You awaken with a start in choking darkness. Tangled blankets leap from your body as you vault upright. Your ritual knife gleams in a pale sliver of light, dancing motes of light spiraling across the sacred runes carved into its length. You suck in a deep breath, hold it, then exhale.
Slowly, your senses come back to you.
You remember the night before in pieces. The steamy baths and sweet nectar libations of the Mother's private spring are cloudy images before your mind's eye. The unfurling petals of the Grand Blossom above you—
You rake a hand through your hair, trying to steady yourself. The finer details of the night are shrouded behind the pounding headache that occupies your skull. You pull a leaf-cup of water thoughtfully provided from your nightstand, swallowing the contents in a few swift gulps. Orchid's hospitality, likely.
As your eyes adjust to the gloom, you find yourself in a guest bedroom within the blossom. The thin sliver of light shines 'round the edges of a curtain drawn across one of the filmy windows of the Blossom. Behind that curtain the first rays of dawn paint the landscape in flowery shades of vibrant pink and yellow.
You hadn't meant to spend the night.
>>46711439
You take a momentary inventory of yourself. Your bag is slung haphazardly over the arms of a nearby vanity. You appear unharmed and unmarked. Shirt, folded. It seems you slept in your trousers. You take a few minutes to wash your face in the basin and dress yourself before throwing back the curtain and allowing light to flood the room. Dozens of flowers lining the walls open their petals in response to the surge of sunlight.
At least you awoke early.
A knock on the door brings your drifting mind back to the here and now. Without awaiting response the wood creaks to one side, allowing a smiling Dryad to slip through the portal into your chambers. Long white petals
“Good morning Totemist,” she chirps. Her arms are laden with a bounty of succulent fruits. “Can I offer you a meal?” She squeezes her arms together, offering the cornucopia up toward you. The effect, you think, is somewhat exaggerated.
> Head for home to experiment with your new Focus.
> Travel to Azeo Sicros.
> Warp to Eluneia. You need to check on your proposal.
> Fly to the Pointsmar landing site.
> Write-in
---
You are Osyki, journeyman Totemist and first line of defense for your village against the rabid Behemoths wandering the land. Your master, the previous Totemist, fell in a battle against a terrible Behemoth, leaving the duty of defending your settlement to you. After a hazy night at the Grand Blossom, you must return to preparations for the immediate future: A behemoth to be slain, a nation to befriend.
[[Previous Threads: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=totem
>HTML Bindings Spreadsheet (Hover for descriptions!): http://zamubafoo.github.io/
>The Cast Thus Far: http://pastebin.com/VsJpEUx3
>Binder's Log / Misc Inventory: http://pastebin.com/XvvRSk4W
>Transformations and Unions: http://pastebin.com/0v9XMEv0
>Ask: ask.fm/DiarcaEXE
>Quest Twitter: @TotemistQuest ]]
>>46711455
> Warp to Eluneia. You need to check on your proposal.
> Write-in
After enjoying a healthy and NOT AT ALL INNUENDO-LADEN meal.
>>46711455
> Head for home to experiment with your new Focus.
>>46711455
>> Warp to Eluneia. You need to check on your proposal.
>>46711539
also ask Cordia what happened last night
>>46711455
> Warp to Eluneia. You need to check on your proposal.
>>46711587
inb4 silent treatment because Osyki got drunk and banged a dryad
>>46711455
They all seem like good options and I want to do all of them, and now we know why the Magus splintered himself.
>>46711643
>implying he didn't bang the mother
The Dryad watches you with a kind of wry amusement that you can't quite define. You take a handful of berries from her, if only to rid yourself of her expectant gaze, and chow down. The berries are sweet and juicy, but a little soft. Overripe, perhaps. It is the Swamp.
You busy yourself while you eat with packing your bag for travel. A rapid inventory confirms nothing has been misplaced from your bag while you slumbered. The green-skinned woman watches you silently as you pace back and forth, pausing to take an offered plum here, a bundle of grapes there. By the time you are prepared for departure your mouth is syrupy with the lingering aftertaste of plant sugars.
The Dryad deposits the remainder of her bounty atop the table by the window. When she turns to face you, she does so with that ever present look of expectation honed at you like a freshly whetted knife.
“Will you require aught else before you depart, Totemist?”
