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Bruh that's fake news

[Quaksna]

I hope that's not were you went

Oh you bet I had to console the relatives and everything



Nah jokes aside, I was first attending training in the holiest site of all justiciars, to become even professional-er keyboard typer, in the town of Kroměříž, where I found that... Thing, with the skulls. Gotta love those little dinosaurs in the lawn, really tying it all together. Then I accompanied my family on a short pilgrimage somewhere near the Polish border. There I came upon the fawn, when I unknowingly walked off the path, hence I waited for the rest and might've fallen asleep by the little thing. A great grudge was settled that weekend, involving a roasted duck, but that's a tad longer story...

In short, I am getting quite busy, and while the rest of June should go okay, I am quite positive I'll have to loosen the updates a bit with time, both in scale and frequency, sadly. We'll see once we get there, now, enjoy this one.

. . .

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You're left a moment to think, being watched expectantly, and it's a time you'll be sure to take advantage of. An idea is brewing in your head...

"Black?" Flax speaks, stepping closer. "Are you with us?"

"Yes, something occured to me just now..." you nod, drawing the words out loud, stretching them like the bow's string, ready to propel the ones after. "I say we go with the road, but before we do - there is a way I should be able to find out, how much we need to fear those ruffians."

"Not going to ask them, I presume? Nor simply scouting in person either."



"Correct, I can attempt to look from afar, if I manage to induce a vision. Given it's in close vicinity and there is no middleman, the spell shan't be well trackable. Though I doubt the lot has any magicians to spare, the city could... Now where is this Spine's End, actually?"

This instance the warrior is compelled to contemplate, but not for long. Instead, he asks the nearest supposed local, much to the vagrant's amusement.



"Hey, dear swain!" he whistles quiet. "What do they call The Spine's End?"

"That?" the visitor hums, and gives his response fast, only briefly skimming your looks. "It is in Newtown, where the streets cross, near the eastern gate. You can't miss that..."

"Amazing, thanks!"



With ever so much anticipation Flax faces you once again, whilst you put the information together.

"Very well, but I reckon we need to change location regardless... This isn't quite the right place, I feel."

"What, will it summon more kids?" the stoat rolls her eyes, right until they meet the fiery gaze of your chief.

"Oh no, it's the books. Great power in them, it's giving me a headache."



"Then lead us, but let us all stay vigilant!" Flax bids, packs the scroll, and passes it along. Thereafter you depart.



First, you get out the school district - one glance at the sorcerer's estate tells you, who knows what results will your escapades bring upon. You don't want to hide at the river bank either, now that you know what all kinds of individuals can lurk there, at any dark corner for that matter...

"Sas, you went for a walk, do help me here." you plead. "Is there a place where no temple stands? I don't want to go out the walls, we'd have a hard time explaining ourselves... An inn could work, mayhap, but they tend to be noisy..."

"Least monks by the entrance we came in through." the vagrant steps in, pointing over the river. "But the houses are sparser, it'd be harder to find a hidden spot."



Still, you decide to go with it. From what you can muster, the city may not brim with other magicians, but you're not taking any chances. The terrain is rising from the gate, up to the keep towering over the whole city, and this you find a way to draw from, fitting in an unoccupied rift.



"Alright, here goes nothing." you announce, letting your weight loose to lean on the wall behind. "I've never done this, so keep an eye on me, if I enter trance or worse, you might have to catch me."



You close your eyes, and banish all your senses, save the spot you so desire to see. There are no spirits at hand to help, and your soul cannot conceive of such a spell, let alone sustain it. You will have to summon some, and hope no one notices.

You connect with a force familiar, and try to direct it where it is you want to observe. Slowly, you begin to perceive more than the dark, and gleams of colors appear. Something is taking shape...



lt's just Crackantler. Not exactly the kind of vision you wished for, adjustments have to be made. The results are a fleeting chaos...















