>>607511
That symbolism never occurred to me. But feel free to shape to the symbols that appeals to you.

Two faces? Leaves? I'm not sure.

>will always have a target
I'd agree it's better than the alternative, but a life of conflict isn't what we wanted for you. And I know we won't be able to see you through all of it.

Hmm. How's about we give it the shape of inverted shears? Like, the inside of the blades would be the dull, but the outside the sharp. The part that's tear-drop shaped now could be replaced by the "Handles" of it, while it would still have the rod. You are, after all, cutting down select grains...

I suggest you optimize the shape so that it looks like a professional wood chopper's axe.

And then hit Grendel with the blunt part until he stops moving.

And then HIS face becomes part of the - no, sorry, that's creepy

Just put Macha's face on one of the blades and yours on the other blade so that you don't ever forget how you got this axe. Use small portraits; they're just there so you can look at them when you're bored or forget who you are.

>Just put Macha's face on one of the blades and yours on the other blade so that you don't ever forget how you got this axe. Use small portraits; they're just there so you can look at them when you're bored or forget who you are.

** This is not going to happen because that would be a royal pain to draw, especially when angles and flat surfaces with portraits mix **

>Hmm. How's about we give it the shape of inverted shears? Like, the inside of the blades would be the dull, but the outside the sharp. The part that's tear-drop shaped now could be replaced by the "Handles" of it, while it would still have the rod. You are, after all, cutting down select grains...

** Can't really picture it, but the customization was more along the lines of one or two handed. To rephrase the question, the idea behind adjusting the axe is based on the type of combat to be used - throwing, one-handed, two-handed. **

I would still suggest some kind of leaf or plant motif for Nem's herbalism. Though actually making the blades leaves would be too corny.

Could the handedness vary? As Macha, two handed makes sense. But as Nem, we're smaller and nimbler, and it makes sense to put speed and maneuverability before strength. So it could be one handed then.

It's a returning axe and long-range weapons are useful. Make it specialized for throwing.

>Could the handedness vary? As Macha, two handed makes sense. But as Nem, we're smaller and nimbler, and it makes sense to put speed and maneuverability before strength. So it could be one handed then.

Handedness may vary. Also note that the axe may be configured to change when Nem changes form (although unavailable as The Black Wolf). Changing the Axe configuration mid-combat will cost IP, but otherwise may be changed freely during calm circumstances.

>It's a returning axe and long-range weapons are useful. Make it specialized for throwing.

A one-handed axe may be used for either. In terms of speed it will be rather similar to the Warrior in the classic Gauntlet arcade game -- powerful but slow. The only counter-weight option for a Thrown Axe configuration is a non-weaponized version of a grapple line.

Regardless of configuration, the axe will always be a double-header -- its unusual nature making up for the lack of proper leverage. (Normally throwing axes are not double-headed).

Right, go for the dual config then. Nem gets the one hander, Macha the two.

Could we keep the two-headed nature, but go a bit more wild with the rest of the axe? It's almost got a point between the heads, so extended, with the blades slightly shrunk, it could become a polearm (kind of a cross between a Halberd and Bardiche). That would fit Nem's stile of being slightly more defensive, keeping opponents at bay, rather than Macha's more aggressive milling-in.

>Could we keep the two-headed nature, but go a bit more wild with the rest of the axe? It's almost got a point between the heads, so extended, with the blades slightly shrunk, it could become a polearm (kind of a cross between a Halberd and Bardiche). That would fit Nem's stile of being slightly more defensive, keeping opponents at bay, rather than Macha's more aggressive milling-in.

You can, but you need to specify if you want this style for Nem, Macha or both.

Hm. Methinks we're getting too gaudy. Sorry Nem.

This is supposed to be a simple mission: neutralize Grendel (lethally or non-lethally), go to bed, have a great remainder of your life.

If we spend too much time accessorizing Nem's new upgrades, do you think that's a form of corruption? We may want to finish this day as soon as possible.

>If we spend too much time accessorizing Nem's new upgrades, do you think that's a form of corruption? We may want to finish this day as soon as possible.

