>>17932126
I assume that we still feel the Wrongness, yes? And that it hasn't increased in strength or anything?

Let's try calling out to any receptive minds in range. If that doesn't work for a half-hour, let's try firing the shot we have loaded in us.

>>17932126
Hey Ego, all I get is a 404 when I try to follow the link to the discussion thread. Did it die?

>>17932208
>Let's try calling out to any receptive minds in range. If that doesn't work for a half-hour, let's try firing the shot we have loaded in us.

Second.

If that doesn't work, spontaneously develop floating powers.

>>17932276
(( http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questdis/res/358983.html My apologies. ))

>>17932208
>>17932284
You call out for help, and a young man with blonde hair wanders into the office, looking around.

>You there! Pick me up, I'm on the desk.

The young man, who you note has writer's calluses, looks you over.
"Westing?" he asks. "Why were you left alone? Why aren't you with your handler Ceran?"

>>17932316
We would like to know that as well. We were speaking with old man Argyle, and he left us alone for what should have been a few minutes. That was yesterday. Do you know where he or Ceran might be?

>>17932316
"Where is Argyle? And where is Ceran?
"Pick me up. I have a bad feeling about this. They were both supposed to return to me before noon. You are to return me to either one of them, whoever we find first."

>>17932332
>yesterday
This morning, I meant

>>17932316
"It is a pleasure to meet you, forgive me if we have already been introduced but I do not recognize you."

"Things have gone horrifically awry, I fear for the safety of both Ceran and Argyle. Argyle left this morning saying he'd back back shortly and has not returned yet, with matters as they are I can only conclude something must have happened to him.

In regards to why I am not with Ceran...that is something to discuss later."

>>17932333
No, if neither are easily found or if foul play is expected we should be with Damien. If you do not know him he is a friend of Cerans, an experienced warrior.
>project the memory of his appearance.

>>17932377
Damien is a skilled archer and marksman, but he strikes me as the type that isn't going to be that indulging of our need to investigate.
At least with Argyle, he was willing to cooperate.

>>17932401
Argyle isn't here, though. Damien will help if Ceran is in trouble, and in his hands we can deal with any threats we may face. We and everyone else will be better off with him than with the scribe here. This especially includes the scribe.

>Have you seen Argyle?

"No, sir. He seemed to be in quite a rush. Something about 'another Pretender'." the scribe says. "Shall I find your handler?"

>Either Ceran, or Damien.

"The old crossbow trainer?"

>Yes, him. Since Argyle is not at liberty...

"I understand. Is this an emergency, sir?"

>...Yes.

"Very well. Antale."

His boots, under his robe, glow softly.

<<Yes?>>

"I need to move swiftly. Please accommadate." he says.

<<Right away. You'll owe me later~>>

The young man blushes slightly, but nods.

And then he moves. A burst of speed you didn't expect, the young man darting through the halls rapidly. He moves with precision and care, professionally. "Ceran was last at the Records Hall. We shall go there first with haste."

He turns a corner and rockets down the hall, stopping in front of Ceran.

She blinks down at you, holding a large sheaf of papers.

"Westing? Why have you accosted Arkus?"

>>17932517
We were worried! Argyle was to leave us alone for a moment, and has been gone since morning. We fear there is something of great importance he realized and it may have gotten him in trouble. Take us with you so that we may find out what happened, if you would?

Arkus, I thank you. If you know about his wearabouts or what he said, please share before you go. If you would help us to find him, that would be even better.

And to Arkus' boots, he seems like a nice guy so go easy on him. Heh.

>>17932517
"Ceran. Have you seen Argyle?
"I would like to find him, as he is late in coming back to me with some information he promised."

"Arkus, lad, do not let on that there is a problem, if you would be so kind. I would not wish to unnecessarily concern Ceran."

"Antale, do go easy on the boy, would he? He seems a nice enough lad."

Ceran's recent behavior is very odd. She may have been compromised by a Fae of Control. We shouldn't let on that we know yet, however.

>Fae of Control
I very much doubt that.

>>17932638
Maybe. However, her recent behavior is not conducive to us choosing humans over Fae. And if the situation really is as dire as Argyle and Ceran made it out to be, then it seems odd for her to do something so counter-productive to her desired outcome.

>>17932678
We had known of her issues before, and thought that our influence would do her well. So... let's do that. First thing we'll due is influence our patience into her, and ask her why she is compelled to lie.

>>17932704
Alright. I can agree with that.
Pushing our power into her might also reveal if there IS any kind of other foreign influence on her.

>>17932754
Right and remember that we should have a stronger effect on her over time. So hopefully it will begin not to be an issue at all.

>>17932574
>We were worried! Argyle was to leave us alone for a moment, and has been gone since morning. We fear there is something of great importance he realized and it may have gotten him in trouble. Take us with you so that we may find out what happened, if you would?

"Sure. Arkus, if you would?"

"Yes, Ceran, of course."

>he seems like a nice guy so go easy on him.

<<You haven't seen him dance~>>

"A-antale!" the young man blurts, and the boots chuckle. "I'll see you later, Ceran." he says, walking away.

>Ceran, I'm going to give you some of my patience.

She nods, then takes a deep breath. She feels closer to you again.

