It has been several hours since Anansi left, leaving me to my task. He has stated there is no time limit, and that he is willing to wait as long as it takes. He warns, however, that the dragon prefers gold over objects, and will likely sell it very soon. At which point my task becomes much, much harder.

So, Legion. What is your reccomended course of action for the moment?

Do you have anything spiky? I think it's imperative that we find out if spikes ejected at high speed from the hat come out at the proper angle for maximum damage of an enemy. For obvious reasons.

>>93774
Also, I realizing I'm probably focusing too much on a single aspect of the hat's use, but how fast are we talking here? Could you use the hat as a source of propulsion if it were filled with, say, a great quantity of water or sand? Can those things even be placed in the hat?

Also. Tap the ground with the cane.

>>93777
I tap it once. For a moment, nothing happens, but then the earth shakes slightly around me. I am untouched.

>>93774
An interesting idea! I remove all objects from the hat, inserting my dagger as the lone occupant. I turn to face a tree and flip the hat inside out. barely as soon as the effect occurs, I hear it thud into the tree loudly. I approach and...
Dear god.
That is fast.
It's in so far, I can see the back tip of the handle and that is all. Incredible.

>>93775

I can place water in the hat, but it turns to mist upon being ejected. Even after placing it underwater for a few moments in a fast river, all I manage to do is create a short-lived but very thick fog.

As for sand, a similar effect would probably happen.

>>93780
Can you pull the knife out of the tree? Also try pointing the cane at a tree.

>>93782
It takes some doing, but since it went straight in, I can get it out. Incredible. It wouldn't even need to be sharp going at that speed...

>>93783
...How about catching light in the hat? It's not like there is a dearth of it, and if you stored enough, you could have your hat serve as a brilliant sun for a brief moment.

...Or the light will be redirected as a giant beam, potentially holding a great deal of heat/radiation.

...Or, if directed in a manner similar enough to a laser, it could forcibly still objects (read: their atomic structure) by forcing them to emit the photons they are bombarded with omni-directionally (atoms hit by lasers can be made to do this) RAPIDLY cooling the target by several HUNDRED degrees. Fast enough that most things would explosively shatter from the temperature change. This happening at the same time they temporarily become a blinding nexus of light.

You could use the sun's light as a freeze ray.

Let me rephrase that.

YOU COULD FREEZE THINGS WITH SUNLIGHT FROM A HAT.

>>93785
I think I love you.

New idea. Poke the tree with the cane, to see if it rapidly ages. Also, try hitting it with the cane, but be careful not to damage it.

What happens if you spin the cane by it's center, like a propeller?

>>93785
Unfortunately, things ejected from the hat cannot be directed. I can 'aim' a single object, but... something nonsolid or nebulous like light or water will only blast out. Each launching has, however, had a small flash of light with it. This suggests that I have been capturing small amounts of light the whole time, and the sound, a solid whumpf, leads me to believe I've been catching air as well.

>>93787
The aging effect was on the amulet. I poke the tree... and nothing occurs. I simply point at it, to no avail either.
I spin the cane as suggested, and the fire erupts... but does not harm me!

>>93799
Tap the ground more than once. The shaking effect from before may be strengthened by doing that.

>>93802
I tell Shi to drop to the ground and tap the earth twice.
The shaking is ten times as powerful as before! The nearby tree collapses away from me.

>>93805
I think we should never, ever tap it three times.

>>93808
A-agreed. That is frightening. Anything else before we go?

>>93812
Oh wait, there is one time I would think of doing it. From a distance, using the hat. Against an army or something. Or a city.

Try spinning the cane then hitting a tree with it while it's on fire.

>>93817
I begin spinning the cane, and while it flames, I strike the tree. I passes through as if the tree is not there, blackening whatever it touches. Then the blackened bark and wood puffs into the air as ash.

Incredible... But the spinning and strike takes a long time to pull off. It might not work well in combat.

>>93828
We're sort if wasting time here. We need to decide how to get the sword. The only ways I could think of to get it is either robbing people/stuff/things in order to get enough money, put on a show for people so they'll give you money, or go directly to the dragon and hope to convince him to give us the sword.

>>93858
Agreed. However, I will not steal from others unless absolutley neccessary. If need be, I could purchase the blade myself. However, I would rather not squander such hard-earned money...

One more thing: If the sword is sold to someone other than myself, it might prove impossible to track the person down. Selling and making magical items is illegal in most countries on this continent. There's a long history behind the prohibition, but I do not feel it needed to tell you of it.

Shall I confront the dragon directly? If so, should I aim to kill it or convince it to give up the blade?

>>93887
Our best bet is to go to the dragon directly. We can try convincing it. If it isn't convinced, then we need to kill it.

rolled 22 = 22

---

((rollan for random encountahs.))

>>93903
That sounds like an excellent plan. We begin our way towards mountain. It will take five days.

rolled 57 = 57

---

>>93929
((Day2))
Nothing approached us.
Shi hunts again, returning looking quite joyous with a deer and a rabbit. We feast on the rabbit and carve the deer. At her suggestion, we cook the deer then immediatly place the cooked meat into the hat.

We rest for the night and set out again.

rolled 82 = 82

---

>>93930
Again, the day goes by uneventful. Shi mentions she believes something is following us by way of note, so I decide to speed the trip. She agrees, but tires quickly after her usual time for sleep. I carry her in her sleep.

>>93931
RANDOM ENCOUNTER!
Soon after Shi awakens and climbs down, she draws her dagger. Several ogres emerge from the undergrowth. Three of them, to be exact, each twice as tall as me.

>>93934
Both of you drop to the ground and tap the cane twice. We may be able to scare them off.

>>93937
I lift the cane and Shi immediatly drops to the ground as I tap it twice. Two of the ogres fall, but the third, decked in better armor and weilding an axe rather than a club, holds his ground.

"Dis be da lands of da Dragon Jahrasp." it growls. "State yeh business."

>>93942
Tell them you're going to see Jerasp.

>>93947
"I am going to see Jerasp, my good man." I say simply.

"Wut aboot?" the ogre replies, leaning on his axe, the head on the ground.

>>93964
Tell them that you wish to acquire something of his.

>>93966
"I am here to acquire something from his reputable collection."

"How're yeh payin?" he asks, as if recited.

>>93968
You won't be paying. You'll be trading.(Hopefully this is a lie)

>>93968
Paying? Well, with money or services, depending.

Lie, and claim you have gold. These ogres are reciting a speech given to them, odds are anything other then what the dragons wants, worded how he words it will result in a confrontation.

Alternately, if ogres are especially dumb, they may accept any answer with "gold" in it. Perhaps say that you wish to trade gods, and convince the dragon with your golden personality. No lies, an an encounter is prevented. I trust you know if ogres are generally stupid enough to fall for the second plan.

>>94104
>>gods

I meant goods. Terribly sorry.

>>94104
Ogres are great doormen because they can magically detect lies. Thus, I believe that
>>93978
is the best plan.

