"Sounds great.

...so did you really get that kind of silk?"

>delayed by power failure
Unforgivable.

>>22974357
"Yeah, a forge would be good. I could make you something, if you'd like."

>>22974357
>it wasn't my fault at all. I lost power.

So why didn't you hop on the bicycle that powers your backup generator, Exa? I feel like you're not trying hard enough for this free entertainment that you provide for me daily. Step it the fuck up.

>>22974382
>>22974405
>>Me? Physical *work*? Psh, as if!

"Yeah, a forge would be good. I could make you something, if you'd like." You say, and she took you down another street, as snow started falling, softly.
"They're near the outskirts, so it'll be a ... long walk." She said, leaning against you. "I would like it, too."
"... So did you really get that kind of silk?" You ask, and her face burned.
"N-no." She lied, badly. "I-I didn't."

>>22974357

we also still have to tell the crones about Gabriel and her plans for world domination. Sanctuary is full of powerful magic so it's not unthinkable that she'll try something to cut it down (pretty soon if you ask me).

lets not forget about Gabriel again.

>>22974429
"...That's a shame."

>>22974429
Grin, "That is the worst lie I've ever heard, and I love it."

>>22974429

"it looked quite beautiful, i wonder how accurate those illusions are compared to the real thing" in a casual tone of voice.

>Exabyte, I am loving this new schedule of yours. Hope your Nemesis isn't acting up.

You give her a grin.
"That is the worst lie I've ever heard, and I love it."
She elbowed you in the ribs, though your scale armor dealt with most of it, but she didn't seem to care.
"The forge." She said, voice clear as she deliberately changed the subject, as she pointed. "Is this way."
The two of you turned down an alleyway, and then onto another main road, this populated mostly by changelings, trolls, and a fairy or two- as well as some beings that might have been humans, or witches without familiars.
"This is the changeling part of town." Astora said. "Humans, parthumans, and fey live here. I think there are also quite a few weres around, too. It'll be the waxing phase, soon, so we'll have to deal with the wereboars and werebulls."

>>22974575
Do instincts get the better of people here, or is it all kept in check?

>>22974575
"Waxing?"

>>22974641
As in the moon, as opposed to waning.

"Waxing?"
"There are four phases of moon that's important for shapeshifters. New moon, Waxing moon, Full moon, Waning moon." She said. "Every type of shapeshifter has their own phase."
"Do instincts get the better of people here, or is it all kept in check?"
"Most of them check themselves into the menagerie, where we set up a few cages for them." She said. "It's rare, but sometimes, for whatever reason, someone doesn't want to go into the cage- in which case we send them into the forests south of here, where they can roam."
She shrugged. "Werewolves and werecats- or maenads, I guess- are the only problem ones, though I don't know of any maenads that live here. The other weres can control themselves, though they're stuck in that form. Werebulls are impressive, though."
She laughed.
"Back when my parents were still alive, I was wandering around- and it got late and dark. I'd crawled into a dark, cold corner, freezing... when an enormous, humanoid bull arrived, and held out a hand. He gave me food and shelter, and we talked for a time."

>>22974575
"Any Maenad?"

>>22974693
New Moon, come on Abel knows this shit already.

>>22974685
"That's quite a humble story. It'd be nice to meet one."

>>22974685
"Does he still live here?"

I was wondering if there were maenad around here.

>>22974731
>though I don't know of any maenads that live here.

Come on man, reading comprehension.

"Does he still live here?"
"No, he got old and died." She said, and there was something... unspoken in her voice. "Weres never live longer than thirty years or so. Shapeshifting is hard on the body."
She shrugged.
"His daughter runs Haven." She said. "Here we are."
She stopped walking, and you saw a large forge, as well as multiple anvils, and muscled, heavily muscled trolls hammering away, each of them subtly different, with different scale tone, different horns, and one hand enormous claws, with which it was holding the bit of silver it was working on.

>>22974784
Do we still have that glass shard from the mirror? Can we make a fastening/necklace for it?

Try and find a troll that looks like Cass.
"Good afternoon, I'm Able Byrne"

>>22974784
"Is there anything in particular you would like?"

>>22974827
The mirror was a metaphor from a dream.

>>22974827
>The mirror was metaphoric, so no.

"Is there anything in particular you would like?" You ask.
"I have everything." She said. "The mansion has jewelry, tools, weapons, florin, everything a person would need." She said, and gave you a kiss on the cheek.
"What I would like is whatever you would like to make for me." She said.

You make your way closer to one of the changelings, a man with two great horns bursting out of his head, and a powerfully flailing tail.
"Good afternoon." You say. "I'm Abel Byrne."
"Ah, hello." He said, with a nod. "This is the Obsidianscale forge. Do you need anything made? Or perhaps raw materials to make something? Or do you even wish to rent a forge for your own creations?"

>>22974784
"I could try making a necklace, if you'd like."

Also make a few more shells for the rifle if possible.

>>22974895
"I'd like to rent a forge, if you have any free. How much will that be?"

>>22974911
This, and I propose we make a guilded circlet for our 'queen'.

"I'd like to rent a forge, if you have any free." you say. "How much will that be?"
"Oh, only a hundred and fifty corvus or so. Or three silver coins. Or maybe a lesser florin." He said, with a nod. "And for material, well... it matters how much you need and what you plan to make it out of. But don't worry- fuel has no cost."

>>22974895
time to make some try barreled guns guns guns cause all we can make only destroys

or some thin tubes for black powder pipe bombs

>>22974950
"I'm only looking to make something something small, using silver."

I'm not sure what materials we'd be using for rifle shells if we're going to make them.

>>22974950
Three silver's a bit much.

>>22974962
Pipe bombs. This is a good idea.
I imagine we'd need iron for that.

>>22975000
No it's not.

Alright guys, let's stop and take some time to think of something really nice to make for Tori.

She's already got all kinds of jewelry and whatnot, so we'd have to make something particularly unique if that's what we're going to go with.

