FUCK YES DIARCA. I was scrolling down the page and I saw your pic and said "No way."

Then I scrolled back up.

FUCK YES TOTEMIST QUEST TIME WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

The third and final piece of your mind's energy is devoted to researching the origins of this Magus, and what he wanted so badly with Elana. Sylvia had promised her aid in your research as she left the village for her forest, as soon as you recovered. Elana, when questioned, claims to know nothing about the strange being so intent on capturing her. You tend to believe her. She was just as frightened as everyone else in the village.

The repairs to the village were kept mercifully light thanks to your expedient arrival and distraction of the Splinter. Only a few homes were in need of serious reconstruction, an effort that the villagers came together to finish quickly. The fields outside of the village near the mountain may be permanently ruined from your fight, however, barring Totemic intervention. It's something you may need to think about if you ever want to expand your village's borders.

Elana is currently across the room, brewing some medicinal tea for you. You are consulting with Amal, Tryd, and Cordia in a joint effort to oversee the mass production and development of the warding charms, all from your bed. The sacrifice of blood is a small one, no more than a moderate cut, but you are loathe to make more work for the Healer.

What will you do, Totemist?

First order of business is compensation.

We tried to keep the village safe, as was our duty. We have a bag full of gems from the rock turtle's hide.

We should discuss compensation for lost homes and rewards for hosting others in one's home while houses are rebuilt with the village elders.

Second, getting the blood in an ethical fashion is paramount to not being hated and seen as some fucked-up weirdo by the villagers, possibly. Offer a reward for it by the job.

Third, we need to actually talk to the village elders. Offer to host them in your home and workshop, buy provisions for a feast worthy of them from the general store to do it.

>>15129121
Must it be human blood that we use for the ritual? If not, we could start bringing some waterskins and needles when we go hunt in the future.

>>15129121
We need these totems done ASAP, we can't deal with another attack by anything in our current state so expedience is necessary. I'm betting we can't use other peoples blood for the ritual so the Healer will just have to deal this time. Seconding having a chat with the elders.

>>15129121
Unfortunately, the warding charms are a must. Perhaps look into creating a totem that could aid the healer in some way, and then perform the ritual for the charms.

>>15129121
Was there a death toll from the attacks?

Were any outlying farms or fields damaged in the attack, and is food production seriously hampered?
>>15129151
>>15129142
>>15129141
Research warding and totems and talk to the village elders about all of this when you see them.

Also the healer.

>>15129141

The blood for the charms must indeed be human, though it can be blood other than your own. In fact, the more varied the samples used, the more effective the wards will be. It's a very complicated sort of Blood ritual, in which the Totemist confuses long-range spying such as telepathy and scrying by putting up a ward of spectral dummies in the ether, a sort of ethereal proxy that the scryer cannot move past.

>>15129209

No one was killed in the attacks, though the healer is treating several villagers for minor burns and sprained ankles for their panicked climb into the mountains. There was some minor damage to the edges of the farms nearest your battle, but nothing to cause an uproar amongst the community. The village may be seeing fewer cucumbers and ears of corn this year, but not enough to be noticed.

Ah, okay. Then I second >>15129135 's method of blood collection, with ourselves giving a bit atleast once per week.

>>15129213
Right then, blood drive, we want blood from as many people as possible, how much authority do we have in the village? We want to make a firm request with maybe a reward behind it, they shouldn't be too weirded out, I'd be surprised if Aryen hadn't done stuff like this. We want to prioritize the wards. Given what just happened and our reassurance that this will help prevent it from happening again we should get plenty of volunteers.

>>15129213
>In fact, the more varied the samples used, the more effective the wards will be.
If this is the case, then every single person in the village had best be providing their blood. The village's safety is everyone's concern. The healers should be able to handle making sure that the blood donations are handled safely and no one gets infected or bled too much.

>>15129285
Not the infants or elderly, or anyone that's ill, of course.

Man, this quest is starting to remind me of King of Dragon Pass now.

That's a good thing

As Elana serves you your tea, you immediately begin putting together a request to the Elders. You'll have to run the proposal by them before recruiting the villagers for anything. As you draft the paper, Elana begins tending to the remnants of the burns on your back. You give her an appreciative smile, which she readily returns. The two of you have grown closer as she has taken care of you. You're very comfortable around one another.

You scan down the proposal, realizing that under the house arrest the Healer has placed you in, you cannot go out to find any of the Elders. Momentarily stymied, you decide to delegate the tasks to your Spirits. Amal and Tryd are spirits known around the village, but Cordia could inspire fear in those who saw her, so you decide to keep her with you, for now. You assign Amal to run your proposal to Ilysta, the Elder whom you the best, as well as extend an invitation for them to join you for dinner this evening. Handing Tryd a small pile of gems from the Rock Turtle's carapace, you instruct him to use them to purchase provisions for tonight's dinner. Plentiful provisions. He nods, and the two quickly depart. You glance over to Elana, who is packing away the rolls of bandages.

"Will you go to collect the provisions that Tryd pays for? The Healer will tackle me if I leave the hut, and I doubt Tryd can carry all of the supplies on his own."

She nods, slinging her bag over her shoulder. "I'll be back soon, Osyki." she says, ruffling your hair. "Don't get out of bed if you can help it, okay? And no Totemist activities. You don't have the strength to be slinging lightning around."

You roll your eyes at the thought of loosing bolts of lightning within your workshop. "I'm on it, Elana. No worries."

She leaves, locking the door behind her.

>>15129356
Wait a minute, what the fuck is a Cordia?

Regardless of what we do about the blood, we need to make the charms first. What do we need for the rituals to make them?

>>15129356
Wait, we can send Cordia on errands now, when she is off on an errand does the item she's bound to still work.
>>15129383
Cordia is the Spirit we got from binding the Bone Warden.

Also send a ping off to Boa and see if the forest got hit bad by Magus and if she has any ideas about what Sylvannis will ask us to do. After that get started working on the defensive Totems if we can start without the blood.

>>15129356
Anything about the Magus in the notes you've read so far?

Write out a clear list of instructions for whoever's going to be getting the blood on how much you need, etc. The healer will want to minimize damage to people if possible.

