Welcome boys and girls into the second part of Rey newly busy life.
For the previous thread, check this archive https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Character%20driven

Below is a simple summary of our adventure so far and the next few messages will also be information gained during the previous thread before I open things properly.

You are Rey Vesperus, half-elven daughter to a Cleric of the Path and a lady ranger, apprentice to your mother's trade, and newly adoptive mother? Caretaker? To a strange lifeform.

Your new hometown is an interesting place. While you made friends with an (apprentice) doctor, your father got into a fight and brought a pair of monsters home who might become your family's responsibility since they have nowhere else to go.

You've shaken hands with the heir of Eichenwald (your new home city) in the hope of building a genuine friendship with the young man despite his bad reputation. His influence should at least help handle the problems of the Mamono village... If you choose to get involved. He left you with an overall good impression despite his bad reputation.

And now you've met the youngest daughter of Mother Earth, Nyct. You learned your soul has been reincarnated from a victim of antiquity, molded by the hands of Mother Earth herself. You also assumed the responsibility of adopting a new lifeform, a dear companion of your past life.

Busy days!

For general communication outside the thread, see this twitter\X https://x.com/TaleOfMonsters

Important information

The Baron of Eichenwald chief duty is to safeguard the Elemental Tree of Earth in his domain and collect its produced Pearls of Power. These are given to a representative of your king and an inquisitor of the church each month.

Eisenhart was built on top of a magical leyline that has grown hyperactive, this will cause all kinds of magical anomalies and thinning of the veil between the prime world and the various branches of the World Tree, this might even cause Outsiders to slip into the city unnoticed.

This is causing the Elemental Tree to produce even more Pearls of Power. Before, it was one or two a month, now it has made one each week.

The bishop of the city, Belmont, seems unusually hostile to Mamonos and may have failed to uphold one of his most sacred duties: the Rite of Last Bells. (Soothing recently departed souls and enabling them to carry one last message to their loved ones)

During the afternoon of your meeting with the baron, you and your father were accosted by a strange elven man calling himself Armin White whose very existence seems to cause pain in your psyche and holes in your memory.

Thibault (the heir of Eichenwald) is a mage with fire capable of using and producing this element innately. He was tutored by the elf Armin White until recently.
You have decided to become friends and try to help him handle the growing unrest in the Monster village

Your soul has been reincarnated from someone in antiquity, from a time before Mother Earth's emergence. The dreams that plagued your life are glimpses of that past life.

Mysteries

Recently, some Acorns of Earth have gone missing.

Your new friend, Augustine Aurora, lost her son last month. The circumstances of his death are suspicious: the boy fell from one of the church bell towers and he was often seen in the company of Thibault, the 17-year-old son of baron Bram Eisenhart.

A young boy visited you at night to deliver a message, the very same day you became friends with Augustine. What could have pushed him to see you? You have assumed that he is Augustine dead son, but you haven't confirmed that yet.

Seyraphal, the mothgirl now recovering from her illness, is supposed to be a ''sacrifice'' by winter's end. New Development: Sacrificing one of their own is how communities of monsters keep their collective Corruption at a healthy level and Seyraphal has been imposed this role, to be sacrificed by winter's end.

General information with Usha(name subject to change) body. Rey also knows everything here, acting on this knowledge won't be metagaming.

The little blue entity's body was carved from a piece of the leyline and molded by Mother Earth to become a proper shell for Usha's crippled soul. Her body is naturally highly resistant to physical trauma because of its slime-like nature, but not immune. Consistent deformations will eventually shatter her soul. Usha is a thorough shapeshifter who might struggle to adapt to a proper humanoid appearance, she will naturally adopt a feminine form because that will allow the best synchrony with her soul.

Her diet is highly unusual since she consumes magic, Holy, and Corruption, but that does not mean she is immune to these forces (only highly resistant like physical traumas). Finding a balance between all three will be vital for her long-term sanity and help her define herself as human. Too much of one source will momentarily cause her body and mentality to align with her surplus.
For example, feeding her too much magical fire may cause her body to erupt with flames at random. Her personality will shift dangerously between high passion and low energy until this surplus is gone.

It is imperative to help her see herself as a genuine human being. If Usha starts to doubt her humanity, this could have horrific consequences for how her body manifests. While she -might- not harm the people closest to her, she'll become a terrible danger to anything else.

As a newborn, Usha is quite vulnerable and may be an unwilling bait for Outsiders. Her soul is nearly naked, making her an irresistible prey for these vile entities. Thankfully she should grow out of this vulnerability quickly: expect her to become teenage-size by winter's end. Her growth and maturity should plateau around that time, becoming similar to regular humans; until then she will grow bigger and smarter far, far quicker than any normal human or monster.

You can expect one hour of activity per day in her current state, she'll be seeking food during that time. She will need to eat 4 portions of your daily Focii per day. That quantity will increase as she matures, but there will be ways to mitigate that once she understands how to handle her body.

Nyct stressed -and repeated- that little Usha has the potential to become incredibly dangerous. Encouraging and maintaining her growing humanity will be crucial. An intense enough depression could extinguish her life spark until she's old enough to handle her unusual body properly.

There are 4 known pathways inside the forge of souls deep inside the sprouts of Elemental Earth.

One leads into the main tree currently overseen by Mother Earth daughters deep inside the elven forest. There is a large tribe of Monsters living there, populated by a combination of escapees from the Allied Kingdoms, the Pharaoh realm, volunteers from the Demon Lord domain, and the free country of Zipangu, an odd combination of all known (somewhat successful) civilizations of Mamonos. This tribe is ruled by a monster calling herself ''Overlord.''

Another leads far into the Wildlands, almost touching the northern ocean. It's an untouched, largely hostile forest, overseen by an inhospitable powerful guardian refusing to destroy this sprout.

The third pathway leads into a newly born sprout near your home, where exactly needs to be discovered. (Nyct oriented herself with the direct link to the divine web made by your father. She hasn't found this sprout yet, it is very recent.) And lastly is the biggest entry you've discovered: the massive tree in the Eisenhart manor is second only to the main Elemental Tree being cared for by Mother Earth's daughters.

Nyct and her sisters have the duty of burning everything outside the elven forest but this isn't a burden you have to worry about. Right now the daughters remain passive because they are sledgehammers, and the situation hasn't degenerated enough to warrant this kind of collateral damage; the recent overstimulation of the leyline will likely force their hands.

--

And with that our quest begins, I'll be putting this information in a proper outside text eventually but I think it's also helpful to have it front and center.

''Morning now.'' Nyct announced gently, your inability to feel any passage of time inside this lonely forge of soul meant you could only trust her word. You spent your night using your father's booklet as a notebook and barely felt the passage of hours. Your host dispelling your accumulated fatigue with a handy miracle is the only explanation for why you haven't passed out yet. ''You should think about leaving soon, your father will get nervous otherwise, yes?'' Of course, you've told her about your father; he made it obvious yesterday that he'll likely carve a hole in the tree if he can't find you quickly.

''One moment, one moment...'' You mutter as you reread your written warnings about Usha diet.

''Would you allow me a little something, dear Rey?'' Fetching a small silver ring out of her pocket, Nyct gently interrupted your writing to let it rest on your palm and closed your hand around it. You felt a... presence, a foreign prodding similar to moments when your mother inspected your psyche. ''Give me permission to attune your soul with this ring, and you'll understand how these pathways function.''

''Of course.'' That had been one of your many burning questions.
Nyct cupped your closed hand with hers while lowering her head. The sheer weight of her presence in your soul was almost choking you out, forcing you to take long, deliberate breaths to keep yourself from keeling over from a new pressure on your chest and spine, the insides of your skin felt uncomfortable. There is no need to be an expert in souls to know a demi-goddess sheer presence alone was enough to be hazardous to your health.

''Ah.'' You didn't need to slip the ring on to know. Like the melody you've adopted; knowledge formed inside your head.
Cardinal directions were useless here. Inside the leylines, distances are suggested; the chamber itself somehow moves toward the tunnel carved by the hands of Mother Earth whenever you need to. Slipping the ring on your finger will allow you to open the roots of the Tree for these pathways.

One leads into the Elven forest, overseen by the daughters of Mother Earth and a big tribe of free monsters. Another leads deeper into the Wildlands, overseen by an inhospitable Supreme Monster (a general title given to dangerously powerful monsters). Last (discounting your present entrance) is a newly born sprout in the general area of your house.

The woodlands around there did feel a tad unusual. The demi-goddess let go of your hand to walk in the center of the room.

''I don't think your father will come knocking this early, your writing hand is still good?'' The colors of Nyct's hair had shifted into a more pleasant luster of gold as she gently cradled the sleeping blue girl and lifted her out of the basin.

''I don't suppose this ''uneasy reality'' we've got going on with being so close to the leyline would allow me to imprint words in that notebook?'' A lady-elf can dream.

Nyct scoffed while delicately putting the sleeping slime in your bag. ''Practicing your wrist should be useful to you in the future.''
What did she mean by this?

''What will you be doing now that I'm taking this little one?'' You say, cracking a few fingers. ''Have you been keeping a vigil here?''

''With your acceptance, I'll be stopping my duty.''The increasing intensity of golden lights heralds an increase in the intensity of her emotions. ''I'll return to communicate with my dear family. I've been here for a few years now without contacts...'' Her peaceful smile when you chance a worried look pinches your heart. ''...I'll admit I'm worried, I should have had a visit because of the situation with the leyline.''

Unity
Father Sky is aloof and observant; Mother Earth is active and loving. Her daughters are the vital middle line helping the divine Mother from making impetuous mistakes. From spying to actively helping save people's lives by guiding them to shelters, their duties mirror the countless responsibilities of the clergy without belonging to it.
Your father told you many things about these demi-goddesses, things likely beyond the station of a mere pious girl like you.
Like how they can somehow live in peaceful coexistence inside someone's body.
Nearly all recorded instances of fully bodied demi-goddesses walking the realm of Mother Earth resulted in dangerous mutations of flora and fauna; the creation of cholera as a disease was believed to be a direct consequence of this phenomenon when several of them manifested during the near-genocided of the dwarves and elves.

''Will you be able to return safely?'' You ask, finally done writing inside your booklet. ''I understand that you can separate your soul from your body, but you need to be complete before returning to your divine station, right?''

''Goodness, you shouldn't burden yourself with my trouble.'' For the briefest moments, you had the impression of feeling a vibration in your bones and feared to have frustrated your powerful host, but hints of gentle reds leaking into her hair perhaps told a different message. ''Walking as I am without a host could cause...complications... but you've done more than enough to help me. I can impose myself on Furibol'' She gently moved the bag sheltering Usha for emphasis. ''She's your main worry.''

''I...I'd like to do more. For a friend?'' Extending a helping hand costs you nothing, Furibol is... burdened by an incredible weight, with his body turning to rock the synchrony of his soul with his mortal coil must be precarious.

''Ooh Mother bless you... You're far too kind, lady Rey, I'd feel mighty guilty to take further advantage of your good heart.'' For some reason Nyct bit her knuckles when you looked at her, and her projected color turned into a rosy tint.

''Actually...'' Right, you could help. ''...would it be alright for me to become your temporary host? I could easily reach the church or the opening on the Web made by my father today.''

The soft passion of rose turned a somber gold, the ever-changing eyes of Nyct unusual biology also settled into this color of the Good Mother.

''I-I'm sorry if I've gone way above my station!'' Crap, crap she's mad. Me and my big mouth! You straighten your spine and keep your eyes right on the floor where they belong.

''Too much empathy can be hazardous to your health, y'know?'' She doesn't sound angry, thank goodness. When you chance another look you can only shamefully realize you've overreacted again: Nyct smile soothes your nerves.

''I could indeed use the help, this situation with the leyline might...ignite far too many unforeseen consequences if I were to displace myself carelessly. The ritual of synchronicity is unfair.''

''Unfair?'' As she gets closer, you briefly recall your first encounter with her a few hours ago. Sometimes words in her sentences seemed to vibrate your bones, yet now that phenomenon had gone away without your notice.

''I have to settle inside your body and soul.'' Nyct gently extends her arm to poke your forehead. ''And that means I will see all of your memories. Everyone deserves their secrets, their moments alone of shame, triumph, and realization. For you to be my host...'' She gently rubs the middle of your forehead and lets go with a backward step. ''...means relinquishing all of your secrets. I promise not to judge, but you still deserve to keep what you want for yourself. And of course, the reverse will not happen.''

''Ah...'' You have your share of sins, who doesn't? Your travels in the kingdoms had you witness a handful of...happenstance, you've also done a few things you'll never be proud of, especially when you were fifteen when you spent a year in a certain academy... You've shared almost everything with your parents. Almost.

But wouldn't sharing so many things about you be liberating? Hosting one of Mother Earth daughters is an immense honor but you honestly don't care about that. She's someone who could use a helping hand. Nyct will be able to handle herself without you... But where's the harm in brightening her day? Is it a sacrifice to show your entire life to someone prepared to handle it?

>Commit to become her host. You're here right now and you can extend a helping hand; you've been too scared to do it in the past. Now's not the time to start.
>Refuse, you have your duties and worries to concentrate on. Nyct is right, everyone deserves their secrets when they aren't prepared to share.
>Free.

>>6233946
>Commit to become her host. You're here right now and you can extend a helping hand; you've been too scared to do it in the past. Now's not the time to start.
let's go

>>6233946
>>Refuse, you have your duties and worries to concentrate on. Nyct is right, everyone deserves their secrets when they aren't prepared to share.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

Alright, breaking the ice and the stalemate. I'll allow a new vote to override mine for the next hour

Involving oneself in divine affairs goes contrary to long-term good health and family life; your present circumstances are rather... unusual to be sure, you've got plenty on your plate with your two Mamono guests, the visiting ghostly boy, and now Usha!

You know damn well that you'll try your hardest to help Nyct if you become her host now.

''Urk, I honestly want to help, but...'' You look into your bag, the slime entity is still shaped like an egg and she has a surprising weight, too. ''...Doing too much too soon is one of the roads to perdition. Could you visit my home before you leave?''

''Don't worry.'' The colorful woman walks close enough to put her hand on your shoulder, creating bubbles of warm excitement in your chest as her yellow eyes look at you in calm benevolence. ''There is... a little something I need to look into in the manor here. I promise to visit you afterward, especially if that means seeing this little one here up and active.'' She gestures at your bag. ''Now go, Rey. Walking back takes a little while, keep that ring. We'll see each other in a few days, perhaps a week.''

The constant colors projected by Nyct's changing hair truly do make her enchanting, finding the resolve to put a step forward is surprisingly difficult but when she gently claps her hand and smiles at you in this calm, almost motherly demeanor, you open the tunnel of roots with a simple thought to your newly acquired ring and set out by your lonesome in the lonely tunnel.

It'll take a handful of weeks before this entire chamber dissolves into the leyline and if you find the sprout near your house, you can come visit this lonely demi-goddess when you want to.

''Stay well, Nyct. And thank you for the answers, for doing our Good Mother's will.''

--

Traveling the reverse pathway of roots didn't feel as long as your previous foray, perhaps because of your newfound confidence in what you'll find at the end of the road. When you reach the closed door of roots, you take a moment to trust your ears, it'd be a damn shame to carelessly expose Nyct refuge.

Once you're satisfied, your thoughts drift to the ring on your finger, and in the same way as your entrance, an opening of roots retreated into a doorway to let you step back into the prime realm of your gods.

''Rey!'' And your father's relief had him run to you before you even saw him.

''It's okay! I'm good, don't worry dad!'' His hands protectively close around your shoulders when the roots of the Tree cover the door after your exit. ''This ring allows me to open a path, and, huh... a few things happened.''

You look around your father's silhouette while speaking, ensuring nobody else is there.

''I made sure to be alone. I managed to grab your rope too, I didn't hear any words about your sneaking.'' He says, letting you go only after looking you over for wounds that weren't there. ''A few things happened, huh?''

''...Yeah.'' You find yourself curling a strand of hair around a finger as the joy of reunion dissipates. He's looking hale and hearty, thankfully. ''A few things about my soul, like...''

''I know. What many would say reincarnation.'' His bearded face settled into an intimidating glare that he directed at the wooden wall. ''I don't believe that for a second, you've become who you are by your will alone, not through some divine influence. But we should speak about that with your mother, she deserves it.''

''It's okay dad.'' You gently squeeze one of his wrists since you can't simply let go of your precious bag now. ''I've... had to broaden my perspective a little bit. Whether my personality is influenced by that distant past or Mother Earth shaping of my soul doesn't matter: I am who I am now, that's that... which is why, here look.''

Wiggling away from his grasp, you open your bag to reveal the egg-shaped slime with your new flute settling on top.

''A slime entity? I've heard most of them went extinct shortly after the Demon Lord's ascension.''

''She's much more than that.'' You don't know where this warmth, this pride that enshrines your heart comes from; it is welcome. ''This tiny one is in a situation similar to mine: a soul ravaged by the past, Mother Earth wishes to give her a second chance.''

You've never liked it when your dad's face becomes a mask of neutrality, he shouldn't be looking at little Usha like that. ''Her name came to me instinctively so I know Nyct was speaking the truth.''

''Nyct? Someone was in there?''

''Oh yes, one of Mother Earth daughters, the youngest one.'' There! He's too surprised to keep a controlled face! Yes!

''Let's be out of here and go back home.'' He says, pinching the spot between his eyebrows. ''I don't like this manor or the people here.''

Really? It's honestly a shame, the Eisenhart noblemen gave you a good impression.

''You're good with bathroom needs? We should come across a food stall in the city for our breakfast.''

He -really- wants to be out of here fast, huh?

''I've written some notes about that slime and the Tree, too.'' You hand him his booklet. ''Bet you're mighty curious huh?''

--
It was in dawn earliest light that you and your father exited the Tree threshold and being this early is likely why you dodged an invitation for breakfast from your noble hosts. None of the guards asked any questions when you left and once safely outside in the little forest that separated the reinforced manor from nature, your enthusiasm had you tell your dad everything you went through from yesterday to your long, long conversations with Nyct. And what you truly loved about him showed again in his lack of judgment; his questions were about your perspective, your emotions, your decision, and what led to them, to understand your mindset. You didn't need better motivation to keep going.

He promised to help you with Usha unusual diet.

''Something in that manor tickled my suspicious muscle.'' Your father begins once your conversation finds a lull. In the distance, you can see the manned checkpoint that separates this forest from the city and he stopped to look at you. ''You remember what soul imprints are?''

Oh, now that's an academic question. ''Remnant of... strong emotions, I think? Emotions stimulate and power souls so surplus tend to leave behind specters that can only be identified with Father Sky rituals, particular training, or instincts.''

''Mmhm.'' He nods, crossing his arms. ''It's always normal to find in family homes; intense positivity and negativity leave imprints and I've noticed the servants of the manor are folks around your age, men and women so at first, I suspected it was the simple dramas of young folks gathered in a big home.''

''But?'' You add.

''The colors were dark, ugly brown, putrid purples with hints of reds. Intense negativity with a pathway toward the basement of the manor.'' Realizing your confusion, he continues. ''Negativity, rot of emotions, manic happiness, intense passions. I've seen these colors during the year I spent in Eliaures: widespread drug uses.''

''That's not all.'' He continues, giving a casual wave to one of the men at the outpost. ''A trail led me toward the basement of the manor and the place was being guarded by some of the mercs. I didn't try my luck after they demanded I turn around and walk away.''

''I don't know what's happening over there, there's nothing concrete and it's not enough to condemn the young lad you want to be friends with.'' He was polite about it but your father disapproves of your newfound companionship with the bespectacled young man. ''Combined with the missing pearls of powers, overstimulated leyline, and clandestine presence of one of Mother Earth's daughters, these imprints make me nervous. There's been widespread intense emotions going on inside that manor.''

Indeed. Your father logic is sound, he's a Cleric-of-the-Path, one step removed from being an exorcist. Investigating and maintaining the most remote shrines of Mother Earth means dealing with all kinds of situations, mundanes and not.

''Too soon to make a final judgment, I don't want to condemn Thibault, especially since he wants to help the monsters of the city.''

''Of course, Rey.'' His hand goes on top of your head. ''You're an adult now, so I wanted to share what I've found. You've gone and adopted a little slime too, it's alright to feel a bit overwhelmed and lean on your mother and I.'' He winks. ''I-

''...am not saying little Usha is your granddaughter yet but we'll see.'' You huff and shake off his hand. One day you'll be the one giving him comfort. ''I've been thinking about what's next.''

Indeed, what's next Rey? Your last few days have been busy indeed and today you'll take it easy and get to know your monstrous guests but there are plenty of things on your plate...

>You want to investigate that ghostly boy who visited you yesterday night. Circumstances point to him being Augustine dead son, it is vital to make certain you're not misunderstanding something here.
>Concentrate on learning the situation in the Mamono village. You've established a good rapport with Thibault, the heir of Eichenwald who has assumed authority with managed that place. Tomorrow is a good time to start.
>Nyct and the knowledge bestowed upon you with her ring revealed there is a newly born sprout of the elemental Tree of Earth near your home. Finding it quickly means employing the tunnel at your leisure and seeing Nyct again, too...
>Free

This choice will establish Rey short-term goal.

>>6234602
>>Concentrate on learning the situation in the Mamono village. You've established a good rapport with Thibault, the heir of Eichenwald who has assumed authority with managed that place. Tomorrow is a good time to start.

>>6234601
>''The colors were dark, ugly brown, putrid purples with hints of reds. Intense negativity with a pathway toward the basement of the manor.'' Realizing your confusion, he continues. ''Negativity, rot of emotions, manic happiness, intense passions. I've seen these colors during the year I spent in Eliaures: widespread drug uses.''
fuck, not a good sign specially with mercs involved.
>>6234602
>You want to investigate that ghostly boy who visited you yesterday night. Circumstances point to him being Augustine dead son, it is vital to make certain you're not misunderstanding something here.

I'll leave this choice open for a little longer as we progress, so I'll post our continuation tomorrow even if we aren't fully settled yet.

>>6234602
>>You want to investigate that ghostly boy who visited you yesterday night. Circumstances point to him being Augustine dead son, it is vital to make certain you're not misunderstanding something here.

I'll be answering tomorrow, had a little harmless interruption today so I've been late in writing.

The forest around your home looked intimidating now that you knew why, exactly, something like this grew so much in the fields of southeastern Eichenwald. The woods are thick and clumped together with no big trees to be seen, only good for firewood or kindlings. Critters are the only thing you'll find in there.

''Kinda regretting not stopping for a bite now.'' Rikard had a rare moment of complaint as you walked the final road to your home.

''Mister was too eager to go back to mom huh?'' Your stomach audibly churns as you speak.

''Absolutely, one night away from her is one too much. Can you play your flute while I try my best to sing a serenade? We need to make this grand return worth it.'' He's never been good at making jokes but he sure manages to nail looking amazingly smug while failing to be witty.

Pfft. ''Dad, come on. She'll flee into the forest in embarrassment, especially since we have guests.'' You're not at all confident with a bigger audience. Sure, you did play for a handful of ears yesterday but that was a fluke.

The sight of your cabin and your home gives you a flutter in your steps, your enthusiasm is quickly replaced by surprise.
Further up the field of your home is a big hole being filled by your mother, Canaan, and your blue guest, Shigeko, armed with shovels, taking dirt from a filled wheelbarrow. Further up in the distance is a felled tree with the distinctive white silhouette of Seyraphal cutting branches with a hatchet, creating a small pile of discarded wood as she slowly but surely works on removing the obstructions.

The tree has been ripped instead of cut. Like those moments you broke a few pencils with your hands, the trunk bore brutal disfigurement. The hole origin was obvious enough: someone pulled out the trunk bare-handed.

''Nice.'' Your father's tone is moderate, artificial. ''Glad to know our talk about making space in our field bore fruits.''

''This is my fault!'' Your mother realizes your presence and comes jogging.
''I'm sorry! I was overeager, this mess is my incompetence!'' Comes the bigger blue woman's quieter reply.