You shake your head. “Thank you for the meal. Give the Mother my regards.”
She bow low, curled white-petal hair sweeping over her shoulders as she does so. “Of course. We look forward to your next visit.”
She steps aside to allow you access to the door. You take her by surprise, then, when you close your eyes and vanish from sight altogether.
(cont.)
>>46712152
The cold embrace of the Mists does more to rouse you from your state of half-slumber than sunlight or fruit ever could. The wispy curls of gray aether deposit you on the doorstep of your Eluneian home in the space of a heartbeat. You dust the rime from your shoulders.
“Cordia,” you ask aloud, “What -happened- last night?”
As if awaiting your summons, your malachite-hued companion whirls into being beside you. Her usually patient expression is split by a wry smile.
“You enjoyed yourself for once, I should think,” she responds. “You had a good deal more to drink than a man your age ought to, then attempted valiantly to impress the Dryads assembled with displays of your...” she trails off, and your heart fair skips a beat. “Spiritual prowess.”
You drop your head into your hands. “Perfect.”
She pats you gently on the shoulder. “There, there. Youth is the time to enjoy oneself.”
You draw your cloak a little tighter around your shoulders. “Not another word. I regret asking entirely.”
She lapses into dutiful silence, though that smile remains.
> Make for the Noble Quarter immediately. The council has had long enough to considert your proposal.
> Try to track down Jun or Tybald.
> Stop in on Corporal Rime.
> Pay a visit to the church of the Moon.
> Write-in
Is it still raining? Weren't we going to visit Sylvia in the morning if it was still raining?
>>46712182
> Make for the Noble Quarter immediately. The council has had long enough to considert your proposal.
>>46712182
> Make for the Noble Quarter immediately. The council has had long enough to considert your proposal.
I'm hoping that wasn't a euphemism for something
>>46712182
> Stop in on Corporal Rime.
Generally best not to just materialize with no prior warning.
>>46712271
That's a good point. Change >>46712206 to
> Stop in on Corporal Rime.
>>46712185
Were we? I completely forgot about that.
>>46712295
Yeah. She told us to visit her when it rains. And it was raining last night, but it was too late to go wandering around the woods in the dark and rain. So people were voting to stay the night at the Grand Blossom and visit her in the morning if the rain continued.
>>46712327
Well shit.
>>46712361
We'll just have to make it up to her. We'll buy her a present while we're here, or something like that.
>>46712182
> Make for the Noble Quarter immediately. The council has had long enough to considert your proposal.
Ask cordia what she thought of our "spiritual prowess"
>>46712182
>> Make for the Noble Quarter immediately. The council has had long enough to considert your proposal.
If we need to go back and talk to Sylvia then we should make this quick and efficient.
>>46712182
> Stop in on Corporal Rime.
>>46711455
>slip through the portal into your chambers. Long white petals
Did you a line here?
Woo Totemist Quest!
You make a hard left out of the courtyard of your guest home. The yawning portcullis overhead gleams in the morning sunlight. Only a few wispy traces of the evening's rainclouds still linger at the edges of the horizon. Guards in gleaming uniform march in columns through the streets of the iron ring 'round the Noble's Quarter. Though few recognize you, it seems most recognize the ill-advised notion of stopping your in your trek as foolhardy. You pass into the streets of the Quarter without incident, though a contingent of guards is none-too-subtly following in your wake.
You feel out of place, as always. The people who walk the streets this early in the morning are mostly servants, but even household laborers are dressed in clothes of fine, shining linens. Your spear and bow draw the eye as you walk the main thoroughfare toward the palace.
The stone spires loom over the buildings just ahead. You duck into an alleyway for a moment to rearrange your spirits' housing. Your village's prosperity depends on the tone of this meeting, and you intend to control it as best you can.
>Loadout:
Mask: Aria Nymph
Cloak: Edge of Dawn
Bracelet: Ring of Reverberation
Amulet: Despot Delusion
Bow: Accretion Volley
Sword: Moth's First Resort
Boots: Cloudwalker Stride
Mirror: Gnome Guard +
Pants: Velociraptor Greaves
The mercurial plane of the Gnome Guard has split into three slighter smaller mirrors. They orbit you at a lazy pace.
