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You are Zarya, a girl who recently found herself on the wrong end of a robbery and is now possessed by a demon. Except that it maybe it wasn't actually a robbery after all? And that demon might be actually friendly? To make matters worse, if it's found out what's happened to you, your fate will be... most unpleasant. The Holy Maidens don't take heresy lightly, after all. Will you live or will you die as you discover the truth and fight to survive...?
Character Sheet
Character Sheet

Zarya: That's you. A (former) debt-peon now once possessed by a demon an alien.
-"Demon": Formless and shapeless... a glowing unknown mass of bubbles. (An alien in truth!) (Freed!)
-Spiritual Aptitude: Zarya gains access to the following spells after praying to the Water-bearer statue in Antioch, which is permanently infused with a Spiritual Aptitude of 60.
--Spell: Momentum (enhanced movement speed)
--Spell: Dissolution (split apart into a mass of bubbles)
--Spell: Amorphization (transition of body shape between human and alien)
--Spell: Hydration (manipulation of already existing water)
--Spell: Kryation (manipulation of already existing ice)
-Characteristics
--Cautious I:
requires 75+% voter approval to interact with any HM or MP without a (+) mark
--Cautious II: requires 75+% voter approval to reveal demon-possessed status on purpose
--Disciplined I: gain (+) with any HM or MP after following a direct order from her
--Disciplined II: gain (-) with any HM or MP after disobeying a direct order from her
--Water I: the more water you are near, the easier it is to use your magic
--Water II: must be near a body of water (or another source) to use your magic
--Water-bearer: Zarya has constructed a statue in Antioch and poured all of the spiritual essence she's acquired over the past few months into it. She must pray to this statue to use spells as of The Moon.
-Additional notes: One of your black eyes has turned blue, as have the tips of your black hair. Currently resolved to control her Demon. Has made progress in suppressing it. Has not yet attempted to manifest it. Currently traveling with Linza, Philippos, Libra Venus, Theodora, and Capricorn Saturn, with the aim of helping Theodora take revenge against the cultists who sacrificed her, and their allies inside the military and the church. Now able to manifest her "Demon" for a up to ten minutes at a time after meditating on JOY or BEAUTY while being around WATER for a few minutes. If in the ocean, the manifestation is immediate and can be held indefinitely. Has agreed to join the church, though it may be was temporary. Currently residing in Antioch. Has learned that her "Demon" is actually an alien being from another world, and is aiming for an amicable separation. Can sculpt ice with her powers, and will learn to work with other materials. Has traveled to Sardis on behalf of the Antiochian Church... and with her mission done, it's time to go! She's returned to Antioch with a warning... a rogue Angel is on the attack! While in Antioch, waiting for the attack, she constructed the WATER-BEARER statue and transferred her spiritual power to it. Not long afterwards, she was separated from The Being, and the two defeated the Angel by working together. Later, she would be instrumental in defeating the Demon known as BELIAL.

Martin Aurelius of Sardis (-): Your former master, who resides in Sardis. He is a wealthy businessman and landowner. He owns several workshops that provide various goods, such as agricultural equipment, weapons, industrial and mining tools, and so on. He's dead, murdered by cultists and sacrificed to a Demon.
-Cornelia Prima (+): His wife, and your former mistress. Despite Martin owning your debt, Cornelia had roped you into her service and not his. She treated you well enough and kept you close. Now the captive of Dione. Was traveling with your group, and left in Ephesus.
-Lucian Aurelius: Their young son. Travelling with his mother.
-Aurelia Prima: Their young daughter. Travelling with her mother.
-Julian Aurelius: Martin's brother, and an artisan. Status unknown.
-Aurelia Prima: Martin's sister, seeking marriage and now possessed by the same Demon that once possessed Theodora. Looks like she wants to escape, so maybe there's an opportunity to work together. Was traveling with your group, having been denied an opportunity to sacrifice avenge herself, and left in Ephesus.
-Mettia Prima: Martin's elderly mother, a widow. Status unknow.
-Fellow former slaves: Linza (+) (she); Eusebius (+; in Ephesus) (he); Philippos (+) (he); Anacletus (he); Hypatos (he); Lucretia (she; in Sardis); Theokleia (she; in Sardis); and many others...
-- Linza and Philippos are currently accompanying Zarya travelling with Capricorn Saturn.

The Holy Maidens:
Seven powerful and virtuous women based on in specific major cities.
-Humility (+): Resides in Sardis. Can detect lies, among other abilities. Was in Antioch / Ephesus, aiming to crush cultists. Now resides in Ephesus, having gained firm control over the city and its politics. Has retaken her hometown.
--Spiritual Aptitude: 84
-Kindness (+): Resides in Pergamum. Can heal any injury, among other abilities. Was sent to Sardis on Humility's order. Fled to Ephesus after Dione tried to capture her. Joined up with you temporarily to fight the rogue Angel, and now heading out to Pergamum once more. Has now taken charge of her home.
--Spiritual Aptitude: 57
---Spell: Healing I → Healing II → Healing III (cures wounds)
---Spell: Understanding I → Understanding II → Understanding III (connect minds)
---Spell: Reciprocating I → Reciprocating II → Reciprocating III (shares feelings)
-Charity: Resides in Thyatira. Can grant powers to the Mystic Priestesses. Traitor. Defeated and sent to Antioch, where she lives outside the city in a villa.
-Diligence: Formerly resided in Ephesus. Status unknown. Dead.
-Patience: Resides in Philadelphia.
-Chastity: Resides in Smyrna. Can block magic (?). Murdered by invaders from Antioch.
-Temperance: Resides in Laodicea. Status unknown, probably either heading to Sardis or already there. Found in Sardis, and rescued! Now marching towards Sardis and Laodicea, having just retaken the former.
--Spiritual Aptitude: 51
---Spell: Balanced Mind: Emotion (reduces emotional fluctuations)
---Spell: Balanced Body: Attack (strengthens body when attacking)
---Spell: Balanced Body: Defense (strengthens body when defending)
---Spell: Balanced Soul: Flow (occasionally slips around enemy attacks)