>>22975076
>That's what I figured, so I'll give you guys a little more time than ten minutes- that isn't long enough for any sort of real decision.

>>22975087
Thanks Exa.

Say, are Tori's ears pointed at all?

>>22975076
Something that fits on her claw, perhaps?

>>22975087
Ideas:
-Sword scabbard
-Circlet
-Necklace
-Dagger
Any others?

I would advise against any sort of firearm.

>>22975087

I say we make some kind of armlet that invokes the idea of fire too us, something using gold and silver as a mix that can go around her arm right about where we also have our tattoo

Rolled 97

magical jewelry for Tori

>>22975137

A circlet could work but its a head piece and she will hopefully be getting her dragon back soon I wouldnt want it to fall off. Off of that list I would say the best is a dagger but given that we want to make it crafty it would have to be cerimonial.

I wonder if we can make something clockwork, since we understand robotics, and guns use springs (Anything even slightly modern) and gears (Wheel-lock and a few other esoteric types)

File: 1360009839690.jpg-(15 KB, 500x421, ericksonbeamon1.jpg)

15 KB JPG

How about something like this guys?

>>22975188
Like a little wind-up dragon amulet that flaps it's wings or something.

>>22975188
This'd be quite cool. A mechanical dragon with magic fire?
>>22975148's roll would back it up, I suppose.

>>22975101
>No, though your own ears are very slightly pointed, and Lyra's are very pointed. Humans in VaQ-verse tend to have enough elf blood that pointed ears aren't unusual.

>>22975188
I like this idea. Maybe a clock, with a dragon on it?

>>22975208
Well I like the idea, but the gemstones would probably make it stupidly expensive. Maybe instead of silver and diamonds we could use a darker metal and some red gemstones?

>>22975229
I don't know if we have enough time (durr hurr) to make a clock small enough to carry. That's pretty advanced stuff.

>>22975248
We can try.

Rolled 67

>>22975259

Lets do it, pour our heart and soul into making a pocket watch for our lady, preferably with a dragon engraved on the face

>>22975213
I was thinking more like a necklace

After a few moments looking at your tools, you think, and start enumerating your options of what to make.
> [] Dragon amulet (Brass, 5 silver)
> [] Pocketwatch (Brass, 5 silver)
> [] Ear Jewelry (Silver and miscellaneous gems, 10 silver)
> [] Circlet (Silver, Iron, and miscellaneous gems, 10 silver)

>>22975305
It could be a necklace mounted watch.

>>22975338
>> [] Pocketwatch

>>22975338
>> []X Pocketwatch (Brass, 5 silver)
something functional suites her

>>22975344
As soon as we give that to her, she'll turn into a buck toothed black man named Flava Flave

>>22975338
I tiebreaker vote for either the pocketwatch or the clockwork dragon amulet.
Either of those will be unique.

>>22975338
>[x]Pocketwatch

>>22975338
[x] Dragon-Pocketwatch

Rolled 82

>>22975338
pocketwatch, bearing a carving of a dragon on one side and a wolf's head or the winged sword on the other.

let's see how many functions we can give it with our new forge-powers

>>22975414
Let's just do the dragon part. No need to throw our own symbol on a gift for someone else.

>>22975392
Pocketwatch, with a dragon motif on the lid.

And on the inside we engrave: "To Tori, From Abel."

Rolled 63

>>22975428
even on a gift for someone that we're subconsciously or metaphysically connected to?

>>22975338
Combine Dragon Amulet and Pocketwatch!

[x]Pocketdragonwatch

>>22975442
Even then. It's not like she doesn't know who made it for her.

>>22975441
That's the most boring engraving message ever.

How about 'I've never been happier
than I am when I'm with you' or 'I am always
by your side. Love, Abel'

Rolled 50

>>22975466
so?

we'll be going away for a while she might want something that uniquely means "Abel"

but perhaps the dragon with Tori's face on the reverse might work too

>>22975516
That's just corny.

>>22975526
We aren't going for corny?

No engraving, she knows where its from.

>>22975546
It's OVERLY corny

>>22975546
Handmade, brass pocketwatches are pretty elegant and corny just messes that up.

After buying enough brass, and getting to the tools, you got to work, as Astora sat down next to one of the trolls, her coat pulled tight around her, waiting patiently, giving you a smile every time you looked over to her.

Carefully, delicately, you started making gears, grinding them away and smoothing them, as time stretched on.

Some time later, you pulled away, grinding the glass, and making small markings on the face of the watch, as knowledge from far away came to you, with skills that weren't yours moved your hands for you, and leisurely, almost casually, you snapped the last few gears into place, fusing the casing closed with some heat.

Some time later, the brass pocketwatch was done, a simple red dragon weaving around it- and you flipped it open.
Finally, you take a small tool, and carefully engrave a message on the inside.

"I am always by your side." Tori said, the watch in hand, chain attached to her waist. "Love, Abel."
She shot you a grin, and held the watch up to her ear. "It's ticking. What does it do?"

>>22975597
"Open it, it's a watch. It'll tell you the time."

Rolled 68

>>22975563
>>22975581
>>22975546
>>22975526
corny-ness aside we agree on the >[X]make a pocketwatch
course of action right?

that and shoving as many functions as possible into said watch?

>>22975597
It ticks!

It keeps time.

>>22975597
"it's a watch, a miniaturized clock. You'll need to wind it occasionally to keep it going."

>>22975597
"How much longer 'till Haven is open, by the way? Have I got time to make something else?"

Rifle-shells go.

You know, maybe making a watch for someone whose only current hobby is waiting around for half her soul to return might have been a bad idea.

>>22975670
Well I guess she'll be using it often?

>>22975670
It's something to listen to on long nights.

>>22975670
Or it's a good idea. It'll give her some "proof" that she's really moving towards the day when her familiar returns.

