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[X] Wake Helena to go to the house meeting.
[X] Try to explain some more what I meant to Eriadne.
[X] Go with Eriadne

"Look into the mirror. Do you see the world around, or just yourself?" --102 Aphorisms, Entry 7 Verse #4 "On the difference between the Sage and the Fool"

I am Maria of House Antioch, and, right now about to be very very late. Or so I think, I'm not sure since talking to my friends -cause that's what they are- really made me lose all track of time. Not that it's a bad thing to talk with friends but you should never let happiness destroy order or everything just becomes a huge mess that nobody can find their way out of. Hmm, yea, that makes sense; I didn't lie to Liliana after all.

Speaking of her, she's still wearing this odd grin of hers, doing a strange thing with her eyebrows that I really cannot place. You best not be laughing at Eriadne or I'll tell you a piece of my mind! As if she read my thoughs -can she do that, ugh I need to get this stuck between planes thing under control and ask sensing teach how easy that really is- she raises her shoulders and shakes her head. Really I can't make sense of that girl. Not that I was ever any good with people her age to begin with but she really doesn't make it any easier.

Well, nothing to be done about it, not without talking to her some more at least.

I nod, turning back to Eriadne. "Uh, yes, we have a gathering pretty soon. Are you feeling well enough to go? I… mean if you wanted uh, help you walk, maybe? Not that you are not strong enough to walk yourself but you know maybe I could help you somehow… you know!!" I say, cursing myself just before the last word as left my mouth. Really now, even hinting that she'd need help is way too disrespectful!
1/?

Good morning Hex-chan~

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The former noble just nods, unfolding herself from the floor like a flower greeting the morning sun, her lacy dress making even this simple motion something very impressive to look at. Speaking of which, I probably SHOULDN'T look so much. Standing up with far less grace I turn to Liliana. "Could you please wake her up? She might get into trouble otherwise…", I say, briefly wondering how the blonde could have fallen asleep so quickly. Must have been the herbs.

The orange haired girl -really, it's more orange than red, like those strange carrots they apparently began making more to the west- nods and presses two fingers onto each side of her friend's head. No, she's not going to become any less strange that one.

For a few heartbeats nothing happens, then a low groan is heard muffled through the blankets and Helena gasps before shooting up from the mattress, staring at Liliana wide-eyed with a look that is equal parts rage and some other emotion I can't quite place. Embarassement? Either way, it's probably best to let them figure it out; Pa said that sometimes the most important thing when trying to make people stop arguing was to just listen and be there, not mess with the situation too much. They should be fine.

After a quick trip to the dressing room's mirror -yep, still ugly- and some arranging of my hair I position myself beside the door, trying not to stare at Eriadne's back as she works her own hair with a bone-white brush carved with golden symbols. Wait, could that be the dagger… err… pen… from this morning? The idea seems silly, but if it can turn into one thing, maybe it can turn into another thing too.

Hastily I shift my gaze away before she notices me. Hm. Whatever Liliana did to Helena seems forgotten already, the two girls busy playing some game with a string and their two hands. Well, that's at least one problem less to worry about. Still, they might want to get ready.
2/?

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As if they read my thoughts the two girls get up almost at the same time, walking over to stand on either side of me, Liliana waving me to put my ear close to her face.

"She's way cute that one, eh?", she whispers, the short distance to her making me inhale that weird scent that's somewhere between honey and sharp peppers that seems to steam off of her skin. I must have stared at her in shock, because the small priestess grins in a way that a girl her age shouldn't know about, but before I can reply, another voice cuts in.

"Firstly, I do have ears. Secondly, please refrain from using this word as it is simply not approapriate. Thirdly, what is your name?", Eriadne says, turning and gliding towards us, fixating Liliana with an even gaze. Suddenly I really don't want to be here anymore, but Liliana just bows saying "Liliana, at your service" in a voice so meek I'm unsure it's really hers. It's a short bow, but correct and -as far as I can tell- earnest though so… Eriadne just nods and I suddenly remember why I'm standing here, hastily opening the door to let her through. Whew. At this rate I'll have forgotten all my manners by the time the next week begins, if not even faster!!
3/?

>>37627244
Good morning, anon.

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>>37627324
It begins

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Once I'm outside Eriadne turns to me, eyes a light greenish grey. "Lady Maria, it might be prudent to lock our quarters. Might you perhaps be in possession of the key?", she asks, voice friendly but intense. Uhm. Okayyy… that's a bit much. Who is going to steal from us here? Still, this is bad; She wants something and I have NO idea where it is!! Just when we were getting past my failures at everything. Well, not past it but at least we aren't talking about it anymore. This is really, REALLY bad. Alright, stop. Panicking isn't going to make you any less terrible at everything. Try to recall what you know, me! Squeezing my eyes shut I regret never having mastered my Lightening Recall without meditating first, but really, I'm lucky for what I have. Hmm. Ah, THERE it is.

"Uhm… sorry Eriadne… I, uh, Evangelyne has it, I think??" I say, hand still on the doorknob. The noble mutters something, then shrugs and gestures me to walk alongside her. Phew, that went better than expected. Or not, but at least my punishment is probably going to be carried out later. You need to be grateful for the small things sometimes.

4/?

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You alright Hex?

>>37629425
Tick dizzy for a bit there, sorry. Posting resumes.

>>37627324
I love Eri, she's the best.

I'm only two hours late to this thing, glad I didn't miss anything. Nice to see you back Hex.

>>37629538
Eriadne is pretty awesome.
They the perfect couple.

