The Journey Never Ends (Original Fantasy Quest)
bobbananaville
A giant crab, atop an even gianter crab
- Location
- The Philippines
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[X] Kill them. Kill them now.
Nope.
Do not negotiate with demons.
Nope.
Do not negotiate with demons.
- Location
- Chelsea Alabama
[X] Hear them out… is it truly too good to be true?
A risk but narrative wise this feels like the right choice. Too many people are defaulting to the violent approach even though that really would not help the elf.
A risk but narrative wise this feels like the right choice. Too many people are defaulting to the violent approach even though that really would not help the elf.
Crawkid
Lover of quests and community
- Location
- holed up in my room
for myself, i wouldnt call it a default decision
it based on what i feel would be the knee jerk reaction to remembering that what she sees is not real, and is made up by this demon so terrible
tbh, i cried reading thrugh it effort and can understand if the listening vote wins
it based on what i feel would be the knee jerk reaction to remembering that what she sees is not real, and is made up by this demon so terrible
tbh, i cried reading thrugh it effort and can understand if the listening vote wins
- Location
- Outside the Box
- Pronouns
- She/Her
It's been featured in SV's Picks of the Month, which you should see the banner of at the top of the front page.
Vote Update
New
Edit: Extending it for a few hours, maybe around 6-7ish. Seems to be a close vote, though if I'm counting the switches right, it seems the lead is extending for hearing them out. Since it's an important vote for the quest, I'll probably leave it up for another 12 hours, and extending it based on what it looks like in the morning. I'll repeat what I commented on the known facts on the previous page, and possibly add more later:
Oh no
. Hopefully next update will be, um, well, slightly more celebratory? Aha...Ahh, I did notice that, but I still didn't think it'd get this much more attention from being one of the runner-ups aha. And if I remember right, you were the one who nominated me. I was really surprised to say the least at the time and wasn't sure how to react, but thank you for doing so. It gave me that extra burst of motivation during those earlier updates.
Next update may or may not take a bit longer like the Penultimate one. We'll see, there may be something else currently I'll have to pay some attention to for a bit.
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- Location
- SV's Only Complete Persona Quest
- Pronouns
- She/Her
I've never thought of User Picks as runners-up, even if they don't get their own banner. They're still important, and you wouldn't think of the People's Choice Awards as runners-up to the Oscars
Ah yeah, that was a poor choice of words by me. I admit to not knowing exactly how the process works, and I don't mean to diminish mine or other User Picks. I'm very appreciative I was selected at all and that more people are beginning to read the quest. The earlier-middle parts of the Sumeri volume were probably when my motivation was flagging the most, and it helped me over that bump and getting me across the (first) finish line for the volume.
- Location
- Somewhere in the Uk
[X] Hear them out… is it truly too good to be true?
- Location
- Chelsea Alabama
Please let this be good.
That isn't particularly good.
That isn't particularly good.
- Location
- Chelsea Alabama
Hope is a powerful thing for it paves the way towards tomorrow. Once it is loosed it will not stop.
right, underdog protagonist moment it is
Alright... I have tentatively finished the conviction part of the next update. It took me a while, and I'll probably revise it later, but I can move on and try to finish other parts of the update. Next update is definitely not coming out tonight, MIGHT come out tomorrow, and may have to take two more days depending how things go. Might've gotten it out sooner but found it difficult to focus past few days/wasn't feeling well. Anyways, dice rolls. I haven't fully decided how to handle the fights for the other characters, but I will roll first for Deirdre's fight and Amina's handling of the outside situation. Check this post throughout the days for dice updates.
For opposed rolls, first three dice count as Deirdre/Ally rolls, while last three dice will count for the opponent. Edit: Should be most rolls done. Was sort of hesitant to roll for each character since it feels like a lot... but this is already going to be biggest update yet probably, so I decided on doing it. Thankfully, it's nothing too bad for any of them. Fatoumata about to lay down the fucking hurt while Noor is about to have the fight of her life. Edit 2: Almost finished, but I think I probably want to post this a little bit later. Lots I want to look over and tweak a bit
For opposed rolls, first three dice count as Deirdre/Ally rolls, while last three dice will count for the opponent. Edit: Should be most rolls done. Was sort of hesitant to roll for each character since it feels like a lot... but this is already going to be biggest update yet probably, so I decided on doing it. Thankfully, it's nothing too bad for any of them. Fatoumata about to lay down the fucking hurt while Noor is about to have the fight of her life. Edit 2: Almost finished, but I think I probably want to post this a little bit later. Lots I want to look over and tweak a bit
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Looking good then 🤞Amina has that knightly charisma down pat.
