>>202679
[If you are attempting to earn a Pristine soul through your rumination, please attach a prediction based on your assertions, and present any evidence you are drawing your conclusions from.]

>>202707
[Nope, just a high-quality Heroic Soul.... though that could change, since trials, and overcoming them, are the surest way to ensure improved soul quality... and fighting a sapient Soul Grave could qualify.]

>>202742
[You can have as many Moments of Inspiration as you accurately piece together clues about something to be revealed at a later point in the quest, figure it out first, and then make an accurate prediction involving the future based on those deductions. And your assumption that Mordre is more capable at World magic than Eisenhardt is heavily flawed, even if your magical stamina greatly exceeds his.]

>>202694
>>202696
>>202698
>>202700
>>202711
>>202715
>>202750

"Fair enough, Paradox Knight Reinhardt, I would not want to impose upon you. Though I would like to simply mention, That Eisenhardt HAS worked with living souls, Those transposed to a golem form before, In Dulu, so I doubt such a thing would be strange to hi-"

"Dulu? Of what or whom dost thou speak?"

"A golemslayer that I slew, his soul now housed, Much like yours, in a new, metallic form. And if what you say is true... I would think it would be quite cathartic, To speak to another from a lost home. Whatever you may think of me... even I know what that can be like... Well, just something to consider. You might not get another chance in the future."

"Yes, Eisenhardt's grievances against thou.... I shall take thine words under consideration, then."

Feeling the conversation concluded now (and still lamenting the fact that Reinhardt's dislike of me makes conversation more than passing difficult), I move on to my next objective: Namely, checking on Oggroth. I make my way over to the titanic warrior, who is doing push-ups with the fully armored Premen warriors sitting atop his form, and not even sweating as he continues his exercise. I ask him about his dreams, and he responds, all while methodically continuing his exertions.

"Dreams are... strange, many-formed, but themes similar. Always a small one, one of these 'Hyuu-mahns', though what is done in each dream varies. Farming, cooking, fighting, loving, traveling, all happens, but all sets of dreams terminate the same.... dying at chieftain Mordre's hands. They are... troubling."

I believe I know what transpires here: I may have made him a Life Golem, conjoining others souls to him... and as the only souls at my disposal are ones I slew (and those Lenryt gifted to me), their memories seem to be invading his form. ...I do not know what further ramifications this could have, but I do what I can to assuage the concerns of the obviously anxious warrior.

"You have been given a second life, And 'tis true, it came from the deaths of others: But you are a warrior, Oggroth, A mountain striving along the path of strength: Just as you may kill those standing in your way, So may their deaths serve to better you... And their souls, in this case."

"...Will the dreams stop?"

"...That I do not know, But I shall search for a way to end them, And if such exists, I shall find it: But know that there is a chance, Oggroth, That you may have to become used to them, And learn to live with them: Harden your mind to endure this trial, And take another step on the path of strength."

My words, drawing from his earlier mentions, back when I first met him, of being dedicated to gaining strength, seem to allay much of his fears, and I see a small smile of relief cross his visage, even as I make my way to Bang, Keddic, Derkin, and Dame Valiria. I approve the Dame's request to join in instruction, and command that Ellorika, Ulzrick, Vespinto and any other trainees who evidence some form of relative prowess with Combat magic be given more personal lessons to expedite their growth in the realm of Combat magic, which seems well received by all parties. I spend some time observing the first of these lessons (sans Ulzrick's presence, as he labors with Jojo on Eisenhardt), and watch trainees puke their guts out as they go straight from moderately intense sparring and exercise to more intense lessons-and note that Vespinto seems to be quickly drawing attention, picking up on Will based combat magic at several times, when he has a blade in hand to channel it into. His dedication to edged weapons seems to be serving him well. Ellorika, for her part, does not have any breakthrough like Vespinto's in this first set of lessons, but manages to keep spirits high amongst the other trainees, a valuable contribution in it's own right. As the day wears on, I think of the iron mine I found south of Trekel, abandoned and flooded, and send some fifty Arcanoworks personnel (from those that did not have sparring today) down with supplies to more thoroughly inspect it, after having Bang explain the nature of the scaled creatures found within, lest they be caught unaware. They move to seek a more thorough appraisal of the mine, as well as to seek some means to drain it by a conventional manner, so that mining may begin in earnest.

As the sun begins to set, I exit the Arcanoworks and begin pacing about it's grounds, looking to build a charge for the Amaranthine Annihilator-until after several circuits, I note Jojo and Ulzrick making their way out of Eisenhardt's abode, and move to meet them. Ulzrick seems to tired to speak, but Jojo ignores his fatigue and growls out a simple, terse report.

"Legs healed... nerves healed, to an extent. Patient still slumbers... tried to read dreams during healing, knowing him foe... mind warded, force kept pushing own thoughts away... the closer thoughts became, the stronger the repulsion..."

Hmm...

I thank Jojo and Ulzrick for their efforts, and send them on to get rest, as I ponder....
Well, on one hand, my foe is likely still asleep, his abode some seventy feet away from me. I could, I suppose, attempt an attack of my own, or conversely go to meet him and attempt dialogue...
Or I could make my way back into the Arcanoworks, and do something else...hm...


What should I do?

No, don't do such underhanded methods as attacking sleeping person.

And it is bound to fail anyway.

>>202752
Crud. I hope the Mountain overcomes his dreams. I like our tower of kickassiery.

Well, check up on Eisenhardt but lets not attack him as much as the urge to use ear-poison is. Don't waken him if he's sleeping. If he's not, thank him for his words to Arkus, they seem to have inspired him, and thank him for the rousing combat earlier! Ask if he has spoken to the Paradox Knight yet - if not, leave. If he has, lets stay - if he'll have us, and just talk for a bit.

If he's asleep or if Reinhardt hasn't met with him yet, I think we should tend to our lawn. Bring in any peices of metal or earth that would have some value. Try to fix the earth so it's not so pockmarked and broken up. Search for any and all leylines underground and memorize how they lay so we can use them later. Practice our dirge - and try some horrific singing in there, too.

Also, Mordre, how does the Blootz Steel -feel-? Can you tell any changes to your souls or heroes? Try to connect with The Hammer, or another soul - I'm going for the hammer because he's the only one that joined us willingly - and see if they're strength has increased. Test out John, Paul, George and Ringo and what the Fang-Taker - Soul Monk combo is like.

Someone, add some ham to us. Oh! We could practice -actual- singing. Some folk song.

I think we should let Paradox Knight speak with Eisenhardt first. That way we have even more weight to resolve this matter decisively by diplomatic means.

>>202755
Oh, also, you remember those landmines you made with geomancy? How long can you leave them in one place?

>>202755
>Practice our dirge - and try some horrific singing in there, too.
>Someone, add some ham to us. Oh! We could practice -actual- singing. Some folk song.
Let's, uh... not. Not until Eisenhardt is gone, at any rate.

>>202763
Ok, Dirge maybe. But why couldn't we practice a nice mournful tune?

>>202768
thats just as bad

>>202797
The pun, or the notion of an old man singing a sad ditty as he works his lawn?

>>202799
no it's doing any of that while we have magneto on said lawn.

>>202800
Why? I'm just wondering about your reasoning.

>>202752
I'm serious. Find out where that World Magic is coming from in the Arcanoworks. Was it just the autofarm's trees like we thought? I'd like a confirmation.