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After walking in silence for a while I can feel myself begin to tense, hands playing with my sleeves, eyes wandering from searching the surroundings for danger back to Eriadne and back to the marble walls, the feeling that I should say something -anything- growing stronger with each heart beat.

"So, uhm…", I begin, shooting Eriadne yet another glance. She regards me questioningly, eyes shifting between various shades of blue, green and grey like the comings and goings of the tide. Or at least I think so; I've not quite seen the sea yet, but if what the Trader Lamere said was true, that's probably what it would look like. Err. Less staring, more talking. It might really help not seeming quite so lost, me!

"So, uhm, about the training…" I begin again, speaking a quick rite in my head to steady my nerves. Eriadne just nods again, smiling a little bit. Phew, maybe it's not that bad after all.

"So, like, what do you want to know?", I continue, feeling a bit better now.

"Whatever you wish to offer me, Lady Maria", Eriadne replies, and for some reason that makes me feel relieved. Which makes no sense, but nothing has really made sense so far since I came here. Shaking my head I fish out the pendant again and try to explain what I can. About the way I spent those months not knowing anything but the short visits of Pa, about the bitterness of the water I had to drink, about my ability to read past experiences like a book by meditating, though I quickly add that it's not something I can do easily and some other things I only touch on really quickly before moving on.

Before we know it, we're in the meeting hall and I'm fighting to keep close to Eriadne as the last witches enter the wood-panneled room.

5/?

>>37630807
>eyes wandering from searching the surroundings for danger back to Eriadne and back to the marble walls
Ever vigilant the guard waifu must keep an eye out for danger to her dragon waifu, though as we observe this specimen, it truly is a skilled creature to also be able to keep an eye on the dragon waifu's rear at the same time.

>>37630842
>dragon waifu's rear
Maria would never oggle Eri's butt, like maybe a glance or two, but that's just to check if it's safe and unhurt.

>>37630955
>but that's just to check if it's safe and unhurt.
continuously

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"Greetings, aspirants. I'm Norella Harrstein. Before we begin, I'd like to take some questions; Often this is better than a straight up lecture. So, anyone have something they want to ask now, rather than later?" The cheerful voice from upfront is sudden, expecting to be listened to, rather than asking for silence. Interesting. It's a thing some sages do sometimes when they want the make a really important speech.

The woman up front seems much older than she looks, something in the way she talks and carries herself telling me that she's far, far more experienced than her relaxed tone and youthful appearance could make me believe. I wouldn't say she's *dangerous* -not moreso than I, anyway- but she's got something about her that makes me want to pay attention.

Apparently, the others feel it too as the room falls silent quickly as she goes on, obiously used to this reaction.

"Don't be shy speaking up. I know there's been a lot of things going on lately, but that makes it even more important you speak your mind. House Antioch does many, many things, and we'll all work together best if everyone knows what it is they can and will do best". Something about the way she keeps repeating words is a bit strage, buuuuut then again, I'm really not one to talk.

Ask about ((Maximum of three options. No, your QM will only be moderately amused by OPTION + silence))
[] Keep silent
[] General house history and tasks
[] Witch rules
[] Magic (define)
[] Flight
[] Academy life (define)
[] Other


((Please bear with me, this is an experimental voting procedure. We'll pick the three highest voted ones, as Maria is sharing time with other girls in the hall. Questions that don't make the cut might be asked by NPCs. Note: This won't be the last time Maria gets this kind of opportunity)).

>>37631023
>[] General house history and tasks
>[] Witch rules
>[] Academy life (define)

>>37631023
>[] General house history and tasks
I'm actually kinda curious about more, but i don't want to draw too much attention to ourselves while we're still Deviant, whats her face did mention we should be keeping our head down.

Actually can we get someone else to ask for us, someone that isn't Deviant?

>>37631076
>while we're still Deviant
thats an interesting point, whats our deviancy right now?

>>37631083
If the char sheet is still accurate we are Deviance 1.9

>>37631094
when has the char sheet ever been accurate?

>>37631023
>[X] General house history and tasks
>[X] Witch rules
>[X] Other
>Forming a coven.

>>37631094
So from getting high we are more than 1/3rd towards ceasing to exist? Why hasn't it gone down yet?

>>37631101
>What would that even go under?
Academy life.
>>37631094
It's accurate though you can assume it's falling as you get Yulemai's Blessing out of your system.
>>37631100
Now I'm reminded that I gotta add all those martial skills.
> moar liek a tale of Psywars amirite

>>37631156
Well it's in other now but close enough!

5 minutes.

Seems we're pretty light on posters today.
Shouldn't be too muhc of a problem.

>>37631049
>>37631101
might want to get your vote in quickly

>>37631198
well Hex did hold off on tweeting the thread for 5 hours...

> CLOSING! CLOSING! CLOSING!
> STANDBY READY: INFLUX TRIGGER!

bump

>>37631205
Just started at an awkward time. Saw a drawquest with triple-digit replies in its first session get exactly 0 posts the next thread when starting at this time.

>>37632281
what quest was it?

>>37632294
Can't remember the name, it was a year ago or so. Some Aussie QM that usually runs on tgchan I believe.

>>37627324
Liliana a best.

>>37631023
Haha, time for learning! Good to see you back, Hex.

Bump for a new update eventually!

bedtime bump, godspeed comfybumpanon, keep the thread nice and toasty while we slumber

>>37634865
Night!

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>>37634865
It pretty late for me too.

How's it going Hex? Had a good day?

>>37638468
Gonna note that down as 'bad day' then.