The guards at the palace gates are made of sterner stuff than the average beat-patrolman. They hardly quail as you approach. Fortunately, the appear to be better educated as well. That, or perhaps they remember your association for the smoldering crater where the Moon Gardens once stood. The step to bar your path, long poleaxes lowered to cross before the palace gate.
(cont.)
>>46713581
“Totemist,” one faceless guard greets you. “You were not expected.”
“On the contrary,” you tell the man. “I've been expected for some time. The council has had adequate time to deliberate on my proposal. Now I require an audience that we might reach a final decision.”
The subtle magics of your Foci seep from you in near-palpable waves. The slitted eye on Despot Delusion is fixed on the guard before you, and he relents beneath its influence, if only just.
“Please wait here,” he tells you. “I will inform the council you have arrived.”
“Pray, see that the King is informed as well,” comes a voice from behind you. “He missed his chance to meet with our guest on his last visit. I should think he would like to remedy that oversight now.”
You turn to find Jun on the approach. One gloved hand rests comfortably on the rapier belted to her side. She gives you the barest dip of her head in greeting before striding past you. One guard follows in her wake, while the other stays to keep an eye on you.
You are only left waiting a short time. The guard returns after only a few minutes of absence, waving you in to a more comfortable antechamber while the council assembles. The inner walls of the castle are better lit and better decorated than you recall on your last visit. A tall portrait depicts twins dressed in robes of silver and black.
Jun sits seated beneath the portrait. She sips daintily from a small cup, watching you carefully.
“I was under the impression you liked to make an entrance,” she tells you. “Your arrival is unexpected.”
> “Is it? I've been away plenty long.”
> “I'm not all explosions and party favors.”
> “My apologies for the unannounced visit.”
> Write-in
>>46713609
> “I'm not all explosions and party favors.”
inb4 long winded and overly formal write in
>>46713609
> Write-in
"And because of that, the effect is even more striking."
>>46713609
> “My apologies for the unannounced visit.”
>>46713609
> “My apologies for the unannounced visit.”
> Write-in
"Wonderful to see you, again, by the way."
>>46713609
"If you dress the way I do, you make an entrance regardless."
Maybe convey we're sorry for the abruptness, but we want to get ahead of the situation?
>>46713609
>> “I'm not all explosions and party favors.”
>>46713609
>> “I'm not all explosions and party favors.”
>>46713609
>> “I'm not all explosions and party favors.”
You settle into the chair opposite her. “Contrary to popular belief, I'm not all explosions and favors,” you say. “Besides, when you dress the way I do, you make an entrance regardless.”
She huffs quietly. The teacup retreats from her face in time for you to catch the barest hints of a smile. “That might explain the hand-wringing your guard escort was doing. Must you always travel armed to the teeth?”
“In my line of work? Absolutely. I don't know if you've noticed, but trouble does tend to follow me.”
“I had noted something to that effect, yes.” She smooths a wrinkle from her dress with precise movements. “Towering pillars of smoke, and all.”
You lean on the arm of the chair, propping your head up on your fist. “It's not that I like it, you understand. Just a hazard of my occupation.”
Her gaze bores into you. “I wonder,” she replies somewhat mysteriously.
You lapse into silence thereafter. She sips quietly at her tea, apparently content to watch you like a bird of prey. You do your best to mentally prepare yourself for the meeting to come. The road would be a boon to Grisoch's stagnation. You've secured the rights to build out at least the first portion of it already. Now you need only convince the Eluneians it is a project worth their time and resources.
> Focus on the material gain. The Ikrin range is rich with vital ore needed for the war effort.
> Focus on the alliance. Grisoch and Eluneia have much to offer one another in terms of culture.
> Focus on your role in the agreement. You are a powerful asset to be leveraged with the appropriate care.
> Focus on something else. (Write-in)
“How is Tybald?” you ask. “I haven't seen him for some time.”
(cont.)
>>46714404
Jun shrugs, lowering the cup of tea again from her lips. “Tybald is an immutable fact of Eluneia,” she tells you. “He'll never be aught but that which he is: carefree, reckless, and dangerously wasteful in the way that he squanders his potential. So, well, all things considered.”
“That's good. And the repairs?”
“Enough.” Jun waves her hand, cutting through the small-talk “I didn't come here to make small-talk, Osyki. I do have a number of pressing demands on my time.”