>>202811
I'm fairly certain that was confirmed as being from the trees/crops Moss screwed around with.

>>202799
Oh I though you meant using all of our souls to come up with some horrendous song that ends worlds.

But an old man singing a song. Hmm, I am undecided on this matter.

Idea: Those seeds came from the tree Moss came from, am I right? What if moss is...reproducing?

Suggestion 2010/07/03(Sat)19:28 No. 202841 ID: 903f16
File 127821048742.jpg - (155.28KB , 800x417 , 215543608_oPsC3-L-2.jpg )

>>202834
Song that ends the world? That reminds me of this, I wonder if we can work it in as a threat somewhere for HAM/SOAP points.

>>202836
in that case.. they need world motes to gain motive ability. if we could bring world motes to one of the trees perhaps it will rise up and eat them like moss does? meaning that simple trees is what their larval form is and giving them enough power will awaken them. moss is only moving like he does because he has that unlimited power stone. if we found another one we may be able to awaken another tree.

Well, don't mess with Eisenhardt. Jojo could probably help with The Mountain's dreams, later though, since he's exhausted.

Get Jezebel to make a big tazer that you can wear, or something. Strap onto you or grow a little thing it fits it. You would be able to magnetomance the wires into the target, generally, so I'm not sure if it would need to shoot like a normal one. Then again, it would probably be good if it could. This probably wouldn't help at all with Eisenhardt, but if she can make it not shoot lightning bolts, should help us with our nonlethal takedowns.

>Farming, cooking, fighting, loving, traveling, all happens, but all sets of dreams terminate the same.... dying at chieftain Mordre's hands...
Wait, something doesn't click here...

>>202887
what do you mean?

>>202890

i see what he means. those memorys are peaceful, the sort of thing you would expect from vllagers and civilians. we have killed and eaten the souls of fighters of one sort or another for the most part.

whare did the peaceful civilain souls come from?

>>202896
the battlefield. most likely when we got our boon even the souls of the civilians that died in the crossfire were taken.

>>202896
I presume most of the men that were on the battlefield were militia men or freshly drafted soldiers. We were in at the end of a civil war, men were probably being plucked up and put in the army without much notice at all.

>>202887
As everyone has noted there are possible ways out for this, but I do think we need to have Oggroth's dreams examined.

>>202904
This seems the most likely explanation, but why did someone who loves fightan so much forget to mention it in the dreams? Wouldn't they be fighting just before their death?

Bob!t/UKid4z5s 2010/07/03(Sat)23:03 No. 202952 ID: a76809
File 127822343827.jpg - (90.58KB , 600x338 , Kirchesia.jpg )

>>202757
[You detonated all of them as part of the distraction that let you strike Eisenhardt with your inverted Edge of Oblivion. Do you want to make more, and test their longevity?]

>>202811
[This was already stated as coming from the web-work of World magic spreading between the trees planted at the corners of each internal field of crops. If you mean where THAT energy comes from, you don't know, as it does not connect to any leyline or other point, though you suspect it to be related to the trees that sprouted from the seeds Moss planted.]

>>202755
I decide to check on Eisenhardt-and as I near the building of earth, stone and crystal, words engrave themselves on it's surface, reading as follows:

I'm tired as hell, either leave me alone and let me sleep, or be ready to have round two right hear, right now. I just got a bunch of magic restored to my body with the nerve repair, I'm game to tussle, but otherwise, I'd much rather sleep. Also my compliments on the quality of your healers.

I instead decide to attend to the land about my Arcanoworks, restoring the plethora of damage lain upon it in my struggle against Eisenhardt, evening out craters, lowering tone pillars, all while giving a wide berth to Eisenardt's home. As I work, gaining some more familiarity with how to employ my recently gained Geomantic abilities, I contemplate the changes my body has been subjected to-namely the effects of being made of my own alloy design, Blootz Steel. I know that something shifted in the Heroic Souls anchored to my body, a liveliness that did not exist prior to saturating my form with Blood Iron (and in a way, becoming more like a normal body). I try to reach out to a specific soul, choosing Ozmand the Hammer's as my first target, hoping the only willing soul in my form will be a suitable test subject, and... investigate. ...Strange, I feel a... a vibrancy of soul that I thought reserved for life within the soul, and it stirs at my assessment, though I cannot decipher it's response.... perhaps if I were to continue to build upon my own creation, this Blootz Steel, and find more ways to suffuse it with magic beyond that of Blood from Blood Iron.... the souls would be more responsive? In any event, for now, my only benefit is that the souls are hardier, and provide more power when employed, than they did before.

[DAY 111]

>>202756
As the day begins in the pre-dawn twilight, I note Reinhardt making his way to the stone abode of Eisenhardt, and he is presented with the exact message, word for word, as I was met with upon approach-and simply walks into the wall, sliding through the stone as if it was a curtain of water, to be parted without issue. For a moment I feel a spike of magnetic fields within the structure as the earth rumbles-but it stops nearly as soon as it begins... so, Reinhardt is speaking with Eisenhardt now. Interesting.

"I am unsure if it is wise, that he speak with a descendant."

I whip about to see Kirchesia, the chaos-imbued metallic horse with the prismatic flares of light about it's form and a scintillating rainbow mane standing beside me, it's head cocked to the side. As it notes my surprise at it's stealthy approach despite being forged of metal (even if a metal that's properties seem to shift second by second), the other Paradox Knight continues.

"We are supposed to keep our true nature hidden from the general populace. True, the common reason given for this rule is that while we are not.... As feared as one such as yourself, having once been living, Many would not care, and our order does not approve such meetings. But beyond that, the pain of seeing what one's descendants do, Knowing you shall one day see them wither and die... I am happy my own line passed long ago, And I am now spared from that pain ever again. So, why did you encourage Reinhardt to meet? And how did you convince him? He is normally quite suspicious, Of those we are sent to observe: Truly, you must have a silver tongue."

I glance about, noting that in the early hours only a few guards and patrols are awake-and none are anywhere close to our current position: We are alone, and our words shall not reach ears they should not.


How should I respond to Kirchesia?
And after that, what should I do once the day begins in earnest?

"oh my gawd you are such a pretty horse can I pet you" while endeavoring to sound as much like a thirteen year old girl as possible

oh wait don't because it's stupid

>>202752
>[You can have as many Moments of Inspiration as you accurately piece together clues about something to be revealed at a later point in the quest, figure it out first, and then make an accurate prediction involving the future based on those deductions]

Alright, if we can theorize and deduce all we want lets try this:

Dr. Toledo Gialgorra. The scientist guy who is living on those islands filled with inventors and stuff. He made a steam-golem called CANTI. To prove that science is as good and even better than magic he set up a competition: if someone manages to best CANTI in a fight then they'll get a hefty prize money. Right now it's at ridiculous amount of 40000 MARKS but it started quite low, over the time Gialgorra has beaten hundreds of opponents and doesn't show any sign of losing. But he wouldn't be able to hold up for so long if he didn't analyze each battle and made constant upgrades on his golem. After seeing Mordre in battle he now has seen two significant faults that his golem as (as well as all golems).
One, the operator must verbally say the command thus the opponent knows the plan moments before the orders are carried out and can counter them if he's fast enough.
Two, the operator must be near his golem to observe and regulate the fight, so during the combat he's in significant danger.
Mordre does not have these flaws. After fighting hundreds upon hundreds of opponent, Gialgorra must find it a second nature to receive the orders directed to the opponents golem and quickly counter them. If he had actually fought Mordre that day he would have been at significant disadvantage: Mordre would be able to hear CANTIs orders and work with them while Gialgorra would have no means for that.
So, I deduce that after that fight, possibly with help of his daughters (at least the one that was very interested in our long range control), he started working feverishly on designing his own method of remote control. And possibly a protected command terminal away from prying eyes or an elevated cabin in the area (this one would be mostly for show).

