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As things sit now, you find yourself sitting with your back to a log and your feet as close to the fire as possible. Two skewered fish rest in close proximity to the fire, slowly cooking. You had tried to to soften Jackson up by catching the fish, and offering one to him as a change of pace to the meals. You had gotten your feet quit wet and cold to accomplish the task. Only to have Jackson reply coldly to your offering ”Im not feeling hungry today. You can eat the one intended for me” . You mostly watch the fish roast, but every now and again you shoot a secret glance over at Jackson. He sits against his own log on the other side of the fire, staring intently into the flame. He hasn’t taken off his armour or helmet in the two weeks you have been travelling. He sleeps in it, he marches in it, and he somehow seems to be eating with it.

>What do? (This may be your last chance to talk with Jackson before the PLOT hits, but you can also spend the time looking over your map or something.)

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Kae is a 17 year old forest person and protagonist. She lived most, if not all, her life in the woods with her uncle. One day he was gored to death by a boar, leaving Kae, then a 13 year old, to fend for herself. Driven by necessity, Kae would eventually make her way to civilization. There she would meet Jackson and help him slay a local witch. The two have been travelling together ever since.

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Jackson is Kaes travelling companion. He is a noble from a house hailing from the Iron Mountains. How he ended up in the frontier, working as a witch hunter is a mystery. Jackson is quick to anger and prefers solitude, yet seems to have taken it upon himself to travel with Kae and educate her. In all things, he prefers the brute force approach.

Rules?
-Prompts that are more in depth have a better chance of succeeding. Example: you have a better chance of success if you provide an argument as to why the monster shouldn't eat you then if you simply say "convince him not to eat you".
-Prompts have to make sense in continuity to the story. Example: characters who are established pacifists wont start murdering randomly for exp.
-minimal meta/power gaming
-minimal backpedaling

Schedule?
I update every 1-3 days, depending on how busy I am with school work/life/etc. On holidays I may update everyday, on exam crunch time I may not at all. This is not a quest that you have to show up on time for, drop in every day or two and you wont miss anything. And you never have to worry about someone backtracking your vote a day later. Lastly, I will use the same thread until page nine / ten so be sure to pin us!
>Thready Update Prognosis:
??????? Lets see how these thread goes.

Old threads?
This quest is episodic, you dont need to read from the very first chapter to understand what is going on. But if you enjoy the quest, you can find the other threads here...
>First thread?
https://archived.moe/i/thread/529596/
>Old threads?
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=mysojourn

”How can I reach you OP?”
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SojournFantasy
Discord: Sojourner#9937

>>3531658
Not much to talk to him since talking about those spirits only makes their hold in us stronger

Ask him why we are going to NewHeaven and then spend this time studying the map and trying to figure where we are so we can get on the right track


Nice to see you back

>>3531669
oh shit lv 9. No wonder he's so strong.

Anyway I know just how to butter this autist up.

>Ask him to teach you about Sol. How to worship, tenets, history, etc.

>>3531709
Against that in all maners and ways, not betraying the woodland spirits, at least not now

I prefer to study the gods on our own and decide one to dedicate ourselves, if any, later as he said, maybe Sol is not the god for us, he is just the leader of the pantheon

where is robutt thread

>>3531718
I'm not saying we start worshipping in earnest, just that we ask Jackson about it.

That mc is not cute at all. I was brought here with nothing but lies and slander. Not cute!

>>3531844
Heretic!
Cuteness galore! I'll protect that smile!

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>>3531844

>>3531701
this
>>3531844
mc a cute! A CUTE!

>>3531862
there there

>>3531862
Dumbass and Jackson apologist

>>3531886
jackson apologists should die in a fire tho

>>3531658
Letting this tension build too far will only turn out badly.

I liked >>3531709 suggestion on talking about his faith. Learning about it and showing some sincere interest can only improve our relations to Jackson

>"Could you tell me about Sol, Jackson?"

I thought this quest has finished.

>>3531701
I second this. And I'm glad to see you back too!

>>3532436
What gave you that idea? The chapter was over, not the story.

>>3531701
Supporting.
Jackson has been quick to anger whenever we've discussed faith. I don't think we should bring it up.

>>3532548
Only because we talk about heathen shit instead of earnestly listening

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No update today, had to go help my old man. Bad way to start a quest~ sry

>>3534041
No worries Soj, hope you're both doing okay.

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>>3531844
>That mc is not cute at all

>>3531658
Eat fish, go over map?
Mybe do some leg/butt work out to get jackson to notice you

>>3531658
Admit that the landmarks aren't what they should be and tell him to take a break. We can reorientate ourselves faster without lugging around a metalhead.

He hasn't shown interest so we should just pout and move on.

>>3531658
>>3531665
What's up with the protagonist's color tone? Seems to be a major shift between art and character sheet portrait.

>>3535783
Character sheet is base look, currently we have an alternate skin equipped.

You spend some more time examining the map. Spreading it out in front of the fire, you start to trace the path you took with your finger. It all made sense at first, you passed the steep hill overlooking the cave, the river was right here, and you walked past the ruined cobble road. So when exactly did you get lost? [rogue] It suddenly dawns on you, its possible that it is in fact the map that is wrong. As in, someone made a good map at first, then just filled it in with what ever. By the time who ever bought the map found out it was incomplete, the seller would be long gone. Nathalie said she got it out of a book, but Nathalie isn’t what you would call a “seasoned traveller”. If this is a phony map, there was no way Nathalie could have known...

