16:51 No. 319097 ID: 9a34be
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"How many times must I tell you to knock before- Oh, it's you. Ahem, I'm Brynn, independent researcher of magic and part-time enchanter. And you're Evie, mercenary and fledgeling mage- force and life are your specialties, if I'm not mistaken? In the future, please knock before entering, or you could disturb a very important experiment, with possibly disastrous consequences."

He says all of this without so much as glancing up from beaker of boiling liquid. Evie opens her mouth to ask why she was asked for when he speaks again.

"I've been looking at that stone that you pulled off Wenshardt- for which I ought to thank you. I asked you to come here because I need to know what happened when you touched the stone- I'd use it on myself, but it appears to have used up its charges, and I don't think there's a human alive that knows the workings of Fomorian Runes. In addition to the story, I'm certain that you've come with questions, which I will do my best to answer."

I guess I'll tell him what happened, but you guys said you had ideas to bounce off of him? Should I hand you to him or what should I ask?

>>319095
I apologize for some of my more... singleminded peers. It can be terribly boring in here sometimes, and it has become a hobby for some of us to become matchmakers. I suggest just ignoring them if it bothers you.

As for the test, it seems you'll have to fight off Gallagher and the others. Don't feel like you have to hold back too much. Ceara really doesn't like him, and we'll just have to see. Anyway, force magic is fortunately fairly nonlethal if you choose it to be. It's kinda hard to not kill when using fireballs, or bolts of lightning.

>>319097
Let's keep us a secret for now. You can talk to him just fine. After all, you said you got us from your mother, and we wouldn't want to take that away from you.

not sure if you guys have gunpowder yet, but ask him to try making a powder containing 100 parts saltpeter + 18 parts coal + 16 parts sulfur. the result should be a powerful explosive. if you pack a charge of it in a strong metal tube and put a lead ball in front of it you get a crude cannon, a powerful siege weapon.

Tell him should definitely NOT use it on himself. All it did was yell "KILL KILL KILL" inside your mind. I hate to think what long term exposure to the thing would be like. No wonder Wenshardt went nuts.

By the way, would you personally be against being romantically involved with Tieve?

or you can tell him that we do not like being forcefully taken for a bearer. we can make holding us very unpleasant and if we don't want to corporate there is nothing they can do to us. this orb is but one of many we can see though,(though it might be the only orb in your world. ) so even locking the orb in a dark room does nothing.

>>319117
If we are imparting dread knowledge from other dimensions, why screw around with chemicals when you can go for
Lightning enchantment + iron/ceramic frame = railgun
(but now isn't the time for that)

Anyway, tell him:
"The rune seems to be designed to control the minds beings in contact with it. When we briefly held it, we heard a voice trying to convince us that Wenshardt was a danger to us and we had to kill him. Fortunately, the effects of this rune seem to end immediately once it is out of contact, as seen by how Wenshardt protected us from the ballista bolts once the rune was removed.

The fact that this rune was placed on this town's guardian suggests that either whatever force used the rune has designs on this town, or that they intended to use Wenshardt as a test to see whether beings as large and powerful as him could be controlled.

As this seems specifically designed to control minds, I would advise never experimenting with it without a partner who can help you if it overwhelms your mental defenses."

>>319117
I think gunpowder exists, I'm pretty sure. I know the goblins have cannons.

and now humans can have gunpowder to. sides even if they can't make cannons it makes excellent grenades.

>>319219
They exist already. Popular secondary weapons for soldiers and mercenaries alike are spears (javalins, really), small bombs (pretty much grenades, if a little weaker), Light of Palala (flashbangs), and spring loaded chainhooks.

>>319265
A hookshot? We must acquire one.

well do they have corned powder? that would give them an advantage. they must be missing something on the gunpowder front if they are using baste instead of cannons.

we should take the tech stuff to discussion
http://quest.lv/kusaba/questdis/res/348194.html

>>319097
Well just look at him. 'Magnificent bastard' are the words that come to my mind; 'badass scientist' are close second. Do you like him? (Don't stare!) Do you want to be like him? (Because we can help you with that.) Do you want to be with him? (Just joking, don't worry. He's not your type.)
>>319119
Seconding the question. Because, you know, she just might be your type. You do look good together. Seriously. Think about it.

