The journey so far - http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Collective+Game%2C+Nomad+QuestCharacter Sheet - https://docs.google.com/document/d/19WFzVGIfXWIffszrRdltfYZyIJn_l_zJTCJW9Swl3tw/edit?pli=1Alchemy Info - http://nomadsland.wikispaces.com/Alchemy+RecipesYou are Thol of the Lolua Nomads, last of your tribe.King Edgreiss Itolstein II of Vanthania has been murdered, alongside two of his high council whilst another lies between life and death. The Rakshasa, followers of the ancient Asura and those who murdered your tribe, are responsible.It is the noon after Princess Tessa's twelfth birthday celebration, but it will better be known as the night of the Attack on the Royal Palace. For now, however, the people of Vol Itolstein are ignorant. Currently, you and Guin the magic duelist sit opposite from Sir Emiel Ystregard, advisor to the king.He has offered you a place in his plan to capture the Rakshasa. He believes that they have an ally in the courts and considers you the best bait to bring this alliance to light. Despite the risk, you have accepted, deciding to stay in Vol Itolstein to finally come face to face with your enemies. You show concern that you might not be well assisted in your endeavours, to which Ystregard shakes his head."Of course, we do not plan to simply feed you to our enemies. That is why, from tonight, if you allow it, I will begin to train you in the ways of Soulchemy."(Sorry it's a little late, folks. My Sunday night was busier than one might expect.)
>>19528846"Sorry, but what is Soulchemy?"
>>19528864ask this
>>19528864"It's a school of Natural Magic," Guin answers in his stead. "One of the few schools said to be created entirely by humans."Emiel nods, setting his hands in his lap. He has regained his composure almost entirely."Soulchemy is use of a human's ether storage to amplify and utilise the power of one's Soul. I realise this may be hard to understand...""Well, Thol, you use Summoning, right?" Guin turns towards you. "Summoning is a concentration of Soul upon pre-defined markings that call upon a physical avatar. Soulchemy is... like tapping into the same power. Learning magic from the same source is always easier, so Soulchemy would be easier to you, who has only learned magic of the Soul source, as opposed to, say, I, who have learned magic from several sources.""Essentially," Emiel continues. "Soulchemy is a school of magic designed entirely to protect oneself. Offensively and defensively, it is powerful. It is quite a straightforward school of magic and it lacks some of the utility the other schools have to offer, but . Not only that, but it requires a strong soul. I would like to believe you could easily learn it, but if you are willing, I can also train you in a manner as to improve the power of your very soul."
>>19528929"Hum, learning that may be really useful in the future"
>>19528975"I'll say. When the Rakshasa last arose, Soulchemy hadn't yet been invented. I wonder if it will prove stronger than Maleficium," Guin ponders, leaning back against his seat and stretching his legs out. "I'm becoming glad i decided to stick around.""Of course, Thol, there are many other things we can teach you, too. Magic, physical disciplines that might prove useful to you, even Spirit Talents should you wish to learn them. I imagine that even after we re-open the gates, our enemies will forever be lurking in the city, so where could you be better trained as Balanceseeker than here?" Emiel offers a tired smile. Clearly, the night has even had a toll on him. "So, is there anything else you should like to know? I imagine I will be needed at the Palace, soon."
>>19529005"You can go Emiel.Oh and Princess Siobhan will give the prince & princess a visit today"
>>19529005"No, I think that's everything for now, we can sort out the details later."
>>19529023>>19529038He bows."I will be sure to communicate the news to her Highness. I imagine the presence of Princess Siobhan will be most alleviating."You make your way out of the carriage, with Guin following."One more thing, Balanceseeker," Emiel calls, drawing back the curtain to look over you again. "Should you wish, we could lend our assistance to divining your path should you want. We have many kinds of mystics, seers or religious figures in the city, should you believe that the Spirits will grant you a path, and we also have a great many books from the collection of the Eastern Library, should you want to know more about the history of this world. If there are any matters I can assist you in, I would be glad. Until tonight, Thol. Guin."He casts a slight nod towards the caster before Lewil takes the reins and the carriage begins to head along the District. Guin glances towards you, an uneasy slant to his lips."Something about this all seems a little too easy, if you ask me. He seems to be making quite the attempt to ensure that you are happy to stay here."