Can we set up a system for maintaining the wards when we're ill or not in the village for an extended period?

Also let's put together a plan of some sort in case something invades the village again.

After that, WE MUST READ. When Amal or Tryd come back, we should start assembling totems, short of anything that drains our strength. There's got to be some preparation we can make before we use blood or magic.

Perhaps we could ask the villagers to help us gather or craft the mundane components?

Also, we might check if the blacksmith's had time to get anywhere with our commissions.

>>15129400

When a Focus is unbound, such as Amal's or Tryd's, and the spirit is of sufficient intelligence, it can interact slightly with the material world at your command. If you were to bind the Focus during the time that the spirit was wandering, its physical manifestation would be dispelled immediately and it would be recalled to the item, unable to communicate until unbound.

>>15129428
Something to research in the future then; better feral bindings. If we can bind a horse (or small rock turtle or something), we could have a mount/pack animal on demand.

>>15129428
Oh, right, we can do the bit about making totems now without getting out of bed because Cordia's around.
Do >>15129407 Except to start assembling totems nao.

>>15129407

The notes that include the anti-scrying totem also include information about the Magus. Apparently something of a constant antagonist to your master, the being was once human before delving too deeply into the study of True Magic. Though Ayren had no idea on what precisely transpired to make the Magus as it is now, what he has written is that the being is an enormously powerful foe, a host for dark spirits of all types and sizes, and singularly focused on expanding its power and shaping the world to its will. Reading about something of this scope makes you dizzy. The entire world? It's unfathomable.

You put together a list of materials needed for the wards. The construction of the totem is simple enough, though the ritual to empower them is unfortunately less so.

> ANTI-SCRYING TOTEM INGREDIENTS:
2x shards of polished bone
1x carved wooden totem, in the shape of a mask, a skull, or a fractal design
1x donation of blood, no less than ten drops

You will need between fifty and seventy of these totems to cover the perimeter of the village.

It occurs to you that it would be much more expedient to construct these totems if you had some accelerated method of carving the wood housing for the spell itself.

>>15129499
We could ask the forest spirits to help us with the wood if we could exchange them something for it.

Otherwise, we could check if the old totems are intact and perhaps reuse their carvings.

>>15129499
We have plenty of bone given our recently killed beasties we have. Polishing that shouldn't be too hard if we delegate it to others, carving wood we should delegate to craftsmen and see if any forest spirits are willing to help. We basically want the entire village in on this, we should make it well known that this will help prevent events like yesterday from happening so they're willing to give blood and labor.

>>15129558
We could do that at the dinner.

However, it occurs to me that there are ready ingredients already at the appropriate places on the walls just handing there for the taking.

All the old totems that don't work now presumably already have bone, carved wood, etc.

A few drops of blood on each one and some magic energy and they're as good as new. No need for an assembly line.

Diarca, can we reuse the old totems if we restore them?

>>15129608

You'd have to check the conditions of the individual wards. They're old bindings, but some may have withstood the wear and tear. One gap in the binding will invalidate the efficacy of the spell, however, so it's important that each one be mostly unflawed when the ritual is cast.

>>15129638
In that case, we should ask for thirty carvings and sixty pieces of bone, call it the first installment for the defenses, and use it to replace the crappiest charms. Then see where we are, maybe get more if necessary. Speed is important here, but so is the quality of the materials.

We discard any ruined old totems or low-quality new pieces, and we maybe try for help from the forest spirits.

>>15129685

Seconded.

>>15129685
And this makes a third.

I propose we send Amal and Tryd with the following messages:

-Craftsmen - Pending the Elders' approval, would they be willing to assist in the defense of the village by carving the requisite materials.
-Healer - Advice on safely collecting the blood and keeping the stuff in the right condition for application to the totems
-Raising house - To ask the Matrons if there were any children who weathered the battle in outstanding fashion, and perhaps to check on your sister
-Blacksmith - To check on progress for your gear and see how long it will take to have the rest made, if possible.
-Village entertainers - To commission songs, stories, and other bemusements marking the event, since it was pretty major for you and risked destroying the village. Try not to glorify yourself - it was a problematic experience for everyone.

Anyone second or want to add something?

Amal returns shortly, bearing news from the Elders. It seems that he was able to locate all three of the elders in the meeting house. They've taken your invitation, and will arrive shortly before sundown. You thank Amal, then set him to work gathering diagrams and books from the shelves that you will need to construct these wards. You'll need to know the ritual forward and backward before you can reliably perform it, and time is of the essence. You study in silence for a short time before Elana and Tryd return, bearing an enormous bounty of food. The gems, it seems, were more than adequate compensation for the provisions, and the general store owner looks forward to doing business with you again.

Elana allows you to rise from bed and help to prepare the food for dinner later in the evening. You are about to carve into a large slice of Rock Turtle meat when you feel a rumbling from your chest. Grasping the Link Pearl around you neck, you concentrate to recieve Boand's message.

"Osyki! Are you alright? I haven't heard from you since Sylvia returned. I need to see you as soon as possible. Sylviannis is not a patient sort of spirit, and we're going to have to work out how you're going to repay her for granting you use of the Forest's magic for so long a period of time. Let me know when you can come by. Bring swimming clothes."

You consider the pearl for a moment. The elders wont be by for another couple of hours, and you're more than confident in Elana's cooking skills. Should you go to visit Boa, or wait until after the dinner with the Elders? You could check the quality of the wards nearest the gate on the way out of the village.

>>15129777
Time is of the essence, and you'll probably impress them if you can say that you've been working toward the village's welfare today.

Plus a swim will clean your wounds.

>>15129806
But tell the spirits to look into these messages for you first, pending seconding/approval:
>>15129772

>>15129806
Second.

>>15129813
Approval.

>>15129777
hmm, we still can't leave the house yet, right?

We should tell Boa we've been forbidden from leaving our house for at least today, but we don't forget debts. Osyki will be more than happy to compensate Slyvia for her help.

>>15129777
I'd rather not keep Sylvia waiting, we ought to be up to a stroll. Also some fresh air and Boa's water ought to be good for our health. We should fondly and affectionately bid Elana farewell, musing as too whether Sylvia will only want an arm and a leg for what she did. While it's Totemist business it's not of a strenuous type.