>>319148
>The rune seems to be designed to control the minds beings in contact with it. When we briefly held it, we heard a voice trying to convince us that Wenshardt was a danger to us and we had to kill him. Fortunately, the effects of this rune seem to end immediately once it is out of contact, as seen by how Wenshardt protected us from the ballista bolts once the rune was removed.
Do we really REALLY want to use 'we'? Because nobody except us has touched the rune, and that might sound suspicious, since nobody knows of the Orb. On the other hand, if you want to have some fun, go for it, we'll back you all the way!
Other than that, Zig's assessment is good.

Now, about communication with Brynn. I am actually against letting anyone know about our existence. Since our connection with you has a material component - the pendant - it can be stolen, broken or tampered with, and that might mean losing our connection with you, which we do not want. So don't add perceived value to it. Speaking through you is fine for us at the moment, if you don't mind acting as an intermediary. Besides, this way you can actually screen the discussion and stop us from making any stupid mistakes.

Please ask him if we/you can come again and speak to him in a less time-constrained situation. Like, tomorrow. Mention an interest in magitech - that's combination of magic and technology, if you don't know the word, and in that case you should definitely use it, because chances are Brynn does not know it either due to it not existing in your world, and this might pique his interest. And we need that, because then through you we can invent or seriously improve this world's magitech, which will bear grand awesome fruit for you personally, both in equipment and notoriety.
Anyway, what's Brynn's areas of expertise? Ask him, imply interest in learning from him and/or joint research. You want to learn more magic, don't you?

Since right now he is engrossed in one of his own experiments, I think discussing actual ideas with him should come at a later point, hopefully using the previously mentioned appointment. Meanwhile, during the boat trip we'd like to introspect with you, have a debriefing of sorts after the Oracle Debacle. That will also be an opportunity for us to get to know each other better.

Don't forget to visit the armory.

And, um, I wanted to ask you something else. Do you mind if we rummage a bit in your mind? We need background information on your world, and taking it directly will be much quicker and much less distracting than asking you about it. We... well, I promise not to look for anything personal.

>>319374
Oops. Nice catch with the 'we'.
Yes, it is advisable to refer to yourself as 'I' when talking to others unless you happen to be a monarch (which I presume you are not).

To clarify on the concept of magitech, it refers to the use of enchantments to replace or augment machinery and other technology. (An example would be an enchanted crossbow that rapidly re-winds itself after firing.)

>>319396
"unless you happen to be a monarch (which I presume you are not)."

Though, if you are up to it, we might find ways of helping you get there.

>>319148
That's... much better than I could explain it myself.
"I think it's designed to control the mind of whoever's in contact with it. When I held it, I heard a voice trying to convince me that Wenshardt, and everyone else, was a danger to me and I had to kill him. Um, the effects of this rune seem to end immediately once it's out of contact, as seen by how Wenshardt protected me from the ballista bolts once the rune was removed. That it was placed on Wenshardt guardian suggests that either whatever force used the rune has designs on this town, or that they intended to use Wenshardt as a test to see whether beings as large and powerful as him could be controlled. As this seems specifically designed to control minds, I wouldn't advise experimenting-"

Brynn interrupts.
"That's enough, and quite helpful, thank you. I was aware that that could have been its nature, and had taken the neccesary precautions. You also failed to recognize that the second charge could have been intended for someone in specific other than yourself, such as the one most likely to first go to Wenshardt had he been killed during his rampage."
There's a momentary, almost oppressive silence.
"...But all in all, an adequate summary of its effects and possible purposes. I must admit I'm mildly impressed."
He produces the rune from a pocket, and carefully drops it into the boiling liquid he was staring at earlier. After a moment of nothing happening, he frowns.
"...Still no reaction. That a single rune has enough power to overwhelm the mind... They're completely undetectable when inert, and when used together can form even more powerful and complex effects. I've seen an artifact with hundreds of them on it. We don't even know what most of the single runes mean, and the best researchers at the academy figure it's a language in itself, with changing meanings and metaphor... And every Fomorian we've captured who should be able to tell us has either killed themselves, been assasinated, or escaped. It's maddening."
He sighs, and leans back in his chair.

>>319117
We do have gunpowder, actually. It's used mostly for bombs and cannons, but the Royal Army is training riflemen, I've heard. As for why we're using Ballistae, I think that the Crimson Blades have had them for awhile, and replacing them with cannons would be a pretty big investment... but I don't know if that's the actual reason.

