You are Tristain d’Rusalka, a noble from the United Kingdom of Fodlan born with unique abilities bestowed upon you by the Goddess. You have journeyed across the sea to the desert kingdom of Morfis after receiving an invitation to join a mysterious competition. Though you know little of the trials that lie ahead, the winner of this contest has been promised the hand of Morfis’ Princess, Yulia Xan Phanes, in marriage. Seeking adventures, thrills, and battles that would be worthy of your might, you embarked on this strange voyage with nothing but your trusted axe.Your journey took you to Ithaca, a research camp situated in the midst of a magical sandstorm that barred intruders. Shortly after your arrival, the camp came under attack by a clan of desert assassins. They kidnapped one of your companions, Alvin, and took over The Keep, a fortress where Ithaca’s researchers performed their most dangerous experiments. You and your companions stormed the stronghold, facing enemies that included not just the assassins, but also monsters, ancient spirits, and even a skeletal clone of yourself.Having rescued Alvin, you learned that he was the target of the assassins, who were seeking an object in his possession that would open the way to Tartarus, a great tomb that had been sealed away for thousands of years. With two more destinations to go before you reached Morfis, it was likely that you would face additional threats to your safety.But this was a prospect that excited you greatly.>Tristain d’Rusalka>Level 26/50 Lord (EXP: 60/100)HP: 54/54 (120%)Strength: 28 (65%)Magic: 18 (40%)Speed: 17 (30%)Defense: 20 (60%)Resistance: 15 (40%)Luck: 14 (55%)>Personal Skill: Resolve (When HP falls to less than 35%, Strength, Speed and Defense increase by 7)>Weapons: Steel Axe (+12 Attack), Hammer (+8 Attack, 3x attack vs Armor Knights)>Spells:Fire (+3 DMG, 5 Uses)>Abilities:Crest of Indech: You are able to make a follow-up attack on one foe, regardless of Speed. (4 Charges)Crest of Macuil: Double the attack power of a magic spell. (3 Charges)Combat Art: Earthsplitter: Cleave all enemies standing two rows in front of you. (Cost: 1 Crest of Indech Charge)Combat Art: Throw: (Toss your weapon at an enemy and return it to your hand. Ranged attack.) (1 Crest of Indech Charge)>Items: Concoction x2 (+20 HP)>Gold: 1000g>Tristain’s Party: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mrlj-c7Oe51qIoat3LJfDSv0Bw2nmExQT2EqlKlWPGw/edit?usp=sharing>Combat Rules:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1m_UvIqCmBRzmrlu0mvttVkGRRI8bIkT6iTTrDR_J5zo/edit?usp=sharing>Archive: https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Sorcerer%20Kingdom
>>6175744“Concentrate. Feel the scorching heat and do not shy away, but grasp it.” Alvin calls out to you from afar. “These are not the paltry flames you’ve summoned before. This is magic befitting of an adept sorcerer.”You outstretched your hands, calling upon the latent magical energies stored within you. It was true that you’d fallen behind in your studies of the arcane arts. You’d grown too comfortable with only swinging that large axe of yours, falling back onto the power of your Crests if need be. But you had a gift for magic, inherited from your mother, who by all accounts was a peerless sorceress in her time. Learning a paltry spell like this was well within your grasp. Coiling your fingers, you clasp your outstretched hands together and summon a torrent of flame that ignites the sand before you. The tower radiates tremendous heat, shooting several feet into the air, but you do not back down. You do not fear the deadly inferno, for it answers to your call alone.>New Spell Learned: Elfire (+7 DMG, 3 Uses)“Woohoo!” You hear May exclaim excitedly. She watches your performance along with several of your companions several feet away, on a hill overlooking your training area. “You picked that up in no time! You’re the best, boss!”It had been a week since the battle in Ithaca. Following the defeat of the Riahi, your party had taken several days to rest and recuperate their strength. Being made of sterner stuff, you were fine. But you couldn’t say the same for the others. Alvin had undergone strenuous torture under the talons of that female assassin, and some of your other companions had taken serious wounds. WIth most of the party out of commission, there was nothing to do but sit around and wait. It was a tedium that irritated you endlessly. But now that you were back on the road and training your magic, your mood was starting to improve.“Well done, Tristain.” Alvin says, joining you at your side. The Adjunct’s wounds had healed, and though he bore a few new scars, he seemed to be back to his old sort of jovial self. “I daresay we’ll make a sorcerer out of you yet. We’ll pick a new spell to focus our attention on. By the time we make it to Morfis, you should hopefully have expanded your arsenal quite a bit.”>“Good, that’s what I like to hear.” Alvin’s tutorship was already paying off. You had no doubt you’d face contenders with greater firepower during Yulia’s competition. You’d need every trick you could get your hands on to even the odds. “When do you expect we’ll arrive at this ‘Hima’ place?”“A few more days at this pace.” Alvin says. “We’ll be heading into the mountains, where Hima is nestled. They call the town the ‘Peak of Wyverns.’ Have you ever seen a wyvern before?”