As your fish starts to burn you start to give up. Even if you reread this map tonight a thousand times you are not going to make sense of it. Your best bet is to search for high ground tomorrow in order to orient yourself, and to convince Jackson to take a day of rest so you can scout around. For now the best you can do is remove your slightly burned fish from the fire and eat it.

You once again glance over to Jackson, who sits a world away, and wonder what to do about your strained relationship. Letting this tension build too far will only turn out badly. But how do you engage with him? The distance between you is simply to vast to get up and sit next to him. Plus this fire that rages between the two of you, grows ominous and makes it difficult to speak up. “This literal fire”; you correct yourself. [female] You start to wish that Jackson would speak up and make this easier, you cant help getting a bit upset at him for making this so one sided. Shouldn’t he be the one making the first move? You wait for him to look up from the flame and maybe give you an opening... He gives none.

It takes a while, but your wish to speak eventually manages to overwhelm your social ineptitude. The words get stuck in your throat at first but you manage to push them out. ”Where is NewHaven, and why are we going there?. Jackson's reply, spoken by someone who you thought to be trancing out, comes so aptly it take you by surprise,
”Its a place, we are going there because I said so.”.
You think on your words for a moment
”Jackson, am I your prisoner?”
”... No. Of curse not.”
”Well then, other then to simply be in your warm, friendly, company. Why am I going to this place?”
Jackson looks up from the fire to stare directly at you.
”... Its a major travel hub, I want to get there before the snow sets. From there I can plot our next move. I apologize if I sounded rude.”
Now you have his attention, but you are not sure how to follow up. You sit in a awkward silence for a moment before quickly trying to offer him your second fish again. He, again, refuses to eat it with a wave of his hand, and you are once again left with nothing to say. Desperately grasping at something to talk about, you ask Jackson to maybe teach you a little bit more about his religion. This does the trick alright, Jackson seems to brighten immensely.
”Ah! I have been waiting for you to ask. You see I have been thinking that maybe I have been going about your reeducation wrong. And that if I...”
His words start to go into one ear and out the other the moment he says “reeducation”. You are NOT looking to be converted nor are you planning on abandoning the wood land spirits, in which you believe in. Jackson gets up from his seat, and come to sit right next to you by the fire. Removing his helmet and placing it on the ground he gives you what looks to be the start of a smile. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to at least hear him out earnestly for once. Even if you have no intention of taking any of it to heart. The hopeful expression on his face disarms you.

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warning: lore dump

Jackson watches you for a moment, waiting to get your full attention.
”I have had much time to think about this on our march. Instead of trying to start with the rules, punishment, regulation and such like I did before. Maybe the I should start with the Genesis Myth, so you can understand how it all began.
Jackson looks up towards the nights starry sky.
”in the beginning, many, many, eons ago. There was nothing but heat in our universe. Sol existed as an all encompassing scattered entity. Then, over time, Sol began to pull himself towards a singular point. And as the cohesion between himself started to grow greater at the single point, his power increased and his pull become stronger and stronger until much of that heat become...”
Jackson brings his hands together as if they were holding an imaginary ball.
”a single orb of fire”
Jackson looks at you as if he has just said something earth shattering. He is disappointed to find you not taken back with awe, but he continues with the story.
”anyway, while he was creating himself. He chose to concentrate some of his mass elsewhere, away from himself. He fashioned himself a wife, Lir, also known as the mother.
He mimics holding the ball of fire in one hand, and uses the finger of his other hand to imitate an object circling the ball of fire.
” she is the celestial body that is closest to him. He also fashioned himself a daughter, Urn, and a son, Aan.

As he talks about the two other gods, his finger moves further out from the imaginary ball to show their orbits.

”But all was not well in Sols new kingdom. The daughter Urn and the brother Aan would fight endlessly. Never did their quarrels end. The mother could not guil them to stop with her love nor did Sol wish to use his great power, to force his children to cease. Temperance and duty he thought them, but the moment he would look away the siblings would fight and fight again. A healthy relationship looked all but lost. At that moment, the outsider arrived.
Jackson places his palm hard on the ground.
” An entity not created by Sol, a traveller from outside of reality. Sol greeted the traveller and welcomed him into his court. When the traveller asked to stay and rest, Sol showed him respect and allowed him to stay as long as he needed. The traveller was a being alien to the four gods. Upon his body he carried tiny living creatures, he did not rage with heat like they did, the titan didn’t even have a name, he simply was. Yet he so smoothly entered the celestial dance. Placing himself between Urn and Aan, he was able to befriend the siblings and broker peace between them. For the first time, the two siblings did not fight.”

Judging from Jackson's mannerisms you assume the bad part of the story is coming.
”The two siblings then immediately fell in love, their unholy incestuous union sired many children. Frightened of their fathers rage the siblings looked for a place to hide their progeny. Of course, their friend, The Traveller agreed to help them by hiding the children on his body. This act did not go unnoticed by Sol however. In his rage he threw a mighty blow at the traveller, whom he blamed for his children's sin. The blow was so great that it drove the traveller into a deep comatose sleep. Urn and Aan, blaming each other, immediately set upon on each other once again. They have been fighting ever since...

