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Astre watched the exchange between Cygnus, Junpei (weird, female Junpei), but remains quiet, mentally logging all these things. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ three days later, after Sora has finished working with the shrine, Astre walks into the hideout. Let's talk. Astre says Don't do the whole sullen "I don't deserve kindess" or "I don't need pity" or whatever it is. I spent a while doing that, It wasn't constructive. You need to forgive yourself.
What would "use my ophanim Yokai to investigate by proxy" (basically, do my job) use? (mostly because I con't think of a specific place to start, besides the latest corrupted site)
Also, Junpei, we established earlier that in this loop, You maneuvered Astre away from finding the Matagama, hoping this would be the thing that saves him, and everyone else. Can I ask how you did it for this scene?
So, I'm going to go with Yihadhe for friend, Cygnus' childhood frined, currently working as a librarian in Neo Jimazan's largest library. for enemy: is Nobility (just throwing out an Erohin) who think Astre should never have been admitted into the city
that's temerity
Astre watches, terrified, as the man receives a fate that could very well have been his own. he turns to the angry girl, the one who vehemently is not in therapy . they step close, so that their words will likely not be overheard. does that- how often does that happen How many times will I have to watch that Astre thinks to himself Astre, by the way they say, extending their hand, almost as an afterthought.
That's what I get for updating via mobile Magatama seem... interesting. not as compelling, to me, but I can work within it.
I don't know if you noticed, but I tend to like stories that ratchet up tention, and sometimes are futile and hopeless... Hailstorm and I don't hate the idea of Fables/literary references linking us. In fact, I rather like it.
I thought sentai meant specifically colour coded super teams how does never alone screw you? also, I will come out against being literally naked... I've watched enough games get too descriptive. also the visual of it is kinda... yeah, I'm not a huge fan.
I don't think I coloured out of any pre-determined lines... but I may have inadvertently. there was quite a bit of lore, so I may have missed a bit. sorry if I did
Astre stand straighter. A few things were notable in this incident. Firstly, this was far further into the city that previous incursions. they say, slipping briefly into the terminology of the darkness. And the pseudo-psychic corruption spread further than the previous maximum by... Johanna? The radius of spread was 6.73 meters farther than the previous largest incident She projected out to the room Yes. There were, mercifully, only a dozen or so people in the library and it's vicinity when the incident began. I say "Or so" because, due to the nature of the damage to the victim's carcasses, we cannot get an exact count. Which brings us to the most concerning of the variations Johanna added Yes, quite. The... Heathen, I believe sh-They were termed, was only lightly armed. He holds up a admittedly large knife, with faint traces of the darkness's telltale purple-red in spider webbing lines on the blade. they place in on the table, for the Erohin who are so inclined to inspect They were neither armed heavily enough, or physically strong enough to inflict the damage we saw... nor would any human, or young Yokai be. our conclusion, from this, is that either a very old yokai, or one of the Righteous... that is, one of the darkened Erohin Astre finishes, bowing low as he does, and unless asked follow up questions, falls back to the background
Are there parameters I am working within? Or do I just get to define what a darkness attack looks Like?
I'm an Investigator. And Material Witness, I suppose Astre says sardonically. Like anyone on the Purity Council didn't aready know about them Your... Companion seems rather Agitated they tell the quiet bo- Person before them. Mine doesn't speak much. He says She's really more a mobile panopticon than anything else. Th- He thinks in a bit of pique. He braces himself to give their report. they dearly hoped the few things they had dredged up wuld placate the Erohin somewhat.
Malice. Yes. Astre says one of their hands reach back, to toy with the bun their hair is tied back in tight enough to hurt their scalp a little. Don't Johanna says quickly, as his fingers alight on the cord that holds it. H- They're mostly safe to be around. Astre says, correcting himself before Johanna can chastise them. But, If you are on catering, be sure to double check which juice you're pouring. pomegranate and cranberry look very similar. They turn to the other person, seemingly entranced by the Erohin. They place a hand on their shoulder, the one not occupied by the loud pixie. I'm Astre. you're A purity committee 'member' too? they ask, effortlessly pronouncing the inverted comma.