"I know it's not worth much, but I'm sorry about what I said before."

>What do you mean, exactly?

"...My... general attitude, I guess. I'm unused to... being treated so nicely. I guess I wanted to see how far I could push it. So stupid..."

>Never mind that. What did you discover?

"I found out very little - but I did find that Sanguinus had some last words when he was put away. A prophecy of sorts:

'When all is darkness, all is hate
My sisters, brothers, escape your site
When war itself rides out in eternal night
rejoice, rejoice,
all has been made right.'

I'm not sure what it means, but it took all my favours to reel this in."

>>17932833
"Sounds like he had planned for some pre-conditions which would trigger the other Arch-Mages being released from their seal.
"We will need to consult Argyle. Let's see if we can track him down."

Is she lying now, or is she telling the truth?
I can't think of any way of testing that now, so let's try to find Argyle.

>>17932940
>We will need to consult Argyle. Let's see if we can track him down.

"Where should we look? I mean, there's the Archmage building, which is likely. Or, uh, somewhere else here... Or, the Royal Castle..." she sighs. "Where to begin... That damn old man, running to try and handle everything himself..."

>>17933396
Well, I don't know
Where do you think he would go most likely?

How dare you use the Sarafan icon for anything other than vampire purging.

>>17933396
Is there a checkpoint or guard station that you have to pass through before entering this building?
If there is, we could ask the guard on duty if Argyle had passed by.

If not, we can start with the Archmage Building, since we apparently gave Argyle the idea that another Archmage/Pretender is on the loose.

>>17933396
Maybe we could ask around and see where he was last seen?

>>17932833
"We are hardly blameless either, we acted in ways that were hardly patient. We apologize for that hasty oversight, perhaps that infernal room we were coped up in had something to do with it."

"We also want to thank you for getting the tripod and arm strap, we were to flustered to thank you at the time."

>>17934004
I agree with the sentiments. As deserved as our rage may have been, such outbursts and emotions are not becoming for a being of Patience.

>>17933467

>Where do you think he would go most likely?

"He probably ran right to the Archmages." she grumbles. "We'll check there first." she says.

>Is there a checkpoint or guard station that you have to pass through before entering this building?

"Yes, but there is another way in that most people don't use." she says, slipping through a nearby building. "Argyle uses it all the time to proceed undisturbed."

>We are hardly blameless either, we acted in ways that were hardly patient. We apologize for that hasty oversight, perhaps that infernal room we were coped up in had something to do with it.

"Spare me. You were upset for a perfectly logical reason."

>We also want to thank you for getting the tripod and arm strap, we were to flustered to thank you at the time.
"Thank you~." she says with a smile, unholstering you as you enter the Archmage building. But she stops, hearing voices.

[[I told you, everything I did was necessary.]]
{{SILENCE. I CANNOT WITHSTAND SUCH FLAGRANT INCOMPETENCE! Continued failure will net you the honour of being my first meal.}}
[[I am sorry, my lord, I-]]
{{Enough excuses.}}

Ceran rests against one of the columns of the inner building. The Wrongness is very strong, but not yet overpowering. She is visibly frightened.

>>17934216

We speak telepathically right? If so, this:

"This is...painful. Be wary, if we go much deeper I may not be able to help you."

Sensing her tenseness I'd suggest we try and relax her with as much of the calmness coming with patience we can muster in our weakened state. Afterwards I'd suggest we ask:

"Caren...do you recognize either of these voices? Can you place them?"

>>17934216
Is that Fear, I wonder? And who could he be talking to.

"Ceran, aim me. Quickly, let us get to a vantage point back behind the doorway. Quietly. There is but one set of doors into the inner chamber. Aim me at it."

rolled 54 = 54

>>17934350
>>17934450
Be Patient. Listen.

>>17934849
>Caren...do you recognize either of these voices? Can you place them?

She shakes her head. Neither can you - these are both new.

{{Are you certain both sides are acting as expected?}}
One is feminine, soft, almost... silky.

[[Naturally. War is in their natures. They cannot stand together.]]
The other is masculine, tough, strong.

{{Very good. Soon you and your brothers can ride - and when you do...}}

[[The seals will fall, of course. Have you handled...]]

{{He has been disposed. We no longer need fear Patience or Argyle. Both in their place.}}

Ceran looks ready to flee.

Hmm, it appears we've stumbled on to some sort of plot. If we barged in recklessly we would be giving away our advantage. We know now that someone is pulling some strings, but they are under the impression that we're completely in the dark.

The patient course of action would be to listen in without revealing ourselves. The longer we can avoid letting them know we've heard what they've been saying, the better.

>>17935433
'Now might be a good time to go Ceran, I am weak here and whoever is here doesn't seem the type to ask us to join them for tea'

Sorry for being late, was getting Minequest going.

rolled 31 = 31

>>17935433
Is there a crack in the door? Anything through which we might watch if aimed through? ...anything through which a telescopic sight could be aimed?

>>17935522
My GENRE SAVVY tells me if we wait, we'll be caught the second we learn something revealing, so waiting might not be the best idea. Better to be written off and on to them then know a lot and be hunted.

