You're just just outside the courtyard of the castle, halfway to the gate.
Marigold is at your side, her hands covered in dirt.
Denegrin's son- the son of the ambassador of Sosaria- is currently standing there, staring at you.

In his hand is a dagger.

His eyes met yours, and they were empty- you clearly feel some magic connection to somewhere. . somewhere in the east. Elven lands, perhaps? He twirled the dagger in his hands, and snarled, in a twisted, unnatural voice- something that shouldn't come from a young child, ever.
"The Great Wyrm desires your blood."
And then he charged.

>>20387562
Use our talent of control over ambient magic to grab the connection and tear it.

Don't you make us roll for this! You know this is a perfectly valid use of that talent! We got it -exactly- for this situation.

rolled 2 = 2

>>20387562
Turn the dagger into a banana so we can get close to him safely.
Grab him and use control magic to break the mind control.

>>20387562
He's a young boy.
Avoid injuring him and simply take his weapon. We should have had enough training over the last 2 years to do that.

>>20387647
It appears I am not good at bananas. It'll have to be a boring normal disarm.

rolled 75 = 75

>>20387562
Disarm him without undue harm, then take control of the mind magic on him. Find out what we can from it before gently removing it.

rolled 72 = 72

>>20387562
Stop!
status him and the spell so we can trace it back

With one hand, you draw Rikar. Sensing your intention, the artifact blade dulls- it won't be harming anyone today.
"Ishelda, what-" Marigold starts.

With one hand, you use the blade to parry the dagger, and then you do the trick Kristoph once taught you, disarming the child easily. The dagger goes flying. With your other hand, you gently touch the top of his head, and sever the connection. With an audible snap, the connection recoils from you, and the child's eyes roll into the back of his head. He collapses, unconscious, to the ground.

You bite your tongue, and reach out to the retreating connection, gripping it tightly, pumping energy into it to keep the spell alive, and you trace it. You sense. . sand. Sand, steel. . the smell of dried blood, and a high sun. Some sort of desert. . and a palace, made of pale stone. You've never seen it before.

The connection peters out, and then it's gone.

"What do we do?" Marigold asked, looking around.

>>20387718
"Could you see if he's going to be alright, please?"

>>20387718
"Make sure he's okay, then we'll send someone to get his father up here. We don't want this to become a diplomatic incident."

"Could you see if he's going to be alright, please?"
"I can try." She says, and put her hand on his temple, focusing, as white magic trailed down her skin, like sweat. A moment later, she shook him, and frowned. The kid didn't move. "I. . I don't know what's wrong with him. He seems like he's just asleep. He's not hurt or anything, but. . He won't wake up. My power doesn't work on things like this."

rolled 40 = 40

>>20387791
see what's wrong and fix it if possible.

>>20387791
Hmmm, who could we ask about this. Does Kaliel have one of the communication rings?

>>20387791
Examine him more closely with control magic. It could just be magical exhaustion like when we used to pass out.

Still exhausted from the scrying and tracing the connection, you kneel down and expend more energy on the child, trying to see what's wrong and fix it.

Quite easily, you see what's wrong- his mind has been. . supressed, somehow. Locked in, so to speak. A strong enchantment spell had been laid upon him, keeping him from struggling against the control. It's much stronger than his mind. . and things are much too delicate for you to try to unentangle it, even if you were at full power. You can tell, intuitively, that the longer this goes on, the more his mind is at risk- but to undo the spell improperly would damage his mind even more.

The world swims, and you pull away, drained.

You pull up your communication ring, and contact Kaliel.

<Ishelda.> Kaliel responded. <I'm rather busy right now. Sup.>

>>20387791
Dangit, this is why I wanted to examine the spell before breaking the connection. Ah well.

>>20387876
"There's an enchantment spell on a kid's mind, too delicate for me. I was wondering if you might be able to do something? Hes an ambassador's son, it's important."

>>20387876
"I'm sorry to disturb you, so I'll keep this brief. How much do you know of the effects of enchantment spells on the mind?"

<I'm sorry to disturb you, so I'll keep this brief. How much do you know of the effects of enchantment spells on the mind?>
<. . Uh, well, it matters on the complexity of the mind, their age, and the actual spell itself is the most important thing to consider.> She said- it sounded like she's mellowed out, quite a bit, since you last spoke. <The more complex the mind, the more damage will be done as time passes- It's why I prefer to use animals. The older the mind is, the more slowly it'll heal. And the spells themselves all have various effects.>
<There's an enchantment spell on a kid's mind, too delicate for me. I was wondering if you might be able to do something?> You ask. <He's an ambassador's son, it's important.>
<If it's delicate, that's a problem.> She said. <Damnit, this isn't my thing. I use enchantment to supplement my real specialty. You'll need to talk to Sardriel about it. If you really want his help, I can get him to undo it.>

>>20387984
Would it be possible for us to weave our own enchantment underneath the existing one, then use that enchantment to pull the first one off?

>>20387984
"Do it. I'm not going to leave this kid trapped in his own mind."

Now might be a good time to get him back to his father and explain what happened.

>>20387984
"Please do."

>>20387984
Sadriel was the blind one who we never met because he hated everyone who wasn't a Kalak, right?

<Please do. I'm not going to leave this kid trapped in his own mind.>
<Okay.> She said. <Just. . don't tell Dariel or Neiriel that I'm making a deal with him. Sardriel's the selfish kind. I'll ring you back when I get an answer.>

The connection broke, and then you turn to the kid, who's still unconscious. You call a page, and send him to bring the ambassador here. The page bows and makes his way into the city.
"I've never seen a dagger like this." Marigold said, kneeling by the dagger, gently wrapping it in a thick, thick cloth- she wasn't going to touch it unprotected. "And High Lord Ursae has a collection of knives- even ones made by hobgoblins and elves."