"It ticks!" You say. "It also keeps time."
"Time? Like... a sundial?"
She flipped it open, and then looked to the sky, where the sun made it's arc over the sky.
"... It *is* like a sundial!" She said, and grinned, before giving you a kiss.
"It's beautiful, though." She said. "I really like it."
"You'll need to wind it occassionally to keep it going." You say.
"Okay, how do I wind it?" She asked.
You show her the key she has to twist, and give her a good idea of how much she'll have to, as the two of you walk.
"It's beautiful." She said, gave it a grin. "Definitely worth coming here."
"How much longer until Haven is open, by the way?" You ask. "Have I got time to make something else?"
"It won't be open until dark." She said. "Yeah, you have time."
You turn back to the forge, and get to work.

>Roll crafting! Skilled. 1d100.

Rolled 71

>>22975801
>Oh boy, mystery crafts!

Rolled 23

>>22975801
Rolling for gun

Rolled 59

>>22975801
Rifle-shells!

Rolled 6

>>22975801
Follan for phat lewt

Rolled 31

>>22975829
Shut up, you. Rolling for Crafting. (for...whatever)

Rolled 38

>>22975801
pipe bomb w/ spikes to stick to forged

Rolled 58

>>22975857
Disgusting.

>>22975801
Make that thing!

Rolled 79

>>22975801
a dagger, or perhaps a few cartridges for the pistols, just so we don't have only the six

and some good copper jacketed projectiles too...

Some time later, tools in hand, you forge six more powerful shells for your rifle- and with a quick test, pulling back the slide and slamming in new slugs, they seemed to feed properly, the exhumed shells gleaming with Sanctis. You'd have to fire them to make sure it worked properly, but you now had a full ten of them in the heavy rifle, which was the most it could carry.

When you look away from the forge, the trolls were all giving you Looks, and Astora was asleep, curled up in the snow, as the sunset cast long orange clouds across the sky.

"I believe you've used the forge enough for today." The troll changeling said. "Unless you intend to rent it for longer, of course."

>>22975918
"No, I'm done for now, thanks."

>>22975918
"No, I had best get this one back home."

Toss him another silver.

>>22975918
"That'll be all, thank you."

"Hey, Tori, I'm all done. Do you want to go to Haven now?"

Rolled 64

>>22975918
"I beleive I have for now yes; it was a pleasure using such fine tools; and you might be seeing me tomorrow, if that sits well with you all."

gently shake tori awake and see about that Haven place...

"No, I had best get this one back home." You say, and toss him another silver, before scooping Tori up in your arms. She was very light, almost too light to be healthy, and you simply walked.
"Didn't mean to fall asleep." She mumbled, her eyes half-lidded, before she sniffled and wiped at her eyes, before leaning up in your arms and kissing you.
"Hey, Tori, I'm all done." You say. "Do you want to go to Haven now?"
"It's up to you." She said, quietly. "Because I can go to haven any night, but you'll only be here for a few days."

>>22976115
"Alright. Care to show me the way?"

>>22976115
Give her a kiss back, don't put her down. "It sounds like fun. Could you give me directions."

>>22976115
Carry her someplace quiet and kiss her until she makes a descision.

"Alright." You say, and give her a kiss- her legs kicked as you did, and she grinned at you. "Care to show me the way?"
"Well, that way." she said, and pointed- apparently she didn't have any problems with being carried.

Eventually, you and your passenger made your way through the snow, past the quickly darkening snow, and into a small, wooden building, entirely unlabeled.

Once inside, you saw that it was clearly a small tavern, with a bar, stools, and large open spaces. Standing behind the bar was a sleeping girl, long curling horns sticking out of her head, with a small tail whipping this way and that.
"Now go nudge her and wake her up." Astora said, with a grin, arm around you.

>>22976342
Nudge her with Tori's leg.

>>22976342
Poke her forehead a few times until she wakes up.

>>22975801
>ok I just came into the thread a few minuets ago and you guys seriously missed the best opportunity here.
>Abel should have paraphrased dale from the walking dead and said "I give you this watch not so that you may know the time but so that you can, for one moment, forget it."
>Just figured I point out your missed opportunity /tg/

>>22976342
"Uhh...hello."

>>22976410
We can still do that a bit later when she brings it up showing it off to Ariana.

Good thought though.

>>22976342
hold tori in front of us and poke the sleeping girl with a stick.

"Uh, hello?" You ask.

The woman at the bar snored.
So you hit her with Tori's leg, and she fell back, clattering to the ground, before standing up, perfectly awake.
"Right, right, sorry!" She said. "Uh.... hello."
"Hello." You say back.
"Okay, this is Abel." Astora said. "And Abel, this is Namira."
"Hi, Abel." She said, and gave you a grin. "Welcome to Haven."
"Ooh, Tori's got a date." Someone said, and you turned back- it was a scrawny man in all black, with two wolves following him- apparently he'd walked in after you.
"And this is Kev. He's a douchebag." Astora said, and he chuckled. "He also has two familiars, so that's interesting. Where's your sister?"
"She has some girlfriend she's been hanging around the past few days." Kev said.
"Anything I can get you?" Namira asked. "I have... well, everything you could ask for."
"Not Ale." Astora said. "Don't get the ale."

>>22976507
"Well now I'm going to have to get the ale. Ale!"

>>22976507
"A glass of your finest wine, please."

>>22976507
Cider then?

>>22976507
"I'll trust you on that, but why not the ale?

Namira, what would you suggest?"

>>22976507

"that's tempting fate you know, telling someone not to get something"

get another Astora.

>>22976548
Seconded.

"I'll trust you on that, but why not the ale?"
"Because the ale is always hers." Kev said. "And since Astora is the queen of the universe, anybody who dares disobey her will get burned alive. According to the time I took the last of the ale."
"Namira, what would you suggest?"
"The cider isn't bad." Namira said, and slid a jug across the bar, where Astora, still in your arms, snagged it.
"Cider, then." You say, and she slid it to you.
"So this is Haven." Astora said. "Most of the nobilis pitched in to build it, so we're the only ones who really know about it."
"It's actually surprising to see that Astora's dragged someone here." The warlock in black said, with a chuckle, as the wolves walked circles around him, sniffing at your shoes- and then he looked like he realized something, and nodded.

