>>29859618
Well, hopefully we don't die.

The Bone-Guard rushes through the crowd, turning people aside with quick and precise movements as his power glows dully throughout his form, a powdery calcite glow as opposed to his pursuer that's a blood-red streak trailing after him with splatters of blood from her amputated right arm spilling across the crowd. Her shrill scream rings through the crowd, forcing them to part before the Bone-guard makes it to the barrier at the far-end.
With another push, she makes for a full body, lunging takedown spanning more than twenty meters in distance.

The Crowd thrashes upon the barrier as it holds, despite the hole, the she-bitch crashing into it when her raging tackle misses the guard, that anticipated the move. Emilia ducks low, pushing herself off and away to generate distance, yet she misjudges the force involved and her position, falling atop the people of the crowd.

Garde calls out, his eyes calm yet his voice giving away his panic,”Beliala, we need to leave!”
“Fuck you, she screams back, crude red pouring off of her body has she tears at her own squad's barrier, making it dwindle as a red glow erupts from where her right arm used to be.
Bone forms, then muscle, nerves and veins lace over the core, ending with dark-gray skin and savage claws matching her left.

Yet as she completes her healing, the bone guard meets her, slashing across her throat with bear hands, slicing deep into her flesh like a machete. Another blow starts to come around from the willful man until Garde steps forward, slipping his blade through the barrier and piercing the man through his bent arm, slipping through forearm and bicep alike, the blade makes it all the way to his rib-cage, forcing him away to push away from the injured woman.

Choking on her own blood, she begins to summon her power again, the flesh of her neck quickly knitting until Hunter takes advantage of the situation, pouncing at her from behind and forcing her forward away from the barrier and into the crowd before being flung at the stage-lights, the woman rising, rolling stiffness from her shoulders, now presumably unscathed and suddenly, exceedingly calm.

Her eyes flicker around at the crowd, passing over you, Fara as she moves into position, Hunter as he rises slowly from the aggravated throw, and the guards at the doors that now slowly move into their own positions and assisting the injured.

Between you, Fara, Hunter, the guards, and the Bone-guard that's recovering himself at the moment, this woman is alone and entirely surrounded, yet much like you'd think Friend to be, she is serene, almost as though she's drinking in the conflict. Her clothing torn and her curled horns glinting in the dimmed lights of the Auditorium, you see the glint of a fanged smile through her pursed lips, hellish eyes smoldering in the dark.

Garde holds his position with his unnamed associate, his blade at the ready just beyond the barrier that he slips hit through.

Your power burns against your flesh and weighs upon your mind as you feel the heat building within your skull. You're not sure you can keep Fara summoned any longer, and at best, you have one spell left within you.

>[] Unsummon Fara, she's in too much pain to be of use anymore.
>>[] Cast a spell at...
>>>[] Garde and the other. Keeping them separated from Beliala takes priority.
>>>[] Beliala. That bitch needs to go down. She shouldn't look so in control.
>[] Command Fara...
>>[] Rush down the two behind the barrier, be wary of that sword.
>>[]Meet that demon bitch in the middle, put her down.

>[](other)

>>29860286
>[x] Unsummon Fara, she's in too much pain to be of use anymore.
She's seemed rather underwhelming in general for how quickly she drains our ability to take action. Should have gone with the Wendigo. I bet taht thing would be rippin' and tearin' right now.
>>[x] Cast a spell at...
>>>[x] Garde and the other. Keeping them separated from Beliala takes priority.

>>29860435
Summons are more effective when they've been given energy prior so that they can act until it runs out.
Part of the problem here though is that Asher did a lot with his power and it ended up ineffective due to the creation of that other nerve's barrier.

>>29860286
How damaged is the barrier currently? Are there any noticeable holes in it? Are any attacks, other than Garde's, that can slip through it?

>[] Unsummon Fara, she's in too much pain to be of use anymore.

Give her a quick mental apology and unsummon her, we'll check on her later.

>>[] Cast a spell at...
>>>[] Garde and the other. Keeping them separated from Beliala takes priority.

Our biggest goal is to keep them separated from Beliala. If the barrier is weak then try to fill it with steam. If it's still up than we might be able to disrupt them from getting to Beliala by freezing water into ice on the ground.

If Emilia is recovered from falling onto the crowd we could give her a spear of ice and tell her to throw it at one of the enemies.

>>29860472
Note to self, geek the Nerve first.

You release your magic from Fara, calling back her token tear as the magic still radiates from your body, almost steaming off of your body with its ephemeral glare.
(It hurts...) Is all she relays as the steam you called upon still troubles her. You'll deal with that later.

With a few deep breaths, you feel the heat in your brain and body calm down some as the demon-woman observes those around her, everyone on edge at what she might do next, you start formulating some ideas as what you might do to shut her down. A bone though... no good.
Your eyes betray you, looking over at Garde and their barrier, reasoning that it must have been weakened at least some. You can still feel the steam that you forced within, Garde seems virtually unhindered by the ice-shards lodged in his body, his milky-blue spirit bypassing the damage and still giving his sword that vicious edge.

Beliala begins to open her mouth to say something when you send a surge of a spell through the weakened force, breaking through the compromised barrier and causing a flurry of scalding hot steam to broil up, within the trap. The screams of her comrades, detract from whatever she'd been trying to say and that moment must've been the one that the Bone-Guard had been looking for as he flies in with a savage kick that cuts through her side like an axe. The wound though, begins to knit right away, and in the next moment, the woman grabs the same leg that cut her, crimson glow burning through her body as she brings a palm down to turn the leg the wrong way in a sickening crunch.
The Bone-guard grits his teeth, enduring the pain as he brings his fingers down to slice the woman's flesh, yet his attack is turned by her violent red.