The dagger itself was short, and had two edges. It was dense, and made out of a strange, dull yellow material. You don't know enough about blades to tell anything else from it, but there are the tatters of an expended spell inside of it- The enchantment spell, you can tell.

Perhaps the Ambassador will have seen its like.

>>20388125
><Please do. I'm not going to leave this kid trapped in his own mind.>

<Please be careful.>

"Perhaps the ambassador will have seen it's like."
"Perhaps." Marigold responded.

As you watch, Denegrin and the page return. As soon as he saw his son, his eyes fell. "Thorin!" He cried, and knelt. "He isn't- is he-"
"He's alive." Marigold said. "But.. "
She trailed off, and turned to you.

>>20388242
"Someone used magic to control his mind and make him attack me. Their spell is still there, suppressing his mind. I can't remove it myself without a significant risk of permanent damage, so I've got a specialist coming to try and remove it."

>>20388242
"He's under an enchantment. I can't take it off without it killing him, but I've already called for a specialist who should be able to do something."
show him the dagger, "He was carrying this, and I can sense it's what put the spell onto him in the first place. Do you recognize it at all?"

>>20388242
"He is enspelled. He said, 'The Great Wyrm desires your blood.' and then charged at me with an odd dagger. I disarmed him, and broke the spell controlling him, but there is another that is beyond my abilities, keeping him… asleep. I have contacted a friend that should be able to help."

>>20388242
"It is.. complicated."
Explain to him what happened, and that we're already looking for a solution.

"He is enspelled." You say. "He said 'The Great Wyrm desires your blood.' and then charged at me with an odd dagger." You say. "I disarmed him, and broke the spell controlling him, but there is another that is beyond my abilities, keeping him... asleep. I have contacted a friend that should be able to help."
"Thank the seas." He said.
"He was carrying this, and I can sense it's what put the spell onto him in the first place. Do you recognize it at all?" You ask, and Marigold shows the dagger to him.
"I've never seen it's like. It's not of sosarian make, and an ogrish dagger would look more a shortsword to us. I don't recognize the metal it's made of, nor the sigil."
"Sigil?" Marigold asks. Denegrin points to it, engraved in the pommel. A small, coiling rune, with an obviously intentional scratch rending it in half. You don't recognize it from anywhere.

Your ring suddenly glimmered, and you look down to it.
<He'll help.> Kaliel said. <But he has some conditions. He said he's not moving, and you have to bring the kid personally.>

>>20388394
<Then I need to know where to take Jormungandr.>
"They'll help, but we need to go to them."

>>20388394
Kaliel, there's a reason that I have a flying ship aside from it being an excellent place to hold tea parties and formal dances.

Before we gather up some of our retinue for this we should see if any of them know the symbol, Scribe especially may know something.

>>20388394
<And the other conditions?>

Looks like I'll be going on a trip after all Marigold. Its also looks like I have a new enemy.

rolled 39 = 39

>>20388394
Teleport everyone in the scene to him immediately.

>Why is ishelda way more powerful than ever before but still can barely handle two spells?

>On that note eat some Galadriel's light to restore mana.

<Kaliel, there's a reason that I have a flying ship. Aside from it being an excellent place to hold te parties and formal dances. But I need to know where to take Jormungandr.>
<It shouldn't be far from Arcturus- we're in a tower above Carved Fortress, to the north. Less than a day's travel.> Kaliel said. <Bring bob, I want to check up on him.>
<And the other conditions?>
<That's pretty much it.> She said. <The rest of the conditions are things I need to do, so you don't need to worry about them.>
"-so the magic lets her communicate with anyone else who has one of those rings." Marigold is saying, as you cut the connection.
"They'll help." You say. "But we need to go to them. First, we need to see if anyone knows of that symbol."

You walk about the castle, finding everyone part of your retinue. Gehenna doesn't recognize it, Ezekiel and Kristoph were already drunk, and you can't seem to find Scribe. He's likely taking problem orcish children back up to Carved Fortress for more taming, as he does every few months.

"I know that." Raziel said, as you show her. "It's. .draconian. Draconian for 'family' or 'sept' or 'clan' or something, I think, but I don't know what the scratch signifies."

rolled 73 = 73

Contact great wyrm and say "You are annoying"

>>20388573
It means the Great Wurm is a poor misunderstood orphan?

>>20388573
> <The rest of the conditions are things I need to do, so you don't need to worry about them.>

<Just ask for help, if you need it. I owe you.>

>>20388573
"Hmm... I'm fairly certain they call themselves 'The Children of the Great Wyrm'." explain what happened to Raziel.

>>20388573
Well the kid said that the "Great Wyrm" desired my blood so that helps explain that. The scratch might signify clanlessness or something like that.

Grab whoever feels like coming with and head out.

"Well, the kid said that the 'Great Wyrm' desired my blood so that helps explain that. The scratch might signify clanlessness or something like that."
"Great Wyrm? Desired what?" Raziel asked.

Succinctly and calmly, you explain what had happened, and Raziel's silent the entire time. . until you explain that you're going to see Sardriel.
"What." She said, her eyes wide. "This. . this is a bad idea, Ishelda. You should bring Kristoph, definitely- Sardriel can't do anything thing to him, and I'm coming too. If things get bad I'll need to spectre our way out."

rolled 48 = 48

Cast spell
Dont matter which simply cast it

>>20388714
"If you say so. Is Sardriel really that bad?"

>>20388714
Okay. Could you tell me about Sardriel?

>>20388714
What's so bad about Sardriel?

>>20388714
That seems prudent, Grayson, you, Kristoph, and Ell ought to be sufficient. And whoever else chooses to come along.

