>>22583293
"Oh, I don't know, you are our father's daughter. I wonder how much for the kingdom..."

>>22583322
>you are our father's daughter
, and our sister.

>>22583293
"Don't worry, I won't."

>>22583293
"Thank you. I'll try not to need it."

>>22583293
Why are we not riding our robot spider like a valiant steed?

>>22583293

hopefully we won't need to, thanks sis.

"Don't worry, I won't." You say, and she nodded. "I'll try not to need it."
"I wrote these last night." She said. "I meant to give them to you earlier, but then with that attack..."
She shook her head, and all of you started walking again. The sun was slowly starting to set, sending orange light across the sky, and you reached the gate to Lys. The guards at first were leery of bringing a Forged in, but with a few clever words, Leez was able to talk everyone in.

"So, have you decided?" Kale asked, as everyone made their way to her tattoo shop.
"I have." She said, and closed her eyes. "I think I'm going to stay here."
Kale grinned at her. "I see." He said. "I'm glad to hear it."
"... I'll come by the barrow in five years." She said, quietly. "If you're still there..."
"If I'm there, my book will be complete." Kale said.
"The entire thing?"
"The entire thing." He responded.
"... I see." She said, quietly.

>>22583463
"Writing a book, Kale?"

>>22583463
"I suppose thats an elf thing?"

>>22583463

Kale talked about stories, that might be related to the book.

>>22583463
I see what you did in the synopsis

"It must be a pretty big book if you're writing it, Kale."

"Writing a book, Kale?" You ask. "I suppose that's an elf thing?"
Kale didn't meet your eyes.
"It is." Leez said. "It's his... calling, like mine is for crafting tools and weapons. He's a historian- one obsessed with stories and songs and myths and legends."
"And this is the most important one." Kale said, grinning. "The past of that blade... means something important will happen."
He shrugged. "Perhaps the most important thing."
"It must be a pretty big book if you're writing it, Kale."
"There's a reason I follow adventures." He said. "So I can be there to write it."

The group reached Leez's tattoo shop, and Cass took your arm. "Let's go get our armor." She said, and dragged you out of the shop. "Isavla, we'll be back to say goodbye."
"Okay." She said.

"... So she kissed you." Cass said in a conversational tone, not meeting your eyes, as the two of you walked toward the blacksmith.

>>22583612

she did.

>>22583612
"Uhh, yep."

>>22583612
"Aye."

>>22583612
"Yeah, I hope she gets better soon."

"Uh... aye." You say, awkwardly. "I hope she gets better soon."

She sighed. "So do I."
She opened her mouth, as if to say something, and then simply closed it again. In silence, the two of you made your way to the blacksmith. Ode waved you over.
"My father completed these." He said, and held up two coats of scale. He chuckled. "He stole my tools for a few hours, even. Means he was serious."
He handed them to you, and you examined them- they were hooked together by rings, with rings of iron set into the scale itself, and a layer of leather underneath that- leather made of dragonskin, bleached white- or perhaps bleached white is the color of dragon skin, underneath the scales.
"You already made payment." Ode said, and gave the two of you a smile. "Would you like anything else? A shield, perhaps?"

>>22583769

depends, do they have something which could help guard against multiple forged?

>>22583769
"This is magnificent work."

"Do you have anything that could penetrate thick brass?"

Rolled 28

>>22583769
how long and how much would it take to make some long hollow iron tubes with a spiral grove in the center? say about a dozen

like 3/4 on the inside 11/4 inch total so thick

>>22583937
We should start with muskets or arquebus first. And why would we need a dozen of them?

File: 1358192605482.jpg-(39 KB, 850x330, bordaxerifle.jpg)

>>22583971
more is better
also well how about some blunderbuss with ax heads

>>22583769
show them the revolver, see if they want to make bank.

>>22584014
I'd rather keep that to ourselves.

>>22584014

let's not introduce advanced weapons to the locals, they aren't suppose to be here. yet.

"This is magnificent work." You say. "Do you have anything that could penetrate thick brass?"
"Hmm." He said, and thought about it for a few moments. "I don't have anything like that, I'm afraid, and I can't think of a thing which could."
He sighed, and shook his head. "I'm afraid we don't."
"Thank you, again." Cass said, examining her scale armor, before slinging it on and belting it tight around her waist- the armor went almost down to her knees.
"How long and how much would it take to make some long hollow tubes, with a spiral grove in the center? Say... about a dozen, and made of iron."
"I'm not certain." He said. "A few days? Maybe a week. A strange request, to be honest.

>>22584014
No. We're not going to start spreading gunpowder technology.

>>22584047
"Hmm, I'd probably only need two or three, actually."

>>22584047
"Is there someone in town who can work wood as well?"

I guess we'll need wooden furnishings if we're going to make guns.

>>22584047
I am an odd guy The sooner the better put a heavy and solidly placed cap one end and a small whole near it
with a few ax heads made to fit around the open end

about how much would that cost

>>22584165
Axe-guns had a tendency to bend the barrel.
If we need a melee weapon, we'll use the sword.
No need to have one weapon with two mediocre uses when we can have two weapons that function superbly.