>>37627245
>Speaking of which, I probably SHOULDN'T look so much.
Not like she'll be able to help herself. What a very lewd person you are Maria. What a lewd person you are.

>>37639083
It's just distant admiration anon, every chaste schoolgirl goes through that!

>>37639101
Maria might be virginal, but she's too messed up to really be "chaste" or "innocent".
No fuck off she wasn't raped. Beta TL pls go.

>>37639140
She can be chaste and innocent in the ways of love even if she's seen some shit. It's not like being a guard's daughter is as bad as being a child soldier, even discounting sexual stuff.

>>37639166
Caste yes but I doubt she's innocent.

I'll add a bump before bed. See you tomorrow Hex!

>>37645172
>>37645167
8 seconds

>>37639166
>It's not like being a guard's daughter is as bad as being a child soldier
She is a child soldier though.

>>37650669
When you look at law enforcement and their training in this setting and the crime rate.
I'd have to agree.

>>37649431

This is one of the cutest things I've ever seen. Thank you.

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>>37651671
There's a whole series of these two.
They both have large forms and the small ones with animal ears.

Not dead or dreaming; Just flouncing about in the real hoping to get things done. I'll be back in 3 -4 ig possible and aim to return to a sane-ish cycle then.

>>37653674
We can wait Hex!

wake up Hex

>>37656045
The Hex wakens, for such is the law of this world as written since time immemorial.

>>37656056
Ia! Ia!
Hope you're doing well, Hex.

bedtime bump, keep the thread toasty anons

What happened to the burning houses anyway?

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>>37660554
It's seems more theme appropriate.

>>37661354
P-please, they haven't even kissed yet!

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>>37661407
Please support Maria in her quest to waifu the dragon.

>>37662124
If Hex updates again I will!

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>>37662243
We'll probably have to wait until tomorrow.

> How free is religious practice? Has the nobility ever tried to impose its religion on the people?
Well, we've seen how there's like four different religions in a single room, eh? Err, basically, it's as free as it used to be in Prussia under Friedrich the Great.
1) Don't war on another church
2) Don't start rebellions
3) You pay your taxes just like everyone else.
That's pretty much it; The nobility just really doesn't care, nor do they want to.
No. You partake of the dragonblood's cult simply by submitting to their rule.
http://ask.fm/ConvictCyborg/answer/123627868994

>>37665301
> long haired prince
> short haired princess
2gud
>>37662243
Alright, time to do this.

>>37673400
>Alright, time to do this.
He said two hours ago.

>>37674518
Hey, he's gotta write it first!

>>37673400
>2gud
Are you suggesting we put Maria in a dress and have Eri suit?

>>37675469
B-but I thought Maria had long-ish hair?

>>37675483
Shoulder length, but Eriadne's reaches her back.

Hex planned this from the beginning

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>>37675507
I'm pretty sure Maria's hair is shorter than that actually.

>>37675784
We can wait for word of Hex.

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>>37675784
>>37676024
Well the art he uses for Maria is pretty short, theirs a chance he's mentioned it before either on the threads or in his Ask but fuck me if I'll look for it there.

>>37675507
The krauts plan long term, I see.
> make irresistable dragon waifu
> give her long hair
> make her the dominant
> ???
> dare you enter my magical realm

>>37676499
Haha, please anon.
Anyway where's our magic school learning fun, Hex?

>>37676499
I dare to enter the realm, because who dares gets the dragon!

Bump for Hexer!
I admit I'd hoped for slightly faster pace than 2.5+ days between updates.

Hopefully Hex will start posting the next update while I sleep, keep the thread toasty anons.

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Just letting your huys know that I'm not going to be home for a bit today so someone will need to take over unitl I'm back.

>>37678439
>I admit I'd hoped for slightly faster pace than 2.5+ days between updates.
Same. Screw this mind of mine.

>>37683286
It'll work eventually, Hex!

Bump

Bump

Bump

Bump

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And back!

The fuck is this shit with pageful of anime girls?
>>>/c/catalog

How likely are we gonna get noticed for our deviance?

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>>37696830
Not sure but I think we're in the clear.
We can just blame it on the weed rather than the unplanned trip to AKAZU.

>>37696867
Is that somehow better?
> no m'am, I only got high in public, n-no demon s-summonings at all

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>>37698014
Well, it just made Maria extra gay instead of terrifying people who look at her.
So there's that.

>>37699682
Your lewdness has scared the Hex.

>>37700169
Lewdness bump.

How's it going Hex? In the 'no inspiration' phase or the 'rewrite everything' one?

>>37704146
That long neck is creeping me out.

>>37704174
Yeah it is a bit strange.
Hex please update it's getting way too close to 4 days for comfort.

>>37703010
[X] Other: "Spent hours cavorting around getting exactly none of the things I had planned done"-phase. I MAD. Meatspace a shit. Alright, let's see if I can make it up to you guys.

>>37704378
We believe in you Hex!

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Heeeeeeex. Cooooooome oooooooon.

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Day 4 here we come. ;_;

Bump

Bump

Bump

Successful test bump.

Bump

Bump

Bump

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We now return to your regular bumping schedule.

bedtime bump for this anon, can another take over?

You better do something about this thread soon hex.

>>37723284
Indeed. I think I've figured it out though, now.

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I'm really not sure if this is going to work anymore Hex.
I'm not going to be able to bump for like 8 hours today and from now on there's 3 days a week where I will be too busy to bump the thread.

>>37725867
I can try and keep the thread alive when your not here comfy anon, but that depends on my timezone and work schedule which fluctuates, hopefully Hex attains haste soon

>>37726350
Well I have work today from 12am to about 8pm GMT and I can't count on any bumping during that today.
Apart from that I just have classes and I can cover travel myself.