Wow, wow, wow. You can't pay attention to whatever your dad and mom are talking about or worry about the damages because... This blue monster, an Oni, has presence. She came to your home two days ago starved and weak, with nothing more than skins to cover her bones, her height making her lanky and fragile but now? Meats and muscles had returned to give her vitality and undeniable strength. Her mass looked genuinely powerful, with clothing borrowed from your dad that was still too short and small; her shirt ended above her belly button, and the sleeves ended a little past her elbows. Physical activity had torn lines on the sides of her newly acquired pants, and without any fitting shoes, the newly healthy warrior monster walked around barefoot. Her curves strained against your father's clothes, the shirt and pants far too small for her...bounty.

It is a bit hot today.
Movements from the far field reveal Seyraphal approach as Shigeko waves to get her attention. From looks alone, the girl was miles better in health. Her stance didn't have this diminutive, ready-to-keel-over attitude, her skin had regained a healthy radiance and the white fuzz that covered her body somehow looked softer, better defined.

''Let's have an important talk tonight.'' Your father whispered to your mom.
''Shit, are you... mad about the tree? This is the last time I'm doubting the physical prowess of a warrior-specie.''
''Ah!'' He laugh. ''I'll use that as an excuse for bedroom discipline. I'll tell you more later.''
''Ugh, come on let's go eat!'' You promptly leave your parent's side and decide to wave the Mamonos inside.

With a healthy dinner of whatever remained of your pantry put in a tasty soup, the egg-shaped slime you've been carrying all day stands in the middle of the table inside a bowl to keep it steady, earning equal parts adoration and disbelief from the three women.

''I'll go into details later, but yeah I'll... be taking care of this little one.'' You almost said ''we''. This responsibility is ultimately yours alone.

"Better than a stray cat," your mother commented as she carefully poked the egg, then looked at her finger. "Y'know, this is a rare one. It'd be best to keep her home for now. In the early days of our Demon Lord's ascension, alchemy was being refined as a science. Slimes were discovered to be near-perfect reagents for all kinds of potions, which inevitably caused their localized extinctions in the Allied Kingdoms. The Lady Lord even made a brief invasion to save what was left."

''The three queens of my home have made a unified decree to safeguard what was left of our native's slimes.'' Shigeko comments, somehow having no trouble eating with finesse by holding her spoon with two big fingers. Beside her, Seyraphal ate in quiet contemplation, one three-fingered hand holding a spoon. ''You have a truly generous heart...''

''Having plenty of people around will be good for her once she's out of incubation.'' Not explaining -everything- about little Usha did pang your heart.

Then comes a comfortable silence as everyone finishes dinner.

''I've been thinking of visiting the city today,'' Canaan says while taking the dirty dishes. ''We can't have our big gal here wearing men's clothes. The girl's rags came undone when I washed them so I threw them away. And the pantry needs refilling.''

''A date? Hell yeah.'' Your father excitedly rises to his feet. You try your best not to roll your eyes. ''Probably a bad idea to have our guests accompany us for now.''

''We... how can we ever repay your kindness?'' Seyraphal speaks almost in a whisper without any shadows of her previous illness, her bigger companion is looking down in shame. That motivates you to reach for the big blue hand of the Oni-woman.

''Don't think yourselves indebted.'' The girls look to you as you speak, the moth-woman dark scleras and potent red pupils no longer cause crawling dread in your spine. ''If we were to tell you two to go away now that you're healthy, where could you go besides directly back into your torment inside the village? Our city baron gave his blessing with hosting you both, there's no problem.''

''Mhm.'' Rikard agree. ''We'll make good use of your help, don't worry. I've been wanting to use our storeroom for another bed so there'll be plenty of lifting in the coming days. Good excuse to build a new outside storeroom, too''

And some fieldwork.

''What I do want to know.'' You continue, letting go of Shigeko. She almost looks lonely when she retreats her hand under the table. ''Are your plans. Now that health isn't an issue, what do you both wish to do?''

Both monstrous women look at each other briefly. Shigeko is the one who decides to speak first.

''In my tribe of southern Zipangu, I am called a ''Fool''. Someone who absorbs foreign influences and strengths to bring them back into the cauldron of our ancestors. My two years of experience in the Allied Kingdoms have been... colorful indeed, but it is not yet time for me to go back home. I wish to experience more.'' She pauses to gesture at your family. ''To return my debt of gratitude to you three, good sisters and brother of Mother Earth. I... may hold the monsters community here in contempt, but that does not mean I wish them dead.''

''Dead? Things are that bad over there?'' The more you learn about the village, the more you're convinced Thibault's work will be far harder than anyone can anticipate.

''The community needs to be purified or risk extermination.'' That is sobering sentence. Joining her hands together to rest them on the table, Shigeko speaks with closed eyes. ''I know people with the skills and knowledge to remedy that situation. They are far from here, and I have no confidence in my ability to sneak through the southern plains patrolled by the king's men. Let alone make it back through the coming winter with a group.''

''You're telling monsters have found a way to purify people without having to sacrifice one of their own?'' You share your father's hope and curiosity as he speaks.

''Yes'' There is no deception in Shigeko blue eyes. ''It's a dangerous ritual, established only in recent years. The Demon Lord has worked tirelessly to spread this knowledge throughout all the communities of monsters but the...camps...'' She hesitated on that word. ''Of the Allied Kingdoms makes it almost impossible to do the rituals, especially since it is genuinely dangerous.''

''And where are these people you need to find to help our community?'' Your dad continues.

''Inside the elven forest.'' Nyct mentioned a community living there. ''A large tribe of monsters has settled there; they're the ones who trained me in this new purification method.'' The large oni turns her head to look at Seyraphal. ''You've been accruing a big Corruption surplus haven't you, Sey?''

''Yeah...'' Guilt wraps the moth's admission with such intense vulnerability it takes a genuine conscious effort for you to resist the urge to hug her. ''...Rot Lungs made it hard to handle.''

''I could showcase this purification later, perhaps in a day or two once we're both fully recovered.'' The warrior continues. ''You'll see firsthand why I call it dangerous.''

Fully recovered? Uprooting a tree with your bare hands isn't a sign of perfect health yet?

''I...'' Seyraphal begins talking quickly after her friend. ''I am a suspicious soul by nature. Speaking about myself is difficult.'' She's keeping her face downcast, two of her four hands touching her fuzzy collarbone.

''You don't need to share anything you don't want to.''

''Thank you, Rey.'' Her long, bony fingers interlock as she forces a smile. ''Your entire family has more than earned my trust; you've taken me away from an agonizing existence, fed me, nursed me to health and now you offer to buy me clothes with nothing but generosity in your hearts... I'm in awe, my gratitude makes me feel guilty and insignificant for I have no way to repay anything. No logic motivates my distrust so I'll be ignoring it.''

Reaching for a cup of water with her lower arms, Seyraphal refreshes her throat, the large wings draped on her back pulse nervously.

''I am a druid.''

''Druid?'' Your mother's interrupts. ''I've heard all of your orders declined into nothing after the death of the Elemental Trees.''

''I don't know about any orders.'' Seyraphal shakes her head and doesn't try to stare back at your mother. ''My old master found me when I needed him. He taught me how to cure myself of an old condition, how to master the Corruption inside me, and eventually allowed me a full apprenticeship in his art. Unfortunately, the Immortal Syndrome claimed him before I could fully finish my training.''

The Immortal Syndrome is a phenomenon happening to all non-elven immortals. People's souls accrue all kinds of experiences throughout the years and those without defined lifespan are slowly but surely eroded by the weight of years until their souls cannot cope with the strain of life. Long hibernation is needed to recover, to cure bodies and souls of the scars of emotions and memories. That master of hers must have lived a long time indeed.

''I came to Eichenwald because my master wanted to investigate the forests around the city, there's been a disturbance we haven't identified yet.'' Seyraphal found the strength to keep a clear, concise tone. ''Before my Rot Lungs manifested and I had to seek a cure inside the city, I found some oddities in the general health of the forest people use here to hunt. The population of games and predators seems low, though not due to a freak localized extinction: most big animals seem to have run away. I also noticed a similar case with smaller critters like squirrels, and birds: their populations are far smaller than they should be for the wide stretch of land that is the great ancestral forest on the west of the city.''

''Once I get better.'' Seyraphal wings unfurl behind her as she makes herself comfortable, giving her the impression of wearing a long cloak. ''I want to start investigating the trees for potential diseases and seek knowledge from the insects. I... must know what's happening here. Then afterward, I thought of contacting the center tribe.''

''Helping a druid sounds interesting, I'd love to help if you'd have me, Seyraphal.'' The moth inclines her head at your comment, the two fuzzy antennas on top of her head make cute excited bounces.

You've made friends with a pair of surprisingly competent people. Since your mother insists on shopping and leaving you here with them, this implies genuine trust.

Perhaps... You could share a little bit of what you've learned with Nyct. Shigeko knows people in the tribe of monsters occupying the elven forest (you could reach them with the tunnel...) and Seyraphal duty as a druid must have some connection with the Elemental Tree of Earth growing around, and perhaps the uneven leyline too.

Although, this is a rather important and potentially dangerous secret...

>Mention the situation with the leyline and the Elemental Tree of Earth to your monstrous guests. You'll be living with them for a while and you're a horrendous liar; give them your trust, perhaps your knowledge can help their duties.
>For now it would be better to keep silent. You do want to help the girls... But perhaps it's not the right timing to reveal something so important.
>Free.

>>6234687
>>6235055
I'll leave more time for the short-term ambition, seems like we are leaning toward investigating the boy.

>>6236030
>Mention the situation with the leyline and the Elemental Tree of Earth to your monstrous guests. You'll be living with them for a while and you're a horrendous liar; give them your trust, perhaps your knowledge can help their duties.

We could probably stand well to omit thing about the pearls though, the fact that it exists and is partially what the baron / church is protecting should be enough.

>>6236030
>Mention the situation with the leyline and the Elemental Tree of Earth to your monstrous guests. You'll be living with them for a while and you're a horrendous liar; give them your trust, perhaps your knowledge can help their duties.
don't talk about the pearls though.

>>6236030
>>Mention the situation with the leyline and the Elemental Tree of Earth to your monstrous guests. You'll be living with them for a while and you're a horrendous liar; give them your trust, perhaps your knowledge can help their duties.

>>6236030
>>Mention the situation with the leyline and the Elemental Tree of Earth to your monstrous guests. You'll be living with them for a while and you're a horrendous liar; give them your trust, perhaps your knowledge can help their duties.

A lady druid and a nomad from the Old World with a connection to the central tribe in the Allied Kingdoms... You were right to assume your guests were distinguished.

''I've learned something important yesterday, I think it could help you, Shigeko.''

''Are you sure, Rey?'' Your father's question isn't stern. You'll have to measure your words carefully, that business with the Pearls of Power -is- a road to perdition.

You nod; he nods back.

''Our meeting with the baron yesterday revealed that the big shrine of a tree they've used to honor Mother Earth is a grown sprout of the Elemental Tree of Earth.''

''What!?'' Canaan nearly screams, Rikard grabs her arm to stop her from grabbing your shoulders. ''That one was slain by Demon Lord Damian! You're telling me it's back!?''

''Yes, mom.'' No lie, no deception, the wild inferno of disbelief in her eyes quickly lessened to a quiet ember of emotions. ''Dad knows everything too... I hope that won't be ruining your date.''

''Don't worry about that.'' Your father gently pats your mother's head, a gesture that always succeeded in calming her; it doesn't fail now.

The two Mamonos share a look of suitable surprise. Your mother's outburst likely mirrored their internal feelings.
''I-''
''Hold on, let me continue, please.'' You interrupt Shigeko, pulling the silver ring off your finger.

''I've learned about Mother Earth's duties toward the Trees, she and her daughters wish to...'' It's not a long explanation. Relating everything about the Trees, their connecting tunnels that can be accessed with your new ring, holds everyone's attention. Your father, of course, doesn't note the missing details about the pearls and Usha.

''A daughter of Mother Earth in hiding, saturated leyline...'' Seyraphal whispers, struggling with processing this information. Avoiding the truth about Usha and the business with the pearls was easy enough, but there was no way for you to also conceal Nyct's existence while explaining how you've learned about the elemental trees.

''The patrimony of my people is already finding new inheritors, huh?'' Your mother sounds bitter. ''Guess nothing will shake them out of that collective depression''

You were far too young to remember anything concrete about your time spent in the elven enclave, but your parents explained to you that elves have become largely lethargic following their near-extinction. People like your mother (and yourself, despite being half) -elves with genuine drive and energy- are rare amongst an already diminished race.

''I'm sorry, I knew about the circumstances around the Earth Elemental Tree in your ancestor forest.'' Shigeko lowers her head as she speaks, covering her broken horn with her hands. Goodness! ''For the Good Mother herself to somehow create pathways between sprouts is... amazing.''

''That means you'd be able to reach your friends and find the help we need for our monster community!''

''I... yes.'' Her awkward near-supplication stops as she looks at you, struggling to conceal a smirk. ''Although it would be much more prudent to acquire permission from the human rulers, a ritual like this with so many Mamonos will need preparation and, ideally, a large empty field with strong warriors to ensure everyone's safety.''

What in the world could this dangerous ritual be?

''My master and teacher had the duty of finding and culling the elemental trees after a meeting with two of Mother Earth daughters.'' Seyraphal's announcement comes with closed eyes and an expression of guilt she can't suppress. ''That duty was passed on to me, but I have no confidence in accomplishing it. I...'' She hesitates, tenebrous eyes reopening without looking at anyone. ''...am sorry too. Knowledge like this should be shared. I believed the strange malaise afflicting the forest was a side effect of the sprout's existence."

''Don't worry, I won't be holding a grudge.'' When you hold out your hand, the girls don't reach out and grab it. Sad. ''This kind of thing is sensitive; our king went and obfuscated the truth about the shrine-tree, anyone would get nervous.''

''I'm a bit skeptical about the need to cull them in the first place.'' Your mother comments arms crossed over her belly as she looks at you. ''That dwarf said it's to allow the main one to grow, but would that need -all- of them dead?''

''Yes.'' Seyraphal was the one to answer, her antennas made a soft buzzing noise as she nervously shrank under the collective stare. ''The Earthen one perished a century before the other three; its early return isn't too surprising. Those sprouts will occupy the emergence of the air, fire, and water elementals. That could have catastrophic consequences in the very nature of magic for the coming generations since our reality itself will skew toward the element of earth instead of our present balance.''

''And.'' Your dad inserted himself in the conversation by gently grabbing Canaan shoulders. ''Our goddess is cooperating with monsters, druids, and in all likelihood elements of the church to see this culling done.''

''Fine fine, I'm saying it's a shame to destroy big, pretty trees.'' Your mother wiggled out of your father's grasp. ''Gotta prep before setting out.''

You were too lost in thought to care about your parents. Shigeko and Seyraphal looked uncomfortable as you kept staring, but you couldn't help it. To think your guests already knew about the Elemental Tree... In all likelihood, they know about the pearls. That'll be a subject to start once everyone gets more comfortable.

''I think...'' You gently extend your arms on the table as far as they can go. Please get the hint. Please get the hint. ''We can help each other.''

They do get your intention.

One big blue hand rests on top of your left one, and two of Seyraphal thin white ones gently touch your right. Yes! Your wish when settling in Eichenwald is starting to shape; this is a connection, a new friendship...

''Do you girls have a pastime? Or something you wanna do?'' They mustn't have been able to relax at all inside the village.

''I find solace in training and meditation.'' Shigeko hand is too big for your hand to do anything but lay there. ''The easy work outside with the hole and making firewood out of that felled tree would be nice.''
Easy work? All of that? By yourself?

''I do... have a fondness for knitting,'' Seyraphal speaks in quiet nervousness.
''I think we've got something that'll do for today somewhere in our storeroom.'' A life on the road demands learning makeshift repairs for your clothes. ''Mom! Dad! Bring back some knitting supplies from the city!'' You scream at their closed door, earning no reply. This ''prep'' is taking a while.
''I-it's okay!'' Seyraphal long wings make this adorable vibrating ''brrbrrbr'' noise as she wiggles on her seat. ''I've been wanting to explore the nearby forest too! Not to find that newborn sprout but just... get a lay of the land.''
''A nice walk in nature does sound nice,'' Shigeko commented, gazing out of the window.

There is... something else. A sobering thought that is, perhaps, best left for another day. Augustine's son died from falling from one of the church towers, and your two new monstrous friends have been surviving inside the village for a while. News of a boy perishing like this must have been big news; you remember how that ghostly boy looked, too. Perhaps they know something.

>Agree with Seyraphal's idea of exploring one of the nearby woods. You've been wanting to do that anyway; walking in nature is relaxing.
>Shigeko mentioned training and medating. Having to shovel a big hole and cut a tree into firewood sounds like an interesting way to start.
>You have no talent for knitting, but you had to learn how to repair your clothes throughout the years. Why not help Seyraphal find some useful tools from your storeroom and see what she can do?
>Breach the topic of Augustine's dead son and your suspicion about the identity of the ghostly boy who so surprised you two days ago. A gloomy topic for a somber discussion.
>Free

This is a semi-free day where you're not obliged to work on your goal and can spend time getting to know your new friends. Talking to one of the girls alone might make it easier for them to open up, but doing a group activity won't penalize you.

>>6236705
>>You have no talent for knitting, but you had to learn how to repair your clothes throughout the years. Why not help Seyraphal find some useful tools from your storeroom and see what she can do?

>>6236705
>You have no talent for knitting, but you had to learn how to repair your clothes throughout the years. Why not help Seyraphal find some useful tools from your storeroom and see what she can do?

I had a long day today so I'll answer tomorrow. Look like we'll spend time with the cute mutant moth

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZWd_7Ud-Lc&ab_channel=EroSennin

Your family's storeroom was surprisingly tidy. Your parents had bought a few too many crates, resulting in a treasure trove of salt, vinegar...and pots? Next comes stuff for what seems to be a drying rack or a tannery(thankfully without any accompanying liquids). You and Seyraphal found sharpening tools, another axe for firewood, a new pair of hatchets... Knitting supplies are eventually found inside a neat knapsack, and Seyraphal insisted on only taking needles; she even passed on yarns or scissors.

That's how you returned to your living room, emptied of souls aside from the slumbering Usha. ''I'm not confident in my ability to entertain with needlework...'' Seyraphal said while inspecting each item, even poking them with her unusual fingers. ''...but I'm glad for your company.'' She added quickly with bouncing antennas, pushing the chair next to her with one of her lower arms.
Phew, no rejection!

Outside, Shigeko's field work filtered inside the room in gentle echoes, you could see her filling the hole by her lonesome at a constant, steady pace.

''I'm curious to see your work, but I'd also like to know you better.'' The way Seyraphal tightens her lips almost makes you regret asking.

''Sorry for being awkward, I've never been good at making friends.'' She takes a whispering tone as she gently uses her four hands to toy with the needles on the table. ''Give me a moment.''

Getting up without moving away, Seyraphal uses all her arms to grab her wide wings and tighten them into a bundle like one would for wet hair. She spent a few moments running her hands over this length, making the white, almost cloth-like material increasingly malleable.
''Would you like to hold them?'' She asks as she folds them forward after going past her neck. ''I need my wings away from my back; I can use a chair otherwise, don't worry.''
Yes! Yes! ''I'd love to.'' Seyraphal gently handed you the long bundle of clothes that were her wings as you stood next to her. Her sundress, previously belonging to your mother, almost melded into the natural colors of her body.

''Oh!'' You can't help the exclamation. Soft! So adorably, amazingly, beautifully soft! Her insectoid body had you assume those wings were a membrane or maybe skin-like material, but the soft fuzz that covered parts of Seyraphal's body seemingly made up these entire, long wings.
This is where depression goes to die. Remembering her careful needlework is the only thing that stops you from putting your face inside that heavenly softness. What kind of dreams could this give you...?

''Is it fur?'' You need to ask. It feels like it!
''S-sometimes.'' Her fingers are dancing in reaction to your touch, cheeks reddened from sensations.
Aaiah, I got carried away. Wait, sometimes?
''Yes, sometimes.'' She repeated at your silent questioning stare, composure returning with the stop of your petting.

''You see, I was born with a condition, a blood curse.'' Seyraphal's tone isn't so hesitant anymore as she sits down, you keep a careful close distance to avoid mistreating that marvelous bundle of wings. I feel like I'm attending a princess. ''It was something that warped my senses and body, causing abominable shapeshifting, transforming me into a predator... It's only after I found my druidic master that I managed to identify the problem and find a cure, I...survived until then.'' The way her antennas droop convinces you not to ask questions

''That condition and my race convinced Montaron to be serious about sharing his art with me. These natural skills allow me to ''feel'' and ''know'' nature's condition by attuning myself to surrounding insect life.'' Montaron? That name sounds familiar. Doesn't sound like a good man if he had to be ''convinced'' to educate. The dark red spots on the side of her head inside her hair give you the impression of an eye as Seyraphal keeps idling with the needles.

Leaning forward, her pair of lower arms bent at an angle that almost makes you shiver as she effortlessly reaches a spot on the back of her naked shoulders. Two long index fingers scratch at what seem to be protective scales, half a joint sinks in there somehow, and gently extracts two long white filaments of what you can only assume to be silk. She has no trouble pinching these between her fingers despite the lack of sight and, without her wings intruding on her finesse, Seyraphal easily brings this material forward, the silk somehow remaining steady and whole despite the distance between her back and the needles on the tables.

''I've always lived in the Allied Kingdoms and I've come to understand that humans and Mamonos share equal disdain toward bug species like me.'' She continued, slowly but surely, preparing an increasing quantity of silk. ''Our...biology can make it difficult to keep us healthy, and I suppose a body like mine creeps out enough people they believe us to be demons. Add a loss of control due to Corruption...''

''That won't be happening here.'' You resist the urge to pet her wings, her delicate work has started. Four hands and twelve fingers mix well with knitting.

''I'm not a danger, not anymore.'' Her eyes don't leave her work as she speaks. ''The way I employ my druidic art, how my body changes to accommodate this power could be... scary to look at.''

Ah. I get it, that's what she's been dancing around. ''You're not a danger anymore, right?'' Her blanket-like wings are so soft on your arm, that you just need to give them a little pet again. ''I won't reject how your talent looks, Seyraphal. I'll likely be surprised and curious when it happens, you won't find me waving a torch around.'' When she timidly cranes her neck upward to look at you with those dark red eyes, you wink and nod, and her pale cheeks grow a new blossom of redness. ''Does Shigeko know?''

''Yeah. She... accepted my body.''

Mother's Mercy. You don't know how to describe this feeling of wanting to hug her and whisper sweet encouragements, seeing a smile on that pale face might become an ambition.

Seyraphal straightens her spine and concentrates on her needlework; the weight that kept her hunched and scared isn't so oppressive anymore.

''My mother was a seamstress.'' She says after a stretch of comfortable silence. ''I can still hear the clicks of needles, the buzzing of rolling bobby pins, I think the fabrics she used had a scent too...but maybe it's my mind playing a trick on me.'' Click. Click. Click. The needles work with expert hands, using the silk of her own body. Seyraphal seems to be working on a little...patch maybe? It's not a big piece. ''My grandmother was a spider, my mother was her third child and came out as a moth; that's the kind of things that happen with Corruption and even more so with bugs like us.''

''Did you want to enter your mother's trade?'' Your mother taught you how to walk the forest, stalk and kill game, skin and butcher them. It's not your passion (you've yet to find that), but you did entertain the idea of fully following in her footsteps.

''I'm not sure. I have a talent for this, and I think I could do it in a better community, but I've always liked knitting as a hobby if I make it my living... I'm scared I could get sick of it.'' Despite the topic, her hands are moving much more confidently. Afraid of poisoning the only connection she has left to her mother. I think Seyraphal might be a deeply fearful and hesitant person.

Monstrous families in the Allied Kingdoms rarely stay whole. Bad conditions, diseases, and abuses make plenty of orphans. Fully grown daughters are far too often separated from their parents to go work in some other place with the mercy of local overseers as sole judges of this ignominy.

