It's funny—after all of the strange things you've seen and done in the past few months, you would think your threshold for strangeness would be capable of encapsulating this. The flickering light-traced form of the Iron General seems woefully out of place in your living room, though, articulated leg talons flexing as if to scrape a hole in the wood flooring underfoot.
“You ought to know before you settle here,” you tell him. “There are reports of a pair of incredibly dangerous beasts roaming the countryside near Eluneia.”
Glass-lens eyes whir and refocus on you unsettlingly. After a moment the General clarifies the motion by cocking his head to one side.
“Ah,” you stutter, “My apologies. Eluneia is a large city a ways to the southwest of Grisoch.”
The General nods. “And I assume you're putting together a contingency plan for the ripples their presence will inevitably spread to our neighborhood.” It isn't a question the way he says it.
You shake your head. “Something a little more proactive, actually. I need materials from at least one of them to enact an important project on my end.”
“I see.” There is a static-whine as the cylinder projecting the general fuzzes for a moment. “We would be pleased to aid you in that endeavor for an appropriate percentage of the salvage from the beast itself.”
You wonder what precisely that aid entails. “We can negotiate hard numbers at a later time,” you tell him. “I'm woefully underprepared to attempt such a thing at the moment.” Your research regarding the Allmother Mud and the Tyrant Wyrm still makes you a little queasy to recall.
“As you will.” The general gestures off to one side. You glance to Quinn, who gestures to himself in confusion, but the General's words quickly clarify his movement. “Saeri will pay Grisoch a visit with the preparatory agents to ensure things go smoothly. We can discuss such matters then.”
You nod. “As you say. Thank you for your time, General.”
The Iron Tyrant inclines his head to you. “Keep the device. When you have need of me, it may be used to request an audience.”
The image fuzzes at the edges once more before coming apart in a cloud of glowing dust. The levitating cylinder snaps shut, dropping with a hollow -thud- to your floor.
“Is he that big in person?” Quinn asks, moving from the counterspace where he had rooted himself.
“Bigger,” you reply. You retrieve the tube from the floor, tucking into a safe place on the mantle.
> Travel to Azeo Sicros. You need to speak with Hesheza about a proper behemoth killer.
> Work with Amal to figure out a good replacement for Cordia as the Guardian Spirit.
> Call Boand. If she can ferry a totem of Quick Recall to her side of the pond, you can get to Eluneia much faster.
> Spend some time experimenting with your bindings. There's always more to learn.
> 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. The terrible task of slaying one of those monstrosities now falls to you, lest you face the path of the Totemist alone forever more.
[[Previous Threads: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=totem
Plot Summary: http://pastebin.com/dqBSNUTM
The Cast Thus Far / Binder's Log: http://pastebin.com/VsJpEUx3
Ask: ask.fm/DiarcaEXE
Wiki in progess: http://totemistquest.pbworks.com
Quest Twitter: @TotemistQuest]]
>>44961116
>> Work with Amal to figure out a good replacement for Cordia as the Guardian Spirit.
Protect the village and work on following up on our lead to a behemoth's vital spark, yes please.
>>44961116
> Call Boand. If she can ferry a totem of Quick Recall to her side of the pond, you can get to Eluneia much faster.
>>44961116
> Travel to Azeo Sicros. You need to speak with Hesheza about a proper behemoth killer.
>>44961106
>Work with Amal to figure out a good replacement for Cordia as the Guardian Spirit.
>Research a way to help Elana use her eye powers safely.
Should we see about beefing up tryd?
>>44961116
> Work with Amal to figure out a good replacement for Cordia as the Guardian Spirit.
We need to do it at one point or another.
>>44961228
If this can be done, we can try it right before he has to go to Eluneia.
>>44961314
Tryd's still in Pointsmar, soaking in the heat of the Forge. We can Hone him once he gets back.
>>44961512
Wont he just teleport back if we call him? Pretty sure he warned us that was what would happen.
>>44961560
Yes, but he's enjoying himself. He can take a few days off to relax in the heat and smoke, upgrading him isn't an immediate priority.
>>44961116
>Work with Amal to figure out a good replacement for Cordia as the Guardian Spirit.
You adjust Aria Nymph on your face as you consider your next move. With Cordia out of the picture for the moment as the guardian spirit of Grisoch your options for a proper being to enshrine is serverely curtailed. None of the remainder of your bindings are spirits that would make particularly good guardians, nor are there any pieces of your panoply you feel comfortable giving up. Which means...
“Amal.” The pyramid of blue-green light bobs into existence at your side as you speak his name. “I need suggestions.”
He rotates thoughtfully in the air beside you, energy crackling between the intersecting planes within his depths. “I've given the matter some thought,” he concedes. “There are a few options that might serve as adequate replacements.”
“Go on.” As he begins his winding preamble you pull your pack over to the far workbench, unloading the rolls of fish scale to begin treatment.
“Something native to this region would likely resonate well with the natural ley-lines and geomancy necessary to properly integrate a guardian spirit. A Rock Turtle of sufficient age would be an implacable guardian, if lacking somewhat in the conversational department. Failing that, a predator from the deeper regions of the Brush may be a suitably fearsome defender.”
“Animals?” you ask. “Any reason you prefer that option over a spirit?”
“It will be much simpler to bind an unthinking beast to the task than negotiate the affair with a self-possesed spirit. None of the local beings of suitable power for guardianship would likely be amenable to a sojourn of the permanent kind amongst your people.”
(cont.)
>>44961921
“Other options?”
Amal hums quietly. “We could cast our net wider. Ideally some sort of Avatar could prove a fearsome defender, though I would never suggest we enshrine anything of the sort you've already bound.” You glance toward the Eternal Maw, while Amal seems to bob toward your spear. “Finding an avatar of something positive might prove difficult, but a suitably neutral spirit would be a powerful asset.”
You'll need to consider the choice carefully. If Ayren's notes are accurate, your choice will decide the future of Grisoch's development.
> A rock turtle seems appropriately symbolic.
> You'd feel better with a fearsome predator to guard your home.
> You won't settle. You have rituals to locate an Avatar.
> Cordia really is the best choice for the job.
