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>>6154957

# # # # # #

You areArgia Candente, an aspirantKnight of Ansàrra, And everyone considers you cursed because of your silver hair.

When your family lost everything, years ago, you were pushed to try and find a new life in theHoly Land of Maduabut you were not granted access. Not unless you complete your training and pass the Trial of Fire as its coronation. After three years being the disciple of renownMaster Ibardo Delebasse, you were then forced to start a year of training in the outback of Madua, together with three other trainees who you tried to bond with… and failed.

May Ansàrra conserve you.

Over the past few months you butted heads with those three, but your latest mission, where you managed to stop the incarnation of a Demon, made you fire-forged friends. You also celebrated your victories in a quaint little border town, and over the course of the latest day you managed to get further blessings from Ansàrra Herself (and discovered you are a D cup). You also own an excessively neat, ceremonial sword which cleaves through rock and steel!

After the celebration's climax where you spoke to the crowd about your desire to help your family, you began to hope that people can look past your curse. By the end of the night though, of your newfound friends, the genius swordmasterSalicera/Willow(she kissed you, for some reason), has begun worrying you due to certain things she said and did.

You were now just about to share a heart-to-heart to Willow, but your growing connection to a certain hallowed symbol of your patron Saint,Bragia Lacresta, had you reach out to your Master while Salicera waited for you.

And imagine your surprise when right beside your Master you find Carnaval, the Angel of Ansàrra. Who imparted you with an important mission: destroy a rogue Asterite in the lands of the Treviri Throne and you will jump straight to Knighthood!

Of course, you accepted. You also received one of Carnaval’s feathers as a keepsake. Wonder what that is for…

[cont.]

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>>6154958

Along the way you then trained a bit with Master (who, like Willow would say, ‘kicked your ass’), and then had to leave on further business. The four of you then proceeded to the harbour town, where you were shown the amazing power of one of Madua’s Eyes of the Sun. As the tower flashed its solar beam straight into the sea, you also received another vision of Saint Bragia. It’s clear Ansàrra is trying to tell you something… but what?

Once on the boat, you butted heads with Sandora Mirari, the Asterite chosen by Carnaval to be your lead, but over a few days it seems like you five learned to work together. After a fashion.

Meanwhile, in the Holy Land, a couple of fishermen caught one of your silver hair.

You have always showed yourself with your head covered, but now there is proof of your curse. This would be probably brushed off if it wasn’t for certain political machinations, of which you know nothing about, but which are already starting to involve your Master.
But alas, you know nothing of this.

And at last you reached the Thronelands. Now you will have to cross the Spiana di Castelvetro, the so-called Glass Heath that separates you from your goal.
Hopefully nothing too bad happens…

[cont.]

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>>6154959

# # # # # #

Rules Recap:

We vote by majority to decide actions. In rare cases, if a tie happens I may incorporate both options if narratively possible or interesting. This does NOT happen for combat rolls.

We use 1d100 roll against a DC, plus bonuses.

>natural 1 is a critical failure, natural 100 is a complete success.

Roll vs DC for most checks.

Combat roll is instead Bo3, counting successes against my rolls (usually you need to beat only 1 or 2 of my rolls)

If you or I get dubs, trips or more on the rolling post we add the following values/effects to what was just rolled and only that:

>dubs: +18
>trips: automatic critical success
>quads: permanent bonus + kiss on the cheek

(Bonuses used to be lower during previous threads but I decided to spice them up)

these rules apply to my rolls as well but only to the first one (as I use a single post for my rolls)

>Write-Ins:

there will be the occasional prompt for these. Interesting ideas or suggestions may be incorporated in the update even if they don’t reach a majority. Discussions and questions are highly encouraged as they may give you numerical bonuses or allow you to skip dangerous situations!

# # # # # #

Pasta?

Pasta!

>Lore and Important Characters: https://pastebin.com/By6W3xxD

(you will find yours and other character's bonuses here in this file):

>MC and stats (updated!) https://pastebin.com/CuxGS43X

# # # # # #

And now, the news…

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>>6154960

# # # # # #

Training with Master has taught you how to travel.
Pack light. Don’t drink more than you need, which means twice per day. Fight as if your life depends on it, because most of the times, it does.
But it did not prepare you to this.
The air sizzles with heat. Every contour of the plains of black glass shudders and shivers in the broiling air. It’s like standing in the middle of a Temple, with the candlelight burning up the air around it, but it’s everywhere at once, and its heat presses against your skin, against your neck, against your cheeks — even protected by the precious armour Carnaval gifted you, the heat feel like a molten grip.

And yet.

Beyond the oppressive warmth, the air carries a faint scent of dry earth, of ripe grapes. It’s what you feel when She is close. And you are walking on the black glass, the flash-molten ground which has felt Ansàrra’s touch. This place, which was supposed to become a land of conquest for the Throne, has now been turned into a monument to Her magnificence.
You set your hand against your cameo, trying to reach out to the support Saint Brahia has given you for so long — and between the slit in the protective gear the Asterite has given you, you spot the shape of the pyramid far ahead. The Temple is getting closer. Slowly.
But each step you take is one step less. And after you and your friends deal with this rogue Asterite, delivering him justice and retribution, you will finally be a Knight.

You will be able to sit down with your family and share a glass of wine. Raise it to the glory of the Sun-Birther.
And as such, in the middle of the roasting desert, you find yourself smiling.

