>>Previous threads can be found at: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Sorceress%20Quest

Your name is Ishelda, and you are the last survivor of a fallen world.

You wake up with a start. What was that dream? Something about. . demons. Yes, that's right, it was a nightmare in which demons tore through into this world, chasing you endlessly.
Somehow sensing your discomfort, Grayson harrumphed loudly. You pick his hat up off of the end table, and toss it onto his head.
Hmm. . what shall you do today?

You clean and dress yourself, wearing one of the new traveling frocks you got yesterday evening, and then get up and to the dining room of Romulus' tower. Lewin, Fellwind, and Kracknik are all there, eating breakfast.
"Morning, Lady." Lewin said.
"Boss is out this morning," Kraknik mentioned. "'E told me to make sure you guys got fed while 'e was out. Siddown, siddown."
He pulls the chair out for you, and you sit down and start to eat.

Huh, slow today...

>>19288735
Ask Kraknik where Romulus went off to and ask how Lewin and Fellwind enjoyed their night, I guess.

"Where did Romulus go off to?" You ask.
"Ya mean Boss? He went to go give that pink drink to Lady Azure. 'E spent all night making sure it worked like 'e wanted it to." Kracknik said.
You turn to Fellwind and Lewin. "How did you two enjoy your night?" You ask.
"I slept well." Lewin said. "But as we're used to sleeping on the ground, a bed is a major change, Lady. It'll take a few more nights in order to get used to it."
Fellwind shrugged- it looked like he wasn't a morning person, and was still half asleep.

hmm...

any events upcoming? like a ball or a festival?

>>19288930
"I see.", you say as you sip your tea. "Any idea of what we could do today, gentlemen? Perhaps there is an Adventurers Guild or something nearby where we can acquire work."

"hmm. . Do any of you know if there are any events upcoming? Such as a ball, or a festival?"
"Hardly." Fellwind said. "This city is much too far out of most peoples' way to have enough tourists for a large enough festival. They're always having balls and festivals in Centauri, though. It's the largest northern province, and it's only a few days' walk from here. Faster, if we rent horses."
Lewin frowned. "But I don't know how to ride, and they would. . no doubt dislike your friend." He said, motioning to Grayson. You notice that Kracknik is loyally feeding Grayson berries out of the palm of the kobold's hand.
"Any idea of what we could do today, Gentlemen? Perhaps there is an Adventurers Guild or something nearby where we can acquire work."
"I doubt it, Lady." Lewin said. "I've been looking for such a guild for my entire adult life. But an adventurer doesn't have it so easy. Perhaps in the elven lands. . ."
He sighed.

>>19289031
"Well then, perhaps we should start one once we've gathered more funds?"

(I have no idea how everyone else will react to that once they start reading the thread or how that messes up Exabyte's plans, but I think it sounds like fun)

>>19289031
Perhaps you could tell me a little about the workings of this city? What guilds there are, how power is distributed and similar?

>>19289031

Lewin, maybe some day you will found your own guild. If you don't have better ideas, we could make a visit to the High Lord and see if he would have any use of us.

"Lady Ishelda, I recall you mentioning meeting Lady Azure and the ambassador Grayskin sometime." Fellwind said suddenly. "If you're truly lost as to what to do today, we could go to the citadel."
"Perhaps you could tell me a little about the workings of this city? What guilds there are, how power is distributed and similar?" You ask.
"Well. . this province is primarily a. . staging point to protect the rest of the provinces from the orcs, if they ever get the idea to attack. Other than that, there's the. . heh, lumber baron." Lewin said, stifling a grin. "Or so he calls himself."
"Oh? You didn't mention him before. . "
"He was the man who owned the logging camp we assisted Lord Sirius in saving. We could go speak to him in his estate." Lewin said.

>>19289167
"I assume he doesn't have much real power, then?"

"I assume he doesn't have much real power, then?"
"Oh, no, he does." Lewin says. "He has money and owns quite a bit of the city. . but he doesn't know how to use it. He inherited most of it from his father, and since then, he's been. .dwindling. Rumor has it, he's too kind with his money and gives it away to those who needs it."

>>19289167
"Really? Well perhaps we should go and see if he needs any more assistance..."

>>19289236
Derp, replied to the wrong post

>>19289217
"Well, I suppose if you're going to ruin a family empire, the best way to do so is with kindness. Anyway, so today we're going to the citadel and going to see this Lumber Baron. Sounds good?

Oh fuck yes.