> Write-in
>>44961921
I knew animals would make a good guardian.
>>44961943
>> A rock turtle seems appropriately symbolic.
>>44961943
> A rock turtle seems appropriately symbolic.
And if it influences the town with its energy maybe we could have working electricity.
>>44961943
Rock Turtle is probably our best bet. It's associated with both defense and minerals, good for guarding our mining town. Still, I worry about the long-term repercussions, will binding an Earth-aligned spirit to the village influence Grisoch to become overspecialized?
>>44962001
Rock turtles are electricity.
>>44961943
>> You won't settle. You have rituals to locate an Avatar.
Part of the idea for a Guardian Spirit is that it could help our co-Totemists with their duties. Animals, that can't speak, doesn't do that.
Still, if we can't get an avatar, Rock Turtles are probably the best bet, fulfilling the primary goal of a spiritual protector role for the village.
>>44962019
Mutant rock turtles are. The base species is rock, thus the name. Even if we bind one of the mutants, there will still probably be Earth influences.
>>44961943
> You won't settle. You have rituals to locate an Avatar.
>>44961943
>A rock turtle seems appropriately symbolic.
I think we should get two. We could use something properly defensive for ourselves.
>>44961943
>You won't settle unless you have to. You have rituals to locate an Avatar.
>A rock turtle seems appropriately symbolic.
The tricky thing about binding a good or neutral Avatar is that, well, they're good or neutral. Up and enslaving some Avatar of Charity or the like to be our guardian would be a major dick move, and there's no guarantee that we'd be able to talk such an entity into the binding willingly.
I say we look for a positive Avatar, negotiate if we can, and if we can't find one we can justify binding than we come back and use a rock turtle.
>>44961921
>>> You won't settle. You have rituals to locate an Avatar.
There's also that flower from the Swamp Mother's court we could ask. Though she just wanted to see and talk with the spirit of the forest...
>>44961943
>> You won't settle. You have rituals to locate an Avatar.
>>44961943
>> A rock turtle seems appropriately symbolic.
beef up the rockturtle so we can speak with him and hes a better guardian, then make him guardian.
>>44961943
>> You won't settle. You have rituals to locate an Avatar.
let's take a look and see what we can find. If nothing suits
> You'd feel better with a fearsome predator to guard your home.
What if we got a mutant rock turtle and used the electric crystal as part of the shrine? Might power him up in an interesting way.
>>44961943
> You won't settle. You have rituals to locate an Avatar.
we go big or we go home. a rock turtle does not an adequate replacement for cordia make.
Did we ever get the elders approval for the guardian spirit idea?
>>44962438
I dont know man, rock turtles have proven themselves extremely powerful thus far.
>>44962473
They probably wouldn't care much. Not like it will get in anyones way.
>>44961943
> You won't settle. You have rituals to locate an Avatar.
Grisoch is not only our home, but also has incredibly important implications on the world as a whole. We can't half-measure this shit.Let's bind Modi Magni to the village! What could possibly go wrong?
>>44961943
> You won't settle. You have rituals to locate an Avatar.
>>44962511
Literally everything
I think we should get an avatar, use it to kill a behemoth, and then use it as a guardian. We need all the help we can get.
>>44961943
>You won't settle. You have rituals to locate an Avatar.
Fond as you are of the concept of a Rock Turtle standing guard over the village, you can't afford to take half-measures in its defense. The recent revelations regarding Azeo Sicros and the remnants of Uruhal Olihim only serve to cement that sentiment.
“I have rituals to locate avatars, if need be. It's costly, but we can give it a try.”
Amal pulses. “I remember. The divination Saeri introduced you to, correct? You may want to try it a bit further afield this time. I'd hate for you to go through all of that trouble only to scrape the bottom of the barrel, spiritually speaking.”
It's a decent thought. You could, theoretically, attempt the ritual out by Eluneia, or even further toward the coast in either direction. As Amal brings up suggestions you unroll Ayren's map.
All things considered, you'll likely get better results near Eluneia. It's closer to the main landmass, which means more directions to explore in without hitting water. No matter how valuable the spirit, you're not willing to head out to sea to retrieve it, especially since your last brush with this particular ritual required you to sacrifice your best source of knowledge regarding the dangers therein.
You cross-reference against Amal's shockingly encyclopedic knowledge to determine the best spot.
> According to the map there are old ruins to the southeast, closer to the coast. They could house powerful spirits.
> The plains around Eluneia are an untapped market of potential spirits. You'll try there.
> You don't have time to fly through the mists. You'll perform the ritual here in Grisoch and take what you can get.
> You should get a second opinion. Boand may know more.
> Write-in
>>44962813
> The plains around Eluneia are an untapped market of potential spirits. You'll try there.
is my general inclination. Still, more information is always useful, and Boand's been exploring near Eluneia herself, lately. So first let's.
> You should get a second opinion. Boand may know more.
>>44962813
> The plains around Eluneia are an untapped market of potential spirits. You'll try there.
Do the teleportation thing with Boand
>>44962813
>You should get a second opinion. Boand may know more
We can also take this opportunity to put together that Quick Recall Totem and give it to her, then potentially use it to reach Eluneia right away.
Horray for multitasking!
>>44962813
>You should get a second opinion. Boand may know more.
Ehh. I dont know is it worth whatever knowledgeable shit we will end up having to sacrifice.
>>44962813
> You should get a second opinion. Boand may know more.
> The plains around Eluneia are an untapped market of potential spirits. You'll try there.
Both should be possible at the same time, since Boand's river is there. Furthermore, if the Avatars we find there aren't amenable to the Guardian Spirit idea, we can probably still enlist their help dealing with the two possible behemoths there.
>>44962813
> You should get a second opinion. Boand may know more.
I really don't want to lose another book.
>>44962813
Could we bind Amal to the map and see if he has any insights?
Hey... hey guys... what if we took the stone emperor, and forcibly bound him to the village! What could go wrong?
>>44962813
>> You should get a second opinion. Boand may know more.
>>44963110
Our knighthood fucking with us on top of him not being very powerful.
>>44963110
You want to take a Land Guardian from one biome and bind it as a guardian spirit in another biome? Yeah, that won't end horribly. Definitely won't get both him and Sylvia mad at us.