>>22584160
we can carve the fuck out of things thats all us we also need to get some flint and make a few flintlocks with the left over parts from the forged


hell just get as many as we can in a day or two

>>22584185

our sword is already far beyond what that can supposedly make in this era, no need for an axe gun.

i do think it is a good idea to make a stronger gun for our showdown.

>>22584185
good point
but you know lets make some guns

guns are cool

"Hmm... I'd probably only need two or three, actually."
Cass gave you a searching look, and the blacksmith nodded. "I can get you those in only a day. Two silver for each tube."
"Is there someone in town who can work wood as well?" You ask.
Cass spoke up. "Abel, we have Kale and Veez with us. They can do it fine."
"Veez was about who I was going to suggest, actually." Ode said, with a chuckle. "She's very skilled with making things- could give me a run for my money with smithing, even."

>>22584216
Stronger gun? We could always cheat, but that means Big G would get it as well.

>>22584231
"Oh, those dragon-bone tipped arrows by the way, did you make any? It was two copper, right?"

Let's pay for the tubes and get some kickass arrows as well.

>>22584231
"I didn't even consider that. Well then, I suppose that's it then."

>>22584231

just the tubes would be fine, we'll ask Leez about the wood crafting.

>what else do we need to make this weapon?

how are we going to remember how to cheat?

"Oh, those dragon-bone tipped arrows, by the way. Did you make any? It was two copper, right?"
"I'd entirely forgotten about them!" He said, turning around- his tail whipped out behind him, and he stepped beneath a desk, pulling up a small wrapped up set of arrows.
"There are ten of them here." He said. "I'd intended to make a hundred, but... I'd forgotten. I apologize."

>>22584234
>>22584219
>>22584185
I don't think y'all realize the impracticality of what you're trying to do. And, y'know, the fact that the gun we HAVE is better than any blackpowder rifle.

>>22584324
"Ah, excellent, thank you."

>>22584328
Except for the fact that ammo is limited for it and we can't get any more than 6 rounds. A simple musket is easily do-able.

>>22584328
>implying we're making black powder weapons when we know how to make the good stuff.
>implying we arent going to make revolving cylinders rifles.

>>22584328
Listen man, we've wanted to bring about the gunpowder revolution since we got gunpowder. This is happening.

>>22584371
>Implying we have the precision tools necessary for that.
At best we can make an arquebus or blunderbuss

>>22584388
No, YOU want to bring about the gunpowder revolution.
Most of us realize it's a stupid idea.
Can you imagine what the zealots could do if they got their hands on guns.

>>22584324
"So, the tubes and the arrows, that'd be two silver and twenty copper?"

"Ah, excellent, thank you." You say, and give him twenty copper- and six silver, for three of those tubes.
"Now, you want them with a spiral grove in the center?" He asked. "And how thick do you need them?"
You give him all the data you needed, complete with a bad sketch of it, and he nodded.
"... This seems like I'll need to be much more accurate than I first intended." He said. "I can get you two in a day."

>>22584415
That's why we make sure that every group has access to it.

>>22584432
That's even worse.

>>22584444
Would you rather we go back to arguing about waifus?

>>22584423
"Great, thank you Ode."

"Anything else you want to get, Cass?"

>>22584458
I'd rather not spread gunpowder.
Are you going to start a waifu argument because the rest of us don't agree with your stupid plan?
Because that's what you're implying.

Seriously, if we make a gun, it'll probably be a muzzle loader blackpowder flintlock at best. Without an entire firing line of those, our bow is better in every way.

>>22584504
And our revolver is better than our bow.
Therefore, we really don't need to make guns.
Although it'd be nice to have one or two that our friends could use, but that still doesn't change the fact that those guns would suck.

>>22584423
Well, we've come this far. Nothing to do for it now but follow through, I suppose. Though we should have stuck to demolition charges.

File: 1358195089363.png-(33 KB, 270x300, thatsfuckingstupid.png)

>>22584432

>>22584577
Yes. Yes, it is.

"Great, thank you, Ode." You say. "Anything else you want to get, Cass?"
"Maybe a buckler." She said. "Or some small rounded shield."
"I'll go get you one." Ode said, and Cass made her payment, buying a shield.
"Good luck." He said to you, with a nod. "I'll have your tubes in a day. Possibly less."
He bowed, and the two of you left the store. You notice that Cass was rather quiet, and avoided looking at you, as the two of you walk in silence.

>>22584607
I think its time we had the talk about us and Tori.

>>22584607
>it begins

"Hey, you ok?"

>>22584607

this situation between Astora, Cass and us needs to be resolved, we don't want to hurt anyone but we're making Cass miserable.

>i don't even care about the waifu stuff
>i just want to see them come to an agreement and be happy again.

"Hey, you okay?"
She didn't respond for a long time, the two of you wandering through the city of Lys.
"I'm not... sure." She said, finally, quietly. "It's time I stopped... worrying about things, though." She sighed. "That kiss is making me think."

>>22584710

let her continue.

>>22584710
copper for your thoughts?

>>22584710
"Regardless of anything else, I intend to keep my promise to you, Cass."

"Copper for your thoughts?" You ask. She sighed, and met your eyes.
"You know how I feel." She said. "How we kissed, and all that, but... I started... avoiding you. Because... well, Thor and I..."
She shook her head again- she was acting strangely- almost as meekly as she had acted when she was still hiding beneath her mask, when you first met.
"... And after Astora promised to help me find if he was alive, I just... I can't let go of him. Not until I know if he's dead or not."