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Last bump from me for the next 8 hours or so.

Lady Eriadne: Best Onee-sama or best Onee-sama?

>>37734126
Hmmmm, tough choice, anon.

>>37734126
Eriadne is best everything.

>>37730512
O_O

....boyshorts....

slow hex is slow.

>>37726350
>hopefully Hex attains haste soon
I think assuming this doesn't completely die off next thread I should be able to get -minutely- faster in a few weeks once some things are off my mind. /blog
I'm deeply sorry for letting this affect my questing so much.
>>37725867
I thank you for your kindness up till now, comfyanon.

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>>37743401
>assuming this doesn't completely die off next thread
Not on my watch it won't!

I guess it's bump time.

[X] General house history and tasks
[X] Witch rules
I'm sorry.
It's surprising, but for some reason I DO have some question I really have been carrying around with myself for some time now. Not that that makes it any less embarassing, really, but "You don't become a hero by falling back", as Teacher Heiron was fond of saying. Of course, he usually said it when we were just on the verge of falling over after just thirty minutes of his training schedule -by all the saints but I *hated* laying in the cold stream reciting prayers, even now just thinking about it makes me feel like my brain wants to freeze over and my hands fall off- so maybe that's not quite what he meant, but it does seem like something that would fit here.

Eriadne's tocuh doesn't make me jump out of my skin. It doesn't make me push back or startle everyone around me by going into Mountain Lion Stance, spine bent and fingers at the ready to, prepared to catch any blow swung at me and redirect its force. It does none of those things. Barely. Her big blue eyes fill my world, a fringe of… sadness? Concern? Disappointment? Something odd anyway, tinging her voice as she leans towards me way too closely.

"Lady Maria, you're shivering. Is there something amiss?", Eriadne says, words that send the heat rushing to my face as I realize it's true. Damnation, but who'd have thought just *thinking* back to my training would cause my body to remember this strongly? Worse, this means I worried her, something I really really can't allow. Focus, damn you, don't make a scene and bother her even more. Remember!

All things are one with the Way, and as the Way is eternal, so am I.

My fingers briefly knot into a sign and the shivers stop, the all-encompassing reality of all that is drawning out the temporary reality of my discomfort. Sometimes I'm really glad they made us remember all those things.

Eriadne is still looking at me concerned, but I really can't answer her right now so I raise my hand instead.

"Uhm, Mistress, what is the history of our house and what is expected of witches?". There. Without rules, there can be nothing else.

1/5

>>37745883
We forgive you Hex.
Also damn Maria, gotta get a grip.

>>37745883
>Damnation, but who'd have thought just *thinking* back to my training would cause my body to remember this strongly?
Interesting, it seemed to have less impact before but I guess there wasn't really anything to trigger the training until we came back to our room earlier either.

>>37745883
>but I *hated* laying in the cold stream reciting prayers
....they literally gave her BUD/s immersion training/surf torture. fuck

>>37746068
Well at least she grew up to be a fine lady, if mildly impaired in regular social situations whenever her training flares up.

>>37746068
>>37746161
AToW morality a weird.

The woman on the platform turns to me, revealing just how scandalously cut her dress really is. By all the saints, this slit must go all the way up to her hips. Not to mention she's standing elevated so really anyone can see how much she exposes herself. Back home we'd never have allowed someone to dress in such a shameless manner out in the open, even less so someone who was expected to say something important. Ugh, guess I'll have to bear with it; This isn't home anymore and not everyone makes the right choices or gets taught how to behave properly. It's just something I'll have to deal with, I guess. She's still a teacher after all and my elder so I'll have to show respect even if I don't agree with everything she does.

Pa said that respect was one of the most important things you could ever learn, not only towards those in power but also those below you. Right. Can't ever forget that; That would be like losing a part of myself. Oh, did she say something? Something about… right, my name and caste.

"Maria… of Caste Sirius!", I say, focusing so my voice and presence carry. I've already made myself known; Might as well go all the way and make it impossible for people not to notice me making a total fool of myself.

The older witch smiles. "Maria? So you're around the Alagaeis area?" I nod, and she bows, hands over her heart in the manner of our region. …interesting.

"Your people are most peculiar, and insightful, as your question reveals", she continues, and I can fee myself straighten without conscious thought. Guess everyone likes being told their place is nice. And why wouldn't it be, really?

2/5

>>37746403
Maria please, I bet if Eriadne was wearing that you'd be less judgmental.

>>37746403
>Your people are most peculiar, and insightful, as your question reveals
She just called you're culture weird Maria.

>>37746537
Maria's just an optimist!

Connection issues or still writing, Hex?

Hex ded?

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>>37746456
N-not at all!

>>37746456
>>37746456
I don't get this "Maria is gay so she's a lecher " mentality.

>>37749699
It's just jokes anon calm down.

>>37749737
Sorry, just something that rubs me wrong a lot. I'll try to contain my gripes.

bump

>>37748452
>>37747357
Still writing; Got pulled away without forewarning.

So did Hexer just drop off the earth or something?

>>37752611
>>37747357
>>37748452
>>37752501
>>37752615

And the one time it shouldn't drop my trip, it does...

>>37752642
That's okay, as long as you're not dead.

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>>37754253
I really love this pose.

>>37755284
That's a repost! Clearly you need to flesh out your cute girls doing cute things together folder.

>>37755459
B-but they're all reposts.
Do you want me to go lewder?

>>37755512
yes

though that pose is delicious

>>37755512
No no, proceed as you were.

