>Year 476 of the Raschan CalendarCarna held onto your hand tightly as she pulled you along.The demon had already taken your parents, it had devoured them along with countless other people. The small village you grew up in had become a slaughterhouse in a short hour, and the butcher still hungered.The invisible beast followed you, but the sounds of it's snarl and the shaking of the ground with it steps told you that it was real. Everyone else was already dead, leaving just you and her. You barely ten years old and her just two years older.It was a cold night, but you'll never forget the little warmth in Carna's hand as she led you away from him.You'll never forget the moment that warmth vanished.You still don't know who let go of who first when the demon's arm lanced between the two of you, but you know that you were the one better favoured by fate. The might of the beast slammed you up against the trees, and Carna seemed to levitate as it put it's grip on her. As your conciousness faded, your last sight were her arms reaching out to you as the demon left it's prints behind in the grass.And so the dream ends.
>Year 484 of the Raschan CalendarTen years ago you lost her, Carna; your only friend. Now ten years later, you still cling to the hope that she lives.Today you stand in front of The Catium Archives in the city of Deneb, an isolated part of the Raschan Kingdom near the borders of Belgrand. The air is cold, and the city is colder. You traveled here from the merchant city of Ridaela where you spent the last ten years of your life preparing for this time. Now that you are eighteen, you can join The Seekers of Catus, an organization said to hold all the secrets of the world.Several statues of cats line the walkway into the building where The Seekers are said to make their base. You haven't heard a lot of good about them, word is that once proud keepers of knowledge, they've become a guild of assassins and thieves over the years. But you know that if anyone can tell you whether and where Carna still lives, it would be them.You enter the building, pushing past the uninviting wooden doors.
The insides of the archives is a curious place, you know that The Seekers are in charge of Deneb, a strange situation as most cities in the kingdom are managed by a noble lord. You had some expectations that it wouldn't look too different from the castle your master had occasionally took you to, but instead the place more resembles a library.In the front room the walls are lived with bookcases, and the paper smell wafts about. Reading tables line up the side of the room. At the front desk, one old woman sits reading a book. She doesn't seem very attentive, but as you approach her she slams it shut and darts her eyes up to you."You don't look like a local... I take it you're here to become one of us? Door's to the right, there're a couple more of you, looks like a big batch this year."She's got a curious attitude, you assumed the screening would be harder than this but you'll take it since you have to. You make way to where she gestured, but she suddenly poses you a strange question, "Say, when it comes to reading, what do you like more? Reading for facts or reading for fun?"> You mostly read historical books and the latest news, the possibility that you could find anything about Carna keeps your eyes peeled.> You prefer pleasure, Rascha's romances take you back to a simpler time when you sat beside Carna as she read to you.> You don't do much reading, there're more important things here.
>>31128285Historical books, and what few books on religion (especially demonology) we can find.
>>31128285> You mostly read historical books and the latest news, the possibility that you could find anything about Carna keeps your eyes peeled.
"That's a shame, I prefer reading for fun." The old woman says before gesturing you in.The next room doesn't look too different from the first one, the walls again are covered up by bookcases packed full to the point where they're ready to burst. Several chairs are set up facing a spot at the front where the light from the windows seem to purposefully favour.A few others looking to be about your age are already seated. A pair of girls with orange hair and blue eyes sit beside each other, one bespectacled with her hair in a long braid darts her eyes left and right, looking nervous and anxious. The other wears her hair in a short bob, trying to calm the first girl down.On the far end, a raven-haired Lunese fellow is hopelessly flirting with the girl beside him, his slanted black eyes scan her up and down. The girl has a hood covering her head, but her dark bangs hang out in front. Her green eyes keep glancing over to the others in the room as she rejects his advances, for just a moment they meet yours.Lastly, a dark skinned young man with white hair sits in the corner furthest away from the others, notably near the door where you stand. His features tell you that he comes from Daktori, a desert land south of Rascha. Contrary to what you hear about his people, he seems stand-offish.You should probably take a seat.> Sit beside the two girls> Place yourself between the Lunese fellow and the hooded girl> Sit by the Daktori> Take a seat alone
>>31128690>OtherWhip off your pants and wave your dick (or vag, not discriminating) in the hooded girl's face.
>>31128690Hooded Girl>dat mystery
>>31128690Hooded girl best girl
>>31128690>Place yourself between the Lunese fellow and the hooded girl
>>31128690> Sit beside the two girls
>>31128690Brave three times and sit on all 4 seats.
>>31128690Sit beside hooded girl, but not beside Lunese fellow
>>31128690>> Take a seat aloneDistractions completely ruining reading.
You should probably help out the poor girl, she's likely alone in a new city like you are. Although you'd prefer to avoid the penis waving contest that the Lunese will likely try to start, it's always been against your principles to leave a troubled lady alone.You walk over to the two on the far end and pull up a chair, sliding it between them in a not so subtle manner. You can see the girl sigh in relief."Hahah, the beautiful lady catch your eye as well my friend?"The Lunese fellow doesn't seem even a little bit shaken, he shows you a huge smile, "Or perhaps you're here for me?"This wasn't exactly the kind of thing you expected when you came to sit here. Although you had some small image in your mind of starting a conversation with the petite girl, it's the guy that begins taking up your time."My name's Yu'yen, we're going to be friends from now on so let's get along."He holds his hand out in a friendly gesture. Now that you're sitting a lot closer, you notice that he's wearing far too little clothes for this cold weather.You tell him your name, when you turn to ask the girl her name, Yu'yen answers you before you pose the question."She's Sheryl, prettiest thing this side of Rascha, don't mind her, she's just shy.""Do you two know each other?" You ask."No, just met. The two of us arrived first and it took me almost an hour to get her name."Sheryl shoots Yu'yen some glares while you have his attention, perhaps she's here to learn how to kill with looks.
>>31128978Wait, we're a guy?
>>31129008Ah sorry, I had the gender mentioned on an earlier draft but had to edit it out to meet posting limits. Unfortunately, you're male.
>>31129008Yes.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9tGDIBP2Io
Some time passes, Yu'yen makes 90% of the conversation in your trio, you make the last 10%, and Sheryl has said nothing the entire time, eventually you hear heavy footsteps approach the room.In steps an older gentleman, blonde hair and sharp golden eyes wearing nobleman's fashion. A beret sits on his head with a feather sticking out of it. The two girls quiet down immediately, Yu'yen unfortunately, does not seem to notice. You can see the gentleman approach Yu'yen as he chatters.> Give Yu'yen a hint> Let the gentleman have at him.
>>31129071>> Give Yu'yen a hintYu'yen is a bro.
>>31129071> Give Yu'yen a hint
>>31129071>> Give Yu'yen a hintHe is our best friend.
>>31129071Getting to know people is great and all, but DUDE, SHUTUP IT'S TIME.
>>31129071>Give Yu'yen a hintMay as well.
>>31129071>Give Yu'yen a hintWhat kind of friend would I be if I didn't?