>>22976682
"So what'd you figure out by my scent, if you don't mind my asking?"

>>22976682

does getting two familiars have a special meaning or is it just a very rare occurrence?

>>22976682
"What's it like to have two familiars? Being in three places at once?

I don't think Astora would set me on fire, I'm far too adorable."

Take a sip of Astora's ale.

>>22976682
Well we've still got a girl in our arms, so:
"Grab my drink would you Tori?"
Then grab a seat and put her in our lap.

"Wolves are cool, and two are more cool. It's like your your own pack."

>>22976729
>It got him made Nobilis, so it can't be common.

"So what'd you figure out by my scent, if you don't mind me asking?"
"That you're not a warlock, and that Astora's very fond of you." He said, and snickered. "But most importantly... you've recently been headbutted by a goat."
"What's it like to have two familiars? Being in three places at once?"
"I wouldn't know." He said. "At least, not how to explain it. I've never had only one familiar."
"Can you grab my drink?" You ask Astora, and she snatched it too, as you grabbed a seat and sat her up in your lap.
"Does it have a special meaning, or is it just a very rare occurrence?"
"It means I have two souls, or something." He said. "Some of my gifts work better through a certain one, some of them are weaker, and supposedly I'd be able to have up to fourteen Gifts."
You suddenly see two mirrors behind him, each with a wolf in it, and flashes of light- but after you take a drink of cider, the mirrors were gone.
"I don't think Astora would set me on fire, anyway. I'm far too adorable."
"You're not *that* ador- hey!" She said, as you took a sip of her ale. She slapped at your hand, and you shot her a grin. She begrudgingly let you take another sip before snatching it from your hand.

>>22976854
I don't think the goat likes me very much.

>>22976854
"See? I'm still flame free."

>>22976944
"I'm fireproof."

>>22976854

better not push my luck though.
the goat isn't bad, we just got off on the wrong foot.

>gotta sleep
>please make sure we convey a message to the crones about the bitch with world domination plans!

>>22976854
"I am precisely that adorable. Not as cute as you or Ari, but still plenty adorable. I'm not on fire.

Two souls, that is interesting, if I knew more about magic I'd probably be able to say exactly how interesting it is. As for the goat, she seems to use headbutts as a way to say hello.

So, do you have any funny stories about Tori here?"

>>22977006
Replace 'hello' with 'move'.

>>22977006
That's Astora not Ariana.

"See? I'm still flame free." You say.
"For now." Astora said, in a low, chilling voice. The warlock in black chuckled, and the horned woman in the corner took a deep sip of something.
"Better not push my luck, though. As for the goat, she seems to use headbutts as a way to say hello."
"I know." he said, and chuckled. "The goat's a cute kid."
"We adopted her." Astora said.
"Good to hear!" The warlock said, and nodded, as one of the wolves ran to the door.
"So, do you have any funny stories about Tori here?"
She shot him a withering, boiling glare.
"Well..." He said, a shit-eating grin on his face. "There was this time at the tower when she met-"
"No. Don't." Astora said, sitting up. "I will hurt you."
"She met Cat's familiar, and thought it was a wild beast. Spent all day feeding her, and eventually dragged it all the way home to show her mom."
You instantly get a picture of a little Astora dragging a very large, black panther, and can't hold back a chuckle.

>>22976854
Yeah, she doesn't like me because I scared her.

>>22977104
"That is the most precious story I've ever heard."

>>22977104
And I'm sure cat was a good enough sport to play along.

>>22977104
Ha! Cat is quite fond of you. She told me to take care of you.

>>22977104
"Somehow I think that Cat found it absolutely hilarious. Cat likes Astora.

There any way you guys can help me talk to the crones or at least pass a message on? I think they should probably know about the giant army of Forged that's going to start conquering everywhere. It won't be easy to stop it."

>>22977104
"Well to be fair to Tori, I almost made the same mistake earlier today."
Grin, "Still, the image that evokes is absolutely adorable."

>>22977181
Let's not say the latter. We promised Tori she'd have all our time.

>>22977104
"that's pretty good; you got any more?"

(when she starts threatening in earnest)

"perhaps later, what was your name again in case I get a chance to wander?"

>>22977266
it's Kev.

"It's not my fault!" Astora said.
"The best part was when she brought it into class. She'd named the familiar 'kitty', and the Giftless were terrified."
You chuckle.
"That is the most precious story I've ever heard."
Astora's glare at Kev promised the devouring of souls and the ruin of all things.
"Well, to be fair to Tori, I almost made the same mistake earlier today." You say, and grin. "Still, the image that evokes is absolutely adorable."
Ruin. Of. All. Things, Astora's glare promised.
"Huh, Cedric's on his way." Kev said, and the door slammed open. Stepping in was a tall, thin man, his eyes colorless, and hair streaked with blue. A very small, very fuzzy, very adorable kitten sat on his shoulder.
"Aloha." He said- and then he tilted his head at you.
"... Hello. You do not have a name I can sense. It's very strange."
"Ced, this is Abel." Astora said. "Abel, this is Cedric."
"Ced's a nobilis because his familiar is so ferocious." Kev said, and cackled.

>>22977294
"You sense names? Is it a Gift?"

>>22977294
So fuzzy, I want to pet it.

>>22977294
Shake his hand, "Abel Byrne. An elf told me my true name is unspeakable, whatever that means, so maybe that's why."

>>22977319
Yeah, remember Eldin, I think he had the same thing.

>>22977294
"Nice to meet you Cedric, I've been told the same thing about my name before. I suspect it's due to some other oddities about the nature of my existence."

>>22977294
"Gift of Names? That's not the first time this has happened. I'm Abel, pleased to meet you."

