Mulder 2010/05/20(Thu)04:03 No. 180189 ID: 426169
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Man this is so cool. So. Cool.

Mulder is sitting in Tiffany's lap as they drive through the night. Tiffany's fallen asleep.

Mulder! 'sup?

Mulder 2010/05/20(Thu)04:14 No. 180191 ID: 426169
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So cool. Don't even gotta do nothin and we're still faster than flying. Flying's p cool tho.
But so's this.

Hey did you see that dead guy? He was totally bleeding and stuff. Why didn't boss let me have his eyes? Bet boss wanted em for herself. Well, she's boss.

.... Even tho this is p cool, it's kinda borin. Wanna shoot the bull for a while?

so. freaking. cool.

mulder, skretch wings and check out the bike's speed.

I dunno 'bout the others, but I tried gettin' those sweet eyes for ya. The man just gotta keep us down, right?

There'll be more in the future, at least.

So, what do ya think of the boss so far?

Mulder 2010/05/20(Thu)04:45 No. 180195 ID: 426169
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Right, lets give this baby a - WHOA WHOA WHOA FAST OW OW OW MY WINGS BLOODY HELL.

Mulder manages to scramble back behind the windscreen before being blown off.

Ow ow ow.


Eyes? Who's got eyes?

The boss is p cool. More food would be nice but... hey are we stopping? We're slowing down. Are we there yet?

Take a good look around. See if ya recognize the place. Also, do ya actually need the food, or is it just awesomeness that must be enjoyed?

How's the boss's dad seem to be holding up?

the dude was a friend, its impolite to consume the dead bodies of friends.

and yes, ask dad if you can fly a bit. get us a aerial view of pursuiters as well.

Mulder 2010/05/20(Thu)05:53 No. 180198 ID: 426169
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Yeah I need food. I needs it.

Dunno how the tall lanky one is doin. He's not bleedin, he's fine.

And why can't I have the eyes? He wasn't usin em, they were just goin to waste. Could I at least have a bit of guts? Maybe kidney or lung? Don't much care for liver myself.

Dad pulled over next to a motel, as the sun rose over the horizon. He gently picked up Tiffany, trying not to wake her. He took her inside, then came back for the bags. He came outside once more, just standing there. Mulder looked at him curiously, as he slowly took off his helmet and sat on the porch chairs.

Dunno. Should I do summit?

>>180198
It's your job to protect them. Even if you're hungry, you gotta make sure no trouble gets to them, at least not without warning them. Be on the lookout for anyone acting weird, and especially if they have anything shiny. You know, like that thing hidden in the box was.

And if there is any bad people causing trouble, you might be able to score their eyes! Don't be quick to do that though, hurting innocent folk would make boss upset. I'd say it's safe if the things are those not living or dead things you attacked before.

>>180198
Fly over to Dad and sit next to him. Keep your senses peeled for anything that seems strange.

>>180198
You could talk with him, if there's no one about to hear. You know ask if he's gonna be ok and stuff. It's bosses dad so you should try and get along with him. Then after you've been nice and all, mention being hungry.

Fly a quick loop around the place, looking for anything strange or shiny, then go sit next to Dad and play lookout.

>>180202
Can Mulder talk with other people? I thought that required a specific ability, which he'd have instead of Sense Spirit.

>>180221
Dad seemed able to hear him in the last chapter.

Mulder 2010/05/20(Thu)09:45 No. 180228 ID: 426169
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Mulder flies over to dad, who moves over to make room.

"You doin okay there, man?"

>"I- I don't know. I don't even know what's real anymore. Suddenly everything is fucked up. You know?"

"Yeah happens to me all the time. Just roll with it. Things are all so confusing, and you don't really know what's going on, but if you keep going-"

>"It'll start making sense?"

"Hell no. But there might be an eyeball in it for you, too."

>"We're in over our heads, aren't we?"

"Ayup."

>"Magic is real?"

"Ayup."

>"And Tiffany can do magic?"

"Ayup."

>"Damn."

"Ayup."

>"... This is going to get really dangerous, isn't it?"

"Prob'ly, man."

>"I've got to protect Tiffany."

"Dunno 'bout that. I just do what the boss tells me to."

>"But... I don't know a damn thing about magic. What do I do?"

"Uh... What does yer gut tell ya?"

>"Keep Tiff safe. You're right. That's what I gotta do. I guess all I can do is help her the best I can, no matter how dangerous this gets. Looks like it's the only way to get out of this."

"Looks like that, man. .... Hey man?"

>"Yeah?"

"Can I have your eyeballs when you die?"

>"... Sure. I need a drink. Do you drink?"

"Dunno, man."

>>180228
Mulder, you are a great giver of advice. And good job getting those eyeballs marked for you; way to keep your eye on the ball.

Anyway, just hang with Dad for a while. It seems like he could really use the company. Keep an eye out for anything funny going on, and if he spends too long doing his own thing, remind him that he should get some sleep and check on Tiffany.

>>180228
Ask him to bring you back something to eat. He probably won't be able to grab any guts, but a piece of meat shouldn't be a problem. You liked that bologna well enough after all.

If you're gonna try a drink... I really don't recommend it. Not made for birds you know. Maybe try a little, later. But we need your mind and eyes as sharp as your beak.

>>180228
You can probably drink.

Hey I wonder if he actually has any magic potential since he can hear you and stuff. You shouldn't be able to speak in an audibly understandable way.

"Alcohol depresses the organ systems of birds and can be fatal."

No, you cannot drink. Unless you want to go visit the Reaper Man.

>>180238
He's already dead though. Or something, well maybe it's best to play it safe. Or just experiment with a small sip.

>>180228
So, how much of masterdo you know as her familiar?

This guy IS her dad, if there's stuff you don't know, he probably knows it.

...Which is good, because gramps might have access to the wife's memories, so we should insure ONLY he knew about this place.

>>180238

It does that to humans too. Human tolerance is just higher. European tolerance, at least.

However if you can find a few well fermented berries you can probably get totally smashed!

Mulder 2010/05/20(Thu)13:16 No. 180271 ID: 426169
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"... Maybe a little bit."

>"Cool. I'm buying."

Ok he's checkin that shiny metal thing on his hand. Ooh shiny. So pretty

>"Blah bla-blah blabblah."

"Huh?"

>"It's past six so we might find a bar that's open. Come on."

"Umm, okay, whatever you say boss-dad-man. Dude."

So pretty.

Mulder hops onto dad's shoulder as they walk a little ways down the street. Soon they come across a pub of some kind.
As dad enters the man behind the counter calls out.

>"Sorry, pal, we ain't open until seven."

>"I'll pay double."

Quit lookin at those eyes mister, they're mine!

>"Aight. 'spose it's my call. What's with the bird?"

>"Daughter's pet."

>"'s a bit of a weird thing for a pet, ain't it?"

>"Gift from Grampa. He's out of his skull."

>"Pull yourself a chair and blah-blah-blah blabbity blah."

>"Blah blah blah, blaaagh blarg."

Oh man there's all kindsa cool stuff here. Like those spoons. I could totally score me some action if I had a pair of those babies.

>>180271
Don't bother. If you ask Tiffany for shiny things she can get you the really nice stuff, but if you start taking stuff now it'll get everybody into trouble.

Mulder 2010/05/20(Thu)13:33 No. 180275 ID: 426169
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Oh man, you think boss'd do that? Oh man boss is so cool. So. Cool.

WHOA! What's that? It's all black and frothy.

>>180275
That's Dad's drink, unless I miss my guess. No good for you; stick to water. And maybe ask if there's some sort of meaty snack to be had around here.

No talking in the presence of the bartender. Maybe give the foam trickling down the side a lick.

Mulder 2010/05/20(Thu)13:55 No. 180288 ID: 426169
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Ok ok I'm gonna give it a lick.

Hey man, this is some pretty good stuff. I'm gonna try some more.

>"OI GET YOUR BEAK OUTTA MY GUINNESS YOU CRETIN!"

Oh yeah man thash the stuff.

lightweight.

Considering how drunk you are already you are going to need some water or you are going to be very hungover. I don't know what a bird hangover is like but I bet it isn't pleasant.

If the bartender leaves then ask dad for a glass of water.

>>180288
That was not smooth, dude. Not smooth. It's never cool to drink someone else's drink or eat their food without asking. Or take their shinys.

This only applies if they're on your side, of course. (It's usually cool if they're not.) But point is, you shouldn't have done that. He might have given you some if you'd just asked.

That guy's harshin' on ya, man! Don't he know you're just gettin' some of that awesome stuff? Hop on his shoulder. Tell him that stuff's awesome. He's awesome. The boss is awesome.

Mulder 2010/05/20(Thu)14:25 No. 180301 ID: 426169
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"Quit harshin the vibes mishter. You got a lot more man."