- Location
- Chelsea Alabama
Looks like things are going well especially for Amina. A hero's light grows all the brighter with friends at the back, and hope has been let loosed from the bow soaring towards tomorrow. No calamity on earth can truly stop it once true hope has taken flight.
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Volume 1: Residue of the Past - Sumeri FInale
New
[X] Hear them out... is it truly too good to be true? - 10 votes
[X] Kill them. Kill them now. - 7 votes
[X] Kill them. Kill them now. - 7 votes
You stare at the figure before you, taking in every minute detail about them. They… they aren't anyone you recognize, but they are familiar nonetheless. Tousled, brown hair frames energetic blue eyes and a youthful face. There is thin white gauze near their chin covering some unknown wound. A mix of leather armor and bits of metal adorns their body in a disorganized and random fashion, with a white shirt underneath it all. On their back is a plain sword and wooden shield as they lightly rock back and forth on leather boots. Completing their ensemble is a ratty red scarf wrapped around their neck, worn and loved.
A beginner adventurer on a new, first journey. Slight without much muscles or calluses built up, the newbie will probably mess up and get into all sorts of situations. But then, they may encounter unlikely friends and grow into their own. This… this is a new opportunity. Not some cruel deception of your past friends returning. Not a bitter memory of happier times. It is a promise of something real and present. A sincere promise…?
Biting your lip, you restrain yourself from doing anything hasty. Time. You need more time. Every second you can buy yourself to think and clear your head can only help, right?
You start with a tentative question, hiding the trembling of your voice as best as you are able, "Where will we be going?"
The adventurer cocks their head, "I don't know, to be honest! I've been around some places, but there's so much out there where we're headed. Doesn't it make it more exciting?"
"Perhaps," you allow. "But even adventurers have particular destinations and goals they aim for. What would ours be?"
"Hmm," they hum, tapping a finger on their chin. "Well, why don't we go to the Sea of Stars and the Shifting Coasts? They're always really beautiful, and things change there so much it never gets old."
As if brought before you on a platter by a server, the distant memories of those two places come to the forefront of your mind. The uncontested territory and borders of the various planes of—realms. They are indeed a wondrous sight unmatched by anything you've seen in Or—your life. Ever rushing streams of aeth—oceans, and rolling eddies of thoughts and ener—plains, they are beautiful stretches of land in the extraordinary regions this young adventurer is planning to venture into.
Something burns within you again, but it is not as sharp as before. You don't know what the source of it is, but something about it feels… well, you are glad that it is no longer causing you pain anymore. Instead, you sit down by the campfire as the adventurer happily munches on some dried meat they had somewhere. You blink. Where did all this come from? No, no. It's not important. There's still questions you need to ask about your upcoming journey.
"You mentioned friends?" You ask, warming your shivering hands over the fire. Why is it so cold all of a sudden?
They chew as they talk, "Yeah! Theresh's lots of people who wouldth love to come with us, eshpecially to see you!"
Something about that seems a little strange, but you're having a difficult time finding out why.
"Truly?"
"There might be some weird ones," the human admits with a nervous laugh as they swallow their food. "But they'll love you, I swear. Everyone will be laughing and having fun once we get together for the journey!"
You nod, a smile creeping up on your face, "That's… good. An adventure needs levity and cheer. It'll be good to meet them."
Taking the blanket suddenly in your hands and wrapping it around your body, you begin to soak in the atmosphere that you've long cherished but rarely felt in recent times. The crackling of fire, scent of food cooking in a pot, birds and insects chirping, and calm breeze rustling your hair is soothing when spent with company. Camping alone for years or decades has filled you with a certain melancholy, but a single friendly companion is all it takes to banish it. It's still so cold for some reason despite the fire and blanket, but you suppose it's because of the night air.
"And…" you start, but trail off.
They tilt their head, "And?"
"You'll be there with me? Every step of the way?"