The Mystic Priestesses: Twelve powerful and virtuous women who wander the land.
-Libra Venus / Melina (+): First encountered outside Philadelphia. Skilled with the cithara. Very friendly. Now travelling with Zarya. Now travelling to Laodicea with Scorpio Mars, having met up in Antioch. Will be captured in Sardis unless you step in! Has rejoined your group and evaded capture! Lived with you in Antioch until her encounter with the rogue Angel, at which point she abandoned her old identity and renamed herself Melina. She's also put down her blessed cithara and now lives in a small commune.
--Spiritual Aptitude: 75
---Spell: Song of Roaring Flames (encourages and emboldens)
---Spell: Song of Calm Waters (relaxes and subdues)
---Spell: Song of Magnetism (attracts to a specific target)
---Spell: Song of the Sunshine (inspires warmth and joy)
---Spell: Song of Growth (draws out hidden powers)
---Spell: Song of Affection (draws out tender memories)
-Leo Sun: Deceased. (see also Theodora) Restored!
-Spiritual Aptitude: 85
--Spell: Block! (grow furred armor)
--Spell: Slash! (grow fire claws)
--Spell: Move! (gain super-speed)
--Spell: Strike! (gain super-strength)
--Spell: Roar! (intimidate)
--Spell: Burn! (gain fire breath)
--Spell: Transform! (lion aura coat)
-Sagittarius Jupiter: Resides in Sardis. Can command lightning. Now located in Ephesus and without her powers, aiding Humility. Has her powers once more.
-Taurus Venus: First encountered outside Philadelphia. Resides there.
-??? Pisces Jupiter: Resides in Sardis. Can command emotions. (see Dione)
-Virgo Mercury I / Virginia (-): First encountered in Ephesus. Can command demons and influence people. Searched for the Holy Maiden of Diligence on the orders of the Sovereign Priest of Antioch. Encountered again outside Antioch, and formed a temporary alliance. But the alliance is now broken, and it seems like she can only see Zarya as an enemy over circumstances that were not Zarya's fault. After having betrayed the Church and sided with the cultists in Ephesus, she was captured, brought back to Antioch, and stripped of her position. Is now called Virginia. Possessed by BELIAL (formerly).
--Spiritual Aptitude: 50 0 !?!?!? 0
-Gemini Mercury: Resided in Thyatira. Has some sort of magical hearing ability. Now in custody in Antioch.
-Capricorn Saturn (+): First encountered in Smyrna. Can predict events. Now travelling with Zarya. Heading back to Smyrna. Aiding the attack on Thyatira. Currently helping to restore Church control in Thyatira. Status unknown. Recovered from the rogue Angel's grasp and heading back to Smyrna, but not before warning you of a future disaster! Now on the way to Thyatira to restore that city, having restored Smyrna to a functional state.
--Spiritual Aptitude: 50
---Spell: Forewarn (predicts one upcoming disaster per day)
----Capricorn Saturn does not learn more spells. Instead, the quality of her warnings is improved.
-Aries Mars (+):
Resides in Laodicea. Former friend of Theodora. Was in Antioch, now marching towards Sardis and Laodicea. Helped to retake Sardis.
--Spiritual Aptitude: 75
---Aries Mars does not gain her own spells. Instead, her ability to draw out the full might of the Sword of Savage Strength increases.
-Scorpio Mars (+):
Resides in Laodicea. Now travelling to Laodicea with Libra Venus, having met up in Antioch. Will be captured in Sardis unless you step in! Has joined your group and evaded capture! Now marching towards Sardis and Laodicea. Helped to retake Sardis.
--Spiritual Aptitude: 51
---Scorpio Mars does not gain her own spells. Instead, her ability to draw out the full might of the Shield of Sturdy Strength increases.
-Cancer Moon (+):
Resides in Antioch. Status is unknown. Searching for her. Found her and joined forces to take down the Advocates. Convinced Zarya to join the Church and exorcised the Demon from Theodora. Planning to exorcise the Demon from Zarya as well. Having been made aware that The Being was an alien and not a Demon, she would successfully exorcise it from Zarya. Has been kidnapped by BELIAL, and is now free and restored.
-Aquarius Saturn (+): Was found in a dungeon in Thyatira after having been presumed dead. Was helping to restore Church control in Thyatira, now in Antioch. Can witness the past. Gave you a kind warning.
-Virgo Mercury II: Virginia's replacement. Seems to be loyal to the church. Resides in Antioch and helps the Sovereign Priest of Antioch.

Gaius Helvius of Philadelphia: The son and heir of a wealthy farmer of the same name from the Philadelphia area.
-Ennia Segunda: His wife.

Theodora (+): The former Mystic Priestess Leo Sun. Was used as a human sacrifice to summon a Demon that now possesses her. NO LONGER IN CONTROL. Back in control, and no longer possessed... though her eyes have been permanently changed. Has a small grudge towards Zarya, but is mostly over it. Restored as the Mystic Priestess Leo Sun. Crusher of a Demon of Darkness (with help from her friend and ally Zarya).
-Demon: What must assuredly be some sort of water-dwelling dragon.
-Spiritual Aptitude: 85 0 (see Leo Sun)
--Spell: Block! (grow scale armor)
--Spell: Crunch! (grow fangs)
--Spell: Slash! (grow claws)
--Spell: Swipe! (grow a tail)
--Spell: Seek! (improve eyesight; gain night vision)
--Spell: Move! (gain super-speed)
--Spell: Rampage! (gain strength; lose control)
-Allies: Eugenios, Thais, Daniel (three heretics that Theodora met in a small town near the desert)

The Sovereign Priest of Antioch: A virtuous (?) man in charge of the Church of the Followers of the Way. Currently residing in Smyrna after being chased out of Antioch by an Advocate-led rebellion. Was critically injured and recovered in Smyrna before returning to Antioch. His return has been controversial amongst the people of the city.

!?!?!? Kavouras / Celso Longinus (-): A man formerly possessed by a Crab-shaped Demon. Fought Theodora outside Smyrna and was defeated. However, his soldiers managed to recover his body. Is likely licking his wounds and heading to Antioch. His abilities include growing shell armor, turning his arms into pincers, and transforming into a big crab. He was chased out of Antioch and is likely recovering in fled to Ephesus. Goal: defeat him for good! He was burned alive by Humility in Ephesus and is either dead or close to it. Regardless, he is no longer possessed by the Demon Crab!
-Demon: An otherwise ordinary looking crab, if quite larger than a man.
-Spiritual Aptitude: 85
--Spell: Protect. (grow shell armor)
--Spell: Pincer. (grow pincers)
--Spell: Molt. (shed shell armor healing)
--Spell: Carcinize. (full body transformation)
--Spell: Tidal. (control water)
--Spell: Swell. (increase size)
--Spell: Shrink. (reduce size)

???: A man possessed by a demonic serpent, who is likely near Sardis... if he's still alive. (He's not.)