** Nah, you're fine. I'm actually working on an animation that will also have a YouTube link to an appropriate theme to go with it. Current time within story is only taking moments, and I have a lot art to do**

>I've always been here, I don't know what you mean.
Sorry, it's just kind of weird to have one person where we're used to having two. Feels like something is missing, when it's not. Probably weirder for us than you, since for you it's natural. That, and for the first time in your life you're whole, rather than divided against yourself.

Was it weird putting on the collar this time? We cut out before the light show, if there was another one.

>customizing the axe
Actually, do we know anything about what weapon Grendel carries? If we're going to customize our weapon in advance, it might be intelligent to plan for our enemy's capabilities.

Did anyone see what he was using when he first attacked the village?

Smik 2014/12/02(Tue)13:03 No. 607854 ID: 3009b4
File 141755421305.jpg - (267.88KB , 800x600 , Grendel.jpg )

Nem decides to use a one-hander throwing axe and a larger axe that can be used one-or-two handed as Macha.

She heads for the village and waits for dusk, when Grendel will appear. Just as the sun's light is beginning to fade, he storms out.

Grendel: MUUUUUUUUURDERSSSS!! Which one of you cowards killed my sister? BLACK SMITH!! YOU ought to know who! TELL ME or I gut yer wife, and your children next!

Explain the truth, plain and simple. You have caused the deaths of many through your actions, accidental and intentional, innocent and guilty.

You are also responsible for the murder of a slaver, who has been selling children to abusive fae. So, you know, you're not the overlord here.

Use the battle cry and mark the target! Kill or incapacitate him and get this over with!

If the townsfolk form a mob, tell your parents to meet you at Mr. Cutter's house. Go there even if everyone applauds, because you may lose control of your power and you don't know what the consequences are for merging with Macha.

And tell your parents to have more babies, because the old curse has been lifted, it's just you that's marked now.

Smik 2014/12/02(Tue)13:14 No. 607862 ID: 3009b4
File 141755489762.jpg - (112.18KB , 800x600 , klkang.jpg )

Before any of the villager's defenders can speak or move, they hear a strange sound -- like the wind, but faster. What they hear is something we would attribute to the sound of a helicopter blade -- shortly before Grendel's sword is sent flying as something spins by.

The sound of spectral metal on metal echoes throughout the village and woods.

Smik 2014/12/02(Tue)13:16 No. 607864 ID: 3009b4
File 141755496634.jpg - (176.69KB , 800x600 , Nem Staredown1.jpg )

Nem: I killed your sister!

I am Nemain Morrigan, the Black Wolf and Harbinger of Death! (animated) Smik 2014/12/02(Tue)13:17 No. 607865 ID: 3009b4
File 141755502897.gif - (466.92KB , 800x600 , nemacebw1.gif )

Nem: I am Nemain Morrigan, the Black Wolf and Harbinger of Death!

[ animated ]

ALSO: Highly recommended to be played in the background - http://youtu.be/SX43op0oOD8

(Yes I realize now I miscoloured Nem's cape)

>>607865
...Next time, envelop yourself in darkness. That was creepy.

Nem, I thought you had more fashion sense than that, muscling up tends to work on GUYS. And masculine-oriented girls. Whatever, not the point, you're the client here.

Okay. This is important: do not kill anyone other than Grendel. Tag him. Make sure that the local Fae.Net has recognized your mark. Be sure to check Fae.Net after the battle to make sure he's dead. Then decapitate him, pike his head, and burn the body just to be safe. Outside of the village, of course. Or, if you capture him, be sure to keep an eye on him at all times, no talking or getting distracted.

Your best bet is to lure him away from the other townsfolk. You need to make sure that he doesn't take hostages, or position himself so that one wrong move will 'accidentally on purpose' kill a civilian.

Good luck, Nem!

isn't the story have grendal as immune to all weapons, so choking it to death is the only way to kill it.

>>607865
Haha, what a transformation sequence. Alright, let's wreck his face. Recall the axe and get a strike on him before he can recover his weapon. We know how HP works, so let's use that knowledge to our advantage. Use disabling strikes to bypass his HP shield. Stack up problematic but nonlethal and non-critical wounds so that it's easier to fight him and start wearing down his shield.