>>31129071>Give Yu'yen a hint
"And that's why I never kiss Belgran wome-"You point forward and Yu'yen turns his head to meet the gentleman's gaze. Yu'yen quickly quiets down, but you take note that he doesn't show any nervousness at all. Sheryl is similarly stoic, the two girls sitting in front of you could stand to borrow their poise, as they're both shivering at an identical speed.The gentleman sighs and returns to the front of the room, Yu'yen turns his head to you and whispers, "Thanks, I owe you one friend."The gentleman begins talking, his voice is stern, "Welcome the six of you, to The Catium Archives. I assume that if you are sitting in this room, that you are all here to join The Seekers of Catus. Roughly 500 years ago, during The Vanishing Ages; The God of Mystery, Catus was consumed by He Who Lurks Beneath The Threads. Since then, magic was stolen away from our people. The purpose of The Seekers of Catus is in order to recover the lost magic of the world, and solve the mysteries left behind by our missing god. Over the next year, the bunch of you will be put through severe training so that you may join our ranks formally. In these coming moons, you'll go through hard trials and even harder lessons..."The gentleman looks at Yu'yen, "It's possible not all of you will survive."
>>31129273Nod respectfullyWatch the 2 girls carefully. Their reactions will be a good indicator of how well they'll do.
>>31129273You may want to add >cont'dif this isn't the only post.
>>31129273Place our hand on Yu'yen's lap. He needs our support.
"At the end of this training, you will be allowed to decide which branch of The Seekers you enter. The Black Cats, field agents who deal with recovering ancient knowledge and the... cleaning of enemies to The Seekers; or The White Cats, the few people on Rascha who hold the ancient knowledge of weaving and have access to the realm's greatest secrets. I would tell you more, but unfortunately we, being as we are, have to deal with everything in privacy. My name is Masoch, and I will be your primary teacher for the next year."Masoch goes on to talk about less colourful topics, the rules you'll be following, the location of the room. During this time, Yu'yen sticks his hand behind his chair for you to see and makes mouth flapping motions with his hands. At the end of the lecture, Masoch instructs you all to retire to the dorms and get settled, no one moves until he actually exits the room."Haaah, this place is great isn't it friend? We get our own rooms, no more sleeping in the back of wagons for Yu'yen!"You're a little surprised he caught that part. You glance around the room quickly, the Daktori is already gone. You see Sheryl exitting on her own while Yu'yen babbles about nothing. As you watch her leave you hear talking from your side."Aaaah! How can I remember directions if he says them that fast!?"The short-haired of the two girls sighs loudly as her sister awkwardly laughs.> Return to the dorms with Yu'yen> Talk to the girls> Chase after Sheryl
>>31129424>> Return to the dorms with Yu'yenA brothers bond.
>>31129424> Return to the dorms with Yu'yen
>>31129424> Talk to the girls
>>31129424>> Chase after SherylShe's our friend as much as Yu'yen by this point.
>>31129424>> Return to the dorms with Yu'yen
>>31129424>Talk to the girlsAnd we can give them directions if both forgot.We're not competing for limited spots at graduation, so it's in our best interest to help everyone along so they help us later.
>>31129424Talk to the girls
>>31129424I think Sheryl's had enough talking for the moment. We can hang out later.So let's combine the other two options!Yu'yen is clearly our slapstick but competent-when-he-needs-to-be sidekick. We're the straight man. We're clearly going to find our rooms with him.But the two girls look a little in over their heads. We can be a gentleman and introduce ourselves.
>>31129541Absolutely this. This isn't the Scholomance.
From the looks of it, it'll probably be awhile before Sheryl opens up to you with how her iron walls shut out Yu'yen.Yu'yen nudges you and gestures to the two girls, "Look at that, a pair of Raschan beauties. Twins even, one for you and one for me! Let's go see what their problem is."You've got your questions about his motives, but again, you can't leave a lady in trouble. Anyways, with how angry the short-hair is getting at her own confusion, you should probably avoid letting Yu'yen become her outlet.> CONT
The two of you approach the girls."Oh my, what's this? A pair of beautiful princesses lost all alone? Let these brave knights light your way!" Yu'yen makes a dramatic bow, crippling any chances you had of making for a regular conversation, "But first, may I have your names?""I'm Rein, she's Leona, neither of us are interested." The short-haired girl answers, the girl wearing braids, Leona takes a step back behind her companion and peeks at the two of you."Oh, don't be that way my beauties. A Lunese man is obliged to always be of servitude to Raschan women, historically in my blood and ethically in my gender!"You know that some hundred years ago, the Lunese were mostly passed around as currency by the Raschan nobility, a slave race. To hear one of theirs make so light of the situation is... jarring."Let me rephrase that. I'm going to stab you." Rein answers Yu'yen."Come now, a Raschan lady shouldn't be so coarse!""Stop saying that. Me and my sister are from Belgrand."Yu'yen freezes. A look of horror slowly rides up his face. He nudges you in the side."On second thought, you can have both. A pair of thorny roses in each hand you know? Me, I'm going to see if I can catch up with Sheryl." He whispers before going to make his way to the door.But just as he makes his first step, Rein grabs the back of his shirt."Hold on, I hear the Lunese are excellent navigators... perhaps you could help us after all."> CONT
You're about half-way to the dorms by your estimate, unfortunately it seems that the ladies' have quite a bit of luggage. Fortunately, Rein seemed intent on making sure Yu'yen carried it all. Some paces behind you, he follows along like a pack mule.Now having introduced yourselves, the three of you are getting to know each other. Unsurprisingly, the two Belgran girls are twin sisters. Rein seems fairly likable, but her sister is mostly quiet. Unlike Sheryl's lone wolf attitude, Leona is more of a scared mouse."So, you're from Ridaela? I hear it's beautiful there, artists and warm rains! Ah, we only get snow in Belgrand, it's terrible. I remember when we were coming up the streets, everyone was wearing thick jackets, but I'd wager I could walk around in a towel here and do fine," Rein chatters for a bit before thinking about what she just said, "Wait, forget I said that."When you arrive at the dorms, not a long way from The Archives, but a long way from the entrance, Yu'yen is finally allowed to set the bags down. Rein thankfully thinks her possessions are private enough that she'd rather deal with them herself.You came here with much less than they did from the looks of it, so it seems you have some spare time.> See if Yu'yen is alright> Chat with Rein> Get to know Leona> Retire early
>>31129878> See if Yu'yen is alright
>>31129878>See if Yu'yen is alright> Get to know Leona"One of these days, Yu, that mouth of yours is going to get you into even bigger trouble."
>>31129878>> See if Yu'yen is alright
>>31129878>> Get to know Leona
>>31129878>See if Yu'yen is alright
You go over to Yu'yen who is sprawled out on the floor from the lifting. You note that Rein is having a much easier time with the luggage as she drags it to the girl's side of the dorms, it looks like she insisted that Leona takes it easy."I hate Belgran women." Yu'yen says while trying to catch his breath.You've heard that Belgrand women were strong, independent, and most of all fierce. They say that most the women in their country follow The Murder Princess' legacy and join the military.You help Yu'yen up and go to help him to his room. The dorm layout as you understand from the explanation consists of five rooms for the men and five for the women, but you've pieced together that not once every ten years do they all fill up. Yu'yen's room is adjacent to yours, and the closest to the entrance of the male side thankfully. After you drop him off, you spot the Daktori man from earlier exitting the room on the other side of yours.He passes by you without glancing at you once, his robes are heavy and long, but the sound isn't even. There's something strange hidden in them.He can see him exitting the dorms from where you stand, you're a bit curious but that being said, you still haven't checked out your room yet and you'd rather not become a pest.> Retire> Follow the Daktori(I don't want to write write-in on every post, but assume you have the right to.)