"Well, I suppose if you're going to ruin a family empire, the best way to do so is with kindness." You say.
"Amen, Lady."
"So today we're going to the citadel and then going to see this Lumber Baron. Sounds good?"
"That sounds like a good plan for the day, Lady." Lewin says. Fellwind frowns, but nods.
"Should we bring Grayson?" Lewin asks. "I'm not sure how orcs view large beasts, but it's important not to offend them, and Grayskin will be in attendance."

>>19289300
"The little fluffball-" said while scratching behind ear "-is just as much part of the group as the rest of us."

Greyson is family
We take him

Hmm, might we stick around long enough to get a reard for our potion

>>19289300
We should get a collar for him, and maybe a side saddle. He remind me of my dog though. Anyway, bring him.

"The little fluffball-" You say, scratching him behind the ear. "Is just as much part of the group as the rest of us." You say.
"Of course." Lewin said, and finished up his meal. Kracknik picked up his plate, and ran off to clean it. You finish your own meal thoughtfully. .

>[] Citadel first
>[] Lumber Baron Estate first
>[] Other?

>>19289473
Citadel first

>>19289473
Lets get on Grayson and lumber over to the Lumber Baron!

>>19289473
Citadel first, just can't imagine we'll have much to talk about with the Lumber Baron otherwise.

>>19289518
We can talk about better managing his finances.

But, citadel first.

>[X] Lumber Baron Estate first

>>19289529
Oooh, actually I like that idea.

Citadel control this is LDY Ishelda requesting landing permission. We have fluffball, repeate, we have fluffball.

You quickly dress yourself in court clothing, and approach the citadel, Grayson at your side (with his hat, of course), with Lewin and Fellwind falling in behind. You notice that Fellwind has his hood up again, and is walking like he doesn't want his face to be seen.
The guards at the entrance stop you. "May I ask who you are, lady? And what this... bear is doing with you?"

>>19289560
Navigator Lewin has the deck.

>>19289595
I am Lady Ishelda and this is my bear, grayson.

>>19289595
"This bear" is my pet Grayson, I've raised him since he was a cub! I am Lady Ishelda and these two are my companions and guards. I was invited by the High Lord himself.

"I am Lady Ishelda, and these two are my companions and guards. The bear is my loyal pet, Grayson, and I was invited by the High Lord himself."
"Ah, I understand." The guard said. "Yes, Lady Ishelda. You may enter."
They opened up the gates, and you could hear someone call out to the assembled nobles, your name.
You enter a room with a long table, and sitting there, you notice a few people of note; High Lord Sirius, a hunched over man with a long, crooked nose, a woman in a blue dress and a dazed expression, and finally, a being with a pig-like snout, long lower teeth, and just like his name, pale grey skin.

>>19289749
Curtsey...uh, I don't know much more about courtly etiquette than that.

Curtsy as courtly as we know how.

>>19289749
Make Grayson sit down and introduce yourself and your companions. If we are asked to sit down at the table let someone pull out the chair for you.

You curtsy, and immediately start acting in perfect etiquette.
"I am Lady Ishelda, from lands far off." You introduce yourself.
"Lady Azure, daughter of Ser Rowling the eldest." The woman said, dreamily, as if drugged
"You may call me Grayskin, for that is my name." The orc said, bowing deeply.
"Uriel, Court Magister." The hook-nosed man said, as if he were already tired of the proceedings.
"Greetings, Lady Ishelda." The high lord said. "I'm glad you could come. Sit down, sit down."
Lewin pulls out a chair at the long table for you, and you sit down demurely.
"This girl." The high lord said, looking to Grayskin. "This girl and her retainers saved me and my men from a troll."
"Interesting. . " Grayskin responded, and looked to you. His eyes were a pale, pale blue, and you felt like he could see into your soul.

>>19289858
inb4 Soulgaze

"It was mostly my retainers really."

rolled 14 = 14

>>19289858
Use magic and look back into his soul.

>>19289881
Nonono, that is a bad idea. We behave courtly. And Uriel is watching

>>19289858

For the love of God, don't you dare blink.

After Uriel has had his soul searching stare: "I thank you for your kind words, Lord Sirius. But had it not also been for the valantry of you and your mean, I fear the outcome might have been most unfortunate."

>>19289858
Return his gaze with a slight curious tilt of our head.

>>19289904

Oh, my bad, it was the Orc doing the staring. We'll don't you break eye-contact either way.

>>19289869
Soulgaze?