So I predict that the next time we meet Gialgorra (when we eventually go back to the islands for more schematics, the bounty and possibly to claim magic-tech armor that that pirate is wearing) he will be commanding CANTI the same way our mage persona supposedly does it and be much, much more effective and powerful than the last time we saw him.


Does this count?

>>202952
"Absolute scrutiny of my operations is necessary, it is your duty, and I have come to accept it. But, this is a matter between family, no matter how distant Reinhardt and Eisenhardt may be. It is not often that chances like this appear for beings like us, and sometimes it is worth risking everything to cast away your disguise and find a person that didn't care if you had one in the first place. That trust is what keeps us going, it encourages our souls to persist. Only my face is silver, Kirchesia, I lack a tongue. Though I keep a deceitful visage, my words are not always false. I merely told Reinhardt the truth, and now he will confitm it. Simple."

>>202957
Nice!

>"Dreams are... strange, many-formed, but themes similar. Always a small one, one of these 'Hyuu-mahns', though what is done in each dream varies. Farming, cooking, fighting, loving, traveling, all happens, but all sets of dreams terminate the same.... dying at chieftain Mordre's hands. They are... troubling." 

I smell a PERSPECTIVE SHIFT to Oggroth's dream and having to fight Mordre, in order, to rid Oggroth of his nightmares permanently!

>>202974
I find it pretty sweet that we found an ability to make life golems.... though if we had used it on Eisenhardt (like I suggested) we would have made EVEN more powerful.

I wonder what would Arkus feel about having a stamina of 100 souls poured in him? If Jojo can make bad dreams go away then this might be a worthy investment.

>>202957
... well damn, that's a good one.

>>202976
A very nice speech. To add:

"Besides that, I suppose I feel some sense of empathy. I could claim no true kindred that aren't better classified as things than individuals, and even by something as simple as nationality, there are precious few in existence who could possibly share even that tenuous bond. All things considered, I would not wish such a thing on another. To waste such an opportunity because of simple reticence..."

>>202952
>perhaps if I were to continue to build upon my own creation, this Blootz Steel, and find more ways to suffuse it with magic beyond that of Blood from Blood Iron.... the souls would be more responsive?

Let me toss an idea for this out here. I propose we take out some books on the process of how they create Blue/Red Steel from either our library or the Caemlo Repository when we get there. Once we learn that we use the information to imbue our Blootz Steel with magic, but not the regenerative or destructive magic used by the previously mentioned steels. Let's come up with something else, like say stabilizing magic or ordering magic. Then to put the cherry on top of the whole process we'd do it at the leyline geyser we'll also use to revive Silicanthos.

>>202979
Maybe Oggroth fights dream Mordre, maybe he doesn't. I'd like it if Oggroth learned to commune with these souls, and convinced them to harmonize with him. Nothing fancy like Keddic's soul-punching, but having the strength, experience, reaction/mental processing power, and collective will of 63 people isn't too damn shabby. I can see it now:
[HARMONIZATION COMPLETE]
-OGGROTH HAS GAINED A NEW FIGHTING STYLE:
ECHOES OF THE MOUNTAIN
With Oggroth's triumph over the nightmares surrounding his mind, he has delivered the fallen souls in his body from an unending torment. Now they can call to Oggroth and lend him their power and expertise on a given situation. (Note that some of the skills he gains through this method may not be considered useful depending on the situation: Oggroth is fighting an army by himself, soul of a baker surfaces and imbues him with the knowledge of how to create an assortment of award winning pastries.)

>>202979
Also, if we really want to clear Oggroth's dreams, we can consider talking to Jojo about it it.

Not now though. While Jojo despises pity taken upon him, the fact is he needs rest.

>>202952
I wish to test the longevity of these landmines. If we can leave one someplace out of the way and leave it...so, if we can have these landmines last for weeks or months, years even, we can mine our lawn so we have some passive defenses rather then just the cannons.

>>203007
You know, if we do find Caemlo he might have some information on Necronostrium...which I would love to combine with our Blootz Steel. Also, we should find a way to enchant our Blootz Steel to act as actual blood, so we can use it in Blood Magic.

>>202976
>>203003
Yeah, these are awesome and I can not think of anything else to suggest to add to their awesome. As a note, however, maybe we could ask Kirchesia what he means by his decedents.

>>202956
OH, IF ONLY WE COULD.

>>202952
As for what to do around the Outpost, we should watch towards Quinton’s Keep. We're waiting for Vimes, so it would be poor taste to leave before we speak with him. Offer the farmers, crafts men, and works of the Arcanoworks out services so any work may be completed sooner. Suggest that we have a four/five way brawl of ourselves; the Arcanoworks Personnel plus Derkin, Ellorika, Vespinto and Ulzrick; The Premen; and our Warrior's Four(Ugrokk, Oggroth, Keddic, and Magnum Bang) with the possibility of Dame Valiria, Reinhardt & Kirchesia and Eisenhardt - and anyone else that wants to fight in our group I seem to have forgotten - fighting on whoever side they choose. Start with geomancy to build a wall outside our wooden one.

Respond with this:

"Kirchesia, being a Paradox Knight you must realize why good people help others, right? It is because they gain something from it. I am not being cruel, but there is no such thing as pure generosity. Saints help the poor because their hearts would break if they didn't. Heroes do battle only to protect the things they care about. Knights keep their promises because they feel good and righteous in doing so.

By speaking to his descendant Reinhardt might be trying to hang onto his human roots, he might be trying to help Eisenhardt out of sympathy or perhaps he is just trying to further your cause. Either way he is over there speaking to a wounded man because he must feel that it is the right thing for him to do.

As for me... Well Eisenhardt is my enemy, but he doesn't have to be. Reinhardt will most likely argue against any more unnecessary conflict and it might tip the scales."

After that inquire with Jezebel on whether or not it might be possible to create a giant coat with a woven metal coil and a battery built into it for Mordre. When activated it would turn Mordre into a giant electromagnet, multiplying his rather passive natural magnetic field by orders of magnitude. Also if the current can be reversed with a switch then Mordre can switch his polarity instantly. This could be used to employ incredible magnetomantic power in quick bursts.

>>203056
Considering what lightning did to mordre before, this doesn't sound like a great idea, or at the least, it sounds like one that could backfire easily.

>>203031
Oh, yes, regarding our composition: Well, the first method that comes to mind is obtaining a source of Blue Steel (red/black/rune steel being far too rare to easily secure).

I think we should also mention that we told Reinhardt that Eisenhardt already knows a golem that used to be a living person by the name of Dulu.

>>203056
WEEEE GIANT TRENCH COATS FOR GOLEMS.
THINK OF ALL THE GOLEM OPERATORS WHO WOULD BUY THEM!