>>19529073"Yeah, i know. I don't really blame him.It must be a total chaos there"
>>19529096"Indeed.. well, let's keep our necks out of the business of governing the country and keep our focus on finding and defeating the Rakshasa. Although, I do admit... Soulchemy is a particularly useful school of magic in that regard. Some call it the 'true Soul's flame'. It has power similar to the Maleficium that our enemies use, but is a Natural Magic rather than coming from some source we have yet to define..."As you make your way back into the Noble District, Guin stops at a corner, looking over a quaint, small but very well kept tavern."How about it, Thol? Perhaps we could have a quick drink and relax before we head back to the house. I'm not exactly part of 'the group', but even I could feel the tension growing between you and the others."
>>19529073"Well, he better have a good offer if he's going to use someone as a bait.But I agree, we shouldn't be fully trusting of anyone yet.""Wait. Alchemy and soulchemy sound kinda similar? Do they have any connection to each other?">>19529145"Tension? What do you mean?"
>>19529158Well there is some tension between Eames and us but what about the other two?
Also, I hope we get to use their smithy to improve our skills and have access to alchemy ingredients ready available.Also, we should have asked the matter of payment, we are utterly and completely broke right now.>>19529161Was there tension between Eames and us? I didn't feel it that way.
>>19529165Not much as tension as he not being happy of us not going with him.
>>19529173What this guy said
>>19529158"Similar philosophies behind them, but that's about it. As alchemy is about taking the ingredients one can readily find and shaping them into all manners of uses, Soulchemy does the same with the soul."Then, as you ask about the tension, he seems surprised, clearing his throat and giving a nonchalant shrug."Well, neither Eames nor the little lady seemed to be particularly thrilled that you would be staying behind. I just imagined you might want to relax a while before going back to that gloom..."
>>19529203"Right.Sure, lets grab a drink before heading back"Wait, we need to tell them about those other nomads that swore to kill Siobhan if she continues her mission. I don't think we told them that, did we?
>>19529220Well thought I might just get that out of the way but a drink sounds great. >>19529220I think she was there when it happened
>>19529222>I think she was there when it happenedWe talked to that young nomad in private after he ambushed us. They didn't hear that conversation, if I am not mistake.Though, I doubt they will leave without giving us farewells so I guess there is nothing to worry about.
>>19529241That and the gates are closed for now. It should be fine
>>19529256>>19529241better safe than sorry
>>19529262Fine I guess we should swing by then
>>19529220The tavern is quite unlike the others you have seen. As opposed to a stifling atmosphere of noise and smoke, it seems to take the appearance of a gentlemen's drawing room. A very well dressed man stands behind a small bar, cleaning a glass and waiting for an order from one of the hundreds of bottles behind them.Given the time of day, the patrons are few. Four old men with great, white, bushy moustaches and beards sit in one corner, each lodged in a comfy chair around a crackling fire, nursing heavy tankards as they talk and listen to one another with a drunken gusto. A dark figure broods at the bar, his chin length black hair dishevelled as if it had been blown in the wind. He occasionally requests a refill of his glass, otherwise staying mostly silent, muttering to himself. Finally, a young man sits alone by small window, looking outwards as he sits beside a tall bottle of green liquid and a small cup that is currently half-empty."Well... this will do. Come, sit, I'll buy you a drink." Guin ushers you towards a table in the corner before proceeding to the bar. He soon returns with a full bottle of wine and two green glasses. He fills them up with the thick red liquid before passing one to you. "Here's to a moment's respite."
>>19529299Cheers
>>19529299"Thanks."
>>19529313>>19529311Not a lot we could say besides wishing for more moments like these I guess. "Here to after these troubling times a lifetime of relaxation." or something like that
>>19529325"Hopefully after these troubling times we can have a lifetime of relaxation." eh it still sounds bad but whatever
>>19529313"No thanks necessary." He takes a large gulp from his glass, half-emptying it in one. "We'll be spending quite some time together, I imagine. May as well learn to drink together, hm? Your friends don't seem like they're the kind who take many opportunities to relax.">>19529325"A life of relaxation?" He stares at you for a moment before breaking into a chuckle. "Anything but that. Since I came to Vanthania I've been doing nothing but relaxing. Come, Thol, let's see your spirit of adventure."Even though you haven't drank much at all, he fills your glass again.