Garde and the Nerve cough and gasp as they try to quell your steam, eventually forced to leave the barrier for it to disperse. You grin as they're immediately met by the mob, that charge them, forcing Garde to put people down with high-speed strokes and thrusts, crumbling them despite what powers they may have gleaned thus far. The nerve trails behind and you call to your associates as the other guards move upon the demon-woman.

>Garde and the nerve are retreating, forced to put people in their way down.
>Beliala is surrounded, yet demonstrating disturbing prowess against what you would've thought to be a superior opponent.
>You can't cast any more spells for the moment, need to wait for yourself to cool down...

>[] Give Emilia and Hunter an order...
>>[] They're routed, take them down!
>>[] Fall, back, let them go!


>[] Stay and watch the fight...
>[] Slip out before it gets too bad.
>>[] Run onto and behind the stage to check on Friend.
>>[] Leave through one of the exits, place is too hot now.

>>29861182
>brb, going to the store.

>>29861182
I don't think we're going to take down Garde, he's a tough fucker, and they'll most likely be able to fix any damage we deal to either of them. Not worth the risk.

>[] Give Emilia and Hunter an order...
>>[] Fall, back, let them go!

And

>[] Slip out before it gets too bad.
>>[] Run onto and behind the stage to check on Friend.

Check on Friend, make sure he's alright.

>>29861182
I'm unsure. Several options, but I don't feel confident in my ability to pick something right in this mess.

So I'll just go with >>29861441

>>29861182
>[] Give Emilia and Hunter an order...
>>[] Fall, back, let them go!

>[] Stay and watch the fight...

I want to see how this ends

I'm back.
You guys set on this?
>>29861441

>>29862275
>Are you sure?
Well shit. It's not like we have anything else, though.

>>29862275
Actually, I'm >>29861441 and I'm pretty curious as to how it'll turn out. Watch, make sure nothing terrible happens, and then check on Friend. He's a Vein, he'll manage for a bit, and ensuring the enemies get out of here is worthwhile.

Though it's not that big a deal either way.

You call out to Emilia and Hunter so that they hear you, giving word for the two of them to fall back and Garde's blade weaves through the crowd like liquid silver, felling all those that stand in their wait with quick thrusts.

You beckon Emilia to head for the stage, with Hunter already recovered and holding position.

Beliala's crimson red turns into more savage flashes as her cruel claws rip and tear at the Bone-guard's body, some blows glancing off as though against a steel wall, and others finding a way through. Her assault pins him, yet her focused assault allows for the reinforcements to come into play, the wolf-man with azure blue bones leaping at her, suffering a sudden blow from the bitch's claws, yet forcing her away from the crippled man as they tumble through the seats, the might of their two bodies flattening and crashing through the welding holding the gallery together as they trade rending flashing claws with each other, red and blue making rapid, invisible contact as blood splatters across the gallery from mutual wounds.

You get up onto the stage, casting some backwards glances as Hunter holds grounds and Emilia rendezvous.
“Holy shit,” The kid gawks at the two as they battle, entranced by the exchange of his seniors.
A kick sends the wolf-man sprawling and the she-demon meets him midair. For a moment she looks weightless, as though she's walking, a crimson red flash as powerful fist strikes down at the wolf-man, the gleam of his blue bones registering a block as he's sent down regardless, only to flash again with his momentum ceased.

The Woman kicks off of the air with another assertion of her power, driving down forward as their clash continues, the rest of the crowd now entranced by the supernatural battle between equals.

Hunter's mouth stays slightly agape as his eyes follow the progress, Garde and the Nerve finish going through the crowd, and seem to be resolved to fight, yet as Garde is ready to lunge in to give the wolf a decisive blow, the burning woman returns to grip his blade, forcing a sphere of fire upon him that forces him to withdraw.
Faraji soon appears from behind the stage.
“She is more powerful than expected. She gives Jaheem and Abieoe a difficult time.” His eyes turn to the milky blue Fencer that his creation his holding off, forcing the man and his ally to abstain from the fight.

“This is amazing.” You whisper yourself, wishing that you could join in on the fight right now, your burn still far too great.

Faraji nods with an assertive grunt, yet says no more as Jaheem, the wolfman forces his claws into the demonic bitch's shoulder. With a grunt she grips the arm wounding her and asserts to breaking it in two with colliding pressure. The epic confrontation turns into a battle of who breaks who first.
Beliaila, Jaheem's arm. Or Jaheem, Beliala's shoulder Socket. The surge of their summoned power radiates strong, giving onlookers a violet glare from the mix as their entangled.

Faraji's Burning Woman seems to have little trouble with the fencer, at this point. Forcing back he and the nerve that makes to block her attacks with that invisible barrier of his, leaving them unscathed, yet pinned as he has time for neither focus or incantation.

The tide of that battle changes when Faraji completes an incantation in his own tongue, a circle of fire with foreign symbols appearing both above and below. You hear the whisper of the burning woman's ethereal voice as precursor to the roaring flames.
“Burn away the flesh of man, so all that lies is salt. Pure as sand.”