''Done.'' Seyraphal intones and rises to her feet, her antennas making noses close to birds chirping. Alas, you have to let go of the heavenly blanket of wing-silk you've been holding onto.

Turning to you with a cute, prideful look, her lower left hand held up a heart-shaped piece of sturdy silk. ''It's nowhere near enough to express the depth of my gratitude to you and your family, Rey. Thank you''

IwannahugherIwannahugherIwannahugher ''Do you...'' You need to pause here, that moth is so pretty. ''...think you can place that patch now? I'd love to display something this cute.''

''Ah?'' Dark and red eyes briefly hold your gaze, then concentrate on your shirt. ''I don't think the silk will hold during cleaning...''

''I'll remove it before that.'' The vulnerability radiating out of her is growing nigh-irresistible.

''Hmm...okay.'' Finally, there's a smile on those constantly blossoming cheeks. Taking the smallest needle, Seyraphal works a quick magic with her long, thin, scaly fingers to add her nearly made patch. ''Perhaps you'd like something warmer with the coming winter?''

''Absolutely!'' You chance a rub on the white heart and find it surprisingly durable.

>Ask her about a druid's duties and capabilities.
>You've heard plenty about the nefarious effects of corruption, but you don't have many ideas about what it is; perhaps Seyraphal could teach you.
>Share your past with her, you don't have much to hide, and it's probably not interesting... but friendship blooms with sharing!
>Go find Shigeko, and stretch your legs with some fieldwork.
>Free

>>6237797
>>Ask her about a druid's duties and capabilities.
>>You've heard plenty about the nefarious effects of corruption, but you don't have many ideas about what it is; perhaps Seyraphal could teach you.

>>6237843
I can accommodate two choices now that I think about it.

>>6237843
>+1
sounds good

>>6237843
+1

Answering tomorrow. I need a bit more brainpower and attention to make sure the info here is right, we're threading on a fairly important topic...

Taking advantage of this lull in conversation, you get up to make two cups of cold tea with the little remnants of ingredients you have left in your family kitchen.

''I've only read about druids when I learned general history during my time in various academies.'' You begin by offering the moth a cup, giving your new patch one last pinch before sitting next to her. ''I think your orders were described as a mixture of traveling doctors, diplomats, and forest wardens.''

''The death of the Elemental Trees spelled the end of all groups of druids. I have no idea if your description is accurate because my master is the only druid I've met.'' Seyraphal has gained a measure of courage, enough to speak confidently.

''The concept itself is a heritage of the elves, right?''

''Indeed. Druids in the past were interred inside one elemental tree and, through rituals, attuned their bodies and souls with that specific element, gaining magical abilities. My master had me do the same to cure the curse in my blood.'' Two hands gently lift her cup to her mouth for a quiet sip. ''He didn't speak to me about the past because the times of druidic orders are gone... according to him. Life and death form a balance; countries rise and fall, and the orders he belonged to followed nature.''

Books about druids will be your best option if you want to know more about their past. For now, it’s better to focus on what Seyraphal went through. The more I learn about her teacher, the less I like him. What kind of scholar turns his back on history?

''You were ''interred'' inside one of the sprouts of the earthen tree?'' It's a difficult concept to imagine.

''Yes. You know the basic relationship between magic and our main branch of reality?''

''Yeah, if I were a fire mage, I could set the trees here on fire.'' You gesture toward one of the windows, catching Shigeko's attention as she moves a big pile of wood. ''But I'd need to fuel the fire constantly with my internal reserves because reality constantly reaffirms itself. My magic fire wouldn't spread by itself.''

''Earth is the only magic element with permanence because of its inherent physicality.'' Seyraphal is a good speaker when she's confident. Good tone of voice, and no hesitation in her speech. ''I was not born a mage and, as far as I know, it is impossible to acquire a magical gift without any of the great trees. Montaron attuned my body, soul, and Corruption with the concept of my race instead of the element of earth, using earth permanency to ''make it stick'' as he put it.''

Directing her gaze at your silent self, a faint blush returned to her pale cheeks when your eyes crossed. ''My capabilities as a druid are physical; my body is a shapeshifting vessel, capable of temporary changes that are... attuned with the earth while manifesting with bugs as a concept.''

“Meaning…” You take a moment to think about her words. “Your master had you spend time inside the Tree of Earth and shaped his ritual around your nature as a monster. Your druidic abilities are rooted in the element of earth; your body, in turn, has become aligned with insects as a whole because of this connection?”

The little chirp of Seyraphal antennas sounds like a ring of victory. ''You'll understand once you see my shapeshifting. I can also consume animals and parts of trees to absorb information from their residual souls. However, parsing this information is incredibly difficult because of the difference in perspectives with the human mind.''

''Cats and dogs are likely easier to understand due to their connection with us.'' Seyraphal nods. ''You don't have any duties since there's no community of druids?''

''No, nothing.'' Her fingers gently tap on her empty teacup as she thinks, prompting you to fill it. ''My master duty with the sprouts was his alone, I suppose I'm trying to finish his obligation out of loyalty. He was... a bit hard to live with, but he helped me so much.''

Seyraphal paused for another moment, gathering her thoughts. ''The natural world is a beautiful thing worth preserving; it is not, however, sacred or more precious than human lives.''

That is the kind of opinion you'd expect of rangers or hunters, but a druid?

''Diseases come from nature.'' Seyraphal continues. ''I've seen a species of bugs kill hundreds of trees by burrowing into their trunks to sap their very vitality, a large community of deer deep in the ancestral forest of the Wildlands completely wiped out by rabid wolves, diseases ravaging healthy bunnies... I think, like the relationship between mankind and Mamonos, there's a harmony to be found between civilization and nature itself. After all, if it weren't for Augustine's medicine, I'd be wishing for death.''
A large community of deer is an interesting way to describe a herd.

''I'd like to ask about Corruption.'' You get up to make some more tea as you change the topic. ''I'm afraid to be a hopeless layman in my knowledge, is it a natural force?''

''As natural as souls are.'' Seyraphal stays silent as you make the last batch of tea, the gentle echoes of Shigeko cutting the tree give you a strange sense of peace.

''Corruption is a strange thing.'' Seyraphal begins as you sit next to her again. ''It allowed Demons Lords of the past to gain an instinctive authority toward the majority of monsters: species with inherent magical prowess or genuine sentience were the only ones who could resist this call.''

''But our current Lord rejected this power and granted all species of monsters genuine sentience.'' While she may be mankind's enemy, a noble heart like this deserves praise. You say while finishing making tea.

''Indeed, but that selfless act caused many side effects, one deep alteration of Corruption among them.'' Seyraphal was holding her cup with all four of her hands now and spoke while looking into the liquid. ''Demon Lord Daiyu Jawahir is a succubus, a species of female demons, and it would seem that peculiarity spread throughout the Corruption of Mamonos after she ascended the Demonic Throne.''

''You mean Monsters are always born women because of this? The Demon Lord belonged to an entirely female species, and that spread into Corruption itself?'' For the first time in history, a generous Lord of monsters sat on the Throne, yet her gift of sentience made it nearly impossible for monsters to evolve away from mankind.

''Maybe only people close to her lordship can answer.'' Says the moth. ''Each new lord brought change to Monsters, and in our era, Daiyu's gift of sentience is tainted with a feral curse.'' She leaned on her chair to face you properly, her prior hesitations slowly but surely eroding. ''Corruption itself is a force inherent to monsters that is simultaneously inside our bodies and souls; it is the reagent that allows unusual bodies like mine to live without reality's implacable hold slowly but surely killing me.''

''Too little and your body will be treated like wild magic by the world.'' Seyraphal nods to your words. ''Too much will cause instability between souls and bodies, which I suspect can cause diseases or mental strain.''

''A strange phenomenon happens to communities of Mamonos that do not expunge their surplus in a vessel. Emotional and eventual mental degradation is an inevitability that results in people adopting the monstrous side of their bodies, reverting to the monstrous side of their ancestors.''

''There's no way to store this surplus?''

A surge of caution causes Seyraphal antennas to make a gentle chirping noise. ''It's only a temporary solution. Are you aware of the Red World, Rey?''

Unity
''Yes. Mother Earth's safeguards this material realm of ours while Father Sky gazes into the myriads of branches. This Red World is where the surplus of magic and souls are dissipated into, creating a chaotic realm of life populated by endless spirits in a constant feeding frenzy; this is the hell that souls discarded by Father Sky are condemned to slip into.''
Learning that certainly left a strong impression when you were younger.

''Corruption that isn't stored in a living vessel is a direct medium between these wayward entities and our realm, allowing them to gestate bodies without any divine obstruction.'' Seyraphal finished her tea while her two lower hands gently groomed her long white wings behind her.

''Then it is a physical manifestation of souls? The resource that allows you to keep a good synchrony with your bodies...'' Your summary earns you a nod from the calm moth. ''Something that, somehow, mankind isn't forced to deal with.''

''It's one of those subjects we could discuss for hours... we probably already did spend one.'' Seyraphal chuckles, and one of her hands gently touches your arm. Her scaled finger feels warm, but also a little too hard to be compared to a fleshy hand. ''And...and ah?'' With the surprise in her voice and her gaze directed at the table, you follow to see...

“Oh?” Shuffling forward was a cup-sized, blue, girl-shaped mass inching along on a torso without legs. Her lower body was little more than a jelly-like substance that somehow let her effortlessly crawl toward Seyraphal’s empty cup. Her face wasn’t fully defined: large blue eyes on blue skin, with vague facial features, made her difficult to recognize. The most striking detail on her adorably small head was her semi-long hair.

''Gods above, she's so precious,'' Seyraphal whispered. You and she leaned forward, and that prompted little Usha to stop her crawl to stare back, captivated by your moth friend's moving antennas.
Two tiny horns sprouted on that bite-sized head, then two stumps-for-arms swung in your general vicinity, her mouth opened and closed without making noise.

Oh dear. Dear, dear, dear.

Usha is awake!

While getting to know her, it's important not to forget her unusual diet. If you want to keep this a secret from Seyraphal, you will have to feed her away from the moth, leaving you only one possible choice.

>Keep things simple for your first time. Use [4/7] of your Focii magic to nourish Usha with Holy Energy.
Do so hidden or in plain view?

Reveal Usha's unusual biology to Seyraphal.
>Keep a balance of Holy and Corruption for her first meal.
>See if your moth friend could feed Usha with Corruption for today.

>Free

>>6238875
>See if your moth friend could feed Usha with Corruption for today, it's probably ideal to get them used to rotating in a schedule.

If we keep things above board, it should be easier to source the three food groups, Usha needs.

The issue's going to probably be finding mages in quantity, since getting Seyraphal, Bram and ourselves together on a regular basis probably won't be easy to maintain.

Partially because Augustine has issues with Bram due to "happenings", and that causing friction with Seyraphal but it's unlikely that events are going to make things easy if that was the only consideration.

>>6238895
>Bram and ourselves together on a regular basis probably won't be easy to maintain.
Thibault, his son, is the fire mage. Good observation.

>>6238875
>Keep a balance of Holy and Corruption for her first meal.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>6238958
>>6238895
Tiebreaking roll, I'll close votes around tomorrow morning so anyone's votes can supersede mine.

>>6239157
The moth is intended as the sacrifice yes? If I recall the more corruption in need of purging the more dangerous the ritual that is required that would spare people this grisly deed.

The slime gets to eat *some* of the poison out of the moth in that case. Feeding her the whole shebang right out of the gate would likely be bad.

She, errr, can throttle that right? From both ends? One side might want to just full dump. We don't want that.

>>6239331
>The moth is intended as the sacrifice yes?
Yup.
>If I recall the more corruption in need of purging the more dangerous the ritual that is required that would spare people this grisly deed.
Indeed.
>The slime gets to eat *some* of the poison out of the moth in that case. Feeding her the whole shebang right out of the gate would likely be bad.
Yeah, Usha will get a measured amount, enough to be fed for today.
>She, errr, can throttle that right? From both ends?
I want to make a bad joke. Don't worry, Sey's and Shigeko are pretty good at handling their internal reserve.
Look like Usha first meal will be a special one

''Is it okay if I try to touch her?'' Seyraphal asked without looking away, little Usha kept a fixation on her antennas.

''Absolutely. The more people this little one gets to know, the better.'' Inching forward, Seyraphal makes no sudden gesture as she approaches three fingers closer to the hand-sized slime. Like a wary cat, the little girl glares at the approaching scaly digits and scoots away, even letting out an adorable ''grr''.

How a slimy body could produce sounds was a question you decided not to ponder.

''It's okay, little...''
''Usha.'' Perhaps it wasn't wise to give her the same name that came to you instinctively, a name that belonged to another era, another life.
''Usha.'' Hearing Seyraphal say it reinforced your impression. It feels right. This is her, this is Usha.

Eventually, the tip of Seyraphal's finger delicately scratched Usha's scalp, and the tiny one's face changed into a look of naked frustration.
''Pfft!'' You couldn't help the guffaw, earning the attention of this ire momentarily. Usha didn't try to move away from this ministration despite her dislike and, slowly but surely, her expression settled into a calmer neutrality.

''There, there, it's okay.'' Seyraphal crooned, matching her tone with the unusual chime of her antennas. ''Little one is hungry.''

This is going to sound mighty weird for Sey, but I'll need help finding a reliable source of Corruption...

''Usha was entrusted to my care by the demi-goddess I encountered yesterday. She needs to consume a balance of Holy, magic, and Corruption for her well-being.'' Seyraphal flashed you a look of surprise and disbelief. ''I know it sounds unbelievable, but I trust Nyct's judgment. And I think today would be good to feed her Corruption: not only so Usha can understand you can give her food, but Corruption being a physical byproduct of souls is likely more important since she's still so small.''

Usha needs to believe herself human. What better diet than something that can feed her burgeoning soul?

''That's... Younger slimes consume liquids like broth or crushed fruits, so feeding her my Corruption could... It sounds extremely unhealthy.''

''Holy is the force of stasis, healing, and time itself; consuming it sounds even worse.'' You reply calmly. ''And-''

''Ua!'' Having wiggled away from Seyraphal's finger, Usha let out an angry noise whilst inching forward. You place your hands together in a cup and put them in front of her, letting the blue girl crawl on top whilst her stump-for-arms wagged around, begging your attention with constant ''Ua! Ua!''
Huh... her body feels like skin. Warm, alive. A tiny, nail-sized pink core floated inside her chest, and the horns she had grown while observing Seyraphal were also gone.

''Please trust me, Sey.'' You gently hover your hands in front of her. Usha pumped herself up and down with increasing agitation.

''Holy is even more dangerous for monsters.'' Whisper the druidess. Using all four of her arms, she creates a spot comfortable enough for little Usha to crawl into. ''I don't want to lie to Shigeko.''

''Nor do I want you to. My dad likely told everything to my mom too, I think that if the wrong person knows Usha's unusual capabilities, she'll be fated to a harsh existence... So let's stay prudent.'' She doesn't deserve that. I know the entity in my dream was in unimaginable sadness.

''Okay.'' Sey inspires loudly. ''Okay.''

Leaning forward while putting Usha on her thighs, the angry slime calmed down when Seyraphal approached her face, likely hypnotized by the unusual colors of her red pupils and dark sclera. The flowing wind of a peaceful afternoon became the only noise in the room now. Perhaps Shigeko is taking a break outside?

Eventually, a small trickle of dark liquid came out of Seyraphal's pale lips and landed on top of Usha's tiny head, causing the little one to stiffen at the sensation. The tar-like substance visibly traveled inside Usha's body to be absorbed by her pink core.

''No way...'' Seyraphal whispered and proceeded to continue a long, careful transfer of Corruption. The druidess was extremely careful, taking no more than five seconds to let out some of her inner tar, waiting for a dozen more for a reaction; Usha would start whining after the tar disappeared inside.

This process continued for five minutes and stopped once Usha grew visibly drowsy. Like handling an artwork of porcelain, Seyraphal gently put Usha into the bowl she had previously slumbered in.
''Thanks, Sey.''
''Rey, this is-''

Something loud from outside interrupts her. An ominous, fleshy wet thwack leaves you both dumbfounded.

''Rey! Sey! Stay inside!" Shigeko's yell is almost a guttural howl.

You and Seyraphal nearly stumble over each other to look. Outside in the side yard of your home stands the blue Oni surrounded by a pack (around 8) of dogs that shouldn't be standing. Each one shows deadly wounds and visible patches of rotted meat all over their body, moving in complete silence. One jump with preternatural strength, and is immediately met by the woodcutting axe Shigeko is holding in her left hand, the sheer strength in the woman's body gouges the mutt in half, coating her in viscera and coagulated blood. The pack has already moved to nearly surround her without making noises, and she promptly uses the only opening to make distance, running out of view.

What, what - front door! You had left it open after your parents left to keep a good breeze inside and out of the second forest, another pack of silent canine corpses walked out of the thick trees, 6... 7...

You promptly reached for the door and slammed it shut. Thump You felt the shock reverberate into your bones seconds later when one of the dogs slammed into it. Mother's Mercy, it's good our windows are small.

Crackles. Snaps.

Ominous noise from your living room almost made you despair, but Seyraphal and Usha were the only ones there.
Your mother's sundress pooled on the floor after Seyraphal discarded it. Keeping her decency with her wings, the moth's body was wracked by tremors and unhealthy tremblings.
Thump. Another violent impact, this door isn't meant to endure punishment!

''Urk!'' Seyraphal face was the only thing you saw changes: her previously pretty, angular features had changed to become rounder, and fatter, her jaw outright dislocated, hanging open with visible red muscle connecting bones and tissue. Rows of newly formed teeth hinted at abominable murder.

Abomination...
Thump.

When she opened her wings, Seyraphal had grown three inches shorter. Her body was overall more rotund, her white scales covered her exposed skin like proper armor, and all the fingers of her hands had fused into spearpoints.
A beetle?
Thump. You felt a distortion in the wood.

Seyraphal squatted low, opening her wings fully. ''Ooopeeeen!'' Came her breathy words, and you obeyed without hesitation, perhaps out of fear instead of trust.

She jumped with the speed of an eyeblink the moment there was enough space for her. You heard that distinctive, disgusting noise of metal piercing meat, and a splurt of coagulated blood splashed into the upper side of your house before you could close your door again.

Ask about why later! Fuck, fuck my bow and sword are in my shed... But your mother left with nothing. Her Ironwood bow, arrows, and swords should still be in her room!

''Don't smile like that, Usha!'' You yelled at the same time Shigeko's battle cry resonated throughout the house.

Your precious little slime was bouncing up and down excitedly with a big, dumb smile on her face.

>Stay here and wait this out, your two friends seem to have the situation in hands. You have your focii and Mother Earth aegis in case something gets inside.
>Go arm yourself with your mother's weapons.
Take the time to find her magical arrows? [Y/N]
>Free
Combat isn't something I'm planning to make happen often, so I'd like to make it choice-based instead of rolls, for now.

>>6239753
We cannot do nothing. How long would it take to get armed up and contribute to the fight?

That's a critical piece of info BTW. As the saying goes in my parts: "When seconds matter the Police are minutes away"

Can we get there in a time frame that'd make us matter?

>>6239843
>How long would it take to get armed up and contribute to the fight?
>Can we get there in a time frame that'd make us matter?
If you don't try to find your mother's magical arrows, then you'll be able to arm yourself and contribute without any major developments happening.

>>6239849
Ok. Than we trust in Mother Earth in regards to finding said weapons.

Either divine providence is with us or it ain't. Even us not finding the weapons in time may be part of her plan.

Trust in our deity. No matter what happens it is for the best. A quick sweep and then we bum rush back. If we get the goods than good for us.

If we don't than also good for us as we may well be a miracle worker because of our trust in her.

If we are meant to have the mystic arrows we shall find them. If we are not than there was a darn good reason why we were not.

In the end our greatest power is our faith in our god(ess). For if she is with us who can be against us?

>>6239852
>Either divine providence is with us or it ain't. Even us not finding the weapons in time may be part of her plan.
Nah, in this case, it's more like Canaan didn't bother hiding her sword, arrows, and bow but the magical arrows are things she's much more cautious about.
>In the end our greatest power is our faith in our god(ess). For if she is with us who can be against us?
Rey is more moderate in her faith but perhaps this moment of stress could have her deepen her confidence in Mother Earth grace... after all her soul has been shaped by the Good Mother herself. Food for thoughts.
I take it you vote to
>Go arm yourself with your mother's weapons.
Take the time to find her magical arrows? [N]
I'm closing votes tomorrow morning as usual.

>>6239753
>Take the time to find her magical arrows? [Y/N]
Y
We should also take Usha with us, or at least move her to a more secure location, if not carry her with us just incase they breach the premises.


Additionally,

Are there any other entries that might still be be open / unlocked? We should aim to lock doors and bar / secure windows as we search if we can.


And is there a way onto the roof / awning(s) from the second floor that would be able to be accessed internally?

As getting height might be useful if we're intending to provide ranged support.
Though if possessed dogs are a thing, birds might also be a concern.


looks like building a raised walkway from the main building to the shed seems like it might be a good idea, or at least taking weapons with us as we move, or stowing duplicates in various locations could be something to do going forward.

>>6239863
>Are there any other entries that might still be open / unlocked? We should aim to lock doors and bar / secure windows as we search if we can.
The windows are too small for the dogs to squeeze into, outside the main door at the front there's also a bathroom door that leads directly outside to make it easier to transport water in and out.
>And is there a way onto the roof / awning(s) from the second floor that would be able to be accessed internally?
No, there's only one floor, and going on the roof requires a ladder.

>>6239753
>Go arm yourself with your mother's weapons. [Y]

>>6239863
Supporting

For one moment that feels far too long, the noises outside keep you rooted to the door. Constant wet thumps, roars of passion, and that pressure of activity almost narrow your vision to a fine point of darkness. But little Usha, crawling across your table with the total incomprehension of a newborn lamb, stirs your limbs into motion.

Mom's weapons, her magical arrows...

''Uu!?'' Your dear, tiny new friend protests angrily when you grab her and shove her into your pocket. You see blurs of movements from the windows, but you don't linger to observe; the lack of impact on the door gives you a little hope.
Seyraphal and Shigeko... They're strong. Good Mother, give them strength!

You nearly kick open your parent's door. Their room remained spartan; a bed big enough to accommodate them, two wardrobes put side by side, and your mother's workbench for fletching arrows, with a row of newly made healing potions in the center. Above the bed, resting on a shelf, was your father's dutiful work in opening a tiny pathway into Mother Earth's web; a shiny round distortion using a statue of the Good Mother as an anchor.

Father's Blood, thanks! Your mother's sword and her important Ironwood bow are next to the bed, and you nearly collide with the wall as you clap the leather belt holding the blade holster and quiver on your waist, immediately extracting one arrow to keep it in the same hand holding your new bow. Your parents also have two windows: the north one gives you a bad angle of Seyraphal battlefield, and only the mutilated remains of a walking canine corpse that found brutal peace hint at her struggles.
What-what's that!?
The eastern window covers the door of your home bathroom, and there you catch a glimpse of a dark humanoid figure closing the door.

''Ironwood arrow Iron arrows!''
Not under the bed, Mom would want to find them in a crisis. You nearly drop on your face to look under the wardrobes.
Good! Canaan hasn't constructed a proper hiding place yet. Another small quiver holds the handful of precious Ironwood arrows, trophies of her time in the Rangers of the Northern Watch, the order who safeguard the Allied Kingdoms from Outsider incursion from the swamp.
Lightning one is safest in the house! The arrow itself is a piece of gray wood covered in runes without fletching and a pointed end carved into the wood. Wands and projectiles both, treating them like normal arrows is a deadly mistake.
Activating it means touching your Focii.

Heavy thuds reveal the intruder standing in the doorway of your parents room. Mother's Mercy, what is that!? A humanoid thing, undead judging by the wounds and rotten meat clinging to its body. A noseless skull face greets you, a naked grin full of teeth opening as it acknowledges your existence with milky eyes. Antlers and a mutation that almost looks to be claws extend out of the sides of its head, covering its ears and neck. Its hands are mercilessly large, with four claws-for-fingers the size of your arms.