>>19529335We are TIGER DRINKERdrink but say"let's not get drunk right now Guin"
>>19529335Well who knows how long this adventure will take. For all we know we could still be on this adventure for years.
>>19529343Nah, lets drink.>>19529335"If life of adventure means everyone I love and know keep dying around me, I prefer relaxation."
>>19529343We still need to tell them about this>Wait, we need to tell them about those other nomads that swore to kill Siobhan if she continues her mission. I don't think we told them that, did we?
>>19529398So yeah let's leave (Gotta remember to put this in one post)
>>19529343This command does not make sense. One cannot claim to be tiger drinker yet not drink like tiger drinker.>>19529356"... w... well, yes, I suppose, in that case, relaxation would be the wiser choice." He responds to your mood-killing statement by burying his lips once more in his glass.>>19529352"Who knows, indeed. No offense, but I'm not all sure I believe so much in the 'Balanceseeker' part of all this, but if we're going to take on the Rakshasa, I don't imagine it will be easy. For them to still exist almost defies belief. Clearly, they're good at hiding in the shadows. Even if they are in this city, it will take more than a keen resolve to weed them out. By now I'm most curious to find out who's leading them."
>>19529402You wish to leave the bar?
>>19529417After a couple more drinks then for sure. We need that liquid courage to tell them and whatnot.
>>19529414"I still haven't figured out what Balanceseeker exactly is but I know for a fact that I am on, I doubt my patron spirit, the Ram, lied to me."
>>19529417Nah, lets hang around for a half an hour or so
>>19529489I guess that is enough time for the liquid courage to take effect
>>19529495Not sure why we need courage right now, but sure.I wonder if other patrons are anybody of interest.
(Sup guys, really sorry about that. Storytime: my housemate tripped over the wire for the router and disconnected our internet. So I put it back in. Then same housemate came walking the same way and tripped yet again, snapping the wire entirely. So, I had to travel into town to purchase another one. And now I am back and working. Once again, sorry for the wait, if anyone's still there, let's get the ball rolling again.)
>>19529697lets do it
>>19529697No problem
>>19529697Is your roommate a comic relief or something?
>>19529435"Couldn't say. Never had much faith in them, to be honest." He shrugs before taking another drink. The bottle is half empty now and you're not quite drunk, but you're not as sharp as you possibly could be. "I thought the patron Spirit of you nomads was the Horse, anyway.">>19529553'Of interest' might be too strong a term, at least for the four older men smoking their pipes by the fire. Despite their opulent clothing and their fine surroundings, they seem to be comparing hardships they had suffered in the Mining and Industrial Districts. The youth by the window indulges in another drink and continues to stare out the window and the tall, well bred fellow at the bar catches your glance towards him and shoots you a glare as if you had burned him before from you."Hm... upper class drinking holes aren't as much fun as I had hoped. Or maybe it's just because it's midday..." Guin wonders, before shrugging and indulging his thirst yet again.
>>19529811>"Hm... upper class drinking holes aren't as much fun as I had hoped. Or maybe it's just because it's midday..." Guin wonders, before shrugging and indulging his thirst yet again."I guess rich people tend to keep mostly to themselves?"
>>19528846Damn it, I keep missing every other thread.
>>19529832Guess so but man we are watch over by so many spirits. Well not a lot like 2-4 sprites at most
>>19529905spirits*
>>19529832"Perhaps you're right. It doesn't seem like the city has been disturbed much by the attacks last night, anyway. I suppose if they don't see it in person, it may as well not exist to them. Shudder to think what the city will do when it finds out about the King..." He glances each way, ensuring no-one is listening in.>>19529905"So they say. I don't doubt their existence, of course, but they serve little purpose to me. I chose the path of magic long ago."
>>19529943So how much time past anyways seems like this place doesn't have a lot going on anyways so we might as well head back.
>>19529956 I agree, lets have some general chit chat and head home. Don't drink much anymore.