>>15129772
>Village entertainers
I don't think that our village is large enough to support an entertainer class. This would just be talking to anyone witty or particularly good at storytelling.

>>15129777
Tell her we're fine, and ask if Sylvia is actually there and waiting for us or what. We've spent a fair bit of time unconscious and the healers still haven't so much as cleared us to leave our house; we're not exactly in a physical state to go swimming.

Also, why would Sylvia talk to us through Boand? She hardly needs to; we've got a shard of her around our wrist. If she wants to talk to us she can almost certainly just ring us up herself. Is Boand just offering to dispense advice to us and wants us to go swimming to pay her for it?

>>15129861
We don't know that the shard's still there. Diarca, is it there?
>>15129848
Send Amal to ask the healer if we're in good enough shape for a walk and a swim, and if not, we stay.

If she has safety concerns, ask for some off-duty guards to accompany you or something.

>>15129879
I interpreted this line to mean that it was still busily helping us heal:
>Though Sylviannis' powers purged the poison from your bloodstream and closed your burns, it can do nothing for the intense fatigue that has set in on your body, nor do anything but aid your recovery from the intense infusion of Shadow Magic that the Splinter attacked you with.

>>15129879

The loop of green light is indeed still glowing around your wrists, aiding your body in its recovery against the Shadow Magic.

>>15129772

Summoning your spirits to your side, you enlist them in ferrying several messages for you. You ask Tryd to go to the craftsmen, the blacksmith, and the general store owner, while Amal will deliver your questions to the Healer and the Matron on duty. The two disperse, and return a few minutes later.

The craftsmen in the village would be happy to help in any endeavor that would keep the village safe from assaults of the kind you had to stave off, and will begin work on new totems immediately, provided designs to do so. The Blacksmith has completed work on your scroll and Focus carriers, and is nearly finished with the Turtle Shell Gauntlet you requested. The armor will take more time.

Amal returns, rotating rapidly and clearly agitated. He quickly informs you that the matrons would like to speak to you in person, but that the Healer is-

The door opens, and the Healer strides into your workshop, looking mightily displeased to see you out of your bed. She informs you that yes, she can aid you in collecting blood for a binding ritual. She also informs you that your insistence on pushing your limits, you'll end up without a limb or two sometime soon. She looks ready to launch into a scolding of fairly inquisitorial proportions when Elana steps between the two of you, her expression placating.

"Madam, Osyki's recovery is coming along very well. He's been taking all of his medicine, and this is the first time he's been out of bed in a day and a half. I think that a walk through the wood could do him some good, although I'd prefer it if he didn't take the journey on his own."

The Healer's eyebrow cranks up a few notches, but finally she relents. "Very well, Osyki. Be careful."

>>15129989
Thank the healer for her concern.

After she leaves, thank Elana for her advice.

Take your spirits and spear, and put some clothing into a pack in case you decide to go swimming. Tell Elana you're going to take a walk and maybe get cleaned up in the pond and try to take a guard along with you, and see if Pierce has some time on his hands.

If Elana even looks remotely jealous or concerned, assure her that you're interested only in her and that you're fulfilling a pact with your master's 'old friend,' and that any part of that relationship past necessity and continued friendship leaves a bad taste in your mouth.

Pick up your scroll and focus cases and thank the blacksmith. Ask him if he needs further payment.

Check totems on the way out of the village, then go see Boa.

>>15129989
Well before we leave we should drop by the Matrons and say hi to our Sister and the other children.

We can take Elana along given that it seems like she might want to go on the pretense that having a medical professional around can't be a bad idea.

We should bring our standard kit of useful stuff and our Spear which we can justify as a walking stick.

If Elana doesn't want to come along than I would suggest Pierce as a companion.

>>15130093
>Thank Elana for her advice
No, for stepping in and preventing trouble for everyone.

>>15130099
Elana's cooking dinner for you and the Elders. And she doesn't have a whole slew of fondness for Boa.

We could talk to the Matrons after they put the kids to bed, to make it easier on them. Also there was a note in a previous thread about how we should get the elders' support for this thing with the early apprenticeship. Maybe we should talk to them after the meeting with the elders?

Whew. That's a load off. Elana's a real lifesaver.

Let's have a visit with Boa (remember swimming clothes! Maybe we can get Elana to take a dip with us, too?) and give Sylvia back her shard.

>>15130164
No, I mean, she's stuck at home making dinner and can't come unless someone else cooks.
>>15129777
>You consider the pearl for a moment. The elders wont be by for another couple of hours, and you're more than confident in Elana's cooking skills. Should you go to visit Boa, or wait until after the dinner with the Elders? You could check the quality of the wards nearest the gate on the way out of the village.

You smile at Elana as the Healer leaves your hut, silently thanking her. She gives you a wink before turning back to chopping potatoes for the stew. You immediately set about gathering your pack and spear, throwing in a waterproof cloth and a change of clothes to wear when you exit the pool. You don't have anything that you would consider 'swimming clothes', so you'll just swim in what you're wearing. Would you like to bind any Foci before you leave, or will you rely on your spear to see you through today?

Before you leave, you turn to Elana. "Thanks." you say, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You're a lifesaver, you know that?"

She grins, not looking up from the cutting board. "Don't go making me regret that now, Osyki. I don't throw my weight around very often, so you had best be going to do something pretty important."

"The spirit of the spring says that I need counsel about how to handle the forest spirit." you say, grimacing. "Hopefully I wont be gone too long."

She nods, stopping her cutting to look up at you. "Be careful. Can't have our Totemist taken out by a Raptor on the way to the spring, yeah?"

"I'll see if Pierce can walk me there." you say. "I've got it under control."

>>15130254
We're probably tired enough that binding foci would use up sorely needed energy, especially considering the usefulness of the unbound spirits.

>>15130254
Can't really think of any, maybe the mirror of true sight but I can't think of any other Foci that would be worth the energy given what we expect out there.

>>15130269
Agreed.

Also, I'm of the mind that the cloudstrider boots should stay as-is. They went from useful to god-tier in the amount of time it took us to wonder about using them to kick with.

Now we just need to practice using them to perform Hexi-kicks, and we'll have the foundation for the most metal band in history.