“I’m glad you can find this funny,” groans Willow next to you. She runs a hand through her brown hair, trying to deal with the heat. “Wish I could do the same.”
“I do not,” you reply, trying to share your good mood with her. “I do not find it funny, at the very least. But we are facing Ansàrra’s mark, all around us.” You slide your armoured boot over the glass surface, producing a high scraping noise. Willow’s reddened face reflects in the mirror-like sheen. “I do feel blessed I’m able to see all this.”
“Hm.” Willow nods, but it’s clear she’s just pretending to agree.
That is still worrying — her mood reminds you of what you have tried to share so far. Despite being your fellow Knight-in-training and someone you can look up to as a master skirmisher, her reluctance to properly embrace the true Faith has left you filled with unease. It’s not made any easier by the way the wind plays with Willow’s hair, by the way sweat runs down her cheeks, by how your blue eyes linger on occasion on her plush lips.

Some part of you goes back to that night at the festival. When she did kiss you straight on the lips.
You still wonder how much of that is just Willow being Willow and her Earthly ways, and how much it’s…

[cont.]

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>>6154964

“However,” Willow adds, “what matters is that we are going in there together. You can show me this Temple to Saint Bragia you find so fascinating. Perhaps I can learn a thing or two while I’ll be showing off my skirmisher skills,” she chuckles. You can picture it behind her visor: her greyish eyes flashes the light of the self-assured girl you know, the one who covered herself with the mantle of Salicera Fors for so many years. Even with Ansàrra’s presence all around you, the fact you are the only one who knows Willow’s secret origins makes a particular connection between the two of you. Something that feels like a light pull extending from your chest to hers.

For a girl who put her destiny in the hands of Ansàrra, you still find the notion of fated friends… strangely compelling, in that way that makes your stomach flip-flap.

Then a faint groan makes you both turn to your right. Soralisa is stumbling on the glass surface, balancing herself just enough not to crash on her face. Her arms are still healing, and she can move them now, but you know she’s still a long way from recovering complete use of her body.

“I can deal with it—” she protests, and you picture her at you two with her large, doe-like brown eyes, behind the visor. “I am doing fine, I just need some…”
Willow sighs and joins her, draping one of her strong arms around your resident scholar. Soralisa flushes pink.

“I can walk…”
“I would be surprised if we asked you to stop,” Willow chuckles. Soralisa tosses her a bashful look, but doesn’t protest, accepting her help. It feels a bit like moving through a dream. To her, Willow is still nothing but your confident, skilled striker, without a doubt the best fighter of your entire cadre. She is still nothing more than Salicera Fors, the genius, the prodigy.

You are the only one who saw Willow, the doubtful Strander, tossed into another world, one where old rules had no place, and she had to rebuild herself from the ground up.

[cont.]

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>>6154967

Once again, it’s something she only shared with you. After you four (plus the Asterite heathen, you guess), complete Carnaval’s so-called ‘diplomatic’ mission, you will share a few more words with Willow. In the meantime, you are positive that having her visit the Temple will do her good.

Even if its sacred ground is currently stained by another Asterite — but Ansàrra willing, it won’t be for long.

“I think I saw something!” Comes another voice from behind you three.
Rubida joins you, her long black hair flowing in the wind.
She waits for you to speak.

Uh, this is still — new — to you. The Rubida you dealt with for months, the aloof, moody Maduan noble would little more than whisper cruel jokes about you and send you veiled threats.
That girl has evaporated like snow, leaving behind your trustful friend.
One more thing you should be grateful for. When the Temple is cleaned, you will pray in it.

“What did you see?”
“Did you catch the Crow at last?” Willow asks.
“Nay, nothing of the sort. But some of these shadows are shifting.”
You consider her words, tossing a look ahead at your guide, about twenty paces ahead. The blonde figure of Sandora Mirari is striking, her mantle flowing behind her, as she looks around, the visor covering her jade eyes. You still hesitate to consider her an ally. You never liked Asterites, and heathen from the Throne do not figure well in your book.
But she has proven dependable so far — and besides, even as the eventide is rapidly approaching, there’s four of you here.
Sandora seems caught in her own thoughts, crossing her arms and regarding the horizon, seemingly at the spot where the silvery planetary ring joins it, crossing into the blue sky. She doesn’t turn her head to look at you.
“It could just be a trick of the light on this surface,” you try. But it would be wise to listen to the insights of your group’s scout. “Was it close?”
“It was not,” she clenches her armoured fist and the white scales of the armour set she shares with you crinkle. “But it did feel like it was.”
“Now that’s confusing,” Willow asks.
“Can you explain that again?” Soralisa follows, her mouth curling in a wrinkle of interest.
“Wait. I know. It reminded me of—” Rubida shudders. She hesitates, her other hand rubbing her arm, where her childhood wound rests. You set your hand against her shoulder and she leans in. “Of what we faced in the Well. The mirrored shades. And before that, even, as if the very area before us was bent, like light through a piece of glass.”
Willow inhales sharply.
And you do understand.
You reach for your white-edged sword.
“Call the Asterite. There is—”

[cont.]

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>>6154972

Your words disappear in an echo of shrieking glass, like grinding ice, like tree branches breaking under some unworldly torsion. The visor allows you to see only through a sliver, but it’s enough to catch the air broil even more before the four of you — and from the tortured reflections there, something presses — an armoured hand — and it crashes through the glistening barrier. As if breaking past an invisible mirror, the tall figure of an armoured warrior, clad in steel, advances towards the four of you, holding a long sword.
It carries the Thronal eagle on its handle, and the warrior, its shimmering bulk shining with half-there reflections, makes no sound as it slowly fills the space between you. Past the spreading barrier of shimmering reflections, you can barely see Sandora’s form, turning to regard another figure, simile to the one facing you, raising its axe to kill.