>>44963845
I'm giving him until an hour from the last post (six minutes, by my clock), and then I'm doing the ritual.
>>44963845
Been a long time since I have seen one of these.
Rolled 67 (1d100)
Amal floats through the wall of the workshop to gather further research material while you pore over the map in front of you. Your apprentices attend to the workshop around you as you consider the costs and benefits of a trip further abroad. Quinn sharpens your ritual knife. Terra sets to work lighting various candles around the room as the sun dips lower in the horizon. It's a strange household, but it works.
As Terra stokes the fire in the hearth you finally decide that you need more information. You have a spirit for the express purpose of gathering information, after all. You clasp the Whirlpool Pearl in your hand, calling on Boand's attention.
The room around you ripples slightly, shades of blue washing out the remaining colors. You start slightly, loosening your grip on the Pearl. This is new.
The air swims momentarily around you before disgorging Boand. She steps on shapely legs from the center of the turbulence in the air. The now-familiar trails of blue energy follow her limbs as she steps through the Veil and takes a seat beside you. It's only the hazy quality of the world around you that stops you from immediate suspicion. She's not actually here, but this is an enormous step up from the vague mind's eye image she previously used to communicate with you.
“You rang?” she asks sporting her customary mischevious half-smile.
“That river's doing you a world of good, I see.” You scoot over to allow her space on the workbench beside you. “I haven't seen anyone but Sylvia pull a trick like this.”
“It's a little overextension, I admit, but you and I both like to make an entrance.” She flips her hair as she scoots onto the bench beside you. The air is filled with the soft sounds of rushing water this close to her. “What did you need?”
(cont.)
every time.
>>44964084
You put aside her flagrant abuse of newfound power for the time being, showing her your maps. Her eyes narrow slightly as she considers the possibilities.
“Your instincts are sharp as ever,” she says. “The ruins near the coast could potentially hold some excitement for you, but I doubt you'll find anything in the way of a friendly spirit there. I can ask around in the new neighborhood, but from what I already know the best stop would be a ways south-west of Eluneia near the border. There are plenty of old abandoned structures and anomalies in that direction from the previous war-machine that rolled through.”
“War machine?”
“Eluneia's not friendly with their neighbors,” she says with a shrug.
> I'll shoot for the border, then. Can you ferry a totem to the river for me?
> I think I'll take my chances with the coastal ruins. Battlefields sound like a bad place to find pleasant spirits.
> Okay, but back up a moment. What's with the sudden power surge? You're throwing weight like a Land Guardian.
> Write-in
>>44964106
> I'll shoot for the border, then. Can you ferry a totem to the river for me?
>>44964106
>> I'll shoot for the border, then. Can you ferry a totem to the river for me?
I do wonder what these war machines are.
>>44964155
Could be literal or figurative, hard to tell with this setting.
>>44964106
>> I'll shoot for the border, then. Can you ferry a totem to the river for me?
If Boand thinks the ruins won't get us a friendly spirit (and I can see why: they're ruins, the spirits that'll stay there are probably not happy with humans and don't want them back), I'll trust her.
>>44964106
>> Okay, but back up a moment. What's with the sudden power surge? You're throwing weight like a Land Guardian.
>>44964241
Might be a nice place to visit later though.
>>44964106
> I think I'll take my chances with the coastal ruins. Battlefields sound like a bad place to find pleasant spirits.
> Okay, but back up a moment. What's with the sudden power surge? You're throwing weight like a Land Guardian.
>>44964106
>> I'll shoot for the border, then. Can you ferry a totem to the river for me?
>>44964106
> I'll shoot for the border, then. Can you ferry a totem to the river for me?
> Okay, but back up a moment. What's with the sudden power surge? You're throwing weight like a Land Guardian.
>>44964286
Indeed! While we have lots of foci already, we might not want to hone them to more appreciable levels and so the coastal ruins would be a good place to hunt for stronger spirits.
After we get that behemoth's vital spark and initiate Quinn, maybe we can hunt there for spirits to bind with him? After he gets a lot stronger, of course.
>>44964397
Also it could be interesting just to explore the ruins. See what destroyed them, find out if there are any potential threats from that direction, stuff like that.
You stare at the edges of the map. The kingdom of Eluneia is the border of Ayren's map, a tiny dot at the far southwestern edge. From Boand's calculation you'll need to travel a good deal further to reach their border where the land turns to rolling sands. A new map will probably be in order. You'll stop by the market the next time you're in Eluneia.
“The border it is,” you decide. Boand lets her head rest on one upturned hand, watching you with interest. “Would it be possible for you to ferry something to the banks of the river for me? It would be faster to have you bring a recall totem with you than fly it there myself.”
She nods. “Definitely. It'll take me a little longer than average, given how much pressure a totem of that sort exudes, but I can do it.”
You lean back. The world around you continues behind the veil of rippling blue Boand has dropped in place around you, though your apprentices are apparently oblivious to her presence. You snag her hand as she moves to stand, staring at the bangles of fish-scale that adorn her arms.
“Hold up.” You stand, walking a short circle around her. True to form she cocks her hip coquettishly as you give her the once-over. “What is this? You're throwing around tricks I'd usually reserve for a Land Guardian. Just how big is that river?”
Her half-smile grows into something altogether more mysterious. “It stretches plenty far. Let's say I've been getting cozy with some coastal spirits. I'd hardly call this “Guardian” power, though. Cloaking my presence from mortals is about as basic as spirit-tricks get. I just gave it a little twist.”
(cont.)
>>44964883
“And the physical manifestation?”
“Only partial.” She pushes at the map on the table without effect, her manicured nail passing through the parchment with a ripple of azure. “I'm linked to you, so I can push you around all I like. Anything else, I have to haul my fins out of the river and come visit in person.”
You're surprised to feel a bit of relief at that. You trust Boand, but... “Just a bit of showmanship, then?”
She nods her confirmation. “Nothing more than a fever dream.” There's a flirtatious lilt to the way she trails off, but you're not sure if that isn't just the way her voice sounds now, backed by subtle echoes. She blows you a kiss and saunters across the veil once more. The room quickly bleeds back to normal hues and tones.
