Wait...what do metal gargoyles eat for breakfast?

>>14476640
blood, to replentish their slowly decaying iron bodies.

>>14476667

Vampire gargoyles with natural iron armor...interesting. I can see why running water would stop them, but try a stake or garlic and you're fucked.

OK, first things first: what is the spell that we're trying to figure out? Details, OP, details!

The marteau can ingest organic materials to fuel their bodies. Basically, they work like a furnace, with little need for nutrition. Ingesting any water for them is a bad idea, but most of it just drifts back up as steam, so potions and the lot are alright.

Drinking blood would be a bad plan, aside from the high iron content.

The spell you are trying to reproduce is called Dominion's Wrath, a spell that uses the constellation Dominion as a mirror to reveal the image of a terrible creature from beyond time and space, allowing you to pull all of the memories and personality out of a person, reducing them to a drooling husk. This is harder to do because Dominion died 300 years ago.

Also, last thread which is thread 11 on the archive because I derped when I should have herped:

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/14452498/

You are the leader of a small cult, trying to reveal a conspiracy that involves the bond between a dragon knight and the dragon he is bound to. Your host is as follows:

Tukon Reid, human duellist
Cagrazod, Marteau technologist/warrior
Marred Khess, Human Priest of Thunlin
Orpheus, Kapoacynth Spy/Shadowdancer
Ritter, Mandragon Dragonblooded Warrior
Jethar, Ripouse Artisan (And Family)
Rejek, Gnoll/Ripouse halfbreed (unknown skills)
Yumea, Ripouse Fighting Woman
Paima, Ripouse Fire Elementalist/Thief

Riposue Honor Guard: 5 
Nabur
(other names unknown)

Ripouse: 65

28 humans (3 injured)
11 gargoyles (1 injured)

Total: 119 (4 injured)

Important Possessions: Dominion's Memory
Aldinian Leather Talent

bump. I'll answer questions if you got 'em, new folks.

Alright, let's try a slightly different method then. I was going to save this for a slow day, but just give me a few minutes...

Lets try to keep working on the spell.

>>14477071

You go back to your wagon, checking through your notes. You have reached an end in your research. You can either try to find some other options through more research, or try to focus power into Dominion's Memory to emulate him for long enough to cast the spell.

>>14477142
Well, looking at >>14476631
it'd probably be best to take the patient route with this and research more before trying to power it up. Dominion's Memory is far too important of an item to risk, not even thinking of the possible side-effects of spell failure.

That will have to be good enough for now. Really, the only way to try it out is combat.

As for what do, I have no fucking clue. We could time skip till we get there?

>>14477212

Alright. You pour through your books, coming up with a bit of theory by the end of the day. Perhaps Alkenin, your ancestor who you can experience life through, had done something similar. One's Auspice can be a source of power, and you have already developed a spell much like the one you try to emulate now. Perhaps you could use your auspice's power, plus that of the orb, to accomplish something.

However, such a thing would be exhausting for anyone. Much of the day has gone by already, and you eat a quick dinner. What else would you like to do?

>>14477333
Sleep. Alternatively, try putting our Auspice into the orb before sleep.

>>14477528

You try putting the Auspice in the orb before you retire. There is no result. Perhaps the energy was in the wrong form? Ah well, nothing to get hung up over. You fall right asleep shortly afterwards, depositing the orb nearby.

You find yourself in a black space with little light. Soon, you realize you are floating in a space much like the Shadow Plane, and that a humongous black orb sits at one side of your vision. An emotionless voice rings out in your head.

MELANE KIRIED, WHY DO YOU WISH TO CONTACT ME?

>>14477643
"Who is there?"

Probably, it's some lingering vestige of Dominion.

"I seek something my ancestor was claimed power over..."

HOLY CRAP, did we just fucking call Dominion!?

It's true! Even a dead god CAN dream!

tentatively: "Dominion? Is that you? I thought you died!"

Going by how Alkenin's spell works.. I really think we should avoid looking around here.

>>14477669

"Who is there?"

WHO DO YOU THINK, MELANE KIRIED?

You pause. Was that... sarcasm? "I seek something my ancestor claimed power over..."

ALKENIN MUREJED CLAIMED POWER OVER MANY THINGS.