>>17935433
"Ceran, do not fear. They do not know you are here yet. We can still slip away."

It sounds like their conversation is wrapping up.
I assumed that there was only one way to enter the Inner Chamber of this structure; if so, we can slip out and hide, and have Ceran aim us at the only door in or out through our new scope.

'Is there a spot you can watch both entrances from so we can see them leaving? Far less risky than waiting so close'

Think that's a pretty good compromise

{{Then our business...}}

>Flee!

Ceran nods, and leaves through the main entrance, sitting heavily on the nearest bench.
"This is bad, this is really bad. This is really really really bad." she says, shaking slightly. "If they let out the Archmages, oh god. Those things are boogeymen we use to scare children now, Patience, but they are serious business." she says. "I've read the records of what just ONE could do. I don't want to die like that, Patience, I don't want to. This is bad." she says, on the verge of panic.

rolled 4 = 4

>>17935819
"Then stop panicking. Be calm, sit, and think. Be patient. Acting rashly or, worse, not acting at all for fear is the worst thing we can do."

>>17935819
"You need to calm yourself, Ceran. I can help you, but only if do not allow your fear to overtake you.
"There is but one entrance to the Archmage Chamber, the one we just passed through, is that correct? Then we must move away from here, and observe who leaves."

"It would be prudent for us to inform others of what we have found in the event while watching we are discovered. I do not like thinking of the worst, but the worst is definitely possible."

>>17936155
The only way to keep a secret is to kill everyone who knows. On that train of thought, and our lack of knowlege on them, it would be best to keep this to ourselves. We don't know if they have spies or anything.

'What can you tell me of these arch-mages abilities? You make them sound quite powerful.'

>>17936248
>What can you tell me of these arch-mages abilities? You make them sound quite powerful.

"I..." she thinks.
"Sanguinus of Blood and Fear, comes and takes you by the ear,
For when you stay out far too late, his Darkness hungers, and you will taste first rate.

Lady Silva, of Lies and Scorn, don't let her hear you or you be forlorn,
For all she hears is when you tell fibs, be careful, lest she pluck out yer ribs.

Brother Barnaby, of brutish strength, comes at night and rips your length.
Be kind to friends, for he strikes alone, he needs your bone, his blade to hone.

Sister Garland, with the green eyes, she loves to give what you despise.
Don't treasure anything too much, for she steals with her wicked touch.

Brother Cartwright, with deadly bow, he hunts and hunts all down the row.
The prideful and the cheery he does always pick, so silence, silence, lest his bowstring flick.

And finally, and worst of all, Sister Margaret of the Unknown. Secrets held and whispers made, no one's met her, no one sane. Listen to father, listen to mother, only they can tell the danger."

She frowns.

rolled 41 = 41

>>17936436
"Blood, Fear, Lies, Scorn, Darkness, Strength... Those aspects sound rather like fae names."

>>17936436
"A Pretender. I called them that, when I was Patience. Not men, not Fae, but having a little of both.
"Argyle said something about 'another Pretender'. The Archmages were transformed by the corrupting influence of magic from the Great Shard. What if a human traveled far enough, deep enough, and long enough, towards one of the poles to be exposed to enough magic to start the same process?
"This is most troublesome. Argyle would be so helpful right now."

>>17936549
>>17936492
>>17936248

Question for the group: Do we trust this person enough to ask her about the same things we asked Argyle about? She may have some insights into a few of the topics.

"Out of curiosity, did your investigation into the Princess's assassination reveal anything of note? Did anything seem odd about the way she died, even the slightest trifle might be significant."

>>17936612
I think between the imbued patience and fear she wouldn't lie now.

>>17936759
Imbued patience would make one more likely to stick to their previous lies and not crack under pressure, if anything. I don't think we can rely on it making her honest.

>>17936612
>Out of curiosity, did your investigation into the Princess's assassination reveal anything of note? Did anything seem odd about the way she died, even the slightest trifle might be significant...

She thinks.
"There may have been something..." she says. "Her heart was missing."

>...What.

"Missing! As in, not there! When we examined the body, it was gone!"

> :|

"I'm serious! Not lying."

>...

"Argh. S-still. I'm just an Agent. I... what can I do?"

rolled 24 = 24

>>17937036
"Who was the Princess before she became the Princess? How much did she do in spite of that?"

>>17936981
Also mean she'd think in the long term and see that lying to her partner serves no purpose. And as Argyle said, all she needs is a bit of patience.

>>17937054
We're talking about Dio. No one knew her before we made things happen as Xaver, I guarantee that peice of history was lost.

' "Just an agent". Ha. How many agents are running around with fae turned weapons that can shoot the wings off a fly on the horizon? How many agents have personally killed a fae hitman? Dear Ceran, you stopped being 'just' anything the moment you met me.'

>>17937036
You? Perhaps little. Us? Plenty... we absorb the aspect of fae that we killed, the assassin gave us accuracy in darkness and the brute gave us physical strength when using us as a club. If we were to kill one of these pretenders... too risky to even plan right now, let's talk to Damien

>>17936981
As our previous self we were aware of her nature, and felt that our own would help make her better. This likely means that what causes her to lie is not an intent or desire of deception, but a deeply entrenched panic-driven self defense. Our influence does much to fix that, and our patience with her will let it sink in.