Brynn sits back up straight, and is back to his previous composure.
"Well, at least I have another rune I can document the effects of. Maybe one day I can figure out how to actually get them working and put them to use in my enchanting. It would be nice to have something new to apply my considerable knowledge in the field to. Anyway, do you have any other questions, or will you be on your way?"

>>319374
"I'm actually kind of constrained for time at the moment, so I should go. Though, um, I'm really interested in learning Enchantment magic, I have a lot of ideas of what to use it for! If it's not too much trouble, could I come in some time for lessons?"

Brynn shifts in his chair, and spends a moment in thought.

"Hm. Unfortunately, I have neither the the time nor inclination to give lessons, and am of no need for an apprentice at the moment."

Evie looks dejected.
"O-oh. That's okay."

"...However, I am often engaged in experiments and work regarding Enchantment. If you were to come in while I was working on it, say, I suppose I couldn't stop you from observing. Though as long as you were here, I may ask you to help with the work yourself. And I suppose I might not be able to stop myself from anrrating- to help my own train of though, of course- what I'm doing as I do it."

Evie immediately brightens, and turns to leave.
"Thank you!"

"Thank me? Whatever for?" Brynn betrays a smile, then turns back to his work.

Heh, he's actually a pretty nice guy, I think. Anyway, where to now? Besides where I've already gone, there's the general store and tailor's, the blacksmith's, and the travel store. Or I could just go to the docks and wait, I have about half an hour left.

>>319409
That went quite well. Although I must admit to being a little embarrassed by not having thought of the rune targeting Tieve. Poor girl, can you imagine what a shock would it have been to her?

Anyway, yay, invitation! Possibilities abound! We'll have to remember to turn on our intellects during future encounters, though; Brynn does not strike me as a stupidity-tolerating kind of guy.

And, uh, I focused too much on 'magitech' and failed to consider 'enchantment'. Granted, magitech is more specific, but nevertheless. Nice catch there, Evie.

Now, we have half an hour. I would advise going either to general store or travel store. Just browse for now, get a feel for the assortment. By the way, how much money do you have on you? Other valuables? And, while we are on that, do you live in the barracks with the rest of the Crimson Blades or what?

And I reiterate the Tieve- and mind-picking-related questions. Don't ignore them. Pretty please, we only ask because we care for you and have your best interests in mind.

A rune with a charge for the guardian and a charge for the oracle... That makes a worrying about of sense. There are so many things they could do with access to an oracle's mind I can't really speculate further on their intent.

The armorers is probably the best to go to before the test, as armor might help on the test where weapons would not.

About the whole 'not killing' thing, are you practiced in how to knock somebody unconscious while avoiding serious injury? I hear it is considerably trickier than it looks.

I think, when(if) you visit the blacksmith, you should order a few daggers made(if you have the funds).

Sharp pointy things with cutting edges have a an infinite(almost) amount of uses. It might take a bit of time to make them, so you can pick them up after the test is complete.

Ah, and if Tieve is at risk, perhaps you should stay close to her, heh. Of course, only if you are willing to entertain the idea of an intimate relationship with her.

>>319432
> only if you are willing to entertain the idea
Or, you know, if you want to protect her from possible harm. Because that's what friends do.

>>319439
Ah, yes, sorry. I did mean the "intimate" part to be optional. Staying close to her is just a good idea, even if the other part is disregarded.

I currently have Ten gold, or 100 copper, available. I get paid a few gold monthly, depending on what I've accomplished. The Blades provide food and housing, so that money's mine to spend how I please. As for weapons, I think I can get most normal weapons and armor from the blades for free, anything else I would have to order to be specially made from the blacksmith. I'm not sure how I feel about wearing armor- my shields get me a lot of protection and even light armor is tiring to walk around in for too long... but if you think I should, then I'll wear it. As for what the different stores offer:

The general store offers mostly food and tools for general use, but also stock health potions for 3 gold each. That's also where the tailor, Cloudagh, works, so if I wanted an outfit made I would go there.

The travel store carries goods for travelers and hunters, bows, packs, skinning supplies, and the like. I don't really have much more room in my coin purse to hold more than what I've got, so If I want to store anything else I should probably pick up something to carry them with from here. I've heard the store owner is a skilled hunter herself, and that she used to visit the gnolls before relations with them grew so tense.

The blacksmith, Ferghus, seems to be almost constantly at work. If I wanted a weapon specially made, I would probably have to go to him.