“So what is it you've come to discuss?” You're a little taken back by her abrupt shift in conversation. You get the feeling that was the intent.
“You,” she says, levelling a finger at you accusingly. “I know you've the ability to move from place to place without being seen or heard. You walk and speak with the forces of the land.”
“That's common knowledge.”
“It's concerning to me,” she tells you. “I'm not sure of the extent of your abilities, nor your true intentions regarding the kingdom. You are effectively an unknown, unknowable agent in the region. It's my job to keep tabs on that sort of thing. Just in case.”
> You think me a spy?
> I'm not here to sow discord.
> I didn't come here for a cross-examination.
> So what would you propose?
> Write-in
>>46714404
> Focus on the alliance. Grisoch and Eluneia have much to offer one another in terms of culture.
> I'm not here to sow discord.
"I understand your concern though, how could I help?"
>>46714404
> Focus on the material gain. The Ikrin range is rich with vital ore needed for the war effort.
Culture is a secondary concern. And our own power might be a good bargaining chip, but I'm wary of getting tied down like that with someone else's fight. Leave it for now.
>>46714421
> So what would you propose?
I don't see what she has to be worried about. Yes, we're strong, but not "topple an empire" strong. Even going on strategic strikes with the aid of our stealth totems, Eluneia is too big for us to really hurt. Though I guess the issue is that she doesn't know that. So let's see what she'd need to reassure her.
>>46714404
>Focus on the material gain. The Ikrin range is rich with vital ore needed for the war effort.
We got metal for days. Not a lot else to be honest.
>>46714421
>> Focus on the material gain. The Ikrin range is rich with vital ore needed for the war effort.
>> Focus on the alliance. Grisoch and Eluneia have much to offer one another in terms of culture.
> You think me a spy?
> So what would you propose?
Give her the rundown on totemestry
>>46714494
I dont know man, they dont really have much to stop us. What could they do if we just decided to fly around shooting magic arrows at them? Never mind hit and run attacks over a period of time.
>>46714551
I expect that if we go flying around shooting at them from the sky we'll get shot down. They've got crossbowmen, they should be able to field enough volley fire to at least drive us off. Plus they have magic of their own thanks to the moon goddess's blessing, in relatively high numbers considering they were able to field multiple clerics alongside a scouting party. We don't know just what that magic is capable of, but we know that anti-stealth spells are included in it. Could they defeat us soundly? Maybe, maybe not. But I think they could give us enough trouble that we'd withdraw.
>>46714695
Why would we ever need to be in range of crossbows? Just stay way above them and nuke their shit. Range isnt such a big deal when you are shooting straight down.
Also I vaguely remember those scouting guys we met nearly shitting themselves when they watched us kill that worm.
>>46714764
Accuracy. We can't go too high up, or else we're going to miss with our shots. Also, our strongest bow bindings are energy attacks, and those dissipate over distance so it might limit our range that way, too.
>>46714865
I am going to go out on a limb here, but I think lasers out range crossbows.
Also like we could just start setting everything on fire with zero difficulty and just leave.
>>46714421
>> So what would you propose?
If they're that worried about us popping up out of nowhere, just have them move the recall totem somewhere they can keep an eye on it.
>>46714421
>> Focus on the material gain. The Ikrin range is rich with vital ore needed for the war effort.
> I'm not here to sow discord.
>>46714421
Okay, so it's time for the summoning circle?
You allow yourself a moment to collect your thoughts. It's not entirely unexpected. From what Tybald has told you about Jun, you're surprised that this interrogation didn't happen sooner. Practically and politically minded as she is, you must seem the perfect wildcard in an otherwise tight-knit socialite's web. That makes you useful, but also potentially very dangerous.
“What is it that you'd propose to set your mind at ease?” you ask her. “It will likely need to wait until after my audience here, but I'm at your disposal. My abilities are just a fact of my being. I'm not here to sow discord in the ranks.”
“And yet, your previous visit managed to do just that,” she muses. “Worry not, Totemist. I've already arranged for an irrefutable test of your intent.”
“Have you?” You have no ill intent, but that statement still bodes ominously enough to make you shift uncomfortably in your seat. “And what's that?”
Jun smiles. Her teeth are immaculate, rows of white tombstones. “Your audience. The King will will see if you're planning anything untoward.”