"I'll be paying with services rendered, or magical items of equal or greater value."
"Like dat dere cane?"
"No, but I'm certain UI hold something he might enjoy. Really, I just think we share interests and might enjoy seeing opne another's collections, my good man. I assure you, my intentions for this meeting are wholly pure."

There a long pause, and the ogre's eyes narrow.

>>94314
"Oirght. Just warnin' yer, tho. Iff'n I'm outta a jerb because tings go sour wit' you and der lizzahd, Ah'll kna who ter look fer. And my famly will kna. And thier famly will kna. Clear?"

"Crystal, my good man."
"Good.On yer go."

Me and Shi pass without incident.

>>94319

The entrance is large and imposing, shaped by magic of the dragon to appear similar to its own mouth. Shi sidles up beside me again, shaking slightly.

A few kobolds are nearby, harvesting roots and plants.

>>94336
Are these kobolds the adorable kind, the trap setting super cunning death on two legs kind, or the "so easy a 10 year old girl could kill one) kind?

Sorry to ask. You know haw this multiverse thing is. We really need to have a long hard... write... with Shi soon. Why are we trusting her, again?

>>94339
>Why are we trusting her?
I feel that so long as I do not tell someone the location of my phylactery, I can essentially recover from whatever they do in the end. I'm also a decent judge of character. Anansi riles me, but... he's useful. Shi is... interesting to me.

As for the kobolds...
Kobolds are known for their ability not only as trapmakers, but also for their incredible, overpowering ability to live through anything as a race. As individuals, you are unlikely to find more stubborn creatures. They are not especially intelligent, Just below humans on average. They do have a city of their own, in the southlands, and do trade with some guilds and nobles. Most traps are kobold-made.

Kobolds look like humanoid pangolins, and can roll into a tight protective ball.

>>94340
Right. Okay.

I still want to know her connection with this anansi fellow.

Anyway, I guess, proceed, making sure the mouth doesn't have any traps or anything. Can 'bolds speak English or common or whatever? I guess right now, proceed with caution.

>connection with Anansi.

I'm willing to bet that she may have made a deal like the magician and got harmed in the process.

>Proceed.
We enter, and a kobold looks up at me from behind a stonewroght desk.

The desk comes up to my knees.

"Greetings, sir! Oglap told me you are here to see Jerasp. I will be guiding you to him today, so you do not lose your way in the mines." it trundles out, its long tail scraping the earth. Its voice is high and squeeky, but also full of intense pride.
"This way, sir." it walks down a corridor.

>>94350
While we're waiting, could you conceivably fit your whole mass into the hat if you had to?

Where/what is your phylactory anyway, it'd help us to keep you from dying for realz. You're entertaining, I'd hate to lose you.

>>94350
Follow the kobold

>>94353
>Where/what is your phylactory anyway, it'd help us to keep you from dying for realz. You're entertaining, I'd hate to lose you.

I will never tell another entity where my phylactery is. Suffice to say that no man could find it.


>While we're waiting, could you conceivably fit your whole mass into the hat if you had to?

...maybe. But if I did that, who knows how long it would be until it would be accessed again? Would it be accessed again, ever?

>>94354
The kobold leads me through many tunnels, and I memorize the way out as I walk.

It is getting warmer. Shi is tugging at the collar of her armor, looking nervous.

>>94360
"Something wrong?"

>>94361
"Is something the matter, my lady?"
She just smiloes and shakes her head, fanning herself.
Ah. Fullbody leather armor must not breathe well.

>>94363
==>

>>94365
Some time passes, the heat growing in intensity until we enter a large chamber with a pile of riches, mostly golden coins.

My god, Shi looks like she's about to explode restraining herself. I don't see a dragon anywhere...

>>94367
Tell Shi to calm down. And ask the kobold where the dragon is.

>>94359
>>Suffice to say that no man could find it.
>> man

Shi isn't a man. (Just saying.)

Also keep an eye on her. She might try to pocket something, and you won't be able to hear her if she does. Note for later, we should test if things touching her body make noise. (shoes, coins, liches)
sometime.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2009/12/19(Sat)02:37 No. 94371 ID: 6faa8c
File 126121903186.jpg - (68.87KB , 800x1000 , Jerasp.jpg )

>>94368
"Calm down, Shi. That's not what we came for." she looks slightly deflated, looking at the money longingly. She makes a gesture towards it, and I shake my head, and she looks at the floor and kicks a coin onto the pile.
"By the wa-" I turn to look for the kobold, and I hear the clinking and shlinking of gold coinage as a dragons head erupts from the pile, roaring mightily.

"I AM THE MIGHTY JERASP, DRAGON OF THE NORTHLANDS! WHAT IS YOUR BUSINESS HERE, TINY HUMAN?!"

>>94371
You wish to do business for him in exchange for the sword.

>>94371
You should also make sure Shi hasn't had a heart attack as soon as would be polite. Mouth the words if possible. I have an idea.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2009/12/19(Sat)02:47 No. 94375 ID: 6faa8c
File 126121965292.jpg - (113.47KB , 400x352 , Jerasp rises.jpg )

>>94372
"I have been sent here to reclaim a specific sword you have acquired as of late."

There is further rumbling as the dragon extracts himself from the full pile of coinage, standing easily as large as the Vault if not much, much larger.

"I SEE. WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO OFFER? THAT HAT? THE MONOCLE? THE CAPE? THE CANE? OR PERHAPS A GRAND SUM OF... LET US SAY THIRTY THOUSAND PIECES, GOLDEN?"

That much gold could buy a city, and would drain my resources entirely!
At least he is being reasonable.

I forgot to mention: Coloration of a dragon is not indicitive of a dragon's abilities or persuasion, but all of them can see magical auras.

"AH, A SPIDER-PLEDGED. HE HAS SENT YOU FOR THE SINGING BLADE?" he asks, eyeing Shi.

>>94375
"He sent me."

>>94375
Damn, kills my idea. I thought he might be blind.

Mention that you are here for the sword, and that you are willing to obtain something he wants for it. Perhaps he has a job that requires subtlety, as it doesn't seem to be his forte.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2009/12/19(Sat)02:59 No. 94379 ID: 6faa8c
File 126122039544.jpg - (660.10KB , 1500x1500 , 1261211153224.jpg )

>>94376
The dragon harumphs mightily and rests on his seat of coins.
"The spider-god may have it." he grumbles. "It is worthless. No one will buy it, and it is too small to be useful."

Before you ask, yes, there are smithies who create swords dragons can wield. They are known as scalesmiths or firesmiths.

He reaches into the pile and pulls out a sword with a tiny face on the end of the handle, and places it before me.

"Trust me, you're doing me a favour."

Shi taps my shoulder, pointing up at the top of the cave, where there is a flying exit. I look, and see...

Wait, what?

"What is it?" Jerasp asks, then looks up. His face contorts in utter fear.

>>94379
quickly grab his(it's) leg or something and pull it through the hat

>>94379

You think you can hit it with a hatblast?
Jerasp seems like a pretty cool guy for a dragon. And if we help him, we might get goodies. Also, this thing might steal our sword.

If you think you can hit it, attempt to, otherwise place sword in hat before you do anything else.