>>19289936
When a practicing wizard and a being with a soul (all mortals along with White Court vampires and others) look each other in the eyes, it begins what is known as a soulgaze. It gives the other a window into their soul, which can’t be faked. It doesn’t relay specific information (you can’t use it to interrogate someone), but it does give one a vague impression on whether they’re trustworthy or not, or if they’ve been psychically harmed, etc. Just like if one were to use their Sight, the memory of the gaze doesn’t fade with time, being as sharp years later as when it happened. One circumstance in which a Soulgaze doesn’t occur, is when a doctor looked into Harry’s eyes. He didn’t so much as look into his eyes, as examine them, which is professional intent.

Id say just make some pretty fireworks in our eyes. To distract him

"I thank you for your kind words, High Lord Sirius. But had it not also been for the valantry of you and your mean, I fear the outcome might have been most unfortunate." You say.
The orc gives you a grin.
"I like her." He said. "She does not flinch. Is she not young for your kind?"
"I believe so, yes." the high lord responds.

>>19289950
No. Uriel would notice, and that is a Bad Thing.

>>19289963
>"I like her." He said. "She does not flinch. Is she not young for your kind?"
Wha?
Oh shit oh yeah we're 10-14 years old.

>>19289963
"Proper young ladies do not do such rude things."

>>19290010
What rude things???

>>19290018
Flinching under stares

>>19289963
We may be a little young yes, but we are not to be underestimated.

"I may be young, but I am not to be underestimated." You say, giving the orc a brilliant smile. He chuckles.
"So, do what do we owe this pleasure?" Uriel asked, and twiddled his hands. You feel the sudden presence of magic from him. Nothing major, just a simple telekinesis spell. .

>>19290179
"I am low on funds, however I do not wish to borrow money. Therefore I would like to find a mission of some sort in order to get funds for my journey."

How much does a castle cost?

>>19290179
Well, my first reason was simply to meet this fine company. Secondly it was to see what benefit I could be to this fair city.

"Well, I find myself dreadfully low on funds." You say. "But I do not wish to borrow money and indebt myself to anyone. Therefore. . I'd like to find a mission of some sort in order to earn funds."
"Hmm. . " The orc looks at you up and down, as if measuring you up. "The people of my land are having more issues with trolls. I'm certain I could talk the king and queen into paying you to assist. It is a simple short boat ride from here, if you wish."
"Alternatively," The High Lord said. "The province of Venus is having troubles with hobgoblins, and there are rumors of undead coming out of the charred lands to assault villages. But those are both several weeks away."

>>19290352
I find your offer quite interesting Sir Orc, though I must admit my lack of knowledge in regards to your lands. Greyskin could you please tell me more of your homeland?

>>19290352
The trolls seem nice and i will think about the offer. But i would like to see a little more of this fair city before leaving it.

>>19290352
I think we shall assist the orcs with their troll problem, as it is closer.

"I find your offer quite interesting, Sir Greyskin, though I must admit my lack of knowledge in regards to your lands. Could you please tell me more of your homeland?"
"My homeland is three things." He said, holding up three fingers. "Tundra, mountains, and cold forests. The forests are the problem- this latest winter, we weren't active enough in exterminating the trolls, so they spread through the forest. It's. . quite a problem. We know of their weakness to fire, but our young are not yet tamed, and so they can't fight without losing themselves."

>>19290449
Your young are not yet tamed? Sir Greyskin I must admit myself unfamiliar with your race and its customs. Pray tell what you mean by that.

"Your young are not yet tamed? Sir Greyskin, I must admit myself unfamiliar with your race and it's customs." You say.
"Our young are born. . wild. Our instincts too strong for us to handle. If we can keep our young. . calm, they can be taught to control themselves. . but when one gets scared, or angry, they become beasts." He says. "That is why we are all taught to be warriors before we become adults; to learn the blade is to learn discipline and control."

>>19290530
"Ah. That explains it then. I'm sure we can help control their numbers until you can resolve the problem."

>>19290530
I must say that is quite interesting. I believe I will enjoy my sojourn to your land, I am not leaving immediately of course, but shortly.

You mentioned King and Queen. How would you Orc hierarchy?

>>19290530
That is very fascinating and i would like very much to visit your country. When can the boat be arranged?

>>19290530
"Would I be taking care of hot spots, or particularly troublesome trolls, or trolls in general? Would you want me to collect a certain number?

"Ah. that explains it then. I'm sure we can help control their numbers until you can resolve the problem." You say. "It is interesting; I believe I will enjoy my sojourn to your land. I am not leaving immediately, of course, but shortly."
"I will need to arrange it, then." Greyskin said, scratching his snout. "My country does not normally allow men or elves to enter; it is a great shame for outsiders to see our young lose themselves."
"You mentioned King and Queen. How would you describe Orc hierarchy?"
"There is little hierarchy to be had, in truth." Grayskin said, and out of the corner of your eye you notice Sirius call for a drink of water. "We have the ageless king and queen, who. . taught us. They were the first to tame their beastselves, and they did it themselves, without help- they're a thousand years old, and our kind has immense respect for them." He said, and nodded deeply. "That respect reveals itself as servitude, and no force could make one of our kind betray the kingdom."