Astre bows their head slightly, and head toward Junpei. The clothes they wear are uncomfortable, the makeup caked on. There had been quite a bit to perfect on Astre. Their eyes were watering, still adjusting to the contacts that turned their green eyes to a more sightly blue. They trudged on. Eyes downcast. Two weeks ago, he would have stalked, or strode, a soldier in the darkness. but they couldn't anymore. If they failed, they would be cast out... maybe. He'd never see Cygnus again. Temerity wants- Astre starts, before Johanna stops them How we phrase things is important, Astre. they say, the light emanating from them modulating slightly as they speak, the words magically delivered into the minds of those nearby. Temerity Would very much like a new colouring sheet, as they have contented themselves with the state of the previous one. they finally say to Junpei. then, in a show of servant solidarity, offers his left hand, saying my name is Astre... you may have heard a bit about me.
yeah, thought you'd be into that. Arcturus fits with the star theme, and felt suitably villainous. Arcturus is what Astre becomes... every time. he's a servant of darkness with a trinket. oh jesus christ, you're homura (mind you, she was my favourite character).
I'll volunteer as tribute, infernal.
Like Derse/Prospit in Homestuck, slightly blue-shifted? [Pallet] ooh, I like the colours. Now I just need to get them into the sheet, and arrange them somehow... sorry if it winds up being horrifically bad
I think "in two places" to start. attributes do not start high in this. I hope failing doesn't hurt to bad in this game.
I apologize. Astre begins, their eyes unable to meet the phantoms. It wasn't that they felt bad for the phantom, he had been a bastard in life, but Astre disliked using the Black arts, especially given their... current situation. There is an object that nullifies the defensive enchantments on you stair. Do please tell me where it is.
Hold on They say, placing a hand on Amarant's arm. They hadn't wanted to use this spell. I might be able to... I will need to be alone. do not follow me, and please don't open that door until I return. They retreat to the room beyond, creating a small summoning circle on the wall, and then allow the magic to flow through them. a sickly green glow fills the room, as the form manifests before Astre.
Beb’k’nothak, I would like you to tell me something...
That, is a stable gateway. They say, smiling in admiration. truly a magnificent bit of magic. I dearly hope he still has the notes and formulae he used for this. Astre wonders for a moment. The way up is blocked by an endless stair enchantment. Theres a simple bypass, but we need to find it. It'll be an object, probably pretty obvious once we find it... but Bebs will have hidden it well. they nod to Amarant and Ganzorig, and sign Be cautious as you proceed... I suspect we have not found all the traps.
No, just slipping. Another character I have uses male pronouns, and I sometimes get confused. Sorry
I... Allow me to examine that. Astre says, carefully not touching anything while he examines the device. I think I saw one of these, back in Laithis' tower... he mutters.
Perhaps... Astre says, nodding to Ganzorig. Good thinking, I guess Bebs was more clever than I gave him credit for... Tooth in hand, Astre walks up the stairway, testing his hypothesis.
Some kind of prison demiplane, I think. Astre says, rolling his eyes as the barbarian gets the credit for saving her, again (despite him saving the barbarian) Now, those stairs... theres actually a pretty simple trick to getting up them. I just need to check this... AN dwitht hat he whispers an incantation.
Astre draws in breath, acknowledging Amarant's message, but not really considering it for the moment. he ambles to Maudes side, examining the levers and buttons, looking for a dispelling countermeasure, something to close the portal. he finds the most likely candidate, and pulls.
Astre smiles as they watch their It's okay, that's a bit of magical trickery. it is designed to frustrate would-be murderers and looters. there was some trick to get past them... what had it been?