>>319418
You're asking me to pick my mind, but about what? I've already told you my life story, what else do you-
>>Tieve
Look, I don't know- I just... I...
Evie takes a breath, then exhales.
...Y-yeah. I'd like to be... to get closer to her. T-to protect her. ...is that alright?

...A-anyway. That's what I remember from the stores, but that's just what I remember offhand. If there's anything else you want in specific, I might still be able to find it in one of the shops. If you really want me to pick up some armor, I could head to the Crimson Blades armory for that. So where to?

>>319850
> 10 gold, or 100 copper
What, nothing in-between? Like, perhaps, silver? Strange, but whatever.

> The Blades provide food and housing
> I think I can get most normal weapons and armor from the blades for free
That's good, we don't have to worry about those for now.
> anything else I would have to order to be specially made from the blacksmith
No need to do that yet. You are not that good to have needs for any special weapons. Don't worry, that's quite all right, that's what we are here for - to guide your progress and maximize your gains. We'll have to visit the travel store for some added storage capacity - a backpack would be awesome. I'm not sure you should get it now though - there will be time later, when we're not in a hurry.

> relations with [gnolls] grew so tense
Why? What happened?

> ...Y-yeah. I'd like to be... to get closer to her. T-to protect her. ...is that alright?
Yes, it's quite alright. Don't worry about that. Now that you've admitted that, things should be easier.

And, no, no need for armor, your magic will be sufficient. We'll need to look into enchanted cloth or leather armor, though, at a later date. Maybe enchant it ourselves.
Go to the docks, let's not be late.

I would like to restate my force wedge idea, if your going to be doing a test that involves allot of nonlethal sparing it might be useful way to incapacitate people. It would also be hilarious.

Well, you need a close-combat weapon. I suggest something effective and practical outside of combat: a Falchion.You don't need armor for now, the mana shields are enough.

>>319906
She has no skill in melee weapons as far as we know. And I think you are seriously underestimating her magic. I can understand the benefits of having a spare dagger around, but only as a secondary weapon. A falchion is just unnecessary.

do you know how to use a quarter staff? its a good blocking weapon for when things get to close. Also a you never know when a having a pole on hand could come in handy.

>>319946
Yeah, umm, I also consider such straight forward melee weapon to be excessive.

The reason I suggested having a few daggers was because they are light, small and easy to carry. Also, they can be used for carving, cutting, slicing, gutting, skinning, stabbing, throwing, etc. and are cheap enough to be discarded when the need arises.

>>320131
Yes, I agree that at least one inconspicuous but accessible dagger is a must have for adventurers. (Possibly more so than a length of rope.) You never know when you will run into somebody you need to stab in the throat.

We might not have time for it before the test, but at some point we need to ask Wenshardt about what he knows about the rune getting onto him. Brynn's mention of Fomorian prisoners being assassinated suggests that the Fomorians have Human operatives, so whoever put the rune on Wenshardt may still be around town.

>>320204
Remember, Wenshardt and other spiders like him cannot speak in a way we can hear. Only Oracles, like Tieve, can talk with him.

That said, we should get Tieve to talk to Wenshardt about that. I think he went away to heal for a while, so I'm not sure if he's available.

if it has a mind we can communicate with it. punting us on Wenshardt for a bit to get a account of how he got that rune put on him might be a good idea, also you might be able to speed his healing a bit if you gave Tieve a healing crystal to use on Wenshardt ever day.

>>320240
Just as we can't understand it, I highly doubt it can understand us. The Oracles are the Oracles for a reason.

unless its mind is totally alien to us we would be able to talk with it. what we do is not verbal. it is mental. we can communicate with anything regardless of language. we have talked with, slimes, aliens,demons and gods. we can almost certainly talk to a giant spider.

>>320310
Oh, you meant us as in the necklace. You should have mentioned that. I'm opposed to any plan that requires us to be revealed, unless absolutely necessary. Wenshardt is good friends with Tieve, let her talk to him, you know, instead of forcing new voices into his head. He might get angry at that.

>"No swords, warhammers, or other weapons meant to kill. You can take wooden weapons from the training armory if you'd like, though"

Stop by there to pick up some wooden weapons for your upcoming engagement.

I am curious though, this is a tactical test not a combat test, he said as much... but they are setting it up as a combat of you vs all of them... I wonder why. Maybe its gonna be two teams.