Silvina (+) and Silas (+): Two house slaves, currently under the command of the Livius estate in Ephesus. They're brother and sister. Currently Were last seen working with spies loyal to the Antiochian church to break cultist control over the city and end slavery there. They have succeeded.

Dione (-): The former Mystic Priestess Pisces Jupiter. A holy woman who is also a snake, as she's the possessor of a Demon Serpent. However, she seems to be the one in control of the snake... and also in control of Sardis, having wrested spiritual control away from the Followers of the Way. Wants you to be her ally... is not doing a good job of it. Alerted you to a vision of death and despair... could it be true? (You made it false!) Has lost Sardis and fled from this world... to another place, not death.

Apollonia (+): A cultist woman who is knowledgeable about spirits and curious about the Being. Once the Being is free from you, she wants to study it for herself. Hopes that you'll come back to Sardis soon. Instead came down to Antioch to visit you. Now travelling the land with The Being for company.
-"Demon": ZIZ, King of the Birds
-Spiritual Aptitude: 55
--Spell: RAVEN (send messages of bad fortune)
--Spell: CHICKEN (send messages of good fortune)
--Spell: GOOSE (defend self from wickedness)
--Spell: CALADRIUS (treat sickness and wounds)

BELIAL (-): A demon of living darkness and the shadow of the angels. Uses cultists like puppets, and now possessing Virginia. Looking to possess the Trinity. Has kidnapped Cancer Moon. Has been defeated!

There are other characters, of course, but they'll be added over time.


Other Notes:
(+) = favored towards you
(-) = biased against you
 
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The Fool (I)

Solarstream

It's all in the cards
Location
Zombie World
Pronouns
He/Him
The Fool (I)

Cold. Wet. Dark. Around you, everything is shrouded by the depths. You're sinking... sinking...

Red dissolves into blue in front of you. Blood... your blood...

Your thoughts turn to your last moments on land.

You were travelling along roads you thought were safe... then bandits came along and sacked your caravan... all those who fought back were already dead, and when they tried to drag you away...

...well... you ended up like this.

Sinking to the bottom of a lake...

As you sink, you feel something stir beneath you.

Something is awake and moving down there...

...something with a malevolent aura!

Good... you hope that it kills those bandits...!

It's what they deserve... for robbing you of your life!


Just before your consciousness fades out and the darkness overtakes you, you see what must have been a demon emerge... as far as you could see anything given your fading sight.

(What sort of creature was it exactly? Choose one.)
[][Demon] Formless and shapeless... a glowing unknown mass of bubbles.
[][Demon] An otherwise ordinary looking crab, if quite larger than a man.
[][Demon] What must assuredly be some sort of water-dwelling dragon.
[][Demon] A serpent that emerged from the hidden depths, bearing fangs.
Note: Only Options 1 and 4 are capable of human speech.

Ah... you can only hope that spending your last moments cursing men to death by the hands of a demon doesn't stop you from going to Heaven, especially since you can feel its aura flowing around you, possessing you as your consciousness fades. God will understand, right...?

You hope... it will all... be alright...

.

.

.

That was a few days ago, and despite what happened, you're still alive... for now.

You were woken up today by the chirping of birds and the soft sunlight falling upon your dark skin. With a yawn, you stretch and roll around on your hospital bed. You've been stuck here for the past few days for observation, and today's the day you'll be let go and able to return to your own affairs... or rather, your master's affairs, since you still have that debt to pay off.

You sigh.

Well, you hope to get back to dealing with that. But after what happened to put you here, you're not sure how many "peaceful" days you have left. No one here knows you, so they can't comment on if you look different or not. When you examined yourself, you saw...

(Has the Demon influenced you physically in any way? If there's a tie between No and Yes, Yes automatically wins. If there's a tie between Yes options, the vote with the lowest starting Spiritual Aptitude automatically wins.)
[][Influence] ...that you looked the same, though you feel different... (Spiritual Aptititude remains at 0... for now.)
[][Influence] ...that you had only slight changes... (May choose multiple options. May not start with Spiritual Aptitude greater than 20.)
-[][Influence] You have a marking on your body, with traits matching that of the Demon. (Gain +5 SA. May write-in details describing the marking and where on the body it is.)
-[][Influence] One of your normally black eyes has turned dark blue. It will glow when you use magic. You currently have an eye-patch to hide it, but will need something better. (Gain +5 SA.)
-[][Influence] The tips of your black hair have turned blue. As you grow more connected with the Demon, your hair will change color entirely. But for now, you can just cut the tips off. (Gain +5 SA.)
-[][Influence] (write-in; subject to QM approval for additional boosts of +5 SA)


...and you were glad that nothing major had happened to you. Frankly, if you hadn't seen a glimpse of it for yourself, you would think that nothing had happened. The bandits thought they'd killed you and so wandered off, leaving you to revive on your own sometime later. But no, you know better, and you'll hope that it doesn't come out at the wrong time and ruin your life.

The price of consorting with the demons is death.

While you're thinking to yourself, a nurse comes in check up on you and sees that you're up.

"Ah, good. Zarya, you're awake. Hold on, let me get the doctor..."

She leaves and returns with an older man. After the two of them spend a short amount of time examining you, you're given a clean bill of health and allowed to depart. Well, your body is healthy still and hasn't changed since you first got to the hospital, so that part's not wrong... no, thinking about that is no good. Someone might notice if you start acting differently. It hasn't returned, so just play normal, as much as you can, given what's happened.

You exit, gowned in a new red tunic, as all of you were found with your clothes all destroyed. You can only be grateful that it did not seem to take very long for your corpse to be found. Who knows what terrible fate might have befallen you otherwise!

That said, there's still a terrible fate potentially in your future. And there's also the terrible fate that's your present, having been sold into slavery to pay off a family debt... speaking of which, you should probably get back to that as soon as you can. You were told that you are in the town of Perge, situated between two rivers. It's not far from where you were supposed to be going, the city of Philadelphia. One of those rivers is where you were found by a fisherman in the morning a few days ago, at which point you were transported here. But this isn't where you were supposed to be. You had been traveling for some time, heading for Philadelphia at the behest of your master.