The adventurer widens their eyes a bit, their mouth forming an O. Pity fills their expression as their eyebrows furrow and they attempt a smile to cover it up from you. Dusting their hand off, they hesitate a little before reaching it out to you.
"Yes, of course. I'll say it one more time. I won't leave you, and you'll never be left alone again."
You stare at the hand as a rush of words leaves your mouth, "And it will not end and begin and end again? We'll not struggle, go through an inevitable conclusion, and then separate? I'll not be left alone for decades and have the precious lessons and learning moments I've gone through start fading away? I won't have to adapt and start this process all over again and again?"
"Deirdre, I understand," they say. "How much it hurts to carry that weight. I, and the others, know what it is like. You won't have to discard it, if it pains you too much, but I swear that our adventure will never add to it again. We'll go where our heart desires, relax where we wish, and be free of any obligations and oaths. There won't be any conflicts that will separate us, and we'll be able to see all that there is to see forever more. Doesn't it sound nice?"
You take a shuddering breath as you absorb their words. Is… is this something you want? A never ending adventure where you won't have put the pieces of yourself back together after ever again? An expedition without constant obstacles and factors that tear people away from you without remorse? A path that you may walk without struggle and doubt shadowing your every step and thought?
A journey that never ends?
DC 18:
Deirdre Conviction Roll: 3d6: 3+4+2 = 9. (9+4(Great Conviction)+2(Weight) = 15) Failed. -1 Health State. -2 to combat rolls.
Deirdre Conviction Roll: 3d6: 3+4+2 = 9. (9+4(Great Conviction)+2(Weight) = 15) Failed. -1 Health State. -2 to combat rolls.
You're not sure, but it's something you'll like to find out. If there is a chance that the pain you've endured over and over for millennia may finally be put to rest, can you afford not to explore that opportunity? If nothing else… it'd be nice to follow someone else again. To be a member of their party, to share in their antics, and to be led by them in a direction and path you've never thought of. You reach out a hand to your protag—
+2(You Big Dummy!) = 17.
"That sounds boring as hell! No, even Hell can be fun sometimes. This is worse than that! Deir, how is this even tempting you?"
Your hand recoils from the hopeful adventurer as a painful shock runs through your system. Blinking rapidly you look in the direction the spell that hit you came from to see a fairy struggling through… was there always a barrier there? You don't remember putting down any wards.
"What?" You blurt out.
The fairy slows down her struggles to roll her eyes at you, "Oh for the… Deir, it's me, Ophelia! The best fairy in all the realms and planes? The future fairy queen that'll be better than all the rest? If you've forgotten me already, I'll shock you again!"
Some of the fog starts to clear in your mind, "Ophy…"
"Yeah, that's me. Anyways, the offer that this squirt is giving you? It sucks! Where's the action? Where's the pranks? Where's the explosions? Come on! I know you're a bit boring Deir, but even you enjoy doing things besides walking around and sightseeing. There's gotta be stakes!"
You blink as you say, "Well, yes, but—"
"Deir, I know you're sad. I don't get it, but don't think I don't see it you dummy. The thing is, this fake doesn't get it either! They sound like they do, but they're guessing just as much as I am and hiding it by throwing out vaguely correct statements. They—ghrrk… won't be able to uphold their end of their deal! It's a classic scam."
Ophelia grimaces in pain as she starts losing her battle with the barrier, but still shouts out, "You still owe me three whole favors! I want to get my own tablet! I want to see what's up with these 'video games'! I want to eat all the new food out there! You are NOT backing out of them that easily! If I have to drag you out of whatever la-la land they lock you up in, I will, and I won't be gentle about it! So wake up already—"
The fairy cries out as she is sent flying back to the Currents, but a look of determination settles on her face as she manages to cast one last spell at you before she vanishes. Before you can process what happened, a pinkish blob of energy crashes into you and explodes with violent fury. Strangely enough, you don't feel any pain at first. The sensation burning within your body from before however suddenly sears through your insides, eliciting a hiss of pain from you as you fall onto your hands.
"Deirdre! Are you alright?" The adventurer asks, panic coloring their voice as they crouch down next to you and reach out a hand.
For some reason, you instinctively recoil from them and scramble back. The fire burning within you intensifies the closer they get and almost causes you to cry out due to the sudden agony.