>>94380
Didn't think of that, do this instead of the second suggestion.

I reach through the Hat and grasp the creature's leg just before it reaches the dragon. But it curls, and slices my arm off.

No matter. It has proven itself hostile to both me and Jerasp, so I will engage. I tighten my grip with inhumane strength, and...

?!?!?!

The limb does not respond?!
it falls to the ground. Thinking quickly, I grab my appendage through the hat, and pull it into storage as the creature lands, staring at me and Jerasp, who looks terrified.

"Flee, Spidersworn! Flee! This is not a foe you or I can conquer!" Even as he speaks, the creature lets out a howl and spins, then launches the spear. It flies true, but the dragon dodges, far faster than a creature so huge should be able to. The spear instead stiked the wrist of his right hand, going directly through fabled magical defenses all dragons have. I stow the blade, and Shi screams.

>>94383
It can nullify magic, apparently. Do you know of any such creatures? Interesting that the hat isn't affected. How far is it, could you hit it with a hatblast, perhaps using the dagger, you think?

>>94383
Grab Shi, apologize to Jerasp, and run like fuck.

>>94385
Magic nullification is something even wizards themselves prohibit. It is anathema to how life works in this world, and the ecosystem itself. In the hat there is nothing but the remains of the deer. I find myself agreeing with the dragon, who is beggining to launch to the skies. The creature has ran up and grabbed the spear, being taken up with it and is having difficulty escaping.

>>94387
In that case, I agree with

>>94387


RUN.

... while you're running, tap the floor with the cane once. I need to see if it's affected too. Do you know any reason why you and the hat would be different?

>>94388
I felt something jar when she attacked my arm. It didn't feel like she connected either. The portal may have closed when I grabbed her. It must be some sort of proximity effect, or something... or maybe...

She knows dragons are magical, everyone does. She was able to nullify the magic scales.
Clearly, a portal is magical.
So is a hand moving on its own and a woman who cannot make sound. However, I do not appear magical myself. I take Shi's hand and run with her, and she goes silen once we are out of sight of the creature. I make my way out, and turn, to see Jerasp fly out of the mountain and some ways south, easily several hundred miles. But as they become little more than dots, Jerasp falls suddenly.

I feel fear for the first time in several hundred years.

>>94390
Hug Shi

>>94391
HUG SHI.

>>94392
>>94391
I reach out and embrace the young woman, and she holds me in return. Never in my life have I feared so much for it or felt so... displaced. Like I was living without skin or bones. she soon ceases shaking.

Someone clears their throat.
"Ahem. I believe you have an item for me?"

>>94394
"And I believe you have an explanation for me."

>>94396
I pull the blade out from the hat and hold it out to him, and again, he pulls a box from nowhere and takes it.
"My many sincerest thanks." he says with a grin. Allow me to tell you about this item:

":

+When spun by the head or length, the length bursts into fire. This stops when the cane stops.
++The fire can incinerate anything that touches it into fine ash. It does not burn the cane or the holder, nor does it burn anything that the owner of the cane designates.

+When pulled from the head, the cane is revealed to hold a firey blade.

+The wood is immune to fire of any sort.

+Tapping the earth with the Cane causes a small, localized earthquake to occur. Again, you are immune to the effects. You can also activate and deactivate this at will."

>>94398
"One more thing: Jerasp practically gave me the sword for free. But something happened. A red creature attacked, and it can disable magic. It's strange. When things seemed easy for me, by easy I mean extremely easy, danger appeared. It almost seems like you sent the creature. Like you did it just for your own amusement. Tell me the truth about it, or I shall kill you."

>>94400
I love how we're threatening what's probably the avatar of a god with death.

>>94398
"What was up with that warrior in there? Some kind of anti-magic field made it impossible to fight them."

((>:3))
>>94400
>"One more thing: Jerasp practically gave me the sword for free. But something happened. A red creature attacked, and it can disable magic. It's strange. When things seemed easy for me, by easy I mean extremely easy, danger appeared. It almost seems like you sent the creature. Like you did it just for your own amusement. Tell me the truth about it, or I shall kill you."

Anansi's face turns hard, and he lets out a very bitter laugh as he looks me in the eyes.

"You dare to threaten me?" he whispers, "You dare to threaten the god of trickery and magic, little lich? You think I sent you and my lover to your dooms?"
He is growing in size with each word, and by now has plopped onto the ground and is equal in height.
"Do you have any idea what you just faced and how lucky you are to have survived!? That.... that thing in there is enemy to all things magical and deific, you little bastard, and if you so insult me again with such petty threats and accusations, you might find them true, am I making myself absolutley clear?!"

>>94469
>my lover

Wow. Okay. Let's make sure not to hit on Shi from now on. Apologize to him.

>>94474
"I... I'm sorry, Anansi. I... My mind is not all in place in the moment. The encounter was very frightening."
Anansi sighs and returns to normal.
"Yes, yes. I am nothing if not forgiving. I, too apologize, and lost my temper."
He turns to see a very... angry looking Shi.
"I know, I know, I'm sorry. Former lover, yes, yes."
She crosses her arms and huffs, turning away.

Anansi crawls back up me, onto my hat, and dangles from the brim again.

"Can I ask one last favour? This one's really long term, but I'll give you a freebie if you do it."

>>94478
Okay, shoot.

>>94479
"Very well, what is your task?"
"This one requires some history. Some time ago, there were two gods of trickery, but one for magic. Me, and the Raven. Raven wanted to be the only trickster, but I was fine with the competition. He decided to attempt to remove me from the world, and is still trying to. His... 'church', if you will, is full of freaks like that, monsters that can shut down magical feilds. If they keep on like they have been, Me, and the entire world as we know it, will die. And with it, all magic. And then... the cold death will prevail."
I feel the hairs on my neck stand on end.

>>94483
"You mean..."
"Yes. Entropy. I know for a fact thaqt we are the final planet to have use of something that can reverse it. Should that thing disappear..." he sighs.
"I need you to cause the collapse of the Church of the Black Crow. If you succeed... You will receive one wish. One wish, hold the bullshit."

>>94521
"I... I'll do it."

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2009/12/19(Sat)14:10 No. 94587 ID: 6faa8c
File 126126061868.png - (38.74KB , 1000x1000 , initialmap.png )

>>94552
"Very well, Anansi."
Anansi nods gravely. "The churches are spread out among the contininet. Here is a world map with them marked, and some contacts of mine you may want to meet marked out as well. Good luck."

Black and green = cities and towns
Red = Churches of the Raven
Green = Contacts.

>>94587
I'm leaning toward Sal'an the dwarf first.

>>94598
Very well. That's very close to a church, though, and I think I should clarify something.

When Anansi says to destroy and collapse the Church, it doesn't just mean to walk in and tap my cane a couple of times. It means I have to annihalate their 'faith', their numbers, wipe the Raven Church from existense entirely. I'm going to start heading towards the dwarf tommorow. Anythying you want to try before then?

>>94763
Try out the sword in the cane; see how effective it is.

>>94773
I draw the sword in the cane with Shi's help, and look it over. It's perfectly crafted, and at the base near the hilt, there is a stylized S engraved, made to look like a snake-like dragon.

