Remove ads

The Water-bearer

Reader mode
Remove ads
Character Sheet
  • Informational
    • 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
     
    Last edited:
  • Informational
    • [X] Linza suggests searching around for hints to as to where important people might be kept hostage.
    [X] Aries Mars, while not present, suggests locating strong demonic presences to know your enemies.

    Solarstream said:
    "..." You've taken your eyepatch off here, so she stares directly into your blue eye before turning her gaze back into your black eye.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    Didn't both of her eyes turn blue at some point?
     
    Adhoc vote count started by Solarstream on May 27, 2023 at 5:35 PM, finished with 6 posts and 3 votes.
    • [X] You, Zarya, have your own suggestion, perhaps...? (write-in)
      -[X] You, in some ways were lucky- your being came here out of curiousity, and is amicable to returning to its own world. Theodora…Likely was not so fortunate, but while Dione has that Serpent…You don't know if anyone else could possess that Demon, instead of being possessed by it.
      [x] Aries Mars, while not present, suggests locating strong demonic presences to know your enemies.
      [X] Linza suggests searching around for hints to as to where important people might be kept hostage.
    Click to expand...


    current tally, vote will close in roughly 24 hours
     
    Remove ads
    Judgement (VIII)
  • Threadmarks
    • Winning vote:
    [X] You, Zarya, have your own suggestion, perhaps...? (write-in)
    -[X] You, in some ways were lucky- your being came here out of curiousity, and is amicable to returning to its own world. Theodora…Likely was not so fortunate, but while Dione has that Serpent…You don't know if anyone else could possess that Demon, instead of being possessed by it.     Which is a problem. If there's one being happy to live up to the moniker of Demon, how many more are out there? And how many will be like Dione, able to control and contain such a being?
    You don't know much about Spirits, and you would like a second opinion about your concerns.
    [X] Aries Mars, while not present, suggests locating strong demonic presences to know your enemies.

    Judgement (VIII)​

    As you were all discussing ideas, something came to your mind – a concern that had slowly emerged in the back of your mind during your encounter with Dione and was now emerging fully formed. And you can't help but speak it aloud as the five of you head down to one of the monasteries to drop off Aries Mars.

    "When you think about it... I got rather lucky, didn't I?" you ask out loud to the group as you all walk down the music-filled city streets of Sardis, air thick with the sounds of the droning tibia, the harmonious lyre, pulsating percussion, sweet singing... and also the spirits of the restless dead. "The being I was offered to was merely curious, rather than hostile, unlike what happened with you Theodora..."

    Theodora grunts. "I remember, Zarya. I was there."

    "...I know. I am going somewhere with this, Theodora."

    She sighs. "Sorry. Continue."

    "Furthermore, Dione has that Serpent... I don't know if anyone besides a holy woman could possess it, rather than being possessed by it."

    Aries Mars gives you a confused look. "Well, so what? All we have to do is exorcise it again! Then we won't have to worry about it anymore!"

    "For how long? What if it comes back again?" asks Linza in return. "I doubt the next host will be so easily able to command it."

    "We also have to consider whatever aid it would get from new cultists," notes Philippos. "After all, they are the ones who would be summoning it back to this world."

    "And not just those humans!" you add. "There's also the matter of the other Demons... How many more of them are there, and in particular, how many of them are vile creatures and active threats like the Serpent, as opposed to controllable and passive beings like that Crab? And what determines if someone is like Dione and able to freely control it? There's so much we don't know about these spiritual beings..."

    "Then you'd like to know more about them?" asks Theodora.

    "Not just that. I'd like to know if I'm right to be worried."

    "It's always right to be worried about Demons. They're fierce creatures, even the passive ones like that Crab. And if that's your concern, then you should do what I suggested," declares Aries Mars, as you all draw near the place you need to be – an unassuming monastery where a Mystic Priestess resides.

    "You mean, track down strong Demons in the city?" asks Linza.

    "That's right. I won't be there, so try to avoid a fight."

    "You couldn't help us in a fight anyway..."

    "I'm aware of that, Linza. I'm working on it... but I'll need total focus, so I'll be in there all day."

    "Yeah, yeah... this had better work!"

    Aries Mars nods. "I have faith that it will."