“Boss?” Quinn nudges you. “You okay there? You ought to catch some sleep.”
A glance out the window confirms the moon has made its way into the sky.
> You're right. I can deal with this tomorrow.
> I need to take a trip to Azeo Sicros first.
> No time. I need to get started on a totem.
> Just a quick walk first. I'll be back soon.
> Write-in
>>44964905
> You're right. I can deal with this tomorrow.
>>44964905
> I need to take a trip to Azeo Sicros first.
>>44964905
> You're right. I can deal with this tomorrow.
No point in exhausting ourselves.
>>44964905
>> No time. I need to get started on a totem.
Let's get that totem ready, yeah? No more apprentices accidentally the workshop.
>>44964905
> I need to take a trip to Azeo Sicros first.
>>44964905
> I need to take a trip to Azeo Sicros first.
Might as well start work on something to deal with a behemoth/ hone a spirit. I still wanna hone cordia.
>>44964941
That turned out pretty well all things considered.
>>44964905
>I need to take a trip to Azeo Sicros first.
>>44964905
>> I need to take a trip to Azeo Sicros first.
We need to hone things. It seems totally worth it. If we are going to go after and avatar or a behemoth or defending ourselves from the moon people who we've invited to be our neighbors (who dont get along with their neighbors?) then honed spirits are gonna be the way to go.
I really don't get why you guys think being exhausted will be a good idea when doing a very dangerous procedure that can kill our spirits.
>>44965229
Don't worry, they're not going to be our neighbors, just trading partners. We'll still be separated from them by a number of natural barriers that we will control the only reliable path through, invasions are very unlikely. We should still prepare for the worst, of course, but I'm fairly certain we won't need the preparations.
>>44965359
We're not exhausted.
>>44964905
>> I need to take a trip to Azeo Sicros first.
we can work on the totem tomorrow. Let's find out what we should use to kill a god.
>>44964905
>> You're right. I can deal with this tomorrow.
>>44965359
I don't think they're planning on actually doing anything tonight, just consulting with Zahn on what we'd need in order to successfully hunt a Behemoth. Though I still think we should probably save that for the morning.
Boand should totally introduce us to some nifty coastal spirits. Maybe a giant clam spirit. I bet that'd have awesome defense for our village.
Sea-urchins, clams, squid, octopi, crabs, etc. Sharks would probably be out of our range though.
Pic related, a muthafuckin Zamtrios from MH4.
>>44965622
Didn't we trade our nifty book of sea things to our friend Thane for an okay secret?
>>44965700
yeah, lets not go to the coast.
>>44965700
yep, we traded a book that we would hopefully not need to find an avatar if I remember right.
>>44965700
We did, but Boand might have met a fewkeepers. In case she didn't meet any amicable spirits, a feral or two might still be a good catch.
BTW, I am the TropicAnon in the ask.fm. Glad to be here!
>>44965700
Not to Thane, to a greater spirit of secrets. But that just means we get to discover the sea for ourselves. The General said that he wants to move Pointsmar close enough to the sea to establish a port, so that implies that at least the coastal regions are safe. If we set up good relations in advance with some of the local water spirits we might be able to explore the shallows. I still wouldn't chance it until we're a good bit stronger, though.
>>44965751
The irony is that we probably didn't need the ritual in the first place. If we had just gone to the Mother of the Swamp earlier she would have told us about the Hunger Avatar. Oh well, no use musing over might have beens.
Quinn hovers at your elbow. Even with the bulk that Slayer training and Totemist work has instilled in his frame, he can't help but look slightly matronly in his cooking apron. You clap him on the arm, rising from your seat.
“You're right. I just need to speak with Hesheza before I hit the sack.” You pull your bag onto your shoulder. “I'll be back soon.”
He nods, pulling the apron from his neck. “Alright. I'm going to do my night rounds.”
Your eyebrow shoots up. “You're still doing slayer work? I thought Walther would have cut you off cold when you started working with me.”
He nods. “Oh, he did. I just consider it part of my Totemist duties now. The fact that my evening walks -happen- to coincide with my previous patrol schedule is just a happy coincidence.” He smiles, putting his hands on his hips. “I'm hardly just going to hole up in here, Osyki. I'm an able-bodied young man with a magic mace. It's my duty.”
You feel the corners of your mouth tug upward as he waxes patriotic. “If you say so. Keep a candle burning for me.”
He nods. “Of course. Give Zahn my regards.” The way he says it, you're not sure you should be passing that message along. You suppose you would be irritated too if you had been hogtied in the forge.
Outside your workshop the Portal Stone tears a hole in the cool evening air. You step through, a little steadier on your feet than last time, and ride the revolving platform down to Azeo Sicros.
(cont.)
>>44965951
The vast doors of the tower are open. Your boots echo uncomfortably across the cold marble floor. The room has recovered from the damage you inflicted on it entirely at this point. As always, the Eidolons mark your passage with cold stares.
Zahn meets you at the top of the stairs. As the two of you step into the forge it turns to face you.
> I have need of the Hall of Reflections.
> I need your opinion. I have a behemoth in mind, but no idea of the tools needed to slay it.
> I wanted to learn more about our history.
> Will you teach me how to use the Forge?
> Write-in
>>44965976
> I need your opinion. I have a behemoth in mind, but no idea of the tools needed to slay it.
> Write-in
"It's looking increasingly unlikely that I'll be able to just find Ayren's token. Even if I do, they still pose a threat."
>>44965976
> I have need of the Hall of Reflections.
>>44965976
> I have need of the Hall of Reflections.
>>44965976
>> I need your opinion. I have a behemoth in mind, but no idea of the tools needed to slay it.
>>44965976
> I need your opinion. I have a behemoth in mind, but no idea of the tools needed to slay it.
Also ask him about Guaridan Spirits, see if there's any crucial details Ayren missed.
>>44965976
>> I need your opinion. I have a behemoth in mind, but no idea of the tools needed to slay it.
If we're going to Eluneia, then we should get to preparing for killing a behemoth.
>44965976
>
I need your opinion. I have a begemoth in mind, but no idea of the tools needed to slay it.
Surely, this guy knows how to shank a few?