>>202957
While considering how to respond to Kirchesia, I reflect on Pr. Toledo Gialgorra and his creations. Considering that he has thus far won every bout his Steam Golem, C.A.N.T.I. has taken part in, and it has been noted he frequently shores up weaknesses in it's defense.... my meeting with him some time ago likely spurred him to attempt his own attempt at non-verbal, remote manipulation, after seeing the benefits of such a system (despite the fact that I do not have any such control system, but simply use it as a cover). ...When next I meet him, I may not get to benefit from hearing him verbally command his golem... well, at least now I can plan for that.

MOMENT OF INSPIRATION!!!
[Current Pristine Soul Total: 02]

>>202976

"Absolute scrutiny of my operations is necessary, It is your duty, and I have come to accept it. But, this is a matter between family, no matter how distant Reinhardt and Eisenhardt may be. It is not often that chances like this appear for beings like us, And sometimes it is worth risking everything to cast away your disguise, To find a person that didn't care if you had one in the first place. That trust is what keeps us going, or so goes my opinion, And it encourages our souls to persist. Only my face is silver, Kirchesia, I lack a tongue. Though I keep a deceitful visage, my words are not always false. I merely told Reinhardt the truth, and now he will confirm it. Simple."

"And you claim to not have a silver tongue... Still, I can understand your reasons, but what makes you think, That upon learning of our nature, Eisenhardt would not be distrustful?"

>>203003
>>203074

"'Tis quite simple: I know Eisenhardt to already be familiar... With one such as you and Reinhardt, a Small Tomb whose soul still retains control. Besides that, I suppose I feel some sense of empathy. I could claim no true kindred that aren't better classified as things than individuals, And even then by something as simple as nationality, There are precious few in existence who could possibly share even that tenuous bond. All things considered, I would not wish such a thing on another. To waste such an opportunity because of simple reticence..."

"You have made your point on why you told Reinhardt, Or at least, given me a reason I cannot fault in and of itself, truthful or otherwise. But tell me more of this... Dulu, that was the name you said, yes?"

"Indeed. Dulu the Golemslayer, Golemslain, and Golemforged, Working under the employ of Eisenhardt and his allies, Has been met after his death, his soul housed in a newly crafted Small Tomb: I assume that, due to his simularities to your own forms, Eisenhardt will have little to object to meeting another being of such a nature."

"Truly? A new Small Tomb, complete with a soul still guiding it's actions, Rather than needing orders or a master?"

"I did not meet with him myself, after his death that is, But from what I have been told, he had no issue making free choices."

"And where did you encounter this Dulu?"

"Most recently, here in the Azelaedran State, Though I first met him in the woods of Duras."

"...I see. I thank you for this information, Mordre. ...Now, I believe it is time for me to return to the stables, Lest someone worry about a stray horse, metal or otherwise."

>>203007
>>203059
As I consider this exchange with Kirchesia, I continue to work on restoring the grounds to their original state as light slowly fills the area, and I contemplate a simple topic: How to better this new alloy I am largely forged of. This Blootz Steel, while to my knowledge uniquely mine, is still not able to measure up to the more established forms of magical alloys to be found.... perhaps if I can find documents on how Blue Steel is forged I could incorporate some principles from it into it's structure. Or, if I get lucky, Red Steel or Black Steel could yield their secrets to me in time. ...Possibly making UberBlootz Steel.

>>203031
[What wooden wall? The wall about the Arcanoworks is stone, as are the structures within, barring the new warehouse and stable.]
While repairing the grounds and thinking of how to further improve my material makeup, I seed a few Geomantic landmines, sections of earth ready to erupt in a shower of stone shards and clods of dirt into the surroundings, to test their longevity. I do not feel their power diminishing as I conclude my grounds maintenance some time after dawn, and feel content with the restored state of my holdings as I make my way back into the Arcanoworks. As I pass through the open gates, I note Reinhardt finally making his way out of Eisenhardt's stone structure, once more simply stepping through the stone as if it was a liquid to be parted without issue. He nods at me as he strides towards the gates-and behind him, I see a troop of individuals exiting the woods, several clay and stone golems visible in their ranks, none taller than ten feet, and several have the look of life golems-and all have a simply stitched tabard draped over their chests, bearing the sword and staff, along with the city-peaked crown of the State heraldry.

It seems Vimes has come to pay a visit... right as I note Reinhardt looking willing to speak.


What should I do?
Should I speak with Reinhardt, and try to take advantage of his apparent moment of forthrightness?
Or should I attend to getting the Arcanoworks in order to receive State guests?
Or should I do something else?

Talk to Reinhardt. I am more interested to how their conversation went through.

Yeah speak to Reinhardt. Then receive the State dudes. But you should make the talk quick, we don't want to keep Vimes waiting should it take to long.

>>203189
>quick talk with Reinhardt.
>Ancient soul having profound issues to work with after hours long conversation with one of the last surviving scions of his family line who has innate distrust of you stemming from the very reason he and Kirchesia came to the Arcanoworks in the first place.
[Exactly how do you propose making that talk 'quick'? This is kind of an either or, of either talking with Reinhardt now, or getting ready for Vimes and CO, unless you want to manually write up some dialogue for speaking with Reinhardt that you think might elicit the data you desire.]

This is simple. We delegate.
"Guard, rouse the arcanoworks. We have visitors who i believe to be Vimes."
Then we go talk to Reinhardt.

>>203208
Basically. However much we've waited to speak with Vimes, Reinhardt and Eisenhardt are pressing matters, and potentially threatening ones at that. They take priority.

Vimes hardly seems like the type to care one way or another, if the man actually gets along with Del Roga.

Besides, first come first serve. Reinhardt's ahead of them.

Yo Mordre, we have done it, we can now make Golems.
Step 1: Activate the IG and the inverter to pour souls into any given object.

Step 2: Activate the IG's 3rd function to slave it to your will as a golem.

Step 3: Profit.

Only problem I foresee is longevity or the lack thereof.

>>203222
get a large anti magic crystal. infuse with souls , activate, viola anti-magic golem.

>>203198
>>203170

Hmm time to put Dregas to work. Get him to talk with Vimes and company while you go have your serious discussion with Reinhardt.
(Dregas must feel so ignored aaah) Just tell Dregas to tell the visitors that Mordre can speak to them after attending to an important meeting that sprung up. Or he can come up with something to occupy them until Mordre is done.

>>203246
Seconded.

>>203170

>UberBlootz Steel

Hmm, no doubt that access to the other colored steels will do wonders for our composition. But... perhaps we can do even more for the base components of the alloy we are forging. It is already a given that sometime in the future our forces will come to bear against Aurockoth, and we know from the Blue Knight and Keddic's experiences with the life golem that Aurockoth's control of blood is more than substantial; almost on the level of what Eisenhardt claims his final trump card to be. And thus I would suspect that Aurockoth's blood iron contains a rediculous amount of ambient magical energy as opposed to any other organic we've encountered so far, I'd even speculate that barring the Grand Elder Mages of the Mortal Coil, Aurockoth would happen to be the best blood magic manipulator on the surface of the planet. I also think I've derived WHY Aurockoth killed three members of Keddic's family. The Harksburton's pride themselves on being really awesome combat magic users, and being pioneers in the area of blood magic practitioners. I speculate that one of Aurockoth's abilities as a life golem, is to be able to integrate the physical and magical potential of a defeated enemy into himself. It makes sense for maximizing his strength to be a motive behind the killing, eating three blood magic experts will do that quite well I imagine. All we need now is a few magically charged sources other base materials such as carbon, and we could make something beyond a simple alloy.