I give it a few swings. It's wonderfully well balanced, and equally suited to slashing unarmored foes and at stabbing through chainmail. The heat will also render any wounds cauterized, so I need not worry about mess on my fine clothes. Excellent.

I remove my arm from the hat. The cut was exact and perfect. I am not certain that it was caused by the hat's portal closing prematurely. I begin to stitch it back on, but Shi stops me, taking the thread in her hands and doing it for me. Her work is precise, and I think she has some actual talent.

>>94779
Once she's done, thank her.

>>94781
When she finally finishes and ties off the string and cuts it, I stand and try out my arm. I frown, the sleeve was cut as well, but... it's excellent, the arm has a full range of movement! I've never managed that.

"Thank you, Shi. This is excellent."
She shakes her head and kicks the ground humbly.

>>94790
"Shall we be off, then?"

rolled 69 = 69

---

>>94815
"Shall we be off, then?" I ask, and she nods, walking beside me. After a while, she pokes the cut in my clothing with a thoughtful look on her face.
She rummages in her pockets and pouches, pulling out a needle and black thread, holding them up with a questioning look on her face.

(DAY 1)

>>94821
Allow her to stitch the cut in your clothing.

>>94821
'That would be great, thank you.'

rolled 56 = 56

---

>>94838
I remove the suit jacket and the sleeve, handing them to her. She does her work as she walks.

We make camp, and she finishes just before we eat dinner: The deer from before, still hot. There's enough for three more days.

(DAY 2)

rolled 100 = 100

---

>>94846
We break camp and move on without incident into a sparse wood. Shi seems oddly happy, and is keeping oddly close to me. I'm a little confused.

>>94869
I think she's beginning to take a shine to you, Hattori. I hope all your faculties are still in working order...

>>94876
Are you joking, of course they are! But why would she like me? My head isn't even attached proper. I shake my head and listen to the noises of the forest, the leaves shaking in the wind, the sound of insects chittering, and Shi's footsteps in the dry forest floor.

>>94880
Shi's making noise? keep an eye out.

>>94880
SHIT! Antimagic creature is in the area! Draw steel, and prepare for combat!

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2009/12/19(Sat)19:11 No. 94912 ID: 6faa8c
File 126127867872.jpg - (339.74KB , 700x965 , 1261211744463.jpg )

>>94887
I draw my blade, and he fire winks out in a second as the creature steps forth from the darkness.

It stands to full height, pointing the spear it holds at me stoically.
"Spidersworn." it says, with a soft and beautiful voice, "You and me. A fair fight. No magic, no tricks, no allies. What say you?"

>>94912
"Why do you wish to fight me?"

>>94917
"Why do you wish to fight me?" I ask, sword at my side.
"You are sworn to Anansi. You are a monster of magic and unnatural forces. You must be cleansed from the world along with your god. Such is the way of our people."

>>94912
"If I lose?"

>>94921
"If I lose?"
"You die." she says simply, curtly. "This is to the death. However, if you agree to this... I promise you loss will not mean the death of your friend."

I am uncertain what this creature can do with the link between me and my Phylactery.

>>94922
"If I decline?"

>>94922
"I feel as though you would attempt to kill us both if I did not agree... What are the conditions of defeat?"

>>94929
"If I decline?"
"Then you will both die, her in her sleep and you when you are burying her." she replies, eyes like cold iron.

>>94934
"I guess I have no choice but to accept."

>>94945
"I guess I have no choice but to accept."
"Choice is an illusion, monster."
"Hmph. Give me a moment to prepare. There are several things I must arrange quickly."

I remove my jacket and unbutton my shirt, handing the former to Shi.
"Hattori, I..." Shi gegins, then blinks. Her voice is... unlike anything I've heard in my life. Amazingly beautiful. "I want you to know that... I..."

>>94965
Ask Shi what she wants to say.

>>94992
"What is it, Shi? You won't get another chance..."
"I..." she blushes deeply, but isn't able to say more. Instead, she turns and writes a note, folding it up and placing it in my coat pocket.
"After. So... you aren't distracted."
"Very well. If this does not turn out well, there is a note at this address under the floorboards. See that it reaches a Dwarf named Stronghead in the same city."

I turn to face the creature. Is there anything I should say?

>>95013
"You call us monsters of magic, and yet you yourself are the same. I suppose that no matter who loses this fight, a monster shall be slain on this day."

Unless you can think of something better. We're trying to make the thing off balence.

>>95013
This one fight could determine the fate of the entire universe. Magic or entropy? May our clashing blades decide which is preferable!

>>95025
"This one fight could determine the fate of the entire universe. Magic or entropy? May our clashing blades decide which is preferable!"
I smile grimly. If I'm going to die, it should be spectacular!

The creature comes at me in a straight, tight charge, bounding across the dry earth.

Being a lich comes with many benefits. Including a greatly heightened sense of time. I could see the tensing of the muscles in her legs as she pushed forward, each bound adding more power to the spear. I could see the individual particles of dirt flying from her feet. I could see the spear come at me. I duck low, and lunge forward, under the spear, grabbing the haft tightly and pulling her forward unexpectedly.
As I planned, the jolt throws her off balance, and I bring up the blade to stab her, only to find it redirected by a dagger she had hidden un her boot. Left so vulnerable, she drops the dagger and punches me, lifting me up and sending me back some ten or twenty feet. Incredible! She nearly took my head from my shoulders! I get up and see her charging again...

>>95042
Try to get her weapons away from her. Also avoid her punches.

Did she re-obtain her dagger?
If not, then try and use her momentum against her. Let her charge and then dive to the side, preferably slashing at her leg as you do so.

If this seems unwise, then perhaps try and stab her arm, in both cases you're trying to sever a tendon, as a lich you have an intimate knowledge of anatomy, right?

>>95047
As a medical lich I can practically see her internal organs through her clothes.
I get out of the way at the last second, but before I can slash at her, her free hand, the one not bracing the spear intercepts as she spins. I barely manage to duck the spear and bring up my fist in time to slam into the back of her hand.

I hear snapping bones, and her spear flies off and hits a deer. She pulled out another dagger, lets out a cry and assaults me again, and I block it easily with my blade.

But then something odd happens.

She lets go of the daggers handle for the barest instant, and a length of brass snaps out and grasps my blade. Within a moment, she's snapped it out of my grasp and tossed it and the knife away.

We are both disarmed. Our respective weapons are behind out opponents.

>>95050

Could she be augmented in some manner? Perhaps using clockwork? Would it explain her speed and power?

More importantly, is there a way we could exploit that... How strong are you? Try to feignt any attacks she initiates and deliver a sharp blow to her joints if possible. Your highest priority is to avoid those fists of fury, though.

>>95050
Tap the cane... THREE times. Don't telegraph the tapping.

>>95053
I get in close, and while she's busy countering my blows and trying and failing to punch me, I manage to tap three times...

And then her arm comes down on mine and I hit the ground a fourth time.

Oh no.