And besides, she's out of things to cover up. Everything she was false about is what happened when we met before.

>>17936981
>>17937069
At this point I don't know we have another choice. We are a sentient weapon that needs to be carried, we inevitably have to trust someone.

>>17937036
"...Perhaps the being we encountered calling himself fear wasn't actually the fae but the 'pretender', more specifically Sanguinus. He seemed taken aback when we mentioned how he didn't seem to be acting as one who knew the nature of "patience".

"If the heart was missing how do you know that she was slain with a stab? Was the wound somewhere other than through where the heart should be?"

"I think it may be time to share some of the things we were discussing with Argyle before he vanished, perhaps something we say will trigger something to mind for you."

>>17937210
We're not talking about Dio. It's been longer than that. EGO mentioned that there have been several Queens of Rust, but Xaver controlled them all. Assuming it's a normal monarchy though, the Princess will have been a Princess all her life so I'm not sure what >>17937054 is getting at.

Ceran, who would have the ability to unseal them?

>>17937255
No, I'm pretty sure he's just a fae. He had the one aspect, worked with other fae, and seemed to knew us before.

>>17937230
Right now, I think it best to trust no one with this news. At the very least, we should try to find Argyle. They thought they dealt with us, so they might be wrong about him. If not, more reason to keep our mouths shut, they found out about him somehow.

>>17937265
Found the quote I was thinking of:
"The Rust Princess ruled the world with an even hand until her death, and her descendants and theirs were just as great. Their rule was a stable one, as if some outside force was guiding them. And then the Sword Of The Throne was shattered."

>>17937255
We really do need at least one person we can trust. I don't think we can trust her at the moment though. We need to find some way to fix that, or find a new wielder.

>He has been disposed. We no longer need fear Patience or Argyle. Both in their place.

This either means they are unaware of our existence as Westington or they have us right where they want us.

>>17937380
Then the princess was always a princess considering the original post.

We can't very gain trust without giving it. And with what Argyle said, we can't really blame her, her orders included leading us on.

>>17937380
Wait, so the Rust Princess said to have met with the Fae, and who was murdered, was NOT Dio, the one who originally came to power (and wielded Xaver 88).

And this most recent Rust Princess, the one who was assassinated after the Sword of the Throne (Xaver 88) was broken, her heart was missing.

Still, it's odd. Why break Xaver 88, if the Wrongness is the target of the Fae, and he doesn't have anything to do with it? Why immediately break off all negotiation when it would have been the best way to get at the Wrongness to deal with it?

>The rising blood and the falling sun'. As well as 'Revenge, revenge, the family comes'

Were the words Patience uttered when he lost himself. This probably either refers to the archmages appearing, which one would almost think would imply they are related.

You know, we really should probably start collecting evidence to show Fear when he returns that this isn't a matter of humans and Fae at war but a matter of a third party pulling the strings of both. I doubt he'll take just our word as proof. We also might do well to ask him whether or not he was the one that confronted us at the bar, threatening to kill the three humans, or whether that was someone else.

>>17937617
Simple, it wasn't a fae that sundered the blade, it was an archmage or a sympathizer of the archmage getting the ball rolling.

>We must find Argyle. He is the one I can trust the most.

"Why not - "

>You can earn my trust in time. But for now, this information must remain insular - there are few we can trust.

She nods, clearly understanding this.
"C-can I get Damien?" she asks.

>Certainly.

She stands and moves, and a familiar feeling washes over you, as you realize there has been for some time now, an utter lack of people.

>>17937036
How about we first get that paladin, Wayne, to help us find Argyle.

rolled 75 = 75

>>17938006
"There is noone here. We are about to be attacked. Bring me to firing position and prepare to aim. Do not hesitate."

rolled 2 = 2

>>17938006
"Ready weapon and begin aiming."
Then we go gallavanting off to look for people. Something is wrong here.

>>17938006
Odd. We were supposed to have three days before being confronted by fear.

>>17938068
>fear
>Sanguinus of Blood and Fear
This... could be bad.

>>17938091
Is it like before? Do you feel the presence of fear?

>>17938091

see

>>17937322
>>17937255

>>17938128
I'm not saying that Sangy is the Fear we met. I'm saying that he has the same aspect of fear and so should be capable of the same trick. In other words if what is happening here is from the power of fear, but not from Fear, then that is incredibly bad.

Actually, I think fae showing up right now is a good thing. Still, we suspect mages of having fae powers, so weapons ready soldier.

rolled 18 = 18

>>17938199
I hope it's dark out.

>>17938185
Assassination could do the same thing. It falls in one of the 2 classes of fae powers.

>>17938219
We may not be any better in the darkness as the light, but we should at least not be worse due to our power.

>>17938227
Or other aspects could due the same by other means.

rolled 1 = 1

>>17938251
I said I hope it IS dark out. We're way better in the dark.

>>17938251
I was under the impression we actually do better in the dark due to killing that assassin in the second thread.

>>17938251
Read the first post. Being in the dark supercharges our accuracy power.

>>17938269
We don't really know how much better, we've never tried it. But if it's not dark then finding somewhere dark to shoot from (e.g. hiding under a table) would probably be a good idea.

