>>215841
if we use the true naming thing, we can prevent him from unlawfuly using any PW we give him.

we also have to accept the fact that we need souls/titan fragment to make any PW. we can promisse all we want, but what we can actualy do is little. for now.

>>215842

We still don't know his motives for doing all of this.

If he could empower himself with the titan fragment, why didn't he? And the manse stone is something I've suggested we remove from him once or twice already. Why haven't we? And more to the point, why hasn't he used it to get out of the bind he is in already if he could?

Either he's so clever that he's letting us have the upper hand so we can speak candidly, or draw us in, or he's unable to use it in the manner you describe.

i'm gonna say oath.

>>215845
>If he could empower himself with the titan fragment, why didn't he?
i mean, he can still grab another soul and do it to someone he can more easily control. the titan creation process seems to require a blank state soul anyway.

he does not seem to be oriented to crafting, or his backfired spell has drained more motes/life of him that what it looks like.

>>215841
That's a good point. We should phrase it as "You might convince me to teach you what I know about my magic. I'm not promising anything, mind you."

Before we make our offer to him, we could ask if he has any ideas on how to prove himself trustworthy. As in, "It would take something extraordinary to make me trust you. Anything come to mind?"

After we consider his answer, or if he doesn't come up with anything decent, then we can give him those two choices. And if he won't go through with the soul-binding, let him know that it's still an option if he ever changes his mind.

(If we're not doing so already, this would be a good time to block the sensory information to our head-ghosts. The results of this are best kept secret.)

silly things to chit chat in order to get a better view of him:

we got some talk with luna. how bad primordials are? cuz she was fine with us.

what is the iluminated?

also your thugs were harassing us before anything else. we ate one out of accident and self defense, while we were so confused and shocked that we send that weird message to the remaining thugs instead of eating them.

we did not revealed uselves to you because you began harassing us. we had quite a shock once we noticed the strength of your command for us to leave our hiding place. by then, i was convinced we should not stick together for too long.

do you have a clue if saulanna was famous before you happening to her, or maybe how criminally known saulanna was?

coming to think of it, do you even know saulanna's former name?

Saulanna Rockblossom 2010/08/06(Fri)21:38 No. 216022 ID: d3b8ba
File 128115588376.png - (45.22KB , 600x600 , qna3.png )

>block information to head-ghosts

>"I took the liberty of doing so some time ago. Hopefully they will attribute the deprivation to me, rather than being suspicious of you, my lady. Although the newest visitor seems a little too gripped with mad terror to think so critically. He has stopped squirming, however."

Hm.

Saulanna takes a moment to remove Peregrin's brooch. He keeps his attention fastened on her, however.

>"What is the "illuminated"?"
"The Cult of the Illuminated. They have a religious reverence for the Chosen of the Sun, and so, an enmity for their enemies. They wouldn't be too friendly to you, either; they think Moon Heroes should be faithful little hounds for their sunlit masters, aside the whole... Titan angle."

>"What can you tell me about my life?"
"Not a lot. I don't get many visitors from the land of the living, you see; just ghosts who don't want to live in the Deep Dark. You were the typical scavenger-archeologist, I think, solving the riddles of ancient ruins for personal profit, with a healthy mix of the higher-class burglar for when the lost cities of the Golden Age have inexplicably made themselves scarce."

>"What would you do, in my place?"
"Ah... well. I'd probably kill me and eat what I wanted out of me, but if you did plan to do that I think I would rather offer my soul in one piece, as to become your akuma. Though I am... not too keen on that, either. I don't know if you're capable of it, though I have clearly underestimated your capabilities. Do the souls make you stronger that quickly, or - ah. Off topic, there, sorry."

"I don't know how to make you trust me. Perhaps you could simply credit me with enough intellect to not think I consider myself capable of controlling a growing Titan? Particularly one I wanted to teach me? I'd do better to simply make myself useful to you. A place of refuge, certain resources at your disposal, easier access to souls, and... expertise? I don't know how being human and titanic is going to affect you over time, and you might be glad of someone who's studied the concept. Only the Heroes of Hell would know more than me on that, and you wouldn't want to talk to them."

Saulanna decides to reveal the option of the Name Oath. Peregrin's eyes still show concern, but for a moment there is a flicker of interest.

>"Knowing his own True Name does benefit him to a considerable degree, so it isn't completely one-sided."

He pauses a moment, then speaks.