>>203308
We need to find magic trees, and make them into magic charcoal, and then eat it

>>203315
make the carbon in the steel more powerful as well? hell yeah! but none of the ones we got from Moss' place, probably like family to the thing.

>>203315
Well wadaya know, we have a few of those growing right now :D

>>203319
no, me need other magic trees. not ones that may be intelligent and work for us with the right stimulus.

This is why we have minions, folks!
Speak with Reinheardt, but quickly command that Derkin prepare for visitors and see to it that he and Arkus recieve him, should you remain busy, and tell Vimes that you shall be with him within the hour.

>>203315
Here's a thought to add to that one. So far we've added blood iron to the wootz steel alloy, blood iron being presumably being heavily tied to blood magic. If we add coal from the trees that Moss planted, which give off world magic, we would unknowingly be working towards a rather interesting alloy. It would have elements from each type of magical fuel source in it. Right now we're three sources shy of that though, but what's to stop up from adding word, will, and eventually soul magic into the mixture? I think if we found a way to do that we'd be able to create one of the most powerful metals known. At least, this is what I think Bob was wanting us to get at when he said find more ways to infuse it with magic beyond the blood from blood iron.

>>203246
>Vimes meets nobility.
>Hahano.

Sorry, Vimes - or at least Discworld's Vimes - would not react the best. Sadly, I think Arkus is the best man for this job, pulled himself up by his bootstraps, a little snarky and willful - just tell him to not use the 'I kicked a guard in the groin' story. Derkin and Lord Dregas can see to getting the troops lined up and ready. Bark a quick order to our Premen to do the same. Not show uniforms, but get in formations.

And then yeah, lets go see what Reinheardt wants to talk about. Ask him where he wishes to speak, but try and be visible.

Note: Have we told The Brothers Paradox about Arkus knowing who we are or not?

And as for everyone clamoring to eat magic trees and everything, I want to suggest waiting. Not because they're not good ideas - many of them are - but because I would like Arkus, or our Think Tank, to look at us. Get an official opinion on what we changed about ourselves. And then, before ingesting any strange items, we should go back and discuss. We eat a battlefield to get this, I don't wanna mess it up.

Suggestion 2010/07/04(Sun)18:35 No. 203349 ID: 503c99
File 127829375229.jpg - (26.09KB , 223x310 , MtgForest.jpg )

About the world magic coming from the trees, maybe the energy is coming from everything growing in the area, the plants, vegetables, etc, and we are only able to tap them for energy because of the trees Moss planted

>>203349
So world magic is just the power of all the life on the planet?

Perhaps you never know

In any case, here is my prediction. Those trees are gonna grow up and make more world sprites, then they are going to band together and screw us over the cost of a building and unit injury before Moss actually gets to eat them. remember, they get more aggressive as their numbers increase.

If there were around 500 of them, then we would be screwed for quite a while.

>>203360
we just need to put moss on watch when they look near done. then he just hoovers them up.

>>203363
But how do we know when they are near done? I can only hope that Moss knows and will start watching them like a hawk when the time comes.

On the subject of modifying our alloy.
The souls we carry around are held in our furnace, right? We keep them there until we need a use of them.
But what if we tried to infuse them with our alloy? Like >>203344 said, maybe it will boost our soul magic when/if we get around acquiring it? Maybe it could make our hero souls even more "lively"?
Soul-Blootz Steel anyone?

>>203438
soul forged blootz with magic carbon? sounds yummy.

>>203438
Well Soul Graves are designed to be "auto-optimizing min-maxers" to put it bluntly. I don't think such a thing was ever possible to be employed in the function of a Soul Grave. Souls are a precious resource, and they are better spent fueling the actions of the Soul Grave rather than altering it's composition, because the amount of souls required would be overwhelming. Look at how black steel is made, hundreds of souls must be sacrificed to build up enough power to enchant the metal, I don't think it's as simple as telling the souls in our furnace "EMPOWER ME, SLAVES." unless we were using a pristine soul, and those are even rarer to come across, and such a power does not exist for non-sapient Soul Graves. If we could do it from the get-go, the ability would've manifested itself far earlier than this.

>>203464
Hey, there haven't ever been Soul Graves completely saturated with blood iron. Maybe soul infusing works in conjunction with blood iron? You never know if you don't try.
Though as you said it will probably require tons of souls.

>>203464
And on that note: WHO IN THE HELL CAME UP WITH THE IDEA OF SOULFIRE?

This has been bugging me since the beginning of the quest. The attack is useful, make no mistake, but it's just so terribly inefficient. Three souls may not seem like much to anyone, but it all adds up over time. The fire burns everything, including other souls which could serve a much better use in our furnace. In addition, every soul that is entered into our furnace is automatically converted into soulfire, and a month of exposure will snuff out one of our souls, this is TERRIBLE FOR US. Even if all our plans come to pass, we'll still have to deal with the everburning hunger of our furnace, or we cease functioning forever. A way to circumvent or remove such a burden must exist, and we must find it before it unmakes us completely.

>>203469
Circumvent it? Becoem a real boy and eat meat instead.


I believe soul graves were made like this to give better harmonization between them and their fuel source. People eat, soul graves eat. Soul graves are largely humanoid and humans are... human. So yea, to facilitate the efficient use of the souls, it would important to present as many areas of harmonization as possible. I think the reason they were made out of metal is that making them out of flesh would just be like making a person out of 3 people, a waste. Metal is also a much better container in terms of durability and the ability to house an ever-burning furnace without heating up your surroundings overmuch.

I could probably explain this better if I was fully awake.

>>203469
... Seriously?

How about we worry about this when it becomes a problem.

After saaayyy... 1000 years without conflict.
I mean seriously, its 1 soul a month.

>>203488
It's ALWAYS going to be a problem from here on out, we just went through hundreds of souls on Eisenhardt alone and we only managed a stalemate of sorts. OUR ENEMIES WILL ONLY BECOME STRONGER FROM THIS POINT, we must either learn to stop relying on Inferno Golems, or find a way to fix our spell matrices. This isn't a problem that stopped once we became strong enough to tango with Domintus strikeforces, nor is it a problem that will dissapear when we become strong enough to hoover up entire capital cities. This is a problem we must deal with sooner rather than later, time is not our friend and it never has been. Recent victories have made us lax in our decisions, and it will be our undoing if we ignore this hunger.

Nah, a soul a month? Shit, we could hang around a hospital in a major city and have that. If we're doing any spell matrix tinkering, we've got to somehow find a way to fix the "Need to eat mages to get magic" thing, so we can booklearn.

This will probably require pristine souls, all of them.

>>203524
If we eat a mage who has an incredible affinity fr knowledge via books then I am sure we can go booklearn.

>>203496
I agree
We are depleting our reserves way too fast. We need to be more fuel efficient.

Our fuel efficiency/soulfire has nothing to do with the huge consumption of souls we've been doing.
The IG inverted functions are just extremely costly abilities.
We've been using said abilities rather liberally because we have a large amount of souls to play with and, frankly, we don't want our asses handed to us by someone who is insanely more powerful than us.

>>203208
>>203218
>>203246
>>203339
>>203348

"Derkin, Donwick... oh, and someone grab Arkus: I want you three to get the Arcanoworks ready, We have guests coming that I want well received, And the three named shall meet them."