"A-ah, I'll give you some space for now," they say sheepishly. "Did you know that fairy?"
You take a moment to recover before saying, "...yes. Ophy's an old friend of mine."
"Hmph, she didn't seem very friendly to me. That thing was a mean old fairy," they say, face scrunching up. "You don't need a friend like that anymore. Once our journey starts, everyone will be much nicer than her. So forget about her! You can be happy with us!"
For once, the heat bursting forth from within you isn't random as your face twists into a scowl.
"Ophelia is crude and impolite, but she is dear to me. Don't you dare insult her."
The adventurer looks taken aback, "Oh, well—"
Both of you stop as you hear armored footsteps coming from behind you. Turning your head wearily, you almost choke at what steps out of the trees. Sometimes they appear in your dreams and nightmares, but you have done whatever you could to avoid any visual depictions of them. It hurt too much to be reminded of it.
A distantly familiar elf stops before you, long blonde hair tucked behind pointed ears and swishing behind him as he eyes your surroundings. Gleaming silvery plate covers his body from head to toe along with a red cloak lined with fur. His every gesture and motion is perfectly measured as he checks for threats before locking bright purple eyes on you.
"What are you doing lazing around here, soldier? The Verdant Company is soon to march against the demonic hordes."
You hastily sit back up, "Captain Ronan—"
The captain's eyes move to look at the adventurer up and down before going back to take in your messy clothes and hair, his expression quickly darkening, "Who is this human? Have you used your scouting missions to sneak off and fool around with these savages?"
"Hey! I'm not a savage. Deirdre, let's get away from this guy."
Their words fall on deaf ears though as your captain's question bounces around in your mind. You… this adventurer never introduced themself, but you could've sworn you knew their name. A sharp increase in the heat burning within you causes you to gasp and lay a hand on the ground.
"Caorthannach…"
The Captain of the Verdant Company freezes for only a moment before immediately drawing out his silver sword and rushing at the human. You watch as the adventurer darts forward with their hand outstretched, causing the elf you followed in the First Crusade to dissipate into thin air as he tries to close in on them.
The advent—Caorthannach stares back at you with wide eyes, "It's just an illusion, Deirdre! Something is trying to mess with your thoughts! Don't listen to them. You can't give up! If you just take my hand and follow me, you'll—"
"You'll end up playing right into that demon's hands."
Turning to the new voice, you see a lacerta with dark brown scales walking at a sedate pace towards you. Clothed in shabby robes and a tattered wizard's hat, Mateo peers down at you with a judgmental gaze as he rolls a stalk of some plant in his mouth. Once the word demon leaves his mouth, your mind suddenly gets cloudy as you struggle to respond to your old companion.
You stare at the scornful wizard, "What do you mean?"
He shakes his head and mutters, "Greatest magicians they said… well, it's very simple really. The Caorthannach is a demon who has situated herself as an eternal opponent of you elves. Now that it's only you, somehow, why would she want to kill you? This entire invasion reeks of desperation anyways. With your sudden appearance, she probably sees this as one of the few chances she has of increasing her power and ascending."
Mateo flicks the stalk he was chewing on at you, watching as the demon rushes at him.
"Get up already. I didn't bear over thirty years of your company during the Crusades to see you embarrass yourself like this. You're… I know you're better than this."
After he fades away from the Caorthannach's attack, you stumble back up as she turns towards you.
She grits her teeth and cries out, "They're just lying, Deirdre! And really, why are all your 'friends' so mean to you? Forget about them. All you need is me!"
Another voice calls out to counter her, "Ma doesn't need you or anyone at all."
Your entire body goes still as all the composure you've regained is thrown out. Barely daring to even breathe, you stand frozen as quiet footsteps stop to stand beside you. What is going on? Why are all these ghosts coming back to haunt you? Ophelia didn't cause this…
The demon wearing a human's skin glowers at the new arrival, "You're no elf. Who are you to call her mother?"
"Because when I was the last survivor of my village from a demon attack, she was the one who saved me," Abiona bites back. "Not from demons, but from the other 'crusaders' trying to burn me alive because they thought I was corrupted. She fed me, clothed me, hugged me when I was sad, and taught me everything I know. She watched me grow, showed me how to fight, and comforted me when I broke up my first relationship."