A pillar of flame envelopes the two, scorching even the proofed carpet and seats, blackening even the metal until it falls apart like charcoal.
By the time the flames finish, and Faraji's glow of the morning sun ends, there's not a trace left of them aside from white ash that have burned even through the carpet.

Faraji removes a cloth from a pocket and dabs at his forehead coolly, none of the pain of the burn showing in his face. Yet he must be feeling it after that.

By the time that occurs, Jaheem loses his fight, his arm bent wrong in two places, and the finishing blow almost dealt, as she witnesses the pillar that took her two companions.
With a curse, she brings a foot down upon the wolf-man's neck, beheading him with sheer crushing force.

With one final glance around at her adversaries, she hops up into the air, and kicks off of nothing, forcing her way out of the building through a break, disappearing.

Many people of the assembly lay either dead or dying. Jaheem, lie dead with his neck a footprint more than a foot into the ground.
Faraji sighs, as his own burn calms, and the people that remain stand in awe of everything that they'd just seen, far too many of them speech-less. They look to the stage for some kind of word. An explanation. For any clue as to exactly what just happened.

You swallow yourself, this is what a fight between magic-users looks like.

>[] Give them a speech.. Can you think of anything good to say to those that remain?
>[] Withdraw into the back, get Friend. He's the one for this.
>[] (Other)

I hope this scene was good.

>>29863451
>[] Give them a speech.. Can you think of anything good to say to those that remain?

"If you learn one thing from today, then learn this, there are those out there who are stronger than you and stronger than I. Many would see you forced into their service, or eliminated as a threat whether through imprisonment or death.

The Followers protect their own, and they offer you a choice."

Then walk back to check on Friend.

>>29863451
>[] Give them a speech.. Can you think of anything good to say to those that remain?
I feel like it's the 'right' thing to do, but I can't really think of anything. It might be good to touch on the necessity of learning so that you can make a choice and have the ability to go through with it. So that you aren't kept in ignorance and made to do as others wish or die.

I dunno. I've never been good at channeling that culty eloquence.
>>29863475
I enjoyed it

>>29863475
It showed us exactly how brutal things can get once you get good at this whole magic thing.

We need to get some oaths and more Limit Points.

>>29863857
Ah, that reminds me. This experience and Asher pushing himself has yielded a LIMIT point.

So you guys have another to spend. Mind, to set something past Novice, you'll need 2 LIMIT points.
You may still want to hold off on an Oath until you get one that you feel fits properly.
Once it's assigned to a form of magic, it's there for good.

>LIMIT point rewarded.

>>29863631

Seconding

>>29863952
I'm not really in a rush to pick up Materia Firma, I could definitely see uses for it and we'll want it in time, but I'd rather specialize a bit first.

>>29863451
>[] Give them a speech.. Can you think of anything good to say to those that remain?

Okay I am bad at speeches but we should identify on how the special forces cut down the civilians heartlessly. It shows that they don't give a dam even about civilian life, and that they never cared about rescuing them in the first place, they were all liabilities in the end. Tools to be used and thrown out.

Well...are you a tool, or someone who wishes to break the chains of servitude?

>>29863952
Do we have to spend limit points on summons? That bit seemed unclear.

>>29864269
No. Summons may be acquired through ritual and contract when you feel the time is right to make contact. At-will temporary summons may be performed next rank that basically commands a wild summon to follow a single order or directive.

>>29864212
>>29863451

*Find the nearest dead or wounded civilian*

"You see this?!" *point at the victim* "This is what the government dogs think about you! You may think that they are here to 'help' you, to 'save' you, but I guarantee that those men will only turn you into tools to fight a war that they will never win!"

"Did you not see how the people were preaching to you saying that they could help you; but minutes later they were cutting you down like wild animals!? I say this to you not as a stranger, but as a brother and friend. Join us! Become something greater, become what the government dogs FEAR what you will become! Control your own fate and destiny! Join us and now true peace and freedom!"

*Dramatic Pause*

"Or do you wish to become tools and die for nothing?"

Really like what you guys are having Asher angle for.
Bit of character development into his position as one of The Followers. Situation is hilarious too when you look at the whole.

>Followers kill 1,000,000+ people with larger than life tidal wave.
>Select few are spared and others awaken during the crash.
>Embittered people try to survive.
>Government comes in.
>Followers turn them against their would-be saviors, forcing them to defend themselves.
>Followers gain more support.

>>29864485
Asher: The manipulative cuntwaffle that with a few choice words gets people to tear eachother apart and throws SURPRISE STEAM in the faces of things that can't be so easily manipulated.

>29864347

This, also, instead of just pointing, pick up wolfbro's head for dramatic effect.

>>29864556
All in building that drama. When people are already angry, tired, and stressed, they just need someone pointed at.

>>29864485
It is utterly hilarious, but they're an angry mob, we learned that from our first night. You give them a target and they'll try to kill it. And afterwards they'll need to justify their anger, so they'll get more locked in to the idea of fighting against the Government, fighting for their freedom.

We forced the Government's hand during this, so they look like the bad guys, and we look like the good guys, or at least the ones who will help them.

If Asher wasn't in public, and wasn't in as much pain from the Nerve thing I'd suggest cackling madly.

With steady breaths, you try to focus through the pain of your burn, staying in consciousness and formulating something of a speech in your head. That doesn't quite work though, you can't think. You can't focus you can only... Well, speak from what you've just seen.