>>320495
Evie is a mage. Getting wooden weapons is pointless without the expertise to wield them. Magic arrows will do quite nicely.

in the future darts might be useful. or long daggers. it would be nice having something on hand to throw with force magic.

Update Evie 2011/07/03(Sun)01:47 No. 320977 ID: 9a34be
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Evie converses with the voices as she heads to the docks.

>>Weapons
I don't have any training with weapons besides my staff, but you're right, having a dagger or two could come in handy. I'll pick some up after the test, and a pack of some kind as well.

>>What, nothing in-between? Like, perhaps, silver? Strange, but whatever.
Silver is far too valuable to use as currency. The Fomorians control all of the known silver mines, so it's not really renewable. Plus, it's a magic catalyst; using it as currency would be almost wasteful. The core of magic staves tend to be made of silver in order to strengthen casting. It also makes them good for enchanting, as the silver strengthens the effects.

>>strained gnoll relations
We used to have a border treaty with the gnolls, but recently they started building settlements outside their defined area. We were planning talks, but just before they began our diplommat was killed in his sleep- and no one's sure if it was the gnolls, the Fomorians, or even one of our won that did it. Last I heard they were still trying to train his successor.

And I'll talk to Tieve about Wenshardt again later as well.

As she reaches the docks, Evie spots a group of seven men in Crimson Blade uniform standing around one of the boats. One of them spots Evie, says something to the rest of the group, and walks up to her, bearing some combination of a grin and a sneer on his face.

"Heeey, so you're the blade doing the test? Ceara didn't tell me that you were a total babe."

"I... wha-"

"You know, they really stack the odds against you in this test. You could just skip it and save the trouble, you know? I know this really nice place out in the woods I could show you, great place for stargazing, eh heh."

Who... I don't even... how am I even supposed to respond to that?!

>sex for skipping the test
It is possible but very unlikely that this is part of the test (most likely the typical request is for a money bribe). For example, will you be telling your commander that he made such an offer? (Yes, yes you WOULD be telling him; as well as maybe admitting that you considered it to possibly be part of the test, but unlikely)

Say: "Skip the test? What is the fun in that?"... we want to refuse but not antagonize them into acting up during the test.

>>320982
Yes, I second the polite refusal. He seems the type to pull a dick move like hiding the trinket if we get him too angry. (But make a mental note to fling him into a wall when we fight him as part of the test.)

>>320977
>You could just skip it and save the trouble
I think this guy asks for trouble. Let's give him some.

As you can see, he's used to charging ahead and dominating his opponents, at least in conversations. (Let's not base any assumptions regarding his combat style on such flimsy evidence.)

If you were a bit more... prepared, we could pull a Senjougahara impression and stick a knife/dagger into his mouth. Because really, stargazing. Pfeh. As if we'd fall for that.

But since you aren't, and we can't, let's invent some witty banter on the spot. He doesn't look hostile, so no need to jump straight to excessive violence, as fun as that would be.
While replying, smirk - you're confident and have nothing to worry about. Think about flipping the finger at him.
Possible banter ideas, alter them to suit the conversation flow:
- "Why would I save you the trouble of being ground to dust by a total babe, pray tell me?"
- "I could even arrange you a bit of stargazing right at the test site, though you'd have to engage in it in the company of a brick wall."
And my favourite:
- (contemplatingly) "So you're that Gallagher fella that Ceara warned me about?" (switch to a somewhat serious, somewhat confiding tone) "Let me tell you something. You see, I have an itch, a... special itch. It is telling me to..." (wide smile) "... test." (singsong) "Test, test, test, all the time." (tilt your head a little, look him in the eyes) "So you see, we simply must do this test. It's for science. Please, brave knight, would you mind helping a young lady to relieve her... itch?"

I suggest you burst into laughter, I mean sedulously hes talking like the bad guy from a cheese story. laughing at him would be an easy way to restore your confidence, lower his and throw him off balance. Not to mention someone talking like that is actually fairly funny

>>321041
its also a way to guarantee he is going to do something fishy during the test.

>>321051
Well, I doubt he would listen to a polite "Sorry, but I am not interested".

Right now, I think saying that you simply will not give up would suffice as a diplomatic option. It makes no mention of him and provides a generally positive concept about you. If he makes a rude or dismissive comment afterwards, proceed to be cold to him until the end of time(his, preferably).

