>>111351
"I'm honored."

>>111354
"It is an honor."
"You are damn right it is." she mutters, walking out into the hall.

Jax taps my shoulder, then nods towards outside.

>>111357
Alright, I guess it's Jax's turn to chew us out.

Sheesh, you blow up one 300-year old monument and suddenly everyone's mad at you.

>>111358
I follow Jax outside.
"Is this about the monument, because really it was the only o-"
"No. This is about the Watch. It is time."
He raises the polarm, slamming the butt into the ground. The blade falls and clicks into place at an angle to the haft, and Jax pulls a string, a black robe billowing out behind him. His face blows away like sand to reveal a skull and glowing blue points.
We are alone, in total darkness.

>>111360
What?! If he's a Reaper then how did he swear to Raven?

Is this really Jax?

>>111361
"Are you really Jax?"
"Indeed. You might say that I am... an oddity." his eyes glow purple. "Me and Ella are in truth only half-siblings. Please, do not tell her. My true father is someone you cannot possibly comprehend even the name of. But that is not important right now."

>>111362
"I assume you're going to tell me how to use the watch now."

>>111371

"I assume you're going to tell me how to use the watch now."

"It is rather more like unlocking the final potential of you items. Within every magical item ever crafted, there lies a small peice of a soul. The watch can pull the rest of it to the item and bind it, if only for a few moments. The effects vary wildly depending on the item. But it all relies upon a simple vocal command and pressing the watch to the item itself. Simply say "Bind" while doing so, and the items true power will be unlocked. Be forewarned: Most items will lose their original function temporarily during this process, and only one soul may be bound at a time."

>>111373
Oh, tell him about what happened when you tried using the book on Ill-Grip after he died.

Hmm... this skill could prove very useful if we use it on Darian's gloves or that sword we found, heck even the book. Though these all strike me as bad ideas at this point. This requires research.

|Note| Using this on Darian's spear (if we can find it) will most definitely create an awesome super weapon.

>>111375
Ask him about this.

"How many people know about your... uniqueness?"

>>111375
It is fortuitous that you mention that. The book does the opposite of the Bind. That is, a small part of the person's spirit is read, and through that, the mind. However, calling to the recently deceased in such a manner is... Somewhat dangerous."
"I noticed. How many people know of your.... uniqueness?"
"Myself. You. Raven. My late mother. Father. That is all."

>>111690
Thank him for the information and tell him you'll keep this a secret.

>>111700
"Thank you. I'll be sure to keep this a secret."
"Good. Because I thought I might have had to threaten you."
"Because I'm long overdue, right?"
"Actually..." he reaches into the robe and retrieves an hourglass, my name engraved on the side.

There's no sand.

>>111701
Wooooahh.....

...

"Wooooooaaaaaaaahhh...."

>>111701
Ask him why there's no sand in there.

>>111701
Wow, that means... Uh, what does that mean? We already know you're not a true Lich, but it seems you've managed to gain something *like* immortality.

Hey, it looks like the watch lets you see ghosts, but does it also give you power over them?

>>111708
"What does that mean?"
"I am not quite certain myself. I... I'm certain you aren't to be collected in the near future."


Hey, it looks like the watch lets you see ghosts, but does it also give you power over them?
Hmmm...
To me, it just seems to enhance my magical items by calling forth the soul that powers it.

>>111710
Well I meant to ask about it. Like, does the watch give you any power over ghosts.

>>111715
"No. It might, however, allow you to control a ghost if you own the item it pertains to, if ony for a short while. However, Eleanor has contrived a plan for you, after careful consideration with Raven and Anansi, as to how we shall achieve our long-term goal. Raven shall let you know." He reaches up, locking the scythe back into a polearm, then hides the cloak.

>>111719
Thank him again.

>>111719
"Talk to you later, then. I'm gonna try out this Bind thing where I don't have to worry about hurting anyone or destroying more of the bridge."

(do that.)

>>111725
"Very well." Jax relpies, the darkness fading.

Where should I go? What should I use bind on?

>>111828
THE BLADE! THE BLADE OF EMOTIONS!!!