ANYHELL, let's find Pierce.

>>15130254
>>15130254
our wounds might still be tender. I'd suggest the bone foci that suppresses pain if I didn't fear that without pain we might overxert and end up hurting something, but if we take it easy it should be a pretty relaxing and painless trip.
Your opinion guys? Also good evening everyone.

>>15130313
>ANYHELL
You have a way with words, Anon.

>>15130332
I'd keep the Bone Focus on the mirror, pain is good, it keeps us from exerting ourself in the wrong way and given that we're just writing not fighting the pain isn't a handicap.

>>15130369

You've unbound Cordia's spirit from the mirror in order to have another intelligent spirit to bounce ideas off of for defensive totems.

>>15130392
Well then I revise my statement to keeping her physical rather than binding her, there isn't a real current need to see Boa and Sylvia's true forms.

>>15130369
I'd agree but we're about to go swimming and trekking and who knows what we might find. We DO have a history of finding dangerous shit while going out to do non-dangerous stuff.
Unfortunately my contributions must be cut short today. Something's turned up. G'night gentlemen.

>>15130422
Night.

Let's see if Pierce has time to hang out with us before we screw around with bindings.

Check the bindings near the gate, find Pierce if possible or someone else from the slayers otherwise, then get to the pond if that works out.

With a farewell to Elana you exit your hut, setting off into the village. The repairs are nearing completion now, with only a few men on rooftops repairing crushed boards or scorched chimney bricks. You smile as they all pause as you walk by, giving you a bow or a small wave, depending on how well they know you. It's nice to know that you're not reviled, at least. It's something that you worry about.

You head toward the guard house. As you approach, you can hear the sounds of raised, heated voices. You quicken your pace, using your spear as a walking stick, and quickly arrive at the training yard.

Pierce and Walther stand in the middle of the field, practically nose to nose with one another. They are surrounded by silent Slayers, most of them looking very nervous.

"I don't care!" Walther roars, swinging his hand out to the side. "We will not tolerate that kind of black magic in this place! We are men of valor and honor, and I'd rather die before submit to handicapping myself!"

"It's not a handicap you fool!" Pierce responds heatedly. "If we were to carry weapons bound with spirits into battle, we could really aid Osyki! Or did you like cowering with the rest of the villagers on the mountain while a boy defended your precious honor? You're being pig-headed. There's not reason not to ask him. It's for the good of the village!"

"I won't hear of it!" Walther responds, spittle flying from his mouth.

rolled 62 = 62

>>15130562
Black magic? Hey guys, I think I know why Walther doesn't like us. He's afraid of us... I think we should come to Pierce's defense in this.

"It's not that easy. If it were, you guys would have already had that kind of weaponry a long time ago. Spirits are not just bound to items, but to the totemist who binds them. The only person who can bring out the full potential of a bound item is the person who bound it, minus a few extraordinary examples."

>>15130562
Walk up and greet them, collectively, ignoring their current conversation. Say that you need an escort into the forest, because you have to treat with the spirits and aren't fully healed yet. Ask who would be willing to come.

>>15130602
I would rather not enter into this argument at the moment. We don't even have enough spirits to give ourselves a full suit of equipment, let alone so many spares that we can equip the others. Let's just get an escort and go; I'm sure that Pierce will approach us later.

>>15130602
Let's ask Diarcia some questions first.

Diarcia, is it even a viable option for the village guard to wield such weapons without harming themselves? Would we have to train them? What's the deal?

Assuming it is possible, I think we should wait until a quiet moment and then say the following:

"Do you say my craft is dishonorable, Walther?"

And gauge his response, and more importantly the response of the other guards.

>>15130562
A true warrior takes every advantage he can get when the safety of the village is on the line. It is sheer arrogance to hold your personal pride over the safety of the women and children who live here. I will research how to bind spirits for other's use to help keep our homes safe, though sadly in ordinary examples you can't awaken the spirit another bound. That being said I am going out to negotiate with some spirits and an escort would be appreciated given my condition.

>>15130602
>>15130630
>>15130638
What I think you guys might like the sound of is, if we can calm things down and get Pierce to walk out of Walther's earshot with us, we can talk about replacing Walther with Pierce by bringing it up with the Elders tonight.

>>15130650
Seconding this

>>15130650

While it is possible and indeed encouraged to craft Totems for skill in battle, a non-Totemist using a bound Focus in battle would be unable to control the spirit within the item, and could end up seriously hurting themselves without explicit cooperation from the spirit. Even then, they would be unable to use the item to its true potential.

>>15130650
Ahaha, I like this one. Confrontational- without taking sides in an internal guard dispute. No one can object to our taking offense at totemist arts being called dishonorable.

>>15130659
I doubt that we'll be able to do that. As a totemist we command a lot of respect for our power and importance, but in a small village like this anyone in a position of power is there because they have spent years earning and securing their position there. Anyone can see that we're young and probably bolder than is good for us; they might well see it as a good thing to have someone in nominal opposition to us in charge of the guard.

>>15130705
Cool.

In that case, we need to walk Pierce back from the idea, however slowly, unless we want to take the time to train everyone else in the village that has the potential and the capacity to become a totemist and the fighting skills.

In the meantime, if Walther responds badly we need to hoist him on his own petard.

>>15130705
Well, since that's the case, voting for
>>15130630

>>15130715
Walther isn't in opposition to us, he's outright hostile, a slovenly bastard, and has made statements about going after our prepubescent sister when we won't be around to protect her.

He's also consistently chafed when credit went to anyone but him and discredited our successes for the sake of his own position.

You tell me if you think he's fit for command.

The elders may hate him, too. We won't know if it's a possibility unless we investigate it.

Say, Diarca, question:

How long was it between Ayren's death (and his totems/foci subsequent burning out) and the Magus' fragment showing up?

I figure we have about that much time to get the barrier back up.

>>15130752

It was four days between Ayren's death and the arrival of the splinter. Five, if you count the fact that it showed up in the wee hours of the morning, past midnight.

Will you folks go with >>15130650 ? Or are you going to inform the guard that Pierce's idea isn't possible?

Actually, here's an idea. Seconding >>15130630 with the following alterations.