I don't expect him to take a polite no well, I expect him to get more vicious the harsher the refusal. Be wary during this one... Do you have a helmet? I really don't want to risk getting knocked out by these creeps.

Yes, reply with something like "Sorry, not interested." Try to ignore his advances, he isn't worth your time and you've got a test to complete. Eye on the prize, you're in it to win it and you're not backing down!

Right, I'll try to keep this professional.
"So you must be Gallagher, then."

"Well, looks like my reputation precedes me! So, how about that offer?"

"Sorry, not interested. Besides, what fun would there be in skipping the test?"

Gallagher frowns slightly, but his pervious expression quickly reasserts itself. "Heh, your loss, babe. Don't think I'll go easy on you just because you're a woman. You just come tell me when you change your mind."

Evie hears Ceara's voice behind her. "Hey, Gallagher! Stop messing around and get back to loading up the ship! The rest of you too!"

Gallagher groans and mumbles something under his breath, then returns to the ship. Ceara walks up to Evie.

"Hey, you're early, good. You can go ahead and board the ship. Don't worry about the stuff gallagher and his friends are loading- I just filled a few boxes with rocks. Don't tell him that though, he's had this coming." She laughs quietly.

Evie thanks her and boards the ship.

Goddess, that guy was a creep. Anyway, I've got some time, I might as well lie down for a bit before we get there.

I wonder how well the test's going to go... and what I'll get for completing it... maybe a pay raise or... promotion... or something...

... ... ... [Evie has fallen asleep]

...

A young Evie kneels before a statue of the godess in a white void, hands joined in prayer. She stands, leaves, returns, kneels, prays. Day in, day out. Days, weeks, months, years pass.

The statue speaks.

"I have heard you, and awakened. What is it that you wish for?"

>>324511
It sounds like you already have something in mind, so say that if you want.

If you aren't already wanting to ask for something in particular, Knowledge seems like a good choice.

>>324511
Indeed, if you were contacted, then you must have something you want to ask.

Who is this statue, anyway?

>>324514
... I wonder, is Evie in control? Because if not, our suggestions will automatically be transmitted, and just for this opportunity we might want to make the back-up request a bit more specific.

Or perhaps more general instead. Let's think big. Like, "I wish to master the universe."

how about i wish for peace? a way to end the war without genocide.

>>324654
But that would be boring..

>>324654
... what is that pussy talk?
You should be wishing for victory and the complete and total annihilation of all our enemies!

I'm ok with conquest in the right situation, i'm less ok with genocide.

>>324511
Guidance. If only you had someone who could give you advice on what to do. Someone with a lot of collected experience, who can objectively look at a situation and tell you the best course of action. Maybe a whole collection of people could give this advice.

>>324957
Yeah. Because the Orb of Infinite Psyche just gives Evie a headache with its incessant babbling and suggests inappropriate things regarding her and a certain oracle.

Update Evie 2011/07/18(Mon)10:55 No. 327551 ID: 9a34be
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"Knowledge, guidance, power, an end to the war both peaceful and bloody, you certainly want a lot, don't you?" The goddess laughs harshly, almost mocking.

"Tell me, what means most to you? Yourself, your allies in the Crimson Blades, or your precious Tieve?"

"For what do you most wish for? Knowledge, Strength, or Peace?"

"Do you serve the Goddess Morrighan? Am I even truly a Goddess in your eyes? Will you defy me?"

"Tell me Evie, who are you? Have you been kidding yourself this entire time? What do you really believe?"

Tieve is the most important person in my life. she is what I fight to protect.

peace is what I seek. for what purpose does knowledge and strength serve but to end conflict?

I don't know if you truly are a godess or not. but it doesn't matter. If you would endanger peace or those important to me I will fight you just like any other foe.

>>327551
I have to say, this so called "goddess" is not leaving a good first impression.

>>327551
Well, this is Evie's decision, but let me remind you that the Crimson Blades have given you much already. Training, friends, a place to live and work. Tieve is important, certainly, but so are all oracles. And their duty is to the Goddess first.

Humanity has desired peace for a long time, that is why we all want to go to Erinn. If this could be done without fighting, it would be done. Still, peace is ultimately more important than knowledge or strength. Those are merely a means to an end.