>>19290647
They sound interesting as can be, I hope I can meet them when I visit.

"They sound interesting as can be." You say. "I hope I can meet them when I visit."
"Perhaps, if they find you as interesting as you they." The orc said. "They freely tell stories of their memories, and with that much age, they remember many things- servitude to the ogres, escaping to the north. . hiding out past the lizardmen and ogre war. . Some of our kind are historians, and write down each tale the venerable king and queen tell."

Fellwind hisses in your ear. "Uriel just dipped something in Sirus' drink."

rolled 30 = 30

>>19290732
use magic to warn Sirius mentally "Uriel put something in your drink"

You nod, and focus. . "High Lord Sirius, I must warn you not to drink." You whisper, sending the sound directly to his ear. "Uriel put something in there."
"I feel witchcraft in the room." Uriel said, looking around. His eyes met yours for the first time, and you feel a pulse of magic coming from them. "You. . Are you a witch?" He asked, standing from his chair. He glanced at Azure, and she suddenly snapped to attention.
". . We can't let a possible witch be so close to Sirius, should we?" Azure asked, suddenly very alert and unlike her previous manner. "Perhaps we should. .send her away."

>>19290352
>undead
Yes undead undead undead let's go I want hellfire and soulfire bitches

>>19290805
Cock our head to the side slightly. "Huh? Of course I'm not a witch. As far as I know you are the only person who can use magic here."

>>19290805
Oh shit. Uriel used the love potion on Azure!
"We are no Witch! Is this how you speak to a lady?"

"A witch? Is that what you call all guests? Maybe Grayson has awakened?"

"Huh? Of course I'm not a witch." You say calmly. "As far as I know, you are the only person who can use magic here."
"If Uriel says it, I'm inclined to believe it." Lady Azure said. Sirius had an eyebrow raised, and looked to everyone. . .
"Do you call all of your guests a witch, Magister?" You ask Uriel.
"Uriel." He says finally, a slight smirk on his face. "Take a drink of this, will you?"
Uriel takes the glass, and you feel that the glass has more than just water in it; you can also sense the mind magic from the potion you'd made earlier.
You notice that Grayskin isn't doing anything about these proceedings, only watching calmly as Uriel drinks it.

>>19290873
Whisper to Grayskin "Grayskin, I would have thought you would have told me if you were capable of using magic."

There's a pulse of magic. . but Uriel stays calm. "You see, lord?" He says to Sirius. "There was no poison in this glass. Unlike what a . .witch may have whispered in your ear."
Sirius frowns, and looks to you. Uriel does as well, but the look on his face. . he's gloating. It seems that whatever the potion did, it didn't effect him.

"There's an invader in the castle!" One of the guards cry, and then you see Romulus storm into the room, panting.
"High Lord Sirius." He says, as the guards rush up to pin down his arms. "There is a conspiracy out against you.
Uriel suddenly gets angry. "Trickster magician." He hisses.

rolled 73 = 73

>>19290926
Prepare to defend everyone from any magic he uses.

>>19290926
I guess it'll depend on what Sirius has to say but see if we can get Romulus to elaborate.

rolled 90 = 90

>>19290926
Make Uriel suddenly start to retch. That should convince Sirius that the drink was dangerous!

>>19290958
Oh hell no

>>19290958
this

"Let go of him." Sirius tells the guards. "Speak, Romulus."
"I was hired." Romulus said. "To craft a love potion. At first I thought it was for Lady Azure, but. . "
He pants, and Uriel takes that moment to throw a spell at Romulus.
You move without thinking about it, and blast his spell out of the way with your own.
Romulus dives back, and the guards unsheathe their blades.
"But I recently came across some information. . . Lady Azure is dead." He says. "And has been for several months."
Everyone looks to the lady sitting at the table, but she's just sitting there, dozing off as she had been almost the entire meeting.

rolled 30 = 30

>>19290993
Hold Person and Silence his magic or make tell the Truth to any questions put to him.

>>19291010
Damn, someone want to try and get a better roll for that?

Shit's on like donkey kong!
Silence on Uriel, unleash the bear to pin him down.
Oh yeah Necromancy! Maybe we'll meet hellfire?