(Where did you start from and what were you delivering? Choose one.)
[][Job] Ephesus. You were delivering nothing; instead having been sent out to ply a trade.
[][Job] Smyrna. You had on hand a large shipment of incense and perfumes for trade.
[][Job] Laodicea. You were travelling with large bundles of freshly shorn wool for trade.
[][Job] Sardis. You were travelling with the schematics of a machine meant for farming.
[][Job] Antioch. You were explicitly not told what you were carrying this time around.


Instead, you never made it.

Well, you know you can't do that task anymore, since you were the sole survivor of the trip. All you can do now is go ahead and explain what happened. Or rather, attempt to explain what happened. There are some things that you're simply not going to talk about to anyone, not without a good reason to trust them.

Of course, this assumes that you do return. Your only hope of survival now may be flight to the wilderness. It's getting colder and the patrols aren't as common. You may be able to keep hidden... if you can keep yourself alive.

Your stomach growls. You can worry about these things later. At least your uninvited guest has decided to stay asleep for now and not cause you any trouble. Right now, you need to convince someone to feed you, despite having no money... well, the church will always take in uninvited guests.

After you do that, you can focus on what to do next.

(What is your leading thought at the moment? Choose one.)
[][Resolve] You have to flee while you can. Make plans now to escape as soon as you can.
[][Resolve] On the other hand, Christmas is in a few weeks... put the matter off until then.
[][Resolve] Retreat won't help you. What you need to do is...
-[][Resolve] ...find a way to control the demon within you.
-[][Resolve] ...find a way to exorcise the demon from you.



Spiritual Aptitude: 0

QM Note: Plan voting is not necessary. Thematic approaches to your choices are appreciated though. I will also need the next two or three posts, so please wait...
 
Premise and Map
Premise and Map

Hello, and welcome to "The Water-bearer". This is an original quest. Here, you will be viewing the world from Zarya's eyes, a girl sold into slavery to pay off a family debt who now has something she hasn't had in a long time: an opportunity to do as she wishes. What you do with this change is up to you.

You are starting off having just recovered from the attack that led to you becoming possessed by a Demon. You have many options from here – try to go back to what passes for normal; flee at once and make your bid to survive in the few wild spaces remaining; try to use your newfound powers to your benefit; and so on. The quest will cover a twenty-week span of time following this point, though finishing before that due to setting up an early Good End or crash-landing into a Bad End is possible.

This quest is set in a theocracy, run by the Trinity (religious authority) and the Advocates (civilian authority) with the Sovereign Priest of Antioch as the (figure)head. The two sides nominally cooperate with each other, though they are occasionally at odds. As someone who is demon-possessed and in command of unauthorized magic, you will need to keep a sharp eye out for the Holy Maidens and the Mystic Priestesses, who are all blessed with holy powers and eager to taken down those they perceive as wicked heretics. The Holy Maidens tend to stick around in one location while the Mystic Priestesses tend to wander around. The priestesses answer to the maidens who answer to the Trinity who answer to God.

Of course, just because they're supposed to stamp out heretics doesn't mean that they've fully succeeded... or that you'll necessarily be perceived as one of them. But you certainly could, so be careful out there!

The use of magic requires mastery of one's Spiritual Aptitude. This is not a combat stat. It is instead a measure of one's ability to command and learn spells, ranging from 0 to 100. An aptitude below 20 means that one's spiritual presence is undetectable barring specific workarounds, but also that one cannot use spells. Spells are gained every ten levels, starting at 20. Your aptitude will generally go up by +5 each week unless otherwise modified, but it can go down and cause you to lose spells, so make sure to watch out for that. Also note that the closer you get to 100, the more the Demon will affect you on all levels.

A map of the setting with the major locations outlined is shown below:
Major Locations
Antioch: Capital and home of the Advocates and the Sovereign Priest. A sprawling metropolis and the largest city by far.

Ephesus: City with a legendary cave located nearby. Now partially in ruins.
Home to the Holy Maiden of Diligence.

Laodicea: City built on a river's mouth and surrounded by pastoralists.
Home to the Holy Maiden of Temperance.

Patmos: Monastery and home of the Trinity. Tranquil holy site said to have been made by God.

Pergamum: Well-built city located at the top of a great mesa.
Home to the Holy Maiden of Kindness.

Philadelphia: Major site of farming, small industry, and religion.
Home to the Holy Maiden of Patience.

Sardis: Site of major industry and manufacturing at the foot of a mountain. You work and live here... for now.
Home to the Holy Maiden of Humility.

Smyrna: Port city famous for its incense and perfume.
Home to the Holy Maiden of Chastity.

Thyatira: City known to be the center of the dye and cloth trade.
Home to the Holy Maiden of Charity.

Minor Locations
Perge: A small town situated between two rivers. Located near Philadelphia and Sardis. The Mystic Priestess Libra Venus resides in the nearby area.

Others TBD
 
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[X][Demon] What must assuredly be some sort of water-dwelling dragon.
[X] Yes we have been influenced physically
-[X][Influence] One of your normally black eyes has turned dark blue. It will glow when you use magic. You currently have an eye-patch to hide it, but will need something better. (Gain +5 SA.)
-[X][Influence] The tips of your black hair have turned blue. As you grow more connected with the Demon, your hair will change color entirely. But for now, you can just cut the tips off. (Gain +5 SA.)

[X][Job] Sardis. You were travelling with the schematics of a machine meant for farming.

[X][Resolve] Retreat won't help you. What you need to do is...
-[X][Resolve] ...find a way to control the demon within you.

So here's my reasoning for the votes in order:
-Dragons are cool, and generally powerful and wise, if you're gonna share a body might as well be with a Dragon.
-These are simple enough to deal with right now, and easy enough to write off given what's happened to us
-Honestly found this to be the most interesting option outside of the explicitly not being told one, but I figure there's plenty of mystery boxes out there.
-Lastly, if it's known the church we're dealing with is more likely to kill us than aid us in removing the demon, then our best bet is to do everything in our power to either coexist or control it, anything else will just inevitably get us killed either on a physical or spiritual level.