>>6175746You’d not just seen a wyvern before, but you’d actually ridden one. Wyverns were flying lizard-like creatures, often populous in the more mountainous regions of Fodlan. Rusalka actually had quite a few wyvern nests nestled within its borders. Wyvern riders were soldiers who went into battle atop such creatures, and were considered some of the deadliest warriors around. Your father had been one of the most famous wyvern riders of his era, and for a time, you thought you’d follow in his footsteps atop such a beast. The only problem was that the creatures seemed to have an innate disliking of you.It wasn’t actually your fault. For whatever reason, wyverns and magic mixed about as well as oil and water. If a wyvern sensed a whiff of magic from its rider, it would buck and thrash and try to send the poor sap crashing down to the ground. This was a fact you’d learned during your first joyride attempt, when you’d stolen a wyvern from Castle Rusalka’s grounds. You’d been lucky to land in a pile of hay when the beast had thrown you off. You’d never forget the look of horror on Bronte’s face, nor the scolding you’d received from your mother and aunt.You’d heard that there did exist certain types of wyverns that were more magically acclimated. These wyverns did not share the same prejudice that the rest of their kin did, and could be ridden by someone like you just fine. However, they were exceedingly rare, and would cost a fortune that you could hardly justify. Morfis was a land of magical means though, and contained many peculiar oddities that were alien to Fodlan. Perhaps you could find such a suitable beast in Hima?>“So, what’s the deal with this place anyway?”“It’s the next step in our route to Morfis.” Alvin says. “Hima is a town nestled in the mountains, overseen by a clan of wyvern riders known as the Scorchers. They’re something between a militia force and a carrier service. Because wyvern riders are capable of flying over the desert, they are immune to many of its perils, and can serve as excellent messengers or travel guides. The Scorchers take it a step further by also patrolling the desert. They rescue those lost in the wastes, as well as do battle with all manner of enemies, ranging from cultists to bandits and even sometimes Terrors.”>“They sound like real upstanding citizens. Is there any chance they have wyverns that a magic user like myself could ride?”“Even if they did, I wouldn’t expect them to part with one.” Alvin grimaces, catching onto your point. “Beasts like that are exceptionally rare. Besides, the Scorchers are extremely territorial with their wyverns. They don’t view them as mere steeds to be ridden, but as extensions of themselves. If a Scorcher had to choose between himself and his wyvern, you could bet the wyvern would win nine times out of ten.”
>>6175747Gross. You’d heard pegasus knights had a similar bond with their steeds, but that was different. Pegasus knights were women, and usually cute ones at that. It was only natural for them to feel overprotective of their cherished, dainty little winged horse. Wyverns were nasty, ugly beasts. They drooled too much, and had a habit of making a mess of their prey, tearing into it with their jaws and talons. What kind of freak would see that as an extension of themselves? You dreaded visiting Hima already.“Don’t tell me you were thinking of booking a flight at Hima straight to Morfis.” Alvin glowers at you. “I thought we were having fun on our road trip?”>“I was just thinking of acquiring a new steed. But perhaps a wyvern isn’t in the cards. Oh well. I prefer horses anyway. Much cleaner.”“Might I suggest a camel?” Alvin inquires. “I think they’re just as good personally.”Ignoring the Adjunct, you head back to camp, where the rest of your companions have settled in for the day. Tomorrow, you will continue your journey to Hima. After having cleaned up a bit, you find one of your party members, striking up a conversation with them.>A): May>B): Cassius>C): Adeline>D): Cuthbert>E): Elric>F): Nadia
>>6175748>>F): NadiaOk NOW can we talk to her?New year, new thread. Glad we are back.
>>6175748>>E): ElricHello Elric, how is the totally-not-cursed sword treating you?
Tempted quite mightily for Adeline. Defense support for both of them would be tremendous.
>>6175748>>F): NadiaNice to see this return.