''It doesn't matter if the beast is grieved, angry, scared, or hungry.'' Your mother said during archery practice. ''Shoot to kill, or the one bleeding out will be you.''

Ironwood bows are enchanted by the hands of faeries.
The arrow that comes out of it causes a shockwave of wind that disturbs every small objects in the room, sends your parents blanket flying, rattles the nearby wardrobes, and your hair flies wild. The arrow sinks, probably breaking into the reinforced torso of the entity, which nearly loses its balance from the force.
Two.
The shockwave of wind almost sounded like a clap of thunder. You don't have enough space to fully draw your mother's bow. Twenty-five arrows oughta do!
Three.
Why, why, why, why can it still walk forward? Why is it not on the ground? One shot would break all of your ribs!
Four
That shockwave shakes your balance. The creature tries its best to inch forward. Undead endurance is unfair!
Fi-No!
The entity lowered its stance. Flashes of the undead dog jumping and Seyraphal lunges fill your instincts.

You drop your bow and grab your Focii. ''Extend!''

!!!

''Uurgh!'' The harsh impact of the wooden wall on your back makes you cough out all the air in your lungs. Keeping your head leaned forward saved you from a bad concussion.

Mother Earth aegis dwindles physical and magical forces. Crashing so violently means one thing: Her blessed shield saved your life.

''G-Get...'' Speaking is useless. That bloody murdering thing is twice your height and bigger than you, too. Its massive claws dig into the large round surface of the aegis, your arm pressed down painfully against your chest as the entity's strength is simply, far, far superior to anything you can muster. This position also drives the four arrows further inside its chest, and that is likely why you are still alive because the creature's movements are slow, almost lazy. It hasn't realized your shield has an edge, trying instead to bust its way through.

Its jaw fails to find purchase against the slick transparent gold of your blessed goddess gift. Those murky eyes...
Usha, now scared (and somehow lucid despite your violent movement), is peeking out of your pocket, and that walking piece of claws is looking right at her.
The musician of your dreams -you from a past so long ago it could only be preserved by Mother Earth blessed hands- played for a heartbroken girl, a victim of something terrible.
''Over! My! Dead! Body!''
The bones in your enchanted arm feel like it's about to snap as you push back against the creature. It's biting the area near Usha, those claws changing position, angling toward her.

Your aegis has 6/10 durability left.
6/7 magical reserve left
>Endure. Believe in your new friend's prowess; once your shield gets low, you can simply feed new magic into it.
>This is your only opportunity to reach the Ironwood arrow of lightning. Grab it, activate it, and unleash it on this fell thing. Don't be a coward, Rey.
Being so close to your enemy means the damage will also affect Rey.
>Free
Once Rey has reliable access to these wands/arrows, I'll explain their functionality in more detail.

>>6240247
>What-what's that!?
>The eastern window covers the door of your home bathroom, and there you catch a glimpse of a dark humanoid figure closing the door.
how did it enter our house without we hearing it ?
>>6240257
>This is your only opportunity to reach the Ironwood arrow of lightning. Grab it, activate it, and unleash it on this fell thing. Don't be a coward, Rey.
let's fucking go

>>6240290
>how did it enter our house without we hearing it ?
Rey was too distracted to pay attention. The noise of the surrounding battle, then running around in a near panic to find weapons distracted her from offending noises.
Our lady-elf is well-trained but still a rookie.

>>6240300
So we can shoot out of the shield without damaging or dropping it but the enemy has to break it yes?

Also those arrows are good against Eldritch Horrors yes? Because I'm leaning towards opening fire but I do NOT want to drop the shield to do it. We and/or our charge will get munched the instant it drops!

>>6240307
>So we can shoot out of the shield without damaging or dropping it but the enemy has to break it yes?
At this proximity, yes.
>Also those arrows are good against Eldritch Horrors yes?
Yes, they are equipment used by the rangers to deal with physically resistant entities, which is most of them. The trick is to find which element works best.
>Because I'm leaning towards opening fire but I do NOT want to drop the shield to do it. We and/or our charge will get munched the instant it drops!
Rey can make a small hole in the shield to fire the spell, it'll be quick enough to keep it whole since you're so close.

Tuesday and Wednesday are my busiest time of the week so I can't promise timely answers, I'll leave things open until tomorrow morning as usual.

>>6240316
Then Mamma didn't raise no bitch! Ride the Lightning and take whatever scar that results as a most amazing schmisse.

To put this into modern context. Ever see a dude (or woman nowadays) with Cauliflower Ear?

Same thing. You *chose* to get and keep that to send a message. You're a fighter. A warrior of peerless caliber and you want everyone who sees it to know that.

Our girl is of that stock. She won't back down. She's committed. Once set in place you must kill her to get her to let you through!

Guess our unknown abomination is going to find out the hard way this snack got a big jolt

>>6240490
It is a thing that can be cured if addressed within 6 hours.

The status symbol isn't in keeping it. It is within the realm of getting it, accepting that fact, and choosing to keep it or not.

Getting it, continuing to fight on despite that, and then "curing" it do we know that you are a true warrior.

The 6 hours is the bare minimum. Waiting longer than that is what make the disfigurement permanent.

>>6240257
>>This is your only opportunity to reach the Ironwood arrow of lightning. Grab it, activate it, and unleash it on this fell thing. Don't be a coward, Rey.

Back to regular schedule of 1 answer/day tomorrow, busy time is over. Sorry about that

>>6241486
it's ok

>>6241486
I've always told you we're willing to wait for quality.

Take as long as ya need.

Feeling the smooth texture of the Ironwood allows you to identify its location inside your quiver and slide it out. You can barely find any space to breathe as you struggle to keep your protected arm upright against the trembling weight of the undead freak, still dazed from enduring its charge.

''Remember Rey.'' Your mother said, showing one of the magical arrows. ''If you need to use them as wands, you'll need at least a meter distance to keep yourself safe. Too close, and the spell will hurt you too.''

''Uuu!'' A scared plaint comes out of Usha. You feel her fall out of your pocket, but you can't turn your head to examine.

!!!
Pain lanced through your shoulder as the creature angled itself to reach her, claws slicing into your flesh as it understood it could coil around the aegis edge.
If its attention was actually on you... Shut up, Rey!
''Fff!'' Pushing this damnable thing is the only way to make enough space to create the mystical connection by touching the arrowhead with your icon! Come ooooooon!
5/7 Magical reserve left inside your Focii.

''Uurg...!'' Hot pain follows the movement of its claw on your flank.
Runes glow along the surface of the wand; that surge of power causes the creature's head to snap toward you, finally acknowledging your existence, its skullface crashes against your aegis, and the weight on your arm and chest exhales what little air you managed to gather.

A crackle, a snap of thunder.

''Aaa...'' Nothing inside you can give you the strength to scream. Painful magical energy, the wrath of nature's sky ravages your body.

''C-can't see...'' Your vision narrows into a white cone, the beautiful noises of the world evaporate to a sickeningly high pitch. ''I'm melting.'' Melting MELTING. BREAKING. SNAPING. There's a sun into your body. Pressure squeezes your lungs. Meat peeling off your bones.

''Aaaa...'' The pressure lessens enough for a noise to come out of your mouth. ''Aaaa...'' A breath. ''AaaaAaaAaaAA'' And you're on your feet. ithurtcantthink

Your body is a broken doll, your bones protest every tremor, your ribs lash out in agony with every demand from your lungs. You can't hear anything, your vision is the eye of a blizzard with your damnable foe at its center.
How, why, somehow it fell toward the room entrance, its movement jerky and alert, unlike your wobbly agony.
''KKkrrrg!'' Your mouth fills with something, so you spit it out. Your left hand still holds your Focii despite being limp; you grip your wrist to align your arm and step forward. ''Extend your blessing! May my thoughts resonate with Mother Earth!''
4/7 Magical reserve left inside your Focii

''No killing of a newborn on my watch!!'' Your voice is a gravel of agony, to make noise is to swallow coal; speech is a luxury you can't afford anymore. That damn creature is having trouble keeping still, it's a sturdy bastard but it's not invincible.

Never again. With jitters as sole scars of the spell you've unleashed, the freak acknowledges your existence, feet carrying it forward with strengthened balance and failing purpose. You're still holding the lightning wand in your good hand. Another jolt might kill you.

The cold terror seizing your bone is far more insidious than the pain keeping your crippled self still. No! Never again!
When you were younger, your father's first foray into the cursed kingdom of Eliaures had you do so as a family. There, you befriended an adorable young lamia no more than a few months old; carefree children are easily discovered and in that realm, she was put to death for the crime of existing, and you... watched in fear. Too scared to find your parents, too scared to protest, to react, to do anything because armed scary men had blood in their eyes. You became friends and that killed her.

Never. Again.
You have acquired the Bravery trait. All future rolls related to fears will always be best of 3, and no cowardice will ever stop your decisions.

A pair of blue arms suddenly wrap around the creature's head, and your memory stops there.

--

The cavern that was your home was a small hole unfit for any existence and today, the woman who wore your skin -you- was doing her best to be even smaller by hugging herself into a fetal curl.

''Uuuuuaaahhaa!!'' A scream of pain followed by a sickening wet noise, something was tearing in the area beyond the cavern. Powerful enough to be heard across horizons, your only friend was being tortured.

''---! ---- ---- -- -------!'' A voice you couldn't distinguish speaking in a long-dead tongue, a man and a woman speaking in perfect unison, barking a demand, an order.

Only two people knew you existed here, in this tiny cocoon of earth inside a dark cave, and your only friend, who always listened to the only song you could play, was being tortured. All the lady -you- could do, is listen, endure, try to forget...There's never any forgetting.

--

A profound sensation of lethargy drags you out of sleep instead of keeping you wrapped in Father Sky's protection. You feel heavy, fat, a little nauseous, sensitive... ''Urk.'' You groan, rubbing away the dry accumulation on your eyes. Is it even worth getting up?

''Hey, Rey?" That's the motivation you need.

''Shii?'' Your throat is painfully sensitive; one painful clearing dislodges the malaise. ''Shigeko?''
''Yupyup, don't worry, we're fine.'' Says the tall, strong, blue woman. Her forearms bear obvious red lines, bruises, and marks from this afternoon's canine invaders.
''I heal quickly.'' She noticed your stare and gently slapped her forearms. ''We gave you two healing potions, the kind that dissolves in your mouth, you'll be fine.'' She helps you on your feet with one good hand, her other one holds the small cup Usha is slumbering into.
Good. The tiny one is a comical little mass of slime with a defined head and that pink core.
''Poor little gal was beside herself in worry.'' Shigeko also looks at the slumbering slime. ''Seyraphal managed to calm her down at least, she looked entirely fine physically, but man, she was scared when you stopped moving.''
''I'll keep her close to make sure she wakes up in good spirits.''

Slowly but surely, strength returns to your limbs, and you don't need the tall warrior-woman's support when you reach your family's living room. Not that Shigeko needs to know that. All the blood has been scrubbed clean and displaced furniture put back where it belongs: from the many windows outside, you realize the sun has gone down, changing the hot early afternoon into a breezy evening. A campfire has been lit with your father, mother, and Seyraphal talking around it. Mom must really trust Shigeko, for her to be the one to greet me...


''Hey, Rey?'' Shigeko tone comes out in a careful near-whisper, closing her eyes. ''Sorry for not getting here sooner. My experience with crises should have made me realize something was up, Seyraphal shapeshifting affects her instincts, so I'm-''
''Shi.'' You interrupt her with a light scratch on the arm she's using to support you. ''I wouldn't be alive if you and Sey hadn't been here.''
Like Seyraphal earlier today, there's a noticeable deep hesitation shadowing the pretty features of that big blue woman. Unlike you, she seems to lack the courage to take a step forward to meet your parents outside.
''Shigeko.'' You finally extracted her out of whatever darkness she kept brewing in her mind. ''Thank you.''
[I]''I wanna hug her! But that'd probably be too quick, huh?''
This upcoming chat is going to be... stressful.
>Try to forge a bridge between your new Mamonos friends and your parents; they should stay for the entire discussion.
>Some distance between family and friends is inevitable; it is important to understand that.
>Free
This choice is more important than it looks.
The ungodly heat going on all week has been slowing me, sorry about that.

>>6242261
>[I]''I wanna hug her! But that'd probably be too quick, huh?''
is the [I] indicating a thought ?
>Try to forge a bridge between your new Mamonos friends and your parents; they should stay for the entire discussion.

>>6242268
It's supposed to be itallic, yes. I fucked up the format a bit...

>>6242261
You will always hit this wall regardless.

You either trust and love your friends enough to show them off to your parents or you are not.

If you didn't trust them with your life you'd never show them to your parents. I speak from experience on this. You'd bet your life on such friends.

If your parents hate them that's grounds to distance yourself from your parents! Hate to be so blunt but that's just how it is.

>>6242437
Oh, I should add to your lover/spouse as well. If you got a "friend" you intentionally try to keep your SO from meeting that's a big problem.

That's a "friend" that ya gotta cut off. They're dragging you down. Tell em' why of course because that's a "Come to Jesus" moment for them hopefully.

Hopefully they do just that (metaphorically speaking).

>>6242439
At least there's no danger of romance for now.
Rey can afford to be a little optimistic after that messy ambush.

>>6242441
She's just proved her parents did *something* right IMO.

We have a saying where I live: "Momma didn't raise no bitch"

If you have a winning move you do *not* hesitate to go for it in all spheres of life.

You risk it. Period. The pain was already factored in. Endure. Suffer well. Win.

Win with humility. Lose with dignity. *But Damnit Don't Lose!*

>>6242444
>She's just proved her parents did *something* right IMO.
Y'know, I'm still surprised you guys consistently went with options to make her a pure-hearted do-gooder who may as well embody the concept of Neutral Good at this rate. I think we've all gotten a good grasp on who she is now; we'll have to see if the bridge option wins out by tomorrow, though I'm expecting it now.

>>6242456
If you know where that last line came from I am in awe of your knowledge of the history of Martial Arts.

The Coach of one of the GOAT's told him that. He took it to heart.

He won the Gold in the Olympics in such a spectacular way that it cannot be understated how fully he won that medal. No points scored against him. Total domination.

A commonly used grip is named after him for good reason.

>>6242456
Thanks to your characterization of her parents, they always seemed turstworthy to pick those options.

Coming down with some flu symptoms, I'll update tomorrow evening at the latest

''Rey...'' The taller, stronger woman cannot hold your stare. She sees what happened today as a failure...Well, my gratitude is real, and I'll have you feeling good about it!
''Come on.'' Still holding her arm, you gently push her forward. ''For now, this place is your home, too. If I'm to have an important discussion about what happened, you're part of it. And keep holding onto little Usha.''
Your legs feel wobbly as you leave the big woman's side to open the door.

The temperature outside has that nice cold bite of late autumn. First glance reveals nothing of the harsh trial that happened this afternoon. Blood splashed on the walls has been cleaned, holes in the ground filled, and canine corpses removed; a familiar soft fragrance tickles your nose.

Two crates (pulled out of your family's storeroom) lingered near the entrance of your home. One piece of incense burned a quiet waft of lavender carried by the wind toward you.
Unity
Holy blessed incense to disrupt wandering spirits of the Red, making them unable to inhabit necromantic bodies again.

''Rey.'' Your mother left the campfire to walk next to you, and the other two occupants greeted you casually.
''Hey, I'm good. Healing potions got some sedations in them, huh?'' When your mother's hand gently rubs your cheek, an unwelcome surge of intense warmth causes a swell of wetness in your eyes. Urk, don't go crying now. I nearly got torn apart today, tears wouldn't look cool.
''Yeah, the girls gave you two so you'd recover nicely. Eating will knock you out, so I made something light for you after our talk.'' While speaking, your mother's gaze kept an intense examination of your eyes, making you wonder if she'd try an investigation of your soul unprompted.
''Alright, alright.'' One backward glance at Shigeko and you're led to the campfire, where you decide to occupy the log next to Seyraphal.

''Mom, Dad, if there's an important talk I want them to hear, too. For now, our home is also theirs.'' Putting a hand on the moth druid's shoulder (whose mutations were completely gone), a faint blush blossomed on her cheeks.''I-I'm glad you're so healthy...'' Whisper your friend and savior.
''Of course.'' It's your mother who answers, your dad has this pensive look on his face as he keeps his gaze firmly rooted on the fire. ''Girls, you need to dispel any notions of debts from your minds after today. You fought and bled for this home and saved Rey's life; I don't need any other proof of your character.''
''I...should have known there was a ring leader, some kind of leading entity.'' Shigeko was standing behind you, using Usha as an excuse to avoid looking at anyone else.
''Nope, nope.'' Shigeko quiets down to silence when you interrupt her. ''I saw you grab that freak's head before I passed out, you came back for me Shi, if you keep feeling guilty, I'll drag you into a clothing shop and force you to try lots of pretty things. Maybe have Sey here make something.''

The blush coloring the Oni's face is so gorgeous; your fatigue is the only thing stopping you from teasing her further. Gosh! She's so cute! I really want to do it now. ''Duly...noted.''

''Deeds and hearts proved your souls, friends.'' Is your dad's simple answer as he keeps staring into the quiet fire. ''I'll honor my daughter's soul and extend my trust. Seyraphal, could you repeat what you've told us during Rey's nap?''

Seyraphal antennas almost sound like a bell jingle when they twitch. ''I told you about my druidic abilities, right? That I can glean information when I...consume bodies?''
You silently answer by gently holding one of her lower arms.
''I did so with a few of the dogs and the...Risen one.'' You feel her three long fingers curl around your palm.
''I think most of the dogs belonged to the nearby eastern farms on the plain; they were attracted here by a song. Something that... resonated with their instincts, guiding them here and they somehow died. As if their lifeforce was drained, the dogs laid down and slept while listening to that song, never to wake again.''

''Sometimes it was a man singing, another a woman, then they'd continue together.'' She says while rubbing two hands together, keeping her dark eyes on the fire. ''Dogs senses are incredibly different, so I couldn't make any sense of words, nor did I see anyone when they passed away.''

''...A song?'' Nobody can answer your question. What kind of entity could produce something so hypnotic for dogs?

''The Risen one was a Mamono.'' What? No way! That thing was...Seyraphal took a bite out of a fellow monster?

''I couldn't glean anything about her distant past or identity, only some memories of last month. I know she left the monster village with a peculiar purpose, an objective in mind that had her investigate the city after a successful human shapeshifting, but after that...'' Closing her eyes and pinching her forehead, Seyraphal takes a moment to parse her memory. ''...She somehow found herself in the forest here surrounded by a group of men, killed and left to rot.'' Seyraphal ended her talk with a long, weary sigh.

Two new mysteries have been uncovered.
Around twelve dogs from the surrounding farms have been lured into the two small forests next to your house and have died from a suspicious phenomenon: a hypnotic song.
A Mamono from the village snuck out in a successful human shapeshifting disguise. She was on some kind of mission. She was killed by a group of men in the forest near your home roughly last month.

''...Thanks, Sey.'' It mustn't have been easy, remembering that. Keeping your hands together doesn't make her uncomfortable, so you don't try to untangle your locked fingers. Smooth and warm.

''Necromancy isn't the only explanation for Risens.'' Your mother begins. ''It's the only method to gain reliable results, but sometimes, when the veil of reality thins, spirits from the Red can gather inside corpses. If this situation lingers long enough, they will rise again to seek souls and meat.''

''And, this assault happened after you fed Usha for the first time.'' Your father speaks now, drawing his eyes away from the flames. ''Remember what Nyct told you about her... peculiarity. Outsiders aren't the only soul predators out there, and after what happened n-''

''Dad. Just say it.'' You didn't want to be angry. Upset, sad, frustrated... that's fine, but that cloud of anger settling in your head brings regret. ''You want to take little Usha away?''

''I know people I can trust, by taking her in the Free City of the Faith personally-''

''Not. Going. To. Happen.'' You don't look at him. You can't. Instead, you direct your gaze to Seyraphal's unusual hand. There's no scream, grumble, or ''as your dad'' excuse. This disagreement dies as quickly as it happened, installing an awkward silence.

''In this case.'' Your mother speaks. ''We have no idea about the dangers around us. We can't pretend today was a one-of-a-kind freak show since the Leyline is causing problems with the veil of our world itself and Usha can attract spiritual predators...''

''You mean to leave this house, our house?'' Once more, you predict your parents intentions.

''Something is brewing in Eichenwald, Rey. Two sprouts of the Earthen Tree have somehow awakened close by.'' Your mother continued after she exchanged a glance with your father. ''Weird business is going on with Pearls of Powers, the ruling family, the church, and Fallerin king. We've got a ghostly boy nesting in your room delivering a message to you personally, and just now we learned a lady-monster died in the forest near our house...''

Indeed. This is quite the plate you've got, your family only wants a place to plant some roots. Whenever something dangerous enough happened to spook your parents, they'd either run away without lingering or your father would stay behind to ''take care of business.''

''Being on the road should be safer for little Usha, fewer chances for entities or interested parties to prey on her.'' Comes your father's calm reply. ''And more importantly.'' Rikard directed his gaze at the two Mamonos near you. ''We'd like both of you to accompany us. Leaving you two here by yourselves will return you to your previous imprisonment, and you've more than earned our trust.''

''There's always a better, quieter place to plant roots.'' Your mother gently ended, standing next to your dad. Damn it, it's almost like they rehearsed that little speech.

You felt a gentle fluttery sensation on your arm when one of Seyraphal's wings tickled your skin. A flash of pink hair appears in your mind.

''I want to help the monster community here, somehow,'' Shigeko shed her bashfulness to speak with confidence. ''I may not hold them in good regard, but that doesn't mean they deserve their coming extinction. If possible, I would like to use the pathways inside the Trees to contact the tribe of the Overlord, otherwise...'' She heaved a weary sigh. ''A sacrifice will need to be chosen.'' Shigeko did not need to add anything else.

There's also that young ghostly boy...
''I agree.'' You support your blue friend and reluctantly release the fluffy moth's hand. ''I understand what you're suggesting is probably... the wisest option. Eichenwald isn't a safe place, especially after today.''

''But I think we'd be leaving too soon. The monster community needs help, Augustine is the only one besides us that I've seen able to do something realistic for them.'' You find your gaze trapped by the quiet flames of the campfire as you replay your first week here, in your new home.

''That ghost boy is the one who guided me to find Nyct and Usha, y'know? It wouldn't be right to just... take off without finding the whole truth about him.'' You can tell by the way your father shifted in his seat that the spirit of that boy bothered him a whole lot. ''It'd be too soon to leave. We have the power to improve a few lives here!''

''Despite the danger of today?'' Canaan's neutral question prompts you to look her way. She has wrapped her arms around Rikard's shoulders to cuddle him from the back.

Grabbing one hand of your new companions, you put them on your shoulders. ''Yeah!''

So comes a rare time of silence, one that should make you stressed or fearful, a strange surge of bravado or perhaps confidence has you look into your parent's eyes without wavering.

''...okay.'' Your father whisper.
''Okay,'' Comes your mother's voice.

''Every fiber of my being revolts against the idea of putting you in further danger, Rey.'' Nothing about Rikard emotions hints at this inner turmoil, and you know very well that he's speaking the truth; your father is a deeply, deeply controlling man when it comes to handling his feelings. ''Seyraphal, Shigeko? Would you be willing to become my daughter's companion?''

''Yes''

Don't you dare cry, Rey. The weight of their answers seems to transfer into their hands; your shoulders barely feel strong enough to keep themselves upright.

''Alright.'' Your father untangled himself from Canaan's arms to stand up.

''Rey is right, something wicked is brewing in Eichenwald, the Mamono village isn't the only endangered community. Tensions with the new peacekeeping mercs and the militia, the bishop squandering his duty, manic imprints of souls throughout the Baron manor, hunters dying in the large ancestral forest in the east, now some kind of hypnotic songs luring dogs to their deaths, and bad actors killing a shapeshifting Mamono...'' He lists each topic on his fingers.

I'll reveal everything I've learned from Nyct to Sey and Shi very soon, I think. I'm too drained to do it today.