Of course we serve you, Goddess. For long has humanity lived under your banner and your protection. We strive to remove the seal on you, to free you and exalt your name. We would never defy you. Our whole purpose has been for you, why would we ignore your advice or orders?

>>327846
and what has she done for humanity? she claims we need her but do we really? if her protection was vital we would have perished once she was sealed. If she was strong enough to be as important as she claims anything that can seal her would have destroyed humanity in an instant. at the very least she has exaggerated her power for the sake of gaining followers. she is at best an ally to humanity.

I do not trust gods. anything that claims to not need to justify its actions, or that unwavering loyalty is its due, should be treated with at best suspicion. everything we know about the goddess comes form the goddess herself,I don't know if she started the war between the Fomorians and humanity, or if she is simply keeping it going. but I do not trust her and I will not put her well being above anyone else's.

>>327850
>>327855
Would you be able to tell Tieve that you have turned your back on the Goddess?

Anyway, Morrighan was tricked to become sealed, not overpowered. Do not claim to understand deities without being one yourself. How can you say what she has or has not done for us?

As for the war, humanity had already been under assault from the Formorians for a long time, when Morrighan sent the message to defeat the Formors to break the seal. The Formors are known to be very aggressive and outright evil. Whether Morrighan had a hand in starting the war or not, the Formors would try to kill us all off anyway.

A Goddess offers aid to us, when we are outnumbered, cornered, and being slaughtered by the Formors, and your first reaction is suspicion, accusations, and denial that she is a goddess? Despicable.

>>327926
Well, to be fair, she did not offer her worshipers any real aid. All she did was tell humanity that if they win, there will be paradise.

Also, you sound like a sycophant, no offence.

>>327933
I sound like a sycophant for embellishing upon my words and putting forth a well structured argument?

Perhaps aid wasn't the best word, but still. The Goddess offered a faint glimmer of hope when humanity was on the verge of extinction. Does that sound better?

I have countered your points with my own and await your answer.

By the way, you sound like a Doubting Thomas, no offence.

we don't know for certain. almost everything we know about the goddess comes from the goddess herself. I admit it is likely she is an ally of humanity, but with so many unknowns to pledge loyalty to her would be folly. many beings have claimed the title of god, few of them worthy of blind faith.

>>327947
Ah well, of course I will doubt that this "goddess" helped humanity out of the goodness of her heart. I feel it is more likely that she would need followers or something like that just to survive. If humanity would die, she might become weak or die herself, though this is all speculation, based on how gods have functioned in different universes.

I do have a theory that if she was an actually good goddess, then perhaps imprisonment has made her bitter enough for that to not be the case once/if she is released, but that is for another time.

On a side note, even if she is a goddess, I do not think humanity should serve anything, period and that is what she seems to want.

Putting my vote with Knowledge. Because Peace could be achieved with Power, and Knowledge is Power.

>>327990
I repeat, how can you possibly understand deities without being one yourself?

Why would she be bitter towards humanity? The Formors sealed her, and we're the ones who will free her. Not everyone has to be backstabbing, conniving, and selfish as many mortals.

>>327957
And you. Why do you need to see evidence to believe anything? It's ridiculous. Do you have faith in anything? It's faith if you can believe in something without evidence.

I feel sad for you all, that you've been hurt so much that you would not see a benevolent goddess if she graced your presence.

You see dark intentions behind every act of kindness, don't you? I find that you would mistrust the icon that humanity has followed for as long as history.

You would discard the goddess as false, or malevolent, and tell humanity that all their fighting, all those dead, have been in vain?

>>328064
you claim that we cannot understand her, that her motives are beyond our comprehension. I disagree. she is powerful but we should not assume that means her minds works differently than ours. as for why I question the goddess rather than take it on faith, why not? the power of man is reason and logic. we figure out how the world works and use that knowledge to set ourselves apart form the beasts. Faith is trusting something without reason, it undermines the very source of humanity's strength. it takes nothing but power to claim to be a benevolent god, and if a god relays on faith rather then earning trust and love it should not be trusted.

>>328071
Reason is not humanities strength. I would have to say it is more our unity. The Formors would have destroyed us long ago if they were as united as us. Many of the Formor races believe in might makes right, and this causes splits.

As I have no evidence divine minds work differently, you have no evidence they work the same.

Yes, we use our knowledge to figure out our world. But the Goddess is above that. You cannot test a deity. You cannot take measurements, you cannot make calculations, and therefore it is unexperimental. This is precisely the sort of thing you MUST take upon faith or lose it entirely.