Hands removed, tongue cut out...who the hell could do something like that? Astre wonders, thought they have a notion who it was
They allow Ganzorig to lead them out, stunned by the discovery. when they stop, Astre turns to him, and asks Who could... How would...Why? he finally gets out, not signing along for the first time, as they needed their hands to brace themselves on the cart.
Oh lady, he's going to get them killed... or worse. Astre blanches (or as close as a revenant can come to blanching) and quickly draws his rapier (still covered in roast rabbit, the parisol had kept his attention for most of the day) Please cover me, I can't let those two get killed. he signs to Ganzorig, mentally noting to make his Parisol next, and figure out what colour he wanted. You don't understand. he says, coming up behind the hulking warrior and blazing lady. those stones are petrified birds! this place may still have active wards, or worse, a wizard. he gesticulates wildly, trying to find the right words in the common tongue to express how dangerous a wizard in their tower was. there could be spells in here that will turn you to stone, aware but immobile, or send you off into the infinite worlds cocurrent with this one, or summon demons to tear you apart. the walls, floors and ceilings can lie, shift, or disappear, trapping you until you're mad, or you could be rendered down to primordial chaos. he finishes, a pleading look in his eyes Maude, Thra'raxes, you're smarter than this. we need to plan, and gather information. please, don't endanger yourselves unduely!
Astre jumps out of the way of the petrified sparrow, and looks jealously over at Thra'raxes as Maude falls into his arms. They pout slightly, before it registers what they just saw. A petrified bird... The wards might not be as inactive as they appear! We need to leave. they whisper to the other two, quickly retreating to the peddler and the bandit. Thank you for the warning they sign, nodding to Ganzorig and smiling. Do you know what's going on?
Ganzorig puts the breaks on the cart, releases Heptu, and slips down into the brush, looking for a tree Near enough to the tower. He does not plan on getting turned into a toad.
I don't like this. no respectable wizard would keep their abode in this state, and neither would Beb'k'nothak. they say, quietly putting their almost-completed parisol aside, and drawing the rapier, which they hadn't got around to cleaning. then Maude starts shouting... and exploding. they sign to Amarant, and Ganzorig I will attempt to calm her. please check this out, I promise I will listen this time. They rush to the girls side. Maude, please calm down. they say, trying to be calm, while more than a little intimidated by the fire. This place is abandoned, I don't think he's here. the only people you will hurt with that is us they examine the situation, with a wizards eye, knowing that Ganzorig and Amarant are turning their gaze on it for enemies.
Astre spends the time they are travelling slowly and gently prying the two pieces of wax apart. wondering what purpose they served.
then everything stops. it is dreadfully confusing. He looks up to the bridge, it seems dreadfully unstable.. He wishes he could use magic to shore it up. Why hadn't he paid more attention during his apprenticeship well... the dresses Nyx wore probably had something to do with it he though, smiling at the memory, before remembering that he was actually in a potentially time sensitive situation. Firstly, That's vampires, not witches. and apocryphal besides. Astre says to Maude And perhas we could all stop taking shots at one another, and try to get on? he asks, quietly looking to Amarant for approval.
I understand what you mean. Thank you Astre signs to Amarant, not sure what else to say. Then he turns to the wax that Gazorig had handed him.
Regardless, we should push forward. a bit of magic and the relics of the tower will probably help us on the next step of our journey. Astre says and signs.
Thank you. They say , laying down the next layer of his parisol, trying to create a serpent motif. Weaving had been another of their talents, though their usual medium was normal thread. this was an expirience. I will try to listen more... I'm not used to being in danger. Signing to Amarant:
It was really Maude who struck he first blow? I suppose... She must have had some reason... That is a very good idea. it will take time, particularly the cover. They sign to Ganzorig Are you sure about the colour... I can do lavender, or sapphire, or blood red They pondered briefly why that last one had popped into their mind Maybe you should check the tower. I would offer to watch your back... but I would take Flower, were I you.