>>22584812
find him then ill help when things are well calmer

>>22584812
"Well, for what it matters, I'll promise to help you find him too."

>>22584812
Put a hand on her shoulder, "My promise stands. I'll help you find them one day."

>>22584812

"i understand. I will make sure you reach him and any who survived that night, if you'll still let me."

>>22584862
>>22584865
>>22584908
If these go well.
"Hey, you should try this ice-cream thing Ariana had with me, it's pretty good."

>>22584812
I did wonder, Cass.

then >>22584918

>>22584812
"I... I understand."

"I... I understand." You say, quietly, and then put a hand on her shoulder. "My promise stands. I'll help you find them one day, when things are... well, calmer."
She closed her eyes and nodded.
"Thank you." She said.
"... Hey, you should try this ice-cream thing Ariana had with me. It's pretty good."
"Really?" She asked. "Sure, let's go."
You make your way to the shop, and when you go in, you see Tannis, Lyra, and Isavla sitting there, each eating contentedly.
"Hey, Brother." Lyra said, with a wave, talking over the spoon in her mouth. With a hand, she motioned for you all to take seats.

>>22585004
"Hello, Sisters and Tannis!"

>>22585004
"Hey Sis." Steal some of her ice cream. "Chocolate flavor is better."

>>22585023
Also, Pet that Kitty!

>>22585004
What flavors have they available?

>>22585023
>Chocolate
>2012
>laughingstrawberriesluts.avi
Ruffle sisters' hair.
One hand each.

"Hello, Sisters and Tannis!" You say, and steal a scoop of Lyra's ice cream- something pink, and tasting faintly of berries. "Chocolate flavor is better."
"Then you should get chocolate instead of stealing mine." She said, frowning. You look to the attendant, and learn that there were only three flavors- berry, chocolate, and flavorless.

Tannis sighed. "I need to buy new clothes." She said, looking down- she had a massive hole in her rags, where she'd gotten stabbed. She still had a large scar there, as knotted scar tissue bound with her actual skin.
"Stupid silver." She said, frowning. "I still can't turn maenad until it goes away."
You respond by ruffling her hair- and then, for good measure, ruffling Isavla's hair, and when you turn to Lyra, she was suddenly behind you, arm wrapped tight around your throat, holding you still as she dug her knuckles into your scalp.

"... This is an old favorite of mine." Isavla said, grinning at Tannis and Cass. She took the moment to steal a large scoop from Lyra's glass.

>>22585100
"You're losing your food with your foolishness, Lyra."

>>22585100
Try to steal the rest of Lyra's Ice cream.

Order chocolate.

Poke kitty in the scar. "I got all the silver out, so it shouldn't take too long, should it?"
"We should buy you a nice dress, or some armor. Does armor work with your shifting?"

>>22585100

"urk. the perfect crime"

first we stole a bite then Isavla took an entire scoop, distract Lyra so that everyone can eat her icecream!

>>22585100
"Don't they have vanilla?"

"Urk." You say, oh very eloquently. "The perfect crime."
"What crime?" Lyra asked, grinning at you as she dug her knuckles in. "You mean me putting you in your place?"
You wait until Tannis stole a large scoop, before Lyra realized and let go of you, grumbling to herself.
"I got all the silver out, so it shouldn't take long, should it?" You ask Tannis.
"It shouldn't." She said. "But the wound was made with silver, so it will take some time."
"We should buy you a nice dress, or some armor. Does armor work with your shifting?"
"I don't know." She said, after a moment. "There must be some reason that Galatea didn't wear armor in her human form. She is a warrior, after all. And I have a lot of pretty dresses, remember? That chest from mom, with the satchel. I just don't want to mess up a pretty dress."

>>22585244

we can look for something that is easy to move about in, the dress would be such a waste.

>>22585244

"Hold Lyra's shield and try shifting."

Buy a small ice cream to go for us and for Lyra.

"Then we shall have to go shopping."

>>22585285

she can't shift with that scar still there.

>>22585244
"Hmm. Maybe we could have a light armor made that's good for both of your forms."

>>22585244
"Hey, Tannis, your mother's book was in Skitaran, yeah? Well, Lyra can read Skitaran, so maybe she'd be willing to read it for you?"

>>22585369

excellent point.

>>22585369
Let's not say that too loudly.
People around here have a certain prejudice against the Skitarans.

>>22585369
>>22585397
how about "we should have Lyra take a look at that book you found "

>>22585417
I'm not against saying it, we should simply be quiet about it and try not to be overheard.

You buy a small ice cream for yourself and for Lyra, and they bring out the glasses.
"We'll have to go shopping." You say, and skritch Tannis's ear, which twitched. "Maybe we could have a light armor made that's good for both of your forms."
"That's why they wear animal furs, I think." Tannis said, looking down to her own furs. "Or maybe it's easier to get animal furs than actual armor."
She shrugged. You look around to make sure nobody was near, and lower your voice.
"Hey, Tannis, your mother's book was in Skiitaran, right?"
"I think so, yeah." She said, and her ears perked up.
"Well, Lyra can read Skiitaran, so maybe she'd be willing to read it for you?"
Tannis gave Lyra a begging look, her ears flat against her head. Lyra giggled. "Yeah, I'll have little else to do on the ship ride back to the free cities." She said. Tannis pulled open her satchel, and pulled out the book, giving it to Lyra.