"That's certainly the most attractive option thus far. If I may go a little further, however? If you yourself would promise to teach me the new Titanic Magics you uncover, I would pledge my full, active and passive support to you. Within the reasonable bounds of still being able to sleep and eat and so forth, of course. Perhaps it would be simpler to say that I would kneel to you, as a vassal, with the typical responsibilities and understandings of such a position enforced by oath. I really do have a lot I can offer."

>>216022
Eh, lets go for it. All things considered, in Peregrin becoming our vassal, we would by extension have a measure of control over these shadowlands.

>>216022
That agreement is vague enough to be very hard to squirm out of. I think perhaps we should do it. He would be a powerful ally.

The True Name option gets my vote. The details are up to people less tired to think about, or possibly me in about nine hours.

>If you yourself would promise to teach me the new Titanic Magics you uncover
I don't know what this means. Like, giving him a lot of Words of Power and stuff, or just letting him study it? If it's the latter, that's not so bad.
>>216027
>That agreement is vague enough to be very hard to squirm out of.
Doesn't being vague make it easier to squirm out of? He can quibble over what 'typical responsibilities' means all day.
He's a trickster! He's going to make himself seem empathetic and trustworthy, and make the best offer for him seem incredibly appealing to us, even if it isn't actually very good when it comes time to enforce it. We just can't trust him.

I vote we make him an Akuma. He fucked with our mind, so we get to fuck with his. He deserves no more, and it's a lot better than dying. It's also the only way we can trust him further than we can spit.

>>216040
He's got it coming. :v

>>216040
The 'full support, active and passive' part would be very hard to squirm out of, I think.

>>216043
It's also a nightmarish and monstrous condition. You get a not-inconsiderable amount of power and access to your patron.

Your mind also dies, as I recall. Really no more than a flesh puppet. I'm all for ensuring he can't betray us, but making him an Akuma is a few steps beyond horrible.

>>216040
It's actually a bit worse. Worse then dying, less so than having your soul destroyed, I think was the ratio.

>>216022
Use our spectacularly impressive SAVVY, moon boosted to be even better, to come up with a specific wording which leaves Peregrin with very little wiggle room. God knows we're not getting very far with it in the discussion thread. Make sure it's set up so that he has to adhere in spirit to the concept as well as words.

Then get his name and have him swear to servitude. We can always eat him later.

Promise that we will make sure he learns something of Titanic magic, and that as our knowledge of it expands so will his. It might not expand as far as ours, of course. But we can't always get just what we want.

>>216044
Maybe our method's a bit different, or maybe I'm misunderstanding, but the description in the questdis thread didn't seem nearly so bad.
>>216045
Dying means you lose your memories and personality anyway.

We might be able to get him to go through with the soul-binding, if we explain the extra details Wordblood explained to us: his will won't entirely disperse, like it would with a whole Titan; his own personality and desires will still exist and have some influence. Also, that he'll be able to gain titan magic much more easily, even things he wouldn't be able to gain otherwise (this is how it works, isn't it?). But it's still his choice to go through with it or not.

If he still opts to swear an oath to us, we'll want one more specific than "become my vassal". Preferably, something like this:

Do not take any action to harm or imprison us, or those we place under our protection, against our will.
Do not attempt to deceive or hide information we would value from us, through lies, omission, misleading phrasing, or any other means.
Do not reveal any secret we wish to keep.
Aid us in our goals if we request your aid.
If you think of a way of going against our wishes while keeping to the letter of our agreements, don't.

I think that covers everything. And it's significantly less demanding than the version he proposed.

>Service/Vassaldom

Interesting. If being our vassal means we can simply command him to be truthful, not harm/restrict us, support us, etc., and he'll be obligated to obey these commands with all the strength of the True Name Oath, then we should go for it. It'd allow us to make corrections, clarifications as we like, without having to make him swear Oath after Oath.

Two things grate about this deal, though:

1. Him taking his payment for vassaldom in return for being taught all our titanic MAJICK KNOWLEDGE. Wouldn't titanic magic theoretically be able to override a True Name oath, even? Some things we might end up being hesitant in sharing. It's a bit unreasonable to acquiesce to sharing ALL our titanic knowledge.

2. Whether or not we'll end up having any other obligations to him in turn. Granted, since we're not swearing on OUR true name, we could just break with those obligations, but that means his own oath is broken and he'd be free to do as he likes. Word the oath in such a way that we can't inadvertently break it.

As such, we should dig a little deeper on the details of this state of vassaldom, his motivations for wanting to learn Titanic MAJICKS and what he wants to use them for.

Also, what does he mean by "certain resources"? Anything we might desire that he can get his hands on, or something more specific?