>>111852
It was only magical because it was part of a trap, in the Cave.

>>111868
OK, try and find a wide, flat area and use bind on the monocle.

>>111900
Very well. I place the Watch to the monocle and mutter.
"Bind."

Light shines from the watch, and imperseptibly, the hands spin rapidly. then there's a click.
I feel, rather than see, blue, ghostly ridges along the side of the monocle, the chain glowing as well.

I see Ella walking and talking quietly with Edgar, their names floating above their heads.

>>111907
Try to focus on the book using the monocle.

>>111913
[Inquisitor's Handbook]
Allows you to see the thoughts of those whose names are spoken into the book.
Activated functions:
Unknown

Bind Function:
Unknown

>>111921
OK, keep focusing on the book through the monocle. And open the book. And say Ella.

>>111929
It does not reveal anything new.
I open the book and whisper her name.
Why is he talking to me so much? Why does he suddenly show so much interest years hence... And why am I... N-no.... I love Hattori...

>>111936
Try bind on the book.

>>111936
Whoa, whoa, wait a tic. What's this? Hrm... Why don't we read the thoughts of Ella's old flame for a quick second, I'm curious.

>>111938
"Edgar."
She's so beautiful now. I never noticed before. The way she walks and moves... like a panther...

>>111973
Quickly bind the book.

>>111937
If we're to use Bind on the book, Hattori should be its target. We won't risk hurting any of our allies.

>>111973
Hattori, uh... hmm. Might I suggest going over to join their conversation, once we've messed with a few other items? Maybe you could grant both their desires, and share in the moment.

Target yourself with the book and use Bind.

>>111978
Share in the moment? right. That'll go well. Why don't you tell us how you feel at the moment Hattori?

>>111980
I don't think Edgar is a threat. Once Ella mentioned him in passing just after one of our.... activities. She said he can't see past the end of his spear.
It's an old saying that beasically means he's something of a meathead.

I close the book, placing the watch on the symbol.

"Bind."

The book sprouts a sleeve on the spine and a ghostly quill within.

My monocle returns to normal.

>>111981
Um, try opening the book again. Are you able to grab the quill?

>>111981
Hmm. Open it up and see what's on the pages.

>>111982
The quill is transparent but physically whole. There is ink that looks similar inside it. The inside of the book is no different.

>>111985
So it's not displaying thoughts? Try drawing an apple in it.

>>111985
Um, try writing "jump" in the book.

If the book is still targeting yourself, write "Bawk like a chicken, quietly, three times"

>>111988
I do so. The ink pauses, and changes just slightly, correcting errors in my handwriting until my knees bend and I jump into the
what the hell.

>>111990
...Wait, what just happened?

>>111990
Wait, try writing "sigh" with your non-dominant hand. And try and fight it as hard as you can.

>>111990
Hattori, do you have any personal failings you'd like to get rid of? Also, look at Ella and smile impishly.

>>111990
Haha, amusing. Let's not use that on our friends ever.

>>111993
...I really, really don't think Hattori messing with his own head would turn out well. Like, I -really-, -REALLY- don't think it would.

>>111992
I do so, and the handwriting morphs into my own flawlessl-
I sigh.

Damnit!

>>111998
Do you know any foreign languages, Hattori?

>>111999
Why do you think I've been able to talk to all these various races?

>>112000
Okay, but are there any languages you DON'T know how to speak?

>>112000
Write a command in another language. Something innocuous, like coughing.

Afterwards, try a reflex, like "hiccup 4 times, sneeze, stop your heartbeat for 3 seconds" something you can't normally do

>>112000
Hahaha, oh wow. To us it all sounds like the same language so we thought everyone was just speaking whatever the most widespread language is there. I take it you're not very good at Kobold language? Or is that really how their grammatical structure works?

Anyway, let's try out the cufflinks next!

Ok, I think we know what it does when binded, and that is mind control. Can we please stop messing with it? I personally just... Feel really, really edgy around mind control. Taking away free will, changing the very identity of a person, all that nasty stuff. Useful, surely, but... It's the kind of power that one can abuse too easily. We need to be very, -very- careful to -not- become reliant on this.