>"Yeah but now I got beak-dirt in it."

"EY! WHO YOU CALLIN A DIRTY BIRD? I NEVER SHTICKSH MAH BEAK IN DIRT, MAN"

>"Uhh, whatever. I guess I'll live."

"Damn shtraight man. You're okay man. In fact, I lovesh ya man. Yer orshum. An sho's bosh."

>"Maybe you need a glass of water?"

"Fuck water man, thish shtuff is orshum. Gemme a glass o that."

>"Uh-huh. Hey bar, can we get a glass of water in here? Looks like the bird got into my drink."

"Did I eversh! Oh man your sho orshum."

Mulder hops onto dad's shoulder. Or rather, at his shoulder. He crashes into dad, then falls promptly back on the table.

"Don't trick a bro like that man, it'sh not cool. Totes not cool. Defininitley p not-cool."

>"You all right there buddy?"

>"Hey, pet or no, if he starts throwin up he's outta here."

>"Gotcha."

Whoa, things look way cool when you're upshide down.

well about the guts thing, some humans are attached to the person, so they are against the consuption of bodies of those signifcant others.

if you died for example, boss would not let another raven have its way with you. she would take care of your body anyway.

>>180301
*sigh* Mulder, you're ridiculous. Rest for a while, drink some water, and hope you're not horribly incapacitated for too long because of your foolishness.

oh awesome. a lightweight, alcoholic raven.

dont drink and fly!

also keep your ears up. its possible we may get in trouble soon.

Mulder 2010/05/20(Thu)15:07 No. 180317 ID: 426169
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Urrrgh I ain't feelin too good anymore.

HA-URRRRK

>"All right, that's it. The bird goes."

WHOAAAAA

Mulder 2010/05/20(Thu)15:10 No. 180318 ID: 426169
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Oh man I gotta clear my head.

Mulder awkwardly flies up to a nearby power line, swaying a little as he goes.
Soon a crow flies over to the same line.

Oh man that guy is giving me a real weird look.

So much for spoon stealing. Oh well, we got Guinness!

>>180271


>"Gift from Grampa. He's out of his skull."

ಠ_ಠ

birds are unable to vomit due to their digestive system, so technically mulder just shat himself.

biology makes quests funnier.

>>180318

That is clearly a lady crow. You must woo her with shiny things.

>>180320

You're thinking rats. Baby birds wouldn't last long if their momma couldn't vomit.

>>180318
Ask him what's going on. Assuming, you know, that crows talk.

Hope that he can't sense that you're technically dead. Your eyeballs are not for consumption.

>>180318
"WACHU WANT HUH? YOU WAN FITE?"

Watch out for mist and skywhales.

Mulder 2010/05/20(Thu)15:31 No. 180336 ID: 426169
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"You wanna pieshe of thish?"

>"OH GOD YES. LEMME GET SOME SPARKLY SO WE CAN DO THIS RIGHT."

With that, the crow flies off.

The hell?

>>180336
That was highly disturbing. You should endeavor to be absent when he returns.

>>180336
She's hitting on you.
You're about to get some tailfeather, dude.

>>180401
That was another dude.

>>180404
No, there is only one crow there besides Mulder. The same crow that "looked at him funny" also ran off to go get shiny things for Mulder after he asked her if she "wanted a piece of this".

Hopefully that piece hasn't rotted off yet.

>>180404
No, no, crowmanticar totally makes sense now. all the zombies everywhere, sentient black birds... this is a prequel!

>>180336
Hey, boss said part of being her familiar might give you powers, and being cool and awesome in the eyes of others is one of them.... maybe you got a version that only works for other birds? You should totes check this out, dude!

>>180435
Yeah... but you may need to check if your clochea still works... You've been dead a while...

>>180457
Erm. No... the familiar creation process heals that kind of thing.
>>180411
Yes. The same crow. Who is also male.
>Oh man that guy is giving me a real weird look.
Guy. Male.

look out for low flying nightmare whales

Mulder 2010/05/21(Fri)04:47 No. 180716 ID: 426169
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WAIT, THAT GUY WAS A DUDE?

NO WAY MAN, MUL-TO-THE-DER DON'T SWING LIKE THAT.

THAT ONE TIME WAS LIKE TOTALLY AN ACCIDENT. COULD'A HAPPENED TO ANYONE.



MAN THAT DEVIL-DRINK IS THE DEVIL, MAN.

>"Oh there you are, come on Mulder we gotta be getting back."

"DON'T TRY TO TEMPT ME DEVIL-MAN!"

>"....'kay. Whenever you're ready."

Well, I cant think of what else we have to do 'round here. We're awake and ready for another day.

Tiffany 2010/05/21(Fri)05:44 No. 180724 ID: 426169
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And so Mulder and Dad went home. To the hotel, that is.


It is now eleven in the morning. Tiffany's up, dad's asleep, Mulder is nowhere in sight.

Dad left Tiffany some breakfast money.

So. Adeleine.

>>180724
Check out the note on the desk. Then it's breakfast time, maybe buy something for Dad as well for when he wakes up.

>>180724
Do you have an address to go to?
How about you read that letter to dad?

Call Mulder and go get something to eat. Maybe they have some foreign food, like cow eyes.

Tiffany 2010/05/21(Fri)06:19 No. 180733 ID: 426169
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Hey it's not a note, it's.... oh...

>>180733
That's a bit worrying. Get breakfast for you and Daddy, then wake him up and make your way to the safehouse.

>>180733
That is a Bad Thing. This supposed safehouse had better be as safe as Thomas thought, or you could be in a lot of trouble. And how are you supposed to go about searching for it, when there are clearly gangs of zombies on the loose?

If not for your promise to return the medallion, I'd recommend fleeing to a different continent long enough to educate yourself in the fine arts of necromancy.

In the meantime, breakfast.

>>180733
the good news is that the police does not belive your dad is a pedo, but that he is ded! isnt that pants-astic?

go get sumthing vein clogging to fill your heart.

>>180747
what, the streets filled with undead can only be safer with a necromancer around!

its time to go necro-taming!

as soon as we figure a spell for that.

Tiffany 2010/05/21(Fri)13:52 No. 180854 ID: 426169
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I think dad would've told me if there zombies wandering the streets of downtown Adeleine.

Tiffany ventures out into the street. Things seem pretty normal, the people looking a little more worried than usual. After some walking around, Tiffany locates a waffle house!

Once her appetite was satisfied, she returned to the hotel, carrying some for dad too. On the way she saw Mulder, firmly parked on a power line. He was strangely quiet, and was swaying quite a bit.

"Da-aad, wake up dad."

>"Hrrrrrrm, whza?"

"Wake up. I got you waffles!"

>"Grrrhg."

After dad's brain had finished it's boot-up sequence, he nibbled on a bit of waffle while he spoke.

>"So there's supposed to be a safehouse in here?"

"That's what Thomas said, yeah."

>"Any idea where it is?"

"Umm... no."

>"So what do we do now? Any ideas?"

Crap. I think Gramps may also have lied about the dead raising capacity. Or conveniently left out his own upper limit. Right now this is about as much as he said the strongest necromancer could raise, if not a little more, and I doubt he's burning himself out.

In short we may not know how massive Gramps undead army can get.

>>180749

I still say some way to spiritually remind them of the soil of their graves... oh I guess that wouldn't work since most of these zombies weren't buried.

If "grandpa" really has access to this much power we're fucked, but I bet he's going a little bit overboard and stretching himself thin. He did say "how can you not use this much power?" when we last saw him I mean.

I think it's time you opened up your mom's book. The labyrinth of the mad... whatever his name was is sure to be in there. If you can figure out what the spell actually does instead of what your grandpa told you it does then you can figure out how you could get him back out of your mom's body...

I'm worried about mom.

>>180854
Tiff, did Dad ever read that letter that came with the book? It may help us somehow.

If it doesn't we may need to use our second sight. If you can picture a house around here where Thomas has been multiple times that should be the safe house.

>>180856
Don't open up the bag, we don't want the book unshielded. Only after we reach the safe house.

>>180855
Even if raising zombies is difficult, Grandpa also made it clear that the more any given spell is used, the easier it becomes to use. If he's raised thousands of zombies in his day- not out of the question give his reputation- it might well take him a tiny fraction of the energy that another person would require for the same effect.

>>180854
Have Dad read Mom's letter to him. If he's willing to let you read it as well, that would be good.

If there's nothing helpful in there, it's time to look for the safehouse. That could be in a mundane fashion- for example, looking up every "Kinsley" in the phone book and calling them up. Or you could try to make as many anti-scrying runes of your own as you can, throw them on a circle, and risk opening up the grimoire for hints.