"If you say so. Is Sardriel really that bad?"
"He power-trips on the idea that he can control people's minds." Raziel said. "Azariel geased him to keep him from doing anything to kalak, but he doesn't have any sort of geas toward you. I mean, I don't *think* he'll do anything, but it's best to be safe." She said.
"That seems prudent." You say. "Grayson, you, Kristoph, and..." You trail off, remembering that Ell is still living with Kiyara. . "... and Bob ought to be sufficient." You say.
"I'll go grab Grayson." She said. "I'm still not on speaking terms with Kristoph." She said, and took her staff in hand as she went up toward Ell's weather-tower, where you assume Grayson is still napping.

You meet Kristoph, and he's just sitting in the hall, drinking with Zeke. As you tell him what's up, Kris does his best to regain as much sobriety as he can, and promises to meet you on the Jormungandr, fully armed and armored. By the time you get up to the ship, Grayson and Raziel are standing up on the deck, looking up to the sky. Grayson rolls over again, and goes back to napping.

Denegrin arrives, Thorin in his arms. ". . I'm entrusting my son to you." He said, his face ashen, and the exotic lilt to his voice much stronger than normal. "Please take care of him."

>>20388905
"I will, Denegrin."

>>20388905
I swear that I'll do everything in my power to return him to health. I will not allow any harm to come to him.

>>20388905
"Hmm. What if I shapeshifted into a Kalak for the duration of the visit?"

"I will, Denegrin." You say. "I swear that I'll do everything in my power to return him to health. I will not allow any harm to come to him."
He nods, cradles his son for a moment, and then sets him down on the soft turf aboard the Jormungandr.
"Thank you, your majesty." He said.

Soon enough, Kristoph makes his way up to the Jormungandr, fully armored- even his helmet was on, and his longsword lay strapped to his back.
"Everyone ready?" You ask. Raziel nods, Kristoph clasps his gauntlet to his chest, and Grayson harrumphs.
You turn to the airship's control crystal, reattune the compass to the Carved Fortress' tower, and send it off.

For the first time since the reconstruction was complete, you see New Arcturus, and Triune's Gift from a distance. In the wastelands. . it looks like an oasis, full of green life, white buildings, and a large, welcoming castle. The very sight seems to revitalize you.

>Want to talk to anyone on the ship while in transit, or just hurry to Sardriel's tower?

>>20389032
Find somewhere private to talk to Raziel. Ask what happened between her and Kristoph.

rolled 44 = 44

rolling for mental defence ward. Perhaps once we've recovered a bit of stamina though.

rolled 98 = 98

>>20389048
boosting

>>20389032
"Raziel, I don't really want to intrude, but I have to ask, what happened between you and Kristoph?"

As you always had, from your first conversation together, you and Raziel stand at the edge of the Jormungandr's balcony, looking out to nowhere in particular.
"Raziel, I don't really want to intrude, but I have to ask." You say. "What happened between you and Kristoph?"
"Simple." She responded. "His interest was only in superficial things, like my appearance." She laughed, self-derisively. "Yes, like telling a shapeshifter she's pretty means anything. We don't work well together. I share none of his interests, and he shares none of mine."

Place a hand on her shoulder, say I'm sorry.

>>20389129
"Do you think I'm too old to hug people?"
Wait for her answer, hug her regardless of it.
"I'm sorry."

>>20389129
Well I think you're a nice person and your appearance never really factored into me enjoying your company.

I'm not saying you two have to be involved or anything like that, but it's sad when two of my friends don't get along. I'm sure he didn't mean to be rude by thinking you were pretty, he thought he was paying you quite a complement.

>>20389129
>shapeshifter
That's a point, what form is she in? Changed back to Kalak now she's done trying to seduce guys?

>>20389223
>Still in human form, actually. She can't fly in kalak form regardless. Humans have more fingers and manual dexterity, and are more durable.

"Do you think I'm too old to hug people?"
In response, Raziel hugged you tightly. "Nope."
"I'm sorry."
"It's fine." She responded, pulling away. "I'll be back on speaking terms with him again soon. Maybe another year or so."
"I'm not saying you two have to be involved or anything like that, but it's sad when two of my friends don't get along." You say. "I'm sure he didn't mean to be rude by thinking you were pretty, he thought he was paying you quite a complement."
"He said it was the reason he was interested in me." She said. "So I asked him a bit more, and found out that it was the *only* reason. Hmph."

>>20389223
Ive been assuming she's in human form, but that is a fine question.

>>20389270
Sometimes he can be a complete idiot. He's loyal, competent, an excellent knight, has good manners when he choose to show them, but sometimes sense has a harder time affecting him than magic.

There's plenty of reasons to like you aside from you being pretty, I'm sure you'll find a nice guy who likes you for who you are if you keep on looking. I could help, with MAGIC.

>>20389270
Chuckle at that a bit, "Yeah, that sounds stupid."

>>20389270
"It's not really that rare to become intersted in other people only because of their looks, or at least Mar said so. And I have got to admire his honesty... a bit. But if he can't see what a wonderful friend and person you are, then... I really don't know. I guess I'm just disappointed with him."

>>20389270
>She can't fly in kalak form regardless.
Can't she just shapeshift herself to a form with healed wings? She loses the immunity to astral fire, but there isn't any left so who cares.

>>20389358
>but there isn't any left so who cares
Did we manage to remove all of it, or is there still some left?

>>20389358
>>20389367
>>There are still a few pockets of astral fire around, but nowhere near as much as there used to be. And she could... but she hasn't yet. She's been more focused on restoring the city and ogrish artifacts.

"Sometimes he can be a complete idiot. He's loyal, competent, an excellent knight, and has good manners when he chooses to show them..." You say. "But sometimes sense has a harder time affecting him than magic."
She chuckles.
"There's plenty of reasons to like you, aside from you being pretty, But if he can't see what a wonderful friend and person you are, then... I really don't know. I guess I'm just disappointed with him."
Raziel sighs, and shrugs.
"I'll find someone eventually." She said. "I mean, with shapeshifting I have a bit of a . . wider reach than most. Racial and gender issues won't change who I can end up with."