Like lightning flash faces familiar, from your dreams, from this day and from memories. Glimpses through a window back to the mortal realm you catch, but not enough to matter, it seems like your immediate surroundings only, even.



Again does the mirage settle, and you are meeting yourself, your own image held in the eye.

"You cannot do it." your voice sounds. "You cannot."

That is the last you see, as your eyes are now open, and witness the blue sky again. Along with some concerned acquaintances.



"Oh, don't tell me..." you grunt, soon to discover further, indeed now you lean against something else, or rather, someone. Cross, you try to get on your hooves, but promptly fall down again. Even the mortal world is spinning, but it does wear off slowly.

"I suppose I don't have to..." Flax utters, helping the while to collect your bits. "But we'd like to hear, how it went, this ordeal."

"Long story short, it didn't work." you share the news, quite upsetting to you, still you control yourself. "I've caught naught. But you did me, I see..."



"So what do we do now?" Sas inquires, and the answer is not one to test your resolve.

"We move."

"So we do." nods Flax, and turns the helm accordingly. "Come!"



For the last time today you navigate through the city, and reflect. Hopefully, the journey gets simpler from here. But you've been proven wrong with that assumption before, there is always something lurking, behind your shoulder. And you really are unwell, all the more now with your magic failing. Hope shines still a more rural environment fixes much, of what this holding plagued you with.



The road awaits you, wide and mighty no less than the one which has led you here, but not just on the account of snow shoved aside, it is studded with fragmented stone. And the passing company, of carts, pilgrims, or striders like yourself.



"There are to be villages nearby, we're sure to reach a roof by the sunset." Flax informs you. "Quite straightforward if I say so myself, all the way to the next border. Ancients know what then..."

[King Zultan]

Sounds like it's time to begin the next leg of our journey. Also that sequence where he tried to what those guys were doing was trippy and I liked it, but I wonder who's face that was.

In short, I am getting quite busy, and while the rest of June should go okay, I am quite positive I'll have to loosen the updates a bit with time, both in scale and frequency, sadly. We'll see once we get there, now, enjoy this one.

I have patients I can wait as long as it takes for an update, as they are of the highest quality and I look forward to them.

[Quaksna]

Okay so there's some crazy conpiracy underway, the sheets from my paper dealer got silently replaced for these ultra smooth, almost plastic-ey specimen that seem to hate any color at all, it's almost like the stuff we use in offices for makeshift folders like what is this. Started at a few frames back at Gaval's house, the latest episode was exclusively on it and it shows, it grinds my gears. I've been scouring other shops and collecting various papers this week, it seemed to be a trend all across, at least for the eye and finger, upon testing it wasn't that bad. Hence, this short update is quite experimental once again, as I was trying various new material out.

. . .

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

A new leaf the road promises, one you got to savor already approaching the city, now a handful of it to enjoy again before the sun sets. Nevertheless, you do not crave much to occupy you these days, having a lot weighing on mind at all times. Though it is not as if the imagery lied bare of anything to note, only the trees made way for men, hills for fields, and wheels sing where wind's rustle once did. Still, seldom you sway sight.



Your companions disturb you not, and thank the unseen for that. While the leader stays back, only occasionally hurling his arm to drive you forth, himself appearing lost in thought, the other two stick together, capping off the grounds for pondering... Till the next stop.



Throughout the haul, you could see many a cottage or fishery from afar, as well as structures of whose function you'd have just days before no grasp. Now, you can recognize the mills from the watchtowers, the shrines from the dwellings, and this very moment, an abundance spreads ahead, 'tis surely a village. Flax picks up on it too, quite clearly, as his focus leaps on the settlement, and he hastes closer to his flock.



"The day is due, everyone!" he proclaims, his fingers now sweeping towards the houses. "Time to find us a shelter for the night. Since we could fund our new expedition with the wealth acquired, there is no hurt in renting a room. If there's space left, I mean, this' sat right on the road, heh..."