You feel it again. Stronger now. That strange sensation in the pit of your stomach when you faced the Tree of Murdered Paths, but so much stronger now. So similar to the one you felt when you trained with Sandora while on the ship.

The soiled power of the Stars.

And it’s coming for you now.
“The rogue has noticed us,” you say, pointing your sword at the incoming figure.
You have just a few moments to share your orders with your friends. You have no idea how this new enemy will deal with you.
Once again, you will have to have faith.
At least, it’s something you can clearly count on.

>Tactics as usual: Rubida will protect Soralisa while you deal with the enemy head-on with Willow [attack advantage, penalty on defence]

>Willow to the back: she will protect Soralisa while Rubida helps you in close quarters. [attack penalty, defence advantage]

>Protector of the Petitioner: Soralisa will stay close to you, while Rubida and Willow fight together [bonus on Sanctions]

>A different insight strikes you: add a suggestion.

Hello and welcome back to Silver Knight Quest! It’s been a long time and I missed being here. Welcome to the newcomers and welcome back to the veterans! I hope you’ll keep following the adventures of our silver-haired doofus. Now, you may be delighted to know I have no bad news or tremendous revelations planned for this thread. I can bet everything will be just fine, comfy, and our group of girls will have a mostly-inconsequential adventure. Also, the new posting system was turbocancer for fifteen seconds but it has since grown on me. Thanks for playing!

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>>6154976
>>Tactics as usual: Rubida will protect Soralisa while you deal with the enemy head-on with Willow [attack advantage, penalty on defence]
Welcome back!

>>6154957
>(thanks everyone for voting! My mom reads these threads and she’s so proud of this community!)
really ? what did momseeker think of the lebanese reveal and the high school au ? kek. what she likes most about the quest and which character is her favorite ?
>>6154976
>Tactics as usual: Rubida will protect Soralisa while you deal with the enemy head-on with Willow [attack advantage, penalty on defence]
glad to see you back, OP. My Argia shaped hole now is being filled.

>>6154976
Welcome back! I missed this quest.

>Willow to the back: she will protect Soralisa while Rubida helps you in close quarters. [attack penalty, defence advantage]
Just until we size them up.

>>6154976
>Protector of the Petitioner: Soralisa will stay close to you, while Rubida and Willow fight together [bonus on Sanctions]

>>6154976
>>Tactics as usual: Rubida will protect Soralisa while you deal with the enemy head-on with Willow [attack advantage, penalty on defence]

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>>6155003
thanks anon! it's great to be back. cute pic as well!

>>6155019

momseeker liked Soralisa the most. she's precious like that

>Argia-shaped hole

you know, I missed her a lot as well. I hope we can finish this quest before the start of next summer, but I'm going to take my time

>>6155031
thanks a lot!

and thanks everyone for voting. I'd say about 24 hours more for voting and then we'll get our update.

>>6154976
>>Tactics as usual: Rubida will protect Soralisa while you deal with the enemy head-on with Willow [attack advantage, penalty on defence]

>>6154976
>Tactics as usual: Rubida will protect Soralisa while you deal with the enemy head-on with Willow [attack advantage, penalty on defence]

>>6154976
>Tactics as usual: Rubida will protect Soralisa while you deal with the enemy head-on with Willow [attack advantage, penalty on defence]
Death
>>6154957
>(thanks everyone for voting! My mom reads these threads and she’s so proud of this community!)
Perhaps the most insane words I have read on this board, hello Momseeker, hope you enjoy our dumbass behaviour!

>>6154976
>Tactics as usual: Rubida will protect Soralisa while you deal with the enemy head-on with Willow [attack advantage, penalty on defence]
wb buxom knight quest

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for now every vote barring two has been for

>Tactics as usual

writing will commence shortly unless anon sets up a bot farm to change results (again)

>>6155856
>writing will commence shortly unless anon sets up a bot farm to change results (again)
you can just end the vote if you wanna write

>>6155867
Yes, I usually send a message out when I consider voting closed.

Case in point... voting is closed.

Writing!

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>>6154976
thanks everyone for voting!

No matter if this enemy is new or not. At least you have some proper tactics and training you can fall upon. The cameo seems to pulsate against your chest as you raise your arm, attracting the others’ attention. You have just a few moments before this thing reaches striking distance.

“Like we trained! Rubida, in the back, check for other enemies while you protect Soralisa. Will-I mean, I will face this with Salicera. Ready?”
“At once,” Rubida nods, pulling your brunette friend with her.
“I can help,” she weakly protests, but it lasts just a moment. “Or rather, the Sun-Birther—”
“That’s right.” You share a look with Willow, who gives you a faint smile. You almost slipped there. Almost said her name out loud.

But what matters is that you didn’t. That’s all.
You straighten your shoulders, raising your weapon. The summoned warrior does not hesitate, advancing towards you, its heavy weapon unerring. The air around you is still suffused with that reflected brightness, like a wave of shattered glass, broiling in the same spot. You can’t see the Asterite.

Where she is, you hope Ansàrra can spare a thought even for heathens. If only for the sake of your missions and your friends.

“I go first,” Willow says, holding her sword with her usual grace. A glint in her eyes goes off and she is back to the role she fits best. The genius skirmisher, the girl who could — almost — fight on par with your Master, just days before.