So when you will go to breeding again?

>>20389412
"I'm sure you'll find someone."
Hold her hand.

>>20389412
"Hmm… Interesting…"

>>20389412
Gender issues? Wouldn't it be really awkward to shapeshift into a guy?

>>20389412
We could write that bitch some poems about how awesome she is.

Bitches love poems.

we are totally gonna get mind raped only damn reason he would of requested our presence.

We should fuck

>>20389453
Not a bad idea. Who's good at poetry an wants to write Raziel some poetry?

>>20389471
Which is why
>>20389048
and
>>20389083
rolled. It makes perfect sense to put up a ward.

"I'm sure you'll find someone." You say, and take her hand. She doesn't seem to notice.
". . Gender issues?" You ask. "Wouldn't it be really awkward to shapeshift into a guy?"
"I. . uh. . I didn't think about that." She said. "I'm going to go ask Vithriel about that." She said, and took her hand back to slip on her communication ring.

Cloaked by magic, the Jormungandr slowly slid toward the shortest, oldest tower the Carved Fortress, near the top of one of the mountains. As you slide into place, you see Kaliel in full kalak form at the doorway, looking this way and that, as if waiting for you to arrive. You put your fingers to your temple, and quickly erect a powerful ward, protecting your mind. You feel it tighten around you, and you feel. . rather limited, but safe.

"Haven't been here in years." Raziel murmured, as you got closer. "You have to fly up, see."

>>20389412
> Racial and gender issues won't change who I can end up with.

They shouldn't in the first place, Raz.

>>20389519
>inb4 delicious futanari

>>20389519
That's why my ship can fly. Height is no obstacle to us.

Hey there Kaliel, good to see you again. How're your experiments going?

>>20389519
Hey, it's Kaliel. I wonder what abominations she's created over the last 2 years.

"That's why my ship can fly. Height is no obstacle to us."
"Yeah. . Last time I came here, Zeke wasn't strong enough to carry me." She said, and shrugged.

Kristoph climbed up from below deck as the ship shudders and slows, and Grayson shakes himself awake, yawning.

"Hey there, Kaliel." You say. Kaliel looks the same, but her feathers were almost more glistening and healthy than they'd been. She jumps as you climb off of the ship, your retinue following. "Good to see you again. How're your experiments going?"
"Well, they're going rather well." She said, nervously flattening her crest, which had sprung up in surprise. "I've been studying a lot, and Neiriel learned quite a bit about blood and heritable talents while working in Ursae. She's been teaching me."

>>20389624
Certainly sounds like you've been keeping busy. Any new creations around to play with Bob?

>>20389624
"That's good. It sounds interesting."

>>20389624
How much has Grayson grown in the past two years?

That's wonderful Kaliel, and you look like you're doing well.

But as you know we came here for pressing business, could you show me to Sardriel?

Put the unconscious kid on Grayson for transportation.

>>20389624
Sounds good. How's the family doing?

File: 1345409699261.jpg-(17 KB, 460x296, dormouse sleeping.jpg)

>>20389624
>Zeke wasn't strong enough to carry me
Can't she just... shapeshift into something lighter?

"That's wonderful, Kaliel. you look like you're doing well."
"I am." She said. "A lot better. Learned to fly in wyvern form- I'll get kalak form any day now."
"How's the family doing?"
"Dariel's still flying about. Neiriel laid her egg. Her kid's gonna be an onyx-feather, and those are really rare." She said. "Azariel was the only one in his entire generation. Anyway, the two of them are down in the Fortress, buying supplies."
"As you know, we came here for pressing business. Could you show me to Sardriel?"
"Okay." She responded, as Grayson slung the kid over his back. She led you, carefully, down the tower and into the actual building proper.

"He's, uh, right in here." She said, somewhat awkwardly. You walk into the room, and you see an elven man, leaning back in a large throne, hewn from rock. Curled around his feet were. . half a dozen elven, orcish, and human women, wearing. . very scanty clothing.

The fey opened his eyes- they were perfectly clouded, like white spheres in his head instead of eyes.
"Hi." He said. "Raziel, a dire creature, and two things I can't see. Interesting. . ."

>>20389769
Well we might as well be diplomatic. But we sure as hell aren't gonna like this guy.
Bow to him.
"Thank you sir for meeting us. We have dire problem involving mind magic and were informed only you had the power to fix it.

>>20389769
"I am Ishelda, and with me is Ser Kristoph. Our minds are shielded through our respective Talents."

>>20389769
Hello Sardriel, I'm Ishelda of Arcturus. The dire bear is Grayson and the knight who's resistant to magic is Kristoph. Kaliel said you could help remove this boy's enchantment.

"Hello, Sardriel. I'm Ishelda, and with me is Ser Kristoph. Our minds are shielded through our respective talents."
"I see." He said, and chuckled. "You, sit up."
The raven-haired fey sat up, smiling, and he put his hand on her head. She opened up her eyes, and glanced at the two of you. His hand glows, and you have the strong feeling that he's looking through her eyes.
"You're the short one, right?" He asked. "Okay."
"Thank you sir for meeting us. We have dire problem involving mind magic and were informed only you had the power to fix it."
"I do." He said, and let go of the fey, and stood, stepping over the pile of women. "Bring him here, I'll see what I can do."

Grayson sets down the boy, and Sardriel kneels, putting his hands on his temples. Raziel grits her teeth.
"Don't be so pissed off, Raz." Sardriel said, and jerked his head toward the women. "They were all willing."

>>20389880
Put a hand on Raz's shoulder to calm her down. We can still give him a piece of our mind after he's fixed the boy.