"Gift of Names?" You say. "That's not the first time this has happened. I'm Abel, pleased to meet you."
"Cedric Celeste." He said, and took a seat, as Namira set down a saucer of milk and a glass of wine next to him. The kitten, with a 'hup', leapt down and started licking at the milk. "But yes, I bear the Gift of Names. As well as the Gift of Force, Gift of Earth, and the Gift of Breath. I'm only missing Flame to have each element."

Rolled 72

>>22977319
Yes. Its called the "Gift of Names." we're already familiar with it from Eldin.

>>22977435
"The Gift of Force covers water? Didn't know that.

Your familiar is absolutely adorable by the way. Not as cute as Tori, but it's close."

Rolled 92

>>22977462

We should probably stop using the term adorable, its starting to get weird

>>22977435
"That's quite an impressive amount."

>>22977435
Offer our hand, but don't get up.

"The Gift of Force covers water?" You ask. "Didn't know that."
"No, it covers air." He said. "Movement, velocity. Gift of Breath covers water."
"Have you used your storm this year?" Astora asked.
"No, not yet." He said. "I'm waiting until the problems arrive."
"Your familiar is absolutely adorable, by the way. Not as cute as Tori, but it's close."
"... I must admit, I've heard that before." He said, calmly.
Kev chuckled.
"He may be all tall, looming, and solemn, but he's a big softy." Kev said, slinging his arm around the other nobilis.

>>22977523
"The problems?"

>>22977523
"Breath covers water, weird.

What are you talking about with your storm and with the problems?"

"What are you talking about with your storm and with the problems?"
"The storm is what his Gift of Breath does." Astora said. "Every year and a day, he gets a single, powerful storm that he can conjure."
"... The problems." He said. "The crones told me I would need to save my storm, so I assume some problem will arrive. Marigold is certain that the problem is Forged. Apparently some stranger arrived today asking about them. And angels."
"... That was Abel here." Astora said.
"Oh? I see, then."

>>22977638
Yeah, some dick's trying to take over the world with the forged. I'm going back in a few days to try and stop him, but until then I'm here to see sanctuary with Tori.

>>22977638
"Yeah, they're not wrong. There's an army of forged lead by a mad woman. She's going to take over the world."

>>22977638
"Well yeah, some jerk named Gabriel is raising an army of Forged to take over the world, yadda yadda yadda standard evil world domination plot with giant robots."

>>22977638
I don't mean for any of this, strange things just follow me!

>>22977638
I irritated someone who then found an army of forged and wants to take over the world.

is there any way to get more lightning out of a storm? it may help you with that...

"Yeah, they're not wrong." You say. "There's an army of Forged lead by a mad woman. She's going to take over the world. I'm going back in a few days to try to stop him, but until then I'm here to see Sanctuary with Tori."
"Glad to hear it." He said. "I've a feeling you'll be able to accomplish things."
"I don't mean for any of this, strange things just follow me!"
"I'm not strange, am I?" Astora asked, laying back in your lap, drinking ale.
"Yes, you are." Kev said, and chuckled.
"What are your gifts, if you do not mind me asking?" Cedric asked you, colorless eyes staring into yours.
"He doesn't have any." Astora said. "He's not a witch."
"... And you intend to marry him, Astora?" Cedric asked. "That's not a wise idea for a noble family."
"... Cedric." Kev said. "Don't get into this now."

>>22977875
"Sure, I'm not a witch, I don't have any gifts, but on the odd occasion, I have strange knowledge come to me."

>>22977875
I've got a few tricks of my own.

>>22977875
"Well, I'm not a warlock, but I'm not exactly a normal human either."

>>22977875
"I might not be a witch, but I'm plenty unusual. I think stopping a madwoman from taking over the world with Forged ought to impress people enough to make them shut up.

Also, I have occasionally made or summoned things out of thin air that ought not exist in this world, and I know what gunpowder is. I'm not exactly normal as much as I like to say I am."

>>22977875
"I may not be a warlock, but I do have other talents of my own. Regardless, it won't be happening immediately."

If gifts are a requirement then he could always donate a few. He seeems to have plenty.

>>22977875
in the last six months I've fought and killed a kraken almost single handed, blinded a dragon and sidestepped the gift of fate to shoot a wizard in the face; I rounded that off by accidentally releasing an ancient evil, surviving a fairy wrought storm and riding the father of all krakens across the water.

by all accounts I've done the impossible. perhaps I can turn this unwise idea into something great..

>>22977974
>>22977948
Lets try without the bragging this time.

>>22978002
Seconding this. Humble please.

>>22977967
That is a terrible idea to propose.

>>22977974
>Stabbed him in the throat

>>22977967
HAHA, NOPE!

NOPENOPENOPENOPENOPENOPENOPENOPENOPENOPENOPENOPENOPENOPENOPENOPENOPE

"I may not be a warlock, but I do have other talents of my own."
"This isn't about ability." Astora said, and got to her feet. "It isn't about what he can and can't do, or his bloodline."
"It's an unwise idea." Cedric repeated- and then went silent when she put her claws up to his throat. "You know he won't help your status any."
Your arm started burning, very slightly.
"Uh... Astora..." Kev said, and she silenced him with a look.
"You don't understand anything, Ced." She said. "Hasn't it ever occured to you that I don't intend to marry him because of his bloodline or status? Did love ever come into your calculations?"
"No, but-"
"No buts." She said. "You know what being a nobilis means. You know that it means you're free from rules, from constraints that can't hold you. There's no way in hell I'm going to keep *that* one."

There was a moment of silence, and Cedric slowly nodded, his composure shaken.
"... I, uh... I see." He said, and upended the wine glass.
Astora sat on your lap again, and everyone was silent.

No bragging, sip cider.

>>22978193
Give her a kiss on the cheek and keep on drinking. Keep calm, this is a minor blip on our excitement radar.

>>22978193
"..."

"This is awkward."

>>22978193
"And anyway, I've actually got a fairly impressive bloodline if what the crone told me is true. And I have no reason to disbelieve her."