Also interesting premise, looks like it'll be a lot of fun.
 
[X][Demon] Formless and shapeless... a glowing unknown mass of bubbles.
[X] Yes we have been influenced physically
-[X][Influence] One of your normally black eyes has turned dark blue. It will glow when you use magic. You currently have an eye-patch to hide it, but will need something better. (Gain +5 SA.)
-[X][Influence] The tips of your black hair have turned blue. As you grow more connected with the Demon, your hair will change color entirely. But for now, you can just cut the tips off. (Gain +5 SA.)
[X][Job] Sardis. You were travelling with the schematics of a machine meant for farming.
[X][Resolve] Retreat won't help you. What you need to do is...
-[X][Resolve] ...find a way to control the demon within you.
 
[x][Demon] Formless and shapeless... a glowing unknown mass of bubbles.
[X][Influence] ...that you had only slight changes... (May choose multiple options. May not start with Spiritual Aptitude greater than 20.)
-[X][Influence] You have a marking on your body, with traits matching that of the Demon. (Gain +5 SA. May write-in details describing the marking and where on the body it is.
--[X] A fluid, scar-like pattern over your heart, it writhes when you use magic.
[X][Job] Antioch. You were explicitly not told what you were carrying this time around.
[X][Resolve] On the other hand, Christmas is in a few weeks... put the matter off until then.
 
[x][Demon] Formless and shapeless... a glowing unknown mass of bubbles.
[X][Influence] ...that you had only slight changes... (May choose multiple options. May not start with Spiritual Aptitude greater than 20.)
-[X][Influence] You have a marking on your body, with traits matching that of the Demon. (Gain +5 SA. May write-in details describing the marking and where on the body it is.
--[X] A fluid, scar-like pattern over your heart, it writhes when you use magic.
[X][Job] Antioch. You were explicitly not told what you were carrying this time around.
[X][Resolve] On the other hand, Christmas is in a few weeks... put the matter off until then.
 
[X][Demon] Formless and shapeless... a glowing unknown mass of bubbles.
[X][Influence] ...that you had only slight changes... (May choose multiple options. May not start with Spiritual Aptitude greater than 20.)
-[X][Influence] You have a marking on your body, with traits matching that of the Demon. (Gain +5 SA. May write-in details describing the marking and where on the body it is.)
-[X][Influence] One of your normally black eyes has turned dark blue. It will glow when you use magic. You currently have an eye-patch to hide it, but will need something better. (Gain +5 SA.)
-[X][Influence] The tips of your black hair have turned blue. As you grow more connected with the Demon, your hair will change color entirely. But for now, you can just cut the tips off. (Gain +5 SA.)
[X][Job] Antioch. You were explicitly not told what you were carrying this time around.
[X][Resolve] Retreat won't help you. What you need to do is...
-[X][Resolve] ...find a way to exorcise the demon from you.
 
[X][Demon] Formless and shapeless... a glowing unknown mass of bubbles.
[X][Influence] ...that you had only slight changes... (May choose multiple options. May not start with Spiritual Aptitude greater than 20.)
-[X][Influence] You have a marking on your body, with traits matching that of the Demon. (Gain +5 SA. May write-in details describing the marking and where on the body it is.)
-[X][Influence] One of your normally black eyes has turned dark blue. It will glow when you use magic. You currently have an eye-patch to hide it, but will need something better. (Gain +5 SA.)
-[X][Influence] The tips of your black hair have turned blue. As you grow more connected with the Demon, your hair will change color entirely. But for now, you can just cut the tips off. (Gain +5 SA.)
-[X] A fluid, scar-like pattern over your heart, it writhes when you use magic.
[X][Job] Ephesus. You were delivering nothing; instead having been sent out to ply a trade.
[X][Resolve] Retreat won't help you. What you need to do is...
-[X][Resolve] ...find a way to control the demon within you.

I was torn between the bubbles and the crab, so i rolled a dice and the bubbles won.

I really like how hair with dyed tips looks and unusual hair colors, i couldn't resist the chuunibyou thing of an eyepatch sealing her demonic powers, amd the others because why not? I already selected most options.

I am worried about the other things we could have delivered being expensive and/or important, which would be a bad thing for us.

We need to control our demonic powers, obviously, and they might help to escape.
 
[x][Demon] A serpent that emerged from the hidden depths, bearing fangs
[x][Influence] ...that you had only slight changes... (May choose multiple options. May not start with Spiritual Aptitude greater than 20.)
-[x][Influence] You have a marking on your body, with traits matching that of the Demon. (Gain +5 SA. May write-in details describing the marking and where on the body it is.)
--[X] A fluid, scar-like pattern over your heart, it writhes when you use magic.
-[x][Influence] The tips of your black hair have turned blue. As you grow more connected with the Demon, your hair will change color entirely. But for now, you can just cut the tips off. (Gain +5 SA.)
[x][Job] Laodicea. You were travelling with large bundles of freshly shorn wool for trade
[x][Resolve] You have to flee while you can. Make plans now to escape as soon as you can

Something from the water sounds awesome, and I would love to go with something serpentine, like an eel or sea serpent

I think having lost wool is the least dangerous of the jobs. Pretty much everything else, except going out to ply for a trade, is way too expensive to expect to be able to explain away. It's also a little amusing to think of the soggy wool in the water

I want to get away from the holy people as soon as possible. I do not trust them. I am curious about the demon, I wish there was an option to study it
 
[X][Demon] A serpent that emerged from the hidden depths, bearing fangs.
[X] Yes we have been influenced physically
-[X][Influence] One of your normally black eyes has turned dark blue. It will glow when you use magic. You currently have an eye-patch to hide it, but will need something better. (Gain +5 SA.)
-[X][Influence] The tips of your black hair have turned blue. As you grow more connected with the Demon, your hair will change color entirely. But for now, you can just cut the tips off. (Gain +5 SA.)

[X][Job] Sardis. You were travelling with the schematics of a machine meant for farming.

[X][Resolve] Retreat won't help you. What you need to do is...
-[X][Resolve] ...find a way to control the demon within you.

Eye patch!
 
-Dragons are cool, and generally powerful and wise, if you're gonna share a body might as well be with a Dragon.

well, this is half right, lol

I figure there's plenty of mystery boxes out there.