As Derkin and Dregas alike, both within earshot, start shouting orders, I see several Arcanoworks personnel ducking into the central tower, shortly re-emerging with Arkus in the lead, once more dispensing commands to those about him, listening carefully to what the sentries atop the walls say of those nearing us. As the Arcanoworks explodes into activity, readying itself to receive these incoming guests, I move to intercept Reinhardt, sidling up alongside him as we his path takes him away from the bustle of activity. He glances my way, and begins speaking of his own accord shortly enough.

"..'Tis a strange thing indeed, to meet one's one descendant: Eisenhardt is my great-great-great-great-grandson, Did thou know this?"

"I cannot say I did. And how did the meeting go?"

"As thou said, he was most amenable to mine secret, Caring not for my lack of flesh or original form: Indeed, he briefly mentioned the one you spoke of, This Dulu, being off to the north on some venture or other. But... it was strange indeed, speaking with him.... And I would not have done it differently if given the chance. With Lohengram destroyed, I feared my line gone... But Eisenhardt is hale and hardy, with two children of his own, The oldest of which has made him a grandfather: My family line still persists, and... it pleases me, to learn this.

For a time, this is all Reinhardt does, regaling me with the tales of Lyrhardt and Borohardt, children of Eisenhardt, and Lyrhardt's own children, Einhardt and Zweihardt. Borohardt took up magery, and is part of the Mortal Coil, a capable Kinetomancer that according to his last missives to his father is trying to branch into Tractomancy, while Lyrhardt largely abandoned her career as a mage after her life was saved by a simple farmer, and raises her two children, teaching them what she knew of Aeromancy and Pomumancy whilst living a simple life. Reinhardt is particularly proud of learning that Zweihardt has taken up service as a page to a knight, learning the ways of swordsmanship, riding, and the behavior expected of such a station. It is more than somewhat discordant, to hear the previously terse and suspicious Reinhardt open up to me so, and I find the information pleasing, beyond it's direct tactical benefits in giving me more insight into a self-described foe. Finally he seems to realize how forthright he is being with me, and abruptly excuses himself, claiming he must check upon his mount, and exits the Arcanoworks-just as Vimes leads his own troop in.

Vimes inclines his head at Reinhardt, immediately displaying his recognition of Reinhardt's position as a Paradox Knight, before continuing in at the head of his group, some eighty strong, to be met by Derkin, Dregas and Arkus. I observe their exchange from a distance, nearly on the opposite side of the Arcanoworks interior, cursing the fact I must take a measured pace so as to avoid looking like a charging weapon of war and inspiring all manner of misunderstanding. Arkus is the first to speak.

[Ar]"Ah, greetings, and welcome to Kyogrock Arcanoworks, I am Arkus-"
[Dr]"I am Lord Donwick Dregas-"
[De]"Derkin."
[Ar]"So, what brings you to the Arcanoworks today?"
[Vi]"Uh-huh. Two things: Your leader, master, whatever, stopped by... Quinton's Keep, looking for a meeting, and I'm here to follow up on that.... as well as some reports that reached the keep just before my departure, about a metal golem and a few individuals being involved in an altercation on the Eastern side of the state, with the Disciples of Domintus..... you said you are a lord?"
[Dr]"Indeed, I happen to-"
[Vi]"Never much cared for lords, heads stuck up their own arses and convinced it's alright to play with the common-folk.... and you."
[De]"Me?"
[Vi]"I got my eye on you, don't think I don't."
[De]"But why would you be suspicious of me?"
[Vi]"As if your overly practiced and too-easy response to my attention weren't reason enough, my gut tells me your a criminal, simple as that."
[Ca]"No, captain, please, we are here for diplomatic reasons, no need to be antagonistic-"
[Vi]"Quiet, Carrot. Unless you can point to a single time my gut's been wrong... oh wait, you can't."
[Ar]"Well, if you aren't paying attention to your orders, are your previously presented reasons for being here still applicable?"
[Vi]"What?"
[No]"I think wot the lad's trying to say is, if we aren't payin' any heed to our orders, see, then was the reason-reasons, that is, we gave, 'pon arrivin' an' all, truthful like?"
[Vi]"Thank you Nobby... and I am somewhat worried you grasped that and I did not. Well, Arkus, yes, they are, else-wise I wouldn't have said them, not a fan of deceit: None of my lads in the Watch are."
[An]"Ahem."
[Vi]"...Right, lads AND LASSES in the Watch, happy Angua?"
[No]"Here now, who's this? That the bloke we're supposed to see?"

At this last remark from the misshapen form I assume must be a Life Golem, the one named Nobby redirects all attention to my approaching form as conversation dies out....



What should I say or do?

FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU-

I effing knew it!!! I was going to say something eairler but I din't have conclusive evidence, only hunches.

WENSHIO HAS FOUND OUT ABOUT OUR ESCAPADES IN THE NORTH AND HAS SENT DULU TO GET SOME REVENGE.

WE NEED TO GET BACK NOW!!!!!!!!!!!

We gotta wrap this shit up in a few hours tops and get goin. Oggroth, Keddic and Bang should have little trouble keeping pace but the rest of them are going to have to catch up.

FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU-
I will never forgive this man if all we find is a bloody mess on a mountain.

In other news, give them the proper greeting.
I am the mage Mordre, blah blah and all that. Invite them in to rest and converse in comfort.

I do not recall what we wanted to talk to this guy about, so i will leave it to the persons so inclined until I remember.

>>203552
... how did you piece that together? if you want a pristine you need to explain how you reached that conclusion.

As you are taking the last few steps stumble a little bit, but recover.
In Illia's voice:
"Oops; sorry I haven't got quite got the hang of this.
Hello I am Illia," Give an awkward curtsy, "Master Mordre is eating at the moment. I will go fetch him for you.
OOOOOOOOOO~ who is this precious little thing!" Move over to Nobby, "You must be one of those life golems! Master Mordre is always talking about golems~ Oh no, I forgot! I'll be right back him! Just a second!"
Freeze for a minute, then back in Mage Mordre's voice.
"Illia what have I told you about using my soul grave? Sigh. Oh well, what's done is done. Ah you must be Vimes. Please allow me introduce myself, I am a man of wealth and taste. I've been around for a long, long year, stole many a man's soul and faith. I am Mage Mordre, pleased to make your acquaintance. Please be welcome and enjoy the comforts of my humble abode. Atleast, one of them anyway."
Hamming it up yo. Who wouldn't want to see a soul grave curtsy?
>>203553
Honestly I have no idea why we want to talk to him. He's some guy from something called Discworld which I have never heard of before.
I'm sure someone else will remember.

>>203552
Agreed. We should send our FASTEST runner immediatly, then excuse ourselves. Shit is getting real.

Greet Vimes with a nod as you approach.
"Indeed I am the one you seek: Mage Mordre. I am most happy to make your acquantance, my good man. First of all, I'd like to point out that Dregas, I assure you, is not in the slightest overly egotistical to his birthright. He has been humbled greatly recently, and I took him in out of kindness. As for Derkin, his current actions and those within my prescence lead me to believe he a man of his word. I applaud your forthrightness, however. Not many speak in such a way after hearing about my... Er, after knowing about my golem. At any rate, I'd offer a handshake, but, aha, I fear that shall have to wait.
"My main reason in calling you here is part of my overarching goal here in the State: I wish to unite the various forces fighting against lawlessness so we may more effectively destroy these unsavory folks. A union of like-minded individuals that wish to bring the State back to its former glory. And, hearing your exemplary record and your way of doing things, I'd like you to help me in this endeavor. I won't be in charge of you, of course... that falls on the shoulders of proper authorities. Rather, I feel we should seek out those who wish to fight the lawlessness and grant them assisstance, authority, and an offer for help. You see, my apprentice here has thought of a rather ingenious yet simple communication system. A pair of matching staffs with a ruby apeice, and when both are in the ground, they will both light. The idea is to make multiple sets, one for, say, the Blue Knight's outpost, one for Quinton, one for Trepany, and so on, and then set up a ring of their mates here, such that all they need to do in case of an emergency is plant their staff in the ground. Then woosh" motion with your hand, "Off we go. Ah. I ramble.... Have you any questions, Mister Vimes?"