You look to Faraji, and he seems to get an idea of what you want to do. The firm man acknowledges you, weaving a spell as his fingertips glow,”They will hear your voice.” A melodic tone as he finishes.

You breath, a little too hard, and realize that it resonates through the room, heard by everyone.

All eyes on you, you realize that the stage is yours and they can hear your weary words.

With a deep breath, you close your eyes and speak, telling them of what they witnessed here.

"You see what they'll do now, the government, the special forces, The OverWatch. They cut you down like dogs when you get in the way, they seek to control you, what you think, where you go, what you do.” You walk forward, touching someone that had been flung aside during the demon's rampage. You drag up the fresh corpse, limp from a broken neck.

“You see this?” You arm strains to lift the man's weight. Hunter steps forward to assist, his power streaming low as he hoists it up by the collar. With a step back you gesture the the whole body.
“they preached about how they would help you, yet then they turn and cut you down like animals! I do not want this for you, or anyone. No- this is not the way it should be. I ask you, join us and see. See how powerful you can become! These Government pigs will rue the day they underestimated the power of their people!”

You give Hunter a gesture and he sets the body down, closing the man's eyes with a trembling hand, he smiles to you, his eyes inspired by your speech. Emilia too is entranced by your sudden onset of charisma.
Is this how you really feel? With the mold of your lonely life of stories and fantasy broken...
You look back out into the crowd, to finish your word.

“We- would not have you blind. We-will tell you the truth. We- will empower you to create your own path.

This day. If you are to learn one thing from today, then learn this, there are those out there who are stronger than you and stronger than I. Many would see you forced into their service, or eliminated as a threat whether through imprisonment or death. “

You look over the crowd, angry and scared faces alike regarding you with a solemn dignity, no one dares to speak after everything so unreal occuring. You cast your tired, pained gaze over the crowd as your vision continues to focus and unfocus through your sole remaining eye.

“We protect our own, and we offer you a choice." You finish and turn back upon the stage, walking with as much of a posture as you can, a cool sweat running down your forehead from that speech and the people that had hung upon your every word.
Faraji catches you by the shoulder and you incline your head to bring him into view. He gives you a simple strong nod before letting you go see friend.

Emilia and Hunter follow after you, your own personal entourage. Perhaps they're clinging to you as a leader now?

Friend seems out of it back-stage, blood leaking from his forehead after the blunt impact of that demon-bitch's headbutt. Disoriented, but still okay, he's taking steady breaths to clean his spirit. Such a blow would likely have killed- if not knocked out an ordinary person, yet there he sits.

“Those were good words Asher.” He does not turn to you, maintaining his meditation.

You put a palm to your forehead as sweat beads through from the built of heat within your skull. You've got a pounding headache.”I just told them what I thought. Those suits really fucked up.”

You let yourself sit beside Friend in the backstage, falling into a seat artlessly,”Fucking headache man...”
Friend nods,”Fever. You pushed hard. It will take you some time to recover fully.”
“The people out there, you have moved them, I feel it. So few leave. Yet so few are left.”

That whole thing... it was a massacre. You reflect upon it. If you hadn't sided with the followers, would fewer have bee cut down? No. They would quash any that declared the path of blood. They'd still be outnumbered if more participated. That was... The right thing?

Why do you care? Friend should be happy though. They should teach you more. You just proved your loyalty. What more could they want? Emilia and Hunter come on, a little smile present upon the woman's glasgow.
“That was great.”
“Cool dude, really cool.” Hunter whispers, rubbing at his arms.

“You guys did good yourselves, let me rest.” You groan out as your headache still pounds upon your head,”Friend, is there anyone else to lead the assembly?”

“Faraji may handle it. I should not let them see what has been done.

>[] Anything else you'sd like to say?
>[] Nah, pass the fuck out. Everything's fine.

>>29865521
We're a full blown terrorist cult member now. Hallelujah!

"Friend, when I wake up mind telling me about Oaths?"

And then pass the fuck out. We've had a long day, we're a god damn demagogue now, we deserve our rest.

>>29865521
>[] Nah, pass the fuck out. Everything's fine.

What up. It always seems like I'm in the even-numbered parts of this quest.

>>29865521
>[] Nah, pass the fuck out. Everything's fine.

>>29865521
pass out, you earned it

Your vision blurs as your headache bids that you sleep. With the world hazing over you feel your body relax into the world of dreams.

You find yourself experiencing many colors, dim and brilliant floating through your vision. A silver-white, sapphire-blue and a deep forest green rest near you as an icy-white comes into focus, seeming to regard you. The form slowly making its way into a frozen shadow with a familiar form.

“What is this?” You wonder, and your voice, the thoughts radiate out in a wave of light, outlining everything, giving temporary form to the presence of the back-stage.
Your body won't move, can't move as the silver-white takes a seat before you, cross-legged.
“Hello... You can see me?”

“Yes.” You reply to the apparition, it seems a fair bit upset.

“You burned me. Twice you burned me.” She remembers, sending a coil of guilt into your mind.

“Yes.... I'm sorry. I had to do, what I had to do.” You admit as your thoughts betray you, unfiltered by your mouth, choice of words just flowing out into this space.

“I'll need to think about this. It really hurts you know.”

“How does it hurt? You don't even have a brain?” Once more your thoughts come out, unrestrained.

“I feel what you want to happen. Scalding steam is painful you know.”

You're silent now, trying not to think of anything particular. You don't want her to hear any more of your thoughts. You just want to dream right now, nothing more.