>>17938269
>>17938282
>>17938291
Depends if it meant "far better than normal" or "far better than you would otherwise be in the dark". And by how much. I guess we're going to find out, eh?

>>17938316
To quote ego "you know one thing. You are much better in the darkness. Much, MUCH better." Killing a fae with powers so in line with ours would likely make more difference than one far removed from us, like Punching.

The area is strange. You can't tell how, but it is, subtly, incorrect - it's not the same 'wrong' but it is 'a' 'wrong'. These feelings are hard to articulate.

>Be prepared.

"Of course." she says, aiming you, looking around. And then she mutters a curse.

It's huge. Similar to Punching, but much wider, thicker, heavier. She still aims you, but you can feel the tight tension in her body, coiled and ready to spring in flight as the monster ambles forth.

It's not a fae.

rolled 63 = 63

>>17938769
Put a bullet through its eye.

>>17938769
Oh rust, shoot that thing!

rolled 11 = 11

>>17938800
Shoot it in the arm joints, where it connects to the crab claws. Disable the crab claws. Also, it looks like it has a hell load of arteries right there.

rolled 48 = 48

>>17938839
Fuck disabling the claws, they still probably hit with enough force to kill her. We need to kill it hard, fast, and decisively.

>>17938769
I'm guessing that's Brother Barnaby. Shoot it, as fast as possible. It's not like you can miss a target like that, especially as Ceran doesn't have to pretend she's shit at everything any more. And we don't need to reload, so we should be able to shoot pretty fast.

>>17938800

In the eye yes. wait until we are sure we can hit the eye though.

Aim for the T (basically, the region of the face that includes the nose, mouth, and eyes, forming a T. A bullet there severs the brain stem, separating the brain and body instantly. A shot here is viewed as a perfect shot among snipers. The more you know)

rolled 36 = 36

>>17938904
It's dark so, luckily, that should be soon.

>>17938769
>She still aims you, but you can feel the tight tension in her body, coiled and ready to spring in flight as the monster ambles forth.

"Steel yourself, let go of fear, you do not need to run. In this case to try is foolish. Stand still, wait until you see it's weak point clearly, fire, and then l shall take care of the rest."

>Go for the eye, Ceran. Go for the eye.

She snaps her aim up and knees, controlling her breathing with care. Infused patience, as well as her apt movement to a shaded area, snap in the aim quickly.

But when she fires, the creature suddenly snaps its head to one side - the bullet slams into the eye, but the angle is wide, and flies out of the side of the head, to the ground. She takes aim again, but the creature charges forth.

She has maybe seconds to act.

rolled 69 = 69

>>17939084
"We took out one eye, at least. Aim for the other. If it's blind, it won't be able to dodge again. Line up the shot, fire, and run."

>>17939084
"Roll out of the way!"

We need to get out of close combat range and get to where we can aim again.
Like maybe a roof.

Shoot at his kneecap, either way it stops his movement if he dodges again. For that matter, let's test him. Aim at one leg, hit the other.

>>17939181
This. Although dodging immediately afterward is definitely in order if we don't try to reposition first.

>>17939181
This! Fire and roll at the same time. Accuracy shouldn't drop off that fast.

rolled 95 = 95

>>17939181
>>17939255
>>17939261
No. Other eye. Blind the fucker, maybe kill him. Don't take any disabling shots that don't risk killing him

>>17939265
The problem with that is that we don't need eyes where this quest is going. Not too sure if it applies to this guy as well though...

On a more serious note, I'm more for getting out of the way instead of taking another shot at him.

>Ceran, move!

She leaps out of the way of the strike, the creature roaring as the claw slams down, cracking the cobblestones. She rolls into a firing position, snapping off a shot to the creature's shoulder - which does all of nothing, it seems, as it turns and she has to leap back to avoid being skewered. She stumbles on the landing, the terrifying assault continued as it steps forth, sweeping with its claw - and clipping Ceran's leg. She growls and stumbles away, as the creature lumbers forth.

The creature raises one claw over her as she falls on her back, aiming up and crying out as she fires.

The other eye goes out, and the creature screams, as Ceran crawls away, face contorted in pain.

The creature soon calms, smelling the air.

Move to his blind side. Try to stay in his blind spot while aiming. Maintain distance and be Patient. Fire when I say to.

rolled 49 = 49

>>17939389
Fire one more into his eye socket. He can't dodge it now.

>>17939389
"Get some distance and take aim. He's going by sound and smell now, not sight."

Aim for the head this time.

Even if this creature isn't fae I'm concerned about killing it. If it is one with the sense of wrongness any number of things could go horribly awry if we somehow absorbed it's abilities.

Take off your top and toss it away to the left. Go right. That should split up your scent.

I suggest aiming at joints. Knees and elbows. Move after every shot since he will most likely be able to follow you due to the noise.

>>17939451

The smell of blood from the leg injury will overwhelm the smell of sweat from her clothing. She must use her speed and agility to put distance between herself and the beast.

>>17939451
Or we could shoot his nose. Ya' know, the thing he is using to track us.