"This thing is pretty old." She said, and pulled it open, flipping through. "Looks like a journal. First few entries are from nearly forty years ago... Monthly, it looks. Now it's to twenty years ago, and the handwriting's entirely different."
She sighed, and shrugged. "I'll be able to take a longer look at it later, but I don't want to stain it." She said, and handed the book to Tannis again. "But there are a bunch of blank pages near the back."

>>22585450
"They mystery deepens."

>>22585450

Tannis deserves to know what is written in that book, her father as well.

although it might be best to find out for Tannis first.

>>22585450
A journal by your grandmother and mother, for each new moon? Maybe your answers are in there, Tannis. I don't think you're the first to struggle with your meanad nature.

>>22585450
"Hmm? Forty years? Would that make it your grandmother's as well, Tannis?"

"A journal by your grandmother and mother, for each new moon?" You ask. "Maybe your answers are in there, Tannis. I don't think you're the first to struggle with your nature."
She looked down to it.
"... I never knew that mother knew Skiitaran." She said, quietly, and carefully put the book back in her satchel.
"The mystery deepens." You say, and start on your ice cream.
Some time later, everyone stepped out of the shop. "I think I'm going to go back to Leez's home." Cass said. "Might take a bath. The dry is bothering me."
"Have fun." Lyra said, as Cass left the group. Then she shot you a grin. "So tell me about Kale. I get that he's an elf, but what's his deal?"

>>22585244
Hey, I'm trying to compile a quest schedule and am wondering if there's a set day and time for this quest. Timezone indication would be great.

Schedule is here >>22585294

>>22585629
"What do you mean? Why he follows us?"

"If you want to spend time with him, Lyra, you can just ask. He's quite...open."

>>22585632
>The schedule is every other day from 11 AM to 4 PM, timezone UTC-08. Sometimes I take days off, though, usually arbitrarily.

>>22585632
you must be new.jpg

>>22585629
What do you mean? He's an elf. He just up and decided to follow me with a rather romantic comment and I couldn't get rid of him before I got attached to his company.

>>22585629

"i have no idea what this deal is you speak of, why not ask him yourself?"

"you seem interested enough." time for ice!

Kale is quite the charmer.

>gotta sleep
>these timezones, man.

"What do you mean? Why he follows us? He just up and decided to follow me, with a rather romantic comment, and I couldn't get rid of him before I got attached to his company."
She giggled. "Romantic comment?"
"He said something about Abel's eyes." Tannis said. "And then something about how he looked like an adventurer."
"If you want to spend time with him, Lyra, you can just ask. He's quite... open." You say.
Lyra's eyes widened. "You didn't... I mean... you're both men, aren't you?"
Isavla started giggling. "No, I don't think so, Lyra."

>>22585788
"No, I didn't, but I saw the looks you gave him."

>>22585788
"No, don't be silly. He's said he'd be happy to though. I'm sure he'd love to show you his glamours."

>>22585788
Stick our tongue out. No, nothing like that. But he did offer in his own subtle way.

>>22585788

"get your mind out of the gutter and talk to him instead of giving him those looks."

Rolled 70

>>22585788
>Troll Throttle: Limit Exceed
"We might both be guys, but do you have any idea what he can do with his hands?"
Rolling to maintain a straight face while implying naughty things

"Get your mind out of the gutter and talk to him instead of giving him those looks."
"I didn't give him any looks." She said, frowning. "I don't give anyone looks."
You raise an eyebrow.
"Fine, I'll talk to him." She said, with a sigh, and rolled her eyes.
"I'm sure he'd love to show you his glamours."
"Are you being literal, or..." She asked.
Isavla, walking behind the group, suddenly pulled you and Lyra into a hug.
"... Sorry." She said, a moment later, after letting go. "I just felt like I had to do that."

>>22585952
"It's okay. It's like one big family reunion, except it turns out dad's been all over the world, and there might be a lot more family than any of us ever expected."

>>22585978
this

>>22585952
"My little sister is going to have to leave!

We should do something extra special to celebrate!"

Is Isavla small enough to be carried on our shoulders?

Rolled 20

>>22585978
inb4 we have a whole mess of half-siblings in Skiitara

>>22586037
Damn dice. Stay off!

"It's okay." You say. "It's like one big family reunion, except it turns out dad's been all over the world, and there might be a lot more family than any of us ever expected."
"Maybe." She said.
"... How old *was* dad?" Lyra asked, suddenly. You wrack your brain, but you can't remember. He was older than your mother, you knew that, but you don't think he ever told you.
You shrug.
"My little sister is going to have to leave." You say. "We should do something extra special to celebrate!"
"What? But I'm sticking with you." Lyra said. "I'm here to help, remember?"
"He meant me." Isavla said. "Even though I'm older than both of you. But we *should* do something special. Like what, though..."

>>22586081
"We could have a big party, get some of the finest mead this town has to offer."