Jackson looks at you with hope in his eyes.
”That is the first part of the myth, I think its best for you to think on what I told you and when you have understood. Maybe we can continue, if you are interested.

All and all, Jackson seems quite happy with himself. If anything, you at least managed to butter him up. You think on the story and you cant help but find some of it confusing. How does Jackson know what happened if he wasn’t there? How do they prove it? If the gods are in the sky, how come you cant see them? How does his story disprove your beliefs? So many questions, yet you decide its best not to upset Jackson by “blaspheming” at him. Unless you REALLY want to.

>What do?

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>>3535783
Two reasons
1. This quest is 95% of the art work I do nowadays. So I let myself experiment quite a bit.

2.The character sheet is over a year old, it was made when I was still using a mouse to draw everything, so it looks different then the tablet drawn stuff im currently using.

>>3535499
>He hasn't shown interest so we should just pout and move on.
As a rule I only allow minimal backtracking. I dont want a vote to cancel out a a vote made 24 hours prior. A decision was made to stick with Jackson so I feel like we should stick with him for at least a little while longer.

>>3535296
Thats an interesting question. Would Kae understand working out? Most people are fit simply because they do physical labor pretty much every day. Would doing squats to enhance the firmness of your bunns even be a thing that Kae can conceive?

>>3536963
Its an interesting tale atleast. Maybe there is a underlying message, or a moral to the story? It probably is. After all, our beliefes are the true one.
>Think about the meaning of the story, speculate on how it continues

>>3537147
Screw it, supporting this

>>3536963
Well its a tale just like the ones granpa told us, but a tale none the less, just stories, he can't know anythibg like that.
And Sol soubd like an asshole, what if the two godlings loved each other, they were happy and he ruined it

>>3537216
I think it was because they were brother and sister? He does sound like an ass though.
blah blah only I'm allowed to fight and be angry, etc etc. The usual godly speil.

>>3537220
Kae never had a brother, I don't thibk she sees why that relationship would be bad.
Sol wanted them to stop fighting, and when they did he got angry and ruined it all for the two of them, he is the definition of asshole, like every other time we heard about him and how he hates our woodland spirits

>>3537222
That's a good point. Does Kae know what incest is? Does she even know what the sex is?!

I think Jacky might be trying to teach us that our actions could have adverse effects to what we intended? That we should take responsibility for the consequences of our actions?

>>3536963
> because I said so
> reeducation
sigh
I hope we can learn to control the evil spirit fast, Jack is getting more annoying by the minute

>>3537216
basicly this, but I think it was our uncle that told the stories and not our grampa

It is a nice story to tell children to sleep,I bet if uncle knew this one he would have told us
I hope Urn and Aan have a happy ending, and that the traveler that only wanted to help isn't punished too much
but from what we know from Sol....I don't think they will be alrigh.

>>3537230
The moral only comes at the end of the fairy tale anon, everyone knows that, that story hasn't finished

Let's get some rest and try to find our way tomorrow

>>3536965
Well, concept of warming up before a hard work to avoid a strain I think is known. The problem is, does this applies to a hunters and bushmen, since all what they do is a straining physical activity?

>>3536965
Idk you have do have a point,
Mybe she would sy its training since she cant use her arm she would have to get stronger legs for runing/kicking?
But also it could just be a way to shake her butt at jackson without him saying much as she is training her body to be stronger.

>>3537367
>>3537403
Her training probably comes naturally, from day to day activities, doing exercises, and burning calories without doing anything to show for it seems very strange for someone who is a survivalist, and that the co servation of energy would be important for her since she never knew when her next meal would be

Besides, Jack has been an rude and broody lately and doesn't deserve butt shaking

>>3536963
Clearly, Jackson holds the story in high regards, and even if he can't prove it actually happened, the stories and its message are a part of him, just like the woodland spirits are a part of us.

>Ponder the meaning of the story so far.
The story hasn't concluded yet, as it's the first part, but most multi-part stories have small lessons that accumulate into a big lesson at the end.
Sol was a father, and tried to keep his children from fighting each other because he loved them, obviously. He supposedly taught them temperance. Perhaps to voluntarily refrain from fighting among themselves.

They did not display temperance when it came to loving each other, however, and created many children, so perhaps Sol was upset that they still did not show self restraint. The traveler, who Sol did a favor to allow him to rest, went behind Sol's back, essentially a betrayal of sorts, to hide from him something that his children knew they shouldn't have done.

>From pondering the first part of the story, perhaps the following themes have to do with betrayal, for the Traveler betrayed Sol's kindness, for Urn and Aan betrayed their father's teachings of temperance, and then subsequently, the siblings betrayed each other afterwards, blaming the other for the Traveler being attacked, when both of them were really at fault for what happened to the Traveler, for both siring the offspring, and letting the Traveler help them after all he did for them.

>Ask Jackson to continue the story, for knowing more about how the story ends and what it means could reflect on Jackson's personality and ideals.

>>3536963
>Quietly contemplate the tale. Commit it to memory in case it comes up in the future.

>Tomorrow use your goddamn bushman skills to travel in the correct direction you troublesome strumpet. That or tell Jackson the map is busted.

>>3537216
>>3537222
Kae has never known family outside of her uncle. All she knows is the story her uncle gave her about both her parents dying from sickness when she was very very young. When she was old enough to start asking questions, her uncle DIED.