The colors flicker and images come into focus as you leave that previous state, the life before this one flashing before your eyes.

A mother that had asked you constantly for your pay-check until you found your way to college. A deadbeat dad that had never been around, better known as a sperm donor. Extended family that pretty much excommunicated you and yours mother for her lack of faith in church.

Your only real friend in high school that had performed multiple attempts at suicide, you alienated yourself from them as you couldn't muster the words to help them. It was then that you'd become really withdrawn.

Soon it became that you blamed yourself for your problems. Then you blamed the world, resolving that there was nothing you could do. But finally, you can do something now. Personal life-issues and anxieties aside, there was nothing wrong with what you felt up on that stage. You'd probably return there if asked to.
Power. Control. You like that feeling. Control over your life and over others. It's a good thing.

============

When you awaken, you're tucked away in a bed, the bone-guard, Abieoe standing over you.
“I respect you.” The man turns to lave in your half-drowsy state.
What the hell w as that about?

Another day though. You get that comment a few more times by other Followers in the building, especially at the cafeteria where a group of them about pin you to pass the word along.

It's weird, embarrassing and frustrating, but it kinda feels good.

After Breakfast, you haven't been contacted by any one that issues orders yet. You suppose that gives you free reign of the place.

>[] Wonder if my old group joind? (Wait for them in the Cafeteria.)
>[] Seek out friend. Wonder if he has more answers... Or better, training.
>[] Make contact with Faraji. He's the closest thing you have to an instructor.
>[] Eshe's been stalking you and what you do. Maybe you could get her to stop?
>[] Hang out with Emilian and Hunter in the courtyard.
>[] (Other)

>>29866414
Keep an eye open for the Amazon, I'm actually curious as to if she joined, I don't care much about the rest of the group. Don't go out of our way to look for her, we'll probably run into her at the cafeteria sometime if she's here, but keep an eye open.

>[] Seek out friend. Wonder if he has more answers... Or better, training.

I'm curious about Oaths, and I think Friend is the best place to get answers, or at least get pointed at the person who can help us.


I like Asher. He's a genuinely bad person in a lot of ways. He could have lived a perfectly normal and boring life, maybe as a teacher.

But give him one bad day and he turned into a terrorist.

>>29866414
Who was Eshe?

And I agree with >>29866465 more or less.

>>29866493
Eshe is the fish-woman that grabbed you from the tidal wave when it first hit.
She saved you.

>>29866493
One of the Followers, a Fish lady, I think she's a Bone but I could be mistaken.

She saved us once and kinda follows us. We might want to chat some time. I don't think we've ever really talked.

>>29866414
hit up friend for training

>>29866544
>I think she's a Bone
She fits criteria. Bones can transform, shapeshift. It's part of what makes them unique.

After having eaten and gotten a decent drink, you take an extra water bottle out of a developing nervous habit. Especially after last night, without having some water on you, you just feel unarmed. Naked.
The Cafeteria is quiet with some chatter in African tongues, rough english here and there showing just how foreign some of The Followers are.

Most of them are black, which had caused you to feel a bit out of place before, but now you're receiving much kinder and respectful looks. No longer are you treated as an outsider.
People that had been swayed since the prior night file in to fill their hungry bellies. A day without eating from a previously cushy life takes its toll on some people. They probably could have gone longer though. Then again, with all the saltwater the real problem would've been getting good drink.

You keep an eye out for the Amazon that had assisted you in taking down Fara's first incarnation, interested in the woman mostly for her competence. She's a fighter, and you'll need a proper fighter in a world as dangerous as this, even if only to take a bullet or spell for you.
You see the titless woman walk in alone, with the rest yet determinably alone.

After the convincing, it's no surprise she'd joined. You wave her over for a little chat after she gets some food.

Your eyes are drawn to her apparent lack of breasts now and then, finding it a bit strange, yet kind of fitting for your little nickname to reflect on her suspect flatness. She seems a bit ignorant of the whole thing, yet she sips water as she expresses some burgeoning doubts about shacking up with The Followers.
“They conjured the wave, yet it's the government that kills us.” She sighs, pushing back messy locks of hair behind an ear and into control.
You nod,”Yeah, that's the official story, huh?”
“Were you in on it? Like, from the beginning?” She seems leery about this.

“No, I just joined up the morning before I ran into your group. I told you...” You lace your fingers together trying to present some degree of calm,” I told you to choose enlightenment because I knew that's the best way to survive. You seem like the type that'd find living agreeable.”
It's at that, she chuckles dryly,”Can't think of who might not. Then again, not much looks like it's going to make sense anymore.”

“It's just a new kind of sense that we're going to have to figure out, right?” You offer that at least.

It gets a little smile,”Like going from a bike to a Harley, huh? I don't think I really caught your name...”

“Asher. My name is Asher Smith. And you?”

“Xandra Winters. Guess so long as you're here... Asher. I'll put up with this. At least for now.”

“That's what I thought before,” You stand, patting down your clothes out of habit.Not like your wallet and keys really matter anymore. “Once you get used to it, they're pretty agreeable actually.”

“I can only hope.” She says as you leave the table, waving a goodbye back to her.

“Got somewhere to be. See you later Xandra.”

“Take care of yourself, try not to get stomped.”

Asking around the place, you eventually find a Follower that speaks enough english to point you to the direction of Friend, resulting in a little guessing game at campus layout since you're still new to the place.