First, turn to Walther and say, "I hope, bandaged as I am from the last fight I had, that I'm not hearing you tell me that my sacrifice of blood and flesh and health for the sake of the village was dishonorable."

Then turn to Pierce and say, "Pierce, your heart's in the right place, but it's not that easy. If it were, you guys would have already had that kind of weaponry a long time ago. Spirits are not just bound to items, but to the totemist who binds them. The only person who can bring out the full potential of a bound item is the person who bound it, minus a few extraordinary examples."

"Glad to see people thinking about these matters with care, though. Why don't you and I go on a patrol outside the village, Pierce - clear our heads."

>>15130784
Seconding
>>15130795
With the addition that there are Totems that can give a non-totemist an edge, and that making them is very high on our to do list.

>>15130813
Sure, I guess.

>>15130784
Go with >>15130650 first, then segue from there into saying that it's not possible- or at least not for someone of our skill level- only if we're able to shut Walther up. I'm not interested in admitting weakness if he's willing to stand up to us.

>>15130795
Alright, I can dig these changes, sure.

>>15130795
Thirding this, without the addition that >>15130813 made, we need to do more research with that before we offer it. Maybe mention it to Pierce if he comes walking with us.

>>15130826
Let's play some rope-a-dope.

If he starts taking advantage of your weakness, use it to good effect at dinner with the elders in convincing them that he's unfit to remain in charge because of his ill-thought-out political concerns.

'Not a team player' might be the last nail in his coffin with them.

You watch the two argue back and forth for another minute. As you do, more and more of the Slayers notice your presence. Some crack a grin while others look vaguely uncomfortable. Finally, at a lull in the argument, you slowly step forward and speak.

"Do you think my craft dishonorable, Walther?"

He sputters to a halt mid-sentence. Both he and Pierce whirl around, staring at you.

"How long have you been standing there?" Walther demands, his fury jumping from Pierce to you unsteadily.

You continue to speak, disregarding his words. ""I hope, bandaged as I am from the last fight I had, that I'm not hearing you tell me that my sacrifice of blood and flesh and health for the sake of the village was dishonorable." you say, your eyes narrow and your grip on your spear tight. On your feet, the Cloudwalker's Stride crackles slightly.

"I... If not for you, we'd not be in this sort of danger!" he roars, stamping the ground. "I'm sure villages without a Totemist don't have these sort of monstrosities battering down their doors!"

"Don't be naive, Walther."

All three of you turn to see a younger Slayer leaning against the wall. His eyes are hard, and a mace dangles loosely from his belt. You recognize him as the Slayer whose mace your borrowed in your confrontation against the Bone Warden.

"Do you ever wonder why we don't have contact with other villages outside our own, Walther? Without Ayren, without Osyki, we'd end up like every other attempted settlement around us; devoured in our sleep by some creeping horror. It's not a question of bravery or valor or honor. You can't mine out a mountain with a stick, and you can't fight a Bone Warden with nothing but a sword."
(Cont.)

Walther stands, his rage practically apoplectic. He's entirely speechless, save for a few red-faced sputterings. Taking advantage of this, you turn to Pierce.

"Pierce, your heart's in the right place, but it's not that easy. If it were, you guys would have already had that kind of weaponry a long time ago. Spirits are not just bound to items, but to the Totemist who binds them. The only person who can bring out the full potential of a bound item is the person Glad to see people thinking about these matters with care, though. Why don't you and I go on a patrol outside the village, Pierce - clear our heads."

He blinks, processing what you've told him, then nods. As he approaches you, the young guard breaks off from the wall, walking directly past Walther. You can see his fingers twitch toward his sword.

"If you don't mind, Osyki, I'd like to join you as well."

>>15130961
>>15130966
Let them both come, I guess.

We're probably going to find out that Walther's an Elder's fat, slovenly kid or some shit. Ain't nothin' but a family thing.

Let's get the fuck out of dodge while we can. Check the charms near the village gates and let's see Boa before we waste any more time.

Ask for the second guard's name on the way, and ascertain their position on having Walther replaced.

Sure, why not. He's got something on his mind anyway, from the sound of it.

>>15130966

Maybe the kid's got some ideas for non-totemist defense.

good day walter be on our way to the raising house to see little sis for a minute then to sylvia

>>15131129
We've only got a couple hours till the dinner meeting, and it takes a while to get to Boa's pond, so I'll say we pass on this for now.

>>15130966
"Not at all"

>>15131129
>>15131154
Yeah, tempting as it is I'd suggest that we do it tomorrow and visit the matrons after dinner possibly, if they're awake.

We need to talk to them anyway.

You nod, and the three of you walk away. As you go, you can hear Walther begin to become coherent once more, barking orders at the remaining Slayers. You feel bad for provoking him and not bearing his wrath, but you're in no shape to confront him right now. When you're healed, maybe.

As you walk, Pierce turns to his fellow Slayer. "What was that all about, Quinn? I've never seen you so much as step a toe out of line when Walther's having one of his fits."

Quinn shrugs, his eyes downcast. "What he said was way out of line. Osyki's..." he pauses, turning to look at you. "You're putting your life on the line more than any of us out there. The least we could do is offer you our strength and support."

You smile. "Thanks. Glad to know that not everyone shares Walther's opinion of me."

"Osyki, Walther and maybe two others I know of think that you're anything less than crazy brave." Pierce says, clapping a hand on your back. You wince, and he does as well in sympathetic pain. "Sorry."

As you reach the village gates, you pause. Sliding a panel in the wall aside, you reach in and retrieve one of the totems lodged within. The mask totem looks to be in fine shape until you turn it over, at which point you notice a large crack running down its back. Three of the next four Totems you check have an identical scar in their backs, while the fourth is entirely unmolested and glowing with a soft green light. You replace it, noting the myriad other wards placed inside the walls. You wonder how many of them will need to be replaced now that Ayren has passed.

Proceeding into the forest, you turn to Quinn. "So, what did you need to talk to me about?"
(cont.)

He scratches the back of his head, his other hand resting on the pommel of his mace. "I wondered whether I could talk to you about working with you, actually. I know that it's unorthodox, but you seem as though you could use someone to watch your back while you're out of commission like you are today. I'm not sure if I can formally be recognized as an apprentice, since I already have a profession, but if you'd allow me to help you out when you need it I'd be honored."