>>22586081
Isalva's my little sister because she's tiny, and you're my little sister because you're younger then me. It's nice being the big brother, even if I have to look after you both.

We could do some baking? Or have a picknic?

>>22586173
A picnic is not a bad idea. Let's just not do it on the beach though.

"Isavla's my little sister because she's tiny, and you're my little sister because you're younger than me. It's nice being the big brother, even if I have to look after you both."
Lyra shot you a glare, which... immediately softened.
"Yeah, thank you for looking after me." Lyra said, after a moment. "I'm more bothersome than you deserve, really."
"Maybe we could do some baking? Or have a picnic?"
"Not a picnic." Isavla said, frowning. "I can't deal with too much sun. Never could."
"Why not?" Tannis asked.
"Because I'm so pale." She said. "When I get too hot, I get dizzy and pass out. My mother was the same way."

>>22586325
Maybe there's some caves we can explore then? Down by the beach?

>>22586325
"We could always get an umbrella or parasol if that helps."

>>22586325
"We should all go for a ride on Gearworks."

>>22586359
I'm up for a bit of exploring.

>>22586384
I think it can only hold two people. So they could ride it.

"We could always get an umbrella or parasol, if that helps."
"I should, but... there are political ramifications." She said. "Skiitaran nobles use parasols, and they're not... well liked, here.
"Maybe there's some caves we can explore then? Down by the beach?"
"Maybe, yeah." She said. "That sounds like a good idea. We could picnic in some cave... except if we get lost."
"No such thing." You say.
"What he said." Lyra said. "Abel can't get lost in caves. He has a scary sense of direction. We were exploring- we were just kids at the time- and ended up lost. I was terrified, and he just grabbed my hand and waltzed out. I was bawling at the time."

>>22586490
"Yep. Chief Cave Explorer right here."

>>22586490
If it helps you feel better, you were adorable at the time.

My sense of direction doesn't help me if the floor collapses though.
Indicate at our sword.

"If it makes you feel better, you were adorable at the time."
"It doesn't help at all." She grumbled.
"What other stories do you have?" Isavla asked.
"... There were the many times I ambushed him." Lyra said. "Though I think he let me win most of the time."

Which you did.

Some time later, Tannis stretched, and then suddenly grinned, her ears perking up. "I can shift again." She said, and became a cat. "The silver wound is healed, now."
Isavla picked her up, and started petting her. Tannis audibly sighed.

Eventually, you were back at the Leez's shop, and make your way in. The elven woman waved.
"Welcome back." She said. "Kale and Cass aren't here right now. Something about getting him prepared for combat."

>>22586695
That was some quick healing.

Skritch Tannis' ears. "You like Isalva, don't you?"

"Were there any caves about, Leez? We were going to go exploring later."

>>22586695
"Combat? Anyway, we were going to explore some of the caves, want to come with?"

You skritch Tannis's ears, and she meowed at you. "You like Isavla, don't you?"
She nodded.
You turn to Leez. "Combat?"
"It seems that she's buying him armor or something similar." She said.
"Anyway, were there any caves about, Leez? We were going to go exploring later."
"Not in the city, I don't believe." She said.
"There was this one cave I was told never to go near, near the cabin." Tannis said, as Isavla held her tightly. "We could explore that one."

File: 1358204130433.png-(1002 KB, 3000x2800, Cassawesome.png)

>Exabyte, have a gift for being so awesome.
> It's Cass!

>>22586898
Expressly forbidden to enter? Sounds perfect! Would you like to come along, Leez? It could be fun.

>>22586898
"Oooh. Sounds fun."

We should get a lantern or cheat ourselves a flashlight

>>22586942
we can use leez, if she can glamor like kale can

>>22586900
Sweet

Rolled 66

>>22586898
Yeah! Let's go into the cave that's totally not filled with dark secrets about your father's past. I'm sure it'll turn out alright. What's the worst that could happen?
Oh, yeah, and I was planning on retiring from the adventuring business tomorrow, so I hope nothing bad happens to me today. That'd be some shitty luck, wouldn't it?
I just want you to know that I love all of you so, so much.
TRIP ALL THE DEATH FLAGS!

>>22586972
Astora isn't pregnant so we can't trip that one.
yet.

>>22586900
>Dat spear.
>So awesome!

"Expressly forbidden to enter? Sounds perfect! Would you like to come along, Leez? It could be fun."
"... No thank you." She said. "I'm rather busy as it is."
"Also, I was thinking..." Lyra spoke up. "Are Kale and you..."
"He's my husband." Leez responded, and then her eyebrows lowered, and she grinned lecherously. "That said, if you want to join me and him..."
Lyra stepped out of the shop.

Leez sighed. "How come nobody takes me up on that offer?"
"Because you sound like a spider that eats it's mates afterward." Isavla said, matter-of-factly. "There's also the fact that after a night with Kale, he ended up bandaged and splinted."

>>22586898
"If it gets dangerous, we're just going to back out, okay?"

>>22587018
"She has a point."
Then step out before Leez tries something.

>>22587018
"Yeah that's a bit off-putting. Humans don't heal as quickly too."

>>22587018
She was only just mildly interested in Kale. If you played it right you might have had a chance at that, you know. Be more subtle sometimes.

Flick her ear.