>>37755512
Unfortunately I doubt that would be in the spirit of Hex, anon. Or the board rules.

>>37755593
>I doubt that would be in the spirit of Hex, anon.
Hex isn't lewd?

>>37756832
Hex is most lewd.

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Since this seems to have caused a bit of confusion.
http://ask.fm/ConvictCyborg/answer/123774620226

> On the topic of Witchbreaker vs Witch what about sensing magic. It severs as the witches biggest edge in the world correct? And I'm making an assumption here but it doesn't so much as impose a lie on the world as trick the world into showing more truth to the witch if that makes sense.

One of them, yes.
As for your second question, yes, it makes sense and you're partially correct in one way and somewhat off in another. As I said in the thread where it came up ((>>33520214)), Sensing -in a lot of ways- relies on practical theology for it to work. What that means is that you disrupt your day-to-day awareness of yourself, the world and others in favour of seeing existence as a one co-existing whole.
|.|.|.|.|.|.| <---How a normal person sees time/other people.
|..........| <---How a witch (or sage, but sages are so rare as to be legendary) sees time/other people.
No time. Only existence.
No mind. Only consciousness.
No self. Only the All.
One experiences things moment-to-moment and assumes they are distinct from others, while the other knows that time and the assumptions that one's own thoughts are a completely different thing than another's are both inherently false.
The concept was partially inspired by video related. The relevant part is 0:45 up till 1:36 here.
See also the image. The X axis is the -perceived- time "line". The Y axis represents the dimension of spirits/minds. The green circle is what Sensing teacher did to her students, the Blue circle is what Maria does when she looks into the future.


I'll be done in a bit.

>>37770454
http://youtu.be/z2UHLMVr4vg?t=45s Oh, whoops.
Also, welp, the colours saying "Future sense" and "mind voice" got switched. Sorry.

>>37770454
That's...huh. So futuresense isn't for looking into the future?

>>37770511
>>37770454
> a tale of new agers

>>37770602
It is Hex just mixed up the colours for Future sense and Mind voice.

>>37770694
Sasuga Hex.

>>37770511
>>37770454
You research some weird stuff mate.

bedtime bump, can another anon keep the thread alive please?

>>37770454
STOP JIZZING ALL OVER YOUR SETTING AND WRIIIIIIIIIITE

>>37746403
Okay, so, what happened here anyway? 30+ hours between posts in an update is a bit peculiar even by Hex speeds. Usually the day+ waits are between updates.

>>37781222
Illness in the family and a sudden appointment. The process known as "finishing fucking finally" has been initiated.

>>37781286
Ah, hope the illness is passing then.

>>37746403
>And why wouldn't it be, really?
Maria is so easily tricked.

>>37783356
She just has a lot of cultural pride!
Must be weird being a bunch of Taoists when the rest of the world is more like the Greek mainstream.

>>37783398
>"Worshipping buildings"
Yeah I assume they have a lot of stuff made up about them.

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So I'm gonna go out on a limb and say Hex has probably maybe fallen asleep by now.

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>>37791612
I love those two.

Bumpan.

Up it goes again...

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Science Baby Warmth.

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>>37797861
Eriadne and Maria's science baby when?

>>37798547
Probably never.

>>37798547
They won't need a science baby because the gods will give them a real one.

>>37798547
If you wish for it hard enough, it will happen.

>>37798560
I can dream!

>>37798585
I guess adoption would be fine too.

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I really should have just posted these in order.

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>>37801636
Well there's always next thread.

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I get the feeling Hex isn't going to post today either.

>>37803577
Probably not.

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Heading off for an hour or so.

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The woman straightens, slowly letting her eyes wander across the heads of the girls gathered in the room something like a… *presence*… flowing out from her beginning to envelop us, her next words distinct and full of unyielding softness. It feels like every single sound becomes a fact more absolute than our own convictions, sentences weaving into truths that defy any questioning.

"It is said, within the records of our halls, that in times long past there were but two houses; The warlike Nefesh, and the secretive Alumandra. For many moons, it was good, but then war wracked the surface of our world, bringing destruction upon us -daughters of Moon- and the Nobility -Heirs To Fire- alike…"

I can see it before me. Blurry monstrosities opening rifts in the ground, huge armies of bone and rot slaughtering their way across our world, each sunrise looking out upon a newly planted field of corpses. I feel sick, but just before I'm overcome, the vision changes.

"For a time, we tried to fight our own battles, those of The Dragon's lineage unwilling to join forces, for in those days, we used to be divided…"

A new image, showing a domed hall -not unlike that of a temple- lit by rows upon rows of flickering candles held in brass stands that still do little to drown out the moon shining onto a round stone about as tall as my chest. On each side, hooded figures face each other, one side clad in black and purple, the other in whites and reds.

"…it was not until much later that we managed to lay aside our differences and bond together is not just two powers living at one another's sufferance, but true allies standing side by side against the darkness…"

The same image, but this time the two figures are clasping hands across the altar as the air grows heavier with the weight of meaning.

"This was the beginning of the Second Concord and with its power, we at last had a hope of saving our world".

3/5

>>37814246
man video games must be awesome for them when they get invented eventually

>>37814351
What you mean?

>>37814358
the whole VR thing the teacher is doing to display the imagery Maria is seeing of the history the teacher is talking about

>>37814246
Sounds pretty metal.

>>37814246
Why does it always take an ancient evil awakening for people to stop being dicks to each other?

>>37815312
Ask that the European Union.

>>37815312
Because people will only come together when there's something that everyone hates more than eachother.