>>31130092> Retire
>>31130092Take inventory of belongingsRetire
>>31130092He doesn't seem like the kind of guy that would appreciate being followed. It's probably been a long trip, right? Better rest up for the first day of our training. Maybe read a book before bed.What time is it in the world, OP? If it's still a little early then I'd like to briefly check out the room and then go ask the woman at the desk if she could direct us toward some books about demons. I think we can be honest about our motivations.
>>31130151I 2nd this.
>>31130135> You literally have just your clothes, a map of the Raschan Kingdom, and your old tattered journal as well as the bag you keep the latter two possessions in. A few loose coins are lodged in the creases of the bag but they're hardly enough for more than some simple food.>>31130151>It's early enough that there's no rush to get to bed and you'd certainly have time to do what you want to do. Although, no one would judge you for sleeping early on such a tiresome day.
>>31130092>RetireSome people want privacy on their private errands.
>>31130194No weapons, no skills? Time to hit the library with the lowest possible clearance level.
You think of retiring, but it's still too early to sleep and you're already 10 years behind on your journey. You open the door to your room, noticing that it lacks a lock, set your bag down and give the room a look over.A comfortable enough bed, a usable enough drawer, a functional enough desk, a sturdy enough chair, and an empty bookcase well-polished with some light gold engravings at the corners... this place really doesn't seem to skimp on when it comes to reading.You exit and begin a stroll to the front desk. Chatting with Rein distracted you from getting a good look at the area, but the grounds between the dorm and the archives are very nicely kept, trees plenty lining your way and a pathway with few leaves on it.You enter the archives and see the old woman again, she hasn't budged an inch. You approach her and say, "Pardon, could you point me to where I could read some books about..." You take a moment of pause but determine to finish your question, "Demons?"She raises an eyebrow at you and doesn't respond, but instead points at a stack of chairs beside the desk.You go over to the stack and eye it confused."Take one, sit on it."You follow her instruction... and in moments, the chair begins to run with bending legs, you still sitting firmly on it.> CONT
>>31130460>You follow her instruction... and in moments, the chair begins to run with bending legs, you still sitting firmly on it.Well, that's nifty.
Weaving as they call it is the art of accessing the threads that hold the world together. Frowned upon by The Shepherd's Church and rare enough that most speak of it as folk tale, you've never seen it in action before. Today, you're convinced that it's real.The chair zooms into the room where Masoch introduced you to the academy, and then towards the door from where he entered. As you approach it, the door swings open and lets you through. At blinding speeds, and impressively dancing around the bookcases in the hall behind it and dodging books left on the floor, it navigates you to where you hope your destination lays.Suddenly, it slows down and comes to a stop between two rows of bookcases. The room is dimly lit by gemstones carved into the ceilings and it takes you a moment to settle from the ride.A quiet gasp is heard and you hear books falling to the ground, in front of you is...> Leona> Sheryl
>>31130537>Sheryl
>>31130537Sheryl. She's mysterious; she'd totally read about demons.
>>31130537>> LeonaSeems like it would be more fun.
>>31130537> Leona
>>31130537Let there be...Sheryl!Leona isn't jumping out at me.
>>31130537Cheeerrrryyylll!!You got some 'splainin to do!!
>>31130537 leona is my choiceit seems I will not get to hang out witth the shy redhead this quest but the mystereous stranger of silence is also good
In the dim lights of the room, you see Sheryl quickly pulling back up her hood. The moment of surprise on her face quickly vanishes into a neutral look as she calmly bends down to pick up her books. You catch a glance at the title of one, "Raschan Demon Compendium - Year 469".It seems that you and her have some common interests. You've skimmed over a compendium before, and as you understand they produce one every year as a warning to would-be adventurers about identifying the at large demons. Why Sheryl would be looking into a copy from fifteen years ago eludes you. Demons come and go quickly, The Shepherd's Church makes sure that if a demon can be found, that it is banished.Sheryl tucks the books under her arms and continues down the shelf, scanning them and carefully picking out a few after careful selection.You intend to bother her, you've come here with a purpose and you'd rather not put it at odds with hers.Unfortunately, the two of you touch hands as you go to pick out a book that catches your interest, "The Invisible Demon".She glares at you, seeming intent on taking it herself.> [CUNNING] Take the book away from her.> [ALACRITY] Convince her to read the book together.> [TENACITY] Convince her to part with the book.> Let her have the book.(When rolling, roll 1d6 and add modifier. First 1d6 will be taken for the result regardless of what the popular choice is, but the choice will be based on votes. As a note, you have a +1 to Cunning right now.)
Rolled 1>>31130756>> [ALACRITY] Convince her to read the book together.get to know her too....is Sheryl actually Carna?
>>31130756>[ALACRITY] Convince her to read the book together....we can do that?
>>31130756> [CUNNING] Take the book away from her.
>>31130794You son of a bitch.
>>31130756>> [ALACRITY] Convince her to read the book together.We already butchered the roll, but this is my choice too.
>>31130794 I hope not that would be a bit too easy
I'll give you guys a re-roll. First roll after this post will be the result.
Rolled 5 + 1>>31130828
>>31130849Whats with the +1 you little devil?
Rolled 6>>31130877misread the +1 bonus
>>31130898You did a good!
"How about we read it together?" You say, giving her an awkward smile in a poor impression of Yu'yan. You're not usually so forward, especially with women but you really need to read this book and she really doesn't seem to want to part with it.Sheryl stares at you for awhile, her face moving through a few different emotions, confusion, disgust, anger, then settling into her default blank look."Fine," She says, making way to a table at the end of the shelves. It takes you a moment to realize that she's expecting you to follow her.The two of you sit down and you open the book, she stares blankly forward for a little bit at the text from her side opposite of yours before pushing her chair over beside you to get a better look.When you were young, Carna would always hold the book for you and you'd peek over from the side. You can't help but gaze down at Sheryl's face, hoping a little that she'd have the child-like enthusiasm you had every time Carna read with you, but unfortunately it's just more of that empty expression. From the looks of it, you're probably as much older than Sheryl as Carna was older than you, she was certainly the youngest of your new companions but not quite a child.You pull your gaze away quickly, flipping through the pages slowly and with any luck, neither too fast or too slow for Sheryl's pace.> CONT
The book doesn't tell you much you don't already know, but what it does tell you is that joining The Seekers was the right choice. The Raschan Empire and The Shepherd's Church take a strict policy of not teaching people more about demons than what they need to avoid them, although it might not be banned, you are sure that something so informative would be discouraged by the king's men. The information in the book tells you in short pages what took you weeks of listening in on adventurer's to piece together back in Ridaela.Demons are usually set in three varieties, Goblins being numerous but weak, most often used as tools by the demons above them. Rarely larger than half the size of a grown man, they are the result of the fairies gifted to man by Catus being corrupted by Rasc devoured him and dyed them in his colours. What is usually just referred to as Demon come in many shapes and sizes, but each of them dangerous to even a veteran soldier, they're the ones most commonly referred to in story books. Finally the Rasci, the sons of Rasc himself are the greater demons so vile that they cannot manifest into the rational world on their own, their foul magics corrupting the threads and capable of interrupting causality.It is said that Rasci are so far away rfom men that they cannot be viewed by mortal eyes, and appear invisible to all but those closest to death.You've been certain for a long time now, but a Rasci took Carna away from you.> CONT
"Say," Sheryl surprisingly interrupts the silence first, "Why exactly are you looking into demons? It's awfully strange for someone to show up in the library in the middle of the night to research a topic like this."You have told people before about Carna, but at best they'd offer sober condolences for your losses, and more often than not they'd laugh at you for devoting yourself to a fool's errand. It's unlikely Sheryl would gossip, but you'd rather not be treated as a fool on the first day of class tomorrow.Then again, it's awfully strange for her to show up in the library in the middle of the night to research a topic like this.> [CUNNING] Ask her about why she's here and tell her about Carna.> Tell her about Carna.> Drop the topic.