You find Friend meditating in front of the Campus, under guard. Seems he's still dealing with that hit from last night.
You'd wanted to speak to him about training, they leave in just one more day after all. Yet the guard holds you back gently,”He is speaking with someone. We cannot let you interrupt.

>[] “Who? He's just sitting there.”
>[] “Uhhh, right... I'll come back later.”
>[] Can someone train me?
>[] (Other)

I hope my scenes improved.

>>29867309
Well, he's obviously speaking to someone far away. Magic has some utility uses apparently.

Step back. Don't cause a fuss, it's not worth the trouble, he'll be done when he's done, and interrupting would not make talking to him go easier.

"I understand, I can wait.

I just wanted to see how he was faring after last night, and ask him some questions about oaths and training."

>>29867309

Let's wait for now, perhaps we should check on our little two lieutenants?

Hunter got stronger, we should see what he's learned then come back for friend.

>>29867309
>[] (Other)
Ask about how long we can expect him to be speaking with them.

If it's going to be hours, may as well go find and chat with the minions (hunter and forgot-her-name)

>>29867573
Hunter and Emilia.

Though if we have free time I'd like to chat with Faraji and ask more about summoning or summon Fara and apologize, she's our summon and it pays to keep them on our side.

You raise up your hands, yielding,”Alright, alright. Well, how long is he going to be? Kind of want to know if I should stand here or not.”
One of the defenders takes in a deep breath through his nostrils, clearing them,”We cannot say certainly.”

“Well then... Just tell him that I dropped by. Wanted to see how he was after last night, and ask about oaths and training.”

“We will say.” One of them gives.
“You are a...” The other begins to ask.
“Nerve,” You admit.
“Go to Faraji, Chidubem, or Nuru. They are all of shining eyes”

You take that as enough leave to forget about it for now, you'll talk to him when he's done. You are a bit curious though... Wonder who it is? Would be kind of interesting if it were that Susej guy that some of them rant on about... Though Friend seems more reasonable in that regard when it comes to their leader. What was it that he had called himself before? A hand to Susej?
He must be a pretty high-up guy...

Those three names. You kind of wonder what else they might have to offer if they're all nerves like yourself. It occurs to you, one of the most interesting things about your power is how versatile it can be.
You summoned. You learned how to summon. You've created steam and ice, you ponder as you freeze over the water in your bottle. Not quite that fast, but not all that slow either. You're getting the hangs of it.

Asking around yields that Chidubem is a practitioner of lightning, air, and some weather magic. You aren't quite sure whether you can get an easy grasp on those, though it seems that he may have been one of the ones that whipped up that wave.. A further stretch than Water, ice, and steam, though still close.
Nuru however, is known for her joy of using light magic, and spells associated with illusion, bending light, and burning rays. It takes a bit of time questioning some of the followers to get that quite clear though. You've got options here.

>You currently have access to teachers knowledgeable enough to unlock magics that would be a further stretch from yours than normal.
>You'll need to select one to focus on for the time being. With only enough time to get the basics of one category.
>[] Faraji: Pyromancy/Summoning
>[] Chidubem Weather/Lightning/Air
>[] Nuru Illusion/Light

>>29868080
If we pick Faraji for summoning, how will that be a "further stretch" when compared to what the others offer?

>>29868080
If we get Summoning again will that take us further in summoning than we would get otherwise?

Though I have to admit I'm tempted by Chidubem. Lightning+Water could have some interesting synergies, and Weather is great for us, at least longterm, I admit my want for Weather is mainly so we can call down a Fimbulwinter somewhere.

>>29868080

To be clear, it will cost you a LIMIT point. And getting one category will unlock other similar categories as it's done thus far.

>>29868122
It's referring to the ones that *are* a further stretch. Faraji's Pyromancy could be considered as such, though I included summoning in case you wanted to revisit some of the basics there- which you still could.

>>29868167
Really? I thought Nuru would be better for Asher. Illusions are good for being a conniving douche and light magic always looks all nice and pure and shit. Would make people all impressed and junk.

Also because flashbangs are good. Blind em -> set summons on em

>>29868167
It'll reduce the LIMIT cost to increase summoning by 1 point, allowing you to upgrade it again.
The others will still bear the cost as new practices.

To be fair, I included all of these things as they'd synergize well with Asher. Bending light/mirage and water would also be a thing to do. Weather control is also actually a bit more advanced and will require prerequisites.

>>29868209
You'd also be able to use Light as a medium for summons. Though due to its nature, it'll require some practice and a version of Materia Firma before that becomes possible. Water is verrrry stable.

>>29868240
You said earlier that the next rank of summoning would let us bind a summon to complete one simple task.

Would that let us summon a wendigo and tell it to "kill that dude" without having it turn and try to gnaw on us?

>>29868209
You make an excellent point.

Illusions would be really good for us. Mirages, making identical images of our summons, it distracts them from the real ones and is cheaper than doing it normally, hell we might be able to make things invisible.

>>29868080
>>29868167
Setting my vote for Illusion. It'll complete our dick-ass repertoire.

And get oaths in the meanwhile.

>>29868257
Possibly. So long as you didn't give it more power and stability than needed. It'd more likely be a berserker that did better with killing the nearest thing.

Also: You can talk to Fara at any time. She lingers around your person in an unsummoned state.

>Setting for Nuru- Illusion.
This good?

>>29868298
Oh, good to know.

Tell her we're sorry, and ask if she's still at all injured, if there's anything we can do to make her more comfortable.