The earth trembles, small at first, then larger, until the ground begins to open. Suddenly, a fissure opens and the creature begins to fall in.

It was reflex. I'm a doctor, I'm used to saving lives, not ending them.

"You lied." she hisses as I hold her arm. I cannot see the end of the pit, as Shi walks up beside me. "You tricked me!"
The trees fell away from us, and the massive split in the earth stretches to my left and right as long as I can see, and likely far deeper.

>>95055
Don't pull her up yet, but ask why she hates magic.

>>95057
"Why do you hate magic so?"
"It perverts everything we hold dear!" she shouts at me, which is unnecessary. "There are only a handful of my people because that frightened little insect decided we were a threat!"

>>95058
"You are a threat. If you continue this, everyone will die. Everyone."

>>95060
"You are a threat! If you continue to do this, everyone will die! Everyone!"
"In what, four thousand, ten thousand, one hundred thousand years?" she retorts. "My people should not be exterminated for something they cannot control, spidersworn. We tried to keep to ourselves in our corner of the world. We tried to avoid contact with the world at large." her eyes grow hard. "Save me or kill me, it does not matter. Everyone I love is already dead."

>>95061
"Through magic, there may be a way to bring them back. I was promised 1 wish if I save the world. I think I know what my wish is now."

>>95066
"Through magic, there may be a way to bring them back. I was promised 1 wish if I save the world. I think I know what my wish is now."
Her face snarls in anger.
"You insult me! Let me go now! I would rather the Seeran die and leave nothing behind than be brought back by that vile insect you call a god!"

>>95067
"Would I threaten to kill a god? Anansi is merely a person I do favors for."

>>95069
"Would I threaten to kill a god? Anansi is merely a person I do favors for."

"You don't understand what he did to us." she says angrily. "He blighted us! Infertilized us, down to every woman! I don't care whether that insect is a god, a person, or the whole planet!"

>>95085
"Do you wish that all the damage he has caused to never have happened? Do you wish he never existed at all?"

>>95089
She pauses.
"Stop hurting me with such dreams that can never some true." he murmurs, looking down into the pit.

>>95091
"One wish, hold the bullshit. Those were his exact words. If you want to, you can make the wish."

>>95096
"I-if it means saving my people..." she sighs. "I was going to die at any rate."She grabs my arm and I haul her up. I retrieve my sword, and she her lance. She actually just jumps over the gap as if it's not there and returns, looking into my eyes intensely.
"Now what, Spidersworn?"

>>95102
"We get to know each other. My name is Hattori Delarosa. This is Shi."

>>95110
"We get to know each other. My name is Hattori Delarosa. This is Shi."
"Esteemed, Hattori. My name is Allenessa Toreador Geraldi III." she pauses. "Most of my friends, such as they are, call me Ella."

>>95117
Smile and welcome her to the team. Also discreetly check the note in your pocket.

>>95118
"Welcome to the team." I say, smiling.
She glares at me.
"I am only with you until the Church has fallen. I am not enjoying this, nor will I."
"The church is nothing but Seerans, isn't it."
"It is. We are the only inherently antimagical race, though with effort we can... inhibit these qualities.

I sigh and check the note.

It's blank. I look up at Shi, who is busy looking innocent and catlike.

>>95136
... Goddamnit Shi.

*grumble*

Well I guess we should get down to business. Ask her if she's the one who killed the dragon Jerasp.

rolled 59 = 59

---

>>95141
I shake my head. It's likely that the note was merely incentive to strive harder in the battle. I turn to Ella.
"Did you slay Jerasp?"
"No. That was my sister." she says quietly as we walk.

(DAY 4)

rolled 31 = 31

---

>>95311
We keep moving forward. It's a long trip. Is there anything you think we should ask Elle?
We set up camp and the ladies hun, bringing back even more food than Shi did alone. Appaerently Elle has a taste for bearmeat. I sample some myself, and Elle starts the process of turning the rest into jerky.

>>95370
"Ella, do you want to know why I wanted to get my hands on this hat in the first place?"

>>95385
"Ella, do you know why I wanted to get this hat in the first place?" I ask, tapping the brim of the hat.
She shakes her head. I'm uncertain where you're going with this...

>>95390
You're in similar situations. You wanted the hat to destroy it because you feared it. She wanted to destroy magic because she feared it. Now you're using the hat and she's putting her trust in magic for the wish.

>>95394
Ah!
"I feared it would destroy me, Ella."
"You did? How could such a thing..."
"It was part of a prophecy. But that's not the point, Ella. Not I trust this hat. I've used it countless times, and it's saved my skin at least once. Now you, too, are trusting in something you feared enough to destroy."
Ella looks into the distance.
"I will escort you to wherever your next destination is, Hattori. But after that, I believe we would work better apart. Do you agree? After all, most of your power is suppressed around me..."

>>95398
"If we do split up, what will you do?"

>>95400
"I will seek to convince my brethren and kin, one at a time, to join this cause." she says.

>>95403
"I'll do the same." Then smile.

>>95410
"I'll do the same."
"Do not get the wrong idea: I do not enter into this cause to help you. I do it to help my people. It's not like I even like you or anything."

>>95411
"Just don't get yourself killed out there."

>>95414
"Just don't get yourself killed out there."
"Ha!" she barks. "The strongest person I've ever met is you, family included.
She smiles for the first time since I've met her.

>>95439
"Thanks. That smile looks nice on you."

>>95441
"Thanks. That smile looks nice on you."
She blinks and looks away, grumbling about spidersworn and tricks as we continue to walk.

The mountains are now in sight.

>>95442
"We'll be reaching Sal'an soon. Before we part, I want you to do something for me, Ella." Then wait until she asks us what. "Shi has a beautiful voice. I'd like her to sing a song for us."

>>95451
"We'll be reaching Sal'an soon. Before we part, I want you to do something for me, Ella."
"What would that be?"
"Shi has a beautiful voice. I'd like her to sing a song for us."
"Wait, wha-"
She smiles and runs up to place a finger over the creature's mouth, and then she begins to sing, quietly at first, then more strident. Ella and I watch, hypnotised as she moves slowly around the area. Incredible. In all my years...
It's over as suddenly as she began, as she smiles at me with her hands behind her back, standing on one foot as the other curls around it.

>>95494
Now that deserves some applause.

>>95496
We both break into applause, and when I look to Elle to comment, she's already gone and Shi is silent once more. Hurm.

Well, I can see smoke curling from a cave near the top, shall we head up there?

>>95498
Yes.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2009/12/20(Sun)16:40 No. 95502 ID: 6faa8c
File 126135603426.jpg - (503.44KB , 1181x1181 , Sa\'lan.jpg )

>>95500
We make our way up with ease to the cave, and enter. I can hear not banging, but gentle tapping.
Ah, not a blacksmith. A whitesmith. Or something of the like. Shi runs on ahead, and I hear a grunt and enter a scene of her hugging a stout, solid man with an enourmous beard... possibly to compensate for his bald head.

"So yer the new boy werkin' fer Anansi, eh? He let me kna yer was commin', and I just finished up with mah gift ter yer."