>>3537230
>Does Kae know what incest is?
She understands the difference between loving your uncle and LOVING your uncle. Incest is taboo among the bush people as well. But Kae can theoretically be too smart for her own good and question why its wrong, and never get a good answer seeing as there are no biologists around.

as for the other question, Kae thinks kissing boys makes you pregnant because of the absolutely damaging sex ed provided by her uncle. She has a loose understanding of how sex works.

>>3538509
Damn
We need to ask Jackson to teach us sex

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>>3538531

>>3538532
>"Jackson. How make babies. Show now. Do the sex on me."
I can see that going down well.

>>3538531
no thanks

not for a long while at least, the guy is a jerk

>>3538545
We can heal his mind with our toned body

>>3536963
Get some rest, it was a good start for the tale, lets hope the traveler and the siblings come out ok.
Tomorrow we find high ground and try to find our way.

>>3538570
>>3538545
Its not much that he is a jerk, but the way he goes about our partnership
He's always scolding, telling Kae she is stupid, that her ways are wrong and that she needs to CHANGE to please him.

At first Kae believed that, but I think that's changed.

Nat accepted Kae, and was even curious and amused by her way, she became Kae's best friend without Kae having to change anything, all about trust and promises.
Now, Jacks comes again with this reeducation talk, wanting Kae to be someone different.
I think Kae has to try to stop from doing EVERYTHING she can to please Jack, it's always her that needs to say things.

If he wants to be our partner and our friend he needs to show that he can accept what Kae is now and not trying to change and scold everything she does.

We need to travel with him to learn how to control the evil spirit, if he wants to be friends while traveling he will have to put some effort too, and that is not reeducation.
I bet if we did the same to him and told him one of the spirits stories he would flip his shit, not caring how important they are to Kae

>>3538648
Who's the better friend, someone who doesn't correct you even when they know you're wrong or someone who pushes you to improve even if they're a jerk about it?

>>3538648
One could also say that Kae has been spoiled by Nat's uncanny acceptance of us. Which makes us less inclined to work for friendship.

Just a reminder, listening nilly to what someone says isn't a friendship. It's a partnership or teacherling.

>>3538648
that makes sense

>>3538661
is he pushing us to improve, all he does is tell his way is right and ours is wrong, saying that uncle was wrong, I don't know but he seems quite close minded

we could always test him and tell him one of our stories

>>3538678
That's not the same. We asked him to preach to us to get in his good side, never intending to actually convert. He's much more of a believer than we are, and wouldn't be seeking out our story but instead having it shoved on him.

>>3538705
I wonder if he is ever going to do something to get on our good side or if this one sided thing will be always us doing stuff to keep him calm and not strangle us.

Well, that comes later I guess, first we have to find our way through this woods.

>>3538733
Letting us travel with him and protecting us in battle doesn't count?

>>3538736
The travel maybe, the fighting was more his duty than to protect us, but he does help us.
The thing I was refering to is that he always seems to be angry and hate Kae or something, never really trying to relate to her.
They at least have something in common now that the both are cursed, maybe that will serve to make him relate more and at least try to be pleasant.

Question: we had insight last thread, is our super strenght back?

>>3538753
Disagree with you on the fighting, he's gone out of his way to shield Kae. As for the anger we've been told his family has brain problems with that, and him especially.

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You try to think on the story Jackson just told you. Its an interesting... “Story” certainly. But is it true? Its true to him, and it probably carries much meaning, to him. Just like all the stories you grew up with were true to you. The more you think on the myth you wonder what the moral of the story was? All you could really extrapolate is the Sol is a cunt and you shouldn’t kiss your brother. Is this Jackson's secret way of tellign you he is your brother??? But seriously, this is something you would ever tell Jackson. Unfortunately, Jackson seems to be waiting for some kind of response.
”Well, there is lots to be gained from that... story... and ill think on it. Uuh, thank you for sharing that with me”
Looking up at Jackson you can see him study your face for a moment before his optimism turns to something more neutral. Its hard to pin point his expression, he is not upset with you though. Maybe a little disappointed?
”You are looking for proof then?”
”Its not that I don’t believe you its just that...”
He places his hand ontop of your head, and takes a firm grip before giving you a small friendly shake.
”Its that big heathen brain of yours, I understand. You know Kae when I was your age...”
he suddenly has a very scrutinizing look on his face. He takes a hold of your chin and starts to examine your face
”hmmm... how old are you again?”
breaking your chin free of his weak grip, you think on his question. Not exactly sure yourself, you start to count the years on your fingers.
”Seven-teen? I'm not exactly sure. I don't know when I was born exactly, so uncle would just celebrate the day he got me instead. November twenty first.”
Jackson nods his head
”I see... Well when I was a bit older then you, I actually didn’t truly believe in the gods either. I knew they were there, but I never payed much attention to them. I was so full of myself beck then... But, when I was at my lowest point, I found them there, where they had always been. Without them I would have had no redemption, no purpose, and no hope.”
You can see from his expression that he worries that he is losing you, but its not true. You are paying attention.
”I'm not telling you this for no reason, im telling you because I can see you are on the same path I was. I'm telling you because I think it may help you.
You reach out with your good hand and place it on his shoulder. You can feel his internal furnace radiate heat through his armour. You are glad to see he has recovered from the coldness that overtook him two weeks ago.
”Thanks Jack”...