Let's get to that cave.

>>22587018
"It's a tempting offer, but none of us want to get between the pure and enduring love you two have for each other. Or you're just too forward.

And while Kale might have enjoyed it he also got splinters, which sound painful."

I don't suppose any one has told you you're a bit rough in the area of intercourse?

"She was only mildly interested in Kale." You say. "If you played it right, you might have had a chance at that, you know. Be more subtle, sometimes."
She sighed.
"Would've been my best catch..." She mumbled, and then the group left. Lyra, who was standing outside, pointed at you.
"Not. A word." She said, glaring.
"Let's go to that cave." You say.
"Yes, let's." She responded.

Some time later, you were standing on the beach, somewhere below the cliff near Tannis's cabin. The sun was on the edge of the sky, and it would soon be night. The cave itself was just too small for Gearworks to enter, and pure, pitch black. You lit your lantern.
"Are you sure we won't get lost?" Isavla asked.
"Certain." Lyra said, and pointed at you again. "Not while he's here, at least."

>>22587173
"Better safe than sorry. Never sure what we'll find."
Keep revolver drawn, just in case.

>>22587173
"Super Turbo Night Vision Mode Activate!"

Attempt to compile a bunch of glowsticks. When that doesn't work, light a torch.

>>22587173
"I don't get lost. At the very worst I'll know exactly where we are, and just not where the exit is. Have some confidence in me."

It's exploration time!

"Better safe than sorry." You say, and draw your revolver, loaded with six bullets. "Never sure what we'll find."

The four of you entered the cave, and the walls and floor were smooth, almost... eroded, it seemed. If it were high tide, you suppose that the cave would have water to your knees. The stone was grey and unfeeling, and it was a welcome cold, as opposed to the heat up on the surface. The cave was straight entirely, with no twists or turn, and slanting downward. The darkness was strong here, and it almost seemed that -
Lyra grabbed your shoulder and pulled you back, just as you were about to step off of some kind of cliff.
"Hang on." Lyra said, and you peered down, squinting through the dark. You turned the lantern up a bit brighter.

"I can see it." Tannis said, her eyes reflective. "It's a big cavern down there, filled with water. And there's an.. island in the center.
"And there's a ladder here." Isavla said, kneeling down next to the edge. You look down, and you can see a long rope ladder, long since bolted to the rock.

Rolled 19

>>22587371
"I'll climb down and tell you if it's safe."
could really use on of those helmets with lamps on

>>22587371
"This seems totally awesome. I'll check out the cavern, see if there's a good way to get to the island, looks like a great picnic place."

>>22587371
"Ladies first."

"This seems totally awesome." You say. "I'll climb down, check out the cavern, see if there's a good way to get to the island. Looks like a great picnic place. Then I'll tell you if it's safe."
"... Can you leave the lantern?" Isavla asked. "I'm... not a fan of this darkness."

>>22587487
"Sure thing."

>>22587487
Just hold on to Tannis, you'll be fine.

Rolled 57

>>22587487
We can't see in the dark. If we leave the lantern, something bad is definitely happening.
However, if the person who CAN see in the dark (Tannis) goes down there, she's going to be freaked out by whatever it is that her father told her not to go into the cave to keep her away from.
So.
Isavla's going down with the lantern.

>>22587533
Fucking Dice. Shut up.

Rolled 47

>>22587487
cheat.smallTorch

"Sure thing." You say, and hand it to her. Lyra pulls something out of her equipment, and handed it to you. With a few sparks of flint and tinder, the torch lit.
"Standard order equipment." She said. "Alongside the Aqua Ignis."

You take the torch in hand, and slowly, carefully climb down the rope ladder. It was made of incredibly thick rope, with rusted iron steps, as you climb down. Soon enough, you were at the bottom- a small, rounded bit of flat stone, rivulets from where the water at high tide trickled down and into the water at each side of you. Through the flickering light of the torch, you could see a long, stone bridge leading to the island in the center. The deep, dark, black water lay perfectly still, your torch's light reflecting back at you.

>>22587626
Touch the water.

>>22587626
Throw a rock into the water, see what happens, then carefully check out the bridge.

>>22587626
"It looks okay so far guys!"

Carefully, experimentally, you kicked a rock into the water. It splashed, and nothing abnormal happened. You carefully touched it- and the water was warm, strangely. Warmer than the chill of the cave itself. You examine the bridge itself. It was made of stone bricks, older than you can realize
"It looks okay so far, guys!" You cry.
"Good to hear! We'll be down in a bit!" Lyra called.

You peer across the bridge... and a bright fire suddenly flares up in the very center.
On the other side of the fire sat a bear, scrawny and half-starved.
The scar on your chest itches.

>>22587783
"No, no, it's not okay! There's a bear!"

>>22587783
Throw it some food if we have any on us.

>>22587783
call out "Are you guys seeing this?"

Some sort of trial, it seems. Have the sword ready, no sense shooting hallucinations.

Approach carefully

>>22587783
"Hello there, Sir Bear."

>>22587783
"This seems to be some kind of spirit quest, because I already killed this bear once. Are you two seeing a bear?"

Draw our sword, be ready to fight. Approach carefully.

>>22587783
"GREETINGS HUMBLE BEAR."