>>6175748>>F): Nadia
>>6175748>F): Nadia
>>6175748>>C): AdelineSolemn tank woman, my beloved
>>6175748>C):Adeline Gotta convince her to stick with the team
>>6175934I think she will regardless, until the tournament proper that is
>>6175748>C): AdelinePoor girl needs some resistance....
>>6175748>C): Adeline
>>6175748>B): CassiusPoor guy got swept up in quite the trip, and he doesn't even have a C-support...
>>6175747good thing Tris isn't that much of a mount guy else he really wouldn't beat the Radahn allegationsalso have a cleaned up H!Blair
>>6176057Nice and hot drawanon!
>>6176057Beautiful. Did you end up doing other seasonal Blairs too anon?
>>6176057DAMN. I daresay Blair has never looked better. I'm really happy to see you came back to this piece. Thanks for the great art as always.Looks like Nadia wins by one vote. Writing.
>>6175748Speaking of faithful steeds, you find Nadia tending to her own horse at the edge of camp. The researcher from Ithaca had only recently joined your group, and she had brought with her a rather impressive looking stallion that seemed to have no problems with traversing the harsh desert terrain. You approach Nadia just as she is finishing offering her animal companion its feed bag. Even when performing a task as mundane as horse care, the sorceress manages to find a way to look as seductive as ever.“Lord Tristain.” Nadia smiles warmly at you, showcasing a set of pearly white teeth. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?”>“Just checking in. Was it really alright for you to leave Ithaca and come along with us? The place seemed to be ready to fall apart.”“I’m sure they’ll be just fine.” Nadia says with a shrug of her shoulders. “Morfis will soon hear of what fate has befallen their precious camp, and they’ll send mages to re-secure it. Besides, with that cur Andreas having stolen my research, there is no purpose in me remaining. Better for me to come along with you instead. Staying by your side is a…prospect that I greatly look forward to.”>“You’re pretty direct aren’t you?” You were no fool when it came to women. You’d had plenty of female attention in the past. Where lesser men would melt at the advances of a seductress like Nadia, you had enough control of your baser urges to remain level. And it was clear to you that things were moving almost too fast between the two of you.“I hope I am not off-putting to you, Lord Tristain.” Nadia says with a giggle. “But I truly am enamored with you in a way I’d not thought possible. Surely you cannot fault a woman for falling for the man that saved her when she was backed into a corner by assassins?”>“Did I do that? I seem to recall that it was your construct that saved you. The same construct you put together with my blood that you stole.”“Correct.” Nadia nods, unphased. “And that construct was a near-exact replica of you. Sure it was missing a bit of skin and hair, not to mention that nice jaw of yours. And yes, it did not exactly possess what you or I would call ‘greater thought’...but it was you nonetheless. Even when I’d lost control over it, it chose to slaughter the Riahi rather than turn its blade on me. After much consideration, I believe it only did so because it inherited your traits.”>“Seems like a bit of a stretch if you ask me.”“Is it? You knew what I had done, and yet you did not strike me down. In fact, you offered me healing even when your supply was limited. The apple does not fall far from the tree, Lord Tristain. I know what I felt when I worked through your quintessence, and it was like nothing else I’d ever experienced. You are a noble man worth following.”
>>6176230>“Bah, I don’t need any magical jargon to tell me that. Were you really making creepy things like that your entire time in Ithaca?”“I’d made several constructs in the past, though none were as vibrant as the one made from your quintessence.”>“Hah, figures that the people of Morfis would lack the same sort of virile quin-whatever that I have. It’s just a shame that it was used to create that weird thing.”“Come now, you didn’t hate it that much did you?” Nadia asks, pouting. She almost seems somewhat offended. “In the short time I’ve gotten to know you, I’d have thought you would enjoy the opportunity to fight yourself in equal combat. You may have experienced a unique opportunity that no one in the world ever has before. Did you truly learn nothing from it?”>“Now that I think about it, the construct had attacked me with an ability I’d never used before. After seeing it, I was able to replicate the attack soon after. How is such a thing possible?”“You were likely able to use that same ability the entire time.” Nadia says. “You just never thought to do so. The construct shared your abilities and traits, but may have chosen different ways to utilize them.”The construct had used the Crest of Indech to turn its axe into a high-speed tomahawk that could return back to its hands. Such a thing seemed so impossible to you that you’d never thought to even try it. But sure enough, you were able to replicate this feat, adding a new technique to your repertoire. Were there perhaps other, similar techniques that you could unlock? As if sensing your question, Nadia smirks and draws closer.“You know, Lord Tristain, you did promise to help me retrieve my research. Once it is back in my hands, I can perhaps create another construct of you. With a few extra touches, I may even be able to draw out some more of your latent abilities. Would you enjoy it if I did that?”>A): Another opportunity to test my might against myself? I welcome the challenge.>B): Such a thing might be too risky. The world only has room for one Tristain d’Rusalka.>C): Write-in
>>6176233>A): Another opportunity to test my might against myself? I welcome the challenge.