...That night, you cant help but spend much time thinking about what the story actually meant...

...In the morning you decide to confront Jackson about being lost in the woods and about your map. He takes it surprisingly well in fact. ”Yes, I know, I have somehow gotten us lost. I had hoped to work my way out and not alarm you. Its so strange, I have taken this path before. I don't know how I got lost.
He got lost because you lead him off the path. [rogue] But at least he suspects nothing, and you can see no reason to apologize right before the world ends. You let him examine the map with you for the first time, but he isn’t able to make any more sense then you did. After some discussion he agrees to stay at the camp while you try to figure out where the two of you are. Jackson's attitude seems much better today then the last two weeks. Engaging with him o na spiritual level seems to have, at least temporary, effected his mood in a positive way. Even still, you would work faster without having to worry about Jackson.

After a light breakfast, you set out to servery the landscape. Sadly, you don't have much success. While considering following the stream where you caught the fish, you hear a scream, a little boys scream. You quickly triangulate where the sound is coming from, the boy is clearly shouting for help. The sound is coming from the opposite direction of your camp, where Jackson is waiting. You have a bad feeling in your gut.

>What do?

>>3539431
Go check it out

Donwe have any sort of weapon?

>>3539431
investigate, try not to be seen

>>3539449
a short sword, you cant use your bow with 1 arm.

>>3539462
That would slow you down. Do you want to be stealthy or fast?

>>3539467
I guess fast but when we actually arrive there we try to not be seen if possible, if its not....oh well

>>3539467
fast!
we must protecc the shota

>>3539431
Is it one of those "ahhh monster!" screams or a "I just got severely wounded!" blood curling screams?
Even if we don't know, I say we go to him. We can always brush it off as we were trying to scout out this area anyways.
>We must see what the commotion is! Quickly!

>>3539431
>Find the boi

>>3539431
Guse go towards the sound

>>3539431
Oh man I missed several threads of this while swamped with work. Glad to see you're still going OP.
Let's investigate, but stealthily. Sneakily. Subterfuge is key.

going to need three 1d20s

>>3540401
(/ - .-)/

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>>3542061

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>3542061
Nice die.

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>3542062

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>3542061
I hate this part aaaaaaaa

oof

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>3542061

>>3542090
Pls have mercy

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The sound of a child shouting for help is no small thing, especially to a hero such as yourself! You immediately drop your bag and sprint in the direction of the shout. As you run, you wonder who would even be this far into the woods anyway? Are you about to run head long into an ambush? Or into the maw of an angry bear? Your instinct starts to kick up a storm, warning you to take the slow and steady approach. Yet your recent “successful” heroics have made you brave. If you can save Nathalie, you can save anybody!

You hear the raging water before you see it. [Bushman] Rapids, by the sound of it; dangerous water. The thought of someone drowning makes you run even faster! You run through the bramble, tree branches, and mud, taking only a few scratches, they don’t deter you one bit. Soon you exit the heavy woods and enter a clearing. In front of you, flows a heavy river, and it looks incredibly angry. The water rushes downhill and takes anything foolish enough to enter with it. Taking a look up stream, you see a child running alongside the river. In the water, someone else is getting carried away! As they get closer, you drop your sword, pull off your boots, and prepare yourself to dive in! The kid spots you, but doesn’t stop chasing, he is getting quickly outpaced by his comrade.

You know that you’re not supposed to get your cast wet. But this isn’t the time to think about yourself. When the drowning person gets close enough, you jump into the river! [bushmen] You have swam in many lakes and rivers, but never were you foolish enough to swim in a river that raged like this. Yet your experience does serve you here, kicking with your powerful legs, you swim against the current and attempt to reach your target...

...[STR]You drag yourself out of the river with your target over your shoulder. You drop the corpse in front of yourself, then you fall to your knees. You failed, the person that you tried to rescue is dead. If they died before you even got here, it is unknown. But in your mind, you may as well have killed them yourself. The person that you tried to rescue, was just a little boy. Just a boy... You hate yourself, you hate yourself, you hate yourself. You failed to save, yet another person. You feel a rage burn inside you, yet there is nowhere to direct it but yourself. If you were faster, if you were stronger, if your arm wasn’t broken...

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Soon enough the other child catches up to you. You cant face him... He doesn’t even say anything, he just looks down on the corpse, and at you, with confusion. Eventually, the child sits down next the body and simply freezes. [Bushman] Oddly enough, you can hear the water start to relax. Looking behind you, the raging river seems to slow down and become quite calm...

>what do?
>you have a stunned child next to you
>a corpse
>Jackson doesnt know where you are
>You left your bag behind to get here

>>3543163
apologize to the kid, say that we tried but we weren't fast enough

try to console the kid

after the kid calms down ask where are they from

>>3543163
Try cpr?

>>3543163
>"Welp, I tried. Later kid."

>>3543163
>Send the kid in Jacksons direction
>"Fetch my friend in the forrest, Jackson. He knows this better than me"
Giving the kid something to do might prevent him from panicing

>>3543163
Tell the kid to wait here while we go to find and bag and report back to Jackson. We should upfront and honest about what happened, or at the very least ask Jackson to say some words, he’s very religious, he should know what to say/do when someone dies.