Rolled 2 + 1>>31131217>[CUNNING] Ask her about why she's here and tell her about Carna.I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours.
>>31131217>> Tell her about Carna.
>>31131217> Tell her about Carna.
>>31131217> [CUNNING] Ask her about why she's here and tell her about Carna.
>>31131217Let's tell her.Some people pity us; some people may laugh. That doesn't matter. It hasn't stopped us so far, and it won't now. There's no reason for us not to be honest.After we tell her our story, politely ask after her own motivations. Without the [CUNNING].
>>31131217>> [CUNNING] Ask her about why she's here and tell her about Carna.Tell her first, though. She'd probably be more forthcoming with her own if we'd already told her our reasons.Rather than making it a cagey, secretive, "I'll show you mine if you show me yours" kind of deal, just be straightforward about it.
>First 1d6 will be taken for the result regardless of what the popular choice isYou do realize that the roll will affect what people vote for. It's standard procedure to come to a consensus, then vote. Unless that is what you are doing and I'm misinterpreting.
"Aren't you doing the same thing? Tell me your story first." You say.Sheryl doesn't respond. She gets up and goes to exit the library with her books.You've been laughed at before, it won't make a difference if your classmates think you're a madman, you have to find Carna. The entire world can laugh at you, but you have to find Carna and every mention of her is a chance to get closer."My village was destroyed ten years ago, a Rasci manifested right into the square."Sheryl stops and turns her head to get a look at you. Her hood shuffles lightly."My friend Carna vanished that day. I'm going to find her, no matter what it takes.""She's probably dead." Sheryl says, her eyes shifting away to avoid meeting your gaze."Carna's alive.""And what makes you think that?"There's no logic behind your answer, it's just the hopes of a madman. You're mad, you've been mad before you got here, you've been mad the last ten years."Because I'm alive, Carna's alive."As long as you're alive, Carna is alive. It's simple enough in your head. The two of you are bound together, that's just how things are."...I'm looking for someone too. If I hear anything, I'll tell you." Sheryl says, turning again for the door.You're alone in the library, you've picked out the books you need. No point staying around here any longer.> Return to your room and research.> Retire for the night.> Take a stroll around.
>>31131451The first roll for each choice is the deciding roll. However, we take the path that is the most popular.So, basically, we could in theory roll for each option and then just vote for the best-rolling option every time.OP, better chose a more secure method of character choice.Otherwise, great so far!
>>31131451Sorry typo>come to a consensus, then rollFor example; if one choice has a more difficult roll. If the roll is high we will pick the more difficult choice. If the roll is low we'll pick the easier choice.
>>31131457Read up on teh threads of reality and fate. Surely we can at least understand how those freaky chairs work.
>>31131457Did we glean all we could from the book we just read? If so, return it to the shelf and gather a few other pertinent titles for later research at our room.
>>31131484>>31131485I'll think it over for next time. I'll keep at it the way it is for now but I'm open to suggestions, I'm pretty new at this. I have considered this flaw in the system before, but it didn't bother me too much at the time. I figured /tg/ would sort itself out.
>>31131457>Return to your room and research.
>>31131518>I figured /tg/ would sort itself out.This is the funniest thing I've heard in a while.
You return the book that you were reading to the shelf, and randomly grab one on the topic of weaving, you'd rather not be caught off-guard again like you were with the chair.You return to your room with the books. There wasn't any checkout like the library in Ridaela, for an order built around keeping secrets, the security in this place seemed incredibly lax.You grab a couple of the books, you borrowed quite a few but most of them look too wordy to get into before bed. Looking the slimmer ones you decide to...> Read "The Threads of Reality & Non-Reality" to learn more about magic.> Read "The Hound's Pack" to learn about Rasc and the origin of demons.> Read "Contractors" a book on human relationships with demons.> Retire, you should get well-rested before class tomorrow.
>>31131651> Read "The Threads of Reality & Non-Reality" to learn more about magic.
>>31131651>Read "The Threads of Reality & Non-Reality" to learn more about magic.Assuming demons use magic. This could give us a better foundation for future research.
>>31131651>> Read "The Threads of Reality & Non-Reality" to learn more about magic.
>>31131651>Read "The Threads of Reality & Non-Reality" to learn more about magic.
You pick up "The Threads of Reality & Non-Reality", the cover makes it look like a children's book but the topic of weaving is all but prohibited in the main kingdom.It starts off with an abridged version of the creation myth you're so familiar with.Artios was born in the abyss beyond, the first light where there was only darkness. As he awoke, he dreamed of all the worlds to come, he dreamt of existence. But he knew of worlds that did not exist, and he had no one to share them with. In his loneliness, he tore himself apart with his two hands, splitting his light into two. In one he remained, and from the other, the Lady Nyne was born.Artios pulled loose strands of Nyne's golden hair, each one a glorious thread. In each thread they viewed the countless worlds before them. However Nyne in her foolishness did not care to just view reality, she reached out and touched it. The threads curled and each one became a golden sheep, running off into the abyss, when Artios herded the sheep back together and proclaimed himself The Shepherd, he began to spin their wool into a ball, the strands forming the world and all the myriad versions of it...They seem to have cut out a fair part of the myth, and from here on they cut it off to lead into the explanation on magic.> CONT
The strands of the golden flock are the foundation of the world, on Rascha the humans live. They say that during The Vanishing Age where Catus lived, all men could do magic, but since he was devoured, only the few most lucky or most researched could.Magic, referred to more formally as "Weaving" as you understand from this book is the art of identifying and manipulating the strands of the golden flock and introducing chaos into The Shepherd Artios' vision. In that sense, the "Non-Reality" in the title refers to the version of the world crafted through magic that doesn't fit in The Shepherd's vision.Most often the chaos itself is ephemeral but the effects it leaves remains, a fireball that burns but does not last, water that quenchs your thirst but vanishes if left out, a transformation that fades after moments.Less commonly, skilled weavers can tie the threads to objects for more permanent results. The ends of each thread connect to realm's that with different rules and possibilities, so that a sword may be bound to a formless world to gain invisibility, or an arrow to a frozen plane so that it may create frost where it lands.You know not how this would play in to the whimsical chairs, but presumably it operates on similar laws.The book does not tell you how to learn to weave, but from the sounds of it you'd need to do a lot more reading than you could in one night to learn. You close it and...> Read one of the other books> Retire
>>31131923> Retire
>>31131923>> Read "Contractors" a book on human relationships with demons.then retireor, yknow, you leave all this in a pastebin
You retire for the night, the stuff here is a lot wordier than what you're used to back in Ridaela, but you've got a year to go through it.Tomorrow will be your first day of class, you've had enough sleepless nights before but now you can make way towards your goal...> CONT
>Year 472 of the Raschan Calendar"Why do we have to pick berries? They have berries at the market!" You ask Carna as she leads you through the woods."You have to pay for berries at the market, berries you pick are free." Carna says as she pushes through bushes."I don't even like berries.""Don't worry about it." Carna says, Carna says that a lot. As long as you've known her everything has been 'Don't worry about it'. When you spill your milk or trip while running, it's comforting, but whenever she drags you out on these excursions, it's terrible.Eventually you arrived, the berry fields! The berry fields owned by Old Man Rowls!?"I thought we were picking wild berries!""Huh? I never said that. Wild berries are poisonous, Rowls has the best berries. They're the same ones at the market.""That's theftery!""Look, everyone in the village takes care of each other right? We're just helping Rowls take care of us. Now, stick these in your pocket and run." Carna shoves some berries into your pockets, a handful into your mouth, a handful into hers and then begins running with a bunch in her arms.You...> Run> Cry> Apologize> Blame Carna
>>31132136>RunHe hasn't seen us yet, has he?