We send her to kill people for us, we can afford to be nice.

>>29868298
That sounds interesting.

>>29868265
Would you be up for boosting summoning up a rank early? Or are you set on illusions.

I don't really care either way. Dickassing is fun. Better summoning is nice too.
And I really want our summons to not suck. Fara was so unbelievably useless feeling.

>>29868355
I was planning on getting an Oath devoted to our Summoning as soon as we can. No reason not to start early if we find an Oath that works for us.

I just think the combination of illusions and summons is potentially absurd.

>>29868355
>Fara was so unbelievably useless feeling.
Forcing her to scream had the benefit of saving Hunter from what could've been a fatal wound.

She -barely- remembers your initial fight with her. She can't even remember her name from when she was alive.
She's also a rank (Novice) summon.

>>29868384
Illusions it is, then

>>29868335
Is good

>>29868412
Our steam is novice rank and even that looks more impressive when we use it.

And it doesn't burn up our nervous system as fast.

And it doesn't complain about getting hurt.

>>29868412
>She -barely- remembers your initial fight with her.
Is that supposed to be a bad thing? I would think that her not remembering being killed by us would be a good thing.

>>29868454
>And it doesn't burn up our nervous system as fast.

This'll be covered soon but...
The more unreal a spell is, the more reality struggles to correct it. It's for this reason that sustaining a summon amidst combat is unwise, and it becomes more efficient to grant them power prior. This is the rub though as they may choose to stock it away until they don't need your help to manifest at all anymore.

Depends on the personality of the summon.

As for the "ouchies," more aggressive summons won't give a flying fuck if they get stabbed a little. Fara is based upon a young lady that was quite human.

She's still closer to a thoughtform summon. You may alter her entire metaphysical being as you upgrade summoning

>>29868541
How long prior can we start stockpiling power for a summon?

Because if it just adds up then start feeding her some over time, tell her that we're sorry for the pain she went through and that we'll help her be stronger so we can prevent things like that from happening in the future.

>>29868623
>How long prior can we start stockpiling power for a summon?
Whenever. It doesn't dissipate much. Depends on how much you actually trust them though.

>>29868623

Hey Anon,

How about this.

How about we treat Data for what she is. A tool. A semi (really stressing semi here) useful tool. She is s novice rank summon, basically shit tier.

We are going to get better summons, I really do not want to get so attached and invested into a sub-par summon.

>>29868694

>Data
>Not Fara

>How embarrassing.

It's like every single thing we learn about summoning makes it sound worse.

I wish we'd gotten Materia Firma instead. I don't even know what it does, but it would be hard-pressed to be less shit than summoning.

>>29868725
>less shit
more* shit

It would be hard-pressed to be more shit than summoning.

>>29868694
As a thoughtform, she can be upgraded indefinitely. One charm is that her magic abilities are not direct reflections of yours.

For instance, she's better than you at, and can aid you in ice magic.

>>29868738
>>29868725
Odd. The Burning Woman held of two other mages by herself while Faraji completed an incantation.

>>29868760
And Chidubem apparently tidal wave'd multiple cities.

>>29868785
Not alone. He'd be dead if he tried that alone.

>>29868725
>>29868738

I don't really like summoning either, is Materia Firma really off the table.

>>29868829
I think it's still an option for later. I don't see why it wouldn't be.

Seems kind of odd that the people who voted for summoning mostly abandoned the quest.

Not sure if the vote is locked in, but I'd like to vote for Chidubem

>>29868858

That's good to hear.

Maybe I'm just paranoid but I don't want to put so many resources into summoning. One, they seem to hurt a lot.

Also, they don't really seem to be Asher' s style. I see him more as a do it yourself kinda guy.

Three. The fact that these things can get out of control, and attack us when we don't have a good basis for fighting back is concerning.

>>29868968
It is Asher's thing though. He studied mythology and legends, it's right up his alley

After getting that information you resolve that learning illusion sounds about right. People can't hit what they can't see. And if they can't trust their eyes. Well, what can they trust?

On your way there, you notice the presence of Fara drifting about you, watching. It's an odd thing... She's just kind of... With you. With a sigh, you figure that you may as well apologize.
(I know you're sorry... Still hurt though. Could have warned me.)
You assure her that you'll do so next time, though she did help you a lot, and saved Hunter from imminent death.
(I...) She pauses at that, seeming to feel good about herself. (I'm glad I could help then. I didn't really see him there.)
You ask her exactly how she sees with a spark of your own curiosity. Like before, you couldn't see a wall conjured..Yet it was there.

(I'm not sure how to explain it. People are vibrant, and that wall was glowing. It blocked the ones on the other side.)

It occurs to you, you aren't even quite sure summons have eyes. You pull put a coin from your pocket to test her, staring at the heads side and ask her what you're holding.
(Oh, I see it! A coin. Heads.)
And on the other side? You ponder, staring at the coin

(Umm... Nothing.)

She can't see it.. Odd. After a few more tests you conclude that Fara can't see things very well. Or at least, unless you see them. You'll have to ask about that.

You end up at a classroom that you'd been directed to where a rather fair African woman is going over something with a ragged band of people from the previous night listening in. For a moment, you admire her beauty until she notices you amidst a demonstration, diagonal claw marks streak across her face, from her nose to her temple. Jagged and horrific. Part of you wonders at whether it was another follower that “taught” her, or whether that happened through circumstance.