:V

I am curious about the demon, I wish there was an option to study it

any option that doesn't actively reject the demon will allow you to study it... right now you're setting priorities
 
Adhoc vote count started by R2Walker on Jan 11, 2022 at 10:17 AM, finished with 11 posts and 8 votes.

  • [X][Demon] Formless and shapeless... a glowing unknown mass of bubbles.
    [X][Resolve] Retreat won't help you. What you need to do is...
    -[X][Resolve] ...find a way to control the demon within you.
    [X] Yes we have been influenced physically
    -[X][Influence] One of your normally black eyes has turned dark blue. It will glow when you use magic. You currently have an eye-patch to hide it, but will need something better. (Gain +5 SA.)
    -[X][Influence] The tips of your black hair have turned blue. As you grow more connected with the Demon, your hair will change color entirely. But for now, you can just cut the tips off. (Gain +5 SA.)
    [X][Job] Sardis. You were travelling with the schematics of a machine meant for farming.
    [X][Job] Antioch. You were explicitly not told what you were carrying this time around.
    [X][Influence] ...that you had only slight changes... (May choose multiple options. May not start with Spiritual Aptitude greater than 20.)
    -[X][Influence] You have a marking on your body, with traits matching that of the Demon. (Gain +5 SA. May write-in details describing the marking and where on the body it is.
    --[X] A fluid, scar-like pattern over your heart, it writhes when you use magic.
    [X][Resolve] On the other hand, Christmas is in a few weeks... put the matter off until then.
    [x][Demon] A serpent that emerged from the hidden depths, bearing fangs
    [X][Demon] What must assuredly be some sort of water-dwelling dragon.
    [X][Influence] ...that you had only slight changes... (May choose multiple options. May not start with Spiritual Aptitude greater than 20.)
    -[X][Influence] You have a marking on your body, with traits matching that of the Demon. (Gain +5 SA. May write-in details describing the marking and where on the body it is.
    -[X][Influence] One of your normally black eyes has turned dark blue. It will glow when you use magic. You currently have an eye-patch to hide it, but will need something better. (Gain +5 SA.)
    -[X][Influence] The tips of your black hair have turned blue. As you grow more connected with the Demon, your hair will change color entirely. But for now, you can just cut the tips off. (Gain +5 SA.)
    [X][Resolve] Retreat won't help you. What you need to do is...
    -[X][Resolve] ...find a way to exorcise the demon from you.
    [X][Influence] ...that you had only slight changes... (May choose multiple options. May not start with Spiritual Aptitude greater than 20.)
    -[X][Influence] You have a marking on your body, with traits matching that of the Demon. (Gain +5 SA. May write-in details describing the marking and where on the body it is.
    -[X][Influence] One of your normally black eyes has turned dark blue. It will glow when you use magic. You currently have an eye-patch to hide it, but will need something better. (Gain +5 SA.)
    -[X][Influence] The tips of your black hair have turned blue. As you grow more connected with the Demon, your hair will change color entirely. But for now, you can just cut the tips off. (Gain +5 SA.)
    -[X] A fluid, scar-like pattern over your heart, it writhes when you use magic.
    [X][Job] Ephesus. You were delivering nothing; instead having been sent out to ply a trade.
    [X][Influence] ...that you had only slight changes... (May choose multiple options. May not start with Spiritual Aptitude greater than 20.)
    -[X][Influence] You have a marking on your body, with traits matching that of the Demon. (Gain +5 SA. May write-in details describing the marking and where on the body it is.
    --[X] A fluid, scar-like pattern over your heart, it writhes when you use magic.
    -[X][Influence] The tips of your black hair have turned blue. As you grow more connected with the Demon, your hair will change color entirely. But for now, you can just cut the tips off. (Gain +5 SA.)
    [x][Job] Laodicea. You were travelling with large bundles of freshly shorn wool for trade
    [x][Resolve] You have to flee while you can. Make plans now to escape as soon as you can


also, here's the current tally
 
[x][Demon] A serpent that emerged from the hidden depths, bearing fangs
[x][Influence] ...that you had only slight changes... (May choose multiple options. May not start with Spiritual Aptitude greater than 20.)
-[x][Influence] You have a marking on your body, with traits matching that of the Demon. (Gain +5 SA. May write-in details describing the marking and where on the body it is.)
--[X] A fluid, scar-like pattern over your heart, it writhes when you use magic.
-[x][Influence] The tips of your black hair have turned blue. As you grow more connected with the Demon, your hair will change color entirely. But for now, you can just cut the tips off. (Gain +5 SA.)
[x][Job] Laodicea. You were travelling with large bundles of freshly shorn wool for trade
[x][Resolve] You have to flee while you can. Make plans now to escape as soon as you can
 
[X][Demon] An otherwise ordinary looking crab, if quite larger than a man.
[X][Influence] ...that you looked the same, though you feel different... (Spiritual Aptititude remains at 0... for now.)
[X][Job] Smyrna. You had on hand a large shipment of incense and perfumes for trade.
[X][Resolve] On the other hand, Christmas is in a few weeks... put the matter off until then.


Reject humanity, embrace CRAB
 
Well, that's some very first-century-Christianity names there. Most of those I recognize immediately from the book of Revelation in particular, plus the obvious "Trinity" name for the religious authority.

[x][Demon] A serpent that emerged from the hidden depths, bearing fangs.
[x][Influence] ...that you had only slight changes... (May choose multiple options. May not start with Spiritual Aptitude greater than 20.)
-[x][Influence] You have a marking on your body, with traits matching that of the Demon. (Gain +5 SA. May write-in details describing the marking and where on the body it is.)
-[x][Influence] The tips of your black hair have turned blue. As you grow more connected with the Demon, your hair will change color entirely. But for now, you can just cut the tips off. (Gain +5 SA.)

Blue hair and snake fangs is kind of what I think of here. There's a handful of snakes that sometimes have vividly blue coloration, which is sort of the overall theme I feel comes from all this together.

[x][Job] Smyrna. You had on hand a large shipment of incense and perfumes for trade.

Revelation 2:8-11:
8 "Write this letter to the angel of the church in Smyrna. This is the message from the one who is the First and the Last, who was dead but is now alive:

9 "I know about your suffering and your poverty—but you are rich! I know the blasphemy of those opposing you. They say they are Jews, but they are not, because their synagogue belongs to Satan. 10 Don't be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life.