"Dominion? Is that you? I thought you had died." You ask.

I DID.

>>14477755
"but how...of course. The orb. It stands to reason your memory would contain most of what is left of you."

>>14477781

"but how...of course. The orb. It stands to reason your memory would contain most of what is left of you." You say, thinking out loud.

NOT QUITE. THE ORB IS A SHELL WHERE MY BEING ONCE RESTED, SOMEWHAT LIKE A BRAIN FOR YOUR KIND. I ASSURE YOU, THIS IS ME, NOT A MEMORY OR FACSIMILE AND YET I AM QUITE DEAD.

>>14477903
"What do you consider being 'dead' as?"
Dominion is a constellation right? Maybe he is referring to his physical manifestation as dead but the rest of him remains?

>>14477903
Well, this is quite the pickle...we can't just ask him for the secret to using him in our spell, as that would have major altercations (possibly favors). However, since we contacted him...bleh.

"...I won't ask. And you know what I seek; to craft a /particular/ spell. Something that I am hard pressed to do without external assitance..."

>>14477953

"What do you consider being 'dead' as?"

I WAS KILLED IN A GREAT BATTLE, FLUNG THROUGH THE GATES OF THE AFTERLIFE, AND SPUN ACROSS THE COSMOS TO A PLACE BEYOND TIME WHERE I EXIST SEPARATE FROM MOST CONCEPTS YOU TAKE AS LAW. THAT IS WHAT I CONSIDER DEATH TO BE.

>>14477954

"You know what I seek; to craft a /particular/ spell. Something that I am hard pressed to do without external assistance..."

INDEED. ALKENIN'S SPELL. THE VESTIGE OF LIFE IN MY MEMORY WAS QUITE AWARE WHEN THAT WAS USED. TELL ME, WHAT DO YOU PLAN ON DOING WITH SUCH A THING?

>>14478025
"I-I see...that would be rather-er...'dead'..."

Also, what are you trying to do with this spell, exactly? I forget.

>>14478025
"There are wrongs I must right, not the least of which being the binding ritual dragons partake in which secretly allows them to control their knights like puppets."

>>14478142
We haven't exactly had a specific reason to pursue it aside from thinking it could be applied in the future. It was the spell that Alkenin used to defeat the wizard who ordered Kresis to cut off Alger's leg.

>>14478142

"I-I see...that would be rather-er...'dead'..."

INDEED.

>>14478169

"There are wrongs I must right, not the least of which being the binding ritual dragons partake in which secretly allows them to control their knights like puppets." You say, your voice echoing for a moment before breaking off.

AND HOW WOULD YOU RIGHT THIS WRONG?

The voice seems curious, despite any sort of inflection to indicate such.

"I need to bring the truth of this matter to light. To show irrefutable proof of this through the memory of a dragon doing this very thing! Only then will people take notice."

>>14478279

"I need to bring the truth of this matter to light. To show irrefutable proof of this through the memory of a dragon doing this very thing! Only then will people take notice." You say.

SO YOU WANT TO HELP THE ONES THAT THE DRAGONS HAVE DOMINATED?

>>14478310
"Yes..."

What we hopefully mean "for now, yes; down the road, after this whole thing is over, who knows?"

"Yes. This is what I want. My own fiancee was turned into little more than a living doll by one of them!"

>>14478333
>>14478345

"Yes. This is what I want. My own fiancee was turned into little more than a living doll by one of them!" You say, desperate.

VERY WELL. I SHALL HELP.

>>14478372
Cool.

"I thank you..."

>>14478421

"I thank you..."

You wake up. It is morning.

Looks like even death can't stop Dominion from helping us. Good to know.

Get cleaned up, breakfast, etc.

Pick up the orb and look at it first, out of curiosity.

>>14478736
>>14478709

You look at the orb. It does not seem different.

GOOD MORNING.

You nearly drop it in surprise.

"Yikes! I was not expecting that."

>>14478889
We made a new friend. :3

>>14478889
"Goodmorning Dominion" Try to remember not to say that out loud, we don't want people thinking we've gone crazy

>>14476631
I live this pic, reminds me of the short story "Peaces for Mad Molly"

But is this a scifi setting?