Very clear the speech is, all the more when his steps pull you towards an inn. Your resolve is sharp still, the wear does not press you just yet, and the sickness from the vision left. Thus, you step in, with but one concern.



"Yes, however, will I be able to assemble the staff there?"

"I don't know, will you?" the swordsman grins. Apparently he didn't quite catch the drift there, so you elaborate, this time more discreetly, as warranted.

"I have to use magic."



"Ah. Well..." he mutters, and, with a gesture accompanying you rather often lately, bids you off the street.



"I'd rather not take away from our respite now that we're setting down, you'll find... But hardly I know how things are here, what is allowed, what'll get us into trouble, people are giving me the looks... What do you think?"

"Whatever should I, friend?" Flax shrugs, proceeding to gander at the surroundings. "I am not the sorcerer here. Here's what I tell you, if you'd feel better doing so in the open, I'll gladly force a stay tomorrow, just for the occasion. Or if it did stir some hustle, I will talk us out of it, whenever we are..."



"Yea, sure you will..." the stoat grunts, not fearing the chief's furrowed face one bit now.

"Well, what's yours idea?"

"Leave me out of you trickeries, for pity's sake..." she turns 'round, and it doesn't seems you'll get much more from her. Not that you'd attempt, anyway.



"I have no doubt we'll get by, to the extent of circumstance..." Sas speaks stern. "But I do have to wonder too, how would you talk us out?"

"Ahem..." the warrior mouths, while it seems his circling arm does all the talking. You don't have to fear that's where his sense of diplomacy ends though, for words start to come out shortly. "Well, we can say we befriended him in the woods, and... We had no idea then that he'd clump faggots with ancient magic! I mean, if someone does take issue, surely the fact he's just making a staff can alleviate, er..."



The last thought may not be one to cast aside, together with the rest, it might suffice. Then again, you cannot truly eliminate the risk. Mayhap if you asked for permission first, but who knows how that on its own is to be received. Regardless of that, will anyone actually take notice? In a city apparently stock full of magic lore, your spell didn't cause any trouble, at least one that would catch up with you. And of course, you can do it outside anytime, only there's no telling for it being the quiet place you have imagined. Now it occurs to you, an inn might not be either.

It is a lot to consider, and perhaps the best solution still has not crossed your mind.



What so you want to do?

[Strif3]

Nah, we'll have to camp at some point, no need to arouse undue suspicion. I say we spend the next night in the woods on purpose—a little bit off of the road—so that we can assemble the staff.

Also, i noticed you've gotten yourself a new avatar pic. Nice.

[King Zultan]

THE AVATAR IT HAS CHANGED!!!

Anyway camping so we can make the staff in peace sounds like a good idea.

[Quaksna]

Another short one going down, I'm having my epic protocolant exams next week. Probably will get to post an update still, the first one in July tho I am away with an organ/choir class for a change. Schedule's getting crazy 

. . .

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

"Mayhap it's not worth the risk at all..." you propose. "That is, staying in the inn. However the sooner I have the staff, the better, and there's still some time till dark."

"So?" the leader asks, oddly unfazed, but should it stay so, it is to your benefit.

"Let us camp beyond the outskirts today. Once I have it all put together, it's easy, shan't bother us in the future."

"Alright then. Come, we'll find ourselves a spot!"



"Excuse me?" the vagrant spits. "This what we get for staying in the road, ey? You can't be serious..."

"Why not? Food we have. He's right, we better deal with it now, full stocked and all. Suits you not, too bad, you're going."

"How's someone's romp what decrees our way? Spider-spittle, deal with it now! I thought you had this planned out!"



Flax says no more. While you and Sas got in motion, holding only to await the rest, he stands fast, as does the one defiant. So they watch each other, until one is to speak again.

"Now listen." the warrior resumes his breath, carrying himself calm, but unrelenting. "This man's mastery has proven to be and remains pivotal for our ultimate success. And in the moment still, for our common good. What do you have to show for yourself?"