11 "Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. Whoever is victorious will not be harmed by the second death.

[x][Resolve] Retreat won't help you. What you need to do is...
-[x][Resolve] ...find a way to control the demon within you.
 
[X][Demon] Formless and shapeless... a glowing unknown mass of bubbles.
[x][Influence] ...that you had only slight changes... (May choose multiple options. May not start with Spiritual Aptitude greater than 20.)
-[x][Influence] The tips of your black hair have turned blue. As you grow more connected with the Demon, your hair will change color entirely. But for now, you can just cut the tips off. (Gain +5 SA.)
-[x][Influence] You have a marking on your body, with traits matching that of the Demon. (Gain +5 SA. May write-in details describing the marking and where on the body it is.)
[X][Resolve] Retreat won't help you. What you need to do is...
-[X][Resolve] ...find a way to control the demon within you.
 
[X][Demon] What must assuredly be some sort of water-dwelling dragon.
[X] Yes we have been influenced physically
-[X][Influence] One of your normally black eyes has turned dark blue. It will glow when you use magic. You currently have an eye-patch to hide it, but will need something better. (Gain +5 SA.)
-[X][Influence] The tips of your black hair have turned blue. As you grow more connected with the Demon, your hair will change color entirely. But for now, you can just cut the tips off. (Gain +5 SA.)
[X][Job] Sardis. You were travelling with the schematics of a machine meant for farming.
[X][Resolve] Retreat won't help you. What you need to do is...
-[X][Resolve] ...find a way to control the demon within you.
 
Adhoc vote count started by R2Walker on Jan 12, 2022 at 2:14 PM, finished with 19 posts and 13 votes.

  • [X][Resolve] Retreat won't help you. What you need to do is...
    -[X][Resolve] ...find a way to control the demon within you.
    [X][Demon] Formless and shapeless... a glowing unknown mass of bubbles.
    [X] Yes we have been influenced physically
    -[X][Influence] One of your normally black eyes has turned dark blue. It will glow when you use magic. You currently have an eye-patch to hide it, but will need something better. (Gain +5 SA.)
    -[X][Influence] The tips of your black hair have turned blue. As you grow more connected with the Demon, your hair will change color entirely. But for now, you can just cut the tips off. (Gain +5 SA.)
    [X][Job] Sardis. You were travelling with the schematics of a machine meant for farming.
    [x][Demon] A serpent that emerged from the hidden depths, bearing fangs
    [X][Job] Antioch. You were explicitly not told what you were carrying this time around.
    [X][Resolve] On the other hand, Christmas is in a few weeks... put the matter off until then.
    [X][Demon] What must assuredly be some sort of water-dwelling dragon.
    [X][Influence] ...that you had only slight changes... (May choose multiple options. May not start with Spiritual Aptitude greater than 20.)
    -[X][Influence] You have a marking on your body, with traits matching that of the Demon. (Gain +5 SA. May write-in details describing the marking and where on the body it is.
    --[X] A fluid, scar-like pattern over your heart, it writhes when you use magic.
    [X][Influence] ...that you had only slight changes... (May choose multiple options. May not start with Spiritual Aptitude greater than 20.)
    -[X][Influence] You have a marking on your body, with traits matching that of the Demon. (Gain +5 SA. May write-in details describing the marking and where on the body it is.
    --[X] A fluid, scar-like pattern over your heart, it writhes when you use magic.
    -[X][Influence] The tips of your black hair have turned blue. As you grow more connected with the Demon, your hair will change color entirely. But for now, you can just cut the tips off. (Gain +5 SA.)
    [x][Job] Laodicea. You were travelling with large bundles of freshly shorn wool for trade
    [x][Resolve] You have to flee while you can. Make plans now to escape as soon as you can
    [X][Job] Smyrna. You had on hand a large shipment of incense and perfumes for trade.
    [X][Influence] ...that you had only slight changes... (May choose multiple options. May not start with Spiritual Aptitude greater than 20.)
    -[X][Influence] You have a marking on your body, with traits matching that of the Demon. (Gain +5 SA. May write-in details describing the marking and where on the body it is.
    -[X][Influence] The tips of your black hair have turned blue. As you grow more connected with the Demon, your hair will change color entirely. But for now, you can just cut the tips off. (Gain +5 SA.)
    [X][Influence] ...that you had only slight changes... (May choose multiple options. May not start with Spiritual Aptitude greater than 20.)
    -[X][Influence] You have a marking on your body, with traits matching that of the Demon. (Gain +5 SA. May write-in details describing the marking and where on the body it is.
    -[X][Influence] One of your normally black eyes has turned dark blue. It will glow when you use magic. You currently have an eye-patch to hide it, but will need something better. (Gain +5 SA.)
    -[X][Influence] The tips of your black hair have turned blue. As you grow more connected with the Demon, your hair will change color entirely. But for now, you can just cut the tips off. (Gain +5 SA.)
    [X][Resolve] Retreat won't help you. What you need to do is...
    -[X][Resolve] ...find a way to exorcise the demon from you.
    [X][Influence] ...that you had only slight changes... (May choose multiple options. May not start with Spiritual Aptitude greater than 20.)
    -[X][Influence] You have a marking on your body, with traits matching that of the Demon. (Gain +5 SA. May write-in details describing the marking and where on the body it is.
    -[X][Influence] One of your normally black eyes has turned dark blue. It will glow when you use magic. You currently have an eye-patch to hide it, but will need something better. (Gain +5 SA.)
    -[X][Influence] The tips of your black hair have turned blue. As you grow more connected with the Demon, your hair will change color entirely. But for now, you can just cut the tips off. (Gain +5 SA.)
    -[X] A fluid, scar-like pattern over your heart, it writhes when you use magic.
    [X][Job] Ephesus. You were delivering nothing; instead having been sent out to ply a trade.
    [X][Demon] An otherwise ordinary looking crab, if quite larger than a man.
    [X][Influence] ...that you looked the same, though you feel different... (Spiritual Aptititude remains at 0... for now.)


current tally. votes have slowed down, so i'll close it tomorrow some time.
 
[x][Demon] An otherwise ordinary looking crab, if quite larger than a man.