>>112004
Agreed.

>cufflinks
"Bind!"
I slap the watch on the cufflink, and there is a flash of blue light. A huge, bear-like arm covers mine like a sheath, moving with mine.

1000000 Nuetons.
999999 Nuetons.
999998 Neutons.

>>112005
Try hefting the book or something. -CAREFULLY-. I think your strength has been enhanced, so see if the book feels any lighter. Again, though, be careful. We don't want to crush anything.

>>112007
NOT the book. Try standing on one arm. You should know if your body feels lighter.

>>112005
Or try punching the ground.

>>112005
Go smash a tree!

>>112013
We're already in trouble for breaking the 300 year old monument.

>>112013
Yeah, let's not randomly go on a destructive rampage, huh?

>>112015
>>112017
Try POKING the ground.

>>112020
Quick question, are we inside, outside, standing on cobblestones, or what?

>>112024
We are outdoors, in a large feild. It seems to be the drilling area.

>>112032
Turn it off, then. We'll smash something with it when we have reason to.

Try out the HAT!

>>112035
I dismiss the bind, a simple expression of will.
I place the watch against the hat, and call, "Bind!"

There is a flash of light, and I know that there are two ghostly Hats over my shoulders.

>>112048
Um... Try getting the cane through one of the ghostly hats.

>>112048
Uhhh... on your shoulders? Try reaching for something in the distance, with each hand.

>>112050
I reach through the hat on my left shoulder, picturing the Cane.

Every part of it flashes through my mind: the texture of the metal on its head, the shape of the dragon's face, the exact length, the way the blade slides, the shape of the blade, the fires and the heat it makes, the spirit inside it, the weight, the mass, the day it was made, each abuse heaped upon it since its creation, everything I know of the cane flashes throug my mind like the day Anansi gave me the knowledge of it.
At first what I retrieve is nothing but an outline, blue and ghostly as the hat itself. But the blue fades, slowly, to reveal the cane itself. Blades of grass, and a small amount of dirt from one side, fall to the ground.

>>112058
Are there any other cool magic items you had in the past that you lost?

>>112058
Or you could try finding someone who lost an item. Maaaaybe Darian?

>>112066
Yes! Yes!

I run to the woods.
"Darian."

"Yes?"

"Could you do me a favour?" I hold out the hat.

He grunts in reply, then reaches inside. He pulls, and lightning arcs out from the hat to the ground, buzzing madly, the crackling of power insane. Darian screams in effort...

And pulls out a third of a spear. The haft.
It drops to the ground, smoking.
"It appears... that someone has destroyed my spear." he growls.

>>112070
Who could do such a thing? Well, try Binding the hat again to see how long we have to wait.

>>112075
I do so, and the watch heats so fast it almost burns my hand before I manage to drop it. It turns the earth to glass, a haze of heat around it.

I sigh.
"May I?"
"May as well."
I pick up the broken shaft, looking it over. They broke the weapon, but not its enchantment. I can feel intense magical power thrumming through it.

"Carry it well. My lover's soul resides within." he grumbles.

>>112081
Um... if the temperature is any indication, it looks like we're going to have to wait a long, long time.

The spirit and enchantment is intact? I imagine Bind would work, once the watch cools down. Would Darian like it if you did that in front of him, though? Jax did say it brought the 'rest of the soul' to it.

Ask for permission before you do it.

>>112101
I explain the process to him.

"I..." he appears, for once, wracked with emotion. "I died at this place. My love... was killed some time later. I have not seen her for a long time. She's moved on, but... I haven't been able to. I... I am uncertain..."

>>112107
Oh interesting, so peoples' souls are bound to items before they die.

Um. Well, if he's not sure, don't do it.

>>112120
"I will not."
"Thank you."
I pick up the watch, walking back into the halls, then to the office of the Praetor.
Raven is here. So is Anansi, and the Incarnate, all in human form.

>>112171
Greet them. And ask why they're all in human form.