You smile at the thought. It'd be nice to have someone you could rely on without needing to raise a youngling. "I'll think about it, Quinn." you say. The three of you are now approaching the outskirts of the spring. "I'm meeting with the Elders tonight. I'll see what hey have to say about it."

He nods, looking pleased.

"Osyki, why are we coming all the way out here?" Pierce asks. You sigh, realizing that you never bothered to inform the two of your destination.

>>15131198
"I need to meet with some spirits. Made some bargains to get through that last fight, and now I get to handle the fallout. Getting jumped by a raptor alone when I'm in this condition seemed like a terrible plan."

>>15131251
More or less seconding, except don't tell them you're handling fallout - this is an ally you're talking to.

Say 'and now, I need to prove I can make good on my obligations.'

>>15131198
"I need to commune with the spirits for their aid in destroying the menace that our village faced. Also, it would be nice if a pair of people I can trust watched my back while I did this."

>>15131264
Fair enough. I don't think the word "fallout" is actually in the vocabulary of people at this tech level, anyway.

"I owe a debt to the spirit of the forest, both for coming to our aid, and granting me extended use of a fragment of herself for healing. The spirit of the pond here tends torwards being the moderator, but I'm hoping I would be able to have a friendlier status with Sylvanis than Ayren did."

>>15131198
We are visiting a spirit of a pond that I have a contract with, she acts as an information broker and contact for other spirits in the forest and is my main connection with Sylvannis, the spirit of the forest who helped greatly yesterday, I now owe her a favor.

"Nothing in the spirit world is free. In order to protect the village, I had to offer an unspecified future-favor to the spirit in control of the entire forest. I'm here at the pool to meet a water spirit that Ayren knew for a long time, and who is relatively friendly to me, to discuss how I can repay the debt without having to pluck out my own eye or sacrifice my soul. Make no mistake, that fight was only barely won, and were it not for the magic of the forest, I would be a naught but ash right now. I asked you to come along to protect me from raptors, as I can barely fight off a field mouse right now. And because I wanted to speak with you later about the defense of the village and what I'm going to need to know about the walls to strengthen them. Magic can only do so much, and it cannot be relied upon to solve every problem. I will do what I can to strengthen our defenses both magical and mundane.

On a side note, if Quine is interested in changing professions, or at least aiding me, then we will see what Boa thinks of him. If he truly has a talent for the work, then I might take him up on his offer."

>>15131357
This is crazy wordy and honestly we don't need to share the details of absolutely everything with them. Keep it brief.

>>15131369
sorry. I wanted to impress upon them the immense risks involved in what we do. If quine wants to tag along, then we need to put a good scare in him now to make sure he has the stones for it (kinda like when they show 'red asphalt' in driver's ed class. They want you to fear and respect the kind of power you're going to be playing with first, before learning how to handle it.) That and it shows trust and openness in them, that we're not a crazy recluse like Ayren and that we're more than happy to work with the Slayers to defend the village.

>>15131394
I think they understand it. Quine has seen two out of three of our fights, and Pierce carried you on his back when the first one made you pass out.

Let's not make them feel stupid.

>>15131403
>>15131394
It was a good idea, mind.

We should have a conversation with whoever does decide to work with us later.

"I owe a debt to the spirit of the forest, both for coming to our aid, and granting me extended use of a fragment of herself for healing. The spirit of the pond here tends towards being the moderator, but I'm hoping I would be able to have a friendlier status with Sylviannis than Ayren did."

Pierce and Quinn nod. It's obvious that they're both a little nervous to be in the presence of spirits. To be fair, their experience with that, that you know of, consists of your battle with the Bone Warden, The Splinter, and a short dealing with Amal and Tryd. You approach the spring, holding Boa's pearl in your hand. She quickly swims to the surface. You can hear the men at your side gasp as she leaps from the water, her long hair flowing in the morning sunlight. She lands close to the pool's side, grinning the same mischievous smile that she wore when you first met her.

"There you are, Osyki." she says, elated. "I was beginning to worry that you were too injured to come pay me a visit. And who are your friends?"

You chuckle. "Boand, this is Pierce," you say, gesturing to your left, "And this is Quinn."

"Good day, mortals." she says, flipping her hair. "Totemist, wont you join me for a swim? Your friends are welcome to join us."

>>15131440

Can we go swimming with Sylvannis' token around our arm? Can we take it off and not keel over?

If it isn't, politely decline. If it is, we've got a contract to fulfill.

"It's up to them, I expect." To Pierce and Quinn: "If at least one of you stood guard at all times, I expect we'd be safe enough."

Ask her if Sylvannis is nearby and wants to talk, and what Boa knows of her wishes regarding the favor.

>>15131468
If it isn't possible to do so, politely decline.

Can't compose sentences for shit today, seems like.

"Don't worry guys, she doesn't bite."

>>15131440
Tell Pierce and Quinn that the water is just fine and Boa doesn't bite and is in fact quite friendly.

We should take off most of our clothing, we don't want it soaked and jump in.

>>15131477
We brought a change of clothes, but whatever.

>>15131440
Start getting ready for the swim.
"That's their choice. Gentlemen, this is Boand. mistress of this spring and one of the most respected spirits in the forest. Don't worry, she won't hurt you."

Climb into the water, lazily float for a bit, not putting too much stress on your wounds. Gauge both Boand's and Quinne's reactions to the horrific burns on your back. Even healed, they should look like twelve shades of misery. See how sympathetic Boand is, and see what Quinne's reaction is, both to the injuries and to Boand.

>>15131481
So we did, but there is still little reason to wear heavy wet clothing while swimming and the water ought to be nice on our burns anyways.

>>15131485
Secondan. Ask the questions in >>15131468 afterward though.

You smile, dropping your pack and placing your spear on the ground. "Gentlemen, this is Boand, spirit of the spring. You're welcome to swim with us, as long as you keep an eye on the surroundings. Don't worry, she wont bite."

Boa flashes a grin, and you can hear her mumble under her breath, "Well, not hard anyway."