''Rey.'' Now your mother imposes herself. ''Whenever you go out in the city, I want you to at least take one of your friends with you. If anyone gives you torubles, well, too bad for them.''
''Okay.'' Your mother taught you how to defend yourself, but it wouldn't be enough to make your parents feel secure. Not until you, perhaps, prove yourself a little bit.
I nearly died today, huh...It's already night. It truly did not feel real.

--

Healing potions are frighteningly efficient at healing all kinds of wounds, their sedative effect was quite the experience after you ate a light supper. ''Knocked out'' as your mother put it had been apt indeed: you'd have fallen on your face had Seyraphal not caught you midstride.

Yet sleep, the sweet blessing of Father Sky protection, kept eluding you.
People always say that Father Sky blesses the creative mind, resulting in insomnia...
Sometimes you heard a growl, a bark, that sickening crunch of Shigeko's woodcutting finding purchase in undead flesh. Then, when you rubbed your eyes, looking at the slumbering blob that was Usha, the corners of your vision revealed a tall, deadly, dark shape for the instant of a heartbeat.
Gods damn it all. Spinning and spinning, fears of your dreams mixing with today's reality caused eruptions of sweat and mounting energy that, somehow, never dissipated as you tossed and turned in bed.

This shed, your shed, your room, your little place, your corner of the world that is yours, didn't feel safe. Peering outside in the dead of night, your father sat leisurely on a chair he brought from the living room, reading a book by the light of a lamp. He'll be here until morning, rejuvenating himself with the miracle of stamina.

There's no reason for sleep to elude you so, yet... At least fiddling with the heart of silk gives you a little solace.

>Spend the night with your mother, perhaps you'll find peace in your family's home.
>Go into your new companion and friend's room and see if they'd have you for the night.
>Remain here, you're not a vulnerable lamb anymore (will require a high dc for some good sleep.)
>Free

Proper investigation of the various mysteries is now fully possible. We have already elected to get some answers about the ghost boy, but Rey's parents can also help with your objectives: for now, they always operate as a pair.

Find the sprout of the Earthen Tree near your home
Investigate the church in town, bishop Belmont general history, and what people think about the church's rather diminutive service.
Investigate possible lore about hypnotic songs, question the surrounding farms about their missing dogs for hints about the entity responsible for so many canine deaths.

Your father would like to establish a shrine inside the Mamono village to give them a dignified place to pray. Your family finances might be well-off, but not enough for a project like this. Going into town and gathering support for this is a possible option.

Pieces are moving.

>>6244068
>Spend the night with your mother, perhaps you'll find peace in your family's home.
Did we do the right thing?

>Find the sprout of the Earthen Tree near your home
The dwarf, may need to to be notified if protections need to be expanded to another location if we can locate it, the last thing we would want is for Pearls to be freely accessible to those that know what to look for. But having less secure access does mean we might be able to arrange things more easily to frontload diverting the upcoming sacrifice to buy us time.


Also the dead Shapeshifter might have been performing recon / surveillance on behalf of the Demon lord, or some other patron, we might need to bring things full circle to figure out who killed them, though few obvious leads for now on that front.

As I doubt that the Church or Baron's men would act openly about this, as it seems like a surefire way to engender a response by having her go missing. People are likely to come looking when her reporting stops cold.

>>6244297
>Did we do the right thing?
Accepting danger instead of running away is good, right?

>>6244068
>Remain here, you're not a vulnerable lamb anymore (will require a high dc for some good sleep.)

>Find the sprout of the Earthen Tree near your home

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>6244297
>>6244372
Alright, your parents will look for the Tree.
Rolling tiebreaker, roll me 1d20 if we land on the dice option, best of 2

>>6244656
So we got the option to stay with mom yes?

I support the will of the dice gods in that case. One should not neglect nurturing connections to their family.

Failure to do so results in major psychological issues. Last thing we want is any disadvantages in SAN checks given where I think this whole thing is going...

>>6244990
>So we got the option to stay with mom yes?
Yup. I'm nursing a cold right now so posting will be slow.
>Last thing we want is any disadvantages in SAN checks given where I think this whole thing is going...
Oh? Do tell...You couldn't have picked up the very few hints I've placed yet

>>6244992
As a certain famous Lion said: "Do not cite the Deep Magic to me, Witch. I was there when it was written"

You're a suffering addict. Going after the SAN score is a great way to hit it. I've been here for a long time my dude.

I do enjoy your attempts but I am the one that also revels in denying them.

Good memories of one's parents are the ultimate shield if a SAN check happens and I doubt her parents were ever, shall we say, insecure about their love and commitment towards each other.

>>6245005
>I've been here for a long time my dude.
And I'll always try
>I do enjoy your attempts but I am the one that also revels in denying them.
I've grown fond of this little game.
>Good memories of one's parents are the ultimate shield if a SAN check happens and I doubt her parents were ever, shall we say, insecure about their love and commitment towards each other.
One of my main motivation with writing this quest was to create parents for the protagonist that were actual major characters and assets to help with your problems without stripping you of agency and freedom. I'm quite glad with how the relationships between Rey, Rikard and Canaan is shaping up.

>>6244068
>Spend the night with your mother, perhaps you'll find peace in your family's home.

>Find the sprout of the Earthen Tree near your home

What am I trying to prove? Looking outside into the forest doesn't hold that same feeling of wonder anymore; someone died amongst those trees and came back as a soul-eating Risen. If Usha hadn't been the cause of such an intense obsession... Stop it, Rey.

Tossing and turning won't accomplish anything. Getting up from your increasingly sweaty bed despite the cold, you don a jacket with your nightgown, clutch your new heart patch, and bring Usha with you as you leave. You're half-tempted to get your weapons, but seeing your dad turn to investigate the little noise you make convinces you not to be paranoid. You and he exchange a soundless nod as you enter your home, he seems to be fiddling with a knife and a small wooden box.

''Rey?'' Your mother isn't sleeping, perhaps nobody is. Wearing her nightgown, she props herself on her elbows as you stand in the doorway.
Nothing about this room changed. The gentle light of Mother Earth's web cast a gentle golden luminescence that is just enough to illuminate the nearby furniture instead of creating ominous shadows like un-Stop. I'm of age, an adult. I should be stronger than this.

''Come here.'' There is no judgment, no pride in your mother's voice, only comfort. When you get closer, she gently puts Usha cup on the nightstand beside the bed and makes a place for you. Her arms gently wrap around you as she places your face above her heart.

You don't feel conscious of the tears that flow out, your shoulders shake with gentle tremors. I nearly died. I'm so sorry for scaring you two. Her arms wrap around you, finding that perfect medium between a tight hug and protective cocooning; your short outburst quiet to silence, and Father Sky's blessing of rest finally finds you.
Your soul and mind have recovered.

--

For the first time in years, you're the first person to awaken in your home (your father keeping guard all night doesn't count). Feeling neither refreshed nor rested, you extract yourself from your dear mother's hug and quietly step out of bed, knowing it'll take a while for this lethargy to rub off. I wish I could stop being such a nervous wreck and get some good sleep.

''Hey.'' Your father greeted you as he oversaw a handful of boiled eggs.
''Hey. Mind if I steal that?'' You greeted back, rubbing your eyes every minute. ''I think trying some new alchemical drink might be a good idea to wake up.'' Your sentence was interrupted by two yawns.
''You're far too young to start complaining about lacking energy. Boiled eggs dipped in honey again?'' Rikard makes a strange, polite grimace while asking. Your parents always gave you odd looks when you indulged that perfectly delicious and valid breakfast combination. Your father once called it a ''pregnant woman taste'' and you didn't eat breakfast for a month in retaliation. Punishing yourself to spite him didn't work out.

''Here, I made this.'' Your father hands you a thoroughly cleaned small spice box with two holes carved on the top cover. ''Should keep Usha nicely covered without disturbing her sleep.''
''Ah...'' It takes you a moment to blink the weight of grogginess out of your head. ''...Thanks, Dad.'' Not only are your parents prepared, they're adaptive too.
Slowly but surely, the fog started to clear from your head.

''I believe our ghostly guests will manifest tonight or tomorrow.'' Your father says after breakfast. The sun has started peeking out of the horizon, bringing much-needed warmth to your long morning.
''I want to confirm his situation.'' You can't indulge in lazy peace forever.

''Yesterday, your mom talked with the Mamonos about him, she even revealed the boy's presence in your shed.'' Your father reclines in his chair with a satisfied grunt and begins explaining. ''Olin was his name, and he was a popular little lad in the Mamono village. He seemed to care about people, especially the sick. He pushed his mother to become the village doctor despite her inexperience; that's how our girls met Augustine. He'd often bring sweets to people who wanted some, too.''
Olin... A name that comes from Gwalchmai, like Augustine.
''Goodness. Eichenwald lost a truly precious soul.'' A ten-year-old boy being so proactive for the good of a struggling community... A child shouldn't burden himself with this responsibility, yet it is simultaneously inspiring. ''I want to help him even more.''
''There's a man who fancies himself a peacekeeper in the village.'' Your father unfurls his crossed arms. ''I remember a young man, maybe a few years older than you, trying to calm things when I started my brawl over there.... and more importantly, that guy was close with Olin. Seyraphal and Shigeko were addled by their circumstances, but that's something they remember well.''

Shi and Sey held an important perspective, you'll confirm that information when you return to Eichenwald.

''I'm honestly scared of approaching Augustine with this situation.'' How are you supposed to breach this kind of topic?'' She lost her precious son last month; you must inform her of his spirit, but how...?

''If I tell her about Olin and he doesn't show up tonight, that's how friendships end...'' A memory flashed into your mind: Augustine extending her hand upward, toward one of the church towers. Urk.

''If all three of her friends approach her with concern after spending today together, perhaps the wound won't cause an ugly eruption of grief.'' Your father isn't confident. ''But, maybe, investigating before involving her is wiser.''

''Investigating?'' Anxiety pushes you to fiddle with the spice box.

''Find that man who seemed close to Olin in the village, and speak to him.'' You notice one of his hands balling into a fist. ''The details with that squandered ritual of Last Bell need answers. If that bishop squandered his duty, why? Pure laziness? I find that hard to believe because failing -that- through sheer incompetence is how a man of the cloth loses his authority.''

''Getting answers about the ritual without communicating with Olin is highly unlikely.'' You stop fiddling with the box, and the world around you blurs as your vision glazes from the sheer focus you put into your newly awakened brain. I feel that getting one concrete answer about his death might reveal the entire truth.

''Yeah...'' Your father nods. ''...Something stinks with that guy, Belmont, is it? A young boy fell to his death while climbing his church. Nobody I talked to said anything about him organizing succors for the poor or even organizing events outside seasonal rituals. Monsters are allowed to worship their ancestors and our Parent Gods yet they don't even have a shrine...''
''Hm...''
''I'll start preparing the Last Bell ritual and something that'd allow instinctive communication.'' Your father says while fiddling with his thumbs. ''So me and your mom will only investigate one of our forests today.''
You...
Will find Augustine
>Spend time together as friends, and see if she needs help. If you find the opportunity to talk about her son, do it. You won't force that subject.
>Will brainstorm with your friends a way to breach the topic respectfully. Her son's spirit is lingering in your home; it is your duty to let her know.
>Free

Will investigate
>Go to the Mamono village and find that ''peacekeeping'' man who, apparently, was friends with a 10-year-old boy. That's mighty suspicious.
>Question people about the general duties and service of the church. What service is going on? Who's been doing business there? Having a better perspective of this history could be valuable.
>Directly confront Belmont about his lackluster duties. No shrine for the village, squandered rite of Last Bell, no alms for the poor or medicines for the monsters. There's undeniably more you can find but that's already enough to ask burning questions.
>Free

Rey will be accompanied by Seyraphal and Shigeko.

Your talent in archery motivated your mother to teach you how to use some of the deadly tools used by the Rangers of the Watches. Hunters of Outsiders and explorers (and guardians) of the Cursed Swamp.

These are special arrows made from Ironwood, a special type of wood from the elven forest that shares its namesake toughness and is also conducive to magic. Each one is enchanted with engraved runes that can be activated by touching them with your Focii. You can activate any runes you need, no need to specialize your set each morning.

Activating your arrows need 1 dose of your Focii.
You have 2 arrows for now and they don't magically return to your quiver, you'll have to retrieve them if you shoot them. Activating them won't break the arrow.

Each spell can be used in two different ways depending on if they are shot out of your bow or kept in your hands.

Lightning
Shot
After landing, the arrow will disperse a cloud of debilitating lightning in a 1-meter circumference around it. This lightning, while not deadly, can outright paralyze normal people. This spell lasts one minute.
Held
A concentrated blast of thunder crashes into whatever you aim at, with a maximum of 2 meters in range.
Fire
Shot
The arrow disperses a strong burst of fire after landing with a particular incentive to burn living souls and bodies in a 1-meter circumference of the landing. The flame will completely extinguish 1 minute after activation.
Held
Spit out a deadly flamethrower for 10 seconds less than 1 meter in range. The flames will extinguish 1 minute after activation.
Holy
Shot
A cloud of Holy energy continually flows out of the arrow for 1 minute. There's not enough power in this spell to heal serious wounds or truly save someone's life but entities vulnerable to Holy will be severely debilitated. (Most Outsiders show weakness to Holy)
Held.
Bestow beneficial Holy energy into you, not only regenerating wounds but bestowing enhanced physical and mystical prowess for a short time. (A minute. Improved mystical sense means activating stronger synchrony with your soul, allowing you to sense invisible beings or weirdness in reality.) Cannot be used to bless anyone else. Also, enchant your body with Holy, dispelling most debilitating magical effects that are afflicting you.
Ice
Shot
Transform the arrow into a javelin of ice once it leaves your bow. Capable of inflicting terrible physical trauma because the momentum of your shot doesn't change.
Held.
Nothing.

You don't have access to an Ironwood bow so the shooting options won't matter.

Oh yeah, I forgot to say that it's either meeting Augustine or investigating.

>>6246446
>>Will investigate
>Directly confront Belmont about his lackluster duties. No shrine for the village, squandered rite of Last Bell, no alms for the poor or medicines for the monsters. There's undeniably more you can find but that's already enough to ask burning questions.
It should be decidedly less about what he has done wrong, but more so "how" he is intending to (and that we are going to) rectify these issues and what can be done to facilitate their completion if need be.

We're not likely able to draw compassion from a bloodless stone. But we can at least make obvious that it is blatantly apparent that he is failing in his duties, and that it has been noticed.
The next step would be to see if Thibault / Bram are aware of said lapsed duties, potentially seek assent to write letters to our betters if it becomes obvious that progress is being stonewalled .

Also Feeding Usha if we haven't done so already.


If we do end up going after the "peacekeep" he may know more about the (cover identity of the) dead shapeshifter, since disappearances like that are probably something they might be better able to figure out.

>>6246467
>Also Feeding Usha if we haven't done so already.
That choice will pop up once she wakes up, she's still a teeny baby slime so the girl can sleep for 18+ hours.

>>6246446
>Will brainstorm with your friends a way to breach the topic respectfully. Her son's spirit is lingering in your home; it is your duty to let her know.

>Directly confront Belmont about his lackluster duties. No shrine for the village, squandered rite of Last Bell, no alms for the poor or medicines for the monsters. There's undeniably more you can find but that's already enough to ask burning questions.
>>6246453
does held mean not firing immediately ?

>>6246490
Held means using it as a wand, like you did against the undead intruder with the lightning bolt.
Also, options are to investigate or meet Augustine so I'll need you to choose one of your two choices

I'm not sure if I've posted this in the last thread. I've written a little something about the Parent Gods and their changing daily aspects, here it is.

Mother Earth
Dawn (Healing, nurturing, renewal)
In the quiet hours before the sun fully rises, Mother Earth takes on the role of healer and nurturer. This is the time for recovery, restoration, and mending. Her web is blanketed with empathic warmth to renew the strength of those who suffered in the night. From subtle wishes like repairing relationships to giving someone the strength to endure their disease, she blesses and succors. This is perhaps Mother Earth most precious duty.

Late Morning to Noon (Activity, Nature)
As the sun climbs higher, Mother Earth becomes the embodiment of nature's untamed vitality. This phase is when she embodies the very forces of motivation itself; she gives the strength to put one foot in front of the next, she gives plants the strength to grow with the shining sun, and animals hunt and die... Life is nothing without the will to move.

Noon (Justice)
At the peak of her reign, Mother Earth takes her throne and becomes the goddess of Justice for one brief but powerful hour. It is not her role to meddle in the laws of men (though many invoke her) but to ensure the laws of reality haven't been violated, something magic does so very often. During this hour, Mother Earth reaffirms the very laws of reality itself, magic inside her web weakens.

Noon to dusk. (Civilisation)
As the sun begins to descend, Mother Earth assumes her role as the goddess of civilization. This is the time when human society comes into focus: governance, culture, laws... but also the bonds of communities, and their traditions. It is usually during this time that her servants make direct interventions in the world of mankind.

Dusk to Night (Fertility, family.)
As the day transitions into night, Mother Earth and Father Sky come together in a divine reunion, marking the beginning of a sacred time when the divine energy of fertility flows into the world. This reunion is the continuation of life itself: nothing is more important for the gods. The harmony of families is blessed, no matter how odd they seem.

Father Sky
Early Night (Sleep, Creativity)
As the night begins, Father Sky offers rest and solace for a hard day of labor, nourishing bodies and souls. He also watches over the minds of anyone who sacrifices their peaceful sleep for sparks of creativity in whatever they want to accomplish.

Midnight (Judgement)
The Father peers into all souls of all branches, finding otherwordly intruders and empowering his few chosen at the cost of his own body to safeguard the world.

Late Night. (Death and souls)
In the final hours of the night, Father Sky guides the souls of the departed to the Great Mystery, the next step of life. Those of wicked deeds (but not hearts) are denied this holy duty, forever cursed to wander the branches of the World Tree.

>>6246495
alright then, going with >>6246446
>Directly confront Belmont about his lackluster duties. No shrine for the village, squandered rite of Last Bell, no alms for the poor or medicines for the monsters. There's undeniably more you can find but that's already enough to ask burning questions.

Already confronting the bishop huh? This will be interesting

>>6246446
>Will investigate
>>Go to the Mamono village and find that ''peacekeeping'' man who, apparently, was friends with a 10-year-old boy. That's mighty suspicious.

>>6246825
The bishop sucks. No competent bishop would ever allow a church/shrine to go unbuilt in his diocese.

Ya gotta have one. That he hasn't built one should earn him a good and proper smiting!

The wide horizon of the eastern plains still felt like a novelty. Farms stretched along that side of the road, while the western edge where you lived was still wilder, with patches of trees that slowly increased in volume until they made the forests near your house. A handful of caravans were going into the city, and your group witnessed the unusual sight of a group of new settlers coming from the southern camp being led over there, too.

Baron will be busy today.

''Are we good, girls?'' you ask your companions. They deserve one last pause before people treat them like a circus.
Unless specifically made into law by the baron of the land, walking around in the company of Mamonos wasn't illegal. Eichenwald people are unlikely so open-minded, unfortunately. Since elves enjoy many privileges in the cities of mankind, you'll be leveraging that for some peace of mind.

''I'll admit to feeling nervous,'' Shigeko answered first. She wore a thick, long fur cloak that was probably made from a carpet to cover a patchwork leather shirt and pants that were still a tad too tight for her legs. Your parents didn't find any boots or shoes, leaving her presently naked of feet, but the Oni's big four-fingered extremities did not suffer from being exposed. The broken horn on her face and her blue skin will raise many eyebrows and fingers.

''Y-yeah... I'll... I'll stay a bit close, okay?'' Seyraphal's confidence shrunk with each step that carried your group away from your house. Your dear moth was hiding in a combination of a hooded cloak and a rain cloak to obfuscate her wings and her lower arms. The real tragedy was the bandages she insisted on wearing to cover her face. Her fair porcelain skin, lovely sharp features, and those funny antennas were all covered like a victim of burns; at least her hair still stood out, but it was genuinely difficult to spot the hints of fuzz and insectoid plates that made her body so unique.

I don't want any friends of mine to believe they'd give me trouble by walking at my side. Unfortunately, the insectoid druidess wouldn't be deterred: personal experience had taught her that people react strongly to her monstrous body.

''Sure thing, I wouldn't mind holding hands.'' you jested while fiddling with the carrying strap holding your bow. You've decided not to take chances today: you came with your bow, a quiver of arrows, two of your mother's five magical wands, and your sword. People unrelated to the mercs, militia, or church aren't allowed to display weapons; travelers need special permission from the authorities to keep arms. Elves enjoy special privileges, I hate doing it, but now's not the time to be picky about advantages.

With your hair tied in a ponytail (made by your mom, of course), the ears you've taken great care to hide are on full display now.

''...Maybe later.'' You were so lost in thought that you nearly missed Seyraphal's mumble.

''I've been wondering; will you try to intimidate this bishop, or are your suspicions reasonable for... outside eyes?'' Small fumes escaped her mouth as Shigeko talked. It wasn't cold enough for air to come out like this for you or Seyraphal. Do Onis have more body heat?

''Yes and no, unfortunately.'' After your discussion with them about Olin, the road had been silent because you'd been puzzling over how to confront that man properly.
Unity
No easy answers.

''Without any official stance on how to treat Mamonos inside the Allied Kingdoms made by the Patriarch and Matriarch of the Faith, the kings are free to make their laws, and of course, the dukes and barons interpret them for their own needs and ideals. As the bishop of Eichenwald, Belmont isn't in breach of the King's Peace by not making a shrine for your people, but the clear problems with medicines and food in the village are serious neglect he has a moral duty to oversee.''

The word moral holds great weight for all Children of the Parent Gods, especially after the near extinction of the Great Crusade. Hedonism, civil wars, greed... the kingdoms were stuck in a terrible rut of corrupt souls before Demon Lord Damian nearly exterminated mankind. His legacy carved a deep scar on the psyche of every survivor. Monsters are stuck in this in-between phase -from once enemies to genuine adherents of the religion- and it's been going on for nearly 200 years now.

''Laws are the domain of kings; the church aims to guide souls. A bishop's duty is to his community and to investigate the ills of the poor and rich to better advise the local ruler,'' you continue. The girls were attentively listening to you. ''Unfortunately, the division on how to treat Mamonos also extends into the church. Belmont may hold a harsh view of Monsters; combine that with the indifference of Bram, and you've got this nasty isolation going on.'' Or Thibault failing his duty to manage the Mamonos.

''So if the Baron were to order this bishop to do a better job, he'd have to?'' Seyraphal asks.
''Yeah. He could drag his feet about it, concentrate on human communities, channel the church's resources over there, keeping the Mamonos out of sight, out of mind.'' Talking about this with midday coming is fitting. Would Mother Earth, sitting on the throne of justice, bless your heart? ''The appalling situation of the Mamonos' village would be more than enough for the pro-Monster adherents of the Faith to demand his replacement. Unfortunately, it's not a strong enough criticism for me to confront him.''

''Olin's situation is the key.'' You continue, interrupting yourself with a gulp of water from your gourd. ''A ten-year-old boy died falling from one of the church towers. Whatever the circumstances of his death are, taking care of his spirit is a bishop's holiest, most important duty to Father Sky and as we know, Olin showed up in our home.''

You were deliberate with your language. Slowly but surely, your Mamono friends ought to accept your house as their home, too.
"Spirits who still hold their spark of divine sentience are naturally attracted to the holy energy of Mother Earth's power. The opening in the church is their natural gathering place. A child's spirit, awakening after passing away so violently, would of course be scared and confused. The priest must dutifully guide him to peace. He would normally manifest near the large opening in Mother Earth's web."
"And that's not what happened," Shigeko commented. "Olin showed himself to you..."
"Indeed. That's where I'll be needing serious answers. And maybe light a little fire under him to start doing something."
You've never done anything like this before. Now's not the time to start second-guessing yourself. Since your dad didn't stop you, that means you've got good grounds to stand on.

Surely.

--

''Hold!"