>>95502
Introduce yourself, Shi, and ask what the gift is.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2009/12/20(Sun)16:53 No. 95520 ID: 6faa8c
File 126135681181.jpg - (3.68KB , 160x160 , FistsofSa\'lan.jpg )

>>95503
"I am-"
"'Attori. Ah knaaa." he smiles. "Anansi let me know you and Shi were coming. Here." he tosses something through the air and I catch them. "I ain't gonna tell yer the whole function of dem. Dese ones are special, and dat means the functions must be discovered, am I clear?"

Hurm. Cufflinks.

"I call'em ther Fists o' Sa'lan." he says, "And all the functions but one are done by activation words."

I clip them onto my cuffs and a soft whisper enters my mind.

0 newtons.

>>95520
Try "Five"

>>95524
"Five."
Nothing. Sa'lan chuckles, and Shi looks like she's giggling. I palm my face.

1 newton.

>>95529
Try facepalming again for science.

>>95530
I do so again, from the hip up to my face nstead of from in front of me.

3 newtons

>>95529
Ah. It collects and stores energy, then. Collect some more. Say, punch your own hand a couple of times.

Hm, we'll need an object to experiment on.

>>95534
I do so, and indeed it does store energy!

An object... There's a boulder just outside, weighs maybe as much as me.

10 newtons

>>95535
Spin your arm around a bit to get more energy first.
Press your palm against it and try these: 'release' 'impact' 'push' 'assist'.

>>95561
I spin around and move in circles until I accumulate a grand total of a thousand newtons.

>'release'
Nothing.

>'impact'
Nothing.

>'push'
At first I think nothing happens, but then...
The links shine!

PUSHING FIST

A large fist of energy emerges from my palm and slams into the stone, sending it flying. It goes out maybe three or four meters, then drops and slams into the ground.

>>95566
Try "shatter", "slam", and "pound".

"Pull"? (careful here)
"Lift"?

>>95577
"Kaboom"

((oopsie! Sorry about that.))
>>95572

>Slam.

FIST OF FORCE
I feel a force hit my elbow, driving my own fist forward as it is sheathed in blue power. My fist so protected slams into the boulder, and with 200 newtons,moves it roughly two or three meters.

>>95583
"Burst", "Bang", "Roar"

>>95593
Nothing again.
Hurrrm.

"Hey, 'At. Catch." I hear from the cave mouth. I turn around, and see an axe turning end over end, flying right at me!

>>95597
"Defend"?

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2009/12/20(Sun)18:21 No. 95605 ID: 6faa8c
File 126136210915.jpg - (126.11KB , 550x790 , Sa\'lanarmored.jpg )

>>95600
I cry out and raise my arms in front of me. Without a word, the links glow, and...
Interesting. Two bands of force energy, glowing blue, appear. Each one hovers over a link, and is a foot wide and three feet long, extending parrelel to my forearm. The axe rebounds and flies off.

"Ah, good, they work properly." rumbles Sa'lan, walking out of the cave with Shi.

>>95605
"Thank you for throwing an axe at me without my permission in hopes that these cufflinks work properly."

>>95609

"Thank you for throwing an axe at me without my permission in hopes that these cufflinks work properly."

"Nah prahblem." he replies. "We gonna try an' handle the church up narth, or are we gonna get more folk togethah?"

>>95613
"I guess we can gather more people." Also mention Ella.

>>95633
"I think we can gather some more people. Also, I managed to convince a Seeran to join our side."

"Pull da utha one, it's got bells on." he grumbles. She shakes her head and then nods to him.

"Oh. Well, if Shi is backen yer up..."

>>95644
"Shi's been nothing but helpful to me. I'd be extremely upset if she just suddenly betrayed me, but I know she wouldn't do that."

>>95658
Wha?

>>95644
"Yes, well it took some doing. I had to make a promise that I'm not completely sure I can keep."

rolled 97 = 97

---

>>95676
>"Yes, well it took some doing. I had to make a promise that I'm not completely sure I can keep."

"I hope fer yer sake ye can, boyo. Seeran are not ezactly known fer their... forgivin' attitude. Can't ezactly blame them for their crusade, but... well, yer can begrudge the lion it's meal, eh?" We begin to descend the mountain.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2009/12/20(Sun)21:08 No. 95758 ID: 6faa8c
File 126137209464.gif - (50.48KB , 400x511 , Censure.gif )

>>95742
We reach the foot of the mountain, but Sa'lam stops me.

"Yer knaa this feller?" he askes, pointing at a heavily armored man before us. He stands silently, his axe held parrallel to his body. His helmet has no eyeslits.

"No." I reply, and the knight's head turns to me.

>>95758
Ask who it is.

>>95759
"Who are you?" I ask, and recieve no reply. Shi steps behind me.

"'E's both'rin me." Sa'lam says, putting away his pipe. The knight looks at him.

"Maybe we should ignore him?" I ask, and the armored head turns to me.

>>95760
It can't see you, I think.

>>95762
Let's test that... I tap Shi's shoulder and send her around him and back. He does not move. I signal her back, and he remains solidly planted.

Should we continue past and ignore him, or attempt diplomacy further?

>>95763
Let's try diplomacy. Introduce yourself.

>>95766
"Excuse me, sir. My name is Hattori." I say, and the knight picks his axe out of the ground, and holds it in both hands, leaning forward slightly. "Er...What qualm have you with me, good sir knight?"
It takes a step forward.

>>95768
Draw the blade from the cane as silently as you can, and talk over the sound. Ask who sent it, or if it just happened upon you.

>>95769
As I draw the sword, I speak. "Who sent you, knight?"

Sa'lan looks at the blade I draw with wide eyes, then draws his axe with me, as Shi manuevers behind the knight.

He takes another step forward, being about twenty feet from me now.

1000 newtons

>>95772
Ask it if it's a Seeran.

>>95773
"Are you a Seeran?" I ask, as me and Sa'lam move to flank with Shi. It takes another step. Fifteen feet.

1100 newtons. Shield is prepared... 500 newtons.

>>95774
"Answer me or die." Quickly look for weaknesses.

>>95775
"Awnser me or die."
Ten feet. He rears back and swings, and I duck under the blow, my sword coming up to stab him between his joints!

A successful blow! But... There's no blood. I pull out and retreat to thirty feet, and all I see leaking from his left arm is a thick black smoke.

I also notice the smoke itself behaves oddly, twisting in the air even against the wind. The armored creature turns to me.

600 newtons.

>>95778
Get the cane flamed up and slice right through this pathetically slow creature.

>>95778
Buy a bit more time so you reach at least 900 newtons.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2009/12/20(Sun)21:59 No. 95784 ID: 6faa8c
File 126137515128.jpg - (35.05KB , 300x300 , Censuresdarkness.jpg )

>>95780
I sheathe the blade, spinning the entire cane to light up with fire. Ducking under it's next thrust, I swing towards the middle and easily plow through the metal, turning it to ash. I dart away again, and more of the smoke issues forth, surrounding the knight with a nimbus of darkness.

It stands still, then plants its axe length into the earth.

CENSURE'S DARKNESS!