>>31132136>> Run
>>31132136>Run
You ran for it, for all you know he didn't notice but you're not going to be left behind to take the blame. The two of you dash until you're well-clear of the berry fields, collapsing in the grass."That was fun, right?" Carna says as she beams you a large smile. She's missing a tooth and her blonde pigtails are covered in twigs and berry bits, and either in spite of or because of it, you can't help but smile back.You chew down the berries still sitting in the pockets of your cheeks, it's sweet, it's a lot sweeter than anything you've had at the market even, though you know they're the same berries."Tasty right? Things taste better when you work for them." Carna drops berries one by one into her mouth."But we stole these.""Don't worry about it."You stare up at the sky, ten years from now it'd never look so bright again. Yeah, the berries were pretty tasty.And so the dream ends.> CONT
>>31132136Run
Year 484 of the Raschan CalendarYou wake up, a moment ago, or countless moments ago you were staring at the blue sky. Now you're in an unfamiliar room.You pull yourself out of bed and open the closet, there's nothing inside yet. A quick sniff of your shirt tells you that you're... presentable. You'll definitely need to buy new stuff though, you forgot to eat last night but Masoch mentioned that food would be provided. Unlike the fancy knight schools, this place didn't have a uniform for the trainees. You were to look like regular civilians most of the time, with any luck you'd get a chance to scrounge up enough money for a new outfit.You drag yourself out from bed, you have no idea how getting washed here works so you'll need to ask about that later, but right now you should get something to eat.You leave your room, exit the men's dorm hall, and make way to the kitchen. A middle-aged fellow with a thick beard stands at a counter with a pot of something and several clean plates beside him. You approach to get some breakfast.Wordlessly, he slaps some brown gunk on your plate. You can eye some meat in it, and traces of various vegetables.There aren't many tables, there doesn't really need to be. You don't see Sheryl or the Daktori, but Yu'yan and the two sisters are seated, seperately.> Eat with Yu'yan> Eat with Leona and Rein> Eat on your own
>>31132389>Eat with Leona and Reineasy choice
>>31132389>> Eat with Yu'yan
>>31132389>> Eat with Yu'yanBros stick together.
>>31132389>Eat with Leona and ReinWhere's Sheryl?
I don't think we're getting more than four vote so I'll try to stick them together.
>>31132389>> Eat with Leona and ReinI also kind of like doing a quick drive-by of Yu'yan while on our way over just to go "No sense in being scared of 'em your entire life, you know."It'd do him some good to have some experience around girls that isn't 100% rooted in sweet-talking them, after all.
It'd be lonely to see Yu'yan dine alone, and whether he complains to you or commends you for dining with the girls later is something you wouldn't enjoy either way. You sit down across from him wordlessly and begin eating, the food isn't great."This food is great!" Yu'yan yells as he shovels it down. The Lunese are said to be a quiet thoughtful people, Yu'yan does not seem to be either."Not sitting with the girls Yu'yan?" You ask."Of course not, Belgran women are the worst. Belgran produces two types of women, demons that devour men and leave only the bones to work for them and women that devour men and leave nothing behind."A piece of meal flies across the room and smacks Yu'yan in the back of the head. You see Rein and Leona make their way over."I heard that!" Rein pulls up one of the chairs between you and Yu'yan, then moves it to the other side of the table so that she and her sister can sit together."You can't have any of my food!" Yu'yan holds his plate up defensively."I wouldn't want to. The food here is awful, I'll see if I can convince them to let me handle the meals for pocket money.""You cook? Impossible! Belgran women only eat raw meat!""I'm not even going to start on that one."Despite their banter, there's never any animosity at the table. That being said...> You should get to know Leona better> You should ask Yu'yan and Rein more about themselves> You should ask about Sheryl and the Daktori
>>31132597>> You should get to know Leona better
>>31132597>> You should ask Yu'yan and Rein more about themselves
>>31132597>> You should get to know Leona betterLet the two wildcats banter for a while; Leona hasn't said so much as a single word yet. Maybe she's perfectly happy with that state of affairs, but we can't really know that unless we ask.