It was inevitable. The entrance of the city wasn't protected by gates; a small squad of tabard-wearing militiamen oversaw the comings and goings of people, who'd been giving your trio a wide berth.

"Monsters and armed travelers need to visit our peacekeeping headquarters for some..."

The oldest of the lot, speaking to you now, is a man similar in stature to your father, with hints of gray coloring his temples. While he kept his hand away from his sword, his five compatriots held threatening halberds.

"...an elf?"

"Indeed. Not just a visiting elf, but I also live here. You must have heard about a Cleric of the Path settling in the west, right?" You don't wait for their acknowledgment. "I'm his daughter, Rey Vesperus, and I met with his lordship Bram two days ago. I have his blessing for my weapons and companions."

Granted, the baron didn't explicitly say that, but his permission to host your monstrous friends should extend some reasonable privilege.

"I came armed because I have no trust in the mercenaries who should be helping you keep the peace. My friends and I will protect ourselves."

"Ah!" one man, the youngest of the squad, laughed. "Wisdom right there!"

"Rick!" the squad leader snapped, immediately shutting him up. "I heard nothing about that, but, well, it is the duty of all good children of our gods to help elves. It'd be mighty helpful if your group visited our headquarters to get the proper permissions..."

"I don't have time for that. Maybe later. I need to speak with Eichenwald's bishop on important business."

A wave of unease spread among the militiamen, most of them agitated by Shigeko's silent, near-statuesque stance. She's ready to pounce like a snake, and they know it. Seyraphal is hiding behind you.

"Alright, I don't enjoy being a ball-breaker. Rey, right?"

You nod, and he nods back, then turns toward his squad. "Rick, since you're such a smartass, escort them to the church and run back here!"

The young man almost stumbles at attention as he jogs next to his leader. Rick is a short taller than me though... young man with hair cut to near baldness and a baby face that clashes with his well-trained body. He's not struggling to support his armor and halberd.
''It'll be my pleasure madame elf, and you two ladies as well!'' He wiggles on his feet to try (and fail) to get a good look at Seyraphal. ''Y'know, I'll bet if we put a tabard on you we'd solve a whole lot of problems.'' He comments at Shigeko.

''Maybe.'' Comes the simple reply of your warrior friend, that hint of smile betraying the stoicism she's trying to place.

With a temporary guard, your foray into Eichenwald is thankfully met without trouble. People give your odd group plenty of looks but the cream-colored tabard of the ram with lightning bolts for horns worn by the young lad has the effect of calming down people better than your ears ever could.

Rick quickly proves himself a very chatty fellow. Your question about the general activities of the church finds plenty of answers.

According to him...
Belmont has been the bishop of Eichenwald since the city's inception.
Last year, the four seasonal Solstices were the only celebrations organized by the church and that trend isn't looking to change now.
Not even the Day of Remembrance that ended the Great Crusade was given much honor. Belmont delivered a speech and that was it.
He relinquished the duty of educating the city's less well-off children to Baron Bram Eisenhart.
The alchemical guild -now defunct since two weeks ago- was the primary almsgiver of the city.

An inquisitor of the church visits the baron each month and you're telling me Belmont hasn't been given any dressing down? What's going on here?

Unless outright corruption is found with stipend collections, this... laziness isn't enough to see him booted out. Not yet, anyway. Belmont foundations look incredibly shaky, if Olin situation becomes a controversy, then...
It'll be best to keep a calm mind.

As you approach Eichenwald Central Plaza, you resolve yourself to confront this fishy man.

Diplomatic. You shall approach him with a veneer of friendliness to understand what's happened with all this neglect of his duties. A proper bishop is always proactive. The strong must help the weak so the weak can nourish the strong.
Firebrand You have the spirit of a recently deceased boy at home and this awful man isn't providing any kind of succors to a community that needs it; be they Mamonos or humans. Lit a fire on his guilt.
Proactive. There are many problems in Eichenwald and he's responsible for quite a few. Better to show a little mercy now and avoid sinking him in guilt. Force him to help you solve the many issues of the city instead, otherwise, the botched Ritual of Last Bell will be his disgrace.
Free

>>6247515
Get proactive. Our girl is, in the final analysis, a kind of a Pollyanna.

Naivety is a weapon to those who fail to consider that possibility.

We will get to pick what we get proactive about yes? There is a sense of nuance needed if we wish to navigate this great game as it were...

>>6247785
>We will get to pick what we get proactive about yes?
Yeah, this isn't a one-and-done choice for the entire talk. Rey's attitude and objective have to be established before that.

>>6247515
>Diplomatic. You shall approach him with a veneer of friendliness to understand what's happened with all this neglect of his duties. A proper bishop is always proactive. The strong must help the weak so the weak can nourish the strong.

Making too much of a point of the Last Bell seems like a bad idea since he might rush, or deliberatelybotch it. Which Augustine will certainly have an opinion on.


It might also be worth confirming with Thibault if we can as to how far the inquisitor is actually looking into "goings on" or just collecting the Pearls. As it appears they are lapsing in their duties.

Also tracking down the Orphanage might be important in future

>>6247515
>Diplomatic. You shall approach him with a veneer of friendliness to understand what's happened with all this neglect of his duties. A proper bishop is always proactive. The strong must help the weak so the weak can nourish the strong.

Diplomatic stance huh? Is Rey's heart soft, or good? Guess we'll see.

>>6247515
>Diplomatic. You shall approach him with a veneer of friendliness to understand what's happened with all this neglect of his duties. A proper bishop is always proactive. The strong must help the weak so the weak can nourish the strong.

I'll resume in the next two days, I needed a bit of time to recharge

>>6249048
waiting warmly

Seeing three men idling together near the church's steps with blackjacks on their belts reminds you of an unpleasant memory. Were these the same three stooges who tried to interrupt you and your mother during your first visit here? You've honestly forgotten their faces.
As you approach, each of them pulls out his leather cudgel, but the silent intimidation of Shigeko's presence keeps them somewhat compliant as they remain grouped, inching to intercept your advance.

''Right, right.'' Rick grips his halberd properly, adopting a defensive posture after you inevitably stop. ''The ladies here have business with the bishop, and nobody will stop them, understood?''

''Not happening.'' One of the men protests, all three looking equally middle-aged. ''Monsters in the sacred house of our gods aren't welcome. Elves don't rule us, she-'' The pointed tip of Rick's halberd, now bearing near his face, brings peaceful silence and an immediate, dangerous tensing of their stances. Three cudgels against one halberd aren’t the odds they want to test, thankfully.

''Let's go.'' You nod to your friends. ''And don’t get yourself in trouble on our account now, please.'' You remark to the young man who so dutifully escorted you; he was obviously trying to show off. Rick responds with a laugh, while the other men have no choice but to let your group pass, glaring silent daggers at your monstrous friends. This tension between the mercs and the militia might honestly explode in a few weeks.

Though your opinion of Belmont has taken a nosedive, you can’t critique the main hall of his church. The large central space boasts plenty of pews, tasteful decorations, and an echoing quality that makes walking feel impressive, with spotless cleanliness. The wide opening of the holy web takes center stage near the altar, atop a statue honoring the Good Mother. The combination of gold and white translucent luminescence creates a constant spheroid haze above the statue’s head, momentarily captivating your attention. Did a ritual happen recently?

''U-Um... sorry?'' A timid voice draws your attention away from the sphere. A feminine acolyte, whom you’d place around your age, looks at you with strained courage.
''My colorful friends will accompany me.'' It’s best to start strong, I think. ''I need to speak with the bishop. Would you be kind enough to guide me to his location? Only the ears of our gods should hear our conversation.'' Shigeko’s weighty, silent stare and Seyraphal lurking behind you are more than enough to complete the intimidation your weapons lack.

''U-Um, this isn’t exactly proper. The bishop...'' She fidgets nervously with her hands, staying put. You insist with another polite ''please'' to get her moving, her eyes focusing on your ears more than your face. That was all the coercion you needed.

No armed acolytes, guardians, templars, exemplars, monks, or clerics...? Not every temple of the gods needs armed guards, but people my age shouldn’t be the only ones here. Or maybe I’m trying to convince myself there’s something weird?
The last time you came here, you and Augustine went inside the eastern entrance to find the library and alchemical workshop. This time, your impromptu guide took the western door to lead you through a long hallway dotted with occasional doors and one staircase that likely led toward the towers.

''His study is here.'' The girl stopped near the door at the very end of the hallway and scurried to get away without knocking, nearly scattering like a mouse when she had to brush against Shigeko.

''I’m not an ogre...'' muttered the blue two-meter-tall woman. She was fortunately short enough to avoid being bothered by the low roof.

''Don’t be afraid to add details about the villages once I mention it.'' You whispered to the girls and, taking one last moment for a collective breath, you squared your shoulders and knocked.
''Is it an emergency?'' came a muffled answer. This prompted you to test the handle; finding it unlocked, you invited yourself in.

You step into an enclosed study illuminated by the comfortably soft light of alchemical lamps. Leatherbound books of various thicknesses line the shelves behind the man who had risen from his desk in surprise at your trio’s entry, the Focii of Mother Earth clearly in his grasp.

''You?'' The fishy-eyed bishop narrowed his eyes in anger. ''Did you truly come to disturb me now after your friend left for the village today?'' His brows furrowed even more upon seeing your friends. ''And now you dare sully this house of our Gods with the presence of such dastardly beings? You’re squandering the goodwill afforded to your race!''

''A person’s faith holds no measures, Belmont. Your... difficulties... with maintaining the peace of the good souls of our city are one of many reasons for my presence here.'' Shigeko and Seyraphal’s presence makes the study feel cramped, so you move to place your hands on his desk while he scoots away from Shigeko.

''Your father’s authority does not extend to you, little lady.'' He’s right, but that’s a point you can easily ignore. ''Have I not given you a favor already? And your accusation is hollow! Nobody is hungry in this city; employment is the biggest problem because construction has slowed down with the coming winter!''

''Bishop, I need answers.'' Even leaning closer, you still need to crane your neck upward to look him in the eyes. Urk ''I’ve barely lived here two weeks, and I’ve noticed several things that would make any good sisters of our Good Mother lose their patience. The city isn’t small enough to justify your lack of alms and festivals. The outright neglect of the Mamono community is unacceptable.''

''Our baron has strict hands.'' His voice is a growling irritation as he fidgets with his Focii. ''All efforts are concentrated on expanding farms and constructing a new district in the northwestern area of our fair city. Eichenwald’s people have strong souls; they can handle being bored for a handful of years.''

''This isn’t what people want. Festivals aren’t a mere waste of money or ti-''
''I do not need to justify myself to you, child!'' His free hand slammed on his desk; Seyraphal flinched, Shigeko stepped closer, and you managed to keep your cool. What in the world? Why is he quick to anger? ''Leave at once, or this little case you’re making will find an actual tribunal with our ruler!''

''I am trying my best to keep some optimism in our shared faith, Master Belmont. If you leave me no choice, then I’ll have to inform the coming inquisitor about the tragedy of little Olin’s demise.'' You pause only long enough to point at the western road beyond the wall with your thumb. ''His spirit manifested at my house because my father opened a link to our Blessed Mother’s web. How could such a thing happen with this prominent connection right here in your church?''

Disbelief and horror quickly replaced Belmont’s anger. He sat, then rubbed his face a little too excessively. ''I tried to find him. Believe me-''
It’s your turn to interrupt. ''Olin’s situation will be properly investigated. My parents have the skills to create safe possession and replication of memories.'' You want to rub this failure in his face, but a softer approach is better here.
''He hasn’t delivered his message yet?'' He lets go of his Focii and grabs it again, creating a rhythm almost like a clock. Is that hope in his eyes?

''When did I imply he hadn’t? Writing is only one method of communication. You know how this works, don’t you?'' Shigeko and Seyraphal don’t, so you explain. ''My father can weaken reality’s hold in an area. My mother is trained to weaken her soul and allow the boy to inhabit her body temporarily, and she can transfer this memory with the help of a certain miracle of Father Sky. It is difficult for Olin’s spirit to communicate on its own; one should not take half-measures when it comes to determining guilt.'' That’s a mighty stretch of the truth because the boy hasn’t delivered anything substantial concerning him. Belmont doesn’t need to know.

''Shigeko, Seyraphal.'' He jolts after hearing you say that last name. ''Could you explain the general state of the Mamono village?''
The girls exchange a long, silent look. Your insect friend, looking downcast, prompts the taller Oni to speak.

''I’ve survived in the village for a year now, and that’s the word to describe how people live there. Conditions back then were... okay when Branka’s authority as a leader held some sway with those managing us. The communal sleeping areas were clean, people could cook for the community, we had gardens, and meats could be shared instead of reserved for the Monsters needing them to stay healthy. A few folks could be intimate in functioning houses. A handful of church people came with alms and medicine regularly; there was talk of opening a clinic and a shrine.''

''Baron Bram took a strong managing stance for his city once he was given administrative authority, and that included them. I didn’t stop the people of my flock from helping them; I put a stop to their independence because the young heir told me to.''
Odd. Throughout the Allied Kingdoms, the duty of managing the labor of Mamonos is overwhelmingly left to the city Bishop’s discretion. Kreszenz is the only place outside that norm, and the queen there has made Monsters outright citizens if they willingly join her army.

''Shigeko, continue.'' You choose to ignore the man’s interruption.

''Starving made it pretty hard for me to pay attention, but things have gotten much, much worse with the mercs becoming the... managers? Rulers?'' She shrugs, crosses her arms, and glares at Belmont. ''They only allow a few deliveries of barrels of filth and garbage out of the village, so things have... accumulated. The mercs believe themselves kings.''

Belmont grows increasingly uncomfortable under the glacial glare of the two-meter-tall blue woman. ''Women are being used in ways that would make our gods weep during the night.'' Seyraphal’s voice is glacial as she finds the strength to stand beside her blue friend; her bandaged face looks genuinely frightening as she, too, glares at the man sitting behind his desk. ''I might have been too sick to take care of myself, but I could still see what was going on.''
Cool head, Rey. Cool head.

''I hold no authority over these... miscreants; they are the purview of Thibault, heir to our baron-''
''Need I remind you of what the Survivor King said about ‘callous disregard,’ Belmont? Why have you been so neglectful of the Mamonos? And the people, now, for a year?!'' When you slam your hand on his desk, Belmont jumps to his feet.

''Because I had to!'' He wipes his sweat with his heavy sleeve. ''My duties are to administer the city’s larger communities, arbitrate conflicts, and investigate the surreal. It took a long time to find proper delegates to start the smooth wheel of a new bureaucracy here in Eichenwald. I founded our new labor guild! Baron Bram insisted on handling the Monsters, and I was glad not to worry about that workload.'' He hisses, rubbing his eyes, pacing the small space available to him back and forth. Workload? An entire race is just a workload?

''Where is your staff?'' Your voice doesn’t waver; perhaps it’s a good thing you haven’t visited the Mamono village yet. ''Delegating and helping to administer the city is one thing, but there’s also the vital duty of elevating community leaders and maintainers of shrines. All I’ve seen here are acolytes my age.''
Three pairs of eyes bring silent judgment upon him.

''Eichenwald was founded five years ago,'' Belmont begins, speaking with a downcast head. ''The first major expansion of the entire Allied Kingdoms since our near annihilation 200 years ago. This city... is our way to show our great realms are truly growing. This is prestige that truly matters.'' He speaks with increasing confidence, regaining the strength to look into your eyes. Where are your folks, priest? It’s probably better not to press that for now.

''Yet nobody cares anymore.'' The only thing that lets Belmont control his anger is the fact that you aren’t taunting him. ''I’ve spent my entire life on the road, Belmont, and after the initial excitement of the founding and the establishment of the Shrine Tree, Eichenwald became a simple city like any other. This prestige likely matters to the nobility, but people like us, those who walk among the common folk?'' You shake your head. ''Right now, everyone is worried about the Demon Lord’s potential alliance with the queen of Kreszenz.''
The silence in his office makes your mouth dry, but you continue.

''Right now, an entire community is not only left to rot but it’s also being abused by newcomers. If you can help me help you, Sir Belmont, then I’d be more than willing to keep an open mind about Olin’s tragedy instead of forcing our baron’s hand with a tribunal.''
After nearly a full minute of silence, you walk away from the bishop’s desk to look at your friends. Has he completely shut down?

''Help me help you, huh?'' As he says this, the man opens a lower drawer to extract a set of keys. ''Fine, allow me to show you a worrying fact about our new, normal city.''
Belmont leads your group out of his office and back into the corridor to open the closest heavy door. It opens into a wide space occupied by tables and a small kitchen. A handful of acolytes are idling about and immediately try to look busy when the bishop appears. Still, he ignores them and leads you toward a cage-like door that opens into the basement; a faint golden-white luminescence from below indicates alchemical lamps lighting the path.

After walking down a dozen stairs, a gateway with two open metal doors reveals a wide basement full of foundational pillars but also a very worrying sight.
Around thirty beds are aligned, most of them occupied by motionless people of a wide range of ages, sexes, and builds, thankfully no children. Six nuns inspecting the patients all look at your intrusion with shock or displeasure; the sharp smell of medicines aggressively assaults your nostrils, and Seyraphal erupts into a coughing fit.

''I have opened a hospice in the northwestern part of the city where most of the patients are being cared for, most of my people are over there alongside bolstering our militia.'' As Belmont speaks, the nuns resume their duties, pointedly ignoring you. ''The number of afflicted souls is around...'' He briefly pauses. ''...130, and as you can see, all of them are catatonic, so I had to pull some strings to get the proper nutritional supplements to keep them alive.''

''What in the world is afflicting them? A disease?'' The instinctive fear of sharing the burden of these poor people is more than enough to supplant your curiosity.

''I cannot say. A curse? A drug? A disease?'' Belmont shrugs and turns to look at your group. ''What’s left of their souls is so fragile I dare not put any strain upon them, lest I risk killing them myself. If they are ever cured, I doubt any of them will remember who they were.''

''This phenomenon started last month. People reported loved ones or strangers remaining catatonic in beds or wandering the streets at night in a constant daze, so I had my people gather them and, so far, have kept the news quiet because of the low number of victims. There was an explosive number of patients during the initial two weeks. Only a trickle is reported by my acolytes now, thank the Father.''

''Shouldn-''
''It is too soon to acknowledge this situation as a proper crisis.'' Belmont interrupts you. ''I can’t give proper directives until I know why this is happening. Is it a disease? Then it’s not concentrated in a district or area. A curse? Then our culprit is at large. A drug? I’ve never come across something that comes so close to obliterating someone’s soul.''

Mother’s Mercy. You, Seyraphal, and Shigeko can only look around as the nuns continue nursing the patients, moving them to prevent bedsores.

''Unfortunately, we’ve been facing an increase in the deaths of our patients.'' The bishop continues; he seems strangely in his element here. His voice and emotions remain measured. ''Some wake up at night in agitated delusions, screaming about hearing a song and seeing an ''It'' that is pursuing them. Their souls soon exit their bodies, leaving behind shells that need to be euthanized or risk invasion by hungry spirits from the Red.''
A song!? Okay, this is odd. Should I tell him about yesterday? Shigeko and Seyraphal look as surprised as you are.

''This situation has been going on for a month?'' He nods at your question. ''...Yet the neglect of the Mamonos has been going on for far longer.''
Belmont shrugs. At least he’s not trying to justify himself.
''What’s down there?'' Shigeko points to a stairway leading further down at the far end of the basement.
''Large storage area for perishables and medicines,'' Belmont replies quickly and, with a brief look around at the nuns, steps closer to speak in whispers.

''I truly have no idea why Olin’s spirit did not manifest in my church when I tried calling for him, and I hope this situation here explains why I haven’t remedied that.''

Says the man who’s been ignoring an entire community for years. He’s likely misunderstanding your stance; you’ve been reasonable so far, but that doesn’t mean you hold any pity for his plight: he had the power to do so much more before this strange new epidemic began.

Unity
Informing the inquisitor and involving the baron with Olin’s situation will create a nasty controversy that might just put a deadlock on everything happening in the city. Shigeko said the Mamonos have a new solution for purification; you’ll have no chance to implement it while a new bishop is being established.
If you want to bypass the mercenaries’ apparent stranglehold on the village, the church’s moral duty is the only way you can think of to do so legally.

So much to think about...

Because of Rey personality, she's a rather bad judge of character so the truths or lies of the Bishop aren't so obvious. Shigeko and Seyraphal also aren't particularly skilled at discerning lies.

>Insist on going downstairs to see for yourself this supposed ''storage''.
>You've seen enough: if Belmont is willing to start helping the monster village, then you'll promise to keep things ''reasonable'' with Olin situation.
>Return to his study to tell him about the attack on your house yesterday and what Seyraphal learned from the memories of the Risen.
>Don't make any agreements right now, you have so much to think about, so much to tell your parents...
>Free

>>6251198
>Return to his study to tell him about the attack on your house yesterday and what Seyraphal learned from the memories of the Risen.

Seeing if we can confirm with Thibault, as to why he permitted Belmont to withdraw from the slums seems like something to do in future.

>>6251198
>Return to his study to tell him about the attack on your house yesterday and what Seyraphal learned from the memories of the Risen.
shit is getting serious

Hm, interesting. No curiosity? Are you suuuure you guys don't want to go look into the creepy basement? Since when have you grown so wise anons?

I'll proceed with this vote. I'll work on compiling the important info once we get more breathing room.

>>6251487
>Since when have you grown so wise anons?
too much people here and we don't have more incriminating stuff on the guy yet

>>6251487
We have found a common pattern.

The more we rely upon those we would call family and friend (even if they may have a reason to betray us) ends up working out well for us.

This is a common feature of modernity. So few are willing to ever take that fateful first step. To trust when every fiber of our being tells us not to.

A "Pollyanna" is inadvertently playing the game of power with a novel strategy that could blindside the most Machiavellian sociopath.

I could make a "Magical Girl" anime demonstrating the concept. Perhaps I will in the future...

You didn't answer the priest's comment. There was a long, uncomfortable silence as everyone's attention inevitably shifted toward the comatose patients and the dutiful nuns keeping them alive. The sharp smell of medicine almost stung your nose as the nearest nun opened a bottle of unguent.
What in the world is this ''song'' supposed to be? How can this be tied to Risen dogs and more than 100 patients?
A song that kills dogs and puts people into comas, chanted by an ''It"?

This new development needed some mental fortitude from you. Belmont cared about this, and your experience yesterday certainly heralded dangers; perhaps working on this with him was the wisest thing to do for now. Feeling safer again in your own house would certainly have been a boon.

''Let's return to your study,'' you said after what felt like a minute of silence.
''Alright, follow me.'' The older man took point and directed your group back toward the stairs; the nuns tried not to show it, but they were undeniably gladdened by the departure of your Mamono friends.
Ubi es?
''Hm?'' You turned midstride to look back. Shigeko looked deep in thought and nearly bumped into you; Seyraphal's bandaged face gave her a perpetually shocked expression that made it impossible for you to discern her state of mind, but she looked fine. ''Did you girls say something?''
Both looked at each other and shook their heads.
''Sorry, let's continue.''

--

''I hope you don't mind me discussing this situation with my family,'' you said after the priest closed his door. His changed demeanor made the atmosphere in the small study a little more breathable.
''Of course.'' His large eyes briefly hovered around your monstrous companions. ''Thankfully, we managed to avoid a general panic during the worst of the crisis. I want to avoid doomsaying until we have a better idea about this affliction that, I must insist, is barely active right now.''

While speaking, Belmont searched the small library in his office, opening one leather notebook after another and returning most of them back.

''Yesterday my house came under a crisis that nearly killed me.'' The girls tensed at your words, and the priest returned his attention to you. ''Risen dogs and one humanoid attacked my house in the early afternoon; if it hadn't been for my friends, I'd be dead.''
You crossed your arms, doing your best to avoid looking nervous. Looking at the desk instead of his eyes is a better idea.