Blinking rapidly in a futile attempt to hold back your tears, you turn to the daughter you buried so long ago. Her face is just as you remember. Yellow-brown fur frames fierce amber eyes, and Abiona's slitted pupils stare down the demon before her. The miu barely comes to your shoulders, but you feel as if she is standing over everyone as the wind rustles the dark brown cloak you gave her to keep her warm and covered up as a child. The bow you helped craft for her is slung over her shoulder, simple but made with care and effort.
"Kitten… are you…?"
Abiona turns to you and shakes her head, "I'm sorry Ma. I'm not really here, nor can I stay for long."
You reach a hand out to her shoulder, only for it to pass through without a hint of resistance. Staring at your hand with an empty expression, the trembling that overcomes you washes away all the fog that's been clouding your mind for a moment. It was not unheard of for an elf to adopt children of other races, but you could not bring yourself to care for children more than a few times. A parent who outlives their child…
"Ma, you're the strongest person I know. You can get through this. Please don't give in."
She gives you a bright smile and says, "I love you."
Out of the corner of your eye, you catch sight of the being you forgot is here rushing towards her. Scrambling, you push yourself in front of the miu and prepare to take the blow for your child. As you brace yourself however, the demon suddenly slides to a stop and falls to the floor as she gapes at something behind you.
"No need for that, my favorite elf. I suppose it's my turn to cut in and give you some motivational words, hm?"
"You… what are you doing here? You're not supposed to be able to leave!" The Caorthannach screeches, her composure finally breaking as her gentle voice shifts into the echoing reverberations she had before.
"I was never very good at doing what others told me to do. I'm sure someone will get angry with me, but the rules can be very flexible in certain circumstances…"
Sighing in exhaustion and relief, you turn to see your Commander strolling in without a care in the world. Abiona is gone already, and after staring for a moment at the empty spot where she stood just a second ago, you work to regain what composure you have left to stand up straight and raise a hand to your chest while bowing your head.
"Commander Nasrin."
You hear a chuckle, "Come now. It's been over a millennia, and you're still so formal. Don't think I haven't forgotten what you're like after a few drinks."
"Don't ignore me!"
"It's important to respect the chain of command," you say, ignoring the demon and raising your head back up. "Commander… what are you doing here? What is going on?"
Nasrin sighs, "A lot of complicated magic stuff neither of us really get, I think. Cormy here probably did something with your imprint or presence in the Currents, drawing on your story and innermost feelings to manipulate you. That pixie friend of yours managed to mess her spell up, and now it's going out of control and spitting us all out. They were… echoes of an echo, you can say, or the remnants of their metaphorical footprints on your own life."
"And you?" You ask, paying no heed to the growls at the nickname.
"Well, I'm not really allowed to say much," she starts, before smirking at you. "Let's just say I'm still around in some way."
"I see… Commander, I apologize for displaying such a—"
The human raises a hand up, "I'm going to stop you right there. You cracked once after thousands of years of persisting in a material form. I don't blame you, and I'm not here to criticize you. Frankly, I should give you another medal for continuing to fight against demons after all this time."
You swallow, "We… we didn't interact that much. I'm not so sure what I've done to deserve this attention from you."
She sighs, "You weren't this self-deprecating back then, were you? True, I already had a core group of trusted friends and allies when I arrived at the southern front after dealing with the north. You were one of the more important connections I made down there however. Don't think I didn't realize how much you quietly contributed in the background."
Sagging, you shake your head, "Commander, I thank you for your words, but… I'm not that elf anymore. I've gone through struggle after struggle without end, and I'm afraid that hardship did not make me stronger. It simply added more scars and cracks. I… I don't want to keep going through this, to walk with thousands of bleeding wounds all over me. Please…"
You feel nothing now as your body deflates. There is no heat or chill. There is no spark or gloom. The deceptions you've long kept up to force your body to take one more step have been replaced and torn away again these past few moments. To the one you respected most during the Crusades, all you can present her with is a hollow husk of an elf, a puppet forever walking by the strings of memory of those she cherished.
"Deirdre. I can promise you no paradise or magical solution to your woes. In this world of Orbis and all the Currents, you live a unique existence in which none may truly understand you anymore."