Use this >>19290958

rolled 4 = 4

>>19291024
>>19291010

rolled 100 = 100

>>19291021
im assuming its 1d100

>>19291037
Oh, Hai thar.

>>19291037
im feeling all fuzzy now that i rolled that

>>19291037
Yes. That is a 100.

Hopefully he's now paralysed for life, can never use magic again, and always has to tell the truth for anything he's asked. We're probably knocked out as well or at least we faint/hurt ourself.

"Romulus, this is a very serious accusation. If you're so certain as to your source of information." Sirius said. "Then who is this woman at the table?"
"A pawn." He said. "Controlled by Uriel. Shapeshifted."
Uriel growls, and gives Lady Azure a glance. She suddenly becomes alert again. "That's preposterous!" She says.
Sirius sighed. "Greyskin, what do you make of this turn of events?"
Greyskin looked to everyone, thinking slowly.

"I believe that. . Your magister is not human." Greyskin says, ponderously. "He does not move or act as a human. I have known this for many days. But he appears to be so, and so he must be shapeshifted."

Uriel starts chanting a spell, but. . some kind of inner fury rages within you. Raw power burns through you, and with your magic, you reach out, and. . .crush his inner magic.
"Silence." You declare, pointing at Uriel. He gurgles, grasping his throat. You don't feel tired, you don't feel tired at all. In fact. . you seem stronger.
"If he is shapeshifted, and if your mercenary wizard is as clever as you say he is." Greyskin said. "Then Lady Azure is shapeshifted as well. I believe what the mercenary wizard says."
"I will take that into consideration." Lord Sirius says. "Guards, please confine the Magister and Lady Azure."
The soldiers comply.

>>19291111
Awwwww yeah. Level up bitches!

File: 1338330006526.gif-(740 KB, 240x132, 1310036486326.gif)

>>19291111
Uriel starts chanting a spell, but. . some kind of inner fury rages within you. Raw power burns through you, and with your magic, you reach out, and. . .crush his inner magic.
>Raw power burns through you, and with your magic, you reach out, and. . .crush his inner magic.
>crush his inner magic.

>>19291111
Well, that was quite exciting I must say, could I get another cup of tea?

Greyskin, being able to tell if someone is human when no one else could, that is quite an impressive feat. Is this common among Orcs?

"Well, that was quite exciting, I must say." You say, taking a sip of tea.
Uriel screams out a few words of magic, shoving his palm toward you. . but nothing happens. He freezes, and looks at his own hand, as the guards drag him off.
"Greyskin, being able to tell if someone is human when no one else could, that is quite an impressive feat. Is this common among Orcs?"
"No, it's a personal skill of mine." Greyskin said. "I have the talent of being able to tell when one is lying, or acting abnormally." He said. "It's why I knew you were more than you seem to be. More than the high lord seems to be, in fact."
Sirius raised his eyebrow, and you can feel three stares from behind you; Lewin, Fellwind, and Romulus, no doubt.

We must be freaking the hell out of the people with any knowledge of magic with that display just now.

>>19291214
Me, I thought I was just an innocent little girl in a far off land. How could anyone possibly think differently?

Idly pat Grayson and scritch him behind the ears.

>>19291214
"Don't worry too much about it. I very much doubt that what I am would have much meaning here."

>>19291214
... and what do you think i am, if you don't mind me asking?

>>19291253
this one

"And what do you think I am, if you don't mind me asking?" You ask Grayskin.
"You're calm, well composed in this kind of situation, and you can tear a man's magic from him without a word." Grayskin said. "I would say you're some kind of terrifying monster, in little girl form. But you act much like the venerable queen. . ."
"Don't worry too much about it." You say. "I very much doubt that what I am would have much meaning here." You say, patting Grayson's head.
". . Can't anything ever be simple?" Lord Sirius said.
"Of course not, high lord. That would be too easy." Romulus said.

>>19291253
yeah, i'm liking this response

Welp, Uriel is probably related to the undead problems somehow, that's what I first thought after I heard Azure was dead.

>>19291311
If life was simple then it'd be boring now wouldn't it.

Be assured that no matter what I am I don't mean any of you any harm, you seem like nice people.

So, tell me about shapeshifters if you would, I know little of them and given that there were two of them here I think it'd be good to know more about them.

"Now. . I need to go investigate." High Lord Sirius said, and clasped his fist over his heart. "You're all dismissed."
Grayskin stood out of his chair, and bowed.
"Can you tell me about shapeshifting?" You ask Romulus.
"Well... It's a spell, most of the time." He said. "A very difficult spell, as you have to picture what you want to turn into very strongly. But how did you silence his magic?" He asked. "I didn't even hear you chant."