>ryvight human
Thank you Captcha.

rolled 52 = 52

>>17939518
That would probably also cause serious brain trauma too. At the very least, the smell of its own blood would be overpowering. Do this.

>>17939518
Let's tear away his senses one shot at a time!

>>17938769
Lets be honest.

Who else though of that episode of Zoidberg during mating season from futurama? I can't be the only one.

>Shoot his nose!

She aims, panting. Her pain makes the gun shake as the monster stalks forth, ready to tear her apart.

Her finger twitches.
>No! This shot must hit. Wait until the last moment!

She whimpers as the creature fills her vision and yours.

It raises one arm.

And then the weirdest thing happens.

You feelt leather tight on your body, hugging your form. A heavy weight in your hands. A searing, deep pain in one leg. Adrenelin courses through your body - you feel the need to run, to leave, to get out - to escape as you always had.

>Wh-WHAT's GOING ON!?
Ceran screams from the rifle.

rolled 82 = 82

>>17940093
Take the fucking shot. No time to question it yet.

>>17940093
>Wh-WHAT's GOING ON!?

Assuming control.

Pull the trigger! Roll to the left.

"It looks like we switched places. Be calm I have no wish to stay in your body. We will figure something out if this is not temporary."

rolled 9 = 9

>>17940148
Bullshit, she fucking took us apart when we were Patience. We may as well hold on to the body for a bit. Not permanently, but goddamn.

>>17940093
Make sure that damn shot fires.

TAKE THE SHOT.

>>17940093
"Ceran, fire!"
Take the shot, then get out of the way of the thing's attack.
"We've switched places. We will deal with this once the current crisis has passed."

"Ceran it'll be fine just fire!" Pull the trigger.

>>17940189
This is cruel to her to do so suddenly, we'll end this asap and then figure it out.

>>17940093
Use this to our advantage. Shoot his nose with our superior patience and calm.

"Ceran! Fire!" you yell, your voice sounding strange and feminine as you pull the trigger.

There is the slightest pause as the bullet lodges in its skull.

And then explodes. The creature falls to its knees, then falls to one side.

>This... This makes no sense! I don't understand what's going on!?

"I'm certain there's a way to switch back."

>What is it?!

"I don't know yet! Calm down! Have patience!"

She quiets, but you still feel that slight anxiety.

Not to mention a host of other emotions, feelings, and other urges.

>>17940305
Whats the most prominent urge?

>>17940189
That was Argyle. And it was gunform or death. Man, I'm starting to see the appeal of mandatory enlistment, some people here don't understand the meaning of Orders.

>>17940305
Try to push our Patience into the gun the way we normally pushed it into Ceran. Maybe that will switch us back.
>>17940320
Probably to find safe shelter.

Huh that is a thought, we were pushing Patience into Ceran the entire time trying to keep her calm. Possible doing so was in fact pushing Ourself into her.

The opposite should be true too. However it seems that by putting others into the musket has a different effect on it then our own. Hence the exploding musket ball.

Fascinating. If we get a chance perhaps we can experiment with this.

I agree we should push Patience into the rifle. Best to get ourselves out of this flesh and its troubling feelings.

>>17940320
Foremost among them is a need to get to safety. But others... Feelings you've never had before. A need... You cannot quite identify, but... Is tied to Damien's sons, to....

The rifle?!

You shake it clear. Clearly there's some issues here.

You push your Patience into the gun, sharper and harder than before. More and more and more and

----

And it happens again. Ceran gasps heavily, for air.
"Oh god. Oh Rust don't do that again!"

>>17940305
Are we still applying our influence? I think we put too much into her, try to remove it. Or... try to influence the gun. Otherwise we need to teach her to do it yourself.

But first ask Ceran how she feels, and describe the anxiety we feel.

rolled 68 = 68

>>17940480
"I'm sorry. I was putting my Patience into you, but... Well... I'm Patience. I put myself into you. I'll make sure it won't happen again - and I won't risk doing it with any of the others I have in here with me. Let's get your leg looked at. It... It hurt quite a bit."

>>17940338
>>17940320
>Whats the most prominent urge?
>Probably to find safe shelter.

>Context, we just slew a creature outside the sanctum where we just heard the big baddies talking.
>Further context, we did it with an EXPLODING MUSKET.

Verdict: Time to bug the fuck out. Get someplace safe and quiet and THEN worry about trading places again. Besides, staying like this has perks.

Fuck you, not those perks. We can gain insight into how she thinks this way.

>>17940480
We put ourselves into you, making you calm. Seems we forced it too much, sorry about that. Not like we could have known. But this might be useful some time, perhaps if we are in someone elses hands.

Ceran we felt a great anxiety when switched, is that how you normally feel? How did you feel in our form?

>>17940480
Its strange, seems my emotional spectrum is tied to my body but my mind isn't. Feeling human emotions was... strange and overwhelming.

Put a bullet in it's heart too, you can never be too sure someone is dead.

>>17940480
>A need... You cannot quite identify, but... Is tied to Damien's sons, to....
>The rifle?!

((How flattering!))

Did we get a new power from killing that? Or... wait, we weren't in the gun at the time. Ceran, did you feel something strange right when that thing died?