You know the King is among those blessed by the Moon goddess' touch. You haven't heard much of his ability, though you know Prussia spoke highly of his charisma and regal bearing.
“Good,” you tell her. “That will be a boon to us both. You can set your mind at ease, and I can speak directly to the ruler of the land.”
Jun nods, tucking her legs up beside her on the chair. “That's the idea. If you're not an enemy of the state, you get to be rewarded with an audience of real import. Else, the problem will solve itself.”
(cont.)
>>46715957
“Are you sure putting me in a room with the King is wise? What if I'm an assassin?”
Jun actually laughs aloud at that. “I don't fear for the King's life.” The statement is definitive. Void of doubt.
You're processing a response when the door on the far wall opens.
“The Council is prepared,” a guard in a slit-visor helm informs you. “Accompany me to the chamber.”
You rise from your seat. Jun gives you a nod as you pass her by. She makes no move to follow you.
The council chamber is cold. You feel another few degrees of difference would see your breath heavy on the air. You ascend the circular staircase in the center of the room, taking your place on the raised dias. The council members file in one by one. The dark-haired man who previously served as your primary contact steps neatly onto his balcony from behind a velveteen curtain.
“Totemist,” he says, “Welcome back.” His voice, though soft, carries across the room.
> Roll 1d100!
Rolled 70 (1d100)
>>46715981
Rolled 16 (1d100)
>>46715981
Rolled 37 (1d100)
>>46715981
Hope the King can't smell the Void in us.
Rolled 47 (1d100)
>>46715981
Rolled 95 (1d100)
>>46715981
>>46716016
Alright, 70, not bad.
You bow. The magic of Aria Nymph coats your tongue as you straighten, sending ripples of soothing sympathy echoing outward with your every syllable. “A pleasure to return to this chamber. Thank you for agreeing to convene on such short notice.”
A voice echoes from your left. High and haughty. The perfect noblewoman's drawl. “You come, doubtless, to seek approval for your proposal offered to us in days past.”
You turn, giving the woman in question—plump to match the huskiness of her voice—a firm nod. “I have. I believe sufficient time has passed for you to aggregate a consensus. I'm interested to hear your decision.”
“Understand, Totemist, that a request such as this is rare in both its delivery and nature.” Another voice, low and gravelly. “We have convened and discussed your proposal.”
You're going to get dizzy if you keep spinning to address the councilors. “And?”
The dark-haired man speaks. You get the feeling he's the pre-ordained mouthpiece for the council. “Your offer is intriguing,” he says. “We have no quarrel with the thought of iron to gird our soldiers safely. Nor, indeed, do we need deliberate on the question of extended a new network of trade. A partnership, equal and amicable, is a desirable outcome for Eluneia and her people.”
You fold your arms over your chest, awaiting the inevitable.
“However,” the councilman continues, “we cannot in good conscience blindly sign off on your proposal without further assurance that our resources are spent wisely in this effort. We have received no proof of your land's so-called richness beyond your dress and your word.” He gestures to you. “More troubling still, the patrols sent to survey your land report that it is filled to bursting with flesh-hungry beasts of all shapes. A monstrous beast is rumored to nest in the path of the road you proposed. I have no interest in sending our laborers to their grisly demise.”
(cont.)
>>46716572
You nod. “Fair objections. To your first worry, you need look no further than the reports of your own Corporal Rime. He has visited my homestead, seen the bounty of ore used to ease our daily work. The mountains' veins run rich and deep. We've only just scratched the surface of the wealth buried therein.”
You reach down, depressing the unblinking eye atop the Ring of Reverberation. You'd like to get this recorded for posterity. “Your worry for the safety of your men is a concern I also share. Allow me to assure you that I have labored tirelessly to ensure the route from your home to mine is free of danger. The spirits who rule the swamp and the forest beyond have both given the road their blessing, assuming small provisos to compensate them adequately for their time are met. You need not fear for your men while the being who embody the land itself stand guardian for them.”
“This is the first we have heard of additional conditions,” says another councilor. “Pray, elaborate on those.”
