"Listen bub. You can dissolve into the primordial essence of the multiverse, which would get me in trouble by the way, or you can go to boat heaven with your boat and boat friends for an eternity of glory, riches, and manual labor. Your choice."
1+
Brilliant. +1!
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You've had it with coddling him. You're not here to be his mystical therapist.
'Listen, bub,' you start, leaning back and crossing your arms. The change in approach seems to take the bub by surprise.
'You can dissolve into the primordial essence of the multiverse, which would get me in trouble by the way, or you can go to boat heaven with your boat and boat friends for an eternity of glory and riches. Your choice.''Steadman's Ark...' the man mutters. He scratches his immaterial head. 'You say it is heaven? I suppose...' [Charm 5: 6+2=8,
Success] 'I suppose I do want to see the
Holly again. I went over so quickly... not even time to say my farewells. And the fellows, they'd want me to join them. Even if the gods see fit to continue my punishment, at least I'll get to see them again. Bunch of lucky bastards.'
He lets out a deep breath. 'Well, you've sold it to me. Better we get moving before the thing returns to eat what's left of me. There's more of the bloody things every year...'
He shakes his head and takes your hand. You carry him on.
***
What strikes you first is the terrible, impossibly vast scale. The flashes of fate you summoned told little of the truth. The Ark could swallow continents in its hold without effort. Its enormous, sprawling bulk glimmers in pure starlight, each segment a different ship of wood or steel.
Thousands upon thousands of ships, all proud, ocean-faring giants, have joined the godship, the Ark growing and growing stronger with the passing of centuries. The mismatch of styles and ages seems to gain a sense of singularity and unity in service of divine will.
Beyond
Steadman's Ark, the void spreads out in its infinity. Distant stars give off unearthly light. You move swiftly towards your destination and descend to the deck, shadowed by towers of larger and greater ships. The soul seems fearful but eager as you let him go.
He falls to his knees and kisses the deck of the vessel. His form solidifies and seems to grow even stronger, imbued with godly vitality. From the depths of the city, his fellow crew rush out, shouting their greetings.
Before you can leave, a sharp voice addresses you. You see a female shape, not quite a mortal, rise to your side.
'Thank you for returning my lost one, honored Guide. I heard his doubt. It is good it was not allowed to fester,' she says. It occurs to you she is, in all likelihood, the ship's spirit.
For something thinking and living to come out of wood and tar - and the imagination and belief of the crew - would require magic beyond your understanding. The lady of the
Holly curtsies shortly before continuing.
'I am aware you only fulfilled your duty. Regardless, it would be only proper if I were to grant you some boon. My power is still young, but I will seek to fulfill whatever you would ask.'
Persuaded Soul: +5XP
Soul Guided: +5XP>?
Author
Topic: Psychopompos (Read 16928 times)