Tiffany 2010/05/21(Fri)14:40 No. 180887 ID: 426169
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"Hey dad, umm, I almost forgot, but I found a letter from mom in the wardrobe. It's for you?"

>"Oh? Give it here."

After some tearing of paper, dad reaches out for his glasses and begins to read.

>"Dear Gregory, I'm writing this in case something ever happens to me. There are things about me that you need to know, things I've never been able to tell you. I know I swore never to keep secrets from you. I'm sorry. Every time I looked at you I wanted tell you, but the words wouldn't come out. But then you looked at me, and I could see that you understood. It didn't hurt so bad anymore."

Dad's choking up a little.

>"There are things in my past that haunt me. I can't describe it. I can't even make myself write it down. I see them. I see them every night. I know that you think that I'm just an ordinary student, but I'm not. I can't be more specific than that. You'd think I'm crazy."

>"If something really has happened to me, then I need to ask you a favour. This is important, more important than you could ever know. I'll leave this letter on top of a black velvet bag. Do not open. Under any circumstance. Do NOT open the bag. You need take it, as is, and bring it to my uncle, Thomas. He lives in Adeleine, number seventy-two Nightingale street. If he's not there, wait for him. He'll tell you everything else you need to know."

>"If you're reading this because I've passed away, then these are my last words for you: I love, Gregory Blake, with all my heart. No matter what happens, that'll never change. Goodbye, Greg."

Dad lies there quietly for a while, then whispers:

>"I never thought you were ordinary."

>>180887
Ok, now we know where Thomas lived. We should find more information there.

Well, Thomas is dead. What do we do with the bag now?

Probably not open it, lest we unleash an ancient evil upon the world. Or worse, die. At least with the ancient evil part the story could continue.

>>180920
the bag has the grimoire, it should be fine to read if we make an anti-scrying circle first so it doesn't lose it's protection while we look through it.

>>180923
No, under NO circumstances do we open the bag. We make our way to that address before anything else.

>>180928
We can open the bag under controlled circumstances, I think. But first, we go to the address.

Thomas is dead. We can't follow her pleas no matter how hard we try. The next best thing we can do is make a protection circle of the type we are familiar, and open the bag in its confines. Hopefully that won't alert gramps to its existence Sauron-style.

Can you copy the anti-scrying rune on the key your mother left, or does it appear too briefly for you to be able to copy down?

Before doing any of that though, definitely go to Thomas's house, see what you can find there. If it's not the safehouse he mentioned, the location of said safe house might be there.

Look if we want any chance of opening the book safely, we're doing it at the SAFE HOUSE.

There's probably some other Kinsley we can contact for help. Thomas can't be the only one.

>>180887
Hmm, Thomas was probably Alexanders brother then. Gramps sure is a cold hearted bastard.

Well now you know where he lived. Seems like a logical place to check out.

Tiffany 2010/05/21(Fri)17:12 No. 180980 ID: 426169
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>"Sounds like Nightingale street is our next stop."

"Ok. Lemme get Mulder."

Dad was left to pack while Tiffany went outside.

"HEY MULDER?"

>"Whazzaa? Ohai bosh."

"We're going, come on."

>"Don' wanna leave yet bosh."

Uh, he's so useless. I guess I could insist, but is it worth really worth it?


Meanwhile, dad was pondering what to take. He'd paid for a couple of days, so they could use the room to store stuff they didn't need. If that wasn't enough, there was a safe in the reception.

>>180980
"GET DOWN HERE RIGHT NOW OR YOU'LL NEVER EAT ANYTHING BUT CHEAP BIRDSEED AGAIN!

Ask why.

Tiffany 2010/05/21(Fri)17:20 No. 180988 ID: 426169
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"GET DOWN HERE RIGHT NOW OR YOU'LL NEVER EAT ANYTHING BUT CHEAP BIRDSEED AGAIN!"

*twang* *bok* *silence*

>>180988
He's fine, just go scrape him off the ground and get back to dad. You guys should pack up everything and head off, no need to risk coming back here if you don't need to. If it happens that there is no where else safe to stay or just need to escape from elsewhere, then you can stay here another night.

I'd almost want to set up a bunch of defensive runes around in case of someone sneaking around intending to cause trouble, but it'll be likely be a waste of time and effort.

Dad 2010/05/21(Fri)17:53 No. 181015 ID: 426169
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I guess it's best if we take everything. No point in taking a risk coming back here.

I don't understand even half of this stuff. All I know is that my little girl is danger.
I may not know magic, but...

Dad 2010/05/21(Fri)17:54 No. 181016 ID: 426169
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... I'll be damned if I lose another child.

YEAH RENEGADE DAD, THE BEST KIND OF DAD!

Alternate-universe Liam?

You show 'em pa! Nobody messes with your little girl.

Now I want to see what runes carefully inscribed on bullets might accomplish.

>>181039

Zombie killing bullets?

>>181042
if they have like 'disruption' on them or something it may be able to disperse a Wraith like Jakov.

bonk yeah lets make sum majikal bullits!

also hungover crowmanticar is best crowmanticar =3

you must take the book with you, since the hotel safe may not be safe (PUNS!). you could drop a fake in the safe and check out where you could hide the dammed book. like inside a mattres or some other crap.

take the spear with you. they must get the medalion as well.

>>181031
Liam's gun is a snub. Dad's got a full pistol.

>>181039
I reckon we'd be better off inscribing the barrel.

>>181135
Maybe, but that might not let us do the same things unless it can imbue effects to the ammo or extend them in a line out the barrel. Worth looking into later anyways.

TIffany 2010/05/22(Sat)02:37 No. 181225 ID: 426169
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Dad hid the gun in his pocket after making sure it was loaded. No point in worrying Tiff.

Some twenty minutes later Dad, Tiffany and Mulder found Nightingale street. It didn't look to be a very nice neighbourhood, a lot of the buildings were run down, most had at least one graffiti decorating the walls.

Seventy two, seventy two, there's seventy, and seventy four so...

Huh. This must be it.

it must have a secret passage, walk around the place with mulder and have him tell you if any parts are shining.

Tiffany 2010/05/22(Sat)03:01 No. 181227 ID: 426169
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There's gotta be a secret door I guess. But what does that look like? What am I looking for here? So far it looks just like a ruined church.

"Mulder, see anything shiny?"

>"Not so loud, boss. And no."

"Well keep an eye out."

>"I'll try, boss."

try pulling out thomas' medallion, it may react to something.

Tiffany 2010/05/22(Sat)03:23 No. 181229 ID: 426169
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Tiffany pulls out the medallion.

Dunno. Doesn't look like it's doing anything.

>>181229
behind you an symbol started glowing when you pulled it out.

Tiffany 2010/05/22(Sat)04:02 No. 181231 ID: 426169
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Hey, it's the same as the symbol on the medallion! Umm, what do I do?

>>181231
Try pressing the medallion up against the symbols.

>>181232
if that doesn't work then try poking it with the spear.

Tiffany 2010/05/22(Sat)04:43 No. 181234 ID: 426169
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[Animated]

go get your dad and help him bring in the stuff. a non-shining magic entrance and only you have the key sounds really damn safe to me. hopefully it has lights of some kind down there.

Tiffany 2010/05/22(Sat)12:08 No. 181308 ID: 426169
File 12745553291.png - (112.76KB , 800x600 , 307.png )

The three descended into darkness. A runic inscription lined the doorway, presumably hiding it from detection. A short flight of stairs took them to a small sepulchre beneath the chapel. A chamber on the right had been turned into a serviceable if grim living area, while another chamber on the left was dominated by a dark pit.

Dad stood at the bottom of the stairs with a flashlight and a concerned look.

>"You know more about this stuff than I do, Tiff. Which direction do you want to check first?"

>>181308

Check the dark forbidding pit from which not even light escapes its hungry maw.

No wait, check the living room first.

THIS MIGHT NOT BE THE SAFE HOUSE ;_;

just check the living area and if it's clear carefully look down the pit.

Tiffany 2010/05/22(Sat)14:50 No. 181345 ID: 426169
File 127456501726.png - (93.74KB , 800x600 , 308.png )

A quick glance in the living area reveals it to be unoccupied. One of the larger shelves has a neatly spread bedroll in it, and another houses a duffel bag. The others still have their former residents resting quietly.

The opposite wall is dominated by a large map of the Adeleine area. A number of tacked-on notes and crisscrossing threads obscure most of the map. A yellow sticky note seems unrelated to the rest.

An empty stone basin is located in one corner, and a runic stone is attached to the wall over the map.

read the note.

>>181345
Check out the runic stone. Anything familiar in it?

Read note, hug Dad.

Tiffany 2010/05/22(Sat)15:16 No. 181360 ID: 426169
File 127456658726.png - (82.40KB , 800x800 , 309.png )

This is no time for hugs!