>>19291381
Take a sip of tea, look at him as if we're going to give him a very serious and truthful answer.

"Magic"

>>19291381
you're right, i didn't chant. it's magic, there is not much i could explain.

>>19291401
Awww yeah! Like a boss!

You take a sip of tea, and look at him very seriously, as if you're about to bestow some great and powerful secret.
"Magic." You say. He sighs.
"Lady Ishelda." Greyskin says, approaching you. "I will speak to my people and make certain that you can enter my homeland without issue. The orcish ship Bronze Wyvern shall wait for you, and you can leave at any time."
He bows again, and then leaves the room.
"That was. . interesting." Lewin said.

>>19291437
"How so?"

>>19291437
Indeed it was, that Greyskin fellow was quite interesting indeed. Also shapeshifters and plots, what ever shall we see next?

>>19291437
Yes, I am used to courtly intrigue and the like, but it doesn't mean that I particularly like it, hopefully most future problems will be more straightforward.

"Indeed it was." you say. "That Greyskin fellow was quite interesting indeed. Also shapeshifters and plots. . whatever shall we see next?"
You get up, and the four other beings in the room escort you out.
"What next, Lady?" Lewin asked, and you note Fellwind removing his hood as you get out into the city, the crowds parting once again for Grayson.

>>19291515
Lets go visit the Lumber Baron.

>>19291542
Yeah, might as well, he might have something we can do while we wait on the ship.

"Let's go visit the Lumber Baron." You say.
"Very well, Lady. I'll lead you there." Lewin said, and led you through the city. The mansion was quite large, but you notice that the gate is kept open. You approach the mansion, and knock on the door.
"Greetings, greetings." The man that came to the door said. He was quite young, and wore a simple, albeit clean, tunic. "My name is Werther, and I'm the owner of this building. To what do I owe this pleasure?"
Then he noticed the bear, and closed the door without another word.

We oughtta get a bridle or muzzle or something for our bear, otherwise we'll get this shit all the time.

>>19291604
This is the Lady Ishelda, I believe the Lumber Baron would like to see me.

Don't be afraid of Grayson, he's the most well behaved animal you'll ever see, he even has a hat.

>>19291623
We have gotten him a HAT! That should be MORE than enough.

>>19291623
>You did get him a hat.
>IT DOESN'T HELP

"Greetings." You respond, knocking on the door again. "This is the Lady Ishelda. Don't be afraid of Grayson; he's the most well-behaved animal you'll ever see. He even has a hat!" You say.

He slowly opens the door.
"Er. . come in, come in." He says, keeping a wary eye on the bear. "I suppose you're here to meet the Lumber Baron. Well. . hello. I'm the lumber baron. What do you need?"

>>19291709
Well, I'm new in town and I figured it was proper to do the rounds, meet the important people, get to know them, see if they needed anything done.

In case you were wondering I was involved in the slaying of the trolls interfering with your business.

While doing this just casually pet Grayson, show him that he's a good bear.

>>19291709
Go to the Director and yell about why hatting the bear didn't-

oh wait, wrong quest.

>>19291709
Why doesn't hat HELP? We will have to get him a more fancy hat. And maybe even some fancy clothing!

>>19291776
>The hat doesn't help because he's a very, very large bear.

"Well, I'm new in town, and I figured it was proper to do the rounds, meet the important people, and get to know them." You say. "See if they needed anything done."
"I see." He said. "Well, I'm honored that you think I was important enough to visit, but. . other than the troll problem we had several days back, there's nothing I can think of that I need help with."
"In case you were wondering," you say, casually petting Grayson. "I was involved in the slaying of the trolls interfering with your business."
"So. . You were the one that helped High Lord Sirius." He said. "I must thank you for that, I really must. If you need anything done, anything at all, simply ask, and I'll assist."

>>19291813
Well, you could stop being scared of Grayson, he won't bite. If I need your help in the future I will be sure to ask.

You nod. "Well, you could stop being scared of Grayson, he won't bite." You say.
"I see." Werther said, and reached out to pat Grayson's head. Grayson harrumphed at him, and he jumped back.
"If I need your help in the future, I will be sure to ask." You say, giving him a bright smile.

>>19291909
Well, that's taken care of. I can't think of anything else we need from him, we should probably check on how long it'll take to get our boat to the Orcs ready and then think of something to do.

>>19291909
How much money do we have? And how much is stuff worth?

>>19291989
>You have three gold, two silver, and eight copper coins.
>You aren't exactly sure how much they're worth either, as you're still not used to the coinage, but it isn't a lot.