>>14479021
Lots of magi-tech and magical creatures have been involved in the story I guess.

>>14479086
From what I gather, magitech machines is what makes Gargoyles in this setting.

>>14479021

Sort of. Basically, sorcerers ended up being able to genetically engineer shit, then were wiped out by dragons. They made gnolls, lizardmen, gargoyles etc.

>>14478947

I DID NOT MEAN TO STARTLE YOU. I AM THE EMULATED PERSONALITY OF DOMINION PRESENT IN THIS SHELL.

>>14479220
"So, quick question, since I'm assuming you would know. Any helpful tips on fighting dragons?"

>>14479294

"So, quick question, since I'm assuming you would know. Any helpful tips on fighting dragons?" You ask.

YES. A STRONG ARTILLERY PRESENCE IS NECESSARY. ARCHERS IN PARTICULAR ARE A GOOD CHOICE. DEPENDS ON THE BUILD OF THE DRAGON IN QUESTION. QUICK ONES IT IS BEST TO MEET WITH A STRONG FORCE IN AN ENCLOSED SPACE. HEAVY ONES IT IS BEST TO TRAP WITH ANY THEY ARE TRYING TO PROTECT. STRONG ONES IT IS BEST TO WEAR DOWN SLOWLY WITH EXPENDABLE TROOPS.

"What about reds?" (that is the color of the one who stole our guy, right?)

>>14479431
We should ask about the color dragon that attacked us in addition to this. If we did not kill them already.

>>14479450
Same dragon. Our boyfriend was riding him.

>>14479387
"Well, I hope to keep causalities to a minimum. How effective is magic against them in the heat of battle?"

Look at a clock or the sun or whatever we use to determine time.

"Alright, we'll talk later."

>>14479431

"What about reds?" You ask.

RED DRAGONS ARE USUALLY WELL SUPPLIED. DIFFICULT TO TAKE DOWN. IT HAS BEEN THREE HUNDRED YEARS, HOWEVER. SOME MAY NOT HAVE PROTECTED THEMSELVES AGAINST COLD, THEIR NATURAL WEAKNESS, IF THEIR ECONOMIC DOMINANCE AMONGST THE DRAGONS HAS CEASED TO BE A CONSTANT.

>>14479464

"Well, I hope to keep causalities to a minimum. How effective is magic against them in the heat of battle?"

DRAGONHIDE HAS NATURALLY REFRACTIVE PROPERTIES WHEN CONFRONTED WITH MAGIC. THEIR INTERNAL STRUCTURE PRODUCES A GREAT AMOUNT OF MAGIC AS WELL, ALLOWING THEM TO KEEP THE SAME EFFECTIVE RESISTANCE. IN GENERAL, ENGAGING WITH SUBPAR MAGES IS NOT RECOMMENDED. YOU WOULD STAND A DECENT CHANCE AGAINST ANY AGE OF DRAGON, I SUSPECT. JUST MAKE SURE TO PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST THEIR BREATH WEAPONS. SOME WITHOUT KNIGHTS LIKE TO CHANGE WHAT ELEMENT THEY CAN BREATHE WITH A SPELL, BUT MOST WITH A RIDER CANNOT OR DO NOT.

It is morning.

"Alright, we'll talk later." You say.

VERY WELL. IF YOU NEED ACCESS TO ALKENIN'S MEMORY, I CAN JUMP YOU TO SPECIFIC POINTS. SIMPLY ASK ME IF YOU NEED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

What will you do?

>>14479536
"Thanks for the info, Dominion. I really appreciate your guidance."

>>14479727
Get dressed, have breakfast etc etc

>>14479734

"Thanks for the info, Dominion. I really appreciate your guidance." You hope Dominion can hear your gratitude.

I AM SIMPLY AN ARTIFICIAL CONSTRUCT COMPOSED OF DOMINION'S PERSONAL EXPERIENCES. YOUR GRATITUDE TO ME IS NO MORE REQUIRED THAN GRATITUDE TO THIS WAGON YOU NOW SIT IN. I SIMPLY PERFORM MY FUNCTION WITH WHAT ENERGY YOU HAVE GIVEN ME, LIKE ANY OTHER TOOL.

You begin getting dressed. Any special ornament you'd like to wear?