>>6176233>>A): Another opportunity to test my might against myself? I welcome the challenge.
>>6176233>>A): Another opportunity to test my might against myself? I welcome the challenge.I'm my own worst enemy
>>6176233>A): Another opportunity to test my might against myself? I welcome the challenge.We will regret this, but that is future Tristain's problem.
>>6176233>C): Write-inIf she can make a Tristain, could she make another Nadia for double the booty.
>>6176230>Speaking of faithful steeds, you find NadiaInsane opening line. Also, tristain actually has a concept of "moving too fast"? Color me surprised.>>6176233>A): Another opportunity to test my might against myself? I welcome the challenge.I wonder if the construct will inherit new spells we're learning. Spells aren't in the blood, are they? Does construct get bonuses from items Tristain bought in the past?I'm just thinking of the ways we could outscale ourselves, to secure the win more safely. Sure, that's coward's thinking, but while tristain is happy to bet his life on a coin flip, I'm not quite happy to end this quest because Tristain wanted to spar with himself again.
>Speaking of faithful steeds, you find Nadiakek>>6176233>A): Another opportunity to test my might against myself? I welcome the challenge.>>6176057Neat. I'd roll for a big titty nopan Halloween Blair.>>6176397>Does construct get bonuses from items Tristain bought in the past?Mr. Bones had the same RES as us at level 24 and we ended up buying a Talisman at our shopping trip in the first thread so any newer constructs probably would gain the stat boosts from items.Theoretically if Nadia does create another construct, it shouldn't be a fight to the death and we probably would have a better axe than the construct.
>>6176233>>B): Such a thing might be too risky. The world only has room for one Tristain d’Rusalka.
>>6176088>>6176146>>6176411thanks friendos>>6176101no other seasonals yet, i'm thinking of doing one for our current quest now, any suggests?
>>6176470Summer Tristain bludgeoning somebody with a surfboard? Skeleton costume Halloween Tristain? Any seasonal Cassius but he's actually wearing some other seasonal because he doesn't know how Fodlan folk celebrate?
>>6176233>C):"I'm more interested in learning which of my latent abilities would be carried on through to the next generation, especially when combined with the strain of another potent spellcaster. Do you think that's research you'd be interested in assisting with?"
>>6176470Blair with baby Tristain and Bronte
>>6176233>A): Another opportunity to test my might against myself? I welcome the challenge
>>6176358Amendment, what if she could make Three Nadia's. Will Tristain ever learn the secret of blue water?
Damn, the one day I don't check /qst/ for the next thread, and a new one pops up. Granted, it's been two, but hey, I'm just glad it's back.>>6176057She's got huuuuuge... tracts of land. Glad you came back to touch up on the piece, drawanon! You do some damn fine work as always.>>6176470Springtime or Valentine Tristain might be pretty funny.>>6176233>A): Another opportunity to test my might against myself? I welcome the challenge.Rashness is Tristain's middle name. Just be strong enough to solve whatever problems you unintentionally cause, ez.
>>6176470I'd be happy with anything you drew, though I'd be interested in seeing your take on Tristain.