"Well, I'm glad I was able to meet you." You say, and curtsy to him. He bows in response, and you leave the mansion, your bear trundling along.
"I'm going to go back to my Tower." Romulus said. "I have to do some. . research." He said, then nodded to you and walked off. You walked to the ports, and saw a large, dark ship, crafted strangely compared to the rest of the boats in port at the time.
"I believe that's the orcish ship." Lewin said, pointing you to it. You approach the gangplank, and saw Grayskin there, along with a few other orcs. The other orcs had dark green to pale green skin, but had the same pig-like snout.
"Lady Ishelda." Grayskin said. "This is Captain Grubwort, and he's prepared to sail you to our homeland."
"Greetings, Lady." Grubwort said, with a salute. "We are prepared at any time."

>>19292057
Honestly there was quite a lot less work to be done here than I thought. I can't think of any reason not to leave now.

Also Greyskin, I understand the reasoning behind your name, but why is he named Grubwort?

"I understand the reasoning behind your name, Greyskin, but why is he named Grubwort?"
The two orcs shared a small chuckle.
"We name ourselves, while we're still untamed young ones." Grubwort says. "So our names aren't. . the wisest, or most majestic of names. But at least mine is creative, unlike Greyskin's name."
"Honestly, there was quite a lot less work to be done here than I thought. ." You say. "I can't think of any reason not to leave now."
"Very well." Grubwort said. "Climb aboard, Lady Ishelda. I trust your large, furred friend won't mind riding on the boat?"

>>19292198
I'm sure he'll be fine, he's a very calm and capable bear. His name is Grayson by the way, do you like his hat?

>>19292211
Perhaps being prepared to exert a calming influence on Grayson if need be.

File: 1338335516935.png-(193 KB, 818x564, Sirius to Refuge.png)

"I'm sure he'll be fine." You say. "He's a very calm and capable bear. His name is Grayson by the way. . Do you like his hat?"
"Oh, I'm sure his hat will be the height of fashion in Venerable Refuge." Grubwort said. "All of the young bears will look up to him and adopt his style."

They cut the rope, and sent the ship out to sea, you, Lewin, Fellwind, and Grayson on board.
"How long should this take?" Lewin asks the captain.
"Two days there." He responded. "However, this should be a comfortable ride. We're much too far north for the hobgoblins to be a problem."
Greyskin showed you a map. "This map only covers the western part of our homeland, but that's all you'll end up visiting on this trip. The Carved Fortress is further east from here- it's the capital of our homeland."

>>19292356
You have quite a sense of humor Mr. Grubwort, is this common among your people?

Also tell me of Hobgoblins, I don't really know anything about them.

rolled 66 = 66

On the ride over we should see about either laying a permanent enchantment on Grayson as a whole or just his claws to make him much more durable and for his claws if we can only do that so they make any blows he hits someone or thing with do half again as much force as he can exert.

"You have quite a sense of humor, Captain Grubwort. Is this common among your people?"
"Not particularly." He said. "My people are a solemn lot. It's because of my sense of humor that they kicked me out." He said, sniggering to himself. "I was lucky enough to tame my instincts, but not my humor."
"Can you tell me about hobgoblins? I don't really know anything about them." You say.
"Really. . Well, the hobgoblins are more of a human problem, so I don't know much." Grubwort said. "But from what I know, they live in the south, on islands, and raid ships, coasts, towns, anything they can get their hands on. From what I hear, they're quite brutal. Even the elves to the east have problems with them."

rolled 44 = 44

>>19292481
they sound dreadful.

Well, since he doesn't seem to know much about them, we can probably ask our companions what they know about them.

rolled 46 = 46

>>19292608
ask if there is a blank notebook onboard we should start making notes.

then we should carefully decorate it to use as a distraction so people think they've 'disarmed' us

what do they look like?
what do they act like?

how are our sketching skills keep a journal in the notebook.

"Hey, Lewin." You say, approaching him; he's absentmindedly looking out into the sea, scratching Grayson's head. He turns to you.
"Yes, lady?"
"What do you know about hobgoblins?" You ask.
"I recommend you don't talk to Fellwind about them, Lady. He hasn't had good experiences with them." Lewin said. "They're. . slavers, mostly. They usually run up against the Venus province in the south, and steal what they can. They capture. . men, women, children, doesn't matter. Rumor has it, they even capture trolls, elves, and lizardmen if they can get them. The thing is. . they don't destroy anything. They don't burn buildings, smash tools they don't need. . they just come in, scoop everyone up, and leave. Nobody knows much about them, save High Lord Venus and his men, but they're based on large islands in the south."

rolled 11 = 11

>>19292707
Very well, thank you for clearing that up for me.