>>17940537
Can we get on with the moving and the running? As I said earlier we just caused an explosion outside the BBEG lair. It'd be great to stop and talk about this but we really should not be anywhere near where we are right now.

>Situation tickowt

Thank you again captcha.

rolled 46 = 46

>>17940608
Who gives a fuck about the explosion? There were gunshots anyway. It's not as if an exploding bullet is louder than a gunshot. Seriously, it's not.

It appears that if needed I can push myself into my wielder. Do not worry now that I know how it happens we should be able to prevent it unless needed.

Time to find allies for the path ahead. Damien is a good start.

With the archmages returning we have no time to spare. We must convince the fae of their coming. We must convince your leadership to end this war. A greater foe ochestrated this war and they must not succeed in their plans.

Without Argyle this will be... difficult indeed.

>>17940601
Do you have superpowers, Ceran?

Also, I'm going to enjoy this body swapping/power swapping mechanic.

Also, look like she really did like West. Who knew.

>>17940622
Guns, more specifically muskets, were considered rare in this setting. The sound of the damn things is sure to draw attention.

rolled 87 = 87

>>17940631
I wonder if we could just plain take a body, permanently. I wonder if we would take those other fae souls with us.

rolled 23 = 23

>>17940637
Let's give her the benefit of the doubt from now on. Let her know that we really do trust her.

>>17940480
"I shall not make it a habit. It was...disorienting.
"Now, let's get you out of here, and to a healer to get that leg looked at.
"And I think we need to speak with some of your superiors.
"But first, your safety. That's most important. Use me as a crutch."

>>17940664
Assuming West understood the feeling well enough to pick up on its meaning. Which seems unlikely, based on the rest of the sentence.

>We put ourselves into you, making you calm. Seems we forced it too much, sorry about that. Not like we could have known. But this might be useful some time, perhaps if we are in someone elses hands.

"An accident?"

>Indeed. Completely unintentional. Know that from now on, if I attempt to calm you, there is a risk of it occuring.

((FROM NOW ON, ANY SUGGESTIONS MADE TO 'INFLUENCE' CERAN WITH PATIENCE OR CALMNESS SHOULD BE CONNOTED WITH A D100 ROLL. EVERY ROLL THEREAFTER TO DO SO FURTHER MUST BE A D X ROLL, WITH 'X' BEING THE AMOUNT YOU ARE WILLING TO PUT FORTH AT MOST.

IF INFLUENCE EVER REACHES 100 OR MORE, YOU SWITCH BODIES.))

"I understand. Just... be careful, okay?"

>Yes, of course. The experience was troubling for myself as well. your urges are strange.

"My... Urges?"

>Yes, quite.

She stares at you for a while, then looks away.

"We need to find that damn old man." she mutters, holstering you and running, leaving the carcass where it lays.
----
"Yer tellin' me a great lumberin' demon came after yer?" Damien asks, putting forth two cards and recieving two in turn. He was enjoying poker when you arrived, and was adamant about finishing his hand.

"Yes."

"Dayum. I ain't seen Argyle, though. Want me to come along with yer?"

"I, uhm..." she looks to you.

>>17940736
Don't see any reason why he shouldn't come along.

rolled 23 = 23

>>17940736
Yes, that would be good. We really benefited from his sons' backup the previous night.

>>17940736
"We could make use of a person with steady aim with the ferocity of these attacks. If you are willing to help us we would gladly accept it."

>>17940736
Yes, we really could use someone to watch our backs for a change. I'm tired of firing off shots point blank with no moment to spare. Tell him to arm himself well.

The biggest thing we felt in you was a great anxiety... that is unfamiliar to us as you can well imagine. If the situation weren't so shocking you may have felt free of it in our form.

>>17940736
'Yes, we've been getting attacked every few hours since we woke up and it's about time we get someone to watch our backs. Also, think you can have someone grab that corpse, quarter it, incinerate the quarters, then spread the ashes in each cardinal direction? If that was what I think it was, we can't ever be too sure it's dead, but overzealous precaution couldn't hurt.'

Check self for new demon related powers. Ceran did you feel anything strange at the moment it died?

>>17940736
"I think he should come with us, Ceran. Whoever those conspirators were, they may start targeting us more intensely now."

>>17940831

It wasn't fae, I doubt we'd get new abilities from it.

>>17940962
Probably not. But maybe it had some kind of fake aspect to it. It all depends what a demon is... Ceran, what the heck was that thing Any idea?

>Ceran, what was that?

"It... It felt like a demon. A monster created by the Archmages - spun from flesh and bone, hewn from evil souls, and forged in the fires of Bartleby's hatred." she explains. "But..." she shakes her head. "Something didn't feel right."

You felt this too. Like... uncanny valley, sort of.

"Ha! Fuck yer, boys. Flush."

The boys groan, and Damien stands, picking up his crossbow.

It's... massive.

"Heh, like it?"

It's almost as wide as his shoulders, and the mechanism is as large as you are. The bolts are as thick as his fingers, and the actual 'bow' is made from metal of some sort. It's borderline... no, it IS ludicrous.

"I thought you tossed it."

"It's a goddamn work of art, honey. Punches right through nonmagical plate."

She rolls her eyes, and he laughs, hanging it on a sling so it hangs in front of him.