The stoat recoils, but only to avoid his eyes. She does not move otherwise.

When no response is given, Flax takes a step backwards, and reaches with his arm.



Silent, he shoves her forth, just barely she halts her tumble down. Still, she won't face him, thus only hears how the warrior flails his arm, to pass a signal. The next pace she does on her own, and you follow.



There's not many trees around these hamlets, you've been told dormant fields likely lie beneath. Seldom you find a sparse cluster, but wood is scarce, so to be sure, you collect what you can while still searching.



At last, you happen upon a worthy spot. A few birches give shadow to an offering bowl, not unlike the deserted one you have found before, but this one bears imagery of local shrines. On the other side, someone must have camped before, the snow has shifted somewhat, yet you can uncover ash and bent undergrowth even now. And, there is enough soon-to-be brand.



"There, a quiet place, I say!" Flax observes. "Another omen to our advantage, let us settle."

"Weren't we shunning shrines...?" the lass mutters, despite the muffle it is not disregarded.

"Well apparently the ground is to be slept on. Even if frequented by wandering monks... We have the wood either way, free to take distance."



"Perhaps we should..." the hunter voices. "It is true they disturb Black..."

"Oh no, I like it here." you speak, taking in the surroundings. "The powers present are pleasant, this ought to help me a lot!"

"Alright then!" the leader commands. "You setup whatever you need, we'll fix ourselves the rest. Company, come! We lay out the camp."

[King Zultan]

Good luck with your exams!


Looks like it's time to make the staff while they're setting up the camp.

[Strif3]

Looks like the little rascal's showing some attitude. Guess she really does best in urban environments.

Anyway,

Looks like it's time to make the staff while they're setting up the camp.

+1

Nothing else to do here as of now.

[King Zultan]

I've noticed that as things have progressed she has started to come out of her shell, guess she's getting used to our group and has started to express herself more. I'm liking the development of her character so far.

[Strif3]

Me too. Lets just hope Flax doesn't rub off on her and she can be a little more animated than the rest of the dour faces around. I kinda wish we could do something to make her happy, though. We've been putting a significant amount of stress on her these past few days. Any ideas? or maybe we should just ask from her directly?

[King Zultan]

I don't think Flax will rub off on her that much as she seems to independent for that. Also since we don't know much about her asking what would make her happy is probably the best way to go about it as she might not tell us directly any time soon.

[Quaksna]

. . .

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

The sun is gone, the sticks are arranged, your party seated, and a leap away, you are with the two poles. Sas distributes some bread and fish to enjoy, and it truly seems, this is just about the perfect opportunity to create your artifact, free and focused.



When it's time to begin, you're prepared, there has been more than enough room to contemplate the process. Two pieces lie before you, and you are to twist them together. It is sure to be more difficult than letting brush spread loose, or bending a bow slightly, but the idea stands complete, it is the item which does not yet.

For an area so close to the great river, the spirits are strong, and their breed familiar, you wonder if these the wolf people draw from, though it's unlikely they venture this deep in the land of man. If anyone comes down to command them, but you will now.



Imbued with the unseen, you reach for the birchen first, and attempt to twist it. The rod puts up more of a fight you would have imagined, and you have to push against. With all your might in their tracks, your fingers speed through, and leave the wood bent, whilst whole. But do not come unscathed, you hath cut yourself.



Fortunately, it is a wound rather inconsequential, should it be called one at all. One joint done, you can better adjust the force necessary, besides that the setup is proper. Now you have to do the same with the other one, so you can lock them together at the end, then, you'll have an easier time handling both.



To crook the oak is a task bit more difficult, but you've got some practice, in a heartbeat you have a support on both. Now the real toil is to begin, you will braid them together.



The moon made but meager progress, and already your breath began to slip. The company surely has to hear you heaving, although you cannot hear them, you haven't since the watches had been handed out, only the brand cracking stays to sound. In your mind, your voice soon joins, urging you to stop, for your own sake.