    By this point, you've just outside the monastery's outer garden, and see none other than Sagittarius Jupiter outside tending to it with some other women. She's not distinct from them with her rosy pink skin, long brown hair, and plan robes. She is, however, distinct in the way that she immediately recognizes Aries Mars and comes over to you all, excusing herself from the group. After a short discussion where you all fill the woman in on your plans, she agrees to help out. She promptly then leads Aries Mars inside the building, and the rest of you leave, following your lead as you're going to the baths first. After that, Theodora will take you all to Humility's library, which should be inside the city's main church. The normally impressive large collection held by the library of Sardis would be devoid of this kind of content.

    The baths themselves are peaceful, crowded as ever. There are still people there to watch people's belongings, and it looks like they're freedmen working for pay. You use some of the proceeds from your work in Antioch to cover the fee, and then you all spend a while just relaxing and cleaning yourselves. By chance, you, Linza, and Theodora run into Lucretia and Theokleia in the women's baths. The two of them work odd jobs throughout the city, and that seems to be a common fate for unmarried freedwomen. Still, they're doing well enough, and you wish the best for them as your group leaves them behind.

    A short hike later, you're in the center of the city, and atop the plateau where the wealthy used to reside. Looks like most, if not all, of those domus dwellings have been re-purposed for other purposes – administration, faith, markets, work, and so on... Among those buildings are the original main buildings, and one of them is the city's main church for the Followers of the Way. It's not as large as the Great Church of Antioch, but has a similar design. Unlike that church, this one has an armed guard, several of which are clearly possessed by demon dogs. You're stopped before you can walk in, and asked what your business in this place is.

    Theodora glares at them. "Our business is deepening our faith! What right do you have to stop us from entering?"

    One of the guards answers her. "Our lady Dione has asked that we keep record of who enters this building and for what purpose," he says.

    Theodora looks like she's about to start shouting at them, so you step in, placing a hand on her shoulder. She stops, calms down, and backs up, letting you handle things. "My name is Zarya. Has your lady alerted you that I am visiting this city?"

    "Ah, that's why I don't recognize your Demon," says another guard, one of the possessed ones. "Have you come to talk to her? I thought you all had business in the afternoon. She's in the city."

    "No, we're simply touring Sardis, and have now come to this place. May we enter?" Nothing you've said is exactly wrong, it's just misleading. As such, none of them have any issues with granting you all entry. There are no guards posted inside, so there's no issues getting into Humility's library. The scrolls are all kept in their own room, but said chamber is publicly accessible. Once you're inside, you and Theodora take the lead in searching through the scrolls, while Linza and Philippos take an actual tour of the building.

    Thankfully, the scrolls are sorted, so once you find one scroll regarding the Demons, the rest are all nearby. You and Theodora immediately start poring over them. Some of the denser theological texts are beyond you, but at this stage you can leave them aside. The basics will be enough for now.

    It seems that there was once a split in the definition of what a Demon is that has since been resolved. All of the authors agree that spiritual beings are real, and that some of them are God's angels, made by his own hand. The split was over what the rest of them were. A few authors considered a category of neutral beings, who they called nature spirits, as they were regarded to emanate from this world and thus did not dwell in God's light or the darkness outside. The rest – the majority opinion – rejected this category, and considered all non-angels to be Demons and thus worthy of exorcism and eradication. All authors are in agreement that Demons are evil creatures that exacerbate the evil desires in men's heart, or can outright create them where none existed before. They also agree that demonic possession leads people to ruin, although the authors who asserted the existence of nature spirits posited that union with them may not. However, said authors were later dismissed as heretics, and it looks like several of them were subsequently executed.

    Nature spirits... you suspect those authors might have been on to something. You did feel something in the water-bearing wind as your group traveled through the mountains. It could have been a spirit, as you felt no evil intent from it. Though, it could have been trying to deceive you, you suppose...

    As you and Theodora continue to go through the scrolls, you make a decision.

    (May tack on sub-votes as desired.)
    [] That was indeed a nature spirit. They're real!
    -[] Furthermore, you're going to try and forge a connection with it. (Gain (+) with ??? later)
    -[] You should try to convince Theodora of this. (However, she refuses to believe, and so you lose your (+) with her)
    -[] You should bring this up with Linza and Philippos later. You wonder what they think.
    -[] You should mention this when you meet with Apollonia in the afternoon. (Gain (+) with Apollonia and lose (+) with Dione)
    [] ...in that you can't make a decision yet. You're just not sure... maybe talking to Apollonia will help?
    -[] Have the discussion in the open, with Dione and Theodora present.
    -[] Try talking to her in private, as you're not sure how the others will react.
    [] That must have been a Demon, attempting to ensnare you! Option not available.