[x][Influence] ...that you had only slight changes... (May choose multiple options. May not start with Spiritual Aptitude greater than 20.)
-[x][Influence] You have a marking on your body, with traits matching that of the Demon. (Gain +5 SA. May write-in details describing the marking and where on the body it is.)
--[X] A fluid, scar-like pattern over your heart, it writhes when you use magic.
-[x][Influence] The tips of your black hair have turned blue. As you grow more connected with the Demon, your hair will change color entirely. But for now, you can just cut the tips off. (Gain +5 SA.)

[x][Job] Antioch. You were explicitly not told what you were carrying this time around.
[x][Resolve] On the other hand, Christmas is in a few weeks... put the matter off until then.

I like the idea of a demon we can not communicate with verbally. Will probably have to experiment with our magic to make sense of what it wants and how it works. Which dictates the changes in our appearance.
...also this:
Reject humanity, embrace CRAB
A job so secret that we weren't told about it might be a plot point that will find its way back to us, somehow. Could be trouble, but could be an opportunity.
I'd like for us to wait and prepare until it becomes hard to stay below notice, then run for it.
 
Last edited:
Adhoc vote count started by R2Walker on Jan 13, 2022 at 10:07 PM, finished with 21 posts and 14 votes.

  • [X][Resolve] Retreat won't help you. What you need to do is...
    -[X][Resolve] ...find a way to control the demon within you.
    [X][Demon] Formless and shapeless... a glowing unknown mass of bubbles.
    [X] Yes we have been influenced physically
    -[X][Influence] One of your normally black eyes has turned dark blue. It will glow when you use magic. You currently have an eye-patch to hide it, but will need something better. (Gain +5 SA.)
    -[X][Influence] The tips of your black hair have turned blue. As you grow more connected with the Demon, your hair will change color entirely. But for now, you can just cut the tips off. (Gain +5 SA.)
    [X][Job] Sardis. You were travelling with the schematics of a machine meant for farming.
    [X][Job] Antioch. You were explicitly not told what you were carrying this time around.
    [X][Resolve] On the other hand, Christmas is in a few weeks... put the matter off until then.
    [x][Demon] A serpent that emerged from the hidden depths, bearing fangs
    [X][Influence] ...that you had only slight changes... (May choose multiple options. May not start with Spiritual Aptitude greater than 20.)
    -[X][Influence] You have a marking on your body, with traits matching that of the Demon. (Gain +5 SA. May write-in details describing the marking and where on the body it is.
    --[X] A fluid, scar-like pattern over your heart, it writhes when you use magic.
    -[X][Influence] The tips of your black hair have turned blue. As you grow more connected with the Demon, your hair will change color entirely. But for now, you can just cut the tips off. (Gain +5 SA.)
    [X][Demon] What must assuredly be some sort of water-dwelling dragon.
    [X][Influence] ...that you had only slight changes... (May choose multiple options. May not start with Spiritual Aptitude greater than 20.)
    -[X][Influence] You have a marking on your body, with traits matching that of the Demon. (Gain +5 SA. May write-in details describing the marking and where on the body it is.
    --[X] A fluid, scar-like pattern over your heart, it writhes when you use magic.
    [x][Job] Laodicea. You were travelling with large bundles of freshly shorn wool for trade
    [x][Resolve] You have to flee while you can. Make plans now to escape as soon as you can
    [X][Demon] An otherwise ordinary looking crab, if quite larger than a man.
    [X][Job] Smyrna. You had on hand a large shipment of incense and perfumes for trade.
    [X][Influence] ...that you had only slight changes... (May choose multiple options. May not start with Spiritual Aptitude greater than 20.)
    -[X][Influence] You have a marking on your body, with traits matching that of the Demon. (Gain +5 SA. May write-in details describing the marking and where on the body it is.
    -[X][Influence] The tips of your black hair have turned blue. As you grow more connected with the Demon, your hair will change color entirely. But for now, you can just cut the tips off. (Gain +5 SA.)
    [X][Influence] ...that you had only slight changes... (May choose multiple options. May not start with Spiritual Aptitude greater than 20.)
    -[X][Influence] You have a marking on your body, with traits matching that of the Demon. (Gain +5 SA. May write-in details describing the marking and where on the body it is.
    -[X][Influence] One of your normally black eyes has turned dark blue. It will glow when you use magic. You currently have an eye-patch to hide it, but will need something better. (Gain +5 SA.)
    -[X][Influence] The tips of your black hair have turned blue. As you grow more connected with the Demon, your hair will change color entirely. But for now, you can just cut the tips off. (Gain +5 SA.)
    [X][Resolve] Retreat won't help you. What you need to do is...
    -[X][Resolve] ...find a way to exorcise the demon from you.
    [X][Influence] ...that you had only slight changes... (May choose multiple options. May not start with Spiritual Aptitude greater than 20.)
    -[X][Influence] You have a marking on your body, with traits matching that of the Demon. (Gain +5 SA. May write-in details describing the marking and where on the body it is.
    -[X][Influence] One of your normally black eyes has turned dark blue. It will glow when you use magic. You currently have an eye-patch to hide it, but will need something better. (Gain +5 SA.)
    -[X][Influence] The tips of your black hair have turned blue. As you grow more connected with the Demon, your hair will change color entirely. But for now, you can just cut the tips off. (Gain +5 SA.)
    -[X] A fluid, scar-like pattern over your heart, it writhes when you use magic.
    [X][Job] Ephesus. You were delivering nothing; instead having been sent out to ply a trade.
    [X][Influence] ...that you looked the same, though you feel different... (Spiritual Aptititude remains at 0... for now.)


need a tie-breaker on the [Job] vote, everything else is good to go
 
Changing vote, then:
[x][Demon] A serpent that emerged from the hidden depths, bearing fangs.
[x][Influence] ...that you had only slight changes... (May choose multiple options. May not start with Spiritual Aptitude greater than 20.)
-[x][Influence] You have a marking on your body, with traits matching that of the Demon. (Gain +5 SA. May write-in details describing the marking and where on the body it is.)
-[x][Influence] The tips of your black hair have turned blue. As you grow more connected with the Demon, your hair will change color entirely. But for now, you can just cut the tips off. (Gain +5 SA.)
[X][Job] Sardis. You were travelling with the schematics of a machine meant for farming.
[x][Resolve] Retreat won't help you. What you need to do is...
-[x][Resolve] ...find a way to control the demon within you.
 
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