You remain still.
"While the Caorthannach's pale imitation of an adventure will not make you happy, I'll admit that the alternatives are little better. Whatever you choose, you will suffer in some way in your struggles to find peace within yourself."
You remain still.
"Even as your fate and destiny is being influenced and watched as the last elf, I cannot say what lies in store for you. But… there is one thing I'm certain of, and my intuition is never wrong. Would you like to hear it?"
You remain still.
"It's okay. You don't have to respond. The Caorthannach promised you that the journey will never end, right? Well, I think I have a better offer for you, just a little bit. One way or another, I promise you that one day in the future…"
Arms wrap around you in a warm embrace.
"The journey will end."
+2(???) = 19. Passed. Remove all debuffs. Add +1 to all combat rolls.
Heat blossoms from your chest as an inferno builds up from within you. Falling into the embrace and clutching onto Commander Nasrin as much as you can, the pain and clarity forces you from the overwhelming despair that you were drowning in. Gasping for breath, you close your eyes shut as you endure the scorching heat. Despite the agony you are being put through, you feel more… unburdened. The distress and hopelessness linger, but it feels as if you can finally think without the ever present shade of your past.
After what feels like both an eternity and an instant, it is over. Nasrin slowly releases her embrace and you step back uncertainly as you try to figure out what happened to you. Your bow is suddenly in your hand, making you realize it must've disappeared somehow. There is a certain spring to your step that you aren't used to that makes you feel like you're floating, but you're not sure if you feel any stronger.
"Right now, I know you are not ready for that yet, and that you need a little help and direction. So, crusader, I have an order for you."
You stand up straight and say, "Yes, Commander?"
She lazily waves at the Caorthannach behind you, "Go take care of that. We both have bigger and better things to worry about, don't we?"
With that, the Commander of the Third and Last Crusade, Demonbane, and Hero of Orbis fades away into streams of light and mana. Flexing your hands and taking a deep breath, you turn to the demon candidate with a clear and focused mind.
The Caorthannach has reverted back to her form as a miu, and she did not look well pleased. Black flames licks at her body as she stands back up to her full height, the orbs at her eyes swirling madly. Gusts of wind start picking up around you as she vents her fury, and soon the battlefield is set as you stand against the wind and flames of Disaster personified.
"You wish for your journey to end? So be it. I had hoped to give you the choice, but it seems you are forcing my hand. The last legacy of the accursed elves shall be mine to play with soon enough."
With a little flourish, you draw an arrow from your quiver and spin it before setting it against the bowstring. The fight is on.
Opposed Roll: Great Physical Health-1 = 3 Health States
Deirdre - 3d6: 6+3+5 = 14. (14+5(Phenomenal Martial)+2(Marksman)+1(???) = 22)
Vs
The Caorthannach - 3d6: 1+2+5 =8 (8+((6(Extraordinary Magic)+4(Great Martial))/2)+2(Overpowering Magic) = 15)
Deirdre - 3d6: 6+3+5 = 14. (14+5(Phenomenal Martial)+2(Marksman)+1(???) = 22)
Vs
The Caorthannach - 3d6: 1+2+5 =8 (8+((6(Extraordinary Magic)+4(Great Martial))/2)+2(Overpowering Magic) = 15)
Adjusting for the wind, you fire a glowing light arrow at the demon. Predictably, she teleports away, but she throws out a stream of scorching wind at you before she does. Already having another arrow in your hand, you shoot it at the floor before leaping to the side away from the attack. Pinging off the ground, it ricochets and homes in at the Caorthannach behind you, drawing a pained hiss from her as it finds its mark.
Turning quickly, you spot her tearing the arrow shaft out of her shoulder, black blood dripping from its point. Aiming three more arrows at her, you watch as she rushes toward you with a snarl on her face. She bats one arrow away with a hand, twists her body to dodge the second, but stumbles as one catches her on her lower leg and freezes it. The Caorthannach screams as she aims her hands at the ground and launches two powerful explosions of fire that sends her up in the air and melts the ice and arrow in the same motion.
The ground shakes from the sheer force, but you keep your balance with ease as you weather the reverberations of her demonic screech. Looking up, you already have an arrow aimed at the demon candidate charging up some spell with her hands connected to each other. Feeling the sheer heat nearly causing burns on your skin and cutting through your armor, you prepare a spell of your own to counter her.