>>44965976
>[x] Will you teach me how to use the Forge?
I'm so excited for the scene where we tell Modi Magni that we're going to fight the tyrant wyrm, if it ever happens. Is there any creature that he would want to kill MORE than it?
>>44966131
Considering that he literally invented Behemoth slaying? Yes, I think he can be trusted to know a few tricks by now.
>>44966172
He would probably be pretty chuffed if we told him we were going to murder everyone in a city or something.
>>44966131
You have to remember that he's kinda dickish, so you'll most likely have an answer in the likes of...
>yes, give them the pointy end of your spear, repeatedly.
>>44966131
Shitfuck, I messed up that vote. Accept this pic as my apology: A squid Fal'Cie, which I totally want to see if we ever DO hit the coast.
>>44966499
In fairness he is really old and the last guy he had to talk to shit all over his teachings whenever it suited him.
>>44966537
>going near the water
>in a world that already has godzilla T-Rex's with aura powers on land
>ever
>>44965976
> I have need of the Hall of Reflections.
> I need your opinion. I have a behemoth in mind, but no idea of the tools needed to slay it.
> I wanted to learn more about our history.
>>44966172
Can we agree that next time we do the locating ritual, we just buy a book from Elunia instead of forever losing an irreplaceable piece of knowledge?
>>44966172
Osyki.
>>44966556
I do get the sense that he's actually really happy to see us come to him for advice, he just doesn't know how to express it so he defaults to "cryptic elder". But in reality he's really enjoying having a young totemist to advise again, especially one who actually listens and is willing to be appropriately contrite when they screw up.
>>44966625
Doesn't it actually have to be something worth giving up? Isn't that the whole point?
>>44966172
I think the Tyrant Wyrm is our best option, really. The Allmother Mud seems like some total godmode bullshit, not to mention only appearing every seven years.
>>44966649
Hes actually kinda cool with osyki
>>44966704
Could be a very interesting or important book.
>>44966625
We should write down all the places we hid stuff as a kid instead. It's a secret to everyone.
>>44966710
I don't know. A mysterious smoke cloud that fucks up the land and attracts scavengers doesn't sound that much worse than a supersized T-Rex with muscly arms and aura powers.
>>44966779
I think it has to be a secret to Osyki, not sure though, I need to reread that bit.
>>44966815
I want to fight hyper deviljho though.
>>44966815
Diarca said on his ask that the Tyrant Wyrm was more powerful, but Allmother Mud is a much less straightforward fight and so could be more difficult. Presumably that has to do with it being an entire living landscape rather than a distinct entity, makes it harder to find any vitals to strike at. Also, it can spawn its own reinforcements, making it able to swarm and overwhelm invaders.
>>44966815
You say that now, but it's pretty much an aura-using Deviljho. Modi is going to have a justifiable murderboner for that one. Deviljho are real pieces of work.
Is the Tyrant Wrym a giant terrifying deathclaw?
>>44966822
>"I see. In that case, might I suggest burying some parcel of knowledge? Something people are unlikely to know, but likely to be curious of. Perhaps something related to your profession would suffice. Some important tome or note, entombed in the earth, never to see the light of day. Such a thing might, in fact, suffice."
Guess not. Maybe we could write down the deal we made with the lord restrained.
>>44966976
T-rex with arms and lodes of magic
>>44966868
>>44966928
I dont think I ever played a monster hunter with deviljho in it but I am pretty sure one of those with the ability to paralyze you by looking at you would be rough stuff.
>>44966896
A bunch of scrub monsters are probably easier to deal with than a super sayian dinosaur.
Yo Diarca, did you work on that omake thing from your ask?
>>44966976
We've been comparing it to a Deviljho with an aura that pretty much screws you over and huge claw-arms. For reference, this is a Deviljho.
>>44966976
It was described last thread. It's a T-Rex with muscular clawed arms more like a therizinosaurus, 120 meters tall at the shoulder (for reference, Godzilla is 110 meters tall at the tip of his head, so this thing is considerably bigger), surrounded by an aura that crushes the wills of anyone in the immediate area and negates energy attacks directed at it.
Did somebody bind Diarca?
>>44967062
We just go giant mode with modi, climb on its head and stab the shit out of it.
We do need to get something that stabs good tho. Like, real good.
First and foremost, you bow. You're well aware that the pall of Ayren's previous misconduct still hangs over your head whenever you approach Zahn. You don't know how many generations back the Totemist legacy spans, nor how many great deeds the spirit before you has to claim. You only know that the best way to find aid when you require it is to treat your allies with the respect they deserve. Zahn inclines its mask in response. No words are uttered. It seems to be awaiting your request.
“I come to you seeking counsel,” you begin. “It seems increasingly unlikely that I will be able to locate the vital spark Ayren used to initiate me in a timely manner, and I am unwilling to put my apprentices' development on hold when practicioners of our art are so few and far between. I have two beasts in mind as likely candidates for the hunt, but no idea of how to even begin going about slaying such terrifying beings. I doubt I have the tools necessary to face them, and I'll not endanger the allies I bring to the hunt with my by going in ill-prepared.”
Zahn's cloak of ebon feathers ruffles for a moment. You can't get a read off of the spirit's featureless mask.
“You assume correctly,” Zahn tells you. “At the present time you lack the capacity to face even the faded strength of Uruhal Olihim. You must first commit yourself to the task of slaying -one- monster. Preparing for both will only make you weak by half-measures. If you are weak, you will die.”
(cont.)
>>44967059
dem teeth.
>>44967122
The matter of fact statement sets you back on your heels.
“No man can ever possess the strength and guile to face the hordes of the World's Grave en masse. You must destroy them one by one.”
You chew your lip. You didn't expect to be confronted with this choice so soon. Maybe it's for the best, though. With a path set before you, you can begin to take the steps necessary to achieve victory. The Tyrant Wyrm is, at least, a known foe, though what you know of it is considerably more terrifying than the vague warnings against pursuing the Allmother Mud.
It's time to make a choice.
> Tell Hesheza Zahn of the Tyrant Wyrm, the terrible all-devouring Saurian King.