You nod. “The being who guards the swamp is a reasonable creature. She asks only that those who would travel the road in her territory be prepared to pay a small tax, both to see to the upkeep of the road and provide her with a sacrifice to repay her for her efforts in keeping the causeway clear of beasts and pests. The Forest Spirit asks naught but that men do not unduly disturb the forest in the construction of the road. I will work with your laborers to see that request is adequately honored.”
“A tax. The first stone is not yet paved, and already the question of commerce arises.” says the noblewoman.
“As it inevitably would,” the dark-haired man comments. “Our minister of trade will draw up the appropriate figures, should the need arise.”
(cont.)
>>46716597
“I can only offer you my assurance that your men are in good hands,” you tell the assembly. “My power affords me great personal freedom. I wish that same freedom and prosperity for all those who had a hand in raising and defending me. I am, you will find, a great boon as an ally.” The implication otherwise goes unspoken.
“If your words are true,” the councilor replies. He rises from his seat, stand to its side. The curtain behind him shudders, then splits to allow a towering figure through.
> Roll 1d100
Rolled 56 (1d100)
>>46716621
Rolled 73 (1d100)
>>46716621
Rolled 31 (1d100)
>>46716621
Rolled 77 (1d100)
>>46716621
Rolled 67 (1d100)
>>46716621
You're able to catch a flash of iron-gray hair and a regal, flowing cloak before a wave of spiritual pressure temporarily overwhelms your senses. Your eyes swim in their sockets, and you're vaguely aware of your body sitting down heavily on the chair thoughtfully provided on instinctual auto-pilot. The air around you flows sluggishly. It's difficult to draw breath, and damn hard to focus. You draw what scraps of focus you can muster into the herculean task of cracking your third eye open. The world around you floods white, then silver.
Discombobulated as you are, you're unable to draw coherent conclusions from the stream of imagery fed to you by your extended senses.
A burning silver disc rises over a ring of standing stones.
A fireball streaks through the sky, plowing holes in puffy clouds as it flies.
Somewhere, a beast rouses itself from centuries-old slumber.
You're keenly aware of the moment you return to yourself. The visual noise clears from your perception just in time for a door to slam shut at your back. You draw a sharp breath, taking stock of your surroundings.
The carpet beneath your feet and the moon-crested banners proudly displayed around you indicate that you're still inside the palace. Torches line the long walk. At the far end of the room, a shaft of light pours down onto a regal throne. The occupant is difficult to see, washed-out and burnt of visible features by the pillar of radiance that surrounds him. The source of the light, a chandelier with a shard of pure silver wedged into the main candelabra, shines unblinking and unwavering onto the throne.
(cont.)
>>46717374
“Allow me to offer my apologies, Osyki,” the man says. You rise from one knee, standing straight. “I had forgotten how intense the effects of my gift can be to those with such keen awareness of the spirit world.” His voice is regal, world-weary in a way that bespeaks an unending well of patient wisdom to be drawn on. “The effects should fade in short order.”
You recover your spear from the floor. The King's eyes are the only part of his face visible to you, thick eyebrows providing just enough shade for the white-gold irises to separate themselves from the curtain of sheer light.
“The council waffled for some time on whether you could be trusted,” the King tells you, “Especially in light of the disruption your visit caused. I'm not familiar with the being who followed you through the gate, though the brand of magic he wields is not unknown to my people. Tell me about that man, Osyki. Who is he to you?”
> My nemesis. The force which I rail against.
> An obstacle. Something to overcome.
> A mystery. I know nothing about him.
> An opportunity. Once I get him to stop trying to kill me, that is.
> Write-in
>>46717391
> An obstacle. Something to overcome.
>>46717391
An enemy, something that threatens all that I hold dear.
less powerful than nemesis.
>>46717391
> Write-in
"A nuisance. One who overestimates his importance in this world."
>>46717560
I'll back this
>>46717391
> An obstacle. Something to overcome.
He doesn't deserve to be called a nemesis. He's a problem, one we need to eliminate, but in the grand scheme of things he doesn't matter. He no more defines our existence than any of the other threats we face in this world.
>>46717391
>>46717526
An enemy sounds best. A nemesis implies somewhat more importance than Osyki ascribes to it, I think.
>>46717526
>>46717391
Yeah I like that.
>>46717526
This puts it pretty well. He's not a nemesis, but he's dangerous enough to be more than just an obstacle. Plus that mofo is after our waifu
>>46717526
>>46717391
Votan
>>46717391
>>46717526
backing this.