>>31132597>You should get to know Leona better
Rein and Yu'yan are having enough fun jabbing at each other. You've yet to see Leona talk to anyone other than her sister, and you're a little curious about the bespectacled girl. You search for a topic to talk about, when something catches your eye."You're reading The Princess' Knight?" You point at the book hanging out of her satchel. The title isn't showing, but you'd recognize the cover anywhere, it was one of Carna's favorites.Leona's eyes widen for a moment, she lowers her head a little and flattens her palms against her lap, shifting her gaze to you, "Y-yes...""My favorite part of is when the knight rescues the princess from her wedding with the Daktori prince." You say.She perks her head up, "I love that part! Especially when the princess' guardslady convinces the knight to go after her. My favorite scene in the series has to be when the knight finally faces his brother though, but I really love the scene in the prequel trilogy where you find out the identity of The Black Knight!"Wow, that's a lot of words. The two of you exchange about the books, you haven't read the prequel trilogy yet and she promises to lend it to you. It'll be weird to read it without Carna, but you need something to talk about when you find her again.When it nears time for the first class, the four of you clean up and exit. You swear that Rein is giving you some bad looks though.> CONT
Like a dam burst open, Leona continues to chatter about novels on the way to the archives until her sister pulls her away. Yu'yen nudges up next to you and whispers, "Don't tell me you already had your first lesson?""First lesson? On what?""Weaving of course, because there's no way you'd break open those Belgran walls without magic!""She likes books and I talked about books, that's all."You're trying to get to make friends with your classmates, but Yu'yan doesn't seem to agree. The ideal of Lunese humility you had in your mind slips further and further away."Well no matter, you can have all the well endowed Belgran twins you want. I'm more interested in my own dark lady."He can only be referring to Sheryl. It's probably for the best you never bring up the meeting in the library last night."Of course, unless she's more your type. This Yu'yan is ready to step down for his virgin friend."You speed up.Yu'yan speeds up."Come now friend, tell me, what's your type? Men should be open with their hearts and their linens! If not the girl in particular, you could at least use one as an example for me."He won't drop this, you consider giving him a response.> Tell him about Carna> Someone like Sheryl> Someone like Rein> Someone like Leona> Someone like Yu'yan
>>31132884>> Tell him about Carna
>>31132884>> Tell him about CarnaYou forgot to leave tall, dark, and deserty as an option
It'd be unfair to tell Sheryl and not these three. It's only been a day but you're already fast friends and it'll come up sooner or later, "There's already someone important to me."Yu'yan raises an eyebrow and begins to fall behind you, Rein coughs mid-sentence and looks away from you, Leona peeks her head out from behind Rein and listens intently."She's from my hometown, I'm joining The Seekers to find her." You tell them.Yu'yan speeds up to match your pace again and continue the conversation, "Find her? Your lady run away?""She was taken, a Rasci manifested in my hometown and she vanished that day." You feel bad for spoiling the mood, but the topic of romance has always been a touchy one for you. As long as Carna is out there, you couldn't begin to think about other women. Whether or not you're madly in love or if it's a childish infatuation has nothing to do with it, in this entire world, she's the only one waiting for you and you're the only one looking for her.None of them laugh at you, but you can tell by the way Leona watches and the way Rein looks away that they're pitying you.Yu'yan however, Yu'yan pats you on the back. "You think she's still out there?""I'm going to find her.""Somehow, I think you will."Yu'yan continues to walk beside you silently, for the first time since you lost her, you've met someone who would neither pity you nor laugh at you.> CONT
The lady at the counter directed you to class, no magical chairs this time. When you arrive, Sheryl is already seated. The Daktori has not arrived. There're far more desks than there are students, the room itself is practically a small auditorium. Sheryl sits in the far corner close to the front and the two sisters sit beside each other a ways away from her. Yu'yan takes up a strategic position where he can stare at the girls without notice."Don't force yourself to sit beside me, if you want to join in the view you can but you might draw attention over here." Yu'yan tells you when you default beside him.You consider what he said, and that it might be easier to focus without him talking into your ear.You...> Sit beside Yu'yan> Sit beside Sheryl> Sit beside Leona> Sit beside Rein> Sit alone
>>31133111>> Sit beside Sheryl
>>31133111sit alone it is study time not makeout time
>>31133152We can give Yu'yan advice on actually talking to her later.
>>31133111>> Sit alone
>>31133111> Sit alone
You opt to sit alone, you need to focus.Right before class starts, the Daktori enters and takes the seat closest to the door, not adjacent to but not too far off from where you ended up seating yourself. His hair is loose and messy and he looks tired, come to think of it he'd left the dorms last night but you don't remember hearing any noise coming form his room. If he'd slept earlier than you, then there'd be no reason for the bags under his eyes.Your relationship with Yu'yan is getting to be closer than a one-day friendship really ought to be, and you're on decent enough terms with the twins. Sheryl acknowledges your existence, which means you're likely further along with her than anyone else here.But in regards to the desertlander, you don't even know his name.Masoch enters the room shortly after everyone is seated. He doesn't take attendence, but in a class of six it isn't exactly necessary. He merely walks in and takes his spot."So, how about a field trip?"> CONT
>>31133252we're goin on a car ride yayy
>>31133306Are you trying to emulate fluff provider?
The six of you are led into the city, your teacher doesn't seem to be the lazy sort but going on a field trip on the first day doesn't make much sense to you, even as a man who's only heard of schooling through stories in books and whispers.You didn't get a chance to see around Deneb when you arrived, but there's a unique beauty to the city. Being close to the Belgrand borders, frost creeps up against the corners of the windows and the light of the sun makes it sparkle. The inhabitants have done little to keep the forested areas adjacent to them from growing in, and the trees grow over the buildings creating a certain charm.Masoch turns to the six of you, "The Seekers do two jobs, book-keeping and book-stealing. People often call us librarians, but the truth is that we're more like hoarders. We collect knowledge, we hide it away and we seldom let it see the light of day. You will be taught basic weaves towards the end of the year, and it is a given that you know enough Raschan lore to make ways around the land, but whether you aspire to become a Black Cat or a White Cat, your ability to live will be your greatest strength here."Masoch pulls off his beret and wiggles his fingers against the air, pulling the invisible threads of the world into the beret. When he takes his fingers out, half a dozen white doves escape one by one and fly into the city.> CONT
>>31133317no....he does that too? spoilered for offtopic
"Doves aren't native to this region so you won't have to worry about confusing them. You're each to find one and bring it back to me, your speed and method will tell me what I need to know about teaching you each personally. They are weaved over, but they still exhibit normal behavior. They will return to me by nightfall, so go ahead and search until then."Without any further words, Masoch enters into a nearby bar."I think... I think our teacher just ditched us to get drunk." Rein suggests.The Daktori doesn't waste a moment, he leaves in pursuit of the birds.Sheryl takes pause for some moments thinking, you notice her hood shifting slightly before she exits. Yu'yen gives you a sly look and follows after her.The two sisters are left in the square with you.> Follow the Daktori> Follow Sheryl and Yu'yen> Chat with the girls> Begin searching on your own
>>31133367>> Begin searching on your own
>>31133367>> Begin searching on your owntime to see what we can do
>>31133367>Follow Sheryl and Yu'yen
>>31133367hello ladies but seriously lets work together to be aweome
>>31133367> Begin searching on your ownAlso, you are all boring for not choosing to sit with the Daktori in the beginning.
You haven't had any record of succeeding at it, but somehow you think that finding this bird will be easy.There're pigeons flying about the area even in this cold, so you likely won't be able to trap one with food. Catching one is out of the question as well; you like to think you're pretty decently fit, you did walk here from Ridaela after-all, but catching a bird with your speed doesn't seem likely; he mentioned that they were weaved, so perhaps you could consult a book about tracking magic. As it so happens, Deneb has a book store on every corner.> Try to find a bird to track.> Consult some books first.> Write-In
>>31133454> Consult some books first.
>>31133454>> Consult some books first.
Knowledge is a powerful weapon. You opt to consult some books.You walk about the streets examining the selection of shops, although some people might think it easier to find the book you want when you have a large selection, the opposite seems to be true in Deneb where each one advertises itself so distinctly. A book store on weapons adjacent to a blacksmith, a book store on poisons adjacent to the apothecary, a book store on baking, adjacent to the apothecary.Eventually you come across one, "The Little Book Shop of Catching Magical Doves". It seems a little too convenient, but you take the odds.When you step inside, you find yourself in an interesting place. You wouldn't be surprised to see more places lined from wall to wall with bookcases after yesterday, but you aren't prepared for this. The walls themselves are tiled by books, and the flooring itself is composed of countless titles. Above the flooring, piles of books. Hanging off of strings on the ceiling as decorations, more books."Oooooh! A customer, yes!" A short old man pops out from behind the counter, also made of books."This is... The Little Book Shop of Catching Magical Doves?""No, this is The Little Book Shop of Enchanted Signs That Tell You What You Want to Hear."> CONT
The man introduces himself as Nitt."Ooooh, business is so terribloo lately. I weave up this fancy sign, and you know what my friends tell me? THEY TELL ME THAT NO ONE WOULD BE STUPID ENOUGH TO GO INTO A PLACE SO CONVENIENT!""Bloobloo, that's right!" One of the books on the counter pops open and chatters words off, you hear them, and you see them floating in the air before fading away."Quiet down Witt. Now, how can I help you?"The ridiculousness of the situation is none of your concern right now, if he can help then he can help. You ask him about a book on tracing magic."O'courso! There's one of those asitting right around," Nitt sticks his hand into one of the nearby piles, "Here!" And produces a book, "Nitt's Guide on Magic Seeking".The title seems to have been scribbled on in crayon. You turn for the door."HOLD ON WAIT! I PROMISE IT'S GOOD YES!""I'm not paying for your self-published book.""Looky looky, you lookit that you're in a hurry. I give you the book, you come back and pay when convenient, and if it works, you tell all your friends yes? One sale won't save old Nitt right now, but if you bring in business then we can work this out!"It seems like a good enough deal, but it's coming from a crazy enough man. That being said, you've barely enough coins for a meal right now...> Take the book> Leave, find a better place and haggle.