> it's back
I thought we'd be looking at a perma drop/move to akun this time.

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I shiver, throwing a quick glance towards Eriadne whose eyes -dark green interspersed with a blue so dark it's almost black ringing the center- are steady and focused only on the speaker, her lips moving soundlessly, pose steady and confident. As expected of her, of course; It's only myself getting shaken up easily again. Up ahead, mistress is making a short pause, looking over us with a calm gaze before raising her voice once more.

"For a time, it seemed as if our alliance would turn the winds in the world's favour, yet the new era of working together brought with it many difficulties, the differences in attidude between Dragonborn and Witches as well as their magic taking a long time to sort through for each side".

I see the shadows of Witches long past, looking through worn volumes, figures in the same whites and reds from before pacing back and forth in the background, heated yet unheard arguments almost breaking out into violence several times. By the saints, that must have been a terrible time.

"As if that hadn't been enough, the demonic armies gained a ruler only known as the Empress of Thorn, a monster more intelligent and vicious than the strong but near-mindless beasts we encountered before. Under her leadership, large swathes of land we had thought safe fell to the enemy once more. The Empress had learned well, and it was in this time that a new weapon of war saw increased use by her forces: Corruption. There had always been those who had made pacts with darkness for power, but now a true plague of treachery and suspicion swept the lands, many covens and castles suddenly finding old friends become foes, the stench of deceit growing as overpowering as the scent of death had ever been".
4/?

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>>37816469

My stomach roils as the next image shows a lady devoured alive by her closest servant, the man's skin sloughing off his maggot-infested bones, jaw unhinged wide enough to tear her head off with one bite while in another place a circle ritual is suddenly interrupted as the ground boils to life, women screaming as one of their number suddenly directs the possessed stones to devour her sisters with roiling lakes of dully glowing rock.


Cursed character limits.
4,1/?

>>37816469
>I shiver, throwing a quick glance towards Eriadne whose eyes -dark green interspersed with a blue so dark it's almost black ringing the center- are steady and focused only on the speaker, her lips moving soundlessly, pose steady and confident.
Noted.

>>37816490
Man, must have sucked to be a witch those days.

>>37816490
>My stomach roils as the next image shows a lady devoured alive by her closest servant, the man's skin sloughing off his maggot-infested bones, jaw unhinged wide enough to tear her head off with one bite while in another place a circle ritual is suddenly interrupted as the ground boils to life, women screaming as one of their number suddenly directs the possessed stones to devour her sisters with roiling lakes of dully glowing rock.
I'm trying to eat here.

>>37816338
Akun is Hex's kryptonite.

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Everything alright Hex?

>>37819827
I think he'll finish this one today.

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>>37819850
I hope so I'm busy for the next three days after today.
I would be busy today as well but I had a last minute timetable change.

>>37816564
What does this one mean? I lack basic human empathy, help.

Can't you do that thing with deleting the post after a while again, cozyanon?

So the thread is almost at the bump limit.
I will be too busy for the next three days to do any bumping at all during your night.
This is pretty much the now or never point Hex either finish the update now or save it for the next thread or something.

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I'm legit despairing.

"It took us a long time to realize, but we needed to change. Too used were we to the old ways, too accustomed to tradition, too blinded by habit to see what needed doing. It was at that time a young witch -barely older than some of you- first began leading those in her coven into multiple, highly indepent missions against the Empress and her troops, relying on little but themselves, their wits and what could be carried in a simple leather bag".

The teacher holds up a soft pouch with with belt for us to see. Huh, that thing must be smaller than the handbags worn by some of our women back home. It makes sense though; When you're working against a much larger opponent in secret you can't just depend on any kind of support from your superiors or lug around big amounts of supplies. I think Teacher Harlan talked about it as "Flying Arrow Tactics" or the principle of High speed, low drag. Meaning "Move as fast as possible, as directly as possible, and don't take anything that would slow you down".

Going by what I've seen of real soldiers and their baggage -some of those packs I couldn't even get to move a finger- that means throwing just about everything a regular army is used to and making things up as you go.

After showing how to strap the pouch to her waist, teacher resumes speaking.

"At first she was called mad. Irresponsible. Suicidal even; Just a young girl about to lead all her friends to their deaths but…", and teacher holds up one finger at that, seemingly looking each one of us in the eye at the same time, "…she succeeded. Stronghold after stronghold returned to our control, coven after coven asking to be taught in these new methods of war, many joining her cause despite the houses -especially Nefesh- considering her activities suspicious and strange".
5/?

>>37836129
>I'm legit despairing.
why?

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A cluster of six women, each wearing matching browns, one pouch and a rectangular box. Just as I question what it is for, they all draw papers looking suspiciously like the thing Evangelyne used on the priestess this morning, as if on a signal, skulking closer to the edge of a small village. A nod, and their hands whip forward, a soundless shock tearing through the air, half the buildings reduced to rubble in an instant. By the saints, what power. I wonder how those things are made…

"Despite our advances, it took us still three whole years to rout out the enemy. By then, hundreds of witches had assembled under the new ideas. It took a lot of haggling, but at last, House Antioch -named after our founder's guardian spirit- finally took shape. At the same time, the rules for Witches were revised: No witch may kill except in self-defense or war. No witch may control another's thoughts or create tools for such except in the most pressing of emergencies. No witch shall stand by idly while evil persists".

The last traces of the vision fade, and I blink. Well, I guess that last one answers the other question I had. Might need to ask more later because I'm sure no organization that large can just run on something this basic.
6/?

>>37836129
Cheer up Hex!