>>3543461
Eh sure.
Guess it's time to be accused of witchcraft by the kid and the villagers

>>3543163
Oof.
>Ask where the kid's frim

>>3543163
Under no ciscunstance leave the kid alone or send him off alone, he's distressed.

Help him calm down and deal with what happened, take him along to grab our bag and ask what were they doing and where are they from
We may find where we are and the way we need to go if he lives nearby

>>3543163
Ask the boi her name

>>3543163
Guse ask thr kid y they wore playing in auch angry waters.
I mean do we do cpr?

>>3543784
Do we know what CPR is?
I mean, logically, a person heart can still beat for a few minutes after they stopped breathing, which allows for resuscitation, but if his heart is gone, thats it. I'm not sure if we know that though.

>>3543669
he's in shock, most likely. We can afford to leave him put for a bit to get Jackson.

>>3544314
I disagree, I think we should stay with him until he calms down, then we bring him with us

Rolled 1 (1d2)

going to roll a dice to break this tie

>>3543784
>>3544310
>>3543188
CPR is a pretty modern technique. Kae wouldn’t know anything like that.

>>3545371
bet, so the kid is done for, other kid is in shock. Odds are he'll stay that way.

You sit in silence for a long time. How long? Too long. You have yet to try and make contact with the kid, who just sits frozen. You were never good with kids, mostly because you have never really been around them. Ontop of which, for 70% of your life, you WERE one. So what do you say? How do you make things better? You cant help but feel angry with the kid, why was he playing in such dangerous water in the first place? Where were the parents? You almost open your mouth to say something, but end up swallowing your words. No, its not the child’s fault; Its yours. You decide to sit still awhile longer, and let yourself calm down.

The silence is broken when you are finally ready to ask a question, ”What it your name?”. The startled child looks up at you, but he doesn’t answer. He just sits and stares vacantly at you. ”My name is Kae, I am truly sorry for being unable to rescue your friend(?) in time”. The child is still unable to answer you, and upon hearing your apology he hides his face behind his knees and tightens up into a ball. You do your best to console the kid, but talking “good like” ain't something you have any skill in. ”Things are going to be alright, I er, know what its like to lose someone! Tell me, where are you from?”. The child stretches out his hand and points to a direction beyond the river. It looks like the child is not ready to talk. But what are you supposed to do with him now? ”Are you able to move? I need to go find my friend and bring him back here. Can you come with me?”. You don’t get any reply, the child just stays put.

After some deliberation you decide to leave the kid with the body so you can get Jackson, he would know what to do in this situation. You don't feel right about leaving the kid behind, but you’re not sure that you can carry him with your broken arm, or that it would even be wise to do so. You instruct the child to stay put, and quickly make your way back towards your bag and Jackson...

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... a few hours later you return with Jackson in tow. He was pretty upset with you for leaving the kid behind, but he understood the situation. Unfortunately, when you break the woods and return to the river the child is gone! As well as the body of the other child! Jackson doesn’t look too happy, and he wonders if you correctly found your way back. [hunter] You’re not too sure of yourself at first either, but you quickly find tracks. The examination results are quit curious, there are no additional tracks. Yet it seems the drowned boy simply got up and the two children walked off. This defies reason, you were sure the child was dead. But then again, you are no shaman. Its possible he survived and you just didn’t notice?
”Its possible, you must have been frantic with a dead child at your feet. I have heard of people who are seemingly dead from drowning, come back to life after spitting out the water. Can you follow the tracks? At the very least it could be a way out of this forest.”

You follow the tracks up the river until you find a bridge, it looks well maintained. Jackson was right, this piece of human ingenuity tells the tale of some kind of civilization. But you are much more curious about the kid. You have seen the dead walk before, and it wasn’t pleasant. Eventually the tracks lead you to a small house, it looks maintained and even sports a small flower garden. Jackson looks around but seems unsure if he should step foot on someones property.
”Ill go knock and make our presence known.” he says before heading towards the door. The tracks are harder to follow now, since there are boot prints all over the place
>what do?

>>3545407
what the fuck? Did we leave a shocked kid alone? how retarded is Kae after all?

let him knock on the door, let's see if we can find them

>>3545424
As in, walk around the premises or stick with Jackson

>>3545477
follow the tracks, walk around

>>3545407
>Join Jackson, stick around since we tried to rescue the kid
Should probably ask Jackson to do as much of the talking as possible. We arent as well versed in dealing with people as him

>>3545407
Definitely do a touch of scouting

>>3545885
I agree with this. There will come a time where Jackson is not at our side, we must learn how to properly interact with people, and we can only achieve that by sticking near him and learning how he speaks, including tone and inflection.

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[insight 6]As Jackson moves towards the house, you cant help but feel a strange sensation. There is something not quit right here. Something here is out of place. Its hard to say exactly what. Diverging from Jackson, you start to take wide steps around the property. Checking behind every fence post and blade of grass with your eyes, as you servery the quaint homestead. When Jackson notices you curiously peeking around, he stops and calls out to you.
“Kae”
His call breaks your trance. You look back over to him, expecting him to lambast you for trespassing too much.
”... Watch yourself.”
Jackson's voice is serious. But you’re not sure if he meant “watch yourself” as in “don't poke around” or “watch yourself” as in “something feels off watch your back”.
You suppose its the latter, since he turns away and leaves you to your own devices. Satisfied that Jackson has maybe, probably, possibly, given you the go ahead to search the premises: You continue your investigation. As you hear Jack give the door a hard knock, you are already coming around to the backside of the house.