>>31133753Take itAt worst, we have extra paper to use.
>>31133753>Take the book
You take the book, it'd be stupid to question your good luck right now with your pockets so barren."Promise me you'll tella all your friends!" Nitt says with his ridiculous tone as you exit the shop.Opening up the book outside, it details ways to trace magic. Unfortunately, a decent amount of them assume you're already a weaver. You flip through the pages looking for a solution, when you come across a section for people without magical background like yourself.Although a weaved animal may pretend to what it's casted as, it is still by nature a magical being and will attract itself to magic. Should you bait it with it's natural meal as well as unnatural magics, the effects will come out two-fold.Deneb is more magical a place than most, but people don't typically just leave magical objects laying about. You certainly won't find it laying on the floor, and you see nothing to your right nor left... either way you'll need the mundane meal for the doves.> [Cunning] Borrow some bread pieces from nearby shops.> [Alacrity] Haggle down a shop keeper for bird feed.> [Tenacity] Scrounge up bird seed from the grounds.> Write-In
>>31133890> [Tenacity] Scrounge up bird seed from the grounds.
>>31133890>> [Tenacity] Scrounge up bird seed from the grounds.
>>31133890I should probably mention since I don't think anyone in this thread right now was here earlier.Roll 1d6 when picking choices with Cunning, Alacrity or Tenacity in them.
Rolled 3>>31133890>[Tenacity] Scrounge up bird seed from the grounds
It's embarrassing, but you've no other choice right now. You begin to scour the grounds looking for bird seed. If Carna were here she'd surely suggest you borrow from the community, but your father was never a fan of her influence anyways.People pass by you whispering as you awkwardly pick away at bird seed on the ground for an hour. At one point, you have to fight off pigeons in order to get your bounty but at the very least, no one you know is watching...No, wait. The Daktori passes by.He glances over at you and you freeze up in place. He doesn't say anything, but you swear he snickers a little as he makes way back towards the bar. As he exits, you see him holding one of the doves upside down by the leg. It looks a little cruel, but given that he's not dragging it by the neck and it isn't a real bird, you can't quite hate him for it.The snicker on the other hand...Eventually you gather what you think is enough seed, you'll really have to figure out where the bathing place is later. Right now though, you have another problem; where will you find a source of magic to take advantage of?> [Cunning] Climb Nitt's bookstore and lay seed above his magic sign.> [Alacrity] Run back to the archives and convince the old lady to lend you a chair.> [Tenacity] Forget magic, you have enough time to wait for a dove to pass by.> Write-In
Rolled 3>>31134007>> [Cunning] Climb Nitt's bookstore and lay seed above his magic sign.
Rolled 6>>31134007>[Cunning] Climb Nitt's bookstore and lay seed above his magic sign.
>>31134007>[Cunning] Climb Nitt's bookstore and lay seed above his magic sign.
>>31134007> [Cunning] Climb Nitt's bookstore and lay seed above his magic sign.It's the nearest thing, and it's not like we're stealing it.
>>31134007> [Cunning] Climb Nitt's bookstore and lay seed above his magic sign.
TripDM, is higher or lower rolling better in this setting?
No point tiring yourself out any more than you already have. You make way back to Nitt's shop and eye the sign... "The Little Book Shop Where The Keeper is Too Senile to Notice You Abusing His Sign". Well, he did mention the enchantment.You climb up the side of the shop with a little bit of trouble. You swear the wall leans a bit when you're scaling it, but there's no way it could be that bad right?When you get on top, you begin spreading the bird seed above the sign. You lose a bit of it to the streets below, but that shouldn't be too much of a problem.For the next little while you wait. The pigeons from earlier return to reclaim their take, but you shoo them off. If only the doves were so eager...Soon enough your patience does pay off however, a dove flies in and perches itself on the metal pole. It pecks against the spread seeds. You've got your quarry in sight, now you just need to catch it.> [Cunning] Beckon it closer with your remaining seed.> [Alacrity] Lunge out and catch it quickly.> [Tenacity] Wait, it has to let its guard down sooner or later.>>31134035Higher is better. For most rolls that aren't explicitly difficult anything but a one will be a success, but scoring below 4 will be... less of a success, such as taking long enough to collect seeds that your classmate catches you.
Rolled 3>>31134120>> [Alacrity] Lunge out and catch it quickly.
>>31134120Cunning. Diving for it will only get us hurt.
>>31134120>> [Cunning] Beckon it closer with your remaining seed.
We have a +1 to cunning, right?>>31134120> [Cunning] Beckon it closer with your remaining seed.
You cup the remaining seed in your hand and begin spreading a trail that leads closer to the middle of the roof-top. The bird hops towards you slowly as it consumes more and more, eventually when it's just about feeding out from your hand, you lunge on top of it and hold it down. It kicks and pecks again you a little, but you soon manage a decent enough grip on it. Your first mission given to you by a teacher that drinks in broad daylight, where you had to barter with an insane elderly man, and humiliate yourself in a new city by picking seed off the street is complete!You make way back to the to the bar front where everyone was supposed to meet.> Cont>>31134159Yessir.
You're the fourth one back, you know The Daktori finished his job quite early but you have no idea when Yu'yen and Sheryl returned. Interestingly, while Sheryl and the Daktori both have a dove, Yu'yen sits there empty-handed and absent-minded.Soon after you return, Rein and Leona come back together each with a dove. Sheryl and Yu'yen look as good as they did when they left, save for a palm-sized mark on his face and the Daktori has feathers stuck to his robes, but Rein and Leona aren't looking too great. Their clothes are a mess and Leona's usual braid has come loose."You look terrible." Rein says to you."I don't want to talk about it, how was your adventure?" You say while keeping your dove from getting at your face."I don't want to talk about it."Although you were supposed to meet Masoch here, it seems he wants to get one for the road first. You've got a few minutes to spare before he returns.> Ask Sheryl about her adventure.> Ask Yu'yen about his lack of a dove.> Inquire further about Rein and Leona.> Talk to the Daktori about your run-in regarding the bird seeds.
>>31134235> Ask Yu'yen about his lack of a dove.No need to talk to the Daktori. He won't be laughing when we beat him in the next test.
>>31134235>> Ask Yu'yen about his lack of a dove.bro could use some help
>>31134235Write-in: Read more of that strange book while we wait for Masoch.