You'll gladly pause awhile, to return stronger, but you've already decided - the staff must be processed this night. After all, that notion gave you this chance to begin with, and you do not intend to prolong the burden. With each plait, the raw branch grows shorter, and less steadfast, so you wrench on, letting  power incomprehensible course through, bringing youth back to the wood.



When you reach the top, your head houses tremor, splinters sting in your arms, soaked thorough with sweat, but the two are combined. Much have you given into the work, and now a shaft double as tough rests in your drained, shivering hands. Your sight stays still, only disrupted by jerks of the flesh, and comes to behold the fruits of your labor.

Sturdy no less, the two trees are lodged firm in one another, though the shape has some warts to it - it is curved in spots and not wholly straight, but does reach the height to be usable, it can serve its purpose. These blemishes you can tend to later, if anytime, now you'd fall headfirst in the snow, and have risen first by high noon. For now, you creep closer to the fire.



Flax is seated on the very same spot he dined on, the rest seems to be asleep. His face is like set in stone, staring forward, beyond the warm dancing tongues. So he stays, even when you approach him.

"How late is it?" you whisper.

"Much of the night to go, still." he utters, then tilts his head slightly in greeting, and you show him the staff.



"I have woven them together."

"So you did, eh? Never ceases to amaze. No other I know, pulling these stunts... And good for it, too, you've made terrible noise. Had an ogre been living here, by dawn someone's missing."

"Oh, I've heard it this time. But it was worth it. Just now I can feel, the support it provides, to both body and soul, yet I also feel, I'd better give in to sleep..."



"Appropriately so." the warrior nods, and flings his eyes back on the lookout. "The watches are taken care of, but one thing bothers me."



He raises his finger and points in the dark, beyond the flames.

"I cannot help but think, we have a couple shrubs drifting across the horizon. With the wind about as lively as a rock..."

[Strif3]

Again Flax with his ridiculously good eyesight. Well, let him keep those unnaturally sharp eyes of his open, but not make any rash decisions. If we're being watched, let them watch—if they're content on just watching. if not... Well we know what happened to the last bunch who set upon us. I guess we'll finish the staff later, with the skull and the spike. Although, if we're about to be ambushed, it would be good to have it ready, now.

[King Zultan]

bush is sus

Again Flax with his ridiculously good eyesight. Well, let him keep those unnaturally sharp eyes of his open, but not make any rash decisions. If we're being watched, let them watch—if they're content on just watching. if not... Well we know what happened to the last bunch who set upon us. I guess we'll finish the staff later, with the skull and the spike. Although, if we're about to be ambushed, it would be good to have it ready, now.

+1 No point beating the bush if the bush isn't hostile. Also from the sound of it I'm not we have it in us to finish the staff right now so we should probably rest as long as we can even if it will be an uneasy one.

[Quaksna]

. . .

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

"You and your nighttime farsight..." you mutter. "I'll have to take your word for it. But unless the brush decides to assault, let's not be hasty - even if it is people, we are only assuming their intentions. Do watch them, though..."

"You better believe I will." the warrior assures. "Lay down, if anything, I can rouse you in time."



With a nod you lie down, and attempt to shift your thoughts elsewhere - you wanted to put a spike on the staff, beside the skull. Still a premonition occupies the mind instead, something is about to go down. Whatever could, there's a knife by your side, in hand an artifact, and a company to boot, of both worlds...



"What are you trying to accomplish here?"



"Whom do you serve?"



"There's nothing left..."

"Hey!"



You snap your head up, as fast as Flax is arising. And you can see the bushes he was talking about, indeed on move, spotted where nothing stood.



Just like you rose, they have rolled out, and two silhouettes are revealed and disperse in the shadow, each seizing a direction and building up speed. Many straight protrusions the figures carry, what seemed like branches, you are sure at least some of them are weapons. So they approach, and your leader quickly wakes the rest, getting your own arms ready.



What do you want to do?