You put a hand on Raz's shoulder, and you hear Sardriel chuckle. With a flash of light and a sizzle, Sardriel pulls his hands away, hissing and waving his hands in the air.
"This thing was tricky." He said. "But I was able to set it to erode itself over time. The mind's young, so it'll heal just as fast as the enchantment erodes. No insanity or cognitive dissonance." He said, and stood. "He'll wake up in a few hours, with a bit of missing memory."
"You must have a real big problem, to piss off the people who were able to stuff that much power into a spell." He said, shrugging.

>>20389916
>give him a piece of our mind
Heh. I don't even want to imagine what sort of dangerous things he could do with that.

But seriously it's not good manners to shout at him about his lifestyle after he just helped us out.

>>20389964
"Thank you Sardriel. We will not impose on you any longer."

>>20389964
We somehow managed to do that. Guess the quiet time's over now.

Ask him about the girls. Why did they join him, if not because of magic shenanigans.

>>20389964
I don't think they're pissed off. I think they were trying to piss me off.
Thank you for your help.

>>20390005
Maybe it would be better to ask Raziel about that.

>>20389964
"He said something about 'the Great Wyrm' before being forced to attack me."

"Thank you for your help, Sardriel." You say. "Erm, if you don't mind, what's with. . "
"The girls?" He asked. "Met them, one by one, off in the world. Asked them if they wanted to be happy. They said yes. Gave 'em a taste, and then offered to make it a more permenant thing. They gladly agreed. I'm very magnanimous, you see."
Something about the way he talks makes your skin crawl, and you're not entirely sure why.
"We won't impose on you any longer." You say.
"Right, right." He said, sitting back down. "You're welcome. Hey, before you go; wanna join them?"

>>20390141
Raise an eyebrow. "No."

>>20390141
I can't, sorry. I have responsibilities, a kingdom to run...

>>20390141
>"You're welcome. Hey, before you go; wanna join them?"
ಠ_ಠ
Harrumph in his direction.
"No, but thank you for extending the offer to me."

And ask Kaliel what she'll have to do for that creep.

rolled 99 = 99

>>20390141
>"Sure!"
> use control magic to turn the spell against him
>Dominate his mind, consume magical ability
>Use newfound ability to enslave companions and send them out into the world to spread Ishelda happiness
>Bad End: Mind Queen Part 2.
"No thanks, I don't think I would be a very good Queen to abandon New Arcturus like that."

>>20390141
"Nnoo, thank you."

>>20390141
We really need to talk to Azariel about the mental problems most his race seems to have.

>>20390186
>And ask Kaliel what she'll have to do for that creep.
Yes, this once we leave. We owe her one for whatever it is. I hope it's not too bad.

You raise an eyebrow. "No, but thank you for extending the offer to me. I have responsibilities, and a kingdom to run."
"Oh well. Worth a try." He said, and shrugged. He put a hand on the raven-haired fey, and she smiled at you and waved.
But there's . .something *wrong* about the look in her eyes. Not empty, or tortured. . just blissfully stupid, like an animal.
You quickly make your way back up to the tower proper, your skin crawling.
". . what will you have to do for that creep?" You ask Kaliel.
She frowns. "I have to slow the aging of his. . harem. thing." She said. "Good practice for me, but it's creepy. I can't wait until Dariel sheds his feathers so we can go somewhere else."

>>20390287
"I was worried it'd be something... much creepier."

>>20390287
We definitely need to see Dariel. As long as he's still fuzzy.

"You could stay with me once you leave this place. Or at least make New Arcturus your temporary home until you have found something you like."

>>20390287
Why doesn't he just get new ones? It seems like it isn't really hard for him to 'convince' people.

>>20390287
How bad must those girls' lives have been to accept an offer of mindless slavery like that?
That's the sort of thing I need to make sure won't happen in New Artcturus.

"You could stay with me once you leave this place. Or at least make New Arcturus your temporary home until you have found something you like."
She seems to hesitate a moment, and then you see a tall, sky blue kalak climb through the window, a satchel in hand. Behind her was a small, fuzzy brown one, his wings flapping rapidly.
"Good day." Neiriel says, waving. "I see you're visiting us."

Dariel. . Dariel is still fuzzy!

>>20390411
[x] Touch fuzzy Kalak

>>20390411
"Not for long, Neiriel. I was just leaving."

>>20390411
"Yes, could I interest the three of you in some tea on the Jormungandr? I'd love to talk to you in person, and I'm sure Raziel would love to spend some time with you, as well."

>>20390411
Hug fuzzy object! Ignore any objections.

>>20390367
some people are just into that sort of thing.

>>20390141
Suddenly, the idea of not having to worry about all the troubles of the world is quite enticing. Dropping the shield you had formed about your mind, you say, "Sure!"

Before anyone can react, Sardiel is next to you, his palm upon your forehead. As your mind suffuses with a simple, encompassing joy, you don't even notice Sardiel cackling as Raziel starts to summon her phantasms. "Ahahaha! You all heard her, and I didn't even need to TRY to convince her."

The kalak in fae form leers at Raziel, "How about you, cousin? Would you like to forget your cares, and join my little family? It would be nice to have another of us around, if you know what I mean."

"Not for long, Neiriel." You say, already hugging Dariel- strange, you didn't even put conscious thought into it. Your ward is still intact, so it must just be his incredibly fluffiness. "I was just leaving. But could I interest the three of you in some tea on the Jormungandr? I'd love to talk to you in person, and I'm sure Raziel would love to spend some time with you, as well."
"Oh, of course." Neiriel said, picking her bags back up. The group all relocated to the Jormungandr, and you serve up tea for everyone- Mana Tea, this time, as New Arcturus's galadriel's light has been blooming quite a bit, lately.
"What've you been up to?" Dariel asked, trying his best to ignore the way you keep hugging him.

>>20390506
>some people are just into that sort of thing
What, not having a mind? No they're not. You can't be into anything when you don't even have preferences or opinions any more. It's basically suicide.

>>20390566
"Nothing too exciting. Spent most of my time building New Arcturus with the help of my friends. It's become a beautiful place, you should definitely visit me soon."