>>607874
Didn't Beowolf "Choke" Grendel by lemon-pressing Grendel's arm against a door and a frame until it fell off? Or was that only in the movie?

Well, his weapon certainly wasn't immune to other weapons! Use the axe to stun him, and then choke him with it until he passes out!

So much for the village ever seeing you as normal, again.

Close for battle, recall the axe at the last moment so he's not prepared for it.

When the Geis announces his death over the network, can we append our reasons for killing him? Grendel was slain has a different message than Grendel was slain for attacking the village.

Smik 2014/12/02(Tue)17:17 No. 607940 ID: 3009b4
File 141756945972.jpg - (230.03KB , 800x600 , Nem challenges Grendel.jpg )

Nem: Grendel! You try to run and I'll have no problems planting this in your back regardless if you're armed or not. You want a fighting chance, you go get your sword and you come at me.

>>607940
Okay.

Nem, what you're feeling is a power rush. Right now, you're the only citizen of the town who has the most supernatural power. Right now, you are fighting an "acceptable target", a being who you are willing to commit atrocious acts against, acts that you would never perform on a fellow citizen, because of their own personal beliefs and crimes.

But right now, the entire town is looking at YOU.

You need to prove that you are the one in control, or this duel may cause more death and destruction than if you just ran away with your parents. And the citizens know that. They know that you could end up causing more harm if you don't fix your mistakes carefully. Some of them are likely afraid of you - a title like "Harbinger of Death" says a LOT.

Especially the "Harbinger" part.

And that transformation sequence? Not doing you any favors. Now people know that you can increase your muscle mass at the slightest whim. Not that this is what actually happens, but it's what they saw. Even if some of the adults like you, don't expect ANY of them to let their kids play with you for the next two years.

Every act needs to be thought out; not just for the sake of ending Grendel, but for the sake of keeping the town calm about your new powers.

It's not just so that you can be (relatively) accepted back into the town. You make people panic, they start thinking in ways that you would never believe they would. Mortal minds, Nem - many thoughts, one big network.

Don't let the bad subroutines take over anyone's will. That's more damaging than any power that you currently have.

If the town DOES form a mob, remember that you have a second house, and your family can follow.

And can you please look more like Macha the next time you decide to use your strength form? Thanks.

Smik 2014/12/02(Tue)18:06 No. 607957 ID: 3009b4
File 141757240468.jpg - (139.02KB , 800x600 , Nem Stomps Grendel.jpg )

>You need to prove that you are the one in control... if the town DOES form a mob...


Nem: I am in control. I will have to leave the village, and I will be on my own, but that is the price for leaving the safe path. My family caused this mess, I'm the one who has chosen to fix it.

Nem quickly closes the distance between herself and Grendel by the time he reaches his sword. She allows him to pick it up, but Nem sees his swing coming and with startling speed leaps over the attack and stomps on his head, deftly rebounding and in a ready stance. She allows Grendel to get to his feet.

>And can you please look more like Macha the next time you decide to use your strength form? Thanks.


Nem: Honestly, Kome -- if you're not going to help, please be quiet. You're wrecking my concentration.

>>607957
Whomp. So you're going for an honorable battle? Fair enough. Go for like 3 nonlethal wounds before starting to chip away his HP.

>>607957
Sorry.

Okay, I suggest you keep using dirty tricks to incapacitate him, and if you want a fair and honorable duel to the death, then move his unconscious body to a safe clearing away from the town, and duel there.

Grendel wants YOU. If you die, he gets what he wants, but he might chop off some poor guy's head for fun before he leaves. More importantly, if you duel in the village you run the risk of accidentally hitting a bystander, or Grendel may stoop low and take a hostage.

While you still have the advantage, knock him unconscious. It may be dishonorable, but someone who threatens to kill a person's family for bravely standing up for their own is NOT a paragon of honor.

Smik 2014/12/02(Tue)19:27 No. 607981 ID: 3009b4
File 141757722761.jpg - (160.16KB , 800x600 , Nem comes close to ending it.jpg )

Grendel tries to take a swing at Nem, but she's faster and counter-attacks! Grendel barely avoids a fatal blow as Nem's axe cuts through his check and ear.