    Spiritual Aptitude: 40
    QM Note: Next update will cover searching the city for strong Demons. I may be able to do a second update this week, and will let you know if I can make it work.
     
  • Threadmarks
    • [x] That was indeed a nature spirit. They're real!
    -[x] Furthermore, you're going to try and forge a connection with it. (Gain (+) with ??? later)
     
    [X] ...in that you can't make a decision yet. You're just not sure... maybe talking to Apollonia will help?
    -[X] Have the discussion in the open, with Dione and Theodora present.

    So.
    Here's the thing.
    Nature spirit believers COULD be what Dione is, and it does sound reasonable.
    But I also want this in the open to get second opinions and a more, ah, neutral ground to raise concerns.
    That said the historical record…
    I don't like the implications. It says the Church went for oppression when debate failed.
    But, either way, if Dione is worried, Zarya does stand as a bit of a ray of hope- our story is of a woman who despite being possessed by a spirit, went on to side with the church, and was cleared by Humility-something that probably doesn't happen if in truth she was possessed by a Demon.

    In such a manner, we have an arguement to avoid Zarya being mind-whammies by the Snake, off the idea of being a voice to the opposition.
     
    Remove ads
    vote closing later today
  • Voting
    • Adhoc vote count started by Solarstream on May 31, 2023 at 8:27 AM, finished with 3 posts and 3 votes.
    • [x] That was indeed a nature spirit. They're real!
      -[x] Furthermore, you're going to try and forge a connection with it. (Gain (+) with ??? later)
      [X] ...in that you can't make a decision yet. You're just not sure... maybe talking to Apollonia will help?
      -[X] Have the discussion in the open, with Dione and Theodora present.
    Click to expand...


    current tally. vote will close at this time:
     
  • Voting
    • [x] ...in that you can't make a decision yet. You're just not sure... maybe talking to Apollonia will help?
    -[x] Have the discussion in the open, with Dione and Theodora present.
     
    [x] That was indeed a nature spirit. They're real!
    -[x] Furthermore, you're going to try and forge a connection with it. (Gain (+) with ??? later)
     
    [x] ...in that you can't make a decision yet. You're just not sure... maybe talking to Apollonia will help?
    -[x] Have the discussion in the open, with Dione and Theodora present.
     
    [X] ...in that you can't make a decision yet. You're just not sure... maybe talking to Apollonia will help?
    -[X] Have the discussion in the open, with Dione and Theodora present.

    Truth is born in disputes.
     
    Last edited:
    Adhoc vote count started by Solarstream on May 31, 2023 at 6:19 PM, finished with 8 posts and 7 votes.
    • [X] ...in that you can't make a decision yet. You're just not sure... maybe talking to Apollonia will help?
      -[X] Have the discussion in the open, with Dione and Theodora present.
      [x] That was indeed a nature spirit. They're real!
      -[x] Furthermore, you're going to try and forge a connection with it. (Gain (+) with ??? later)
    Click to expand...


    vote closed~!
     
    Judgement (IX)
  • Threadmarks
    • Winning vote:
    [X] ...in that you can't make a decision yet. You're just not sure... maybe talking to Apollonia will help?
    -[X] Have the discussion in the open, with Dione and Theodora present.

    Judgement (IX)​

    Your decision is... not to decide. Not yet. It's too soon. You want to talk to Apollonia first. In fact, you'll have the discussion about this nature spirit in the open, so Dione and Theodora can also give their input. Hopefully, between all of them, you'll be able to come to some firm conclusion then. In the meantime, you look over the different types of nature spirits, in hopes that what you encountered might be one of them. It didn't feel evil, so it wasn't a strix, for sure... it could have perhaps been a caladrius or even the Ziz, the King of the Birds... the only way to be sure will be to encounter it again and get a better look.

    For now, you put the matter aside and take a look and see what kinds of Demon there are.