Tiffany looks over the yellow sticky-note. It reads:
>BHR 1021 21:35 4th, Adeleine a.p.


Tiffany examines the stone. Some of the runes are familiar, some less so. She copies it all down in her notebook, just in case.

... hmmm... i think it's absolute protection.

>>181360
Hmm. Well, we can look up everything in the book in a moment.

Let's check out the pit now.

>>181360
A trefoil knot, with some sort of outward-radiating pattern surrounded by numerous runes? Interesting, but I don't see how absolute protection is the result of it, >>181364.

At least two of the runes on there appear to be runes we know with very minor alterations. That makes me wary of falsely assuming that we know what's going on, since a subtle change in meaning could really screw things up.

What is the current date and time?

Examine the map and other notes on it.

Tiffany 2010/05/22(Sat)16:04 No. 181388 ID: 426169
File 127456945231.png - (107.85KB , 800x600 , 310.png )

Today's June fourth, around noon.

Tiffany decides to examine the map a little bit closer. The notes are fairly cryptic, mostly just photographs of locations and, oh man is that guy dead?, and a few clippings from the local paper, about people going missing it seems. I'm guessing that the red string is supposed to indicate sequence or something. The earliest dates back like two weeks.

The map itself is fairly old, and has a lot of additions in black marker, including the interstate. The paper itself is full of pin holes.

>"Uhh turn out the light already, boss. It's too bright."

"Mulder, it's almost pitch black in here."

>"Nah, can't you see that? That lamp on the wall. It's hurting my eyes."

"Where?"

>"You goin blind, boss? Over the map."

Huh. Mulder closes his eyes, seemingly in agony.

>>181388
He was trying to find out who was abducting people.

Hey, touch the symbol. GO ON DO IT. It's got a 'touch' rune on it after all.

okay, yeah. it is ungodly powerful. mulder good look at the statue and was fine.

>>181391
While that could show positive results, it could also win us the Darwin Award for budding magicians. Let's not go fucking around with unknown mystical things unless we have to.

If you still have the newspaper, compare/contrast any disappearances listed there with the notes and locations on the map. There might not be any overlap, but it can't hurt.

The 'Lamp' seems to be making Mulder's Familiar Sense go off the charts.

>>181395
He's got 'Sense Spirit'. Possibly also Arcane Eye since that's supposed to be the evolution.

It's weird, though. Is he supposed to be able to do this detection already?

Maybe Thomas' ghost is here?
Or another spirit.

>>181396
he could see where the statue was hidden because he could see it shining. so yes, this is supposed to happen.

Tiffany 2010/05/22(Sat)16:59 No. 181417 ID: 426169
File 12745727817.png - (123.38KB , 800x600 , 311.png )

Tiffany didn't take the newspaper with her, so she has no way of comparing the disappearances. Besides, there's like only one disappearance from a week ago, and the ones in the paper were more recent.

Tiffany decides it's safest not to touch the stone, as she doesn't really have any idea what it does. Instead she goes to check the other chamber, the one with the pit.

A feeling of tension seems to crawl up her spine as she approaches. A rune circle surrounds the pit, carefully carved into the ancient stone. The darkness of the pit is impenetrable, even with help from the flashlight.

>"Uh hey boss? I'm getting some seriously bad mojo from the pit. There's something down there, I can tell. And it doesn't seem very nice."

Umm, should I do something or leave it be?

It's got runes around it, it's probably fine.

leave it alone, the runes around it probably keep it sealed.

>>181417
Copy the runes but stay away from it. We'll figure out what it is before we mess with it.

Rip off a little scrap off a note, and throw it in to see what happens.

Tiffany 2010/05/22(Sat)17:23 No. 181436 ID: 426169
File 12745742371.png - (117.99KB , 800x600 , 312.png )

Tiffany copies the visible runes from afar. Some part of the circle seem to disappear into the pit. She then tears off a little piece of her notebook, and throws it in the pit. It disappears into the darkness.

>"Hsssssssss that not verrry nice. Brrreaking in masssterrs chamberrs and thrrrowing thingsss at ussss. Bad little grrrrrl."

>>181436
"I didn't break in. He gave me the key. Also, he's dead. Who are you?"

>>181436
"Oh! My apologies! Thomas didn't tell me anybody would be here! Who are you?"

>>181438
Don't say he's dead. That could have dire consequences.
First we need to ask the terms of its service.

>>181438
Do not reveal that Thomas is dead.

>>181440
I like this one.

How about
"I'm his niece, Tiffany... who are you guys?" or some varient

>>181445
Revealing relations might be a mistake as well. Don't let any information slip unless needed.

"I didn't break in. He gave me the key. Who are you?"

>>181440
Truthful, AND misleading.

Seems perfect.

Tiffany 2010/05/23(Sun)01:35 No. 181706 ID: 426169
File 127460372274.png - (124.70KB , 800x600 , 313.png )

"Oh, sorry! Thomas didn't say there'd be anyone here. And I didn't break in, he gave me the key. Who are you?"

>"Hssssss ussss am the masssterrrrs little pet. Good little doggie. Massssterrrr been away too long. Usss am need walkiessss. Good grrrrl letssss usss out?"

>>181706
"Nope!"
Tell Dad it looks like everything's cool, and get some lighting in the living room.

>>181706
"I'm sorry, I wouldn't dare presume to walk Thomas' dog, he definitely give me permission, and I don't want to make thomas mad.

haha, you may be little but you aren't that stupid. besides, the hook on the side alone indicates the circle is a containment device of some sort.

Tiffany 2010/05/23(Sun)01:55 No. 181719 ID: 426169
File 127460494311.png - (125.84KB , 800x600 , 314.png )

"Sorry, not that stupid. Dad, see if you can get some light in the living room."

>"Will do."

>"SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSssssssssssssssssssss ussss can help little grrrrl. Ussss can sssserrrve a masssterrr. Jusssst let usssss out and usss callssss you masssterrrr."

"if Thomas locked you in there he must of had a very good reason, so sorry if i don't trust you."

and tell dad about the circle but reassure him that as long as none of the lines on it get messed up it will stay active.

Tiffany 2010/05/23(Sun)02:35 No. 181727 ID: 426169
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"Dad, there's something locked up in here, but I think it's safe as long as nothing breaks the runes."

>"If you're sure. This place is giving me serious heebie-jeebies."

>"Ssssssssssss usss wantsss only to sssserve, letsss usss out! Letssss usssss out NOW!"

"Sorry, but if Thomas locked you up he must've had a very good reason."

>"Foolissssh little wizzzzard capturrresss ussss and hidess usss away. Fearrrrful little wizzzzard. But grrrrrl issssn't afrrraid, little grrrl brrraverrr than old wizzzzard. Little wizzzard. Sssskin and bone, nothing left to eat."

>"See what I mean, boss? Not very nice at all."

>"Sssssssss whatsss that little rrraven? Little rrraven sssserrrves wizzzard grrrl? NO FAIRRR! Usss make betterrr ssslave, uss sssstrrrrongerrr than little rrraven. Usss eatsss little rrraven forrr sssupperr."

Tiffany steps closer to the circle, careful not to disturb it.

"Not this one you ain't. Mulder's with me."

>"Sssssssss tassssty little rrraven, uss will-"

The voice stops, suddenly sniffing the air.

>"Whatsss thisss sssmell? Bonesss and dirrrt, blood and rrotting flessssh, ssssorrcerry and assshes? A death lorrd walkssss the earrrth? LETSSS USSS OUT! LETSS USS OUT! WE MUSSST SSSERVE THE BONE KING! LET USSS SSSSERVE! LET USSS OUT!"

>>181727
"I'm not letting you out to serve me, no matter how good you think I smell."

>>181727
"I DON'T WANT TO BE THE DEATH LORD YOU STUPID WHATEVERYOUARES JUST SHUT UP!"

Looks like grampa has a fan... Definitely won't let him out now.

Tiffany 2010/05/23(Sun)03:31 No. 181739 ID: 426169
File 127461067199.png - (26.66KB , 800x600 , 316.png )

"SHUT UP! I don't want to be a stupid death lord!"

>"KSH KSH KSH KSH ussss not ssssspeak of little grrrl. Little grrrl issss a good little grrrl and letsss usss out!"

"So you're a fan of grampa's? Not letting you out. Sorry."

>"SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHH When the bone king rrreleasssses ussss ussss will hunt and bleed and kill and maim and rip and cut and slash you, little grrrrrrl. HSSSSSSSSS"

The creature withdraws into the darkness with an angry hiss.

>"Tiff, have I ever told you not to piss off strangers?"

"No, dad."

>"Well... Don't piss off strangers. Did you have a plan of some sort?"