>>6176233You’d already beaten yourself once. How hard could it be to do it again? Even if the construct were to get stronger, that would only mean that you’d also grown more powerful as well. Besides, it would be nice to have a sparring partner. It’s not as if you could rely on others for that sort of thing. At least with yourself, you knew you’d be getting a good fight.>“Another opportunity to test my might against myself? I welcome the challenge.”Nadia’s eyes flash, the same way a child’s might upon receiving a gift from their parents. “I’m delighted to hear you say so, Lord Tristain. Then it’s settled. As soon as humanly possible, I will grant you such an opportunity once more.”>“Heh, you know you’re a pretty interesting woman, Nadia. You’re not at all like what I’d pictured a mad sorcerer to be. I’d imagine someone with your interests to be an old coot, practicing dark magic and living inside a cave. But I have to say, you’re just about the opposite in every way.”“Restorative Magic is all about manipulating the flesh to receive a desired outcome. Casting Mend on a wound is vastly more complicated than it seems, and requires an intricate knowledge of both the human body and soul. It’s only natural that my interests in quintessence and human creation would lead me down the path of healing.” Nadia says with a sweet smile. If she was offended at your prior remark, she does not show it. “But I appreciate you saying so, Lord Tristain. I hope I continue to be useful to you. And in return, I hope you will help me retrieve my research, and allow me to stay by your side.”>You receive a B-Support w/ Nadia! (+2 RES when 3 squares next to each other.)The next day, you, your party, and the rest of Alvin’s men continue the trip to Hima. Traversing the scorching hot desert had previously been an agonizing pain. But ever since meeting Nadia, who’d taught you a cantrip to keep the heat at bay, it felt no different than walking around your backyard. You’d even been able to keep your armor on, something that granted you far more comfort than traversing about without it. Still, Nadia’s cantrip only worked on you and any others in your party that were able to use magic. Those without magical talent were still forced to put up with the desert sun’s unbearable oppression. Your eyes fall upon Adeline, who was one such person that was presently struggling.You felt a bit bad for the woman. Having grown up in the northern Faerghus region, which was known for its cold climate, the Morfisian desert must have felt completely alien to her. She’d stopped wearing her armor during these trips, having been unable to put up with the heat. For a woman with as much pride in the defenses she put up, you imagine it must have bothered her greatly to be seen in this vulnerable state.
>>6176714After several hours of traversing the desert sands, the group’s pace was beginning to slow, and it was likely that another break would soon be called. As you examined the scenery before you, something popped into view from the corner of your eye. Tiny little green trees in the distance stood out amidst the dunes. It was another oasis, inviting you to enjoy a reprieve from the harshness of the sun. The last time you’d seen something like this, you had assumed you’d gone mad with desert fever. But you had your wits about you, and you knew what you were looking at was no mirage.This time, you were not the only person who noticed the oasis. Adeline was looking past you, eyes locked on the possible sanctuary before her. Her cheeks were flush red, and the look in her eyes was one of longing. It didn’t take a perceptive individual to deduce that Adeline wished to visit the oasis. Still, the woman held onto her maddening pride. She would never admit that she wished to take a rest, for doing so would show weakness. >A): Offer to go to the Oasis, bringing Adeline along. It would be nice to take a quick break amidst the shade.>B): You found the idea of a sudden Oasis in the desert to be far too convenient. This was likely the work of an enemy mage. Continue your travels.
>>6176716>A): Offer to go to the Oasis, bringing Adeline along. It would be nice to take a quick break amidst the shade."Beach" episode!
>>6176716>A): Offer to go to the Oasis, bringing Adeline along. It would be nice to take a quick break amidst the shade.We saw an oasis last time and we skipped it. This time, we've got another person who noticed it too-- that either means it's an actual oasis, or it's still a trap, but at least this time, we've got backup. Why not?
>>6176716>>A): Offer to go to the Oasis, bringing Adeline along. It would be nice to take a quick break amidst the shade.By now, you should've somehow realised what you gotta do
>>6176716>B): You found the idea of a sudden Oasis in the desert to be far too convenient. This was likely the work of an enemy mage. Continue your travels.
>>6176716>A): Offer to go to the Oasis, bringing Adeline along. It would be nice to take a quick break amidst the shade.Fine. Have a dip, as a treat.>>6176548I'm sure Nadia would be more than happy to volunteer herself for such an experiment. For science, of course.
>>6176716>A): Offer to go to the Oasis, bringing Adeline along. It would be nice to take a quick break amidst the shade.Finally some Adeline time
>>6176716>A): Offer to go to the Oasis, bringing Adeline along. It would be nice to take a quick break amidst the shade.If we don't do this, she's going to boil like a lobster.
>>6176716>>A): Offer to go to the Oasis, bringing Adeline along. It would be nice to take a quick break amidst the shade.
>>6176716>A): Offer to go to the Oasis, bringing Adeline along. It would be nice to take a quick break amidst the shade.
>>6176716>C): You found the idea of a sudden Oasis in the desert to be far too convenient. This was likely the work of an enemy mage. Let's go beat the shit out of him."If you're walking into a trap, but you know it's trap, then it's not a trap, it's a standoff"Also, the sweaty warrior woman must be preserved untill our climactic fight at the tournamnet proper, don't let her cook yet. Tristain will cook her himself with his magic and her 0 RES