>>328126
you are wrong. we have seen gods before. many of them with very understandable motivations, some of them with very petty motivations. we have seen gods rise and fall. there may be some sort of super god that is above us and that we cannot understand, but if there is it is not the goddess that stands before us.

>>328154
You cannot make comparisons between these other gods you claim to know. Can you name them?

They are not here, and you cannot say that our Goddess is the same. Without evidence, my truth is as valid as yours.

>>328199
I can name them well. Zeus the rapist and philander, his jealous wife Hera. the new born Laughing Teacher, the god of dragons slain by the demon hatred. Whats more they are not the most powerful entities we have seen. Lenryt the planet eater is stronger still, and yet it makes no claim to the title of god. the multiverse is full of strange and powerful creatures. many of them claim the title of god, none of them are truly deserving of blind faith. why should the goddess be different?

>>328218
I wasn't going to go there. Yes I know about those, but I believe it is metagaming. I would argue that those are written by mortals and thus have mortal desires. Whereas our Goddess in setting, does not apply, because she is not 'written' as those are.

>>328199
If both his and your truth are of equal value, then the discussion holds no value at all. From an argumentative point of view, that is a pretty bad thing to say if you want to actually be proven to be in the right. If you are correct, then so is he. If he is wrong, then so are you and all it comes down to is that you want to trust the goddess and he does not, though I have to admit, I still do not agree with the notion of blindly having faith in something that, as you have said, is so different from humans that they can not understand it.

Oh, and if you want a list of gods, I am sure it is within your abilities to find all of the gods that we have met, talked to or advised in the multiple universes we have been and currently are in. Though I must say, that would be a tedious activity so let me name a few from some I remember: Luna, Laughing Teacher, Muse, the Planet Gods.

>>328241
I said it was equal because I'm getting sick and tired of this arguement, we accomplishing nothing and I do not like where it was going.

Let's please stop with the metagame.

Please take the discussion to the discussion thread.

Ah, yeah, not really going anywhere. Sorry about the other post, but I had started writing it before the two posts before it and got stuck on trying to remember other gods.

Though, I have to say, I always thought there was this all-encompassing concept that all the stories are real and the orb or the voices just existed, exists and will exist in all that show up on this board. Hence quite a few of the quests have suggestions where the orb/voices are explained as guiding a shit ton of heroes, villains, monsters, gods and just random people. I might be wrong though.

>>328223
Even if she is an unknowable being, who can never be understood, why does that make her worthy of trust? If we can not know her, if her mind works in such a different and Alien way that it is impossible to understand why does that make her good?

>>328126
You can definitely measure deitys! You can record, for instance, when a god appears in many separate circumstances, and acts consistently between those. If the god preforms acts of magic, those are definitely measurable.
A deity may be more powerful or wise than a mortal, but if they have consistency in their actions, that pattern can be known.

So, answers to questions:
It is up to Evie to determine what is important for her, but I think I would value people as a whole over individuals or groups of individuals.
I would definitely vote for Knowledge over the other two, as knowledge can be used to achieve either or both of the others.
I would not follow you unquestioningly, but as I support humanity, I think we are working towards the same goals.

>>328276
Do gods claim credit for everything they do? Can you say that you can tell everything that they have done?

>>328338
you still have yet to address the point of why we should trust an entity that is so alien as to be incomprehensible. if we cant understand it, and can't know anything about it why the hell should we trust it? if you ask me something with a mindset that alien should be treated with suspension rather than worship. this is of course assuming the goddess is above use mind you. we have seen very little evidence of this. after all mere mortal are able to hold her against her will.

>>327551
Right, forgot to answer the questions.

First one should be up to Evie, but I think she would value a certain person or group higher than herself.

Knowledge allows for so much that it should definitely be the choice in number two.

Finally, though, I have to advise Evie not to blindly trust you. When it comes to "defying you" then I think Evie should weigh the pros and cons of such actions in any situation which can end in a manner where you consider yourself "defied". Who knows, you might be willing to sacrifice thousands for minuscule to no gains or completely unwilling to intentionally cause harm to those you were/are a guardian to.

i still say peace should be placed over anything else . humanity is locked in the kind of war that can very easily end in genocide. that's something I don't want to be on either side of. sides peace is a goal, anything else is just a means to achieve a goal.