Then tell them about what's happened to the boy.

>Dariel
"I'm sorry, but I've got to savour the fluffiness. From what I understand, it might be decades until I can hug another young Kalak again. Not to say you aren't hug-worthy when you've grown a bit, but you're just soooo fluffy~"

>>20390629
This basically covers it.

>>20390566
Oh, Queening, Magic, you know, this and that. Do you know how fluffy you are? It's fantastic.

Has the egg hatched?

>>20390581
You really ought to spend more time on our sister board. Some people enjoy the feeling of being controled, of having someone else make the descisions for them. Choices can be so... bothersome. This is just that, but taken to the extreme with magic.

>>20390656
>Some people enjoy the feeling of being controled

From OP's description, I'm pretty sure there isn't any sort of consciousness that can enjoy being controlled in these girls.

>>20390674
I'd rather not waste threadspace arguing, but the controler has mentioned they were willing, and OP has said they were blissful. You can believe that or not at your leasure.

Not, of course, that I would suggest that Ishelda would ever do something similar. But it would be fairly hilarious

"Queening, Magic. . " You say. "Nothing too exciting. Spent most of my time building New Arcturus with the help of my friends. It's become a beautiful place, you should definitely visit soon."
"We should!" Neiriel said.
"Has the egg hatched?"
Neiriel frowned, and pulled a small, carefully bound midnight-black egg from her pack. You feel incredibly strong abjuration enchantments, protection spells, and wards bound to the egg. "No, not yet" she said. "I don't suspect she'll hatch for another few years. Perhaps a decade. She's special."

"Sorry, Dariel, but I've got to savor the fluffiness. From what I understand, it might be decades until I can hug another young Kalak again. Not to say you aren't hug-worthy when you've grown a bit, but you're just so fluffy~"

Dariel sighs audibly, and just sips at his tea.

>>20390715
Why not just ask Kaliel to make some kind of creature that will always be as fluffy as a kalak is?

rolled 68 = 68

>>20390715
I don't suppose we can create a fluffiness elemental? Save Dariel some trouble.

>>20390715
Kaliel, you said you wanted to look at Bob?

>>20390715
"So, what have you guys been doing? Kaliel already told me about her studies and research, but I doubt that's all."

>>20390715
"How special will she be? Raziel tells me that onyx kalak are a pretty big deal."

"How special will she be?" You ask. "Kaliel tells me that onyx kalak are a pretty big deal."
"Well, it isn't a hard and certain rule," Neiriel said, stowing away the egg. "But Onyx-feather kalak are usually much larger and more magically powerful than their jade or ruby or sapphire brethren. That's, uh, specifically why I chose the father to be who he is. Due to his magical power, I thought that the child might be Onyx-feathered."

>>20390870
Was it Azariel?

>>20390870
What about white feathers? I get white feathers when I turn kalak. That's probably just a shapeshifting artifact though.

>>20390870
>That's, uh, specifically why I chose the father to be who he is
"Not sure if I should be impressed or creeped-out by that."

>>20390870
"Huh. Well that makes sense. Do you have a name yet?"

>>20390891
Father was human, I think.

>>20390891
Nah, it was a human, IIRC

>>20390904
>>20390907
That's what she claimed. But humans don't lay eggs. And it kind of makes sense if he wants to continue his 'family' and she wants a powerful onyx dad.

"What about white feathers? I get white feathers when I turn kalak."
"That doesn't mean anything." Neiriel said. "We don't even have records for white-feathered- or if we did, Azariel didn't bring any of the records with him."

"Huh. Well, that makes sense. Do you have a name yet?"
"I don't know what I'm going to name her, yet." She said. "It's something that bears thinking on."

As you sit there, Bob climbs up from belowdecks, rather wobbly. Kaliel snatches him up, and starts examining him.

"So, what have you guys been doing? Kaliel already told me about her studies and research, but I doubt that's all."
"It's mostly studies and research." Neiriel said. "I've been teaching Kaliel what they teach the Ursae healers, and I've been tutoring Dariel in magic. And then working on my own spells."
She sighed. "Now that Azariel's dead, most of his burdens have fallen to me. He manifests now and then to give me advice, but it's still rather stressful."

>>20390959
Magic. Specifically shapeshifting.

>>20390959
Exabyte said that if a pregnant woman shapeshifts early in the pregnancy the fetus shifts as well. Mid to late stage pregnancies are... messy if you shapeshift.

>>20390976
"If you should ever need my help, just ask. I consider you my friends, and that's as close to a famliy as I have on this planet."

>>20390976
Delegation! You just need more minions.

I might be making a trip to the other continents, if my gut is correct, so you could always send one of them with me, if you wanted them out of your hair.

Kaliel, anything wrong with Bob?

>>20391010
besides Marigold

>>20390976
>She's carrying his burdens
See, she just admitted it. Irrefutable evidence.
I'm just joking, the Dad's obviously Eidolon.

>>20391027
It's always fucking Eidolon. Every single time/

>>20391050
literally fucking Eidolon in this case.

"Delegation! You just need more minions." You say. "I might be making a trip to the other continents, if my gut is correct, so you could always send one of them with me, if you wanted them out of your hair."
"Well..." Neiriel said, and laid eyes on Kaliel. "Kali."
"Yeah?" She asked, turning back. Bob started struggling, wiggling his paws and legs.
"Want to go with Ishelda?"
"A little." Kaliel responded. "But I still don't know everything yet."
"Neither do I, hun. You already know everything I do, and you aren't going to learn any more here."
Kaliel shifted her weight from one leg to the other, her wings twitching, and then she set Bob down. "I'll need a few days to. . get some things done, and then I'll go with you. If you'll have me."

>>20391132
"Of course!"

>>20391132
"Of course I do! You're family has always kept things interesting when they're around."

>>20391132
"Of course you can come."