You quickly strip off your shirt and the Cloudwalker's Stride, leaving them by your pack. You sigh in relief as the water flows over you, soothing your burns and taking the weight off of your bruised and battered back. The three around you let out a soft gasp at the sight of your burn scars, and Boa quickly swims behind you to get a closer look.

"Poor thing." she says, shaking her head. "Sylvia's good, but a wood spirit's not great at healing burns. Let me take a look."

She takes a deep breath in, then softly kisses your back. You can feel an icy sensation passing along your spine, and the stinging from your burns eases slightly.

Quinn quickly follows you into the water after his armor and most of his clothing by yours. He shivers slightly from the water's temperature, to which Boa laughs.

You glance up at Pierce, who shakes his head. "No thanks, Osyki. I'll watch your back. Enjoy your swim."

You nod, turning to face Boa. She's tapping her chin, eying Quinn out of the corner of her eye as he swims a few laps in the pool.

"Cute." she remarks. "But let's get down to business, Osyki."
(cont.)

You nod, treading water as she speaks.

"Sylvia's got a pattern of asking for a few specifics things from Totemists, so it's likely that she'll call in your favor for one of a few things. She might ask you to help her plant and foster some new trees in the forest if she's in a good mood, but she's rarely in a good mood these days. More likely than not, it'll be for you to hunt down some Avatar or rogue spirit what's bothering her. If you've really pissed her off somehow, she may even send you into the swamp."

You gulp at that last item. You're not keen on walking the swamp. Foul beasts make their home there, previously including the Basilisk Wyrm.

"Well, really, I owe her more than I can actually guess, so I'd be more than happy to help. If I have to go into the swamp, I will. However, with the fire damage, I'm guessing helping her plant is going to be big on her list of things to get done."

>>15131566
This sums things up nicely.

>>15131566
Second. Add: "Can you tell me about some copses of trees that need clearing or replanting? Perhaps an area of the forest, or something. Or just direct me to where I might find her. I still have to give back this measure of her power when I am well enough to do so."

Diarca, I dunno if you're up to it but we seem to be getting along well enough today to allow you your full rate of speed for postan updates >.>

Don't let us hold you back, brosef.

>>15131551
Does she usually put a real hard time thing on the repayment because I'd really really like to heal up before I have to fight something big. Also is there anything you need or want for your pond in order to improve it or anything like that

"Well, really, I owe her more than I can actually guess, so I'd be more than happy to help. If I have to go into the swamp, I will." you say. "However, with the fire damage, I'm guessing helping her plant is going to be big on her list of things to get done."

Boa nods, smiling. "That's true, but if there's one thing Sylvia does well, it's grow a forest. Have you seen the place, lately?"

You nod. "True enough. Can you tell me about some copses of trees that need clearing or replanting? Perhaps an area of the forest, or something. Or just direct me to where I might find her. I still have to give back this measure of her power when I am well enough to do so."

Boa nods. "When you're ready to give it back, come talk to me. I've got a direct line to her, so I can call to her whenever I may need. It's a useful thing to have. Although," she says, her smile growing, "I've been in trouble for... misusing it a few times before."

You laugh at that, lying back to float on the water. Quinn swims up, joining the two of you. "I haven't been in the spring in a while." he says. "It's nice to take a swim again."

>>15131601

[[ Working on it. Distractions abound tonight. ]]

>>15131590
Did she ever say that we were supposed to return it? It may be perceived as an insult if not.

>>15131709
She said 'lend.' Lend you a measure of her power.

If it's a loan, we are.

>>15131688
I think we're ready to give it back whenever we can see her next. Maybe she could join us poolside?

>>15131723
You're right then, just wasn't sure.

How long should we keep it then? Till we're fully healed?

>>15131761

Would you like to call Sylvia to return her power?

>>15131766
Until we can take it off and not vomit up everything ever forever or fall down from attempting the difficult task of standing up. Or until we heal the rest of the way, I don't know.

I expect the longer we keep it, the more we'll have to do.
>>15131761
She could, but a conversation with her would have to be one without time constraints.

We should check the time and get back to the village if we're running out of daylight, after bidding Boa farewell and changing. We may have to hurry.

>>15131771
I'm ready. You guys?

>>15131771
Yes, if we can keep it both polite and brief and not fall down afterward.

>>15131771
Assuming that it won't drastically fuck with out recovery and health I'd like to not owe her way more than we already do.

>>15131789
Yeah it depends on our state. But mind you that we can remove it to see how we feel with it off before giving it up.

>>15131823
Climb out and do this. If you're okay afterwards, return the power. If not, put it back on.

Can I get a second?

You glance at the verdant ribbon of light encircling your wrist, carefully considering your physical condition. With Boa's work on your back, you feel as though you'll be able to make a steady recovery on your own. You straighten out, treading water once more. Boa looks over at you, her eyebrow raised.

"Why don't you go ahead and call Sylvia, Boa?" you say, pointing to the glowing bracelet. "I think I'm well enough that I can afford to return her investment."

Boa nods, closing her eyes. You can feel a spiritual pulse flow through the area, and Quinn looks up as the wave leaves the area, as though something had flown over his head. Within moments there is a rustling from the underbrush, and with a soft sigh from the summer breeze, Sylviannis brushes a hanging vine from her path and steps in the spring's clearing. You give her a bow from within the pool, which she returns.

"Good day, Totemist." she says, sitting down by the edge of the spring. "How are you feeling?"

"Better than I possibly could feel without your help." you say. "Thank you again for your aid during that battle. Was the forest damaged?"

"Not too extensively." Sylvia says. "A few trees will wither and die from the heat, but the forest grows on. They will be mourned and replaced, as is the cycle of all things."

You nod, swimming to the side of the pool where she sits. "I don't want to keep this fragment of your power away from you for any longer than I need to." you say, leaning on the rocky edge of the spring and proffering your wrist. "If you would like to take it back, I feel as though I am well enough to manage without it."
(Cont. Bloody field too long errors, every time. )

Sylvia nods, and the faintest hint of a smile crosses her lips. She runs a single index finger along the length of the glowing, oscillating ribbon. As her fingers passes over it the strand disappears into her fingernail until it is gone entirely.

"Thank you for your prompt return, Totemist." she says. "I will be calling on you within the next week to fulfill your end of the bargain."