    All of the authors are in agreement that Demons can take various forms – bestial, humanoid, animalistic, or other – and that each type of Demon has a distinct form. Additionally, there are 'named' or 'titled' Demons that are also distinct, though the distinctions them and other Demons are not always obvious. For example, a basilisk and The Serpent (which is always how it is called, despite the fact that many authors note that it has a name) are different creatures, despite both being similar-looking snake Demons. Leviathan and Behemoth are also specifically named and distinct from similar looking beasts. From Leviathan's description, it sounds like the Demon that once possessed Theodora... and is thus now possessing Aurelia Prima. Its abilities are listed as follows, having been learned after many deadly encounters:

    • Soak! (control water)
    • Crunch! (grow fangs)
    • Slash! (grow claws)
    • Swipe! (grow a tail)
    • Seek! (improve eyesight; gain night vision)
    • Block! (grow scale armor)
    • Burn! (gain fire-breath)
    • Move! (gain super-speed)
    • Rampage! (gain strength; lose control)
    • Become! (full-body transformation)

    The abilities of the Serpent are also listed... well, some of them are. The authors note that The Serpent is always exorcised swiftly after it first is noticed by the Followers, so their knowledge of what it can do is necessarily limited.

    • Shed... (shed skin healing)
    • ???
    • ???
    • ???
    • Shift... (full-body transformation)
    • ???
    • Deceive... (inspire false belief)
    • ???
    • Inspire... (inspire true wisdom)
    • ???

    You could guess that, since it's a snake, it probably can also inject venom with its fangs. The authors also describe The Serpent as having a frightening aura... could that be another ability? Or is that just its natural state, as far as Demon can be said to have one? The Leviathan also had that malevolent aura, but its abilities all revolve around combat. It doesn't take a subtle approach to wreaking havoc like The Serpent can.

    Theodora glares at the words on this scroll. "Inspire true wisdom!? How can a known deceiver do any such thing!? His fangs have even pierced the souls of the wise men inside our Church..."

    "I don't know..." you admit. "Hmm... it seems like those possessed by the Serpent were able to predict disasters before they occurred, just like Capricorn Saturn could."

    "Hmph! It's easy to predict a disaster that you're the cause of!"

    "Theodora..."

    "Zarya, there has to be some trick to it!"

    "But what if there isn't...?"

    She shakes her head, and then gazes at you, eyes resolute. "I won't accept that! Demons and their worshippers are evil, and all they can do is bring forth ruin and misery! Just like they did to us!"

    ...you decide not to bring up that you're not possessed by a Demon, as that seems like the entirely wrong thing to say. "Theodora... no, you're right. We can't trust that snake. I just hope Dione isn't."

    "Pisces Jupiter should've known better than to trust it. Now that it has its fangs in her, we have to exorcise it. It's the only way to save her... but how...? ... Oh dear... looks like every successful exorcism of The Serpent required the Holy Maiden of Humility to do it."

    "We were going to go back towards Antioch after this anyway. We can swing by Ephesus first to contact her," you note, and Theodora agrees with your idea. You both file this away to bring up with the group later and start reading up on other Demons... you don't get far before you sense a new Demon-possessed person coming by and decide to stop, but what you learn may still be useful. In fact, your new-found knowledge gets used immediately as you and Theodora regroup with Linza and Philippos and head out of the church. A man with a possessed aura is talking to the guards outside and stops you all as you leave. The Demon possessing him is a piece of Legion, a Demon with multiple parts.

    "Who might you be...?" he asks.

    You all give your names, and your reason for being here.

    He subsequently glares at you all – mostly at you and Theodora. "I see... don't cause any problems in our home. We'll know... and you'll regret it..."

    He then walks off towards another building. Looks like he sensed you and was curious about who was here. Legion isn't very strong, but the fact that it has multiple parts makes it hard to remove. If its split apart like this, it can also keep watch over large parts of Sardis... you'll have to be careful.

    Thankfully, the guards let you leave in peace, one of them even wishing you all a good day. They don't suspect anything.

    Now that you're done at the church, you all decide to go around looking for strong Demons. Leviathan is already here, so you all expect its counterpart Behemoth to be here somewhere as well. While you search for it, you should run into other Demon possessed people as you all randomly wander the city streets of Sardis. Unsurprisingly, most of the Demons you run into are animals, like the demon dogs, or the bat-owl known as the strix, or the occasional basilisk. A stronger presence you all by pass near the one of the stadiums reminds of an Alastor, a warrior Demon with great physical strength. Not long after that, the man possessed by Behemoth comes up to you all on his own accord.