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A cluster of six women, each wearing matching browns, one pouch and a rectangular box. Just as I question what it is for, they all draw papers looking suspiciously like the thing Evangelyne used on the priestess this morning, as if on a signal, skulking closer to the edge of a small village. A nod, and their hands whip forward, a soundless shock tearing through the air, half the buildings reduced to rubble in an instant. By the saints, what power. I wonder how those things are made…

"Despite our advances, it took us still three whole years to rout out the enemy. By then, hundreds of witches had assembled under the new ideas. It took a lot of haggling, but at last, House Antioch -named after our founder's guardian spirit- finally took shape. At the same time, the rules for Witches were revised: No witch may kill except in self-defense or war. No witch may control another's thoughts or create tools for such except in the most pressing of emergencies. No witch shall stand by idly while evil persists".

The last traces of the vision fade, and I blink. Well, I guess that last one answers the other question I had. Might need to ask more later because I'm sure no organization that large can just run on something this basic.
6/?
>>37836137
Because I'm killing my quest slowly and nothing but my own incompetence is to blame.
>>37836187
I'll try.

>>37836141
Antioch sounds pretty badass. Also man this is a long-ass update.

>>37836318
>Because I'm killing my quest slowly and nothing but my own incompetence is to blame.
Hey, we're still here as long as you keep on running Hex, chin up and git guderer, you've been improving over recent form.

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--At the same time, somewhere else--
I am Talan the Returned. Soon to be Talan the Redeemed? Who knows. Such things are hard to guess and really, thinking about them too much only distracts one from what's really important.
Only the now matters.

This new power works in odd ways, often resisting my attempts at weaving it, as if it had a mind of its own. Which it of course does -as does all magic- but this intelligence seems far more alien than what I'm used to. Less… pliable, perhaps. Less like guiding water and more akin to flying through a thundercloud. It is more limited in what it can do as well, the range of spells possible constricted by what exists within the blood of the Mattheo line.
Such a frustrating ability at times.

I still have a little ability of my own, but in the light of what I can tap into now, the embers of what remains of my witch side seem utterly pathetic in comparison. I shouldn't complain though, this weakness only lets me tap into Kholmar's power better; A normal witch would only find her spells strengthened, at least that's what I heard.
Everything balances itself, in the end.

It's an insanely fast way of doing things, and based on raw destructive potential I'm certainly stronger than I've ever been. Besides, it seems easier to change what any one ability does to the point where I've found myself using one spell -dragonblooded call them moves or skills, but really, it's all magic so whatever- where I'd have used three back in my old life.
I should test this some more.

Glancing around in the dimly lit tent -it's just sunset outside, but all command quarters are made out of a thick black material impervious to flame arrows, minor force spells and incidentally light- my gaze falls onto a broken pail I picked up this morning for use as firewood.
That should do nicely.
7/?

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Two signs, that's all it takes. I fold my hands together, both pointing and middle finger sticking upwards.
=Sagata Qombela!=
With a quick movement I point them in the direction of the bucket, the formula burning my throat and tongue as I speak it. The pain passes quickly though, replaced by the feeling of accomplishment as five orange, translucent snakes seemingly made out of flame begin to crawl around and inside the wodden pail.
Good work, I'm getting faster.

Unclasping hands I slowly gesture upwards, the snakes beginning to circle around the bottomless container as it rises into the air, suffused by a dull glow. By Flame and Goddess, it's working!

"Mistress Tala--?"

The voice ends in a wordless squeek as the bucket explodes in a shower of sparks, seeding the tent with embers. I *hate* being snuck up on. Here's another difference: Dragonblood spells are much, much likelier to escalate violently if you let your temper get the better of you. I turn, sighing, only to see one of the two Temple Guard apprentices travelling with us stare at me wide-eyed, her blue eyes full of fear.
Great, I'm really making a lot of friends lately.

"What would you have of me?", I ask, trying to make my tone seem calm and soothing. I just hope none of the men managed to blow themselves up with their alchemical charges again. Really, is it so hard to follow an order as simple as "Don't throw the crystal in the fire for more than three minutes"?

"Uh, Mistress, we caught one and Our Lord said you were to interrogate them yourself". Steady voice, fear already fading. Good. She'll make it far eventually.

"Very well. I shall come". I take my shawl and some charms off the table, following her across the busy encampment to a hut made out of iron-reinforced wood. I saw the put that thing together just yesterday.
I guess fate really does smile on us.

8/?

>>37836318
>spoiler
Well these long and lore-filled updates can't be helping the update pace much, nice though they may be.

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Inside I'm surprised to see a young girl, at most three years into the Age of Ignorant Understanding sit there, bound tightly to a chair, arms bound within view, just as protocol demands. That these monsters would draw one so young into their service wasn't unknown to me, but to see it with my own eyes does make my heart sink.
I hate this.

"What's your name, girl?" I ask, careful not to let my rage show.

"My name is GO TO HELL!!" She spits at me, trashing, though not even the chair itself moves, its base being buried about as deep as both of us are tall, together. I hate doing this, but… well. If the universe were a nice place neither of us would be where we are right now.
One last chance.

"Do you know what you did, girl?"

"Yes. Made sure vermin like YOU and your… /lord/ leave us be!" She glares at me, hatred so deep it makes the air grow heavy. I shake my head, sadly.

"No. You killed just shy of two hundred and fifty people who wanted nothing but go to work, then go home and see their families. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

"Dreams are forged in war and tempered in blood". I raise my eyebrow, more irritated than upset.

"Ah. Did Zanthak teach you that himself? Where is he?" Calm. Even. Controlled.