>>15131898
"I'll be looking forward to it. It seems like co-operation on all sides may become more and more necessary in the near future. I have information on our assailant from my mentor's notes, if you are interested in hearing it."

>>15131914
Secondan.
Add this:
"And if you give me some indication of what I might do for you, I'll be glad to prepare beforehand. Though perhaps I can care for the forest in the intervening period while I heal - some light work, that sort of thing."

>>15131898
Do you already have the favor in mind, if you do I would like to know because I prefer to prepare for tasks, makes it much safer and easier. Also do you still play the harp and would you be willing to teach me.

>>15131966
thirding your second, seconding your addition but without the last sentence as it could easily be perceived as asking for one task over the others.

"I look forward to it." you say. "It seems as though cooperation is something we'll both have to rely on more and more, if this pattern holds up. I have some information on the foe that we faced, if you're interested."

Sylvia glances over her shoulder, clearly slightly distracted. "Perhaps another time, Totemist. I must take my leave shortly.

"Very well." you say. "If you give me some indication of what my task will be beforehand, I would be happy to prepare for it."

"When I am ready for you, I will send for you, Osyki." she says, her back already turned. "Give my regards to your people."

You watch her go. Boa giggles, and you turn to look at her.

"Well, didn't you put her in a good mood?" she asks, twirling a strand of hair around her finger. Quinn watches her do this, clearly enraptured by the sight.

>>15132034
Alright, we should get our shit together.

We should check the time and get back to the village if we're running out of daylight, after bidding Boa farewell and changing. We may have to hurry.

>>15132034
Putting her in a good mood is a gift, always been good at that. Ask her privately and quietly away from Quinn if she minds Quinn coming to visit her as he is obviously interested and she might want someone else to talk to outside of us. After that get our stuff together, bid her farewell and wander on home.

>>15132051
Seconded.

>>15132051
>>15132074
thirding
>>15132072
nah, let's just let whatever happens happen, if he's going to be helping us out he'll likely end up back here anyways.

Thread up when?
Well, looks likes Diarca gave us an apprentice that needs not waiting till puberty (though damn if I didn't actually want a Boy/Girl Wonder).

Ask Boa what she meant by giving Syl a good mood.
Also, regarding Slayers, we can give them fighting Totems instead of Foci.

Shrapnels of Bone Warden's talons for weapon speed, rock turtle shell pieces for toughness or armor enhancement, drake tail scales for haste or something.

Regarding Walthers, it is clear that while indeed in some measures he is a sodden wad of jerk-ass and not the right kind of leader, some of his actions stem out of an actually healthy fear of the possibly dangerous Totemist abilities.

And Ayren is probably another jerk who dealt with Walthers more directly.

How did Walthers get his position as Chief Slayer anyway? There should be some merit on him in order for a group of armed men to follow him.

>>15132225
>>15132190
>Regarding Walthers, it is clear that while indeed in some measures he is a sodden wad of jerk-ass and not the right kind of leader, some of his actions stem out of an actually healthy fear of the possibly dangerous Totemist abilities.
Really? That's interesting. Can you give specific examples? I can't remember any. Regardless, I doubt that's sufficient grounds for keeping him on. Push comes to shove, he threatened our sister. That plus the frequency of duties outside the village does not make for peace of mind.

It's fairly clear that Boa either meant that as a joke or knows that Sylvia likes you to a degree.

I expect any help the guards/slayers get in terms of totems will depend on how fast we finish the ones around the village perimeter.

It's unclear if Quinn CAN be our apprentice. Diarca, some clarification on this would be great. Also on this question:
>How did Walthers get his position as Chief Slayer anyway?

We need to talk to the elders about:
Powering the totems we need to defend the village.
Discuss if it's appropriate that we keep making other totems to help the villiage, beyond those just needed for defense.
Also, ask them what our jobs are as the village totemist. Perhaps they have a different idea of our job than we do.
Tell them about the ways in which Walther is being a jerk, and ask if we should just ignore him, or if there's something else we should do. The Elders know about 5000% more about politics than we do.

In terms of Totems, I think the best totems we could make are:
1. A totem that increases endurance, reduces fatigue, and enhances a person's natural healing, for everyone in its area of effect. Plant it in a place where it covers the whole town.
2. A totem that "Stores" health and restfulness - makes it so a person wearing it always feels slightly injured and slightly fatigued, but it stores the health and fatigue that they WOULD regenerate, and releases it if the person is injured or tired. Would be very useful for the Slayers.
3. Anything that encourages "Healthy growth". Plant one in the fields, another in the child-raising-house.

Definitely work on a training regimen with the Slayers. They get used to the effect of the totems, we get used to hard work, fatigue, and fighting. We'll both end up stronger as a result.

>>15132269
I am not refuting that, just stating that it is worth noting. And if some matters can be solved with everyone getting the better of it, I would prefer that the more.

Of course, if ever push comes to shove, throw Walthers from the top of the mountain as we take a leap on the Cloudstrider.

Regarding Quinn, see the part when Boa is sending a message to Syl just now:
> and Quinn looks up as the wave leaves the area, as though something had flown over his head.

Tell Quinn that he should flirt with Boand. Gives them both a new friend.

>>15132341
We won't know how Walther got the job until the OP tells us, though. It could simply be nepotism or a hereditary position. It could be he was the schoolyard bully.

Time since op: 1 hour

>>15132472
OP's probably having technical difficulties again.

Or fell asleep.

[[ Yep. Sorry folks. Nodding off. I someone could archive for me, as usual I would appreciate it. Catch you soon. ]]

>>15132535
Archived.
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15129074/

Remember to upvote so it doesn't disappear.

Because I was nuts:
Osyki, with Ixion charm.

And from another Quest, Holy Duke Liuva IIIrd, and his court.

>>15132652
That's now what he looks like to me.

Also, possible sea-borne cousins of our rock turtles?

>>15132663
aw hell, you just reminded me how much I miss that quest.

>>15132652
Nice work, brosef.

>>15132652
very nice, looks a little like mafumofu armor from monster hunter.

Something for next time: Ask boand quietly if she thinks Quinne has potential, and if she'd like to see him more often.