"Alright then. Where would he..." she nods. "The library. He would have checked over his in-"

Damien sighs. "The library burned down this afternoon."

>>17941067
"Were there any witnesses or survivors? Anyone that we could talk to, check if Argyle was even there?"

>>17941067
>You felt this too. Like... uncanny valley, sort of.

Something familiar but just off enough to make it unnervingly creepy? This kind of goes back to the "Pretender" idea we were discussing earlier, how the Archmages became something decidedly inhuman, but not quite fae either. As a creation of their magic, that's probably the same sense that we were getting off of the monster too.

>>17941067
Well shit. We're running out of leads here, and we don't even know if he lives at this point.

Oh and no matter what Damien is capable of, that monster can't possibly be quick to reload. Tell him that if we're ever surrounded by a crowd of enemies for some reason he can borrow us. Our rapid reloading is the only thing we're good for in such a scenario, and he can be accurate without help.

>>17941107
So this thing was like a demon, but something was different about it's creation. Ceran how much do you know of the creation of one? What is this about Bartleby? What the hell about it could possibly feel wrong compared to a normal demon?

Fuck I love this story, I love you OP, I love everyone right now

>>17941067
This man Uses a Piecemaker!

>>17941248
>Piecemaker

Sweet Rust, I have newfound respect for this dude now.

>>17941248
((I'm gonna have to ask for a brofist. Right now.))

>>17941096
>Were there any witnesses or survivors? Anyone that we could talk to, check if Argyle was even there?

"The fire started in the center of the library. Anyone inside would have escaped. However..."

"We should check, just to be sure." Ceran says, and they move out.

>If we're ever surrounded by a crowd of enemies for some reason You can borrow us, Damien.

"Right kind of you. Understood."

((MINOR SPELLING ERROR, MY APOLOGIES))
>Ceran how much do you know of the creation of one? What is this about *Barnaby*? What the hell about it could possibly feel wrong compared to a normal demon?

She shakes her head. "I don't know hw demons are made, just that the Archmages work together to do it. Those that do affect the outcome. Each of the six makes different aspects..." she says as they walk. You approach a charred shell of a building as night begins in earnest, stars winking in the sky.

A man in a leather apron, gloves, hood, and trousers approaches. A mask over his face muffles his voice slightly.

"Ceran?" he asks. "We have some news for you. If you would follow me?"

She and Damien look at one another as you step through the rubble, coming to the centre of it. The man sighs.
"This body was found where the fire started. We don't think he started it. We aren't even sure what happened. But this pen, inkwell, and book survived a fire that ashed even bone."

He hands the book to Ceran, who opens it and lets out a quiet cry.

"It's... It's his handwriting." she manages. "Oh god. Oh god, he died. He really... I didn't think he'd..."

"Miss?"
"Ceran?"

"I... I need some time alone." she says, quietly, walking away with the book after handing you off to Damien.

>>17941351
Follow, before we lose her. She could probably lose us really easily if she wanted to, and we need that book.

>>17941351
Alone... let her have her privacy but do not let her be far from you, understood? The last thing we need is her being taken hostage. Again. Especially with that book. Grab the pen and inkwell too.

Also we would like you to test something, try to aim us at something in the darkness.

So how much did you actually know about us, old man? We've been mostly informed of our past life and all that mess at the end of it.

>>17941390
>>17941478
Damien follows, but keeps his distance from her. She seems upset, truly upset, something you haven't seen often.

"It's only yer second day here and everything's gone ter shet." the man says with a chuckle at you. "If I didn't know better, I'd think you were at fault."

>So how much did you actually know about us, old man? We've been mostly informed of our past life and all that mess at the end of it.

"I knew she couldn't stop talkin' about you."

>Truly?

"Yer. Always askin' roundabout ways about how ter get a guy's attention. Was kinna sad what had ter happen, at the end there."

He looks over at her.

"You want I can hand yer over. She looks to need a gentle voice."

mmmmm soup

>>17941985
If it sounds like she's calmed down a little, sure. Otherwise wait a bit.

>>17942103
He waits a moment, then slides you into her hands.

She holds tightly, then relaxes.
"I'll read it to you." she says calmly.

'I write this to warn both Fae and mortal alike, and I write it in ink, for anything not written in magic cannot be trusted. The Sword Xaven 88 has been disguised as the Sword of the Throne the entire time - this is cannily evident in many parts of our government regarding magical items. But this is not the greatest revelation.

No, the greatest revelation is that Sanguinus's seal was not perfect - and by extension, neither are the others. They are leaking.

Ah, it hurts. The fire inhibits my movements... My apologies for the limited legibility.

The seals must be reinforced.

Trust no one but your closest friends.

You must find the six seals.

The Fae must learn of the treachery of War.

hurry.

there is not much time

ceran

patience

hurry'

[[END OF THREAD]]

[[NEXT THREAD IS ON FRIDAY OR SATURDAY, SEE THE DISC THREAD ON TGCHAN FOR A MORE FINAL DATE]]

rolled 16 = 16

>>17942672
Did it feel like we took the other fae souls with us when we borrowed Ceran's body, or did they stay with Ceran in the musket? This is vitally important.