"No, no, it's not okay! There's a bear!"
"I can't see it." Lyra called back, and you hear her start talking to the others, the echos distorting things.
"Are any of you guys seeing this?" You call back.
"There's nothing!" Tannis called.

You lower your voice, and draw your sword.
"Hello there, sir bear." You say, stepping across the bridge. As you do, it stepped across the fire, turning into a silhouette.
It snarled at you, and started at a lumbering charge.

Rolled 46

>>22587852
Disarm sir bearson with the sword

Rolled 68

>>22587888
Might as well give it a second roll.

Rolled 39

>>22587888
No no no, what you do is: wait patiently for the illusion to pass through you.
I roll to disbelieve.

Rolled 44

>>22587852
Show the bear our sword skills, by dodging the charge and stabbing it.

Rolled 35

>>22587852
"Cool, just mild hallucinations then, Give me a moment."

"Maybe this was meant for Tannis. We probably should have read the journal first."

Punch the bear on the nose.

>>22587927
It's a general "bad memory" spell.
Tannis doesn't have any scars across her belly from being mauled by a bear. If she were the first down, then it would be an illusion(?) of us taunting her with our sweet man-flesh on a new moon.
Calling it now.

With two steps and a snicker-snack, the bear collapsed, bleeding outwards, and you hear a soft, lilting voice.
"Interesting, interesting." You hear someone say- it was a young woman, sitting next to the fire, long tattooes spiralling around her body, her ears pointed and her hair and skin coal grey. "You kill without hesitation. I'm not sure if that's a good thing. Life should be respected. But as it was in the past, it should be now. So you are the victor."
You watch the bear puff into smoke- it was an illusion, like you thought.
"Hello." She said, quietly. "It's been a long time. Where has she been?"

>>22588005
"Life should be respected when it hasn't scarred you when you were young and isn't charging straight at you."

"Who might you be?"

>>22588005
>her hair dark purple and skin coal grey
>I accidentally forgot a few words. Whoops.

>>22588005
It brought back memories of things I'd rather not repeat. Do you know how much bear innards smell?

To which She do you refer? I have a few.

>>22588005
"Life should be respected, but part of that is the cycle of life, which involves me not letting bears eat my face. Fucking bears.

Who are you? And who is the 'she' that you're referring to?"

>>22588037
Dark elf?

"It brought back memories of things I'd rather not repeat. Do you know how much bear innards smell?" You ask.
She laughed, a soft, lilting laugh.
"Who are you? And who is that 'she' that you're referring to?"
"Kaliel is her name. Sheis a maenad- a shapeshifter." She said, quietly. "And my own is Gareth."

>>22588089
"Sorry, neither of those names ring a bell.

How long ago did you last see Kaliel? I may know her daughter."

>>22588089
"Isn't Gareth...more of a mans name?"

"I'm quite certain I know no one by the name of Kaliel. The only maenad we I know is Tannis."

>>22588089
I'm afraid I am unfamiliar. But I think you will want to talk to Tannis.

"Isn't Gareth... more of a man's name?"
"It's not." She said. "At least, not when I bear it."
"I'm quite certain I know no one by the name of Kaliel." You say. "The only maenad I know is Tannis."
"Ah. Tannis is the name of her daughter. I'm speaking of your friend's mother. Where is her mother?"
"How long ago did you last see Kaliel?"
"Several years." She said. "It is easy to tell the time, living down here, based on when the water comes down from above."

>>22588184
"Unfortunately, she's passed away."

>>22588184
"I'm not sure you'll like this...her mother died some years ago."

>>22588184
She... Took her life. You really need to talk to Tannis.

"I'm not sure you'll like this... her mother died, some years ago."
She blinked.. and then hung her head, her long hair covering her eyes.
"I see." She said, her voice cracking. Excepting the time Astora's familiar died, you've never heard so much... pain, in someone's voice.
She looked back into the fire.
"There are others up there, are there not?" She asked, her voice still thick and cracking. "Please, invite them down, if you will."

>>22588184
"I think you'd best talk to her daughter."

"Hey, Tannis, come here!"

>>22588251
"Guys, come on down."

>>22588251
"Hey, Tannis, Sisters, come down, it's fine.

I'm sorry to be the one who brought you bad news. But I'm sure Tannis would love to hear more about her mother."

"Hey, Tannis, Sisters, come down, it's fine!" You call.
"No bear?" Lyra called back.
"Tell them it was merely an illusion." Gareth said, quietly.
You out, and then turn to her again.
"I'm sorry to be the one who brought you bad news. But I'm sure Tannis would love to hear more about her mother." You say.
"... Most likely, yes." She said. "Last time Kaliel and I spoke, Tannis was merely a kitten."
Soon enough they were down the ladder, Tannis humanoid.
"... Who's this?" Lyra asked, sword drawn.
"My name is Gareth." The woman said, staring at the fire. "Pleased to meet you."
"I'm Lyra. This is Isavla, and Tannis."
"Hello, all of you." She said. "Feel free to sit down. I would offer you a meal, but I have none. Perhaps you could catch some of the blind fish in the water..."

>>22588382
We can fish while we listen. This really isn't our tale.

>>22588382
"Tahnnis, Gareth knew your Mother, maybe she can answer some questions you have for her."