“Get me an opening,” you say. You share one final look, and Willow throws herself at the warrior, dancing in the air, ready to slice through steel. But right as she’s about to strike, with a shimmering flash, her strike goes off and she stumbles on her feet, struggling to keep her balance. Skittering on the black glass, the she manages to fall back just in time for he warrior’s weapon to cut air.

It’s something you have seen once already, indeed. The warping power of the Malostromo. But back then it was merely a tree that wielded it, now… not there is a sort of malignant, sharp Will that leads the actions of this steel puppet.

You grit your teeth. Just like the other time.

[cont.]

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>>6155925

“This thing is tougher than I thought,” Willow spats, raising her weapon to try another strike. She jumps, the air flashes and she falls on her butt, still holding her weapon, scraping against her armour in a flash of sparks.

There seems to be a glint of murky gladness in the helm’s openings as the warrior finally reaches striking distance with you. What should you do?

What should you do? Your heart is pumping in your ears, blood is rushing to your heart, and the void of Ansàrra seems so far off, so faint—

Thinking will not help you here. The rogue Asterite can warp the space between you and his puppet. He can make it so your strikes never reach, and you are pretty sure that that longsword can reach past its length to embed itself straight into your belly.

Perhaps it will pierce through the tetracerarmide like it was not even there. All that training on the ship, and for what? In the end, the abilities of a Third Seat seem far above what you could deal with.

Time slows and thickens like crystallising honey as the warrior lunges, its weapon reaching for you— and to think that Carnaval called this a diplomatic mission.

You have, once again, to think fast. And to act even faster.


You may still have the advantage, with Willow so close. Strike! Strike! (Combat Roll, Best of 6, beast at least 2 of my rolls, you will get a bonus to your rolls from Willow’s help)

You can take the hit. Let it come close. so close it cannot escape. A gamble, but it may pay off. May Saint Bragia protect you. (You channel your Kenpachi Zaraki energy and automatically lose your next combat roll, but the summoned warrior may be caught flat-footed by your strategy)

To eldritch force, reply with the hallowed might of Ansàrra. You still have the power to deal it… and in this place, with Her presence so close, you have the advantage. (You can cast a Sanction of Burning Blood as a free action during the Combat Roll that follows this choice. You still have to beat 2 of my rolls.)

Or, perhaps… wasn’t there something else? (Perhaps there is something else you carry which may be useful? It’s probably not your Saint Bragia stuffed toy (deluxe edition), but you can try)

>>6155929
>You may still have the advantage, with Willow so close. Strike! Strike! (Combat Roll, Best of 6, beast at least 2 of my rolls, you will get a bonus to your rolls from Willow’s help)
I'll leave the feather for a desperate situation

>>6155929
>You may still have the advantage, with Willow so close. Strike! Strike!

>>6155929
>You may still have the advantage, with Willow so close. Strike! Strike! (Combat Roll, Best of 6, beast at least 2 of my rolls, you will get a bonus to your rolls from Willow’s help)

>>6155929
>You may still have the advantage, with Willow so close. Strike! Strike! (Combat Roll, Best of 6, beast at least 2 of my rolls, you will get a bonus to your rolls from Willow’s help)

>>6155943
>>6155953
>>6155956
>>6156177

interesting votes. I may be able to complete the update while on travel this evening. I'll let you know in case by closing the voting window shortly before I can seat down and write.

thanks for playing.

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Rolled 61, 99, 21 + 63 = 244 (3d100 + 63)

>>6155943
>>6155953
>>6155956
>>6156177

No, even if other options may be more attractive in another conundrum, right now there is only one thing you can do. You were raised by hardship and tempered in blood.

And also, Willow is right there with you.

You throw her a glance, just in time to tilt your sword just right. You will strike. You will pierce, you will—

“Silla ane ga,” you mutter, not knowing where those words come from, but with a hint of dry earth and ripe grapes that reach your nostrils.

Willow does not understand, but she gets the intention. Turning on herself, she strikes with you.

Tetracerarmide against the evil arts of the twisted Stars.

Let’s see who wins.

# # # # # #

>Combat Roll: beat at least ONE of my rolls. Best of 6, each reply and each anon (1 roll per anon max) rolls 1d100+19+10+20 (from Willow’s help) for a total bonus of +49

>Remember you gain bonuses for dubs, trips and quads.

>Remember you have a critical range on 97-100 on a natural roll for critical success

>A natural roll of 100 is a critical success, a roll of 1 is a critical failure

Happy rolling! Fuck this guy up anon

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>>6157014
>99

well, it’s been fun anons

Rolled 80 + 49 (1d100 + 49)

>>6157014

Rolled 97 + 49 (1d100 + 49)

>>6157014

Rolled 35 + 49 (1d100 + 49)

>>6157014
sheesh
>>6157021
we got a crit, let's go

Rolled 64 + 49 (1d100 + 49)

>>6157014
Let's see if I can still do this from my phone.

Rolled 17 + 49 (1d100 + 49)

>>6157014

Rolled 11 + 63 (1d100 + 63)

>>6157014

Rolled 21 + 49 (1d100 + 49)

>>6157014

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the first 2 rolls carried this update. will write as soon as I am finished with this convention

>second roll of the thread
>it’s a crit

>>6157512
Good taste.

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>>6157512

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>>6158259
thanks anon

>>6158813
good job

the convention kept me busier than I thought. it was good tho, got some nice contacts and had fun. thanks for your patience anon. will be writing now, update coming soon.

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>>6157014

>>6157021
>Critical Hit!
>>6157017
>Success!