>>181739
If he hasn't escaped yet, I'm thinking that he's going to keep right on not escaping if you just leave him behind the runes. Do that.

Go search the living area in more detail, looking for anything you might have missed. Ask Mulder if he spots anything lit up other than the stone above the map.

We need to look into permanent destruction of enemies. Acid, high grade fire, concrete burials, that sort of thing. I'm thinking acid for the flesh then destruction of the bones. Alexander might be first class, but I imagine raising a fleshless jigsaw puzzle is much harder than a standard corpse. Remember correcting Mulder before raising him?

And we know a little invisibility, don't we? The right runes in the unmarked grave and they may be a headache to find, let alone raise.

For this guy, alternately we could kill him and if Tiff's up to it raise his body with a new spirit. I predict a much high risk in attempting this though, let alone attempting to kill this thing in a less than obliterating fashion.

>>181741
I agree with your points in principle. As a practical and immediate matter, however, I would rather not mess with this guy even to attempt to destroy him. Who knows if we could accidentally break his bindings?

"You're a kitty!"

>>181749

This. Also, write a note to research these runes later, and stick it to your forehead, so you don't forget about the note.

>>181739
woah woah woah....
We're a necromancer too... remember? We too are a bone king... or queen.
They just smell the use of Necromancy on us...
We can give away we are an aspiring necromancer... Maybe...

Did we lock the front door?

>>181777
Necromancer=Death Lord
Bone King=something that is not us.

Possibly Grandpa is now the Lich King.

Our plan? We read the book. We study. Learn. Gain power and stop Grampa. Preserve the Compact.

We should probably find out exactly WHAT the Compact is. Ask the Pit Thing.

Tiffany 2010/05/23(Sun)11:59 No. 181864 ID: 426169
File 127464118142.png - (87.34KB , 800x600 , 317.png )

Tiffany and dad have a bit more thorough look around the living area. The duffel bag had some worn but well kept clothes, no personal items. Among the clothes was note with an address on it. 1051c1 Carling street. Doesn't look like Thomas' handwriting. Dad found some candles and some weird jars on a higher shelf. Seemed to be full of different kinds of weird dust or powder. Left them as is, the labels weren't in English.
The door is still open, as there is no obvious way to close it. Any ideas?

Tiffany digs out the black bag and turns it around in her hands. It seems now is as good a time as any to have a look at the book. What precautions does Tiffany take?

>>181864
Well, we could make another 'danger' warding circle to sit in while we check it out. Obviously we should check the index before anything else.

I wonder if putting in Sight or Touch would help?

>>181864
Let's see.... Is there a way to insulate the book inside of some sort of containment field, and turn the pages with sticks or something while in said containment field to avoid breaking containment with magically charged flesh, or some such?

Oh, any you want dad to be watching you check it in a place where he can watch you but NOT read what is written in the book.

>>181864
Oh, as for the door, try messing with the key again. You can probably close it from the inside somehow.

1) Close the door

2) Make a circle, with as many protection signs as you know. Emphasize hiding over containment.

3) Sit in circle.

4) Open bag

5) Be prepared to cheese it when your wards fail the circle is shattered and whatever is in that black pit is released to seek out your dumb grandpa.

We didn't want the creature's help anyway.

Even if it is a kitty. *sniffs*

Tiffany 2010/05/23(Sun)14:12 No. 181919 ID: 426169
File 127464914784.png - (85.42KB , 800x600 , 318.png )

Tiffany spent the better part of an hour trying to figure out how to close the door from the inside. Touching the runes, pressing the amulet against various parts, pulling the door, hell even rubbing the medallion. Finally, in exasperation, she yelled:

"CLOSE DAMN YOU!"

at which point the door sealed itself with a low rumble. The runes on the inside of the door flared for a moment, then went dark.

>"I'm guessing it wasn't the swearing that did the trick."

"No dad, sorry."

>"So what now?"

"Now... I guess I'll have to try and read the book. Umm... Could you keep an eye on me from somewhere where you can't look at the book? I'm not all that sure it'd be safe for you to read."

>"You're not sure it's safe for YOU to read either."

"I know, but I don't think we have much of a choice. A lot of people want this book, and I've got to find out why."

>"Ok, I guess I'll wait over there. Maybe I can figure something out from the map while you... do your thing."

"Thanks dad."

Dad moved over while Tiffany lit some candles and began to work. She thought it safest if she copied the runes from the velvet bag. She tried her best to come up with the right words. She's not 100% sure they're working right, only that something did happen when she performed the incantations.

Ok. Calm down. Don't get exited. How should I do this?

>>181919
Slowly remove the book from the bag.

>>181919
pull the cinched end of the bag open, by inserting one finger of each hand as though it were a man's sphincter. Avoid touching the book. Then grab the back corners of the bag and tug at them in such a manner that you remove the bag and the book slides out.

Tiffany 2010/05/23(Sun)14:45 No. 181935 ID: 426169
File 127465111429.png - (115.22KB , 800x600 , 319.png )

Tiffany carefully opens the bag and slides the book out without touching it. A faint hiss is audible from the pit behind her.

Hmm. The white covers are battered and dog-eared, and are suspiciously thick. It's likely they've been glued on top of whatever the original cover was like. What now?

Looks like we found the Book of the Dead.

Be wary of a Mummy that may be pursuing you for it.

>>181935
Cross out that "ME" and write in your own 'ME'. Or maybe your name, if that seems wise.

Tiffany 2010/05/23(Sun)14:49 No. 181939 ID: 426169
File 127465135223.png - (117.54KB , 800x600 , 320.png )

Ok, now what?

>>181939
Open it to the first page.

Yay, the Book of the Dead! That's how Egyptians went to Heaven if they were light hearted enough!

>>181939
im guessing we are inside a warding rune? is it against scrying too, just in case we get peeked?

lastly its possible it has a warning like the one ring. you open it, gramps gets a clue of where you are. can you make a cancel any magical effect on it?

Tiffany 2010/05/23(Sun)15:28 No. 181957 ID: 426169
File 127465373922.png - (136.44KB , 800x600 , 321.png )

>"Tiffany, did you just deface a priceless ancient tome?"

"... just a little bit?"

>"Ok, new rule. No defacing ancient artefacts without a damn good reason."

"Ok, dad."

Tiffany opens the tome, yeah there's definitely a double cover.

Okay let's see here oh crap it's written in some weird scribbly language.

I can't read this.

When in doubt, Mulder.

try telling it to "be in English"

Mulder 2010/05/23(Sun)15:43 No. 181964 ID: 426169
File 127465463458.png - (74.13KB , 800x600 , 322.png )

>"BE IN ENGLISH! Oh come on. Hey Mulder!"

"Busy averting my eyes, boss."

>"See anything?"

"No. Too bright."

Oh man is there nothing in here that's not shiny? I mean, I like shiny, but not that shiny.

look around the door, it was magic an not shiny, it may have an anti-shine rune.

Tiffany 2010/05/23(Sun)16:08 No. 181971 ID: 426169
File 12746561047.png - (107.70KB , 800x600 , 323.png )

This is no time to be mucking about!

"Goddamnit!"

>"Tiff, calm down."

"I really thought we had something here. Dammit."

>"KSH KSH KSH KSH issss the little grrrrl having trrrouble with herrrr little book? KSH KSH KSH need ussss to help herrrr doessss ssshe? KSH KSH KSH. Letsss uss out and ussss rrreadsss it forrr little grrrrl."

as a necromancer, we may be able to bind this monster to our will...
Some sort of unbreakable pact...
There oughta be magic for that...

>>181971
Hell. No.

>>181973
yes, magic that does that may exist. problem is we don't know it. we are in a catch-22 we need to read the book to learn magic but to read the book we need magic.

>>181971
"I'm sorry, you seem to have me confused for an idiot. You're staying in there until Thomas says otherwise."

Pack the book up and start searching for phone numbers of other Kinsleys. Also, create amulets for you, your dad, and Mulder that use the anti-scrying ward.

So, why exactly did you put the circle where the evil snake was capable of seeing it?

Tiffany 2010/05/23(Sun)16:39 No. 181983 ID: 426169
File 127465796732.png - (112.76KB , 800x600 , 324.png )

"I'm sorry, you must have me confused with a total idiot. You're staying right there, until Thomas says otherwise."

>"KSH KSH KSH little wizzzarrd issss dead issssn't he? Yesssss ussss can sssmell the trrrruth on you. KSH KSH KSH sssssserrved him rrrright. Keeping ussss in chainssss, imprrrisssoned. Fearrrss us but can't kill usss, fearrrrful little wizzarrd. Ussss would ssssuck the marrrrrow from hiss bonesss and be happy."

"Oh shut up already."