>>22978193
My bloodline isn't that bad. If a bit unmagical.

>>22978229
This is good.

>>22978193
"Well, I suppose now might be a good time to share what Cat pulled me aside for.
If what she said was true, and I have no reason to believe that she would lie about it...then I'm a direct descendant of Kristoph. Said I look like him too."

>>22978283
That probably won'r help our situation any. I'll veto it.

>>22978283
No need to tell them the full story (especially since they no doubt hate the Order).
>>22978240 works.

>>22978304
>>22978296
Guys, I think they're aware that the order today isn't the same as the order back in Kristoph's day.

Exa help me out here, what's common knowledge in Sanctuary regarding Kristoph?

The group was silent for a moment, and you gave Astora a kiss on the cheek, before going back to your cider.
"This is awkward." You say, and Kev chuckled and nodded.
"Oh thank god Kee is here." Kev said, suddenly. "And she brought her girlfriend, too, it seems."
The door opened again, and a girl- similar in appearance to Kev, with pale hair and eyes, frost crawling across the floor she walked on, stepped- almost danced- in, before turning back behind her. "Come on in, Gare." She said, in a sing-song voice, pointing to everyone in the bar."This is Haven. And then this is Namira, Cedric, my brother, Astora, and... a new guy."

"Oh, no, I know the new guy." Gareth said, giving you a smile, the glamour of a pale, vulnerable girl lain over her. "Hello, Abel."

>>22978323
How is Abel supposed to know about Sanctuary's common perception of the Order, exactly? We've been here for a single day.
But the obvious assumption is that they greatly dislike the people who kill them for existing.

>>22978373
"Fucking really? Here to fail to kill me again?"

Rolled 30

>>22978373
"Fuck off Gareth."

Flintlock draw and fire.

>>22978373
"Gareth. That trick isn't going to work this time."

>>22978375
Right, but we're not even a part of the Order to begin with.
It's absolutely ridiculous to assume that they're so unreasonable and closed minded that they would automatically assume that a member of the nazi deathsquad would be able to just waltz into Sanctuary, speak with a crone, and sex up their best friend.

>>22978373
"Hello Gareth. Kee, could you move out of the way so we can kill this monster? It would be greatly appreciated.

Astora, could you please confirm that she is glamoured with your Gift of Sight to prove what I just said to everyone."

>>22978373
"Hello Gareth. Elf, born of spiders, obsessed with causing depression and suicide. Sealed into a cave by Kristoph himself."

>>22978373
"You can drop the Glamour. That won't work on me."

>>22978401
>>22978425
It concerns me that everyone else seems to know who she's pretending to be. I think shooting first here would be a REALLY bad idea.

At the very least let's try to get her to take it outside.

>>22978423
You know, I gotta agree with this guy. The level of paranoia we've been going with lately is pretty silly.

>>22978449
I'm gonna support this one.

"Gareth." You say. "That trick isn't going to work this time."
"Trick?" She asked. "What trick, Abel?"
"Where did you two meet?" The new girl asked, looking from you to Gareth.
"It was my coming of age in atlask, and he saved my life." She said, giving you a genuine smile- her glamour, at least- her actual face was gloating.
Your hand trembles, and you're about to reach for your flintlock, and her grin grew wider.
"We're friends." She said. "But it's nice to meet the rest of you."
"I've heard a lot about you, for one." Cedric said. "What are your gifts?"
"Well, I have Sight, Shroud, and Vermin." Gareth responded. "Nothing all that special."

>>22978506
How did you even get here, it's been what, three days?

>>22978506
"I don't know you."

>>22978506
"Her name is Gareth. She is an elf, born of spiders and echos. She loves to cause pain and depression. She was sealed into a cave by Kristoph himself.

I will kill her if that's all right with you."

>>22978506
"Tori, you said the gift of sight sees through glamors, right? Would you please use it on her now?"

Rolled 42

>>22978506
Use elf magic to dispel glamours.

>>22978506
"She also has the gift of manipulation. You know? the one where she tricks unsuspecting travelers into letting her out of her prison"
Draw flintlock as quickly as possible.

Rolled 52

>>22978401
Doing that here will quickly get us fried with magic.
>>22978460
No they don't she just got introduced.

>>22978506
Where did you two meet?

>>22978506
I think we may need to use one of our tenacity points to behead her.

"Her name is Gareth." You say. "She is an elf, born of spiders and echos. She loves to cause pain and depression." You say. "She was sealed into a cave by Kristoph himself. I'll kill her, if it's alright with you." You say- and Kee, as well as Kev, stepped into the way.

"I don't know who you are, but I'm not going to let you kill her." Kee said, raising her hand.
"Abel, what's going on?" Astora asked.
"Tori, you said the gift of sight sees through glamors, right?" You ask. "Would you please use it on her now?"
"... Uh, right." She said. "Just... everyone calm down."
She put her hand on her eye, and focused... and you felt Something slam into Astora's head, delving into her mind.
"... No, she looks normal to me." Astora said. "No glamour."

>>22978506
"So if you're pretending to be a witch now, where's your familiar?"
Stand up.

You guys need to control your murderous tendencies or we're going to get pasted by the 4+ nobilis around here.

>>22978604
Reveal our elf tattoo.
"Gareth, I can feel what you just did to Astora. I'm not going to let you kill anyone else."

>>22978604
"Leez gave me her ability to see through glamours.

I don't want to hurt any of you, so please stand aside. It's my fault that she's out here in the first place."

>>22978604
"Astora, I just noticed her mess with your head.

She says that she knew me already, Astora, have I ever met a Witch by the name of Gare before now?

Does anyone have some cold iron lying around?"

>>22978604
"Kee, I'm warning you right now. She kills people. Makes them rely on her, then drives them to suicide by amplifying negative emotion until there's nothing left but the desire to die. She's done it many times before."

>>22978604
"Astora, she just did something similar to the Gift of Charm on you. Try to fight it."