>>19529956>>19529959You decide there is little of interest at the tavern and, after a few moments more of rest, you leave. Guin follows, corking the bottle and carrying it under his arm. No point in leaving it to rot after he's bought it, he argues. Your own, very light intoxication makes the walk home a pleasant one. It's not quite as hot as the days you spent in Settehem, but there's a kind brightness to the sky, and a gentle warmth. Almost hard to imagine the events that are currently transpiring in the Palace. When you return home, you see Siobhan sitting on the front step. She rests, eyes closed, against the door frame, her bare feet resting in the grass to one side of the path."Ah... there's the little lady herself," Guin mutters as you come closer to the garden. "Oh, and don't worry, I'm the only one who saw you two last night. Won't make a peep of it. Pupil's honour."He gives you a grin and nudges his shoulder against your back. The low commotion seems enough to rouse the redhead, as she slowly opens her eyes, a brief smile flickering over her lips as she stands."Welcome back. So... how was it?"
>>19529995"I'm going to stay here to help the family. they suspect of a traitor on the court"
>>19529995"It wasn't bad. Sir Emiel Ystregar gave us more detailed situation and offered me to stay here and help wit the investigation. We figured out they want to use me as bait, but I'm okay with that. Besides they offered some sweet perks for the job including teaching me Soulchemy.""Overall, it was good."
>>19529995The meeting went fine and by the way I kinda said you would meet with the Princess sorry about that (say "I have something to say in private" If we didn't tell her about the nomad thing yet)
>>19530021She at a garden right? At least do it inside the house
>>19530037she already agreed with it last thread
>>19530049Man I keep forgetting about small details like that. My bad
>>19530037>(say "I have something to say in private" If we didn't tell her about the nomad thing yet)Why in private?Just tell everybody. Cu, Eames and Siobhan. They all need to know.
>>19530064Go for it tell everyone the news in the house
>>19530021"A traitor?" She gasps. But as he appears from behind her, stepping out into the sun, Cu doesn't seem very surprised at all."I already said it, didn't I? Vanthanians can't be trusted. Not even by their own king.">>19530031"Soulchemy, hm?" Cu does seem a little more surprised by that."Oh... that school of magic is actually quite common back home." Siobhan nods. "It was born from Crostforst, the Wolf's Domain. Because we are quite close to them, we have shared a lot of trade over the years. And because the Summoning of Thulstry uses the same source, Soulchemy became quite a popular practice in some clans... I imagine you will be very good at it, Sir Thol.">>19530064>>19530088>>19530047>>19530037Probably should've commented sooner, they all know the plans already. After Hawne's appearance, you shared everything you know about Rooksland, including Estrus's planned ambush, with them.
>>19530114So yeah fun times are ahead for me. (By the way is the gates still closed and if so are they able to leave anyways due to her being a Princess and whatnot?)
>>19530156Never mind of course the gates are still closed but can they leave anyways?
>>19530156>>19530171You doubt that Regulus and Emiel would keep the Princess locked in the city. At least you'll have the opportunity to ask later. After all, you did plan to visit with her.
>>19530200>>19530114Man is anyone else here? Wish the was pockets watches in this setting that was Thol could just check out what time it was. We also have to ask for some cash from Regulus and Emiel due to the fact the Princess is leaving and we have no money of our own.
>>19530240Then again TIGER WARRIORS have no need to know what time it is but yeah that money thing is important.
>>19530114>Probably should've commented sooner, they all know the plans already. After Hawne's appearance, you shared everything you know about Rooksland, including Estrus's planned ambush, with them.Okay, that's good.When are they leaving?
>>19530240(That shall have to follow tomorrow then. I'm gonna close it here for now. It seems the thread has wound down entirely, no doubt thanks to my own disappearance. Well, still, glad some of y'all stuck around. Next thread I'll be sure to get the plot moving faster again. It'll be Wednesday, at the usual time of 8:00-9:00 chantime/1PM-2PM GMT)
>>19530274(Snap, sorry I missed ya, bro. But I think I stated it last thread, they plan to leave tonight. That is, after visiting the palace.)
>>19530289>tomorrow(I meant Wednesday, dammit. I'll definitely be on earlier, closer to 8:00 chantime/1PM GMT rather than 9:00/2PM.)
>>19530289>>19530309Alright, see later then.Though I think we still have people participating.