>"KSH KSH KSH. Little grrrl amusssesss usss. Maybe little grrrl make otherrr deal? Ssssso many quesssstionssss, ssssuch a little grrrrl. Little grrrrl needsss anssswers, yesss? Trrrade anssswers to ansssswers. Little grrrrl like thissss deal, yesss?"

Tiffany paused to think. If she accepted that deal, what sort of questions should she ask?

>>181983
How do you make a binding pact?

I'm more concerned with what this thing is gonna ask. And you can always go "Heh, if Thomas is dead, he'll never be able to give the OK to release you, huh?"

>>181990
I don't like that question.

Question: How do I translate the book into English?

>>181983
There'd better be some iron-ass caveats on that deal.

"We shall trade answers to answers, but neither of us shall be compelled to give an answer which is unknown to the answerer, nor an answer which will lead directly to the answerer's harm."

>>181983
"Perhaps. How about you ask a question and I decide if it's worth answering or not?"

Any question he asks tells us about what he knows. Even if we don't want to answer them, listening is to our advantage.

>>181983
Answers for answers... maybe. Ask your question, and if I answer it I'll ask three in return. When you answer them to my satisfaction you can ask again and I may answer.

>>182010
Don't say this, it's phrased as a question.

Tiffany 2010/05/24(Mon)03:26 No. 182229 ID: 426169
File 127469681268.png - (206.33KB , 800x600 , 325.png )

"Suppose I took that deal. What possible information could you have that is of use to me? You're trapped in a pit!"

>"KSH KSH KSH ussss wasss not allwaysss trrrapped herrre, little grrrrrrl. Ussss issss olderrrr than little grrrrl underrrsssstand. Ussss wasss therre when the book wass wrritten. Usss wass therre when the Compact wasss ssssigned! Usss has ssseen the rrrise and fall of yourrr little civilizzzzationsss. Ussss know morrrre than little grrrrl can everrr know."

"A question for a question, then?"

>"HSSS yessss."

"No tricks?"

>"KSH KSH KSH KSH of courrrssse not, little grrrl. A ssssign of good faith, ussss will ansssswer firrrssst."

"...Ok, I'll bite."

Ok, I gotta make these count. Really good questions, now. Think, Tiff, think!

That's not a sign of good faith. If you ask first, then you're obligated to answer them afterward because they already answered one of yours. If they ask first, you can refuse to answer because they don't owe you anything yet.

>>182232
Or you could just, you know, walk away with that one answer. So could the creature.



To everyone:
You know what would be helpful? More actual questions to ask. I need a list of questions that you'd like to see answered, so I can pick the most relevant ones. I won't cheat you out of answers maybe much

But yeah, questions please.

Well, the obvious one would be "How do I read the book". Followed by questions regarding its purpose and nature.

>>182236
Ask it who is the current greatest and second greatest necromancer that are active and where they are.

That should be gramps and someone else, so then we simply have to find this someone else and try to get some lessons from him or her. If gramps isn't one of those two then it's even better, then we have two possibly teachers.

"What are you?"

"Who or what was Thomas investigating?"

"How do I get Mom back in her body and Alexander out of it?"

"How do I kill Alexander?"

>>182232
I already kinda pointed that out. She wasn't listening.

>>182229

Awesome pose Nahkh

Also

"How can I ally with Reaperman?"

>>182237
This sets off all my "bad wording" alarms, but I suppose it's useful to ask and would serve as an acid test for if the creature is going to be a dick about this.

>>182242
I would not ask this. Grandpa was clear that necromancers never trust and care only about themselves; while this may not be universally true, can we afford to risk it? We have no evidence that every necromancer isn't just as likely to mind control us into servitude as Grandpa was.

>>182260
>"What are you?"
A good question, but probably not essential for our first few.

>"Who or what was Thomas investigating?"
I assume that you mean with regard to the map, since we already know he was hunting Jakov? I don't think that's incredibly important. We can be reasonably sure that whatever problems Thomas had were abruptly trumped by the appearance of one Alexander Kinsley.

If we're looking at questions about Thomas, I might suggest "What does the Compact say?" He told us to preserve it, and we don't even know what it does. And possibly "Thomas mentioned a clan. Where can I find them?"

>"How do I get Mom back in her body and Alexander out of it?"
This requires that we give him free information about Grandpa's status. I suspect that we will be able to make him pay for it prior to asking.

>"How do I kill Alexander?"
I would avoid this line of questioning. He's made it at least somewhat clear that he supports Grandpa, and this might alienate him- and he'd probably give us a bad and/or dangerous method in any case. Besides, we're not really strong enough to go up against Grandpa direct.

>>182286
That was granpa's way of necromancy. And even if it applied universally we could still find the second greatest or greatest one useful. Alexander may after all be a threat to their power, or standing in the way of their rise to power. I'm sure they would enjoy the delicious irony of using a rivals grandchild to bring down said rival. As for them backstabbing us, well we're simply gonna have to plan a better backstab and pull it off before they can get their plan rolling.

Tiffany 2010/05/24(Mon)15:10 No. 182388 ID: f67bb2
File 127473900154.png - (35.79KB , 800x600 , 326.png )

"Ok. So. What is the Compact?"

>"HSSSS little grrrl knowsss not? KSH KSH KSH KSH Verrry well. The Compact issss a deal sssstrrruck between the sssorcerrorrs of old and the lorrrrdsss of the Underrrworrrld. Issss a trrreaty, a peace trrreaty that ended the Harrrowing. Ssssigned by all but two of the grreat lorrds, Hakuman the Drreamerr and Khezet the Unssseen, and by the morrrtal wizzzard kingsss of old. Essstablishes dominionssss. Ussss not know exact detailsssss, isss meaninglesss to usss. Isss not ssssubject to it."

"What are you? How can you not be subject to it?"

>"KSH KSH KSH Isssss usss turrn now little grrrl."

"Ok, fair 'nuff. Ask away?"

>"HSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS how little wizzzard die? Met hissss match at lassst?"

"Grampa put a curse on him. He died bleeding on my couch."

>"KSH KSH KSH KSH KSH KSH KSH how fitting. Agonizzzzzing death usssss hopessss.

"So what are you?"

>"KSSSSSSH a rrrender of bodiesss a rrrreaver of flessssh a drrrrinkerrr of blood a ssservant to the Bone King am ussss."

"A real answer, please."

>"Ksh ksh usss am of the Undying, a ssssoldier immorrrtal, sssslave to the willll of the masssster of death."

<Tiffany> -.-

>"Usss sssay nothing more of thissss. Ussss hasss quesssstion now. How long hasss usss been here? How many yearrrrsss?"

"It's 2010. You'll have to do the subtraction yourself unless you tell me when you were put here."

>"... Assssssk your quesssstion little grrrrl."

"Where can I find a teacher?"

>"Kssssssh, little grrrrl ssseekss out one of the morrrtal familiesss. They would trrrade knowledge forrr allegiance and ssservitude. One gifted little grrrrrl would be an assssset to any family."

"Even necromancy?"

>"Ksss usss turrrrn. Why doesss the little grrrrl oppose the Bone King?"

"Because he's evil, and he used me like a pawn." Don't wanna give away info about mom.

>"Sssssh evil issss only label, and the Bone King issss no worrrrssse a puppet masssterrr than any otherrr. Isss that enough to hate him?"

"Nu-uh, my turn. How do I destroy him?"

>"Ussss do not know. Cannot ssseee the futurrre."

"That's not an answer."

>"Then asssssk sssomething elssse."

"Ok... How do I read the book?"

>"Learrrrn the nxtsaa'u language. Little grrrl verrry bad at it, but can learrrn. Maybe twenty yearrrss of ssstudy. Orrr ssseek the blessssssingsss of Hakuman, orrrr the help of a morrrtal sssscholarrr. Sssso, isss being ussssed asss a pawn enough forrr hatrrrred?"

"He murdered my little brother."

>"KSH KSH KSH ssso little grrrrl issss out forrr blood. Doesss little grrrl want to assssk more quessstions?"

>>182388
Ask how you can get the blessings of Hakuman.

Also ask him if any of the houses would be interested in him.

Ask for how to contact the Reaper without killing yourself. And if he'd be willing to take an ally at all.

>>182391
How would he know that? He'll tell us what he believes to be true which is probably "it's impossible".

>>182388
It might be wise to inquire as to the nature of Hakuman. Also the nature of the book.

>>182388
Ask what he can tell us of Grandpa, of the Bone King.

Ask him to tell us of the Great Lords, the lords of the underworld that he mentioned.

Ask him to tell us of the sorcerous families he knows about.