>>203556
Dulu has gone north.
Dulu is half Premen.
Therefore Dulu knows that our 'alchemics' are premen warriors.
Therefore Weinsho knows that our 'alchemics' are premen warriors.
Therefore Weinsho knows we have ties to the premen in the mountains to the north.
Therefore Weinsho sent his foremost expert on premen north to find our guys. Namely, Dulu.
If we want to rematch Dulu we need to head back up to the premen lands, which we were going to do anyway. When we do head up we should be prepared to face Dulu and possibly other Weinsho minions.

>>203561
well luckily he still has to find the right village, he may be tireless but finding which one we are tied to will be hard.

>>203552
Now lets phrase it in such a way we might get Moment of Inspiration.

....

Nevermind, I'll try my hand on this:

Dulu.
Dulu the Golem Slayer. One of the very few people who could hold his ground against us in one-on-one battle. We have run into him several times, managed to kill him but only to find that he his soul has been transported into a highly effective small tomb body. After so many interactions we have developed a sort of mutual respect (as far as two mortal foes can). Besides, Dulus disposition towards us must have surely increased after we held our word and gave back his staff (which I believe holds family/sentimental value as combat value to him) with no tricks or strings attached.
But no matter how much he likes us, he must do as Weishiro tell him as the mage has a literal hold of his soul. Surely Weishiro has noticed that Dulu recovered his staff and must have questioned him about the circumstances surrounding that recovery.

Unlike Dulu, Weishiro is not an honorable person, he often resolves to deceits, traps and backstabbing (as we have learned of him from various sources). So it should not come as surprise if he tries to hurt us indirectly. He has already attacked our caravan once instead of challenging us directly.
We have never hidden the fact that we employ Premen warriors and since Dulu has Premen ancestry it is hard to believe that they don't know where their lands are. Since we have been sending trade caravans between our tribe in the north and Arcaneworks that task is even easier. Dulu just needs to follow them.

When Weishiro discovers Drazken Clan it will give him perfect opportunity for disrupting our operations and revenge (as it is quite similar to how we stood in his way)

These would have been just speculations if not for the fact that Eisenhardt revealed that Dulu is doing something in the North. Since Dulu and us have rather good relations (as enemies go) I believe Weishiro is reluctant to send him against us, lest we try to talk him out again or even convert him to our cause, so he decides to hit us indirectly.

Also, this may be the reason why Logrk has asked us to come back to visit the clan again. He probably phrased it as "the clan wants to see the metal chieftain" because he didn't want to be seen weak and reliant in our eyes.



Also, since we have talked a bit about trying to put Dulu on our side. I believe that would be possible when we set Kyorto free. As far as I remember, she's very competent soul mage and would be able to sever the ties between Dulu and Weishiro. If we do that, Dulu can have his freedom again and choose for himself.

Thought? Additions? Anything I might have gotten wrong?

Suggestion 2010/07/05(Mon)02:12 No. 203567 ID: 4af8c8
File 127832114733.jpg - (15.55KB , 300x360 , Samuel_Vimes.jpg )

>I do not recall what we wanted to talk to this guy about, so i will leave it to the persons so inclined until I remember.

>Honestly I have no idea why we want to talk to him. He's some guy from something called Discworld which I have never heard of before. I'm sure someone else will remember.

They do not know who Samuel Vimes is!!!
If we were in the same room I would have thrown some books at you (from Guards series).
You must educate yourself!

http://wiki.lspace.org/wiki/Samuel_Vimes

>>203561
>>203566

small problem with this, dulu is a bit pissed off and anoyed at the archmage so theres a decent chance he would not tell him.

Once standard introductions are out of the way:

"I imagine you're curious as to why I wanted to speak with you? Not much of a mystery, that, really. I happened to hear that you had been in pursuit of an individual, a certain mage to the North, which happens to be one of my goals as well. Assuming we're after the same person, I would very much like to know what you've discovered about his forces and capabilities and current activities that I am not unaware of.

Beyond that, however, I'm a little surprised you made it here so quickly. I'd heard you were a bit gruff and not one prone to making last-minute housecalls. No offense intended, mind you."

>>203598
True, but that seems to be a somewhat recent development. I would not personally wish to risk that.

>>203558
This! Very good, slight ham, good introduction. It might be a good idea to, well, tell him that we might have pressing business up north with agents of the mage he might have been looking for. Apologize if we're...brief with him, we shouldn't use 'short' around Cheery, and that our mind is more focused on the problem of this Agent then the greeting we should be giving.

Also, this is Vimes we're half-lying to. This makes me panicy.

>>203557
...Illia hitting on Nobby...Yeah, I'm gonna die laughing.

OIh yes, Regarding the Dulu Problem: Unless these leaps in logic earn us a Pristine Soul, we have no idea why Dulu is up in the mountains. We could catch him on some soul finding sojourn with him trying to find his place. We don't really know yet, however we shouldn't linger too long. We should leave before the end of the day.

Ok, most of what has been said follows my train of thought, the rest of the stuff I can't really refer to because i do not remember in which chapter I read them and they were just a few lines each time.

Dulu is somewhat pissed off at Wenshio yes, but If the man who gave you life asks you a question you have to tell him the truth. Dulu already lied to him once and he said that he would punish him, it is not a stretch that he would implement a spell that would stop him from doing so again.
We know that Wenshio is trying to attack thing that mean anything to us in revenge and we also know that he knows little about us, so he would go after any lead he has with sufficient force.
Beyond that,Dulu doesn't like us very much either so there would be no reason for him to hold back the knowledge beyond a desire to protect his fellow Premen, and that ain't happening.
As for how long it takes to track us, all he would have to do is ask anybody about a metal man then he would instantly be pointed to the Drasken (or the Magic eater guy, we know so little about him). Then boom, run in and rape.
Dulu was likely more than a match for any Preman before his death and now with his recreation, I doubt that anyone could even put a scratch on him. Not underestimating my bro Lorgk here but yea, we were match evenly last time and our upgraded form was having trouble with Dulu. Not looking good.

>>203567
TL;DR. summary required.

>>203557

WAIT! Don't do that!
Why its a nice HAM, it will jeopardize the mechanism we are supposed to be using for controlling the golem. We are already adapting Eisenhardts theory that we use partial souls possession. There's no way that our maids can do that.

One of the rules of lying is that you have to tell the SAME lie to everyone without modifying it each time.

>>203625
In the Discworld, he's one of the best police officers in the world. At one point he managed to defeat an elder god with the POWER OF LAW.

>>203630
While I like eventually having one of the maids use the golem, maybe cover for us while we're in the can or walking an elephant, I don't believe now is the time for such ham.