> Tell Hesheza Zahn of the Allmother Mud, the unknowable calamity that is the Genesis Crawler.
> You can't make this choice just yet. Tell Hesheza that you need more time to consider.
> Write-in
>>44967149
> Tell Hesheza Zahn of the Tyrant Wyrm, the terrible all-devouring Saurian King.
>>44967149
>> Tell Hesheza Zahn of the Tyrant Wyrm, the terrible all-devouring Saurian King.
>>44967149
> Tell Hesheza Zahn of the Tyrant Wyrm, the terrible all-devouring Saurian King.
>>44967149
> Tell Hesheza Zahn of the Tyrant Wyrm, the terrible all-devouring Saurian King.
>>44967149
> Tell Hesheza Zahn of the Tyrant Wyrm, the terrible all-devouring Saurian King.
>>44967149
>Tell Hesheza Zahn of the Tyrant Wyrm, the terrible all-devouring Saurian King.
>>44967149
> Tell Hesheza Zahn of the Tyrant Wyrm, the terrible all-devouring Saurian King.
>>44967131
Why does he have teeth on his chin?
>>44967149
>Tell Hesheza Zahn of the Yrant Wyrm, the terrible all-devouring Saurian King.
Time for Savage Deviljho!
>>44967232
I have no idea, I've never played monster hunter sadly.
>>44967232
So that when he's too angry to coordinate himself into biting properly he can just smash his face into you and cut you that way.
>>44967232
Not teeth, just spikes.
Weirder shit has happened in Monster Hunter.
>>44967267
Like super sayian baboons.
>>44967149
>> Tell Hesheza Zahn of the Tyrant Wyrm, the terrible all-devouring Saurian King.
We get Modi bonuses against it, so naturally we're going against this.
Also, I'd prefer lots of reliable allies to watch our backs for any of the Allmother's progeny. And we don't really have that. (I count Saeri and Tybalt, maybe, and those are the only people Osyki knows and has a hope of going against a behemoth.)
>>44967281
Or the frogshark that guy posted earlier
>>44967267
Or Gogmazios, who secretes and breathes exploding tar. Not some sort of gooey blood or something, actual flammable tar. It eats gunpowder.
>>44967336
Or that rubbery motherfucker that flash bangs you with his face.
Pic motherfucking related.
>>44967364
Or the sponge/dolphin/lion.
Oh, and I forgot to mention that Gog has a giant dragon-slaying spike embedded in his back like a turret, is about the height of a skyscraper, and is probably a few hundred years old.
So, I made a quick mockup in Paint of the relative scale between the Tyrant Wyrm and Osyki. See that tiny little rectangle by its foot that you can barely notice? That's us.
I wonder if pieces of the Tyrant wyrm would help the Iron tyrant generate power for his city, thus helping him prevent all that corruption he's causing.
Maybe we can slowly purify him and somehow spin that as fulfilling the conditions of the lord restrained's deal.
>>44967415
Nigga, Royal Ludroth still ain't as weird as Gigginox. Sweet jibus chreest, Gigginox are /d/eep-end fetish fuel.
>>44967415
This motherfucker is probably the strangest though.
>>44967511
Oh, how did I forget Giggi. It really is /d/ embodied in a monster.
Also his predecessor, the electric lamprey/phallus, Khezu.
Monster Hunter is a strange series.
>>44967484
Still better than fighting this.
>>44967484
And this is us with Modi in golem mode.
What's the problem?
>>44967651
All mother mud is probably a big slug or worm or something. Would explain why the ground behind it is so fertile.
>>44967671
It was less to point out a problem and more to provide a visual reference, make it easier for people to imagine the scale of the opponent we're going to fight. It's the biggest thing we've ever faced, I thought pictures would help make the fight more interesting to envision.
Better the devil you know than the devil you don't.
You tell Hesheza Zahn of the Tyrant Wyrm, the all-devouring maw, whose eyes can kill with the merest glance and whose hunger can never be sated. Zahn listens quietly as you speak of the research you've gathered thus far—the Wyrm's most recently sighted whereabouts, the pressure its aura of killing intents produces, the ineffectuality of supernatural assault against it. It is a colossus of pure killing power, a finely tuned death-dealing engine which forces any who would out-range it or assault it with eldritch forces to meet it on its own terms in brutal physical combat.
Zahn nods. “I am familiar with the beast. In the time before time I bathed in the blood of its progenitor and carved spears from her talons. The child is likely even more dangerous, to have escaped the sealing and survived to this day.” It sweeps its cloak, motioning for you to follow as it ascends the narrow catwalks that ring the Forge. “Many beasts of the World's Grave consume without end, but none to this scale.”
You nod. “I can't imagine how I would even confront something of that size. Especially without an option to attack from afar.”
Zahn shakes its head. “The foremost mistake one can make when confronting a child of the World's Grave is to meet it on the field of battle on equal terms. You said it yourself—the Wyrm is a finely tuned killing machine that has survived for years unknown. A head-on assault is suicidal.”
“Then what are my options?”
“You have two,” Zahn tells you. You have ascended quite a ways at this point. The two of you stand level with the point of the pulsing heart-crystal of the forge. The air is sweltering at this altitude. “You may either pierce the aura of murderous intent that shields it from unorthodox assault, or you may deprive it of resources for long enough that its strength dims.”
(cont.)
>>44967759
Neither sounds particularly realistic. “I don't imagine that I could herd a Saurian the size of a castle with much success.” You lean against the railing. “And I don't know how I would go about penetrating its aura if it fends off supernatural powers by default.”
Zahn shakes its head. “No. I did not say either path would be easy.”
You blow a stray lock of hair from your face. You don't much relish the idea of hunting a Behemoth for long enough to starve it out, though you have no idea what kind of potence would be necessary to overwhelm its primary ability either.
“And I don't suppose I can pursue both options.”
Zahn shakes its head.
> I'll starve the beast and strike when it's weak.
> I'll find a way to penetrate the monster's aura.
>>44967785
> I'll find a way to penetrate the monster's aura.
>>44967785
> I'll starve the beast and strike when it's weak.
>>44967785
> I'll starve the beast and strike when it's weak.
>>44967785
>> I'll find a way to penetrate the monster's aura.