>>22978604
"There's a simple test for this."
Pull out one of our cold iron arrows.
"This is cold iron. Touch it, Gareth."

Goddamn you guys are stupid today. Do you think "lol lets kill your sisters girlfriend because I say she's evil" is really gonna work here?
Have some goddamn empathy and think about it from their point of view. Think of how to convince them.

Tori might believe us, but how do we convince everyone else in the room that she's the bad guy here and that we aren't just fucking nuts?

Good lord, do you people have no subtlety in you?

"Astora, I just noticed her mess with your head." You say, and stand. "She just did something similar to the Gift of Charm on you. Try to fight it."
"I don't have the gift of charm, though." Gareth said. "Come on, Abel, we're friends, remember?"
You notice that she isn't trying anything with *your* mind. Just staring at you, grinning, as her glamour-self starts looking this way and that, scared.
"... What? I feel fine." Astora said, that tenuous Something hovering around her.
"Are you feeling okay?" She asked you, and put her hand on your shoulder. "Just... Just sit down, Abel. We can talk about this later."

Rolled 87

>>22978604
When are we going to USE that god damn elf magic? Dispel her glamors. Or cast a glamor that makes magic visible.

>>22978799
Fuck it, I guess it's worth a shot.

>>22978799
We can't actually use any glamors ourselves, regardless of what Leez gave us. We'd have to actually be an elf to do that.

>>22978799
>Because your elf magic doesn't give you elf powers because you're not an elf. You can see through glamours and that's it.

>>22978799
"Astora I am perfectly calm and okay. Gareth, we aren't friends. If I had a witch friend by the name of Gareth I would have told people this before now.

Gareth, what do you want?"

>>22978824
In that case shoot her, the glamor will be dispelled by her death and we can show them this then.

>>22978851
Fucking NO you idiot! That'll end REALLY badly. They'll attack us before even glancing at the body - and that's IF we get a perfect headshot that actually kills her before they stop us.

FUCKING THINK YOUR SUGGESTIONS THROUGH.

Dayum it seems I've missed all the fun. haha

>>22978847
Guys, it doesn't matter how often or how much we insist, we aren't going to be believed. Come up with something else.

"Astora, I am perfectly calm and okay." You say. "Gareth, we aren't friends. If I had a witch friend by the name of Gareth, I would have told people this before now. Gareth, what do you want?"
"Y-you mean... we.. we aren't friends?" She asked.. and her glamour started tearing up. "I just- I- I just wanted to meet Kee's f-friends. I thought you'd be- you'd be happy- t- to meet me."
She sniffled, and then turned away, shoulders slouched, and Kee started talking to her in a low voice.

>>22978792
We should still have that cold iron half-moon thing yes?

"Here, hold this for me, would you?"

>>22978905
That's in the wagon far away from here, but we do have cold iron arrowheads that we could ask her to hold.

First, sit down to appear more calm so that we will actually be listened to.

Second, calmly explain the following. "I was given a boon by an elf a few days ago that would allow me to see through glamours. Right now I see a very dangerous person in front of me. I have no memory of ever meeting a witch named Gareth. I do have memory of meeting an evil trickster elf named Gareth.
So either something is messing with my head and my memories, or you're all being glamoured.

I have cold iron tipped arrows with me right now. I would like to draw one and touch it to her, if you'll all allow it."

>>22978903
>>22978905
if we have it, hand it to tori

>>22978966
Seconding this.

>>22978976
Thirding.

>>22978966

This!

>>22978903
"So where is your familiar then, Gareth?"
If it shows up, it'll be a glamour so we should be able to just stick our hand right through it.

>>22978903
I guess we were supposed to be stealthy here, but that went completely out the window.

>>22978988
>>22979005
voting here with a side of >>22978967

>>22978966
We should show them the elf tattoo so they believe that part at least.

>>22979069
Agreed.

Just in case anyone else is still thinking shooting Gareth is a valid option here, I'd like to remind you that everyone in the room except for Kee can kill us, and will react violently and immediately if they think we just killed the crying girl who is already a member of their circle.

This is a combination of a hostage situation and a mexican standoff. Just taking the shot isn't going to work here, even if we did kill her on the first shot, which isn't a sure thing.

You sigh, and take a seat again, unwrapping your arm and showing them the tattoo. "I was given a boon by an elf a few days ago, that will allow me to see through glamours. Right now I see a very dangerous person in front of me. I have no memory of ever meeting a witch named Gareth. I do have memory of meeting an evil trickster elf named Gareth."
"... I do remember you meeting someone named Gareth." Astora said, and that Something in her mind quivered. "But I remember you saying it was a sweet witch that reminded you of Isavla."
"So where is your familiar then, Gareth?" You ask.
"Right here." She said, and a small puppy walked in, with the same Something around it's head.
It was a flesh and blood animal, being... puppeted by Glamour, you knew.
You pull out a single, cold iron arrow. "I have cold iron tipped arrows with me, right now." You say. "Astora, take this."
"... Okay." She said, and took it in hand. That Something around her quivered, and slowly retreated, still sticking as closely as possible.

Cedric nodded. "Yes." He said, and stood. "Gareth, don't worry, we won't hurt you. It's just a bit of cold iron."
"... Cedric." Kee said. "She's actually a witch, not an elf-"
"Then what do you have to lose?" He asked. "Cold iron only works on elves."
"He's trying to *kill* her! I won't let him do that. I'm not going to let him bring anything sharp near her."
"... Then Abel, just set down the arrow." Cedric said. "Gareth, please touch it."

Since, I doubt this will work, we can go to the tower and tell the crones. They should be aware of who Gareth really is (Or at the very least should know that there is no witch named Gareth), and I'm sure they have some kind of anti-glamour countermeasures available.

>>22979196
"Go on, Gareth, pick it up and give it a good squeeze."

>>22979196
Finally, someone on our side. Set an arrow down.

>>22979196
Set down the arrow.