>>31134235>Ask Yu'yen about his lack of a dove.
You can't help but worry about Yu'yen. Sheryl and the Daktori seem very competent while Rein and Leona support each other, but Yu'yen doesn't seem at all like he belongs here. At the very least, an interest in books is a necessary part of this job but as far as you can tell he'd rather live romance than read romance."So you didn't manage to catch a dove?" You sit down beside Yu'yen."Not yet friend, not yet." Yu'yen doesn't seem the least bit worried about his situation.You pull out Nitt's book and glance over it some more. A second reading doesn't help you understand his mumbo-jumbo at all, but you have to admit that it was helpful today. It seems that from now on you'll meet all sorts of characters in Deneb.When the sun just hits twilight, Masoch exits the bar. He doesn't look any worse for the weather than he did when he went in.Masoch glances at the group and begins speaking, "I see five of you have accomplished your task... Sheryl finished first, Anlak finished second, followed by..."You're distracted from Masoch's rankings when you hear the Daktori's name. Anlak, this is your first time hearing his name, but something about it seems off. You've heard "Anlak" before, but you wouldn't call it familiar."...and Rein caught hers last." Masoch finishes, shifting his gaze to Yu'yen.> CONT
Masoch scans Yu'yen, just sitting beside your Lunese friend has you feeling pressured. Yu'yen though, just maintains his smile."Well sir, I figure I've got a little bit of time before the doves return. I don't believe you gave us a formal time limit, just that we can't continue when the doves come back to you, correct?""Yes, that is the case. Do you intend to catch the dove in the next half a minute, Yu'yen?" Masoch pulls off his beret and walks by each student, taking the doves and putting them inside. A tall hat might be able to hide a dove inside its body, but even one dove shouldn't fit in the beret, despite that each of them vanishes.There is a short silence when he collects the fifth bird, but the sound of flapping wings breaks it quickly. The last bird approaches Masoch's beret...And before it enters, Yu'yen catches it from behind with his hands.He looks up at Masoch with his same smile, "I've heard that Black Cats often perform assassination missions, I assume that as long as your target dies before he reaches his destination, it's considered a success teach?"Masoch takes the last dove and puts it in his beret, "I'll give you points for the wit, but we do mark on speed in field missions."With that, your first class ends and the six of you are dismissed.> CONT
When you get back to the dorms, just about everyone's first thought is food. Anlak gets into line before any of you do and quickly shuffles out before any of you catch up. You, Leona, Rein and Yu'yen make small chat in the line-up, no one seems interested in bringing up the field trip.You're the last to get your meal, other than Sheryl who just returned straight to her room.You don't have enough energy for another excursion out right now, but before you read another book and go off to meet your dreams you may as well socialize. It's bad practice to eat while you're reading, Carna taught you.> Talk to Yu'yen> Talk to Rein and Leona> See if Sheryl ate> Find Anlak and ask about his name
>>31134401>> Find Anlak and ask about his name
>>31134401>Find Anlak and ask about his name
>>31134401> Find Anlak and ask about his nameYu'yen is funny.
You excuse yourself from your breakfast club and go to find Anlak, you can't help but shake off that his name is familiar. You pursue him out of the kitchen and catch him exiting the dorms.You follow behind him for a little bit until he comes to a stop at some benches between the dorm and the archives. He sits down and begins eating his meal, an awfully long way aways from the cafeteria to go for a cafeteria meal. It's not as if there's no going back, but it'd be pointless to follow him out here while balancing your dinner and not follow through. As usual, he has that cold air about him though, approaching him could be hard.> [Cunning] Spy on him.> [Alacrity] Imitate Yu'yen> Approach him and ask about his name> Approach him and start a conversation, you can ask about the name later
>>31134453> Approach him and start a conversation, you can ask about the name later
Rolled 3>>31134453>> [Cunning] Spy on him.
>>31134453> Approach him and ask about his name
>>31134453>> Approach him and ask about his nameHe's not gonna be beaten by small talk
>>31134473This.
Yeah, there's no way you can tip-toe around this guy. The Daktori are a people that raise the bodies of their parents as eternal servants, and have no qualms about their kids raising them, you need to show you mean business.You approach Anlak, "Hey, Anlak right? I've been curious about something."He eyes you up and down, there's a fair silence before he simply answers, "Yes?""Your name, Anlak. I've heard it before."You look him in the eye, it seems as though you've got something. The cold man from the hot south hesitates before speaking, "Thirteen."He picks up his plate and begins walking back towards the dorm."In the old Lunese language, an is one and lak is three, so I am 'Thirteen'," he says as he turns his back to you, "If you're that curious, I'm the thirteenth from my slave pool."You knew you had to be direct, but you didn't think it'd be this effective. You feel a little bit bad for dragging that out of him so suddenly, but he's quickly vanishing and it might be harder to talk to him after this.> Ease the mood, bring up the bird feed> Ask more about the slave pool> Drop the subject> Other
>>31134543"Sorry, I'm just looking for clues about Carna. Know anything about Rasci?"
What a lucky number. Explains his demeanor. > Ask more about the slave pool
>>31134543> Drop the subject
"Hold on, could you tell me more about the slave pools?" You stop Anlak from leaving, this might be a hint you need.You've heard about it before, round fifty years ago, birthrates just started dipping all across the world Rascha. From Daktori in the south-west to Belgrand in the north-east, there were just less and less children with each passing year. Due to this, a certain behaviour arose in the already heinous slave trading rings, they would breed as many children as they could in order to sell them for a hefty price, "slave pools"."You're certainly a strange one, it's rather... shameless to just ask like that," Anlak says quietly."I can't worry about shame right now, I'm looking for someone." You tell him. Rasci are demons, but they are not unintelligent. It's not impossible that that the demon decided not to eat Carna right there so that he might find a way to profit.Anlak stares at you for quite some time before nodding, "I will tell you all I can. But not tonight. I still have not finished eating and it is getting late."He leaves first, leaving you to your own thoughts for some time. Eventually, you decide to retire for the night.And so life goes on.
Aaand, I'm ending this here.Sorry if it came as abrupt, seemed like a good enough spot to end it and I'd dragged it out a bit already. I'm new to running.If it's alright and people are still around, could I get some feedback? I'd like to know if anyone's interested in more of this, and what needs to be improved. I know that I screwed up tenses a bit in the flashbacks and there're some issues in the rolling system, so I'll bring those up first.
>>31134701Once you have a large amount of players it is better to decide on an action and then roll.I like the competition. Tests given. It's generally fun! Don't care for the backstory. I just like this Seekers of Catus business.
>>31134701I thought it was interesting.
Gonna archive this OP?
>>31134801I've actually had the form open for awhile but I'm sitting here figuring out what to put in the description box.Just by saying that I am inviting trolls to screw me over.
>>31134819The description will get you players.
>>31134880Well, I put it up.>>31134740Yeah, I was slogging through with the book parts too. I'm not a fan of dealing with the back story stuff either but like... this is already becoming "The Title is a Lie Quest" y'know? I gotta find a better way to handle it.
>>31134899Thanks for the thread OP, was a nice read. When is this next one?
>>31134899Might want to consider getting a twitter
>>31134899>>31135319Seconding twitter. All the cool kids use it.