"GO TO HELL AND TAKE THE WHITE HAIRED VERMIN YOU SERVE WITH YOU YOU ROTTEN WHORE!!" More trashing. She's got a lot of will; Those ropes must cut deep by now. With a sigh and a knock I call two of the guards to bind her loose and hold her to her knees in front of me.
Why don't they ever listen?

"I'm sorry, but I'm out of options", I say, stepping back till I'm almost against the wall behind me.

=Sagata Qombela!=
The translucent snakes burn themselves into being and wrap around her limbs, growing longer and longer until they're attached to all four corners of the room, tightening as the guards step away, forcing the girl to hang there suspending like a big "X" cross. Not strictly necessary, but it helps.
9/11

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"I'm going to get the answers we need, girl. I'm sorry". I wave my hand, and she howls as the cold fire my bloodsnakes are made from burns hot for just a single instant.

Stepping closer, I focus and chant a quick prayer, the girl almost immediately growing slack before resuming her struggle with increased vigour. Right now, she's not feeling anything, her eyes, skin, tongue, ears and skin completely numbed, leaving her with -at most- the memory of pain.

Putting my hands to her temples I see that her eyes have turned up all the way till nothing but the whites can be seen.

"I'm going to get my answers, girl. No matter what it takes".
---

"--a coven is formed by asking for sponsorship from one of your superiors. This can be any witch above the rank of novice, though it might be prudent to get a teacher to do it for you. A coven can be up to sixteen Witches, though in general it will only contain one cell, meaning at most eight. Once you are approved we'll give you several missions to accomplish in order to test your readiness. Each coven is responsible for the integrity of its members, meaning we'll hold you responsible for all the good and bad any one of you does. Remember this before taking this step. Any other questions?"

A low murmur.

Mistress nods.

"Then you are dismissed. Tommorow is Sunday, so you're free to worship or visit the city, though we'll expect all of you back before sunset. Go in peace". She steps off the platform and disappears into the crowd, the hall suddenly becoming whole lot noisier.

[]Find the others. I've not seen them for a while.
[]Just go to Dinner with Eriadne, maybe the others will find us, maybe not.

At Dinner discuss (Choose two max)
[] Current day events
[] Plans for tommorow (Which ones)
[] Try to find out more about
[] Other

10/10
>>37836339
Most likely not.
>>37836327
I'll keep running, if only because I'm pissed at my own mind too much to let it win.

>>37836361
>[x]Find the others. I've not seen them for a while.
>[x] Current day events
>[x] Try to find out more about
Let's ask Eriadne what kinda stuff she learned before she was sent off to be a witch!

>>37836129
>"Flying Arrow Tactics" or the principle of High speed, low drag.
HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEXXX!!!

>>37836361
>[x]Just go to Dinner with Eriadne, maybe the others will find us, maybe not.
>[x] Current day events
Oh hey, the plot's here again! Some interesting developments there, although it's a bit early to really determine what's going on.

>>37836361
>[]Find the others. I've not seen them for a while.
>[] Current day events
>[] Plans for tommorow (Which ones)
We could go to the city, we might not have much money personally, but we should see the city since it's so close to our new home,I mean as long as everyone is feeling better tomorrow.

I like that Talan's not a pussy. She's human, yes, but she does what she believes needs doing.
>>37836361
[X]Find the others. I've not seen them for a while.
>[X] Current day events
>[X] Try to find out more about
Liliana!

>>37836361
>[]Just go to Dinner with Eriadne, maybe the others will find us, maybe not.
>[] Current day events
>[] Plans for tommorow (Which ones)
Going into the city and what to get

>>37836361
>[x]Find the others. I've not seen them for a while.
>[x] Current day events
>[x] Try to find out more about
Let's grill the twins! Haha, joking. Honestly between ask.fm and how long the quest has run, I have no fucking idea what we know about our friends any more, so I'm gonna have to pass on this sadly.

On the plus side Hex, you did get a thread's worth of update text out in this one I'd say! A pity it squirted out all at once after 10 days like the world champion of edging or something, but it could have been worse.

>>37836522
How many words do threads have usually?

>>37836534
I dunno about usually, but I count about 16 big posts worth of update content, which would work out to one normal quest update every 20 posts or so. Obviously the time it took to churn them out (9 days) is too long, but in terms of thread content it's pretty good.

>>37836545
eh I don't think we can really compare AToW's thread speeds to other quests

>>37836562
Even by AToW speed that was 9 days on one update. Yeah knowing it was mega-update extraordinaire makes it more understandable but 9 days of bumping without any votes nor much to discuss isn't exactly sustainable.

>>37836588
true, which is why hopefully Hex is getting better

>>37836361
[x]Just go to Dinner with Eriadne, maybe the others will find us, maybe not.
[x] Current day events
[x] Try to find out more about
I'll back asking about her schooling

>>37836391
I dun get it.

>>37836618
>true, which is why hopefully Hex is getting better
I hope.

...Talan is going to go Full Evil, isn't she?

>>37837778
Nah she's fine, probably, I mean they were only filthy rebel scum.

>>37837778
From an IC perspective? No.
Form an OOC perspective? No, Hexer isn't George Lucas.

>>37837821
>No, Hexer isn't George Lucas.
Are you sure, anon?

>>37838622
For one, his morality systems make sense.

>>37838622
>Slow as balls to produce work
>Frequently side-tracked by his own brain
>Writes popular fantasy work whose readers are either overly apologetic about the first or have succumbed to hate
Of course he's not, he can't be George Lucas when he's already G.R.R. Martin except good.