    "Pardon me! Are you, perhaps, Zarya?"

    Despite the great strength provided by his Demon, he's a man at about your height without even as much muscle as yourself. He has umbrous dark skin and a shaved head, and is wearing a clean and bright red tunic.

    You blink, confused. "T-that I am... who are you?"

    "I am Photios! I am hoping that you could do me a great favor... I need additional witnesses for my wedding to Aurelia Prima, you see and-"

    Surprised, you immediately cut him off. "Your wedding!? To Aurelia Prima!?"

    Linza chuckles. "Looks like she finally found someone willing to put up with her."

    While you and Philippos get a chuckle out of that as well, Photios doesn't take it well. "Do not talk about my future wife like that!" he growls at her, Demonic aura briefly flaring up. The few people walking by promptly give you all a wider berth.

    "O-okay, I won't..." replies Linza.

    "What do you need us as witnesses for?" asks Philippos. "Surely, you can plenty of willing people amongst your own ranks?"

    "I have been made aware that Zarya once had the misfortune to be forced into her household. I was hope that she might know something that could help me endear myself to her. If the same was true with any of you, I would also appreciate your assistance as long as you're here."

    ...oh dear. This man seems to genuinely like her. What to do...?

    [] "I can't stay, but I can help you a little bit." (requires 75+% approval to pass; gain (+) with Photios and lose (+) with Aurelia Prima)
    [] "Sorry, I can't help you." (politely turns him down for no penalty and nothing gained)
    [] You should actively sabotage him. (gain (-) with Photios and lose (+) with Dione)
    [] (write-in...?)

    Spiritual Aptitude: 40
    QM Note: Next update starts the chat with Apollonia!
     
  • Threadmarks
    • [x] "Sorry, I can't help you." (politely turns him down for no penalty and nothing gained)

    Do not like this man brushing over how Zarya knew Aurelia. Also don't like forced marriages
     
    [X] "Sorry, I can't help you." (politely turns him down for no penalty and nothing gained)
    -[X] You must get to know the situation better before deciding whether or not to intervene.

    I don't want to make decisions blindly, but I really don't like the option of just doing nothing.
     
    looks pretty unanimous~! vote will close at this time:
     
    Judgement (X)
  • Threadmarks
    • Winning vote:
    [X] "Sorry, I can't help you." (politely turns him down for no penalty and nothing gained)

    Judgement (X)​

    What you shouldn't do is get involved with this man and his romantic flights of fancy. As such, all you can do is politely reject him. "Sorry, but I can't help you," you say, adding that you were never particularly close to Aurelia Prima back then. Linza and Philippos back you up, which gets Photios to back down.

    He nods. "Very well. And about being witnesses..."

    "We'll have to turn that down as well," replies Philippos for the three of you. "We won't be sticking around much longer, so we'll be gone by the time of the ceremony."

    Photios blinks, confused. "Eh? You'll be gone?"

    "We have business back in Antioch," adds Linza, and based on Photios' smile after she says that, you can tell that he's gotten the entirely wrong idea about what said business might be. But it leads to him leaving you alone afterwards, so you don't mind it at all.

    Before he leaves, he asks you one last question – regarding Demons and possession. He asks if you have any suggestions for manifesting its power, as he acquired his quite recently and is still working on fusing himself with it. You give him a set of general suggestions – meditate frequently, eat properly, exercise regularly, and so on – to get him to go away. As he thanks you and leaves, he says something under his breath that you barely hear and that ensnares your mind.

    "Hm... I heard that Behemoth was originally a spirit of the earth... maybe going to the mountains will help...?"

    You manage to hold your reaction in so Theodora doesn't notice. Linza and Philippos do, of course, but you brush them off with a promise that you'll bring it up later.

    ...Behemoth, a Demon, a former spirit of the Earth... is that true?

    Hmm... It could just be Dione's own teachings...

    But if it's not... what does that mean?

    ...the only way you can move forward is to ask Apollonia about this, isn't it?

    So that's what you'll do.

    .

    .

    .

    Once the afternoon comes, the four of you make your way back to Martin's former domus in the inner city. Unsurprisingly, Dione and Aurelia Prima are there waiting for you. What is surprising is her three guests, one of which immediately flies up to you and perches onto your left shoulder – a small black raven. But that's not the one who caught your attention at first.