You feel that pull — the air folding around yourself, it’s like falling towards something, like your body is being pulled by invisible strings. Your heart beats against your chest as the world slows down, following the arc of your swing. It’s too high. Your sword will miss.
The other’s weapon, instead, grows closer and closer. Your instincts, honed by years of fighting with Master, tell you that you won’t be able to escape it.
It will strike you.
You wince, fear rising to choke your stomach, but you don’t stop. At this point, what happens is not up to you. And you heard Her voice, when you decided to do so.
That voice that told you — Silla, ane ga.. Like that time in the Well, the words carry a meaning past their sound.

The summoned knight’s weapon glances against your armour as you keep pushing, following Her voice. Her command.

Pierce.

And then the pulling sensation snaps.
With a scream, you push through it, like striking a pane of glass with a maul — it shatters in a thousand fragments, like those mirrors in the Well.

She has spoken.

And Her word is truth.

Your sword, its hungry white keen, eats through the metallic armour, piercing its shimmering bulk. A spiderweb of cracks glints through its form, breaking it, shattering it. It creaks like a twisted branch and it falls to the obsidian ground, its pieces skittering about, raising echoes of a crashing note, losing itself in flute-like noises, ephemeral and caught by the wind.

[cont.]

>>6159055

The curtain around you four also lifts. You see the Asterite, holding up her hands as she throws black ink towards her own foe, piercing its structure just like you did. She turns towards you, her mouth open, her arms stiff.
You can’t hear what she’s saying.

Of course.
Her presence…

Coughing, you fall on your knees, your sword scraping on the glass.

“Argia!” Willow shouts, abandoning her own weapon, her boots grinding over the glass fragments as she holds you up. “You did it!”

“Wa-wasn’t me,” you stutter. Your body feels feverish. She was so close. Like looking at the Sun for more than an instant, Her presence far too close, like throwing a waxen figurine into a bonfire and praying for it not to sizzle and melt and disappear. You hold onto your weapon and manage to stand up, with Willow’s help. “She came for me.”

A flash seem to go off in Willow’s eyes, behind her visor, but she does not push it. Rather, she calls for the others, who are already coming closer, Soralisa first.

“I felt it as well,” she shouts, leaning against you, her armoured hands clumsily exploring your exposed patches of skin. “Is there anything wrong? I can’t see any burns, but—”

“I feel fine,” you reply, coughing again. Your body feels hot. It’s the opposite from having a fever. Getting al shivering, while now you feel the heat coming straight from inside. “It was just a moment. Silla ane ga, shee shaid—” you wince. Your throat is parched. “— she said.”

“What happened?” The Asterite asks, coming closer, the ink flowing back into its proper place as she pulls out a water jug, holding it in front of you. “I felt—”

“Can’t you tell?” Willow adds, helping you stay up. “From what happened all around us? It’s the same person.”

“The Sun-Birther,” Rubida explains. She seems more stunned than the rest of you. Of course. She wasn’t there when Soralisa reached out past the veil, or when you received the vision of Saint Bragia. She has yet to be fully caught in Her presence like it happened to you.

Sandora’s face goes even paler.
“I— I see. It did… nevermind. Stars.”

You let her call out to her heathen powers, and maybe you feel particularly generous because she is holding her jug of water against your lips. You take three short sips.
The cool water rushes through your body, making you feel better at once.

“You are going to be alright,” Soralisa says at last, withdrawing her hands. “There was no damage, or at least no lasting damage. I think. I would need more time to check. I believe you will be fine.”

[cont.]

>>6159057

You gently let Willow release you, and you try to stand.Easy.
This is nothing. In fact, Ansàrra’s presence so close… it’s soothing, considering what you are going to face.

“A Third Seat, hm?” You mumble, looking at the Asterite. After a stunned moment she withdraws her jug, strapping it back to its proper place, and you share a chuckle.

“I did tell you this wasn’t going to be easy,” she adds.
“Indeed…” you sigh, looking at the shape of the Temple, still in the distance. “We will need to deal with this,” addressing the other girls. “The Sun-Birther is with us, but we cannot keep hoping for Her hand to solve all our troubles.”

The Asterite shakes her head, looking around at the Glass Heath.
“That would be a welcome change.”

She just helped you, so once again you let it slide. A heathen carries her own curse.

“For now, how about we take a break?” Willow asks, rubbing her hand against your armoured shoulder? “And think about what’s next. If our enemy is so dangerous he can summon warriors at this distance, what can we expect once we are there?”
“And that pulling sensation,” you mutter. “That’s the worst thing.”
“Yeah! We can’t expect to fight someone folding space like that can we?” Willow scoffs, looking even more dejected. Distraught, perhaps. Something is bothering her.

Perhaps she has a point. You are just glad your body is coming back to normal. And that you still have a body to worry about.


You follow Willow’s idea and hunker down for a moment. Let’s think of a strategy, now that your mark has shown his… welcome.

Soralisa’s warnings about your health… you are not too keen on disrobing yourself before the others, but maybe it’s a good idea for her to check. Ansàrra’s presence felt so close.

Now that a show of Ansàrra’s power has humbled the Asterite, perhaps she will be more collaborative. Can’t she give you any hints?

And also… there is this idea in your mind (suggestion or write-in)

sorry for the delay. it sure seems like Ansàrra's closeness has its drawbacks.... thanks for playing!

>>6159058
>Soralisa’s warnings about your health… you are not too keen on disrobing yourself before the others, but maybe it’s a good idea for her to check. Ansàrra’s presence felt so close.