If the kitty asks more about the "Bone King" you might want to inform it that Grandpa (don't call him the Bone King he doesn't deserve the title) misuses his puppets. He won't trust them. He tangles their strings and curses at them, when if he would simply use them in the way they are used best he would be unstoppable. Grandpa only lives for himself alone. Being his servant will only end in your own doom.

>>182388
Note:
Revenge is evil
Thing is evil
Statement of revenge has given you some pretty good respect in its eyes...
I still say that if you bind it to an agreement that involves dark magic, you will have a powerful ally...
Probably wouldn't work that well... but it's something...

how about some DRASTIC ACTION?

lets make a rune to bind him to our will. after some time we find something to buy him.

>>182388
"Heh, believe what you want.
What are the phone numbers or addresses of the people in the Kinsley and Rothwald families who hold the most sway within their respective families? Excluding Thomas of course."

>>182429
We don't know binding/compulsion runes. Not as far as I'm aware, anyway, and messing around with him while he's in that magical rune pit doesn't appeal to me in any case- what if we fuck up?

>>182435
Why restrict ourselves to two families? There could be dozens out there. Personally, I'd rather angle for a minor/fringe family and a minor/fringe person within that family than to shoot straight for the top within those we already know about as is implied here. We'd be more able to cut and run that way.

>>182405
Don't give away advice for free. And we don't really understand his motivations anyway.

Tiffany 2010/05/24(Mon)17:13 No. 182454 ID: f67bb2
File 127474640568.png - (142.37KB , 800x600 , 327.png )

It could be very useful to bind this creature to Tiff's service. Too bad she hasn't the slightest clue as to how to do that. And a mistake would probably result in her becoming a gourmet sushi dish.

"How can I contact the Kinsleys or the Rothwalds?"

>"Ussss not know."

"That's not an answer. Would either of them be interested in you?"

>"Perrrrhapsss, but uss hass no interressst in them. They ssssometimes try to experrriment on usss. Usss not cooperate. Little grrrl sssmellsss of guilt. What issss little grrl guilty of?"

"I... I helped grampa, I should have."

>"SSSSSSSSHK, tell trrruth to usss, little grrl."

"OK OK! I brought him the picture he used to kill Tony. I didn't mean to! He was controlling me."

>"KSH KSH KSH, the masssterrss contrrol the slavesss asss they ssshould."

"Shut up. ... Tell me about Hakuman. How would I contact him?"

>"Kssssh Hakuman the Drrrreamerrr issss the only of the thirrrteen who would conssssiderrr meddling in morrrtal affairrrs. He issss of courrrssse completely insssane. Issss ssssaid that Hakuman ssssees all, knowsss all, but rrrarely tellsss the full trrruth. If little grrrl wantsss to commune with him little grrrl musssst eitherrr trrravel to the Underrrworrrld or perforrrrm a channeling. Now usss asssskss a quessstion. Little grrrl wantssss vengeance. Badly enough to do anything? Would you kill yourrr father to kill yourrr marrrk?"

"I- I-"

>"Tiff, thing-in-pit, that's enough. Did you get what you need, Tiff?"

"Mostly."

>"Ok. Let's move on."

>"KSH KSH KSH KSH usss am tirrred of thisss game anyway."

>>182454
"No, creature. Dry bones can't bleed, and I'm out to do what's right, not seek vengeance. I owe Tony that much, at least."

Vengeance is an emotion he can turn against you. You need to control your self and do what's right, not what's easy.
Ask yourself 'Could I stand in front of my family I did this and not feel shame, guilt, remorse, and regret?'

If the answer is no, then you need to reconsider your options.
To put things in perspective, you just contemplated the option of murdering your father; that's a damn clear sign you're going down the wrong path.
Worse still? It's what Alexander would do.

>>182458
I interpreted her reaction as being shocked/startled, not seriously contemplating it. Tiffany's feelings on the matter might need a bit of clarification. For my own part, however...

>>182454
No, of course you wouldn't kill your father. Grandpa was able to manipulate you into learning necromancy in the first place only because you cared so very much about your family; that purpose remains strong. To protect, rescue, and avenge them; that's what should be driving you here.

Harming any member of your family to accomplish that would go against your own reason for doing so; of course you wouldn't even consider it. That would be cutting off your nose to spite your face.

You don't have to say this if you don't want to, of course... you could just leave. But if you want to assert your confidence or show your resolve and purpose to Dad, it might help.


Once done here, put the book back in its shielded bag, and go into the other room. Speak to Dad in a low voice, so that the creature can't hear you; discuss your next move. It sounds like the families, whoever they are, would only teach Tiffany anything if she's willing to work for them, and making that deal would require Dad's approval. On the other hand, our only other known route to power involves either an Underworld journey or a channeling, whatever that is, and we've no idea how to go about those. Thoughts?

Hands up who thinks contacting the Dreamer demon lord will break the compact and have us labelled as heretic? There must be a reason why other wizards are not jumping onto the train.

Also, ask Mulder where did he deliver the scroll for the wraith. For all we know, it might be one of the address or at least in Adeline.

I would say precog regarding where Thomas visits, frequently.

As an addendum: do we still have the lolipop that German dude gave us? Time to throw it out, or at least have Mulder check it for magic. Especially hidden scrying magic.

>>182454
Dad feared that we would. That possibility is now in his mind. This is bad.

>>182454
One last question for it. How does one performe a channeling.

>>182451

I didn't see that so much as advice, as much as a way to make the creature more uncertain of its loyalties.

>>182585

No. No more questions. We don't want to commit to killing dear daddy yet.

>>182593
It didn't say anything about killing daddy for the answear to more questions. It just wondered how badly we want revenge with that question.

>>182595
We don't want anyone to know we'd say "yes", especially not with Daddy right there.

>>182551

Don't forget to postcog it. It might all be in German but the more puzzle pieces we have the better, even if it's only visual.

Tiffany 2010/05/25(Tue)05:55 No. 182797 ID: f67bb2
File 127479214616.png - (92.39KB , 800x600 , 328.png )

>"Tiffany, come check this out."

"What is it, dad?"

>"From what you told me, I'm guessing Thomas used to hunt down all sorts of creatures that were causing trouble."

"Yeah. So?"

>"So he must've used this map to track their movements, right?"

"I think so, yeah."

>"Now there's needle holes scattered all over the map. Except... here."

"Huh? Where?"

>"There are no holes in the map anywhere near our home. There's like a ten mile radius of zip, nada."

"Huh."

>"Yeah. I'm not all that sure I like the implications of that. And, uh, that note? I'm pretty sure that's a flight to Adeleine airport. Was Thomas expecting someone?"

"Don't know. Well, if he made a note then I guess he was. Or maybe he was going somewhere?"

>"Dunno. It looks like he was pretty actively hunting that Jakov guy. Too bad these notes don't show where he was hiding."

>"That's easy. He's campin out at the old hospital."

Stare.

>"What? I took 'im a note from the skull dude. Remember, boss?"

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

>"Uhh, you didn't ask, boss."

Tiffany sat down to try to think of a plan. Investigate the hospital? Maybe. She might be able to at least figure a few runes out from the book if she studied it enough. So that's also a possibility. Postcog the lollipop, yeah it seems like she has to move away from the anti-scrying runes before she can do that. But it's possible.

So, what should I do? Aaagh there's probably all sorts of other stuff I could be doing too.

What about that address in the clothes, where precisely would that be? Anywhere near one of his hunting marks?

>>182797
You know, gramps said that the house was protected. I'm guessing it has a pretty wide ward against monsters. Or had, I doubt it still does that since it was burned down. Maybe it does though, not that it would make much difference now.

I think that whatever the next step is, we first need some help. Get a hold of one of the Kinsley family, however we can. It might be that the expected flight was of a family member, does the note say when the flight should have arrived? I can only imagine they would head straight here after arrival if they were family and Thomas didn't meet them.

If you can't tell when they were expected or if it will be a while, then you may as well try to do some postcog.

Tiffany 2010/05/26(Wed)08:53 No. 183374 ID: f67bb2
File 127488923587.png - (475.54KB , 800x800 , 329.png )

"I honestly have no idea what to do. Wait here maybe?"

>"That isn't a long-term plan, Tiff."

"Yeah I know. We've got to get help from someone. So far it's looking like either the Rothwalds or Kinsleys. We've got a phone number to the Rothwalds, and I'm guessing that someone from the Kinsley clan is on that flight."

>"Well, I guess you've got to pick a side. Anyway there's still plenty of time left before the flight arrives, so... What do you want to do?"

"Investigate, maybe.... I'm sure Thomas won't mind if we use his map. I'll use the, uh, blue pin for this place, and a red pin for that address you found. What was that again?"

>"Carling street."

"It's pretty close. Mulder, what's the address to the hospital?"

>"Address? Dunno boss. I'll take you if you want. It's maybe twenty minutes of flight away."