>Whomp. So you're going for an honorable battle? Fair enough. Go for like 3 nonlethal wounds before starting to chip away his HP.


Nem: Well, I did kill his sister. But it's more about being better than him.

** Side note: Non-lethal wounds don't chip at HP but they do cause penalties to act. What Nem is looking for is more in the way of IP assist; if you want her to do specific actions putting IP towards them will greatly entice her to listen. This isn't the same as when Macha was fighting; Macha wasn't directly aware of suggestions -- Nem is. **

What would be the point of spending IP here? Not that I have any desire to draw this out unnecessary, but Nem clearly outclasses her opponent, here. It doesn't seem like she needs help making combat actions stick.

Unless someone's got a good idea to finish things in an improbable manner. Or has a clever idea to get around his hp shield.

>>607986
She could just be rolling well.

>>607984
+2 IP to delivering a disabling blow to his weapon arm.

Looks like you've got this covered! Buuut just to be sure, I suppose, >>607987
I guess I'll throw in +1 IP, just in case.

Smik 2014/12/02(Tue)20:02 No. 607995 ID: 3009b4
File 141757934668.jpg - (234.90KB , 800x600 , Disabling strike successful.jpg )

Disabling strike successful.

Smik 2014/12/02(Tue)20:26 No. 608003 ID: 3009b4
File 141758081915.jpg - (343.73KB , 800x600 , Nem claims Grendel.jpg )

Nem sees Grendel drop his weapon and stagger back. He's finished.

She claims him.

>>608003
Well done, Nem! Take his cap. Red Cap devices are... valuable, I think. Oh! Don't forget to take any gold he has, don't forget Rekki's request. Unless it's taboo to loot the dead? Not sure what to do with the body.

I think it's time to explain yourself to the village, and your family.

That was AWESOME.

You may want to make a joke or do something funny so that the town doesn't think that they're next. You did well protecting them.

Okay, time to leave for lands unknown and stuff. You've got an entire adventure waiting for you as a ranger. Remember, your family can leave with you. Say bye to Emily and have her promise that she will either be safe or be fierce.

Well Nem, it's been one hell of a ride. Thanks.

Oh, and did you get Grendel's cap? It's a good cap.

** Author's note -- got called on condensing the rolls, which I really should have elaborated more on, but yes -- I condensed a lot of rolls that would have involved chipping away at Grendel's HP Shield. Also in this situation Nem has much bigger advantage than Macha did -- she's not on faerie turf, she's not fighting 3 on 1, and she's more complete than Macha was **

Smik 2014/12/02(Tue)21:24 No. 608031 ID: 3009b4
File 141758426748.jpg - (222.21KB , 800x600 , Sorry Mom.jpg )

It's over.

Nem feels herself return to normal.

Nem's Mother: Nem! NEM!!
Nem's Father: Nem!? What... Nem... are you all right?

Nem's Mother: Oh God, Nem... what did you do? What did I do? Oh God... oh God... oh...


Nem: ... I did what I had to. I'm sorry mother... father...

Nem's mother breaks down into uncontrollable sobbing. Her father is torn between trying to comfort his wife and rushing to his daughter -- he decides to carry her mother over to where Nem is getting to her feet.

The rest of the villagers begin to gather around slowly in bewilderment and confusion. Some hang back in fear, others who know Nem better are much closer and concerned.

They ask what happened, and Nem avoids lying by simply omitting a few critical facts.

She tells them that she made a deal with Death to save the villagers from Grendel, the Red Cap. They ask how she found Death, and Nem replies that Death found her on the path to her grandmother's house.

Emily is there, and she repeats her story of how Blind Yaga stole her away as a small child, and how she was bought by Jimmy Squarefoot who treated her kindly, being a former slave faerie slave himself. Emily explains how it was Nem and her companion Macha who freed her. She says that Macha then got very angry at Nem and went away.

Emily describes Macha and as she does so, Nem glances at her mother, whose eyes are wide with recognition and her face withered with guilt.

No one knows who Macha is. Nem replies that Macha was a form chosen by Death. This answer seems most plausible to her people. They herald Nem as a hero.

But as expected, they treat her like a dead hero walking and they fear her.