I -know- what he means by 'souls' and I'm not sure I like it, but we CAN ask him to lay off on that and accept we have moral complications with it. Sure, here we have someone who can attract and provide us with a regular supply of ghosts to convert into TW, but... no. Let's not swing that way.

>>216073
>Him taking his payment for vassaldom in return for being taught all our titanic MAJICK KNOWLEDGE
Considering that we're otherwise going to kill him or eat his soul, I daresay he's not going to refuse our promise to teach him only "some" of our titan-style magics. We don't have to promise to share everything with him, and indeed it would be a poor idea to do so.

We need him bound in such a way that if we simply command it he gives us his soul, as per the other option. It would be far more difficult to turn on us in a way where we couldn't do that. We don't want to, and he doesn't want us to, but it is just that much more insurance for us. Better a servant than a unwilled slave.

Also, let's be sure to learn our own True Name before giving him his. I just want us to be as strong as possible right away, no matter what else happens. As long as our head ghosts can't hear, and it doesn't distract us much. If it will be a bother we can do it right after.

How's this sound for a complete cutoff suggestion?

Make him swear the following:
To not interfere with your actions
To not harm you directly or indirectly
To not follow, scry on, or otherwise track you
Stop research into titanic magic
To apply these restrictions on his followers as well as himself, past, present, and future
Advise allies and hired persons to leave you alone
Obey the spirit of these vows as well as the literal

I don't want anything to do with this slippery snake more than neccisary.
Revisions? Refinements? Rebuttals?

>>216071
Expanding on my previous suggestion:
>We might be able to get him to go through with the soul-binding, if we explain the extra details Wordblood explained to us
If he expresses disbelief at this, point out that if we had reason to deceive him, we'd have no reason to offer him a choice.

If he wonders why we'd be willing to go through with it, this is the answer:
"It's obvious that I take issue with many of the things you've done, but that has more to do with who you aren't than with who you are. You seem to be focused mainly on gathering knowledge, which is something I can agree with." (which implies that, if he goes through with the soul-binding deal, his goals will still be achieved)

But if he doesn't seem interested, don't press the issue.

>>216349
We're trying to make an agreement with him, not completely cut our ties with him.

We really just need a clause about answering our questions honestly, without any attempt to mislead us. Then we can ask him if he can think of anything we missed.

lets have sum mindfuck!

ask him what power word he would like that ISNT "stop".

also we ARE interested in his soul INTACT for the same reasons the primordials wanted their heroes with their wills intact. you can never have enought failsafes.

also we are giving him only 1 PW. maybe we can consider rewarding him with more if things get even more awesome.

>>216393
WHY do you want to KEEP ties with someone that has poisoned us, bludgeoned us, stabbed us, and erased our very being? That's not counting the stuff he's done that we can't remember. You WANT to come BACK to this person?

...suddenly, battered housewife syndrome makes a lot more sense.

>>216477
Because we can make use of him and possibly change him for the better. Better that than killing him or leaving him to his own devices.

And to enjoy the feeling of being in control.

Saulanna Rockblossom 2010/08/09(Mon)22:36 No. 216898 ID: 27828f
File 128141855991.png - (44.75KB , 600x600 , saulannaponder1.png )

The last traces of conflict uncurl through Saulanna's mind. What if he can outsmart her still? Find holes in any oath? Doesn't he deserve worse? Couldn't she have more? She is understandably hesitant over this enormous decision. But...

Saulanna Rockblossom 2010/08/09(Mon)22:36 No. 216899 ID: 27828f
File 128141861997.png - (45.96KB , 600x600 , saulannaponder2.png )

... No, her mind is made up. She does not want to have his soul; not yet, at least. She cannot let him go free, and she does not wish to kill him. But she can still bind him as her ally. She will make him take the oath.

>"Touch him, my lady. I need physical contact."

Saulanna Rockblossom 2010/08/09(Mon)22:38 No. 216901 ID: 27828f
File 128141868032.png - (48.30KB , 600x600 , findthename.png )

Saulanna places a hand on Peregrin's head. She feels Wordblood's magic flow through her, reaching into her body and through to the man that kneels before her. She feels the power coil around her; like a hand atop her grip, like a steady arm around her body. Blood and moonlight. Red and blue. Together. Words come to her lips unbidden.

>"Do you want to know your name?"

Peregrin nods.

>"You are Shadow In The Wings."