>>6159058
Now that a show of Ansàrra’s power has humbled the Asterite, perhaps she will be more collaborative. Can’t she give you any hints?
Press the advantage. He lost a minion, and presumably used a decent chunk of power on him. Don't let him recover. Make progress, don't stall. And definitely don't remove your armor right now. Remember, time's only on our side for so long.

As for dealing with space warping, I do have a suggestion. Have the asterite draw a line of ink from each individual to the target we want to go to or strike at. That'll show us distortions along the path. As with the maolostromo, it wouldn't be a bad idea to connect a physical piece of string to everyone in the party too.

>>6159058
>Soralisa’s warnings about your health… you are not too keen on disrobing yourself before the others, but maybe it’s a good idea for her to check. Ansàrra’s presence felt so close.
Totally for pure reasons

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>>6159075
interesting line of thought anon. nice suggestions, let's see if this helps in any way.

>>6159117

pure training
pure friendship
pure illusion

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>>6159058
>Soralisa’s warnings about your health… you are not too keen on disrobing yourself before the others, but maybe it’s a good idea for her to check. Ansàrra’s presence felt so close.

>>6159058
Soralisa’s warnings about your health… you are not too keen on disrobing yourself before the others, but maybe it’s a good idea for her to check. Ansàrra’s presence felt so close.

>>6159058
>Now that a show of Ansàrra’s power has humbled the Asterite, perhaps she will be more collaborative. Can’t she give you any hints?
let's try keeping our advantage
>>6159127
>filename
never watched it, but I've seen this amv which I'm always reminded when I see anything about that anime https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3Iv1gscw5M

>>6159058

>>6159075 +1
>Now that a show of Ansàrra’s power has humbled the Asterite, perhaps she will be more collaborative. Can’t she give you any hints?
>As for dealing with space warping, I do have a suggestion. Have the asterite draw a line of ink from each individual to the target we want to go to or strike at. That'll show us distortions along the path. As with the maolostromo, it wouldn't be a bad idea to connect a physical piece of string to everyone in the party too.

>>6159168
Nice pic

>>6159058
>Soralisa’s warnings about your health… you are not too keen on disrobing yourself before the others, but maybe it’s a good idea for her to check. Ansàrra’s presence felt so close.

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>>6159072
>>6159075
>>6159117
>>6159168
>>6159180
>>6159202
>>6159253
>>6159847


>disrobing wins

why am I not fucking surprised? grumble grumble, shitty QM

I liked some of those suggestions. Writing will commence in about 30 minutes, voting is closed.

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>>6159058

Frigéia does not know sleep. As slumbering as it may appear, with its streets made of water and its hallways of marble, its towers of gold, its veins of black oil that feed a thousand’s thousand ships, the city is buzzing with activity. If the self-satisfied, calm activities of the Holy Land shift in her memory like the humming of bees, the unceasing buzz surrounding her now is that of wasps.
She allows herself a grin. With its filigree decorations, the hanging gardens of exotic plants and the wealth sprouting from every corner, it always feels good to go back to the nest she had built herself. She and Helias, sitting at the table, would stand out like a torch in the darkest of nights, if the merchants, dignitaries, high-brow whores and their patrons could see them in their true form.
A server reaches their table, filling their crystal chalices with thick crimson wine from the Mar da Candéa, can only see yet another spoiled dame and her husband — she is resting her head on her palm while he’s scratching notes on his ledger.
“This? It’s new.” The Stilladìa asks, raising her ember gaze towards the server. A youngish man, his brown hair complimenting his freckles.
“You have great perception, madama. It’s rosso da Trincera.”
“I have heard is gaining popularity. More than aurina di Vitelio, as it seems.” She raises the chalice to take a sniff. “Not bad,” and takes a sip.
“Not at all,” the server adds, with a bow. “The aurina has been out of fashion for a while.”
“Oh, gold is so out of fashion as well,” she adds with a grin and feels a little bout of satisfaction when Helias raises his eyes from his notes to chuckle at her line. He shakes his head and goes back to writing, but he also gently rubs his ink fingers over her palm.
“A common sentiment, if I may, madama,” the server nods. “I have also heard all gold and all silver finds its way into the hands of a single entity, even here in Frigéia.”

[cont.]

>>6160383

“Isn’t that a scandalous notion,” she grins, leaning back to allow him to fill her glass and Helias’ as well. The young man bows again and leaves them to their lunch. Her crimson gaze follows him.
“Sharp. He has the wits to go far, if he applies himself. Keeping an eye open to the murmurs of power is good practice.” She allows herself a satisfied groan, her gaze roaming over the wealth that spreads for miles all around, the wealth carried by the tall ships bearing the load of the society she has built. Six centuries of grime, six centuries of planning, six centuries of pulling at the strings. Beneath the terrace where she is sitting with Helias, a man wearing the black shawl of a medic passes by, followed by three of his apprentices. Her smile grows wider.
“And not a Temple of Flame in sight!” She pouts, looking at Helias. “You’d think Frigéians would honour me a statue or something by now.”
“After all that work to arouse them against the heavens while convincing them you are nothing but a myth? That would be wasting the best trick you ever pulled, love.” He gently passes a black inky finger over her cheek and she chuckles.
“I can always pull a new one.” She stretches, making her perky alabaster chest stand out as her white hair flow in the wind, the halo of endless stars lazily circling between her black horns. “I am confident in Frigéians’ abilities to deal with the unexpected.” Then her crimson gaze goes back to his notes. “You have been scribbling over the same page for a while now. Trouble with the Etemenanki?”
“Something like that,” he replies, an embarrassed glint goes off in his golden gaze. “Even with thirty thousand souls working on it, sometimes you hit a wall.”
“We will make it,” she reassures him, tilting her head slightly. “I can always give you a few thousand more…”
“I don’t want you to strain yourself any further.”
“Oh—” she looks away, trying to ignore the spiderweb-cracks appearing on her un-flesh, those from where that blind-like-light seeps like ichor off a wound. This is his life’s goal, Helias’ very reason for existence, and yet he worries about her. Even with how focused she is in her war with Ansàrra, he thinks of her. Truly, she does not deserve him. “I have dealt with it in the past, I can surely do it in the future.”
“Lith—”

[cont.]