See if we can offer to enchant some of their equipment and Grayson.

rolled 54 = 54

>>19292707
at the least they are not a major problem where we are going.

The fake mage still got paid
A shame we didnt get anyrhing for making rhat potion
shoulda staued til we got paid for that

"I see." You say. "Thank you for clearing that up for me. At least they're not a major problem where we're going."

You sit down, and then come to a realization. "Hey, I could offer to enchant some of your gear." You say.
"Well. . the other day, when we were fighting the troll. . " Lewin draws an arrow out of his quiver. "It seems you've already enchanted the arrows." He says, and you note that the tip of his arrow is gleaming with fire magic. "Fellwind's sword could use an enchantment, however."

It's a 2-day boat ride. I think it would do us a world of good to relax, try meditating and focusing our powers as best we're able. This sort of thing is going to need a lot more firepower than we had last time, and we almost passed out. If we can do anything to increase our MP/mana/whatever, it can only help us.

rolled 100 = 100

>>19292772
Make it so his sword is sharper and more durable and make it so it helps him in whatever he tries to use it for, if he attacks it make his attack smoother and leads him to cracks in his enemies defenses and on the defense it helps him parry and block.

rolled 27 = 27

>>19292772
track him down and offer then.

"I feel like a little practice, can I enchant your sword?"

if he declines lets see if we can have an in depth conversation with grayson.

>>19292830
Hahaha, welp we just made him a legendary sword.

rolled 79 = 79

We need to give Grayson firepaws, for better troll fighting abilities.

rolled 68 = 68

>>19292830
aw SNAP.

Exabyte, you thought keeping a handy image was hard for one over the top character; youre about to need one for at least five...

rolled 37 = 37

>>19292830
can I retroactively add that we do this with a little bit of a show?

>>19292889
Please don't. Being showy is uncouth. A proper lady is demure and subtle with her skills.

>>19292905
This.

>>19292905
good point...

Yeah, we're not like that, we do everything elegantly and with subtlety.

"Hey, Fellwind, can I see your blade?" You ask. He draws it, and hands it to you. It's a simple shortsword, nothing special. You don't even notice a blacksmith's mark, which is strange. You shrug, and then reach into your magic. .

Something within you bursts like a dam, power flowing through your body. You can feel the shape of the blade in your hands, and you know it more intuitively than you've known anything before. You close your eyes. . .
"Lady, are you okay?" You hear Lewin asking. You try to open your eyes, but there's blinding, blinding light emanating from the blade, and you can't do anything but scrunch your eyes tightly until the enchanting is done.

And when it is done. . .
"Is that glass?" Fellwind asked, looking at the sword. He touched the edge, and then hissed.
You open your eyes, and look down to the blade. It's quite obviously made out of diamond.

---
An hour later, you're sitting down, looking to the sky, as you hear Grubwort and Fellwind exclaiming about the crystalline short sword.

And then you see two flying shapes in the distance, approaching quickly.
Lewin gasps.
"I've never seen those before in my life." He says. "I hardly even heard rumors. . "
"What? What is it?"
Grayson growled loudly, looking up to the sky.
"They look like. . birdmen. Or something."

That's when the first blast of green lightning shot out at you.

>>End of thread 2
>>My twitter is @futureexabyte
>>And I'll stick around for awhile to answer questions

>>19292932
yanking the arrow out of a bear and healing it on the spot?

yanking the magic out of a person with naught but an imperious gesture. blocking an attack with little actual effort.

we are again good at the unsubtle
but we're working on that...

>>19292970
That doesn't mean we have to be intentionally showy.

>>19292970
Sure it wasn't subtle, but it wasn't really showy, either.

>>19292991
not overtly so, certainly. but a little show shouldn't hurt anything.

>>19293003
Sure, when we want to try and impress. When we do, we can put some effort into some show.

>>19292947
And so now John is the demons yes?

>>19292947
>sword is now diamonds!

I am loving the nat 100's we're getting. Looks like our Lady is more favored by the dice gods.

>>19292947
Did you expect us to solve the royal betrayal plot so fast?

File: 1338347625268.jpg-(401 KB, 768x1024, charge_by_narmi89-d4882tk.jpg)

>>19291037
>>19292830

Everyone of you deserves a metal.

>>19294903
>Actually, no, I didn't. That was supposed to take a bit longer, but it seems that you guys are eager to hurry up and explore the world more

Are there any markets in the town we just left?