>>44967785
>I'll find a way to penetrate the monster's aura.
>>44967785
> I'll find a way to penetrate the monster's aura.
This seems to be the more easily done of the two, though still insane
>>44967785
>I'll find a way to penetrate the monster's aura.
seems more feasible.
>>44967785
> I'll find a way to penetrate the monster's aura.
Starving it seems implausible. How are we supposed to chase away/burn everything in a huge radius around it or corral the thing if we manage to do so?
>>44967785
>> I'll find a way to penetrate the monster's aura.
Starving it means herding it, and that requires time we don't really have.
We should probably look into Spiritual Auras. Maybe Ayren got curious and took notes on it? I'll bet there's a totem for withstanding the pressure.
>>44968057
A totem is not going to suffice.
>>44967954
Void elementalism+hunger avatar.
Just have to eat shit faster than it.
>>44967954
We drive it north of the Ikrins. Trap it in the wastes that Pointsmar left behind.
>>44968087
Maybe not completely, but everything we can get our hands on to help us is a good thing to have.
>>44968129
... can we eat it's aura in order to penetrate it?
>>44968155
How do we do that when the damn thing is bigger than godzilla?
>>44968189
Maybe?
What if we combine our avatar of hunger with Modi?
>>44968155
That's way too fucking close to the village.
>>44968129
You. I like the way you think!
But let's be extremely careful about void-stuff.
>>44968189
Let's feed the hunger!
>>44968211
I'm thinking we play bait. Osyki might not have a lot of spiritual power compared to this thing's needs, but he does have a much higher density of energy than most of its fare. He's like the Behemoth version of candy, not too nutritious but it would be so satisfying to just chomp it up. So we lure it north, get it lost in the wastes well beyond the mountains so there's little risk of it coming back over them and hitting Grisoch or Pointsmar, and leave it there to starve. In the low-energy environment of the wastelands it would go hungry much faster than normal.
>>44968243
The Ikrins are a vast mountain range, there's plenty of room for us to take it across them without it getting anywhere near the village.
Honestly, both the behemoths sound way tougher than the one Ayren fought in the intermission.
>>44968315
Not entirely sure sure that spirits around the ikrin range would be nice to us if we brought a titanic Soul-eating t-rex to their homes. Not to mention HOW we get it there either...
>>44968315
How do you get something that size lost? It just has to stick its head up and it can see for miles around it. Not to mention out running it would be basically impossible. They reckon a T. Rex could reach 18 miles an hour walking and they were like a tenth of the size.
What if we dug a really big hole and dropped it there?
>>44968393
Good point, we'd need to keep it from eating anything along the way. Guess it wouldn't work, then. Too bad. The wastes really are the perfect containment zone for dangerous things, the problem is getting them there.
>>44967785
>> I'll starve the beast and strike when it's weak
>>44968461
It would eat it's way out
>>44968459
I was thinking we'd take it all the way to the other side of the peninsula. As for outrunning, I'm pretty sure we could do it on the short term, we've got a lot of mobility augments, but you're probably right we couldn't keep it up for long enough. Damn.
You know, if we voided the area of air we could probably kill him through the pressure gradient alone. Granted there is absolutely no way this wouldn't cause catastrophic environmental damage and kill any and all spirits in the way, and quite a few around it. Its also almost guarenteed to literally cause our eyes to burst out of our head before we violently implode from the pressure.
Alternatively we could fight it via the Godzilla Effect. We bait it into a fight with another stronger or equally strong entity and let nature do the rest, whichever wins, or retreats and is weak enough to kill, becomes our target.
I wonder what would hapoen if we bound 4th or hunger to a fruit...and dropped a piece of it into the Wyrm?
>>44968558
Draw it near mudfucker, let it eat her.It then becomes super sayian 2 deviljho
>>44968560
>hunger to a fruit...and dropped a piece of it into the Wyrm
You'd make it even hungrier.
>>44968558
The fight would destroy literally everything.
>>44968560
>>44968560
That... thats actually a decent idea, and opens up a few others, like if we used the void bottle to drag its intestines into the screaming abyss, or the hunger avatar to consume it from the inside.
Seriously I don't care how powerful you are, the sudden loss of all of your internal organs should at least put a damper in your day.
>>44968600
Eh, you can't make an omelette without cracking a few eggs, and we're trying to make a really big fucking omelette.
>>44968560
We should bind the rock turtle to a piece of fruit.
>>44968624
They could destroy the whole area around Grisoch.
>>44968624
I think you'd end up ruining the pan, in that analogy.
>>44968624
You'd have to suck a whole lot of its aura before you reach the intestines. Also, his intestines are fucking huge, it'd take a while to suck them out, let alone reach them.
>>44968714
And killing the cook.
>>44968624
You just made me think we should try binding things to eggs.
>>44968624
>Void bottle vs. MegaDeviljho
>tfw 4th NTRs the kill from Modi
>>44968728
Also, we're trying to starve this thing, not pierce its defenses. What we need to focus on is ways to keep it busy and wasting energy, not ways to kill it outright.
>>44968770
I don't think we can bind anything to an egg.
We should try a bed, though. The chair worked pretty well.
>>44968791
I believe the vote is actually leaning towards killing it outright.
Because that seems easier than attempting to starve godzilla.
>>44968845
Seeds have been confirmed to be possible, though I doubt a fertilized egg would be. An unfertilized egg on the other hand might work, but it wouldn't carry the same concepts as a fertilized one.
HOLY SHIT GUYS! We should use 4th's key binding and LOCK the Tyrant!
>>44968862
Oh, you're right, my apologies. I lost track of the voting. Right then, everyone, ignore me like the crazy person I am.
>>44968845
I mean an unfertilized egg like you'd have at breakfast. they're less alive than a fruit, or seed. after all.
>>44968908
That would also prevent us from hurting it.
>>44968908
That might not work, his aura would probably crush the locking effect. And even if it did work he'd then be invulnerable. But if we used Cordia to shape earth around his legs and then locked the earthen manacles...
Whatever route we choose, the Maw and the Control Rod will be incredibly useful here. We should experiment with them more.
>>44968936
Actually, this is getting to an interesting series of ideas, especially after having read a specific web novel.