The Magus, or splinters thereof. You ponder the question. What -is- that shadowy figure to you? To put it succinctly is difficult. You give it a try anyway.
“He's... an enemy. Something that threatens much that I hold dear, for reasons inscrutable.” You put your free hand on your hip. “Certainly no friend of mine.”
The King nods. You think. “I suspected so. Now I'm sure.”
“You are?” That seems flimsy assurance to you.
“I am,” he confirms. “You harbor darkness within you, to be sure, but none within your heart. Step forward, Totemist. I would look upon you in better light.”
You take a few steps toward the throne. Your basic education tells you there's a modicum of decorum to be observed in how close you dare tread. You end up halting a few paces from the base of the steps leading up to the King's perch. The light is painful this close. You do your best not to squint.
“There, now.” He sounds approving. “That is a great weight to bear for one quite so young as yourself. You wear the mantle well, though it was tailored for one with broader shoulders.”
“It wasn't really an option,” you tell him.
“No,” he agrees. “Time is so rarely on our side. Under the circumstances, I think I can be convinced to overlook the unfortunate business with the Gardens. They will heal. So too will the city.”
You incline your head respectfully. “I appreciate your compassion.”
(cont.)
>>46718349
“And I your candor,” the King replies. His words warm your mind pleasantly. “I have seen the road to come, Osyki. I believe the union of our peoples will be a fruitful one. To be sure, the iron buried beneath your home will aid in the trials of sand and blood we will all face.”
The King sits up a little straighter. The light overhead seems to bend and bulge around him, cloaking him in a way both difficult to look at and somehow comforting. The silver glow seems to insulate that oppressive aura from overwhelming you once more.
“You have questions, I think. I would too, were I in your shoes. Our time together on this occasion must be brief, I am afraid, but I will do what I can to set your mind at ease for the time being.”
> You said the Magus' magic was familiar to you?
> Why meet with me privately?
> Your people seem to hold you in very high regard. Why does your kingdom find itself at war?
> Tell me about the spirit of the moon.
> Write-in
>>46718374
>> You said the Magus' magic was familiar to you?
>>46718374
> You said the Magus' magic was familiar to you?
>>46718374
> Your people seem to hold you in very high regard. Why does your kingdom find itself at war?
>>46718374
>> You said the Magus' magic was familiar to you?
> Tell me about the spirit of the moon.
>>46718374
>> You said the Magus' magic was familiar to you?
>> Your people seem to hold you in very high regard. Why does your kingdom find itself at war?
>>46718374
> You said the Magus' magic was familiar to you?
> Your people seem to hold you in very high regard. Why does your kingdom find itself at war?
>>46718374
>You said the Magus' magic was familiar to you?
Jesus, I missed 6hours worth of totems. I am ashamed.
>>46718374
>> You said the Magus' magic was familiar to you?
I hate to skip on the chance for straight answers about the moon spirit, but Magus is more important.
Might as well pluck the low-hanging fruit first, you figure. “You said the Magus' magic was familiar to you. I've never seen the like of it, nor has anyone I've met. What can you tell me about it?”
The King closes his eyes. For a moment, only a pillar of light, immutable and beyond reproach stands before you. Then he fixes his gaze upon you once more.
“The history that colors that particular brand of power is the foundation of a particularly bitter tale. In the future, I hope to have the time to relate it to you in full. For the time being, I will attempt to elucidate you as best I can.
“The power that man held in the palm of his hand goes by many names. Shadow Magic is a common term. In days of eld, it was known as Immortal Energy. Life and death, distilled and purified. It is a particularly volatile art, given to powering greater works of ritual. In a pinch, practitioners often find it equally adept at combusting in particularly spectacular fashion.”
“Why call it shadow magic if it specializes in blowing things up?” you ask frankly.
“The name denotes the origin of the art, not its purpose. It isn't an art of human origin. Powerful spirits of the sky collaborated in its creation. It was never meant for mortal hands.”
“I'm not so sure it's in them now,” you mutter. “That's not great news for me.”
“You didn't come here for comforting,” the King tells you. “Your enemy is powerful. The art he wields is like to destroy him eventually. I can only assume that risk is acceptable to him in some way. Arrogance, if luck is on your side. A fearful disregard for his own well-being, if not.”