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>>6160385

“Anyway! I paid a visit to that wandering soul,” she adds, changing topic. He hesitates, but then nods, allowing it. “Remember that time on the beach? I did feel a powerful desire. Definitely a Strander. And guess what, it was from one of Carnaval’s little knight attendants in a steel skirt.”
“Do you plan to offer her a deal?”
“Nay,” she shakes her head, taking another sip from the chalice. “For a Strander, she is quite mediocre. I would have valued such a soul three hundred years ago but now I wouldn’t invest on that.”
She goes back to her glass, but Helias gives her one of his looks.
He knows this is not all.
The Stilladìa lowers her gaze as her cheeks darken a few shades of silver.
She has always been such a terrible liar, even by omission.
“There is something else on your mind.”
“It is merely a figment of an idea.”
He waits, patiently.
The Stilladìa slumps against the table, setting her chin on her hand once again.
“The other knight in training. The one with silver hair.”
Helias’s glassy moth curls.
“She already wears your colours.”
“Ha! Her heart burns for Ansàrra.”
“So you don’t plan to make an offer?”
“A paltry soul like hers? It would be of even less use than the Strander’s. No… it’s something else. It’s—” she bites on her platinum lips, as if words were stuck to her throat. And then— “A young woman, smitten with Ansàrra’s love, carried by her support, on this important mission, surrounded by friends. Four people, at that. A mission involving the Seven Sisters.”
He nods. The calm understanding burning in his eyes. He already know what she is implying.
“And she is in the Thronelands now. She and her group of lackeys are about to visit that Temple.”
“I would like to comfort you and tell you it’s just by chance,” he smirks.
“She does not work like that.” The white pupils set in her crimson eyes flash with an ancient anger, roused like a sleeping dragon. “Ansàrra spins chains of the finest gold, so gorgeous, so fine. So light to wear, so comforting. No, love. She is behind this.” A pause, as she finishes her red wine in one gulp. “And I can’t see the reason for it. Something is hidden to my sight, and with the Seven on the prowl…”
“I can deal with our business for a while,” he says rubbing the back of her hand. “You go investigate this.”
“Helias—”
“There will be no rebuts.”
She opens her mouth to do just that, her cheeks flush dark again, and lets out as long sigh.
“I will make it up to you,” she gives him a heated look, and Helias grins. “Thank you, love. Well, no reason to waste any more time. The sooner I set my heart to rest, the sooner I can show you just how much I appreciate your support.” She entwines her fingers with his. Oh, she is going to get creative, indeed.

But first — a visit to the Thronelands, and to a certain Saint’s temple.

[cont.]

>>6160386
>“Nay,” she shakes her head, taking another sip from the chalice. “For a Strander, she is quite mediocre. I would have valued such a soul three hundred years ago but now I wouldn’t invest on that.”
damn, willowsistas our response ?

>But first — a visit to the Thronelands, and to a certain Saint’s temple.
fuck, we're really meeting her now ?

>>6160563
>we're really meeting her now
It's almost like larger things are happening around us and Argia and the wider mission is being used as "bait" for something, I wonder if Carnaval could use the temple as a focus or something along those lines It's not like the area is populated or otherwise valuable.

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>>6160563
>meeting her now

we'll see.

>>6160772
>Carnaval using the temple as a focus

you mean? channeling through the Temple?

also, sorry for the delay, these days as hectic. next update being written right now, should update in a bit. thanks for your patience.

>>6160386

You find a nice enough spot under the shadow of a molten monolith.
The black glass feels almost comforting as Willlow helps you sit against the slick stone, while Rubida and the Asterite mount guard. No sight of any activity from your mark.
“Do you think he has expended a bit of his strength at least?” Rubida asks, rubbing her arm.
“It’s the other way around,” you hear Sandora murmur, biting on her thumb. “You must think of him of his body like a gasket.”
“A what?”
“A— right. You wouldn’t know what it is. A ring regulating the flow of water, it’s used in the Thronelands and Frigéia. There is no shortage of water on the other side, it will just keep flowing until we contain it with a Sarcophagus. Magi don’t stop being dangerous even after they are dead. That is also why I’m so worried. He shouldn’t be able to project so far, at this stage. Things are getting out of hand, already.”
“Remind me to ask Carnaval if she knows the meaning of the world ‘diplomatic’,” you mumble against Willow’s shoulder.
“Or ‘easy’,” she adds with a dry chuckle.
“How do you feel?” Soralisa crouches next to you, starting to take off your armour, exposing the flimsiness of the fabric beneath and your sweaty skin.
“Better. It’s better than before.”
“I want to do a more thorough check. Salicera, please—”
She nods and helps your bookish friend take off your armour piece by piece, piling them on one the skittering glass. She reacts immediately to her name. For all her little quirks, she seems to wear the skin of Salicera Fors much better than you expected.
A Strander.
Of all things… wonder if there’s an Ansàrra in Willow’s world as well? If the Sun-Birther’s influence stretches over there.
Soralisa sets her hands over your stomach and closes her eyes. Bit by bit, you feel echoes of her Petitioning roaming through your body.
“It feels like a great storm has singed the tip of the trees,” she mutters. “Just enough to scald you a little bit.”
“I have felt it—”
“What matters is that she will be fine. We need to find a way to deal with this.”
“How about the Asterite uses some of her ink? Maybe create a lifeline like we used to against the Malostromo, remember?” Willow proposes. “Or something else. This way we can see through the shifting space.”
“We will have to ask her.”