She beckons you in, and you take a seat, listening to her gentle lecture about the nature of Nerve Magic. She is surprisingly well-spoken.

>”Susej has said that we change a realm of thought before we change this world.”
>”Bones are capable of eating our magic before it manifests.”
>”Veins are vulnerable to our magic when their soul leaves their flesh. This enables the possibility of forcing a spell directly into their soul, creating blockages for their power and possibly lethal effects.”

You came here to learn about mirage and light magic. You've heard some of this before, so most of it's really just a review, but the subject matter on Veins is something you hadn't heard before. So your advantages run in a rock-paper-scissors fashion.

She assures everyone that Bones can still be dealt with so long as spells are fast, hard, and lethal. Barriers, restraints, and others that require any degree of permanence are soon to be ineffective when the bone devours.
You saw that first hand. Hunter must've learned that, and it's why he closed in. Cheeky fuck'n kid, you smirk to yourself, kind of glad that he made it.

You notice a familiar face in the class, Kierra, one from your old group. She stares at Yuru indignantly yet holds her words. A lack of speech being her strong suit since the loss of her tongue after all.

Yuru dismisses the class after a while, yet you stay after to ask her about learning what she's got while the others go to practice under a different supervisor.

With a jagged smile, she agrees, suspiciously pleased to see you.
“I've heard Asher is the one that convinced so many to enlightenment.” She crosses her arms, tipping her head to the side, with short dreadlocks resting upon her shoulders. She entirely ignores her less of beauty to the scar of her face.

“Yeah, I'm the one. But I'm not here to talk about that. Magic and your illusion does. A lesson?”

She seems a bit concerned for a moment, her eyebrows, one in three parts, the other whole press together,” Ah, you do not want to learn the foundation of light?”

>>29868968
Asher just talked about liking power over others, and he likes myth and legend.

I'm not that worried about betrayal from most summons if we play our cards right and it's very in character.

“My foundation is water. I could use that, right?”

She considers this,”Yes... That could work...”

The two of you go out to a proper place to practice as she shows you various illusions caused by the turning of light. Her range shows outright invisibility, perfect duplicates, hiding her appearance, and even creating a mirror image of you.

As a beginner just starting out, it's hard, but you manage to do it using water. The shimmering changes in light among the waves give form to barely believable images. But it's a start.

With so much to learn, and such versatile powers, you ponder on the extent that you'll someday go. Her abilities are definitely a goal.

>Illusion(Novice) unlocked!
>Lightbending(Available) Unlocked!

The day's dragged on into noon by the time you've grasped enough of the basics concerning illusion to train it on your own. After thanking Nuru, you train for some time before heading to the Cafeteria. Upon entering, you notice that the mood has changed significantly among the original Followers. Since this morning.

Approaching one of the men, you lean in to ask, reading that something is very wrong here, the peace and duty has been disturbed.

His response is ripe with emotion, as though a part of him were ripped out and crushed before him,”Friend has said... that Susej is dead.”

>>29869326

>End Thread
>Next Thread will be Sunday at 21:00.

I know weekdays aren't exactly the best, though I thank you guys for following. hope you like it.

>>29869326
>”Friend has said... that Susej is dead.”
Ohhhh shiiiiiiiiiiiiiit

>>29869326
>”Friend has said... that Susej is dead.”
Isn't part of the Antichrist's thing that he comes back to life and people fall for it?

The happening has yet to even begin.

I'll be answering any loose questions in the morning.
Though I have some for you guys too.

>Of the factions presented, do they seem sufficiently moral gray so far with exception that both sides have their own sense of being in the right? Or could it be too early for that?

>Has Asher been a rather consistent character for you? Trying to be keen on that.

>Would you like me to write less to allow room for more choices and increase frequency, or is this alright so far?

>Beliala OP? Think she's important?

>>29869474
They're both pretty gray, though I have a serious soft spot for the Followers at this point.

Asher's been pretty consistent, and generally made solid decisions.

I'm liking the size of the updates, as long as when the situation greatly changes we can change tack I'm good with it.

I'm certain we'll see Beliala again, she's too damn murdery to not come back, and with a name based on Belial I doubt it'll be a fun visit. Important, dangerous, but I think she's a pawn or tool of someone else, she isn't the one planning things.

>>29869474
>>Of the factions presented, do they seem sufficiently moral gray so far with exception that both sides have their own sense of being in the right? Or could it be too early for that?
Gray as fuck
>>Has Asher been a rather consistent character for you? Trying to be keen on that.
No. He seems to flipflop between skilled smoothtalking manipulator and stupidly impatient chode with the people skills of a cactus.
>>Would you like me to write less to allow room for more choices and increase frequency, or is this alright so far?
I like updates of this size.
>>Beliala OP? Think she's important?
I kinda expected the demon chick to be stupid broken. If she isn't important after that, then ok. I guess I'd be surprised.

File: 1390992254504.jpg-(11 KB, 221x228, 1332995989569.jpg)

11 KB JPG

>Missed the thread because of sleep

>>29869474
Both factions are pretty gray at the moment, I don't expect to see the darker shit until we really get into the Followers.

I like Asher. He can be pretty selfish, but he makes solid decisions. Like a true leader...

I like how you write, so you can keep it that way if you wish.

She's powerful as hell, but she is most likely a tool for someone. I wonder if we can convince her to join us.

>>29870445
Ahhhh, sorry man. Hope you liked the aftermath at least.