At first nothing seems out of the ordinary, all you find is a bigger vegetable farm and clothing hanging on a line. But there is an odd scent of fish, yet youre not sure from where it comes from. [Hunter] Checking for footprints, you, curiously, find many caused by animals. Which is odd, since you don’t see any around. Among them are chicken and goat prints, but also some cloven prints that you cant identify. You guesstimate that they are at least a week old. Still no sign of the kids though. [insight 6] The longer you stay here the more odd you feel, something is AMISS here. But what? Where is this feeling coming from?

You can hear Jackson talking at someone on the other side of the house now, this almost triggers you into turning back. That is, until you catch a whiff of IT. Hidden under the scent of fish is [Insight 6] THE SMELL, it almost smells like Jackson, but fainter, more... wrong? Unlike the smell of fish, you can quickly triangulate its origin. Its faint, but followable. Step after step you follow the scent like a hound, the more you follow it the more you become fixated on it. Eventually, when the house starts to disappear behind you, the source reveals itself. Its the two kids, alive!

Creeping up on them, you examine the boy that SHOULD be dead with a great intensity. He doesn’t move or say much, but he is definitely alive. He calmly stands supported by a fence, and he absolutely gently REEKS of the SMELL. The child you had met already, stands with him. Doing his/her? best to comfort the not so drowned boy; they don't speak at all. You instinctively place your hands on their shoulders, fearing that they will up and disappear on you again. This causes the first boy to jump. He looks at you with fear, you can see him thinking of a way out behind his blue eyes. The other, still wet, child is much more subtle. He turns to face you slowly, when he does look up at you, he gazes at you with a vacant expression and sighs. He looks dead tired, bags dangle and contradict under his youthful eyes. You’re not too sure what to do here, but one thing you know for sure. If Jackson finds this boy, he is going to kill him the moment he takes a whiff of that SCENT.

>what do?

>>3550541
Ask him what happened, how's he alive and how many times has he done it.

I think this kid attracts people to that river to drown them, remember how the river calmed down after we left it?

Ask the other kid if he knew his friend was alive, and if he was surprised because he was ok or because we were ok.

>>3550541
Ara ara~~~

Jackson can't kill this kid if we rape him to death first

Nah but seriously he's a zombie or changeling or something, kill it. Or drag it back to Jackson.

>>3550541
>Take them back to Jackson, willingly or not
>If worst comes to worst, kill the scented one
Jackson has dealt with these people before, he would know what to do. But the kid must be dealt with before he harms or kills anyone

>>3550766
you are kind of overreacting man, Ratko had the smell and never hurt us, he even tried to help us

>>3550541
Talk to the kid
ask what happened and why he is alive

after that we can decide if we take him there or not, taking him there is condemning a kid to death since Jack will definitely kill him, so we got to be careful

>>3550766
Jackson's way to deal with people he believes to be corrupt is to brutally execute them. He has displayed this tactic openly.

Its up to you to choose if you trust Jackson to do whats best with the limited information you have.

>>3550805
>>3550782
Like it or not, the kid was essentially dead, and the other one appears to be to blame. Some things can't be saved.

>Show Jackson and let him deal with it.

It would also would show Jackson we trust him to handle it.

>>3550541
>Show Jackson and let him deal with it.

Show no mercy to Necromancy.

>>3550541
Ask the kids what happened, and how he is alive, we saw him dead.

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Completely disregard what any useless SCENT tells you.
Try to ask the shota for directions then continue on your way. Answer any of Jackson's questions truthfully in the unlikely event he asks any but don't mention anything related to your strange sensation or "sense of smell", he doesn't want you to talk or think about that stuff anyway.

>>3550541
>Definitely bring the kid to Jackson

>>3550805
Like I said before, first we talk with the kids, then we decide what to do, we don't even know what happened

>>3552396
And give them a chance to corrupt our mind? I think not, servant of darkness.

>>3552416
our mind is already corrupted, and talking with Ratko didn't corrupt our mind further
did you even read the quest dude?
since when would Kae on her right mind condemn two kids to death without even talking with them?

>>3552666
It's one kid and one monster. We're killing the monster.

>>3552669
Then talk with them first to see what happened, I'm not saying we will not, but we should at least get them talking before Jackson does his thing

Like I said, Ratko had the same smell and didn't seem like a monster, even tried to help us in our rescue of Nat, so let's not be hasty

OOC I bet the kid is up to no good too, but Kae has no reason to immediately jump to murderhoboing the child, and I imagine that letting Jack kill the child without even knowing what happened would make her even more afraid of him and damage things further

>>3552676
We didn't see Ratko die and then fine a few minutes later.