"FALL!"
Black flames erupt out of her hands in a beam of pure destruction, ready to consume everything in its path. You have less than a second to send out your counter as the spell rushes towards you, but you give off a small smile as you finish the last preparations. You chose perfectly.
Just as the flames are about to reduce you to ash, a drill-like sound suddenly overwhelms the gusts of wind. An arrow with a blue, corkscrew-like structure surrounding it pierces through the flames with ease, repelling the hungry fire as it spins. Scattering and carrying flames with it as it travels through the air, it carves a path straight towards the Caorthannach without slowing down. A scream echoes around the area as the demon is sent crashing into her own barrier.
Drawing another arrow, you watch warily as the clouds of smoke and turbulent winds obscure your vision of her. A jolt runs through your body as soon as you take a step forward, and you instinctively draw yourself into the Currents in response to the hidden danger. You fumble in the chaotic streams for a bit, but manage to teleport yourself away a moment later to see the Caorthannach miss an attempted point blank spell at you and destroy the floor instead.
You only have time to take out an arrow however before she blinks away again to stand right before you with a claw poised to take your head off. Tossing your bow in the air, you rush in and feel her attack brush past your face as you narrowly dodge it. A satisfying crack resounds across the area instead as your fist crashes into the Caorthannach's face, the shocked look on her face being something you wish you could frame. Before she can recover, you stab an arrow into her guts and kick the shaft in, sending you and her both back from the force applied.
As she stumbles back with a choked gasp, you toss another arrow into air and transition into a flip after your kick. Catching the bow you sent up in the air with your feet, you connect the arrow you tossed to the string. In the split second before you fall back down, your feet draw the bowstring back with the ease of long practice to shoot the arrow straight at the Caorthannach, a spell having already been imbued in it during the motions you just performed.
Landing back on your feet and catching your bow with your hands, you look back in time to see her cursing in some Abyssal tongue and clutching the stump of her arm. Despite the agony that you know she isn't used to feeling, the Caorthannach stares at you unblinkingly with the hatred of eons behind it.
"You elves have ever stood in my way, unchanging and unbending. It disgusts me to see something so stagnant. Even when your race is reduced to a single member, still you serve to irritate me in every manner possible."
Staring at her impassively, you simply draw another arrow and prepare to aim it at her.
"I'll wipe that look off your face and watch as your eternal form is mutated beyond recognition. Now fall!"
Opposed Roll:
Heal One Health State due to Phoenix Legacy, Four Health States
Deirdre - 3d6: 1+3+2 = 6.. (6+5(Phenomenal Martial)+2(Marksman)+1(???) = 14)
Vs
The Caorthannach - 3d6: 3+3+1 = 7 (7+((6(Extraordinary Magic)+4(Good Martial))/2)+2(Overpowering Magic)-1(Strained Vessel) = 13)
Heal One Health State due to Phoenix Legacy, Four Health States
Deirdre - 3d6: 1+3+2 = 6.. (6+5(Phenomenal Martial)+2(Marksman)+1(???) = 14)
Vs
The Caorthannach - 3d6: 3+3+1 = 7 (7+((6(Extraordinary Magic)+4(Good Martial))/2)+2(Overpowering Magic)-1(Strained Vessel) = 13)
Raising a foot off the ground, she stomps it down on the floor and instantly craters the entire area around you. This time you do stumble, and you barely have time to react to the Caorthannach rocketing towards you. You hastily retreat to the Currents and land a few meters to the side, but you are unable to react this time to what comes behind you.
A pillar of flame scorches your back and much of your right leg as it erupts from the still rumbling ground. Screaming, you yank yourself away from the pillar, panting and struggling to catch your breath as more and more pillars explode out of the floor. You strain your eyes to see past the smoke, black fire, and wind fanning everything around you as you limp forward. Coughing, you aim an arrow upwards and wait for an attack to come.
The flare of the Caorthannach's searing presence alerts you to her next move, and you immediately finish your spell's preparation with the picture of heavy rain in a storm etched into your mind. Shooting the arrow in the air, you teleport away right when you feel as if the black flames are about to sweep over you.