The dark smoke spills out, covering the entire area. I con only see about ten feet around me, but my hearing is unimpaired.

>>95781
800 newtons

>>95784
When you catch sight of it, tap the cane twice. Once it gets distracted, unsheath quickly and use Fist of Force through your hat to attack it's throat for massive damage.

>>95784
PUSH this smoke-spewing skeleton off it's feet. Hopefully the PUSH effect is wide-area, rather than a focused vector.

One can only hope this creature weighs less than a boulder.

>>95791
I see him coming at the last possible second, leaping over the initial attack and tapping the cane twice quickly. He stumbles, and in the time gifted to me, I reach through the hat.
"SLAM!"
900 newtons expended.

HAT TRICK: ARCANE SLAM

My fist goes under the helmet, but finds nothing there to hit, and continues forwad to slam into the back of the helm, sending it flying off. The smoke...
Condenses, and connects the helm to the center of the armor, but doesn't quite bring it all the way back. It stands up and attacks again, and I barely manage to leap out of the way.

?!?!

The helmet rockets towards me, impaling my belly and lifting me off the ground, launching me a good twenty feet. I land heavily.

That was unexpected.

200 newtons.

>>95794
Use the hat to grab the helmet and store it in the hat.

>>95798
I do so, bounding away as I pull it in.

HAT TRICK: CUNNING DISARMAMENT!

For a moment, I see a strange creature, with tiny hands and eyes like slits, and then it retreats into the armor.

Sa'lam runs forward with Shi, and his axe slams into the creature's side, ripping into the armor and leaving a huge gash in it just before Shi slips inside.

She leaps back out a moment later, holding leather straps and buckles, covered in cuts. But just as the armor seems to fall apart, it rises again, shoddily taking the old shape, only the arms still intact.

300 newtons

>>95799
Pull all that you can through the hat and store it.

>>95801
HAT TRICK: CUNNING DISARMAMENT!
HAT TRICK: CUNNING DISARMAMENT!
HAT TRICK: CUNNING DISARMAMENT!
HAT TRICK: CUNNING DISARMAMENT!

I manage to pull away the parts of the chestplate and most of the legs, but the arms and feet still stand, like some sort of strange foglike stick figure!

And it's faster now! Sa'lam and Shi can barely distract it as I put away peice after peice, but it soon realizes who is taking it. it turns and rushes at me!

500 newtons

>>95803
Tap the cane twice and try to resume storing the armor. If it's too risky to use the hat, then try to slice off a bit of armor through the hat.

I tap the cane twice, but it's undisturbed! I duck under the axe, and to the left, but I stumble and fall on my back. I block the axe with the sheilds, and he thrusts with the axe.

I put the hat in the way.
The axe slides into the hat, then the arm, then the whole shoulder, and the creature loses balance. I pull the hat away and place it on my head, as I rise.

HAT TRICK: CUNNING BLOCKADE!

The fist comes at me.

"SLAM!"

BROFIST OF FORCE!

Our fists slam together, but mine prevails, shattering the fist and sending steel flying ev everywhere.

The smoke dissipates entirely, left as nothing but iron boots.

>>95805
Quickly store the iron boots just in case.

>>95806
I do so. I currently hold a nearly complete set of armor inside the hat. Woe betide anyone in front of me when I speed expel it.

>>95807
Ask if everyone is OK.

>>95808
"Is everyone alright?" I ask.
Shi nods, and Sa'lam grunts.
"Good. We'd best keep going."

Which member of the spidersworn should I seek next?

>>95816
Gerald is closer. Go to him.

>>95817
Very well. We will seek the poacher. We make our way southwards, and make camp that night.

"So this... Seeran." Sa'lan says, lighting his pipe, "She allied with you for the wish?" he asks. "Anansi offered all of us the wish, you know."

>>95818
Ask him if there's a way to call Anansi, he has some 'splaining to do.

>>95822
"Anansi will show himself as he pleases. There's no calling a god like him. He's not like the Incarnate or the Clown, yer see."

The incarnate and the Clown are the forces of Law and Chaos in this world.

"Anansi is a god of trickery, magic, and lies." he goes on. "He catches his foes with a web of half-truths and allies, killing them before they even realise they are a target." the dwarf looks me in the eyes. "You can, of course, turn back now. Give up everything he has given ye. The knowledge, the girl, the link to Legion yeh have..."

>>95823
"No. I made a promise. I will keep that promise. If Anansi makes me break that promise, he'll have hell to pay. No more tricks."

>>95825
"No. I made a promise. I will keep that promise. If Anansi makes me break that promise, he'll have hell to pay. No more tricks."

The dwarf stands up.

"Outstanding." he says. There's something off in his voice, I can't place it. "Absolutely outstanding. Never have I seen such strength in a spidersworn." The face bulges out, the eyes turn black.

In a matter of seconds, a huge raven stands before me.
"I doubt introductions are neccesary." it says, a permanent smile on its face.

>>95826
Does Anansi know about this?

>>95827
"Does Anansi know of this?"
The Raven caws once, a bark of a laugh. "Of course he does. But I am here not to talk to him, but to speak with you." the Raven sits opposite me, across the fire. "The story Anansi told you, it is true. I indeed want to remove him as a god of trickery. But he neglected to mention the whole of my hope." he sighs. "My church is misguided, illusioned. I want there to be only one trickster god, but... I also want there to be a god of magic." the bid shakes itself. "Me and Anansi cannot communicate directly. Neither of us will listen to the other. Something... or someone... is trying to destroy us both. Do you understand?"

>>95830
Could it be that smoke creature?

>>95831
The creature laughs.
"A Censure? No. They are malevolent spirits that inhabit armor and use it to murder the living and steal their shadows. We are talking about a much more powerful creature. A dragon, a demigod, a lich... something along those lines. Excepting you, of course."

>>95832
"Do you think me powerful enough to slay it?"

>>95833
"At this point, there's no telling. The Enemy managed to completly cut off my voice from my churches and send them believable messeges. Not only that, he managed to cut me off from all other gods, and set up a believable facsimilie in my place. He is no one to be toyed with. Not only that, with my dimming faith, I am not nearly as strong as I once was..."
the Raven sighs. "You are veiwing me at my full power, even now. Do not try to tell Anansi about this conversation, he won't believe you. There's only one thing I can do. I need someone to swear themselves to me as this young lday has sworn herself to Anansi."

>>95834
"Is it possible I can?"

>>95835
"That is indeed possible. But you would have to keep your Mark and your new powers a secret from your friends... and possible lover. You need to ask yourself if you can do that... or you can find someone suitable. I am certain you know the person I speak of."

>>95838
"I'm sorry, I promised no more tricks. I shall keep an eye out for her."

>>95839
"I see." Raven stands and bows. "Keep in mind, I hold no emnity towards Anansi. I merely think he is far more qualified in the department of magic than trickery. You have a good night. I have warded this area to the best of my abilities. Your dwarf friend is in the men's tent."

There is a blast of black feathers, and the god(?) is gone.
I swear, if things change like this again I may just give up.