They hide it well at first, but as Nem anticipated (and as it is with any exposed half-faerie) they walk on eggshells around her and avoid her. Her 17th birthday comes and she is given gifts from everyone in the village, but she can see the stress behind every smile.

Except from Emily and her family. They don't care what Nem's relationship with Death is, all they know is that she brought their daughter back from the grave itself.

Emily speaks well of Jimmy, and her family wishes they could thank him. Speak of the devil of course and... a few days after Grendel's death, Jimmy wanders cautiously into the woods. Nem senses him, and welcomes him. She introduces him to the village, and is received warmly by Emily's family. Nem offers Jimmy Mr. Cutter's place -- it's a comfortable distance from the village to give both fae and Gaelish people a chance to get used to each other.

Nem tells her family the whole story. Of Macha. Of the Black Wolf and Blind Yaga, talking skulls, Rekki, the gnome, and the gold token of Death... she lets all her secrets out.

And she tells them she must leave.

She knows the village is uneasy. And she has a family debt to repay to Death. She assures them that she has been promised that her geis will prevent her people from coming to harm. Her father suspected there was something unusual about his wife's side of the family but he never expected this -- yet he appears to take it in stride. Nem promises her mother that she will be all right, and that she will return to visit when she can.

When Nem leaves her home, her packed stuffed with supplies and what gifts would be useful on the road, her parents and Emily's family see her off.

But there is one more thing Nem must do.

>>608031
Visit your gran!

A famous superhero once said: "Heroes don't exist because they're wanted. Heroes exist because they're NEEDED."

I guess that the last person in the area who needs a hero is your grandmother. And to help her, you don't need to use any of your fancy powers or HP shields or even us.

You just need one hug.

Nice work, Nem.

...I'm totally ruining this moment, aren't I? Bye.

Hmm. Odd than Grendel didn't speak at all once you revealed himself. Did fear or anger hold his tongue? Or was he just competent enough of a fighter not to waste any thought of replying when life was on the line.

>>608034
Yeah. You shouldn't leave without speaking to her. And that's a circle that should close. This starts and ends with you visiting her.

Smik 2014/12/02(Tue)21:46 No. 608045 ID: 3009b4
File 141758560306.jpg - (319.78KB , 800x600 , Goodbye Gran.jpg )

Nem: I hate this.

Grandma: I know dear, but it must be done.

Nem: No.

Grandma: Sweetheart... my little Nem... you know this is part of your new path. It's my time, Nem. It's all right. I've been waiting so long.

Nem: I don't want to do this.

Grandma: It's been so long since I've seen your grandfather, Nem. It's time.

Nem: It will hurt.

Grandma: Death is very kind to those who go willingly, who know when their time has come, and who know that it's not a demon taking their life away, but an angel guiding them to Heaven. Nem. It's time.

Nem gently takes her grandmother's hand, and she lies back peacefully. She gives Nem a last hug, and a last smile.

Grandma: Some day you're realize how very lucky you are to be able to get to say good-bye. I love you, Nem. Your mother will understand. I've written you both letters so you'll have something to remember me by.

Nem can't reply. She can't see through her tears, and she can't talk because the only sound she can make is a sob. But she does what she is asked. Her grandmother passes peacefully. Of all the people Nem has seen die these past few days, she is the only one who leaves with such poise and gratitude.

>>608043
Yeeeaaaah you probably should.

>>608045
I'm sorry, Nem. That must have been incredibly painful.

What does the letter say?

...she went in her own home, in the company of family who loved her. That's as much as anyone could ask for.

There's a story about a people who didn't fear their deaths. Their deaths weren't strangers to hunted them, but their closest friends, who lived besides them their entire lives. Something familiar and comforting.

I know it hurt to do that Nem, but that's what you gave her. A kindness. Her death was no stranger, but someone she knew and trusted and loved.

If there's any way we can spend IP on a phantom hug or something, now would be an excellent time for it.

Smik 2014/12/02(Tue)22:30 No. 608054 ID: 3009b4
File 141758822125.jpg - (347.91KB , 800x600 , Hello again Rekki.jpg )

>What does the letter say?

The letter is personal and just for Nem.