''Risen...?''
''Yes, Seyraphal was able to discern glimpses of their last moments.''
An unnatural movement in her silhouette betrayed a twitch of her concealed wings when you looked back at your druidic friend.
''All the dogs heard a hypnotic song that lured them into a deadly sleep,'' said the moth, and with a nervous glance your way, she continued. ''That wasn't the case for the humanoid; she was dragged into the forest by a handful of men and killed in the forest.''

''W-what? Homicide!?'' Belmont nearly yelled, dropping his current book on the desk.
''Sometime last month.'' Given his attitude toward Mamonos, I'll keep some details to myself.
''Have there been cases of widespread death with people's pets in the city?'' Seyraphal spoke while approaching. The way Belmont's eyes narrowed as she got close made you ball your hands into fists. Ugh. ''Nature around Eichenwald has grown perilously thin as of late, with only insects remaining as a stable population. I know winter is soon, but there ought to be many more squirrels, bunnies, deers...''
''I'll ask around,'' answered the priest, turning away to cough. ''Dogs and men have a sacred bond; this song is a danger to all good children of our gods.''

Searching through his notes, the little glimpse you managed to read revealed detailed descriptions of the patients. Family, ages, general circumstances before their coma... Belmont was a bookkeeper.
''There it is.'' He pointed to a particular line in his newest notebook. ''Yesterday you were attacked by Risen; yesterday night we had our latest death in the hospice. Toma Grecht, 55-year-old father of five children with a loving wife. He woke up in hysteria, screaming about the same ''It,'' that ''its song'' will consume everyone in the city... nothing about dogs, unfortunately.''

''Odd timing,'' said your blue friend.

[Outsiders]
You'd been privy to dangerous knowledge about the greatest enemy of mankind and monsters; nothing fit this situation wholesale, only similarities... Because Outsiders have always been solitary. You couldn't recall any recorded cases of a genuine epidemic; strong entities, however, caused many catastrophes in many villages of Kreszenz. Never outside.

''Soul parasites or soul eaters can cause similar symptoms.'' These two Outsiders were the most widely known and the source of far too many odd legends. ''Souls being slowly or rapidly consumed cause weaknesses in bodies, loss of memory, and eventual coma, but I can't recall anything about people waking in a fear frenzy, screaming about a song... although there have been many cases of people dreaming about the predators latched onto their souls.''

''Hm, potential Outsider?'' Belmont bit off a piece of his nail. ''Even more reason to find the truth before ringing the bells of higher authority.''
''I'd like to help if I can,'' you said, facing the much older man, looking him straight in the eyes. ''But there's a more pressing problem.''
''The monsters?'' At least he didn't scoff when he said it now.

''Yes. Their situation remain inexcusable, but given recent circumstances, I won't force your hand with Olin's situation. The Mamonos need a shrine, food... gods above, they need clean beds, sheets, and supplies to repair and wash their homes.'' It wasn't easy controlling the anger squeezing your chest. You started walking back and forth to loosen some of that stiffness.

''Basic of basic, sir Belmont. If I could provide this charity, I would.''

''Contrary to what many people believe, the coffers of my church are not overflowing, Rey.'' Were he not caring for so many comatose patients, you'd be calling him a liar. ''If you and your parents agree to investigate those eroding souls, and do not deliver a hasty accusation to our inquisitor or the baron about Olin, then...''

Talking is better than accusing, huh, mister Belmont?

''I'll review our inventory, spare the material for a shrine and the money for necessities, I'll see about delivering it all.'' Here comes a ''But'' ''But I'll need you to oversee everything going well, and your father will need to open the connection to Mother Earth web himself; I can't spare the time.''

Right. Meaning, deal with the mercs and Thibault if they take issue with this charity.

If the church buys everything, I doubt Thibault would see this as undermining his authority... right?

>Agree right here, right now. It'll be easier to ask forgiveness from your parents.
>Take a prudent step back, say that you'll return tomorrow with confirmation.
>Free.

>>6252050
>Agree right here, right now. It'll be easier to ask forgiveness from your parents.
fuck it, they'll understand

>>6252050
>Take a prudent step back, say that you'll return tomorrow with confirmation.
Do not under any circumstances agree to contacts without appropriate oversight.

It's obvious he wants us off his back for some reason, maybe by talking to the others we can intuit why exactly.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

Locking votes one hour after my roll and aiming to post tomorrow.

>>6252050
>>Take a prudent step back, say that you'll return tomorrow with confirmation.

You bring a finger to your temple and gently tap it instead of shaking the hand offered by the priest. ''I remember your offer, sir, I'll be back tomorrow. You said yourself that I do not have my father's authority.''
A shadow of frustration flashes across his face as he retracts his hand. ''Very well, tomorrow will be a new day. I'll be making a concrete inventory and will await your return-''
A gentle knock on the door interrupts him. ''What is it?'' says the priest as he starts closing all of his open notebooks.
''Mercenaries, sire,'' says a gentle female voice after opening the door. It was that same lady acolyte who guided you here half an hour ago. ''Jules Manzke and a handful of his men demand your presence.''
A collective anger suddenly warps everyone's attitude. Belmont grips his Focii with two hands, Shigeko's big hands tighten into dangerous fists as she closes her eyes, and Seyraphal's well-wrapped body is subjected to a nervous twitch of wings or arms.

''Mother's Mercy who the hell is this guy?''

''A right bastard who's leading the garrison in the village and probably one of the overall leaders of the mercs,'' says your tall warrior friend. ''Keep pushing everyone's buttons, calls himself the king of swine when he's in the village. Put a living embodiment of everything wrong with a man in a violent package with the skill to enforce his desires and you've got everything you need to know about this guy.''

''While crude...'' Belmont comments while shooing off the curious acolyte. ''...your blue friend's assessment is accurate. The man was given a modicum of authority by our heir and started believing himself Castellan; he's been trying to strongarm me into finding the sacrifice and returning her to the village.''

He quickly holds up his hands even before seeing your group's collective displeasure. ''I have no intention of doing so, nor do I want to host a brawl within this hallowed hall, I need to insist on having you three leave by the western exit.'' He ends by grabbing his set of keys.

A tingle of pride makes you want to refuse. Confronting the men abusing the entire community of Mamonos is something that will need to be done. Bad idea, terrible idea to start now.

''Will they seriously try to fight in the middle of a church?'' You ask as Belmont needs to wiggle himself between you and Shigeko, your friendly moth has her gaze firmly rooted on the ground. Gods, she looks so sad... Since it's not a good moment to hug her, you opt to pat her head instead; there's an evident, silent distress in her black-red eyes.

''It wouldn't surprise me,'' your blue friend answers as the priest opens the door. ''I haven't fully recovered from that starving ordeal; I'd be best to avoid testing an impetuous lunatic unprepared. Especially since he's well armed, I've never seen him without his poleaxe.''

''Ladies, please this way.'' Belmont leads you back into the corridor and stops midway to unlock the western door that directly leads into the western road outside. Same place where Augustine had that arm-up moment... is this where Olin died?

This street is empty despite the busy marketplace in front of the church, people are coming and going without minding it. Once you, Shigeko, and Seyraphal are outside, Belmont nods and promptly closes the door without further comment.

''Boy,'' Shigeko lets out a heavy breath. ''I'm not sure if he's pissed off or trying to help. Maybe both.''

''Sey, are you okay?'' Her gaze hasn't left the ground once.
''Y-yeah... You said the baron permitted you to host us, yet these guys want me to return over there...'' There's a light peek of white as her hands wiggle beneath her heavy cloaks.
''Either the news hasn't spread yet or the mercs are ignoring it for some reason.'' Perhaps the dear leader of your home is far lazier than anticipated. ''What he showed us is... Phew, it's a lot to think about.''
''Indeed, the priest also mentioned Augustine being in the Mamono village today,'' Shigeko says, crossing her arms while inspecting the road. ''If Olin manifests tonight, I think it's only right for his mother to be there.''

''Hm, but if people want Seyraphal to remain in the village, going there is likely a bad idea.''
''It's okay, I'm quiet.'' You're not sure if she's trying to don a cocky smile, her forced grin combined with all the bandages around her face gives the moth an almost ghastly look. ''Now that I'm not coughing blood every four steps, I'll easily be able to sneak back to your... our home.''
''Alternatively, going to find Augustine shouldn't need us to separate. Might be time to make people understand there's another option now...'' Shigeko speaks without moving, her face remains a pretty stoic statue. She's so controlled all the time...

''Give me a moment girls.'' Leaving them briefly behind, you walk ahead until you can peek around the corner to observe the market and the front of the church. Up the step is a single man standing around looking mighty bored but garbed with fitting chainmail and a sword on his belt whose handle is (like you) wrapped with a piece of white fabric. I don't think he'll respect the promise of only drawing it in self-defense.

Unlike all the middle-aged part-time thugs you've been forced to endure so far, this one has the atmosphere of an actual warrior. Solid stance, strong body, tall: the mercs played favorite amongst their ranks.

''Someone that isn't a thug with a club is guarding the church door,'' you say after returning to the girls. ''A detour won't be complicated.'' Slowly but surely, you're starting to get familiar with this city, your new home. Both girls nod, waiting for your decision.

Up above in the clear blue sky of autumn, Mother Earth has moved away from her throne of justice. It's early afternoon now... Usha might wake up soon.

Rolled 4 (1d6)

>You have learned something very important today, you should go back home and inform your parents posthaste.
Hire a messenger to reach Augustine and wait for her at the southeastern exit of the city [Y/N]
>It is time for you to go see that village for yourself. You have plenty of time to spare.
Seyraphal will sneak back home by herself. [Y/N]
>Free

Finally, Usha has a chance of waking up. If I roll 5 or 6 on my D6, then she'll wake up in the middle of things during this choice.
Yesterday was her first-ever feeding of Corruption.
>Sate her appetite with another dose of Corruption. This is the physical manifestation of souls for monsters, she should have a little more.
>Start with Holy. Nyct stressed that a varied diet was important.
You could experiment with the wand/arrows but the city isn't a good place for this at all.

>>6253499
>Y
>It is time for you to go see that village for yourself. You have plenty of time to spare.
>Y
>Start with Holy. Nyct stressed that a varied diet was important.

>>6253554
So, I take it you vote to go to the village while Seyraphal sneaks back home? In that case there's need to get a messenger

>>6253499
>It is time for you to go see that village for yourself. You have plenty of time to spare.
Seyraphal will sneak back home by herself.
>[N]

We should move as one if we can, as we will be more flexible if things go sideways. If we need to we can use father's station, and just having come from a meeting with bishop to at least cause the merc's to hopefully at least "attempt" to get authorization before attempting to detain us, or let us go on our way.

Maybe searching out Rick (he may still be around somewhere considering he dropped us off here), or flagging down a nearby guardsman to escort us again as with our way to the church earlier may be useful to at least blunt their immediate response. That way then if we need to send for backup, or escalate things he would be most effective at ensuring a quick and meaningful response.


If we were going to send a messenger anywhere it should be to the Baron's estate to see if we can arrange something with Thibault for the future so we can attempt to acquire a magical sustenance for Usha, and confirm what Belmont has said or at least try and figure out what he hasn't, potentially as a working lunch or otherwise meeting him as he goes about his day.

>>6253580
dropped a vote for today's meal, whoops
>>6253499
>Start with Holy. Nyct stressed that a varied diet was important.

>>6253561
Wdym ?

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>6253554
>>6253580
It appears that we'll be visiting the village for the first time. We seem to be split between having Seyraphal go back or sticking with us so my roll will work as the tiebreaker, I'll start working on writing in around 2 hours, so you guys can still change your minds.

>>6253644
I posted when I was too tired to think, don't worry.

>>6253778
So dice gods say our girl sneaks back to deliver the message?

>>6254035
Yup. This update will take me a bit to write since the village is a rather busy location, I'll aim to restart sunday

>>6254037
But if someone want to vote, I'm willing to wait until around 1 am.

>>6254037
Then once more the dice gods are in accord with my own will.

Shite like this can only be trusted to people who you'd trust with your life.

>>6254042
Oh, err, one big concern. She's good at stealth right?

If we know she can't sneak for shite we might not wanna trust this task to her.

Sorry girl but it's all for naught if you sneak around like a firecracker on the 4th of July in America if ya catch my drift.

>>6254044
>She's good at stealth right?
Yes, she's pretty good. If allowed to metamorphose, she can become downright unrivaled in sneaking because of her capacity to copy bugs capabilities.
Seyraphal knows how to keep a low profile for your current situation. Her ''disguise'' allows her to meld into the crowd somewhat naturally since her monstrous bits are hidden beneath big layers of clothes and bandages and she's naturally dextrous enough to avoid bumping into people.
Since none of the men who are looking for her have been alerted to her location and current appearance, her sneaking out of Eichenwald won't need a roll.

''Are you sure you'll be fine?''
''Don't worry.'' Seyraphal’s smile was awkward, strained by the bandage across her face. ''Before I got stuck here, I learned to sneak and disguise myself in settlements to trade for supplies. I know the way back well enough.''
''Then...'' You gently patted her head, careful not to disturb the bandage. ''...don’t think for a moment I see you as a liability.''
''It’s okay, Rey.'' A thin, mutated arm emerged from her cloak, three elongated fingers brushing your arm. ''Watch out for the bullwoman, she’s got a hell of a temper.''
''The last few days after that brawl must have hit the village hard,'' Shigeko said, her gaze flicking between the road’s entrance and you. ''We should scout the situation before you show yourself. We’re only here to fetch the doctor, anyway.''

Stepping away from her friends, Seyraphal turned and left your company for the day.

It took nearly an hour to spot signs of your destination in western Eichenwald. Militiamen and mercenaries patrolled in growing numbers, while trade was confined to houses or storerooms. Locals gathered at wells, eyeing Shigeko suspiciously as you passed. Your pointed ears and weapons deterred any trouble, but you and Shigeko steered clear of men without the cream-colored tabard of the lightning ram to avoid provoking incidents.
During the journey, you couldn’t stop watching your companion. Familiar with the path, Shigeko led the way to the village’s other entrance. Her tall, strong frame, draped in a fur-lined cloak, radiated a quiet elegance and danger.
She’s been reserved and quiet all day, even a bit cold. I’m not sure she’d welcome small talk... but her presence feels comforting all the same.
''Eastern entrance,'' your companion abruptly remarked, just as you nearly bumped into her.

As you veered onto one of Eichenwald’s tidy roads, a clear divide appeared between the nearby houses and the secluded Mamono village. A tall palisade -built to contain rather than protect- curved in a low circle, its extent hidden by surrounding buildings. Though not a full district, the enclosure could house a few hundred souls, judging by its size and the few rooftops rising above it. The lack of onlookers set you on edge, especially as you and Shigeko stood out sharply on the quiet street.
''They don’t look friendly,'' you said, keeping your expression neutral.

A gatehouse blocked your path, with a few men lounging on its wooden battlement. Their voices didn’t match the three heads you saw; more were likely hidden behind the structure.
''Better than the alternative,'' Shigeko replied, her tone steady. ''The main road would’ve taken us past the mercenaries’ headquarters. That felt like a bad idea.''
''Thanks for that. Let’s hope these guys play nice.''
You approached the gate, hoping someone would check the visor or open it. No luck. ''Hey, up there!'' you called. ''Two people need entry to the Mamono village!''

Two men peek out to look down at you and Shigeko after making you wait far too long. ''Who's asking?''
''Rey Vesperus and my friend Shigeko.'' You make a little show of replacing a few wild strands of your blonde hair to emphasize your ears, they don't miss the gesture. ''Last I heard, his lordship didn't condemn the village please open the gate.''

''An elder with a monster?'' One of them states the obvious, causing a chain reaction of curious men to poke their heads to look down at your duo. Six of them in total.
''Bitch barely looks old enough to walk outside home.'' Come a comment from a man on the left. Bitch?
''I have business with the doctor who came here earlier.'' You do your best to keep the seething anger in your heart from leaking into your voice or face. ''Do open this gate so me and my companion can be on our way.''
Except they don't move to climb down, the guy's collective chuckle is an open mockery.
''I member a couple of days ago one of you pointed lot nearly brained Maurice with a kick in the head.'' The man in the center speaks; you give him better attention. You'd say he's in his middle thirties, garbed in the same ramshackle leather armor adopted by the lower-quality troops. A full head of brown hair, a badly kept beard, and sun-touched skin make him somewhat more identifiable than the teeth-missing squads that have been patrolling central Eichenwald.
''We're a tight outfit, someone related to that dangerous fugitive shouldn't be going somewhere like this.'' He gestures behind him, a wide toothy grin showing open mockery and contempt.
Calling my mother's names to make me react...Childish! ''Take your grievances to the duke, I only wish to do my duty here, in the village.''
''Start with saying sorry.'' The man replies, leaning forward to look down on you. He's enjoying that power far too much. His compatriot adds comments you prefer to mentally block.

''Do you lot have the means to repair this gate?'' Shigeko's sudden interruption caused an immediate souring of the guys arrogance as their faces twisted in revulsion.
''Who the hell permit a cursed blood to speak?'' Replies one of the guys.
''Right.'' Placing her big hands on your shoulders, Shigeko leans close to your ears. ''Step aside, milady Rey. I've never been one for chivalry but I think honor demands a little show of force here.''
''Shii? This gate won't stop a battering ram but it's still reinforced.'' It was big enough to let small carts through, only someone reinforced by miracles could break through.
''Don't worry.'' Her face showed a rare smile.

You give your blue protector her space while the men start jeering about letting you in for ''favors.'' Standing motionless with her eyes closed, Shigeko serenity looks out of place in this atmosphere, the men's insults washing off her like morning dew. Yeah, I shouldn't let them get to me.

Then Shigeko nearly became a blur, her heavy fur cloak audibly clacked behind, the noise was barely over when a deep resonating impact made it seem like the entire gatehouse trembled when your warrior friend crashed shoulder first into it. You barely saw her run and jump into that tackle!

''I'll wager that I'm through in five more charges!'' She said after sprinting away, holding up her hand for the men that weren't laughing anymore.

Most of them had scrambled for their weapons, wooden staves with bulbous ends that would undeniably crack bones in one solid strike.

Perhaps this is the right way to go about this. These men... probably only respect money or violence. ''Repairing that gate will be on your dimes, so make everyone's lives easier and open it. I'll even be gracious enough to forget your poor attempt at coercion.''

Before anyone could reply the distinctive noise of someone unlocked the other side doused the mood. ''Who!?'' Yelled the blond man, the guys all ran the other way to get a look as whoever opened the gate pulled it inward.

''Come on in!'' Urged a man who stepped out of view before you could see him.

You and Shigeko promptly ran inside, your hand went to your sword ready to pull it out in case the men decided to get physical. ''Since when did we refuse entry?'' Yelled the man as he pushed the gate closed, the light clicking of metal around him revealed armor concealed by a leather cloak on his back. ''And berating one of the few elders too?''

''Fuck off, Aryel!'' Yelled one of the men in return and that, it seems, was that. The guys all returned to lazing around atop the parapet.

You stood inside a small plaza, an open spot of damaged cobblestone that split into three roads leading deeper into the district. Despite the entire city being five years old, the building here seemed to have aged by fifty years: visible neglect had caused numerous little damages and holes in most of the roofs you saw and with mostly everything made out of wood, wild herbs covered a few places you could only assume to be abandoned.

A small crowd was looking at you, perhaps around ten pairs of eyes with colors as unique as the people holding them. Ladies with furry ears and fluffy tails, mutated lizards' arms and legs, a few harpies, and even a pair of lamias stood around with the kind of surprise befitting inhabitants unused to this kind of excitement. Granted, so am I.

''Phew, Mother's Mercy. Good thing I was nearby.'' The unfamiliar man spoke. ''Were you seriously going to bust through that?''

''Yes.'' Shigeko deadpan answer nearly made you laugh.

You finally get a good look at him. Wowowow

Handsome is a misnomer, he's downright beautiful. Semi-long unkempt brown hair round around his neck to frame his charming youthful face in this perfect mix of elegant masculinity that makes his godtouched brilliant red eyes hypnotizing. A plated armor covered his torso while hints of chainmails peeked out of his shirt and pants, his right arm held a deadly glaive firmly while his other hand rested on top of a sword with a handle similarly wrapped like yours. He's a bit on the short side... although still taller than you.

''...well good thing I heard that bang.'' He continues after a long, awkward silence. ''Let's give these guys some space.'' He gently gestured with his polearm for the plaza.

''You two know each other?'' Keep yourself focused, Rey!

''Yeah.'' Your blue protector answers. ''Aryel here fancies himself a peacekeeper, he does good enough work with mediating things before the mercs decided to make themselves kings.''

''All I've ever been good for is swinging iron.'' He smiles, looking a little more relaxed with the other men out of earshot. ''Are you perhaps related to the first elder who showed up a few days ago, my lady?''

''Yes, that was my mother. I'm Rey Vesperus, her daughter and we came here to see Augustine, she's still here?'' I can't look into his eyes.

''Indeed, perhaps she's the only reason why people are holding some kind of hope now with the sacrifice being gone.'' You barely managed to stop yourself from grimacing.

''Things are getting this tense?'' Shigeko ask and the man shrugs, causing the metal on his body to audibly click.
''That bastard Jules was here earlier today and he publicly whipped Branka for daring to border him with bringing some supplies or at least allowing some garbage to be delivered out of here.'' He speaks through clenched teeth. ''You and Seyraphal leaving was a good thing, but it also poured more water into the vase. I'm not the only feeling that one more incident might cause things to completely explode out of control.''
''Then I suppose the dear leader won't see past her horns if I go bother her,'' Shigeko commented while heaving a sigh.

''There's history between you two?''

''Yeah.'' A rare show of nervousness from Shigeko has her scratch her broken horn. ''I'm the only other warrior species so my existence is a threat to her authority. Let's say I've been bullied for the year I've been here.''

''I'd call that outright neglect with constant baiting to get you into a serious fight.'' Replies the young man. ''I'm honestly not sure how she's going to handle all the bullshit the mercs keep throwing in the community... but.'' He turns to you. ''Your mother nearly killed one of the bastard mercs so that made plenty of people happy, having another elder in the village should bring some optimism. If you need to talk with that bull-woman, you should be the one to do it, milady Rey.''

''Fine by me.'' Shigeko quickly replied, for some reason, there was a strangely evil smile on her face.
''Hold on now we're only here to find the good doctor and I'm no leader.''
''Yet.'' Why are you being so cheeky now, you false monk!
''It's fine. The monsters have made a little clinic and Augustine is operating in there with the only remaining Wise Woman and a handful of trusted staff to help the sicks.'' The young man explained calmly, turning to look toward the road that'd lead you to your destination. ''Mind if I escort you both? I doubt the people here would do you harm but I can't promise anything if you were to cross paths with a handful of men.''
''Thanks, having an actual brawl is the last thing on my mind.'' Purely practical, yes.

You're finally inside the source of so many worries for Eichenwald. It's not much to look at, at least the squalor isn't erupting into the streets yet.

>Go find Augustine immediately, with the way things are going, you'll likely be dragged into some troubles otherwise.
>If things are so tense in the village, making a detour to find the leader should be worthwhile. You've made a deal with the church and the heir, giving them a promise that things will improve should help them endure for the next few days.
>Speak with this young man instead. He's the self-titled peacekeeper of the Mamono village, a young man like him was apparently friend with the deceased Olin. Investigate that history.
>Free
I'll roll for Usha awakening after you guys make your choice.

>>6255865
>''That bastard Jules was here earlier today and he publicly whipped Branka for daring to border him with bringing some supplies or at least allowing some garbage to be delivered out of here.''
that's the thing I don't get, why don't they let the monsters take trash out of the village ?
>>6255871
>Go find Augustine immediately, with the way things are going, you'll likely be dragged into some troubles otherwise.
chop chop chop

>>6255896
>that's the thing I don't get, why don't they let the monsters take trash out of the village ?
They're only allowing small quantities out of the village for some reason, the guys are inspecting what comes out fairly thoroughly for some reason, so they've decided to take the lazy approach and only smaller quantity to go out.

>>6255871
>Speak with this young man instead. He's the self-titled peacekeeper of the Mamono village, a young man like him was apparently friend with the deceased Olin. Investigate that history.