>"So, Tiff. Which location do you want to investigate?"

>>183374
Go with the Kinsleys. They're both going to use you, but with the Kinsleys it's less likely to be as parts.

Also? The first Rothwald you met tried to exploit your mother's capture by attempting to steal the book from you, meaning that they knew she was taken and decided to screw you over instead of helping her.
The first Kinsley you met suffered mortal wounds saving your ass after you did exactly what he warned you not to do, then went on to direct you to this safe house and forgive you for getting him killed before he died.

I'm not saying to burn any bridges, just that the Kinsleys are the only ones who would even consider helping you save your mother.

Meanwhile, I'd say it's a bad idea to chase down the openly hostile wraith that Thomas spent years trying to kill with no success. Lets go to not where it is.

>>183382
Backing this. While I'd like to find out more about the other families before committing ourselves to one, the Kinsleys have a much better record with us thus far.

That said, Thomas made it clear that basically no one would approve of our having that tome. Presumably, that includes his family. Before we go anywhere, seal it back up in the bag, and conceal the bag somewhere if possible. We don't want anyone even suspecting that we're hiding it.

Actually, if we could enchant a larger bag with a don't-notice-me spell, and put the existing bag inside that, it would probably be a good thing. Not as elegant as modifying the existing runes, but also much less likely to fuck everything up.

>>183374
I'm going to say go with the Rothwalds. If what grampa told you is correct they're a much more powerful and influential family than the Kinsleys.

You're more likely to find the necessary resources and training needed to defeat gramps and get mom back among them. You might also be able to use their influence to gain access to stuff you need from other families.

We don't know how to disperse Jakov, so check out the address nearby.

Also, I say we go with the Kinsleys. The Rothwalds want the book, so we'd have to be all secretive with them.

>>183415
We have to be all secretive with the Kinsleys, too. Thomas was clear that the Librarian, whoever that is, would take the book and lock it up forever if the clan got their hands on it. That means that we hide it from everyone.

>>183411
They may be more powerful and influential, but we've also been warned against them- both by Grandpa and by Thomas. Sounds a bit ominous for me; either of these families could likely trap us in their service and take unpleasant steps to keep us under control, but which is more likely to do so? I really wish we'd been able to ask the critter in the pit for a briefing on the sorcerous families.

Thomas also noted that our caution would serve us well, however. Whoever we contact first, we should not think of our intentions as signing on with them, but rather checking them out. I hate to say it, but Grandpa was right about one thing- ultimately we're on our own side here.

Tiffany 2010/05/26(Wed)11:32 No. 183436 ID: f67bb2
File 127489877139.png - (94.09KB , 800x600 , 330.png )

"Let's check out this other address before messing with Jakov. Maybe after we figure out how to use the lance."

>"Ok. Think we should leave the stuff here?"

"... Yeah, at least until the flight arrives. I better hide the book somewhere, though."

Ten minutes later Tiffany, dad and Mulder are standing in Carling street. Number 1051c1 seems to belong to someone called Elizabeth Rogan, at least according to the buzzer.

>"So, Tiff, how do you feel about that Rothwald fellow?"

"I... didn't really feel like I trusted him that much. I mean he was nice and all, but it's pretty obvious he was there to try and steal the book."

>"Yeah he was setting off all my creep alarms. So you're going with the Kinsleys then?"

"Dunno. I guess I'll have to give it some more thought."

>"Ok. You wanna buzz the lady or will I?"

>>183436
Tiffany should do it. While dad might be the adult here, ultimately Tiffany is the one who will have to deal with all the nasty supernatural stuff; having dad act as the face would give the impression that she's weak and not responsible for her own actions. We can't afford to give that image to anyone we're interested in allying with. Actually, the only time we want to look young is when we're actively trying to get others to underestimate us.

Before ringing the doorbell, have Mulder do a quick sweep around the house, seeing if there's anything blatantly enchanted. Shiny.

Also, weren't we planning to attempt postcognition on the lollipop? Perhaps you should make a short detour and try that, before doing this. A bit more information would be nice.

I agree with postcoging lolipop, and ask Mulder to use detect magic.

What do we say to the person who open the door? How about something innocent like uncle Thomas asked us to come here to borrow ...

Something that would mean something to a necromancer but nothing to a common person....

I can't think of anything...

I think Dad should be the one to speak to whoever's in there. He is less likely to come under scrutiny. Remember, caution. If it turns out we SHOULD reveal our status as a magic user, then we can do the talking.

>>183560
Don't lie to anyone we might be planning to work with regarding Thomas' status, or attribute words he didn't say to him. That could really bite us in the ass.

But anyway, we have stuff to do before knocking, so we have a bit to think on the right way to spin it. And perhaps lurking down the street and watching the place might prove useful.

Tiffany 2010/05/27(Thu)10:35 No. 184050 ID: 426169
File 127498174999.png - (182.03KB , 600x800 , 331.png )

"Keep an eye on the place dad. I'm gonna see if I can get anything out of this lollipop."

>"'kay."

Tiffany steps into an alley and pulls out the lollipop. A familiar haze fills her mind as she strains to see through time.

On the good ship Lollipop, it's a sweet trip to... the... can-dy... shop...

What's this place? In front of a hotel? Ah! There's Martin. He's stopping by a candy stand. And he's talking with.... is that a police officer? It is!

It's all so hazy... What should I do?

>>184050
Try to focus a bit more.

>>184050
Focus on the police officer. Try to hear what he's saying. I'd recommend that you focus on Martin, but I don't know how sensitive mages are to people looking through their pasts- you might want to stick to looking at items and people around him, rather than him directly.

Of course, I could be paranoid. But Thomas did mention that caution would serve us well...

Tiffany 2010/05/27(Thu)14:40 No. 184101 ID: 426169
File 127499642070.png - (34.27KB , 300x400 , 332.png )

Ok, I'll try to hear what the officer is saying.

>"..."

>"All right, I'll keep you informed."

>"..."

>"You sure? That hardly seems necessary."

>"..."

>"Well, if you say so."

>"..."

Damn, Martin's all muffled. Can't hear a word he's saying. If I focused just a little bit more...

>>184101
The officer doesn't appear to be saying anything interesting at all. Focus more on Martin now.

No, watch for identifiable mark on the policeman. I think Martin has anti-precog shield.

We can find the policeman latter to find out about what Martin said.

>>184101
No, Tiffany. Play it safe. Martin could be shielded, or he might notice. In some situations taking risks is warranted; this is not one of them. It's simply not worth it to potentially tip your hand to the Rothwalds about your abilities at this juncture.

Keep your attentions on the policeman. Try to make out some sort of identifying marks, a name, wallet, whatever.

>>184101
Keep your attention on the officer and see what he does after he's finished talking with Martin.

Tiffany 2010/05/27(Thu)15:49 No. 184118 ID: 426169
File 127500057375.png - (132.42KB , 300x400 , 333.png )

Ok, I'll try to keep my focus on the officer.

Oh crap, he's leaving. Losing it.

Damn, guess I can't focus on stuff too far from the candy bar.

>>184118
Stay with the candy, then.

Tiffany 2010/05/27(Thu)15:55 No. 184120 ID: 426169
File 127500092069.png - (50.34KB , 300x400 , 334.png )

Ok, staying with the candy.

...

Looks like Martin has it on him. I'm not picking up any sort of blocking tho- OH CRAP HE LOOKED RIGHT AT ME. Like, right at me. Can he do that?

>>184120
You're looking at a vision of the past you picked up through a lollipop. If you can do that, be mindful that he can probably do more than that.

>>184120
I doubt it. This is POSTcog so it should be impossible for people to see you looking at them in the past.

Right?

Your postcog abilities have been noticed. GTFO NOW... or move your focus away from him fast...
You're gonna have to get moving if he did sense the cog.

Tiffany 2010/05/27(Thu)16:11 No. 184130 ID: 426169
File 127500190248.png - (167.71KB , 300x800 , 335.png )

Shit, if he really noticed me-

>"You know, ist funny thing. Ich hatte ein Premonition a few days ago. Ich hatte so eine Ahnung zat wenn Ich would come here today Ich würde find ze kleine Tifchan. And zere you are. Wie komisch, ja?"

>>184130
Agree with him that it's pretty comical. Premonition and postcognition seem to work in pretty fun ways when they collide.

So is this talking to the him of now, or are we getting into TIME PARADOX territory?

>>184130
Keep your cool, Tiffany. Do not run away; at this point that would be a bit rude. Social damage control time.

Complement him on the effectiveness of his abilities. He's obviously quite good.

>>184130
"You're quite skilled. So if you knew what Alexander was going to do to my mother and Thomas, why did you decided to come into my home and look in some silly empty wardrobe instead of helping them?"