>>112196
"It was easiest this way." Anansi says simply. "Eleanor?"
"Yes. Ella has told me that the final sane Cane who still worships Coyote is in a strange place below the lair of a certain dragon. My plan is very simple. We will kill this Cane."

>>112207
"What would that accomplish exactly? It seems he is the only thing keeping Coyote from becoming a god of Chaos. He can't be the only thing keeping Coyote here as a ghost, anyway."

>>112236
"That's the point. There cannot be two gods of chaos."
Wat.
"But..."
"There can be multiples of other gods. There has been domain sharing in other areas, when I checked the histories. But there's never been more than one god of chaos."

>>112249
"So what would happen if Coyote became like that while Clown was still around? He would just vanish?"

There is... another option. With permission from those who know already, begin discussing the plan to let Coyote replace Clown. I mean, Clown is apparently trying to take over the world. The Fangsworn we spied on before the attack at Rivermeet said this whole thing was a coup. So, we have to kill Clown or he'll just try something different. Coyote never really tried to take over the world, did he? We have to choose one of them to be a chaos god.

>>112283
"No. A war would occur. To take the title of Chaos. Without his sane follower, Coyote would lose his mind and assault the Clown, instead of simply furthering his plans. Clown was exploiting a loophole by not making him devoted to chaos... We shall cut him off from that."

>>112297
So we replace one war with another? That doesn't sound like a great improvement. Clown would probably use that as an excuse to totally break everything. I mean, remember what happened when he fought Coyote the first time? The blasted lands appeared. He could do that again, bigger this time. And with the Seeran being mostly wiped out, what would stop the magical chimeras from just annihilating all life on the continent?

No, we have to ensure that there is no war when we remove one of the chaos gods.

>>112315
"And we will. This time, we are prepared."
The others nod in unison.
"Last time, it was one on one. This time... We shall all ensure he dies." the gathered gods nod.
"The only one able to enter the Temple of Coyote is you, Hattori. Anyone else would fall to Salzane, or would be unable to bypass the rocks that block its entrance. Are you willing to help us?"
Eleanor looks me in the eyes.

She's afraid.
She fears me saying no.

>>112318
"He" meaning Clown? Then yes.

>>112337
"Yes."
"Very well. We shall call for Jerasp tommorow. Say your goodbyes tonight. You shall prepare while we wait for him to arrive.

You are all dismissed."

Hattori, what the hell man? You're a lifesworn. You just said the Mongrels were different because of their insanity, and yet you're willing to kill someone who welcomed us into their home, who was damned decent to us, the last sane representative of his kind?

If you go through with this, fuck you, Hattori. I'll still help you, but I hope your hypocrisy burns like a fire in your gut. And I hope Ella does go fuck that other guy.

>>112570
Ouch.

>>112390
Um, I guess... wander about. See if anything interesting is going on.

>>112570
I have evaluated the situation. Should the situation continue, the lives of several cities would be forfiet as Coyote continued to barely exist, his minions acting essentially as free agents of evil, willing to work for anyone with money and food and sacrifice.

By killing a mere two individuals, I can save millions.

>>112661
...what will happen to the Mongrels when Coyote becomes Chaos?

>>112661
... Fine I overreacted. It's still a cold cold thing, but I suppose it may be necessary.

I take back what I said, and suggest looking to see if anything interesting is happening.

>>112667
I am uncertain whether the connection goes both ways. Perhaps they will become Chaos beasts, perhaps they will actually become a little saner.

>>112771
So... would they still wind up killing a lot of people?

>>112816
Most of their forces will probably be spent fighting the servants of the Clown. Not to say that won't produce a lot of collateral damage also.

Maybe you can convince Salzane that he's holding Coyote back, or get him to convert to another trickster god, but I'm not really okay with cold-blooded murder either.

... Does Anansi know about the Shi thing yet? I sort of want us to speak up, but then again, Raven's prolly a better choice to tell him. What with her soft lips and warm feathers.

>>112816
This is indeed concerning...
I shall ask later. The way the chapels are positioned, they could probably march out and handle the pockets of mongrels whilst I deal with Salzane.