Saulanna Rockblossom 2010/08/09(Mon)22:39 No. 216903 ID: 27828f
File 128141877766.png - (37.66KB , 600x600 , giveyourword.png )

>"I will teach you a fair portion of my titanic power. For this, you will serve me.
>You will serve faithfully, wisely, and well, as best as you can do.
>You will not deceive me, nor allow me to be deceived;
>You will not go against my will, nor what my will would be.
>Any command I give, you will obey; save that I would gain by it.
>My goals will be yours; my allies, yours; my secrets, yours.
>This is the bargain I offer you."

>"If you wish it so, than swear it, on your name."

Saulanna Rockblossom 2010/08/09(Mon)22:40 No. 216904 ID: 27828f
File 128141883433.png - (20.20KB , 700x700 , chap1end.png )

"I so swear."

Saulanna Rockblossom 2010/08/09(Mon)22:53 No. 216908 ID: 27828f
File 128141961828.png - (43.60KB , 700x700 , SaulannaEnd.png )

The touch of Luna settles.
Saulanna gains a point of Agility!
She gains a new Moon Ability: Scent of Victory

- Saulanna made an ally.
- She accepted a Quest.
- Wordblood was awakened!
- Saulanna gained Wordblood's respect.
- She tasted the power of the Titans.
- She uncovered her history.
- She gained a sworn servant!

Souls Eaten: 2/11

See you next time!

MAYBE YOU CAN BREAK UP THE THREAD INTO SMALLER CHUNKS NEXT TIME.

:B

What's that Typo? I can't hear you all the way across this huge thread!

Hey, if you can make a chapter last 1600 posts without people hating it then more power to ya.

That is such an epic ending to this chapter. Bravo.

Looking forward to the next installment.

^What the wise one said.

Well, I had my druthers, but I respect Saulanna's decision and consider him a part of Team Rockblossom.

Did Mommy Luna catch that oath? She may have exalted us because she already knew about Wordblood and wanted that on her side.

>Souls Eaten: 2/11
So is that... good? I think we should have snacked on a few more of those mooks. Ah well, I'm sure there's enough dark souls out there that deserve to be snacked on.

And to add a little to our score report:

COMPETENCIES LIST

Advanced Evasion
Advanced Intimidation
Advanced Knifework
Advanced Streetsmarts

Average Athleticism
Average Clubbing
Average Concealment
Average Deathlore
Average Infiltration
Average Natural Attack
Average Repair
Average Smoothtalking
Average Swordplay
Average Theft

Standard Environmancy

Basic Bow & Arrow
Basic Command
Basic Economics
Basic History
Basic Horseriding
Basic Logistics
Basic Metaphysics
Basic Outdoorsyness
Basic Sleuthing
Basic Shooting
Basic Tactics
Basic Woodwork
Basic Worldliness

Needs more posts.

But seriously, wonderful quest. Of all the quests I've run around in I can comfortably say Wordblood is my favorite character of all questingdom.

>>216926
And I don't think we ever did get an answer on whether clubbing was hitting people with clubs or hitting up clubs.

This quest? F'ing grand, a joy to explore and participate. Congratulations on this chapter, Jukashi.

>>216909

To be fair, most of the thread is us discussing, suggesting, arguing and theory-crafting. Counting the pictures, there're 'only' some 180-ish of them, and somewhat less in actual updates.

>To be fair, most of the thread is us discussing, suggesting, arguing and theory-crafting. Counting the pictures, there's 'only' some 180-ish of them, and somewhat less in actual updates.

Sir, I oppose this view point!

Just as planned.

5Copper!OcWN4aulz6 2010/08/10(Tue)06:01 No. 216987 ID: d14bbc
File 12814452967.jpg - (28.34KB , 587x248 , imokwthis.jpg )

i seem to be missing my slowclap.gif

meanwhile, have mfw the quest finnaly ended.

>>216987
The quest didn't end. It's just the first chapter.

potato, tomato...

>>88565
>>216908
Did our ponytail grow five times larger in one day? I think we need to trim that thing down before it eats our head.

Hush you, it looks great.

I think it's just her maturing. Its about as long as it is in Warform normally, which may include it's a side effect of using it so much so rapidly.

Or its an update to the style, which has gotten better as the quest has gone on.

Suggestion 2010/08/11(Wed)04:57 No. 217306 ID: 67c611
File 128152783523.jpg - (50.78KB , 500x300 , Raziel.jpg )

We could have doubled the stat gains if we ate more souls. Shame on you all for not doing so.

We need to be more like this guy. Consider him our role model.

>>217296
It's part of becoming a Lunar. As we synchronize with our more animalistic warform, we become hairier. This is true on all parts of the body, but when we're clothed, it's only really visible on the head