"Regardless of the outcome here, I apologize for scaring you, Kee. But I'm rather scared myself right now."

>>22979196
"I'll dangle it with two fingers instead and use the flat of the arrow. She can glamour you so that it appears that she touched it when she really didn't. Also, Astora, keep a hand on that cold iron. It's making the glamour retreat."

>>22979242
That sounds about right.

>>22979239
Changing this action to >>22979242

keep the statement though.

>>22979196
"I'd like everyone here to take a cold iron arrow, just to be sure. Otherwise she can just make it look like she's touching it when she actually isn't."

>>22979196
You didn't even get a spider familiar. I'm almost disapointed.

>>22979265
This is a good idea.

>>22979196
"Here, Astora, take another arrow, put it next to your head as well."

"I'll dangle it with two fingers instead and use the flat of the arrow. She can glamour you so that it appears that she touched it when she really didn't. Also, Astora, keep a hand on that cold iron. It's making the glamour retreat."
Astora nodded.
"I'd like everyone to take a cold iron arrow, just to be sure." You say.
Namira sighed, and you pulled out your four other arrows, giving one to Kee, one to Kev, one to Cedric, and then you hold the last one out to Gareth.
She took a step back, and her glamour trembled.
"I- I don't like this place, Kee." She said, and ran out of the door, the puppy yapping along with her.
The woman sighed, and then threw the arrow on the table, giving you a glare, before stomping back out.

"... You're... You're right." Astora said, eyes closed, the Glamour around her receding. "It wasn't a witch I was told about, but... but an elf. That's why you're going to Skiitara in the first place."

>>22979360
"Notice how she didn't want to even get close to the cold iron? I'd suggest that you make Kee wear something made of cold iron before Gareth drives her to suicide. She's had centuries of practice and is exceedingly good at making people kill themselves."

>>22979360
>the woman
>meaning Kee, by the way.

>>22979360
I'm sorry, I promised I wouldn't bring my troubles here, but they followed anyway.

Hide an arrow above the door sil anyway.

>>22979360
"Which means that Kee is probably in danger by being around her right now."

>>22979360
"So, we're in agreement, that wasn't a witch, but an Elf, yes? She's going to cause Kee to kill herself eventually, that's what happened with Tannis's mother."

>>22979360
"Glamours are powerful as can be, and her nature is one of deception making them even more powerful.

And this means Kee is in danger and doesn't even know it."

Rolled 70

Slice open our hand in some kind of arcane ritual, designed to bring forth the dark gods from Beyond. Sic them on the fey.

>>22979397
Good idea.
"Elves can't enter places with cold iron secured near the entrance. Hide something near Kee's door and you'll see Gareth be unable to enter or exit."

>>22979432
Haha, no. Even if that could actually work, no.

>>22979360
Draw the Rifle, just in case.

Hey guys, I have the best idea. We should totally ask our sword for advice in a room full of strangers.

Nothing bad can happen at all!

"Which means that Kee is probably in danger by being around her right now." You say.
"You're right." She said. "We need to follow them. Kev, trust me. Give us a ride."
Kev was silent.
"She didn't touch the cold iron." Cedric said.
"If there's any time I need you to trust me, it's now, Kevan." Astora said.
He took a deep breath, and then his wolves both stepped forward.
"Climb on one." Astora said. You do so, and draw your rifle, just as both wolves dart out the building, sniffing through the darkness, following the paths Gareth's footprints had left.

"You again." You heard Gareth snarl, angrily. You turn, and can see hear on the other end of an alleyway, talking to... someone else.

The next voice made your skin crawl.
"Gareth. Tyrant of the fae, once queen of Skiitara." Gabriel said, her new voice clear despite the distance. "Come with me. I could use your... talents."

Rolled 63

>>22979544
Fire on Gabriel first. She's more dangerous.
i advocate tenacity usage if this goes badly.

>>22979544
"Perfect."

>>22979544
I think it's time for a dynamic entry and for us to blow two people's heads off.

Rolled 79

>>22979544
Shoot her in the head.

"Thanks for ruining my day off, assholes."

Rolled 18

If we don't follow she may harm your sister, we need a way to trap her, a cave or some other place with only one exit.

>>22979544
Motion for our friends to flank, and announce ourselves.

"Sup Gareth! I see you've dropped recruiting to an all new low."

I would not suggest bursting in guns blazing.
If anything observe from a distance before going in shooting everything in the head.

>>22979635
The problem is that if she accepts, Gabe can teleport them away.

"Perfect." You say, and both wolves dart through the alleyway-
And on the other end were five people.

A glamoured Kee, her head swaying, frost crawling along her skin, eyes half lidded.
Dirae, grinning madly, a large bag on her shoulder, weapons in her hands.
Gabriel, entirely unarmed, grinning at you.
Gareth herself, no glamour surrounding her, a wicked axe in her hands, and finally...
Anakata, her claws, ears, and tail shorn off, eyes full of pure, malevolent hatred.

Behind you, in the alleyway, Forged fell, blocking your path out.
"That was a good play." Dirae said. "You did the lines just right."
"I know." Gareth said.

>End of thread.

>>22979669
Hey, 4 people to kill, 10 bullets. More than enough.

>>22979669
Thanks for running, Exa!

>>22979669
Kitty!

File: 1360023954211.gif-(87 KB, 123x136, 1342704936029.gif)

87 KB GIF

>>22979669
THIS CAN'T END WELL.

So a few questions for next thread for Gareth: how did you get here so quick? Why do you keep taking in strays? and why the fuck do you keep trying to kill me when you know it doesn't work?

>>22979725
Don't forget the Forged.

>>22979848
The forge we now know how to take apart with out bare hands.

It's okay, We've got this.

Whatever happens, Gareth dies. Fuck that smug bitch.

>>22979892
If we're lucky, and there aren't also half a dozen other Forged trying to pry us off.

>>22979669
I definitely suggest killing off the ones that can't come back to life.