Crimson Spirals (Enhances fire-related magic, appearance)
Dragon Lady (Gives insight into dragon's weaknesses, adaptive energy resistance)
Lapis Lazuli Broach (Removes poison from the body, enhances endurance)
Record of the Hunt (Gives the ability to sense life present in creatures, survival capabilities)

>>14479886

Hrm. Doesn't seem to be a clear need for any one in particular at the moment.

So Dragon lady. Adaptive energy resistance should prove most flexible.

>>14479886
Record of the hunt is the one we bought from the ripouse craftsman?

>>14479916

Dragon Lady with a bright crimson and silver gown it is.

Would you like to see anyone in particular?

>>14480043
Nah. Just have breakfast, make the usual rounds, try to raise morale in the host a bit.

>>14480043
We don't exactly have to visit them, but we should at least try to find out the names of the honor guards.

>>14480085
>>14480108

You make your rounds, and the ripouse in particular are warm about welcoming their new leader.

The remaining honor guard are named Martred, Gaphreg, Uljerg, and Frizrez.

You hear a chilling voice as you continue your chat with some of the ripouse who are curious about southern life.

"It is good to see you again, Melane Kiried."

You turn, seeing Orpheus with a small flagon of water in his hand, still clad in simple wrappings and a loincloth. His fins refract the light of the sun beautifully, giving his flesh a more colorful appearance than its simple pale blue. "The shadows spoke to me, telling me that perhaps you had more questions that I might provide the answers to. Do these shades speak truths, or was it my imagination, Melane Kiried?" He sips a bit of the water, raising an icy eyebrow.

>>14480272
"Actually, yeah, I might just. As you know, we have a red that likes to poke it's nose in our business. I was thinking next time it came around, you could help me channel some cold magic at it while I prepare something big."

>>14480323

"Actually, yeah, I might just. As you know, we have a red that likes to poke it's nose in our business. I was thinking next time it came around, you could help me channel some cold magic at it while I prepare something big."

He cocks his head to one side, somewhat like a dog.

"Melane Kiried, I am afraid that I have little training in the mystic arts. I might produce such an effect from a wand or scroll if you possess such a thing, or perhaps summon forth a shadowy imitation of somesuch thing. Were we near the coast, I might call upon one of my compatriots for his assistance with such matters."

bump?

Well, scratch that idea.

Inquire about this business with shades telling him stuff. I don't recall that being mentioned before.

>>14480640

"What do you mean a shade told you, Orpheus?" You ask.

Orpheus grins, his toothy underbite showing as his shadow stretches and rises from the ground. The black mass has white eyes, and a silhouetted, spiny head. It bows.

"It is within the bounds of the training I received in Sacrasmar, under the Tengu. Sometimes while I meditate, they some to me and speak half-formed syllables and truths. In this matter the shadowdancers may communicate with one another." He says, his eyebrows elevating for a moment. "Sometimes they are the spirits of the departed as well as the denizens of the plane of shadow. They come and try to drag me along with them back into that dim world. Does the idea not excite you, Melane Kiried?"

>>14480806

"Being dragged into the shadows isn't my idea of excitement. That sort of ability sounds useful. Think you could use it learn anything about Kresis before we arrive?"

>>14480923

"I might, if you wish it. It is my chosen profession." He says, grinning. "I might travel there through the shadows, look upon him myself. Should I leave now, I would be back at the next night. The shades can sometimes be unreliable, I fear. And false tellings can be far worse than no tellings at all."

>>14481086

Up up and away!

Send him off. Unless he's got business to attend to here before hand (like the healing thing?) he's going to be way more useful spying on Kresis for us.

>>14481255

Oh no, you can't see a spine out of place. That was a few days ago, though...

"Did your missing spines regrow alright?" You ask.

"I appreciate your concern, Melane Kiried. They regrew after a few minutes of light bathing." He says, indicating two on his leg that look no different from the others. "It would not have impeded my abilities, but the pain from it was most irritating."

"Well, then yes, I would like you to observe Kresis for me." You say.

Orpheus bows. "As is your wish, Melane Kiried." He steps into his shadow, and the two disappear quite suddenly.

Alright, that's it for now. I'll be back on wednesday, going to not run on fridays for any quest because of finals.