[cont.]

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>>6161086

As if on cue, Sandora reaches you, looking worn out. She glances at your body and gives you a half-smile.
“I heard about this proposition. I am not sure it may work, especially against something as raw as the Starry influence flowing through a Third Seat. We can certainly try. I also have, though…” she sits before you. “A couple propositions. I will hate one of them and you will hate the other one.”
“Something like this comes up only now?”
“Things are much worse than I thought. And the involvement of your patron in this is a bit too close for my comfort. This is something I would have kept to myself.”
Behind the visor, you close your eyes. Ansàrra — the Sun-Birther has passed through you before, but it was never this raw. Perhaps it’s just the place you are in, or perhaps — it felt almost eager.

As if She was also reaching out for something She wanted.
All these visions, all these weights on your shoulder — they must mean something. If only Master was here.

“You are scared you would burn,” you add.

“I am well aware that, in the eyes of the Gilded Lady, I hold far less value than the four of you,” she agrees with a wry grin. “I feel her hand is growing heavy.”

“Let’s hear these propositions.” You say. “But I will have to find an agreement with the others.”
The Asterite nods.
“Very well.”


Let’s hear the one she hates, first.

Let’s hear the one you will hate, first.

Wait — how come she is speaking about these things now? What about her Crow? You’d rather not call the Throne’s anger upon yourself because an Asterite reveals some secret. Speak about this in the Temple, perhaps?

Isn’t there anything else you can try to propose? Perhaps some of those last-moment insights you had…

thanks for playing. Sandora sure likes her secrets, hm? And Ansàrra's presence certainly knocks some sense in the heart of heathens. Or is it that pesky self-preservation instinct?

>>6161087
>Let’s hear the one you will hate, first.

>>6161087
>Let’s hear the one you will hate, first.

>>6161087
>Let’s hear the one you will hate, first.
truty old trick

>>6161087
>>Let’s hear the one you will hate, first.

>>6161087
>Let’s hear the one you will hate, first.

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>>6161090
>>6161092
>>6161181
>>6161185
>>6161405

lotsa anons learned from their moms, I see.

>>6161087


You turn to regard the others, but the choice, at least in this case, is easy enough.
“Let’s start with the one I will hate,” you reply, allowing yourself a grin. The Asterite has already gotten on your nerves many times, you think you can take one more. “I am already feeling quite sick, so I may be in the best position to listen.”

Sandora chuckles, shakes her head.

“Who knew I would find the one Knight who has a sense of humour,” she states, then stands up again and walks back and forth. “There forces at work here which go beyond our pay grade.”
“We are not doing this to deepen our pockets,” Rubida intervenes. “And I say this as the one who is most responsible for what your ilk would call wealth.”
“It was merely a figure of speech — something that goes beyond what we are supposed to do.”
“Like in the Well…” Soralisa adds, her fingers trembling.
“Which confirms the information I was given. Hence, why I could propose to involve the one player that has not been involved in this gathering of Powers.” She starts to count on her fingers. “We have seen the Seven Sisters involved, so far — then the Throne. Our dearest Argia surely counts for her homeland, and I hope I still count for my one, which leaves out…”

In a flash of insight you understand what she is going to propose.
Oh, you don’t exactly — hate it — it’s like her words are exchanging the blood in your veins for molten iron. You fear where this is going.

“What does she mean?” Willow asks.

[cont.]

Oh, Willow, you sweet Strander child...

>>6161799

“I know it is far from orthodox,” the Asterite quickly adds. “Nobody would be offering her soul or anything akin to that. But I consider myself quite apt in the art of the deal, and perhaps the Star of Night and Morn would be willing to lend an ear.”

And then Willow understands. Her plush lips turn into a surprised ‘o’.

“Are you suggesting to call on to the Adversary?!” She shouts, raising her arms to the sky.


The Asterite has exhausted your patience. No more of these propositions, you won’t hear one more word of this. Let’s just focus on the original plan.

This is beyond ridiculous. You wouldn’t mind crossing swords with her once again, but let’s hear what the proposition she hates is, now. If it’s as out of there as the first one…

The Heathen wants to curse her soul even further? By all means, let her. Let’s dip into this folly…

And right then, sometimes else comes up to you. (Suggestion, write-in, etc.)

>>6161800
>This is beyond ridiculous. You wouldn’t mind crossing swords with her once again, but let’s hear what the proposition she hates is, now. If it’s as out of there as the first one…
bruh there's no way we're making a deal with her before listening to the other options

>>6161800
>This is beyond ridiculous. You wouldn’t mind crossing swords with her once again, but let’s hear what the proposition she hates is, now. If it’s as out of there as the first one…

>>6161800
>This is beyond ridiculous. You wouldn’t mind crossing swords with her once again, but let’s hear what the proposition she hates is, now. If it’s as out of there as the first one…