">>20391132
Of course! And think of all the new and exotic animals you will probably see over there."

"Is bob alright? Nothing wrong with him?"

Bob is fluffy, right? We care about fluffy things.

"Of course, the Kalak have always been like family to be. The overbearing grandfather, the adorable younger siblings, even the umm....creepy uncle."

>>20391201
>Bob is fluffy, right? We care about fluffy things.

I.. I don't think so.

>>20391222
Donn't forget the creepy little sister cutting animals up for fun.

>>20391201
I'm sure we asked for him to be made fluffy. I don't remember how he actually turned out.

>>20391227
WHAT? Screw Bob then.

>>20391255
I'm sure he's awesome in other ways. Think of him as Ishelda's Davemobile.

>>20391236
It wasn't for fun. It was for SCIENCE!

"Of course! And think of all the new and exotic animals you'll probably see over there."
Kaliel grinned. "I'll be glad to, then."
"Is Bob alright? Nothing wrong with him?" You ask, looking down to Bob. The small, fuzzy purple rodent still seemed happy, his nose twitching. He didn't seem to have his strange, spine-mounted appendages extended right now.
"Oh, he was falling apart." Kaliel said. "The spell was nowhere near stable. But I fixed it up. He actually has bloodflow, now, rather than being fueled by magic. I've gotten a lot better at that kind of stuff."

>>20391299
"That's great Kaliel! Thank you."

We'd hug her, but, err... Dariel is just too fluffy.

>>20391299
"Oh. That- That's good."

>>20391299
Can you make him... Fluffier?

>>20391299
Does that mean we'll have to feed him from now on? What does he eat?

"That's great, Kaliel." You say, giving her a grin. "Thank you."
Kaliel nods, and then turns to examine Bob again, who paces this way and that, and then curls into a small ball and starts snoozing. "He'll eat just the same stuff he always does. He might start chewing on things now, I don't know."
"Can you make him. . .fluffier?" You ask.
Kaliel eyes Dariel.
"I. . could, but he'd overheat." She said.

>>20391433
"Oh my, we don't want that."

>>20391433
"hmph. I probably wouldn't get anything done if he was fluffier anyway."

>>20391433
That's a shame. We should investigate the Child's brain/spell ourselves, to make sure we weren't doublecrossed, then head back home.

Actually, check Grayson as well.

>>20391433
What if he vented that extra heat?
What if he vented it by breathing fire?
That'd show the stupid wyrm.

>>20391433
We should definitely ask about Sardriel. He's.. weird, to put in nicely.

Before responding, you close your eyes, and focus on the enchantment on Denegrin's son. It's weaker, and smaller than it was before, and it was slowly fading. Vaguely, you feel his own mind growing stronger, and the dichotomy between the two growing. It was as if the spell was a splinter, and his own mind was pushing it away. For a moment, you're rather stunned at how cleverly it was done, but you don't sense any new enchantments or spells on the child. While you're checking beings for mental trickery, you examine Grayson as well, but his mind is just as normal as it always is.

"Oh my, we don't want that. What if he vented that extra heat?"
"Because I don't know how." She said. "I'm close to figuring out sweating, though, and then I can make him fluffier. I don't even know how sweating feels, though. Wyverns and kalak can't, and those are my primary forms."

>>20391537
If you want to experience different stuff, I can shapeshift you. You won't have to spend ages getting used to each body if it's done with sorcery.

>>20391537
Still, he's an impressive pice of work? Art?

rolled 22 = 22

>>20391537
Turn her into a girl!

Asking permission is for chumps!

>>20391537
Ask if she's created any other interesting creatures.

>>20391576
Nope.

>>20391537
"Well with your permission I could temporarily turn you human."

>>20391576
She is a girl, silly.
Also, we're not repeating the Lucca thing, that was stupid.

rolled 37 = 37

>>20391595
But Ishelda doesn't know about Lucca.

Rerolling

>>20391576
>>20391606
Ignore this anon, ask permission.

>>20391606
Not knowing about that specific case doesn't mean she can't see it's a stupid idea. Ishelda tends to be a bit more sensible than Dave.

>>20391576
No, let's NOT do that.

rolled 11 = 11

GUYS IDEA LETS TURN OURSELF INTO GIRL

rolled 11 = 11

>>20391593
Rollan for this

"Have you created any other interesting creatures?"
"Not particularly." She said. "I've been advancing my own creatures, but I haven't been working on anything new. I've been working on making better muscles, bones, and blood, mostly. That's not stuff new spells can do, it has to be trained in."

"Well, with your permission, I could temporarily turn you human."
She was silent for a moment, and then started laughing. "Maybe I'll be human later. But I'll do it to myself. I'm rather quick at learning new forms."

Soon enough, Tea was finished, and you feel revitalized from the mana tea, almost regenerating your power.
"I'm glad we got to spend this time with you, Raziel, Ishelda." Neiriel said, bowing. "But we'd best get things put away."

>>20391593
Let's wait with that until she's actually joined us.

>>20391668
"Of course, it was a pleasure to meet you again. Anything I can bring you from New Arcturus next time I'll visit?"

>>20391668
"Very well, I look forward to our next meeting."

"Of course. It was a pleasure to meet you again. Anything I can bring you from New Arcturus next time I'll visit?"
"Well. . More of this tea would be nice." Neiriel said, motioning to the empty saucers.
"Make sure not to bring too much stuff." Kaliel mentioned- she was almost smiling. "Because I'll need somewhere to fit my papers when you pick me up."

"It was nice to see you again." Raziel said, and gave the three of them hugs.

Kristoph was uncharacteristically silent, his visor down, which made it impossible to see his expression. .
And then they got off, and you sent Jormungandr back home.

Back to New Arcturus.

>End of thread!
>Sticking around to answer questions.
>As always, my twitter is @futureexabyte.