I'm sorry. he seemed nice, and I had work to do. And I hought maybe just sharing the fire would heml hime ase up a little... But you're right, especially in the wild, someone else should handle first impressions. They finish the piece of the parisol they were working on, leaves unknitting into green lace, and re-knitting intothe shape they wanted it to. then he returns to using both his hands, both to sign, and to cast. But, I'm not useless in a fight. I'm an elf, we all learned the Sword and Bow... though I never excelled at either. but I can also use magic in a fight. They say, uttering sceana na sióga, and unleashing brilliant emerald-green darts from their hand, impacting hard against the tower's wall
Astre uses their now-freed hand to resume proper signing with Ganzorig. That was Drow language... it has some peculiarities. they repeat everything they had said, this time properly. I apologize, it can be hard for native elven speakers to understand. You're kind to me. Do you mind if I stay in this seat while I work? they sign.
I understand they sign But it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. they go with the peddler, patting Heptu on the flank as they do. when they get the dire ass back to the cart, they sit down on the cart, next to Ganzorig's seat, and trade the rapier, and a cloth, to the force, in exchange for the Parisol. as he works, he switches to the more harsh, but one-handed, drow sign language. I think Maude and Amarant have both been acting foolishly. (Literal translation: In-A -Way-Which-Will-Mandate-Disciplinary-Action.) However, I do not know how to behave, let alone address theirs. (Literal translation: My orders were poorly worded, and they do not turn their backs to me.) Do you think my magic is pathetic? (Literal Translation:Is my magic like that of a surface dweller's).
Astre's face sinks as Maude tells them off. they suppose their magic isn't as "all that" as her fire-powers, or Amarant's chains. They click their fingers, and hands their umbrella off to some invisible force, as he walks over to Ganzorig and the Donkey.
good though, moving the cart away from Maude's fire. they sign to the peddler, before kneeling down beside him, and asking What had that man done? why did he need to be shot?
Astre looks up as the scuffles begin. the brains smell really, really good... they fill Astre's mind with thoughts that disturb them, visions of carrion and gore covering their hands and face. they are sure that, if their digestive track still worked, they would have retched. Oh dear. He seemed relatively harmless to me. What's just happened? where are his friends? they ask the group at large, looking over to Maude specifically to see if she is okay. Maude, you've a talent for pyromancy? I though you found magic frivolous. They say, enamored even more with the mysterious girl.
Ah, I understand. Astre says, signing All clear? as he takes a knee beside the fire. He places the materials he had gathered for the parisol on the ground before him, slowly beginning the process of enchanting them into a suitable shape. in the end, the leaves and saplings will mesh and connect to form something not unlike this.
Good morning, sir. Astre says, signing to the others Tactical assessment please. number of hostiles and likelyhood of combative encounter. I will attempt diplomatic solution. as quickly as he can behind his back (As these signs are completely drow in origin, his movements are harsh and seem rude to surface dwellers.) My name is Astre. my friends and I are off to the witchhat tower. Who might you be? He says, in the friendliest tone possible
Ganzoig's... whatever he has on Astre is really cue. I almost feel guilty for basically ignoring Ganzorig.
The first time sunlight touches Astre, they immediately become rather unstable, clutching a tree with one hand to steady themselves, and thrusting out their other hand to steady Maude, who they assume to be suffering from the same effects. Sorry they say a moment later, removing their hand, appalled at how forward they had been. I just- well the sunlight- I didn't want you to fall and hurt yourself. they finally stammer out. Thieves cant with Ganzorig: they sign to the peddler, worried about them, especially in their advanced state of decay.
How are you handling the light? Is there any way I can help? When Thra'raxes falls, Astre assumes that he had just been taken by surprise by a particularly intense sunbeam. He goes forward, giving Amarant a disapproving look as he does, and offers hsi hand to the muscled man. I'm sure we'll get used to it soon. until then, we just need to keep moving. Can you do that? |