>>95840
If you give up, then how will you keep the promises you made, both to Ella and Raven? Check on the dwarf.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2009/12/21(Mon)01:42 No. 95843 ID: 6faa8c
File 126138855453.jpg - (40.14KB , 478x675 , ColdDeath.jpg )

>>95841
It was just a matter of speaking, really. Sa'lam looks okay.

I go to sleep for the night.

I dream.

Evening, lich.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2009/12/21(Mon)01:51 No. 95846 ID: 6faa8c
File 126138910463.jpg - (33.42KB , 600x464 , DeathsTimepeice.jpg )

>>95843
What are you?

Even Death needs a reaper. That is I.

But you have no sword or scythe.

I need none. My weapon is time. My power is Cold. My name is Entropy.

It holds up a pocket watch on a blackened chain.

Use the power wisely. I do not seek unfair death. You are the hand of fate, you are the balance in the scales. Be careful.

The watch is in my hands. It is cold as ice. It is death. It is ticking down. Ticking away my days, even as I escape...

I wake up, shooting upright and covered in cold sweat, nearly hitting Shi in the face with my forehead.

>>95846
Check your hands. See if they hold a watch.

>>95848
I look down at my hands. The watch is there.
The watch. The very symbol of the cold, heatless death nothing can escape. It chills my hand.

>>95851
Do you have any idea what power that thing in your dream was talking about?

>>95852
...No.

I'm the only medial lich in existance, but that's only because of my incredible ability to endure pain. Anyone else would have passed out at the critical moment... Perhaps he was referring to the watch itself?

>>95856
Examine it. Both sides.

>>95857
The front is a symbol of a star. The back is an intricately engraved D. The craftsmanship is so precise and masterful as to be almost supernatural.

>>95858
Hmm. Try saying "freeze".

>>95859
"Freeze."
It pops open.

It's a traditional Hour, minute, second display. There is a date as well. Hurm.

>>95862
That's not quite the reaction I was expecting. What's the date on there say?

>>95863
It is today's date.

A fly lands on the joint between watch and chain, and the time ticks a head a few seconds. I swat it, and as I shake off the remains, the time returns to normal. Weird...

>>95864
Try touching the joint and see what happens.

>>95865
I touch the joint, and the face display blackens entirely until I remove my hand.

>>95866
This watch will be useful. Very useful.

>>95867
Well, at least it keeps perfect time.

Shi, who had been watching up until now, walks around me and sits infront of me, so the watch is pointing at her.

The time spins forward to several dozen years in the future, and about three hours later than now.

>>95868
OK, put the watch away. Is it morning?

>>95869
I put the watch away. It is early morning, and the dwarf still sleeps.

Loudly.

Find a squirrel or other harmless creature and point the watch at it, then try turning the knob. It does have a knob on it for adjusting the time or winding it, doesn't it?

>>95913
Actually, there's nothing for winding it! Peculiar, but I guess something like this doesn't need winding. Shi walks up beside me again, staying oddly close to me.

>>95916
"Hello, Shi. Sleep well? I got something new here in my sleep. It can see when things are going to die."

Point it at the dwarf and check the readout.

>>95918
"Hello, Shi. Sleep well? I got something new here in my sleep. It can see when things are going to die."
Shi smiles, then watches as I check the readout for the dwarf. Several hundre- no... It seems to be switching rapidly between a day from now to what seems to be death from old age.

>>95919
Interesting. We'll want to watch out for him tomorrow. Apparently Shi is going to be fine for quite a while, but let's not tell her; that causes all sorts of problems.

Show her what it does when you point it at yourself.

>>95924
I point it at myself and show it to her, but before the readout stabilises, she snaps it shut and gives me an angry look.

>>95925
She knows. Apologize to her.

>>95926
"Ah... I'm sorry. I thought..."
She sighs soundlessly and shakes her head, humming to herself as she retrieves a sharpening stone from her bag and her knife.

The dwarf awakens.

>>95928
Be on the lookout. It could be Ella, but then again it might not be.

Oh wait, I get it. It wasn't that it said you would *never* die, it just wouldn't tell you your own time of death.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2009/12/21(Mon)13:38 No. 95934 ID: 6faa8c
File 12614315093.jpg - (447.62KB , 700x447 , Jax.jpg )

>>95931
"Ella?"
"Amazing how you always spot me." she mutters. This time she is flanked by another, though his armor is much lighter. "Spidersworn, meet my brother, Jax."
The creature nods silently.
"I have heard tell of your and Ella's encounter, spidersworn. I am intrigued, but I wish to speak with you myself before I commit to anything."

>>95934
"I assume you wish to speak to me about swearing yourself to Anansi?"

>>95941

"I assume you wish to speak to me about swearing yourself to Anansi?"

"Nay. I only want the truth of the matter. Is it true that you wish to bring down our Church?"

>>95943
"Not anymore. A little bird spoke with me."

>>95951
"Not anymore. A little bird spoke with me."
Jax lifts his hat to look me in the eye. There's something odd about his gaze.
"Tell me more." he says.

>>95954
Tell them about your encounter with Raven.

Also tell him that if they stop killing magical creatures, it will be easier to track down this mysterious third party controlling the churches.

>>95957
>>95958
I tell him about my encounter with the Raven, and especially about the vague and unseen enemy the Raven mentioned.
Both Ella and Jax react oddly to the latter point, and retreat to speak privately.

>>95961
Get some breakfast.

>>95961
What happens to food you eat, anyway?

Heeyyy... Can you put your ear to the hat, and imagine an area near those two to eavesdrop?

>>96020
>magic eavesdropping
>magic
>eavesdropping on 2 anti-magic creatures
I wouldn't recommend it.

>>96020
I'm not going to do that. I trust Ella somewhat, and it's really their decision whether they want to get involved.

>>95998
While I'm waiting, I eat the meal Shi prepared for us today, which is some simple rabbit stew.

>>96030
If you're finished eating and they still aren't done talking yet, maybe you can ask Shi to sing for you again.

Let's talk to Shi about her past, instead.

>>96040
Changing vote to this

>>96040
"Shi... before you were sworn to Anansi..."
She smiles.
"I was a bard." she says, "A weaver of story and song. But I also loved to put rich men in their place. I would talk my way into their homes with sweet words, and knock them out with chemicals and steal their precious diamonds and pearls they used on other girls. Anansi saw my work and enjoyed it greatly. He told me I could put many, many more in their proper place, if I wanted."

>>96043
"I'm sorry to bring this up, but Anansi mentioned a relationship with you."

>>96049
She barks a laugh.
"Gods are poor lovers." she mutters coldly.

>>96053
"What do you think of me?"

>>96057
"What do you think of me?"
She giggles.
"One of the most interesting men I've met in a long time." she says, "But denser than a sack of half-bricks at times."

>>96058
Tell Shi what you think of her.

>>96060
I chuckle.
"And you are one of the most beautiful women I've ever met, and it's an honor to have heard you sing."
She smiles.
"Oh, thank you. But is now really the time for this sort of thing?" she asks, pointing out the Dwarf eating quietly, who clears his throat.
"Dun mind me."