As Nem is taking the road away from the village, she stumbles across a familiar figure by the side of the road.

Rekki: Thought you could use a friend.

Nem: A friend? Is that what you consider yourself to me? I don't recall you hanging around very much -- you were just a messenger.

Rekki: I'm sorry Nem.

Nem: Everything changed, by the way.

Rekki: I figured, or you wouldn't be out here. Would you like a travelling companion? A scout's a handy person to have on the road.

Nem sighs.

Nem: ... Actually yes, I would like some company.

Smik 2014/12/02(Tue)23:16 No. 608058 ID: 3009b4
File 141759098175.jpg - (289.84KB , 800x600 , Nem and Rekki.jpg )

Nem: I found some gold, by the way.

Rekki: A coin with a skull on it?

Nem: You want it back?

Rekki: I'm sorry Nem. I didn't know it was in there. I get some really strange missions some times and I was just hoping it wasn't one of those.

Nem: "One of those"?

Rekki: Two others before you. The first was a girl named Sami. I didn't know what the coin did then. Then when I found out, I tried to warn the second, a guy named Remmington. He was... rather relaxed about the whole situation.

Nem: And me?

Rekki: I was told you to give you the bun, tell you not to let anyone follow you to your grandmother's place, and to let you know that it was the day that everything would change or nothing would.

Nem: And everything did, just like you said. Or nothing would have -- I would have repeated the cycle and gone on to live a normal-looking life while harbouring the secret of taking the faerie years from my grandmother and knowing that if I ever had a child, she would have to do the same to my mother.

Rekki: If I knew the coin was in there, I would have never given it to you.

Nem: Oh, don't feel bad about that Rekki -- it came in VERY handy.

Rekki: Yeah, I heard about that. You stole my bit.

Nem: I beg your pardon? How did you know?

Rekki: Same boss, Nem. And tossing my mark the coin is sort of my signature. You're not the only one who has to do claims, Nem. Although I suspect that most of the work you do will involve them.

Nem: That's how you knew about Mr. Cutter?

Rekki: It was his time, yeah.

They walk together in silence for a few moments.

Nem: So who gave you your coin?

Rekki: Long story. Suffice to say, never make a deal with Death if you have any other option -- the best you can hope for is to break even, he NEVER loses. Problem being is that Death only ever offers a deal is when the alternative is something you can't live with. In my case, I'm in debt up to my eyeballs to him.

Nem: Gold? But why? What would Death need with gold?

Rekki: Hell if I know. He sort of made it sound like sometimes gold is just convenient to have on hand and it's less trouble to have me fetch it. What's your debt?

Nem: I should have never been born.

Rekki: Damn.

They walk together in silence for a few minutes, when Nem speaks up again.

Nem: Rekki. Macha said you have problems with the truth. To ask you if you're a thief, if you cut throats.

Rekki: No, I'm a sc...

Nem: And that you'd deny it because you're 'a scout'.

Rekki pauses.

Nem: Macha had a sideways memory. Do you know her? She seemed to know you.

Rekki: ... well, was Macha your age?

Nem: No. Older. Huge. Seemed to have a lot of experience. What was she?

Rekki: Spirits work differently. They sort of live in multiple times at once, especially if they're involved with Death. She might have been a spirit of things that could be.

Nem's lip trembles.

Nem: I don't want to be her, Rekki. I liked her, but she was bloodthirsty, childish, angry... and so lonely. I don't want to become her. She's not my Fate, is she?

Rekki: I don't believe in Fate. I can't believe in Fate. We get pushed into a corner, and sometimes we have to make decisions we don't like, but there's always a way out. Nem, if I can help you avoid that, I will. I promise.

Smik 2014/12/02(Tue)23:20 No. 608060 ID: 3009b4
File 141759123392.jpg - (316.02KB , 800x600 , Quest Complete.jpg )

:: Quest Complete ::
:: Disconnecting from Nemain Morrigan ::

Nem: Good-bye spirits. Thank-you for everything. I'll miss you! :( I hope we meet again someday!

:: Disconnected ::

Any questions that I can answer (Rekki questions might be spoilers if I do his quest) can be done here or in the Discussion thread:
http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questdis/res/85148.html