>>203552
[And if you had posted your theories complete with a prediction earlier, you could have gained another Pristine Soul. As is, you would have to predict even further, since between the information from an earlier elsewhere (That Weinsho had an idea of how to target Mordre's holdings, and really hurt him) segment and this recent bit of data from Eisenhardt (That Dulu is going north into the mountains where the yeti and Premen live), as well as Dulu's own familial history, you now have enough data that this deduction is no longer great enough to earn one a more ind-depth analysis/prediction combo is now required for this particular possible Pristine Soul.]

>>203561
>>203566
>>203608
[No Pristine Soul]
I nearly stumble as my mind races through several bits of data, realizing that Dulu's presence to the north is likely linked to Lorgk's request for my return. If Dulu is to the north, it seems highly likely Weinsho has some inkling of the origins of the Premen traveling with me (unsurprising, given Dulu himself is/was a half-Premen). While this would mean that when I do travel north, I may have the chance to face Dulu in combat again, I am leery of what I may find. After all, attacking the Premen to the north would largely mirror how I disrupted his and Eisenhardt's plans to the west in Duras, and I know Weinsho has no compunctions against indirect damages such as these. Considering how potent Dulu has become, I am more than passing concerned for those living at Mordreden. I shall have to make my way north soon.... and also consider that Kyorto, as evidenced to have come competence in Soul Magic, might be able to undo whatever bindings may be in place on Dulu, enforcing his service to Weinsho, should such exist. I did not agree to having his staff returned to him simply to honor the deal Keddic struck, but also because there is a chance his power could be turned to serve my own ends, if certain circumstances were met.

>>203553
>>203558
>>203599
I make my way closer, moving to extend a metal hand to shake Vime's own of flesh, but stop as I feel the singular attention of nearly every single member of Vime's 'Watch' focus on me-and the one named Carrot's soul seems to well with force, a hand drifting towards his simple, unadorned sword.... which I cannot decipher through my senses, it's alloy eluding identification, it's magnetic field so thoroughly 'owned' I can only nominally perceive it. I halt some ten feet distant and begin my introductions, trying to ignore the sense of danger I feel to better stay within my present persona.

"Well, greetings... captain Vimes, yes? Indeed, I am the one you seek: Mage Mordre-"

"You from a noble house?"

"Personally? No-"

"Then why do you have a Soul Grave?"

"...My late wife was rather adept at managing finances, Which coupled with more than a fair share of luck, to-"

"So not a noble, then?"

"Why no, not at all. And if I may get through introductions.."

I do not know if it is my attempt at sounding reproachful (or my attempts to shift the metal in my face and posture alike to suit such a mood), or my staunch denial of being a noble, but Vime's antagonistic approach seems to mellow out, and he inclines his head at me to continue. I simulate the noise of someone clearing his throat, and continue in my greeting.

"Well, I am most happy to make your acquaintance, I have heard good things about your group, From the few mentions made by others in the State. First of all, I'd like to point out that Dregas, I assure you, Is not in the slightest overly egotistical to his birthright. He has had more than his fair share of loss recently, And I took him in out of both consideration and respect for his talents, Not out of some wish to see one with a Noble title exalted. As for Derkin, his current actions and those within my presence alike, They lead me to believe he a man of his word, and he has worked diligently, For as long as I have known him. I applaud your forthrightness, however. Not many speak in such a way after hearing about my... Er, after knowing about or seeing my golem here. At any rate, I'd offer a handshake, but, aha, I fear that shall have to wait."

At my words, several of Vime's Watchmen (including several of the golems, interestingly enough) begin muttering amongst themselves, considering my words, until Vimes looks at the tall and rather burly one titled Carrot, who turns back toward the group, and bellows a simple command to keep silent, which is promptly followed in the ringing wake of his resounding cry... the lad must have lungs of steel, to shout so. Noting my gaze locked on several of the stone golems that spoke, Vimes starts speaking, somewhat faster than he had before.

"Sorry, get to chatting a bit on their own-ah, see you're eyeballing the golems, don't pay it any mind, just enchantments so they mimic human behavior, works well as a distraction in combat, but doesn't come with an off switch-I am interested in you words, please continue-and can you verify, was it you who participated in fending off the Domintus forces to the east?"

"I suppose so, if they have not returned, as I left shortly after that exchange: Though to be fair, my own contribution in that battle was to fell a giant Alchemic, And stop a few clay siege golems, but beyond that little but support: 'Twas Oggroth, Ugrokk, Keddic and Bang who shined, slaying Abaeloth. NOW... My main reason in calling you here is part of my overarching goal here in the State: I wish to unite the various forces fighting against lawlessness in the area, So we may more effectively expel or defeat these unsavory folks, Those praying upon the common citizens and taking advantage of the weakened State. A union of like-minded individuals that wish to bring the State back to its former glory. And, hearing your exemplary record and your way of doing things, I'd like you to help me in this endeavor. I won't be in charge of you, of course... That falls on the shoulders of proper authorities. Rather, I feel we should seek out those who wish to fight the lack of order, And grant them assistance, authority, and an offer for help. I happened to hear that you had been in pursuit of an individual, A certain mage to the North, which happens to be one of my goals as well. Assuming we're after the same person, I would very much like to know, That which you've discovered about his forces and capabilities, As well as his current activities that I may not be aware of."

"This mage, that I may or may not be seeking, what do YOU know of him?"

"Well, the one I think of is responsible, either directly or indirectly, For the troubles near Trekel with that Core Being, and the near miss as well-"

"Near miss?"

"Both the North AND the South farming fields were taken over, Being readied for fell rituals: Thankfully, one attempt was stopped before it could... Get out of hand, but the other, as you must be aware, was very much so a success."

"...Mage to the north, responsible for the Core Being... okay, lets say that if we are thinking of the same person-not sayin' we are, but if, IF we are, I'll take your own views under consideration, as it's my understanding that mages very frequently need to be faced with either overwhelming force or other mages to be dropped...continue, please."

"Beyond that, however, I'm a little surprised you made it here so quickly. I'd heard you were a bit gruff and not one prone to making last-minute house-calls. No offense intended, mind you. Have you any questions, Mister Vimes?"

"Plenty of questions: Why you have a knight of the Order of Harmonious Discord here, how you know about this mage, what specifics you may have that you are willing to share, an explanation as to why you keep leaving the Arcanoworks when Lord Brigadier General Quinton ceded it to YOUR command, how you showed up within minutes of a Domintus attack on the opposite side of the state-and why there is a man floating over your walls there."

I look up at his last question, to see Eisenhardt, his magnetic fields fluxing about his form far more fluidly, tiny glowing spheres of Blood Iron orbiting his form, as a manic grin paints his face.

"SO, MORDRE, YOU TOOK MY LEGS, AND GAVE THEM BACK!!
WHAT SAY YOU TO ROUND TWO, RIGHT NOW, I'M SURE AS HELL READY!!!"

"...I'm also curious what the story is behind that."

As I contemplate how to answer or handle this situation and Vimes oddly calm final question, Bang pops atop a nearby structure, his face lit with glee, and shouts out his own blurb while dynamically lifting a hand to point at Eisenhardt as his scarf flutters viciously about his form.

"I FUCKING LOVE THIS GUY!!"

Hm.

Ah.....


[GOLEM QUEST ARC 6 COMPLETE: IRON-HEARTED EISENHARDT]
[GOLEM QUEST ARC 7 INCOMING: TROUBLES ON THE HOME-FRONTS]