>>6255871
>Speak with this young man instead. He's the self-titled peacekeeper of the Mamono village, a young man like him was apparently friend with the deceased Olin. Investigate that history.

Rolled 3 (1d6)

I probably won't be able to answer today, but I think it's a good spot to settle on.

Now, 3-6 will have Usha awaken. Let's see if she sleep late today

''Before we go, there's something I wanted to discuss with you, sir Aryel.''

''The end of my knighthood dispelled my deserving of "sir," milady.'' One hand firmly grasped the leather reinforcement of his glaive and the other rested on the handle of his sword; he remained relaxed in his posture. ''Is it a sensitive topic?'' Gosh, even the air blowing on his face makes my heart race a bit. Keep your focus, Rey.
''Yes.'' You glanced around the small plaza. All the lingering Mamonos had returned to their business, and the guys at the gates were making a point of ignoring your group. ''Here will be fine. I didn’t want to risk getting overheard inside a teahouse.''

''Alas, all the eateries have closed.'' Aryel nodded, looking slightly uncomfortable. ''I cannot promise to be an open book, but I swear to be faithful in answering anything you want.''
''It concerns Olin, Augustine’s son.'' A brief wave of surprise destabilized him, quickly overshadowed by glaring anger; his expression sharpened into pointed aggression directed at you. Shigeko silently stepped next to you.
''My father opened a connection into our dearest Mother Web, and his spirit manifested in my home a few days ago, so I made it my duty to help him. We expect him to regain consciousness today or tomorrow.'' Gods above, this guy has an intense expression. ''And I’ve discovered several worrying things...'' Explaining everything you’d learned about the young boy took a handful of minutes—your discovery about his circumstances and today’s meeting with the priest, though you kept yourself sparse on details about all the patients in his basement.

''I haven’t seen him yet,'' Shigeko commented after you finished your explanation. ''But Rey and her parents are good, strong, honest souls. They have my trust.''
There was no trace of politeness on the handsome young man’s face anymore; his piercing eyes looked at you and the tall blue woman with aggressive intensity, but he remained controlled.
''I’ve never been able to make up my mind about Belmont. He always struck me as a lazy asshole placed here by nepotism. He made excuses for failing the Last Bells? To think Augustine never said a word about this...'' He shook his head, grabbing his glaive with both hands. ''...it’s a sensitive topic, alright. The little lad died last month; the wound feels raw.''

''Ghosts mainly communicate through emotions when affecting souls on a superficial level. The more I know about him before his manifestation, the better placed I’d be to understand his message and maybe even share memories.'' Here came the make-or-break of this blossoming friendship. ''People often saw you two together before his untimely accident. Please do—''
''Foul play.'' Aryel smacked the ground with the blunt end of his polearm. ''I know it in my soul that someone pushed him off that tower.''

Dangerous tension had wrapped around his body before you noticed. The focus point of his anger was you because there was nothing else for him to look at, and those red eyes of his slowly but surely peeled layers of your mental defense. He’s like a coiled spring.

''We’ll find out soon,'' Shigeko spoke, putting one of her big hands on your shoulder. ''I remember Olin saying he was your apprentice. Was that true?''
''...I guess he was.'' His voice broke, forcing him to clear his throat. Aryel stood straighter and then gestured with his head for you and Shigeko to take some distance from the gatehouse.
''I arrived in Eichenwald during the early spring of this year, and it coincided with the militias starting a martial tournament.'' He forced a smile as he looked up to the blade of his glaive. ''I won, and a week later, the lad somehow tracked me down and demanded I train him—make him my squire.''

Aryel shook his head, his mood slowly but surely changing. ''I’ll gloss over the arguing. Suffice it to say, Olin showed up on the militia grounds whenever he had time to spare after school and kept trying to imitate the training I gave the men. And, well, the guys over there kept pressuring me into giving him a chance, so I relented.''
''So he became your squire?'' Your question was first met by a chuckle.

''I’ve abandoned my knightly vow. I deserve no squire, milady... but I suppose the concept remains.'' He uncorked his gourd to take a small sip. ''Olin wanted to become strong—to emulate the great Batrion, to become a paladin, to defend the weak, and, above all, to help his mother. Keep her safe.''
''Keeping his mother safe?'' Why would a ten-year-old boy worry about this? Batrion was the greatest of all the 13 heroes who slowly but surely hunted down Demon Lord Damian and his lieutenants. All boys in the Allied Kingdoms likely try to play as him sometimes.

''Yeah, I never got a straight answer about that. Even when Augustine confronted me about all the time I spent with her son, I didn’t see any threat lingering around them... but that’s because I chose to ignore the boy’s troubles outside his home instead of taking the few signs I saw seriously.'' He sighed, looking at Shigeko instead of you.

''Anyway, I put the boy through fundamental training. The strength to help and protect others can only come with good health and diligence. Having him run around, lift weights, and even swing a sword until his hands bled from blisters was my way of discouraging him, but it had the opposite effect. That boy knew the meaning of dedication; every day of training was a step forward.''
''So I decided to shift my method.'' His fingers danced on the pommel of his sword. ''By that time, Augustine and I were in regular contact about Olin’s near-obsession, so we both shifted our attention to something more productive than running around and making him more aggressive with weapons.''

He gestured with his head toward the nearby roads. ''Augustine came to practice medicine here, and Olin became something of an errand boy. I sent him to know the community and help out with physical tasks. The women took a quick shine to him, and after two weeks, he earned himself a nickname: The Squire. He was mighty proud of it.'' A melancholic laugh escaped him, and for a moment, Aryel lost himself by looking toward a pair of Mamonos moving a hand-drawn cart.

''I remember him asking me about martial arts,'' Shigeko said fondly. ''I showed him a few things about how to keep a good stance and throw a punch without hurting himself. The women in the village liked the little guy. It was so odd to see a boy his age asking about doing chores... and he even became a good help to Seyraphal when her disease worsened.''

''Yeah...'' The handsome young man rubbed his eyes. ''...sorry, words decided to flow out of my mouth.''
''It’s alright.'' There was a noticeable ache in your heart; a cloak of grief shadowed your emotions. You’d never met the little man, but the more you got to know him—his circumstances and the people who did spend time with that boy—the more you started to feel like you’d lost a friend. ''You mentioned troubles?''
''Nothing concrete. I have my suspicions about potential culprits, but I won’t besmirch my honor with groundless accusations.'' His hand fiddled with the handle of his sword, playing with pushing out a centimeter and sliding the iron back.

''Olin was having trouble outside his home. I noticed worrying bruises on his body. A handful of times during training, he grew particularly enraged when he couldn’t break my defenses, and during our discussions, I’d sometimes overhear little comments about people he disliked.'' Aryel moistened his lips while turning half-around, looking at his hand. ''Little hints like these made me grow suspicious, but... I didn’t try to find out. He was my pupil, and I kept trying to maintain a distance. Augustine was far too busy expanding her knowledge of herbalism into proper medicine. Me?'' You heard the creasing of leather as he balled his hand into a fist. ''I was too lazy to look out for a troubled kid, and now he’s dead.''

What could you say here? That it wasn’t his fault? Of course, it was true, but the intense guilt and anger wrapped around him would make that remark sound hollow, if not insulting.

''My family and I will be looking into Olin’s circumstances, Aryel. I—''

Sudden movements inside your bags interrupted your talking. Muffled grunts and frustrated complaints quickly followed as the little guest you brought along—and completely forgot about—decided that now was the perfect time to get hungry. The outline in the leather of your bag almost followed Usha’s movement as you began fiddling with it to the shared bemusement of Aryel and Shigeko.

Sunlight and fresh air immediately calmed down the little blue gremlin making a mess of your items (thankfully without leaving behind sticky blue residues). Usha’s angry little face looked at you, and her expression immediately brightened into a lovely smile. ''Hey, hey, now don’t make a mess. Be quiet!'' You whispered to the little girl, whose answer was to extend her tiny arms toward you. Cute!

''Is there somewhere quiet I could go for a little while?'' Usha let out an angry ''Uu!'' when you looked away from her to concentrate on Aryel.
''...Yeah, the nearby houses are empty because of the mercs,'' he answered, adequately bemused by the situation. ''Do you have a puppy in your bag?''
''Nope.'' Shigeko imposed herself, gesturing toward one of the abandoned homes. ''Guess you’ll see soon enough. Chop chop, let’s go.''

Thankfully, it wasn’t a long walk because you were forced to look into your bag to keep Usha somewhat still. The girl was trying to climb out, but your movements made it too difficult for her to keep a good balance, resulting in a slow degradation of her good mood.

I know Nyct told me keeping her existence a secret is important... but I think Aryel is worthy of a little trust. Besides, what matters is for nobody to know where and how I got her.

Your temporary refuge was a simple little home of two rooms. Trash had completely condemned the sole bedroom, but thankfully, no strange smells lingered. Shigeko silently posted herself to cover the only window, and the glaiveman stood a few feet away from you, thoroughly confused.
''Okay, okay. Don’t start crying now.'' Usha’s noises were starting to worry you. You gently cupped your hands, letting her crawl inside to finally bring her to the open world.
''A—a baby slime? You’re harboring a baby slime?''

Ignoring him, you kept your attention on Usha. Half of her lower body remained a puddle, but her upper half was much more recognizable now, showing a proper humanoid shape with defined arms and hands that she kept holding up. She was only satisfied after you brought her to your face, where she started nuzzling against your cheek. Ooooh...
''Shii, how long did she stay awake yesterday?''

''Around two hours,'' responded your oni friend, who, for some reason, sported a strangely arrogant grin.
''Damn, I guess we can’t wait out her energy here...'' Satisfied with her hug, you felt Usha start crawling around your hands, so you lowered her. Her movements stopped as she stared at Aryel in fascination.

''If I may...'' started the man, all of his rage and unease dispelled by the presence of the blue baby. ''...Walking around with a newborn slime is the best way I can think of to give all the women here good impressions.''

Keeping Usha’s existence a secret would likely be close to impossible. You could shove her into your bag after feeding and prevent her from going out, but that’s... Kind of harsh, but maybe showing discipline early is a good idea? Gods, what am I thinking? I’m no mother!

She’ll start whining for food soon enough; for now, she was too occupied with making strange faces at Aryel. ''Guess she’s finding you interesting.''
''Ah! You’ve got a perceptive little lass.'' He laughed, then turned half-around to examine the outside world. ''I can’t see anybody looking for us if that has you worried.'' Huh, Usha really is fascinated by him for some reason.

Your blue friend wasn’t exactly glaring holes into the man. You’d say it might be... something like a crush? No, maybe she’s interested in him. The guy was in half-plate armor with a sword and a glaive; he did strike an unusual presence.

''We can spare some time for you to take care of your little one.'' Usha is not my daughter, Shii!
''I know, I know...'' Having a stranger here did make things a tad more complicated.

Two choices to make.
>You will walk around without hiding little Usha. She's a curious little lass who deserves to see the world, you're not going to be afraid of a little complication down the line.
>It'll be better for you to show some discipline. Usha should remain inside your bag when you're in the village. She won't like this, but you should start early by getting a little bit of control over her.
>Have her stay on Shigeko. It'll be a good way to obfuscate the truth and you might teach her that your blue friend is a source of safety, too.
+
>Have Shigeko take Aryel out of the house while you feed Usha. The slime's magical consuming nature is something you need to keep secret for as long as you can.
>Show some good faith and allow the man to witness Usha consuming the Aegis you'll summon to feed Usha. You've never been good at keeping secrets... it's better not to try.

>>6257407
>It'll be better for you to show some discipline. Usha should remain inside your bag when you're in the village. She won't like this, but you should start early by getting a little bit of control over her.
Once she can talk she can have freer reign, the last thing we want is for her to cause a scene that we can't fix, or force us to reveal things to the powers that be, the lower profile the better

>Show some good faith and allow the man to witness Usha consuming the Aegis you'll summon to feed Usha. You've never been good at keeping secrets... it's better not to try.
Let him know that we would prefer that he not tell anyone.

>>6257407
>Have her stay on Shigeko. It'll be a good way to obfuscate the truth and you might teach her that your blue friend is a source of safety, too.

>Show some good faith and allow the man to witness Usha consuming the Aegis you'll summon to feed Usha. You've never been good at keeping secrets... it's better not to try.

>>6257407
The slime daughteru rides Shigeko. Also we let him see our little one eat but that we'd like him to keep it a secret for now.

>>6257407
>Have her stay on Shigeko. It'll be a good way to obfuscate the truth and you might teach her that your blue friend is a source of safety, too.

>Show some good faith and allow the man to witness Usha consuming the Aegis you'll summon to feed Usha. You've never been good at keeping secrets... it's better not to try.

Little Usha's attention returns to you when she feels your movement. She turns around on your palm to look at you, her little blue eyes somehow understanding the magical potential of your Focii. She extends her hands toward it, making a little "Uua!" complaint that nearly carries her forward a little too fast.
"Easy, easy now, little one. Good to see you're still healthy." Your voice seems to soothe her, and your attention causes her to stare at you with a fascination similar to the one she bestowed upon Aryel.
"My good sir, little Usha here has a rather unusual diet..." Your eyes drift to Shigeko. "...I don't mind if he knows, Shii. Ideally, I'd like that fact to remain a secret."
"You have me very intrigued..." He lowered his voice when Usha erupted into another set of insistent complaints as you prevented her from moving toward your Focii-holding arm.
"Alright, hey, hey now, calm down." One heavy stare follows your command, and Usha's attitude changes into obedient fear.

Better to show than tell here.

Embracing the miracle of Mother Earth and elevating her Aegis within your soul allows you to feel the magic itself travel from your Focii into your body. You shape the shield into your preferred shape: the Good Mother butterfly. Its golden luminescence is a beautiful sight amidst the sad emptiness of this once-thriving living room, yet Usha reacts by extending her hands toward it insistently.
Letting her rest on top of the golden shield causes her to quickly lower herself and run her hands across it, but soon enough, all of her movement stops as you keep your arm in a steady (if awkward) horizontal position. You feel the magic leave your conjured shield at a slow, steady pace as the tiny blue entity starts consuming her fill.

"You... are you saying she's consuming the Holy energy of your Aegis?" Aryel says in reasonable disbelief.
"Magic and Corruption too," Shigeko answers, who was now keeping a proper lookout outside. "Sounds unbelievable, but there's no fooling your eyes."
"Where in the world did you find her?"

"For now, I need to keep this to myself, sorry." Aryel nods as you speak and lets his glaive rest on a nearby wall. "As you know, Usha's unusual diet could attract lots of attention, so I'd like you to keep this to yourself."
"Of course, a newborn like her with such... specific needs will need a special family, and it seems she has found it. What a blessing." He walked a few steps closer and put his hands behind his back. "Would you mind if I come closer? I won't disturb her."

With your acquiescence, the handsome young man gets close enough to properly observe Usha feeding without making you uncomfortable. Your little one is in a proper trance now, staying still as the energy of Holy flows into her without any physical manifestation.

"Oh, I can see her core," the young man remarks after a few minutes. Indeed, a minuscule pink bean has appeared in the middle of her chest.

"These are believed to be the anchor between a slime's soul and its body; something that I believe everyone possesses, tucked somewhere inside here." He gently taps his chest. "Consuming magic, Holy, and Corruption is certainly unique... do you know much about slimes?"
"I'm afraid not. I'm unsure how close Usha is to her species given what she's consuming." You gesture at the motionless blue half-blob standing on your shield of gold.

"Allow me to explain..."

So he does. For the rather long time it takes Usha to fully consume her fill of Holy, Aryel talks about the slimes that once populated the Allied Kingdoms before the mindless greed of alchemists pushed them into near extinction, forcing a military intervention from the Demon Lord to save what was left. Their cores can be used for not only amplifying magic but also alchemy as a whole, capable of greatly enhancing the energy of various machines. He then discusses their feeding habits, and the way they evolved with their environment; from consuming liquids to rocks with organic matter in between, only the intervention of men could have pushed these resilient entities into disappearing from the land...

You have 3/7 daily energy left inside your Focii.

The pull of Usha's hunger dwindles to nothing, and the girl remains motionless, looking stuck in a proper food coma. She doesn’t acknowledge your gentle grab so that you can dispel the golden shield, and for a moment you worry something is wrong, but the little satisfied sighs and noises coming out of her are good reassurances.
"Alright, that was a bit of a sidestep. Shii?" She perks up upon hearing her name. "Since you're one of Usha's aunts, you'll be taking care of her when we're here."

"Me?" She points a big finger at herself.
"Yes, you." You walk to stand in front of her. "I think it'll be better if people here think she's yours, and... I want Usha to know you're also a source of safety. Spend some time with her."
The way her face hardened could easily be misunderstood as displeasure. "I haven't been able to tease you about being her mom yet."
"Too bad, Aunty." You need to stand on your tiptoes and elevate your arm to hold Usha near her face. The oni relents and gently grabs the stunned blob. "Maybe she'll camouflage with your skin."

"Heh heh, consider yourself marked for a prank when I find the inspiration." Usha remains completely zoned out throughout the exchange.
"Onto Augustine?" the young man asks.

"Take us there."

--

Walking around the village made you realize it was a dense place. The houses near the walls were small buildings that seemed more like storerooms than proper residences, but those built along the myriad streets outside the main thoroughfare were two stories high, housing more than one family. Communal habitation was a visible norm for the Mamonos, explaining why nearly all the smaller houses were empty and full of trash. Pedestrians slowly but surely increased as you neared the village center. Older Mamonos heading for the market watched your trio with no end of wariness, and the few mercenaries patrolling around were a group of five, making everyone scatter at the mere echoes of their voices. Thankfully, Aryel's heavily armed presence was all the deterrent you and Shigeko needed for some peace.

The village center was rather fancy, composed of the bigger buildings of the community, with an obvious spot for the leader in a beautiful stone house guarded by Mamono who openly sneered at walking mercenaries. There were a handful of stalls, a communal grocery with a worrying line-up, a forge ringing and clanging, and a few monsters speaking with mercs around a big cart. The men were inspecting the insides, which, at first glance, seemed filled with disgusting garbage.

"That's our bathhouse, or was," Aryel pointed at a midsized stone structure guarded by men, much larger compared to everything else here. "The bastard went and took it when they arrived, preventing the community from using it. It was built by the alchemist guild as a proof of concept during Eichenwald's foundation; it's a fully modern noble marvel, and the guys are using it as a partyhouse."

I'll remember that. This community wasn't built to be oppressed.

"Is the clinic nearby?" After not even five minutes in the square, your trio is starting to raise eyebrows. Aryel's heavily armed presence and Shigeko's existence are more than enough to catch attention, and Usha balancing herself on your blue friend's broken horn might also be another source of stares.
"Two stone throws on the left," Aryel gently gestured in the direction with his glaive.

You arrived at a fairly large two-story stone building, big enough for perhaps fifty people. Nobody was guarding it, so you stepped inside at your leisure. The door opened into a grand hall separated into smaller rooms by curtains. Many monsters of all imaginable races lingered around, looking suitably frail for this facility, but what you quickly noticed was the children. Far too many little girls with their mothers sat near the reception desk. A green, mossy-skinned nurse (you assumed) was methodically giving the moms small cups of medicine for the kids.

Something else also caught your attention near the entrance. A small shrine had been erected. Candlesticks, incense, and many blessings carved on wooden plates had been placed around a crude but charming doll of a boy you’ve grown to know quite well. A small cup for donations rested on a nearby table. You silently slid a piece of silver inside, and an elderly lamia snoozing nearby nodded in gratitude upon sensing your proximity.

"Plenty of kids, I don’t remember people being this sick..." Shigeko whispered, gently poking Usha, who reacted with a cute growl.
"You and Seyraphal were utterly isolated," Aryel answered in a similar tone. "People don’t want to talk about it, but there have been rumors of a potential epidemic."

While being very careful with his polearm, the man led you toward the front of the reception desk, occupied by a rather charming individual.
A long dark-haired foxgirl with fuzzy ears and a big bushy tail of similar darkness looked up with striking red eyes at your group’s arrival. Her distinctively foreign features stood in sharp contrast with everyone else here, and her gray shirt and pants clashed with her quiet beauty. She gave you impressions of a foreign princess.

"Meet Hanabi, wise woman."

"Huh? What?" came her voice as she absentmindedly let go of a paper to look at your group. "Ain’t you one sorry sight, angel-man. Finally got your harem?"
"Not quite, not quite. I’ll go stand guard outside. I think Shigeko and Rey’s presence might invite... bad actors, and I don’t want the kids to get scared." Wow. He’s fleeing.
"When the hell did you give birth?" came a sharp accusation as the fluffy fox got up. We share the same height! Thank the gods I’m not alone!
"What? Didn’t see the baby bump when I was all skin and bone?" Shigeko gently moved her head, causing Usha to make a sharp complaint as she struggled to keep her balance upon her broken horn.
"Bloody hell, a slime here? In the AK?" Then her red eyes focused on you.
"I’m Rey Vesperus," you quickly spoke. "Daughter to the two, huh, source of that brawl a few days ago."
"Ah," Hanabi tsk’d. "Bad but necessary business. Is Sey healthy?"
You nod.

"Good, good. Suppose you two are here for our godtouched, huh? She ought to be with her last patient. The gals here are mighty damned stubborn with their health, I’ll tell you that."
"I’ve only arrived here recently, but I honestly want to help this community." All the kids here make for a worrying sight.
"Yeah? Those assholes need to stop squeezing our balls ’cause we ain’t got none. Kick them out of our bathhouse so people can clean, bathe, and shit in peace. Our latrines are a fucking mess, they barely let us take our garbage out of here, and the wells are starting to run low. We’ll need a big delivery of clean water mighty soon."
"There’s also the low supplies..." Hanabi’s ears droop at your words, and she nods, her gaze directed at a pipe on her desk.

"Well, listen, Shigeko, Rey. Once you leave here, go take a bath because..." Her voice drops to a whisper. "...All those kids are sharing similar belly symptoms. Augustine is a right saint with her medicine, but all we can do in these conditions is slow down a dysentery outbreak."

Dysentery. The guild of alchemists found a cure for that damnable disease; no apothecary makes his business without it.

"Nothing’s breaking out yet," the fox-woman quickly added. "Mamono are a sturdy lot, but shit’s inevitable in our condition."

"...I didn’t know things were this bad," Shigeko comments, eyes closed. Usha has moved away to crawl on her head without disturbing her hair.

"You had more than enough bullshit to worry about." Hanabi says gently. This fox has that flair you've seen on the few immortals you've come across. She looks similar to you in age but the truth is likely far different.

You haven't given any thought on how to approach Augustine...

>You should bring up Olin situation as soon as you can. It is your duty as a concerned friend.
>Don't mention the boy right away, he won't manifest until tonight. See if you can help your pink friend in her duties, perhaps you'll find an opportunity to talk about him.
>Free.

>>6258409
>You should bring up Olin situation as soon as you can. It is your duty as a concerned friend.
There really isn't a better time, the thing is to lead into it with the facts of the matter as it is known to us, leave postulates and blame until later.


Maybe see what Hanibi and Augustine think of Belmont's offer of charity, and if they have any insight into what tack they think we should take with getting Thibault to tamp down on the mercs in the mean time.

>>6258409
>You should bring up Olin situation as soon as you can. It is your duty as a concerned friend.
considering everything, we might as well tell it as soon as we can

>>6258409
>>You should bring up Olin situation as soon as you can. It is your duty as a concerned friend.

>>6258409
>You should bring up Olin situation as soon as you can. It is your duty as a concerned friend.

>>6258409
>You should bring up Olin situation as soon as you can. It is your duty as a concerned friend.

I'll have to end our thread here because I need to concentrate on a few other things for the next two weeks, life is getting a bit important, and we've reached page 8.

Ideally, I'd make a new thread around July 6 so you guys won't have to wait too long. I'll be writing a little something and post in a few days, so do stay tuned. Feel free to ask anything, too.

I kinda realized my epilogue would spoil a bit too many surprises, so I'll likely post it at the end of our new thread after more discoveries to keep our suspense (and decision!) going.

>>6266369
alright then