You have a name now. You can research its capabilities. That's a start.
“You're beloved by your people. Why does your nation find itself at war, your majesty?”
The King's laugh evokes images of a bell's echoing toll. “I am beloved of -my- people, Totemist. The world at large may not agree.”
(cont.)
>>46719312
You wait. He's clearly not going to leave it at that.
“Asolaria is a nation of fierce, terrible pride. They seek to repay an insult delivered long ago. Decades of open war have done nothing to brighten their disposition.”
“They would go to war over an insult?”
“They would go to war over receiving too small a portion of a meal. Make no mistake: The lord of Asolaria revels in combat. An excuse to wage war is only tenuously required.”
“So you seek only to defend yourselves.”
The King grunts. “So the popular narrative goes. In truth, I would be glad to see our neighbors 'cross the Twil much reduced in both size and bloodlust.”
[Choose one.]
> Tell me about the spirit of the moon.
> Why meet with me privately?
> Write-in
>>46719327
> Why meet with me privately?
>>46719327
>> Tell me about the spirit of the moon.
>>46719327
>> Why meet with me privately?
>>46719327
>[x] Tell me about the spirit of the moon.
>>46719327
>Why meet with me privately?
>Write in: Is the moon spirit watching?
>>46719327
> Tell me about the spirit of the moon.
> Write-in
Mention how our own art has its origins lie in a covenant with a great celestial spirit, and how we'd be interested in learning if was somehow related to Eluneia's covenant.
>>46719327
> Tell me about the spirit of the moon.
>>46719327
>> Tell me about the spirit of the moon.
“I understand,” you tell him. Then, to change the subject: “Tell me about the spirit of the moon.”
You can feel the benevolent smile. “She is difficult to describe, in the way all things necessary for life are. One can go for weeks without considering the act of drawing breath until something impedes that basic necessity. So too does her presence sustain the livelihood and warmth of this kingdom.”
“She is -the- spirit of the Moon, though,” you say. “The personification and embodiment of the celestial sphere. If you don't mind me asking, your majesty, why Eluneia of all places? Why is this her holy land?”
“A fair question, though one considered blasphemous by some. The whole truth of the matter isn't for me to tell. When the Argent graces you with her presence, I suspect she'll be forthcoming with that very story.” He says when, not if. It's definitive. “She loves this land. In the very first days, it was her home away from home. When the Celestials ascended to take their place in the sky, she couldn't bear to leave it behind. The Moon Gardens are one of several... summer homes, you could call them. Retreats from the weary duty of watching over us in the night.”
That doesn't make much sense to you. You tell the King as much.
“As I said, the full story is somewhat lengthier than I have the energy for now,” he tells you. “I expect we'll see each other again in the coming weeks.”
“Is she watching now?”
(cont.)
>>46720226
Those pale golden eyes wander up to the shard of silver and the pillar of light that spills from it.
“Oh my, yes.” The chandelier swings slightly, an unseen breeze coaxing it into motion. “Always. She sees through my eyes, and the eyes of all her chosen. Through her love, we are blessed. Through our love, she is made manifest. She waxes and wanes through all aspects of life, Osyki. I look forward to your introduction.”
The chandelier swings wide, propelled suddenly and violently by some unseen force. The pillar of light it emits falls upon you. For a moment, an image in burnt into your eyes—a woman reaching out to you, rendered in eye-burning negative hues. Then the white wipes everything away. You're aware, briefly, of falling.
[[My apologies for the short thread, folks, but I'll need to call things here for the night. I'll be running a make-up session after work this week. Likely Tuesday or Wednesday. I'll keep you posted on Twitter. See you soon.]]
>>46720241
Thanks for running, Diarca!
>>46720241
That's fine, Diarca. I've said it before, but some Totemist Quest is better than none. Thanks for running. See you next time.
>>46720241
Thanks for running!
>>46720241
And so once again, Osyki can't go a single trip without meeting some powerful magic lady. This is his true burden to bear, not any of the responsibilities he inherited from Ayren.
>>46720241
Thanks for running, Diarca!
>>46720241
I wonder if she knows Fourth?
>>46720241
Thanks for running!
>>46720241
Great thread as always, I only wish you would have longer threads, look forward to seein you in a few days
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