>>20391837
>nex thread

Knock on his helmet. "You still okay in there?"

>>20391837
>End of thread
Dammit, the one time I manage to catch the quest while it's going.

rolled 41 = 41

>>20391837
Make his visor transparent.

>>20391576
Whoa there, Ishelda isn't Dave, man.

>>20391837
Inb4 Arcturus is in flames when we return.

>>20392009
Don't worry, it's all a dream.

cute thing can't sweat.
not shown how to sexually
and without permission
wut.

>>20392048
what?

>>20392073
Should of turned the bird into a girl and fucked her to show her the wonders of sweat.

>>20392087
Well I voted for that, but everyone else wanted to ask permission first.

>>20392104
It probably has something to do with the fact that over 90 percent of tg is perma virgins.

>>20392117
Speak for yourself.

>>20392117
True fact.

>>20392117
Or we're not a bunch of metafags who want to project their lesbian fantasies onto Ishelda. (Not that there's anything wrong with lesbian Ishelda, but we should at least start dating or something first.)

>>20392200
It doesn't have to be lesbian. Why are you so obsessed with shoving sexual fantasies down people's throats?

>>20392221
They're the ones who want to sex up Kaliel.
I personally ship IsheldaXHumanGrayson

>>20392200
Why are you responding to an obvious troll?

>>20392251
Because the thread is over and arguments are fun.

>>20392200
>I don't like what you like
>Stop having fun.
>Right now.

Is that an echo I hear?

>>20392250
>sex up Kaliel
Disgusting. Raizel is obviously the best waifu.

>>20392268
What?
Try and make sense please.

>>20392276
That looks like a yes.

>in after can't into metaphor.

>>20392271
obviously

>>20392271
>Plz stop having opinions that aren't mine.
It's more disturbing than having opinions that are exactly the same as mine.

>>20392294
But you aren't making any sense. They're saying that /tg/ is a bunch of permavirgins, and I'm saying that we aren't projecting our fantasies into the game.
There's nothing Stop Liking What I Don't Like About It.

Arguing is fun, but you've got to put some effort into it, otherwise it's just not worth it man.

>>20392271
Exactly. So she should pair up with the best husbando, Grayson.

>>20392314
in after retard can't make up his mind.

>If it's not worth it, why are you responding.

>>20392329
Because I enjoy a good argument. I respond in the hope of wringing some entertainment out of you. Obviously it's in vain, but I'll keep trying anyway.

>>20392329
How nice! He explained what he meant.
Hopefully the autism won't become piss again.

>>20392310
I never said he should stop having a different opinion, just that I find his opinion abhorrent.

>>20392365
NO U.

>You're opinion is worthless unless its mine.

>>20392365
A subtle but significant difference.

>>20392365
I wasn't implying you were implying something.
I was implying something.

Now stop having opinions different from mine before I tard rage.

>>20392377
Again, didn't say that. I mean, you're not even trying, are you?

>>20392378
Indeed. Just because I don't like it, doesn't make it invalid.

>>20392397
Oh, is that what you were saying? Sorry, guess you're gonna have to tard rage, then.

I almost miss tongue-in-buttfag. He was much more amicable.

rolled 89 = 89

>>20392422
Stick your tongue in your butt.

>Not tongue in butt guy
>Just saying

>>20392422
More amicable than who?

>>20392436
Assholes arguing about waifus?

rolled 90 = 90

>>20392436
everybody. all he wanted was to see some tongues in some butts. He got what he wanted and now he's gone forever.

>>20392444
>Implying he wouldn't be arguing about which waifu we should tongue-in-butt first.

>>20392453
>Implying he wouldn't be arguing about which waifu's butt we should tongue first.

FTFY

>>20392453
Nah, it wouldn't matter who got it first, so long as the tongue went in the butt.

>Implying tongue-in-buttfag wouldn't try and make tongue elementals.

rolled 67 = 67

>>20392496
>implying this roll isn't for tongue elementals

>>20392479
Yep.

>Or any sort of derailing
>which exibutt promptly ignores completely and sticks tight to the rails.
>give the players what they want, punk.

>>20392496
>Implying tongue-in-buttfag wouldn't try and make tongue elementals and butt elementals
FTFY

>>20392496
Is there an elemental plane of butt to send them to?

>>20392512
I'm sure you could find one.

Exabyte has just masterfully hopped the rails of the conversation from pointless trolling to a serious debate about tongues and butts.

rolled 30 = 30

I like where this is going.

>Rolling for all of it.
>Unless somebody didn't want something.
>Rolling for people that wanted anything to not happen to face utter disappointment.

rolled 67 = 67

>>20392540
Let me try that again.

rolled 62 = 62

>>20392533
Because Exabutt knows all about how to subtly keep us on dem rails. DON'T YA EXA.

rolled 10 = 10

>>20392557
You haven't read many of his threads, have you?

>He's nowhere near subtle.
>rolling for no necessary story, like in thread one.
>Let's start the rest of the life.
>A life filled with lovers.
>And no crazy adventures where people die and get permanently hurt.

Neiriel is best waifu. We get to be mother to the egg and >[x] touch fluffy hatchling every day.

rolled 36 = 36

>>20391875
then ask him if he's alright, then put it back to opaque metal again.

>>20392822
But the hatchling is going to be huge, because its black.
And huge things are less cute.
And we can always just hug Grayson anyway.

>>20393295
Yes. "Hug" Grayson. Right.

>>20393355
Do we still sleep on Grayson, by the way? I'd imagine that would have lef to some... Interesting scenarios as ishelda grew up.

>>20393561
You do every now and then, but Grayson has taken to sleeping in the courtyard or on top of Jormungandr. When asked about it, he explains that he likes the outdoors.

>>20393688
So ishelda actually owns a bed now? I trust it is a huge 4 post bed filled with cushions.

>>20393946
Of course it is. So many pillows. And Bob.