What if we used that key to bind a ball of yarn. You could clothesline the thing hard enough to cut it in half.This concept is stolen
>>44968936
It would allow us to take breaks from the fight, and build traps around it.
>>44968961
>But if we used Cordia to shape earth around his legs
Keep in mind just how fucking big this thing is. >>44967484
We'd need to be back at the canyon to do that, I think.
>>44968961
Good luck trying to hold something like that in place with rocks.
>>44968976
Yeah, that's one Behemoth I don't want to even think about fighting.
>>44968976
Worm?
>>44968980
The trick is to pull a road runner and jump on a tree before locking it, leaving the tyrant to run into the tree and break bones on impact.
>>44968976
This is a good idea. I wonder if we could manage to drape it in something and then lock that too in order to trap it and starve it to death.
>>44968976
that might just work, we could certainly use it to create barriers. or a trip line like you suggested.
though it would have to be a dam big barrier.
>>44967232
Probably it just grows new teeth so quickly that they started getting compacted downwards. Deviljho ain't nothing to be fucked with.
It literally has such a stupid fast metabolism that it's normal body temperature is at boiling point, and it never, ever stops being hungry.
>>44969016
Nigger what trees are there that would stand up to this fucker?
>>44969005
Yes.It was okay, I feel people on 4chan have over hyped it a bit, it definitely started to drag out and decline in quality towards the end.
>>44969025
Being totally frozen probably prevents it from using energy.
>>44969059
Ones that have been magically locked in place to be physically unable to be moved by anything.
>>44967484
square cube law
SQUARE CUBE LAW
>>44969103
It would probably just step over them. Or stub its toe.
>>44969118
M
A
G
I
C
>>44969118
Yes, what of it? The Tyrant Wyrm is magical, that gives it a pass to ignore the square cube law.
>>44969118
It eats fucking magic. The laws of square cubes hold no sway here.
>>44969118
Magic monster that eats everything and kills through spiritual presence.
Probably ate the square cube law when it tried to apply itself.
So we agree that the statis key is our best weapon here?
Let's suggest it to Zahn.
>>44969190
It definitely has the potential to be a very useful tool.
>>44969131
Not if it was trying to eat a certain insane totemist.
Hey guys, bad idea here! What if we locked a series of fuck huge boulders in the air and baited him beneath them as we dropped them from above. We recreate the turtle trap with even better methods. We'd just need someone capable of baiting it while we did this.
With enough altitude gravity should do our job for us.
>>44969249
We'd have to get fuck huge boulders in the air first.
And somehow get to them while they're in the air and lock them.
And be able to lock more than one thing at a time.
>>44969249
The obvious question to ask here is how do you get said fuck huge boulders higher than 120 meters in the air in the first place?
For a moment, I wondered if wecould bind Hunger or 4th to a bomb, but then I realized that would be a terrible idea. We aren't ready for that kind of power...or consequence.
pic related.
When we do the ritual to find the avatar, we should do one for fourth as well to find his missing pieces.
Though now that we plan on using the key to fight the wyrm, it might not be such a good idea, since evolving spirits changes their bindings.
>>44969243
Its hilariously situational but its god mode if you can force those situations.
We could always use it to create immovable rods as well, or if we want to figure out how to do it, we could create Truly Immovable Rods and fuck shit up for everyone.
>>44969302
Very carefullyWe could blow up a mountain, trigger a volcano eruption, use locked fuck huge boulders to leap frog it up, etc.
>>44969249
Behemoths are semi-intelligent. It'd probably notice the floating rocks.
>>44969342
I'd say now if we could do either of those first two things it would be far easier to just use those on it rather than setting up a situation that would allow us to reach what? One rock?
>>44969314
I think binding certain spirits to a bomb is potentially asking for trouble. just because you could kill yourself more easily than most things just by testing them.
>>44969342
Imagine if the key locked things relative to their position in the universe, not the world.
Lock a boulder, it rapidly pushes through to the other side of the planet. one year later collides at the speed of orbit.
>>44969448
Correction, it would never bee seen again, what with galaxies rotating and the universe expanding.
assuming that the universe functions like that in this setting.
I made a stupid.
>>44969477
>>44969448
The world could be static.
Oh man, if Modi impales the Wyrm, and we lock modi.....
I'm getting flashbacks to the way Magneto used the coin in X-men First Class...
>>44969505
That would be why I added, "assuming the universe functions like that."
I needed to cover all my bases.
>>44969550
we would definitely need cloudwalkers stride to retrieve him, but it could work. might want to use a mundane spear instead though.
Though it would be preferable to a direct assault, there's no feasible way you can imagine to herd a monster that size in any direction, let alone away from food for long enough to weaken it.
“I'll find a way to pierce its aura,” you tell Zahn. “We can't leave something this potentially catastrophic to chance. The potential for casualty with the other option is too high for me to accept.”
Zahn lets out a rasping chuckle. “Foolish,” it tells you. “Focusing on the lives of others in a situation like this. You must be a Totemist after all.”
It turns to face the heart of the forge. You follow suit, staring out at the crystal.
“Its aura aside, it will take a superlative weapon to pierce the hide of the beast. Nothing forged in mortal hands has any hope of piercing the barest inch of that monster's flesh.”
You raise an eyebrow, waiting.
“Fortunately, you've seen reason enough to come to the Forge. Mortal hands are less of a concern here than elsewhere.”
You chuckle. It's been a while since he had a chance to grandstand, clearly. “So you'll teach me how to work the forge?”
“In time.” Zahn hovers away from the catwalker, approaching the pulsing heart. “Time that you don't have now. Consider the tools at your disposal carefully. Your allies—the spirits whom you have bound and contracted with—will be your only means of survival. Use them not wantonly. Remember that this being is capable of devouring a god as easily as a man.”
You heft your pack. You've got a few ideas brewing.
“You'll want to attack from well outside the beast's reach. If it cannot see you, it cannot slay you with a thought. Fearsome though it is, it is still limited by its senses.”
“I'll need a hell of a bow for that.”
Zahn nods. “You will. And, to borrow the vernacular, a hell of an arrow as well.”
(cont.)