    No, that would be none other than...

    "...Cornelia Prima...?"

    ...who is standing by Aurelia Prima's side. She gives you a small smile. Nothing about her is visibly wrong – she's as healthy as ever and also wearing her usual stola – but a snake's aura is coated over her, like a second skin. Dione must have a hold over her as well!

    "Yes, Zarya, it's me. When Aurelia Prima told me you were here, I had to see you again. Have you been well?"

    Before you can answer, the third mystery guest chimes in, having coaxed her raven back into her left hand. She's in a familiar black cultist's robe, and her long black hair is loosely draped upon her cool brown skin. She turns her gray eyes to you. "There will be plenty of time for reunions later~! Right now, we have something more important to discuss~! Let's go inside already~!"

    She then barges inside the domus without waiting for the rest of you, getting a laugh out of Dione. "Apollonia has been quite eager to meet you, Zarya. The food is waiting for us as well... oh, hold on. Is Aries Mars not joining us tonight?"

    Well, she was going to notice eventually. Thankfully, she buys your excuse that the Mystic Priestess is busy praying in one of the monasteries, and doesn't question you all further. Instead, the rest of you all enter the domus and head into the dining room. Sure enough, Dione was telling the truth. While the appetizers, soups, and salads remain, the more extravagant dining options from last time are absent today, replaced instead with stuffed birds. There's also significantly less wine available to drink.

    Still, it looks and smells delicious, you get to eating at once, as do Linza and Philippos. Only Dione and Theodora hold back, as the sun is still up.

    This does not stop Apollonia from asking you questions, of course.

    "Zarya, tell me more about his being you're fused with. It's really from another world? How did you meet it? ...oh wait, I know that. Different question~! How do you know that it is indeed from another world, and not simply a nature spirit?"

    "Hmph! It can't be a nature spirit because those aren't real," interjects Theodora.

    "I keep telling you, Apollonia... there are only angels and demons," adds Dione.

    Apollonia laughs at the two of them, much to their annoyance, and repeats her questions.

    "About a month ago, I was talking to it-"

    Her eyes light up. "It can talk!?"

    "That's right, though it prefers not to. It's studying me and this world, as its home has no humans."

    "Well, obviously, Demons dwell in darkness-"

    You cut off Theodora. "It came from a land covered in ice, and was called to our world by accident. Your fellow cultists messed up their ritual," you comment towards Apollonia, getting a chuckle out of her. You're not sure why she finds it funny, but you continue on. I was then sacrificed to it, but instead it fused me into its body and restored me. As thanks, I plan on separating us with an exorcism so that it can wander the land freely."

    "Eh? But if what you say is true, then won't you be-?"

    You cut off Dione. "The Being is aware of this, and has been working on disentangling us. Once its work is complete, it can be removed without killing me."

    "A-ah... I see..."

    "Wonderful~!" exclaims Apollonia, ignoring the stunned looks on the faces of Dione, Theodora, Aurelia Prima, and Cornelia Prima. "How wonderful~! What an opportunity~! Know that I, Apollonia, will help you in whatever way you need~! In truth, I had yet to encounter an alien being before you, but now that I have, my theories have been proven right~!"

    "Theories?" you ask.

    "About the existence of other worlds. Normally, they cannot be accessed, but with magic, many otherwise impossible things suddenly become possible."

    Theodora glares at her. "This 'magic' is simply God's power, either borrowed or distorted."

    "Hehehe... if you say so, Theodora. ...but in any case, to encounter another world's being... although, it is a living thing like us, or simply that world's version of a nature spirit? Zarya, would you know?"

    You shake your head. "I didn't know about nature spirits until all of this happened," and you carefully omit how exactly you came into this knowledge. "...are you sure they're real? Because... I think I've encountered another one, and-!?"

    That gets prompt reactions from Theodora and Dione, both leaping out of their seats.

    "That must have been another Demon! Where was this!?" shouts Theodora.

    "Yes, you must tell me so that we can capture it!" demands Dione.

    Apollonia, still seated, is just as amused as ever. "Oh~? Even now, you don't believe~? Hehehe..."

    The two holy women glare at her, and they both state clearly that they can't! It's not possible!

    But even so... you know what you felt!

    That must have been a nature spirit!