>>3552684
but he had the same smell, for all we know the kid was not dead, and Ratko could see using crows that is weird as hell too
all I'm saying is we talk to them and try to figure this out, then we can take him and let Jackson murder one more kid for his faith-fueled murderboner or something

>>3552692
>>3552684
if for nothing else, talk to him to make sure he is up to no good so we can deliver him to jackson without having to bear the guild of killing a child
and knowing Jackson like we do he will probably want to murder the innocent kid, their mother and burn the house down like he did with that witch girl he killed

I just want to make sure before we unleash Jackson murder mode because the innocents will probably be killed too

On the outside of their skin, the kids look, apart from the wear and tear, relatively normal. But on the inside, etched into their bone marrow, you suspect something sinister creeps. The revived one, without a doubt, has some manner of strangeness about him. Your skin crawls and the hairs on your neck rise from the proximity, you want to bring this child to Jackson for elimination immediately. The other child, you are not so sure about. You lean in to take a few sniffs and make sure he is “clean”. This definitely confuses and disarms the child, the move takes him completely off guard. Yet you smell nothing apart from “normal” peasant smells. [loyal] You deliberate dragging the two of them before Jackson and having him sort it all out. Its what you would have done, if not for that nagging feeling that Jackson may overreact and annihilate both children and everyone connected to them. What if the second boy is innocent? You have your suspicions, but no evidence...

[Occult Fascination] Questions, there is always time for questions, and you have many, many, questions. Especially when it comes to the abnormal.
”Are you able to speak with me now? Why did you run away? What are your names?”
The drowned boy speaks up in a somber tone, his voice is raspy and forced.
“My name is Andrew, and this is my brother James. He is mute, so I normally speak for the both of us. As for running away, I don't believe we have ever met.”
Now that his brother is speaking, the blue eyed boy, James, seems to calm down a bit. Yet he still seems quite nervous, you can tell he is hiding something. Although, you may
”Do you realize what has happened to you?”
“...Yes. Do you?”
Odd question.
”I think I have an idea, how many times has this happened?”
“I don't know, I have a hard time remembering. I don't remember much anymore.”
James seems to not like where the conversation is going, and starts to fight your grip. He tosses and tosses but you hold tight.
”Why were you in the river?”
“I don't ... Remember. I don't remember much anymore.”

>what do?
> [Occult Fascination] ask more questions. (specify)
> [Idealist] let them go
> [Loyal] drag them to Jackson
> [Grand destiny]write ins!

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Next update Thursday/Friday.

FYI: If you voted to drag the kid to Jackson, I will let it carry over to when the talking is done. You dont have to vote again, unless you are voting to change your vote

>>3553106
Do you have parents nearby?

turning to james, he can probably answer yes or no
is that common?the drowning
has anyone else tried to save him?
has anyone else gotten out of the river?

Question James then, if he's just mute he should at least be able to nod and shake his head.

>>3553111
Ask some questions while taking them to Jackson
>This >>3553153

>>3553153
Supporting
Then drag to Jackson

>>3553106
>Ask James to draw a line in the dirt for each time this has happened

>>3553106
>>3553153
This sound good!
Hope he doesn't break free...he's totally going to huh.

>>3553111
>Next update Thursday/Friday.
Damn

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You think on his words for a moment before continuing with your questions. You try to analyze the source of Andrew's odd behaviour, but you can only surmise that something is wrong with him internally.
”Do you have any parents nearby?”
”Our parents are gone, the woman here takes care of us.”
James continues to struggle against you, hard enough that he almost breaks free. You turn to James and direct your next questions at him.
”Is this a common occurrence? The drowning? Do people drown in that river often? Does your brother? Yes or no?”
James doesn’t seem to take much heed to your questions, in fact he tries to kick you in the shin! [AGI] But your reflexes are much greater then that of some kid, and you slide your leg out of his arc. [STR] With one hand you lift James up into the air.
”You will answer my questions, I suggest you explain things to me instead of my friend”
James holds onto your arm as his legs dangle in the empty air, he looks quit scared.
”Is this a common occurrence?”
He doesn’t answer.
”Has anyone else tried to save him?”
James is now not only scared and intimidated, but he seems to now be confused as well. His face is very easy to read.
”has anyone else gotten out of the river?”
You feel a tug on your pant leg, its coming from Andrew.
”Please let my brother go, you are hurting him”
Andrews monotone voice doesn’t betray any real concern for his brother, you are not sure how to take his words.
”I don't understand your questions, but I was at the river because I wanted to drown myself. Im sorry I lied. Please let my brother go. He is innocent”
You don’t let go of James yet.
”... Why?”
”I simply don’t want to be alive, anymore.”
You turn back to James and ask your, possibly, final question
”How many times has your brother come back?”
But you get no answer, the brute force approach is not working.

>What do?
>More questions? (Specify)
>No more questions, time for Action!

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>>3563905
Sorry, I took a commission to make some money on the side and It took a lot out of me. Didn't expect it to be so hard.

>>3566164
Explain to James that if he doesn't give you some answers it will be your moral duty to bring his brother before a priest of Solar, who will almost certainly react poorly.

>>3566167
Oh shit man, It's fine, you gotta do what you gotta do. This quest is good enough to wait for.

>>3566187
Maybe specify pain, not death, as he seemingly cant die.

>>3566164
Just popping in to say I'm really enjoying all the different drawing styles you've used so far in this quest. I think this one's my favorite so far, though.

>>3566164
>"Calm your brother down. We are going to have a chat with my friend Jackson"

Thats a good looking picture

>>3566164
explain to him that he needs to talk with us, because our friend will maybe hurt James too and we don't want that, so please tell us everything so that we can maybe save him

why did he want to die

why didn't he die when he drowned

>>3566164
>Ask both kids about the shack and who lives there

>>3566326
>>3566341
This basically, way better drawing then anything so far