Start trying to fish for some food, may as well.

>>22588415
Let's allow Gareth to introduce herself.
But yeah, we fisherman now.

>>22588382
"Pleased to meet you, Gareth."

"Tannis, Gareth knew your mother." You say. "Maybe she can answer some questions you have for her."
"You did?" Tannis asked, eyes wide. You turn to the water, and draw out your fishing pole, trying to fish.
>Roll for fishing!
Tannis was silent, and then took a deep breath.
"How did you two meet?"
"She went exploring this cavern." She said. "First I lived deeper in the cave, and she'd gotten lost." Gareth said. "Started crying, her tail fizzed out and ears flat. I'd heard her, and showed her the way out. Since then, she's come by every few weeks, or months."
"What sort of things did you talk about?"
"Anything and everything." She said. "Talbot, her fiancee, her problems with controlling herself on new moons, her daughter, the way the moonnlight reflected off the ocean that night... everything."

Rolled 40

>>22588382
Rolling for fishing.

Rolled 83

>>22588528
Rollan

"And you've been down here the whole time?"

Rolled 21

>>22588528
Fishing!

Let those two talk it out.

>>22588551
>>22588529
>>22588559
It's a good thing we're skilled in fishing.
I rather like this system.

Rolled 95

>>22588551
Let them have a moment to talk
Roll is for fishing

>>22588585
Yeah, I really dig this dice rolling mechanic.

>>22588592
I am sorry, good roll, but you were one too late.

"And you've been down here the whole time?"
"Yes." She responded. "Admittedly, once or twice I *did* consider leaving to try and find her, but..."
She shook her head, as you catch one of the blind fish. You set it aside, and Lyra started cleaning it, as the two of you did back in the vale.
"Eugh, these things are pretty ugly." Lyra said, quietly.
"But what? Why don't you leave?" Tannis asked.
"This is home." Gareth responded. "I'm comfortable here. Less comfortable... up there."
"I see." Tannis said. "Can you tell me about her?"
"She was small, thoughtless, rather lazy, easily scared... but she was lovely. I've never met a person like her." Gareth said. "You could say... you could say I loved her."

>>22588647
"Not fond of the sun?"

>>22588647
"...I'm sorry. Would you like a hug?"

>>22588647
There's an elf up there who I'm sure would love to meet you.
don't say this, but i knew we should have brought her along.

>>22588689
no. We don't even know her.

>>22588647
"She sounds like she was a wonderful person."

Keep on catching fish, then start cooking them on the fire for Tannis and the rest of us.

"She sounds like she was a wonderful person."
"She is." Gareth said, quietly, and hugged her knees, as you continue catching fish after fish, Lyra putting the cleaned ones on the fire.
"Not fond of the sun?"
"It's not the sun that bothers me." She said. "It's the open spaces. I was raised down here, by the spiders, and the open... it's terrifying. Even under cover of night, with the largest parasol Kaliel could find, I could hardly enter her cabin. We did that only once."

>>22588802
"Spiders? I've got a robot-spider waiting outside the cabin if you're feeling adventurous and want to see it."

>>22588802
"Raised of spiders and fish?"

Have you ever met anyone other then Kaliel?

>>22588802
"You could always try imaging the world as just one big cave."

"Raised of spiders and fish?" You ask. "Have you ever met anyone other than Kaliel?"
"No fish. Just spiders." She said. "And yes. A strange man, once, nearly ten years before I met Kaliel." She said. "He was an adventurer, he said- it was one of the first human words I've ever heard. He was the first person I'd ever met- and the firsts of many. He was the one who constructed that ladder for me."
"... And his name was Ezekiel." Lyra said.
"... Yes. How did you know?" She asked.
"He's our father." Lyra said. "My own, Isavla's, and Abel's. I just had a feeling."
"... Strange." She said, and quietly looked into the fire. "I don't want to ask, but... where is he now?"
You look to Isavla, and there was a strange frown on her face, as if she was unsettled by something.
"Dead." Lyra said.
"... I see." She said, quietly- and you could hear the same pain from before. It was strange- her expression reminded you of Kale's, when he was speaking of Skiitara.

>>22588995
I think someone needs a hug.

>>22589050
I agree.

We should tell her how he died, too, if she wants to know.

>>22588995
"Dad really did get around didn't he?"

"You loved him too, didn't you?"

>>22589099
There is a saying about assumptions and asses.

>>22589130
Assumptions make an ass out of you and I?

"You loved him too, didn't you?" You ask.

She nodded, quietly.
"He stayed only long enough to teach me to speak... then left."

Her head fell into her crossed arms, and she sniffled
"And I couldn't leave with him. And now it's too late."
Quietly, she started crying.

You rush to hug her.

>End of thread!

>>22588995
"It seems that wherever we go our Father got there first.

That must have been some time ago, and you don't seem to be old in the least. If you don't mind me asking how long have you been here? What are you?"

>>22589161
Thanks for running, Exa!

>>22589161
Thread hasn't been archived by the way. I'll do it if no one else wants to.

>>22589935
Oh, thanks for reminding me. I'd forgotten.

We're going to ask her why Tannis' father forbade her to enter the cave that her mother went into all the time, right?
Next thread.