    [] Declare that you've seen a nature spirit and that they're real! (Lose (+) with Theodora and lose (+) with Dione.)
    -[] Furthermore, you want to go and talk to it. (Gains (-) with Theodora and Dione)
    -[] That said... you can pass on further interacting with it. (Re-gains (+) with Theodora; you'll tell her about where it was later)
    -[] However, if Dione wants to see it for herself, she may. (Re-gains (+) with Dione; she'll leave in the morning to track it down)
    -[] (there's nothing you can say to re-gain (+) with both of them)
    -[] (that said, you can write-in something else, if you're so inclined)
    [] Back down and change the subject. (Lose (+) with Apollonia; write-in required; requires 75+% approval to pass)

    Spiritual Aptitude: 40
    QM Note: I'll update the Character Sheet later. You have an automatic (+) with Apollonia, unless you vote to lose it here. After this, we'll cover a few more things, then go to night and proceed from there...
     
    Last edited:
  • Threadmarks
    • [x] Declare that you've seen a nature spirit and that they're real! (Lose (+) with Theodora and lose (+) with Dione.)
    -[x] Furthermore, you want to go and talk to it. (Gains (-) with Theodora and Dione)

    Wanting to discuss it was foolish, but not backing down now
     
    Ooooh man…
    Okay.
    Cripes.
    I did not expect a trio of…
    Okay.
    So Dione is in angels and demons camp, but thinks Nature Spirits are not a thing.
    Theodora is of the Church.
    Apollo is is the new face, and apparently she's of the camp of nature spirits are a thing.
    Hooo boy.
    …I'm willing to lose that plus with Dione over this, or close to it. Between what she's done with Cornila and the uncertain amount of planning she's done…Yeah, no.

    [x] Declare that you've seen a nature spirit and that they're real! (Lose (+) with Theodora and lose (+) with Dione.)
    -[X] That said... you can pass on further interacting with it. (Re-gains (+) with Theodora; you'll tell her about where it was later)

    I am now fairly certain I want to not deal with Dione further, frankly. But since we're not sticking around here I'm thinking we should be sure we'll be on good grounds with the Church.
     
    [X] Declare that you've seen a nature spirit and that they're real! (Lose (+) with Theodora and lose (+) with Dione.)
    -[X] That said... you can pass on further interacting with it. (Re-gains (+) with Theodora; you'll tell her about where it was later)
     
    [x] Declare that you've seen a nature spirit and that they're real! (Lose (+) with Theodora and lose (+) with Dione.)
    -[x] However, if Dione wants to see it for herself, she may. (Re-gains (+) with Dione; she'll leave in the morning to track it down)

    When the cat's away the mice will play.
     
    Remove ads
    note that I've made a minor retcon

    Solarstream said:
    "Hm... I heard that Behemoth was originally a spirit of the earth... maybe going in the cave will help...?"
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    has been replaced with

    Solarstream said:
    "Hm... I heard that Behemoth was originally a spirit of the earth... maybe going to the mountains will help...?"
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    which makes more sense since you're currently in Sardis and not Ephesus

    Zaealix said:
    I am now fairly certain I want to not deal with Dione further, frankly.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    not to influence the vote too much, but I'd like to clarify that sending Dione off into the mountains also accomplishes this, and it's not like you can't regain your (+) with Theodora later
     
    Adhoc vote count started by Solarstream on Jun 10, 2023 at 7:33 PM, finished with 5 posts and 4 votes.
    • [x] Declare that you've seen a nature spirit and that they're real! (Lose (+) with Theodora and lose (+) with Dione.)
      -[X] That said... you can pass on further interacting with it. (Re-gains (+) with Theodora; you'll tell her about where it was later)
      [x] Declare that you've seen a nature spirit and that they're real! (Lose (+) with Theodora and lose (+) with Dione.)
      -[x] Furthermore, you want to go and talk to it. (Gains (-) with Theodora and Dione)
      [x] Declare that you've seen a nature spirit and that they're real! (Lose (+) with Theodora and lose (+) with Dione.)
      -[x] However, if Dione wants to see it for herself, she may. (Re-gains (+) with Dione; she'll leave in the morning to track it down)
    Click to expand...


    current tally, vote will close at this time:
     
    Reader mode
    You must login or register to reply here.
    Remove ads
    Back
    Top