"Gaaagh!"
The Caorthannach cries out as a rain of arrows falls all over her. From the single arrow shot into air comes a constant hail of projectiles for a few seconds that sends her crashing into the ground. Turning back, you see her body riddled with arrows and dark purple blood oozing out of her into a sizzling puddle on the ground. You hear her try to take a few rattling breaths before she suddenly explodes with a burst of raw force that sends all the arrows flying back and disintegrates the ones stuck in her.
"ENOUGH! You dare stand in the way of my moment of triumph? You think yourself so important as to stop the inevitable breakdown of all things? Fall and scatter away, you repugnant worm…"
You cry out as a whirlwind suddenly forms within the area created by the barrier, the demon pouring ridiculous amounts of mana in making a veritable hurricane within this small battlefield. High speed winds tear at your skin, the embers carried with them intensifying the pain as they dig into your wounds. With the wind whipping your hair in every direction and your bow being torn away, you cover your eyes with a hand as best as you can while covering your mouth with the other.
Then, ever so slowly, you take a step forward.
Opposed Roll:
Fatoumata - 3d6: 6+6+4 = 16. (16+3(Good Martial)+3(Bitter Resolve)+2(Uncaring of Death) = 24
Vs.
President Musa - 3d6: 6+1+5 = 12. (12+4(Great Martial)+1(Fanatic)-1(Rusty) = 17
Fatoumata - 3d6: 6+6+4 = 16. (16+3(Good Martial)+3(Bitter Resolve)+2(Uncaring of Death) = 24
Vs.
President Musa - 3d6: 6+1+5 = 12. (12+4(Great Martial)+1(Fanatic)-1(Rusty) = 17
"Mata, listen—"
The President is cut off as Fatoumata rushes in with the blade attached to her rifle. He catches it on the blade of his own firearm, the old miu still skilled, but the demon hunter shifts her position and clocks him on the head with the butt of her rifle. Stumbling back, the President narrowly dodges the shot aimed at him and is forced to block again as Fatoumata engages him in melee once more.
Father and daughter clash in a battle of speed and technique rarely seen by sharpshooters, each narrowly avoiding bullets and melee strikes at point blank range as they both attempt to upset the balance with one decisive strike. Blood pumps in their veins as the adrenaline of the high-speed skirmish mixes with the loud cracks of their rifles firing at each other in such close distances. Barely able to hear anything past the blood rushing through their bodies, there are no more tearful pleas from the father as his daughter relentlessly hunts him down.
Eventually, however, the President begins to break down. The athletics required to keep up the exchange taxes his old body, and he cries out as a bullet punctures his shoulder. He keeps his rifle up and fires a bullet at the demon hunter rushing in, but she is already sliding underneath it and pulling the trigger on her own rifle. Two deafeaning booms pierces the room, but it is the President who cries out again as he clutches at the side of his face with his hand.
"That was for Mom!" Fatoumata screams out before standing back up and charging in.
Opposed Roll:
Noor - 3d6: 6+2+2 = 10. (10+3(Good Martial)+1(Decent Magic Halved)+1(Devil's Nullifier)+1(Hell's Fury) = 16
Vs.
Safa - 3d6: 2+5+6 = 13. (13+((5(Phenomenal Magic)+2(Decent Martial))/2)+2(Dark Patron's Blessing)-2(Hell Detests Sinners) = 16.5
Noor - 3d6: 6+2+2 = 10. (10+3(Good Martial)+1(Decent Magic Halved)+1(Devil's Nullifier)+1(Hell's Fury) = 16
Vs.
Safa - 3d6: 2+5+6 = 13. (13+((5(Phenomenal Magic)+2(Decent Martial))/2)+2(Dark Patron's Blessing)-2(Hell Detests Sinners) = 16.5
Not too far away, Noor battles against the most recent source of Fatoumata's anger and turmoil. The Advocate blocks a ball of corrosive acid with her scepter, an infernal red sigil hovering over it, before reaching out with her gauntlet. A red glow suffuses the metal, but Safa just laughs as she easily dodges the chain coming at her from the side midair.
"Ah~, it seems that dear Fatoumata is upset with her father and I's close relationship. Isn't it sinful to stand in the way of true love, Noor?"
The gnoll glares up at the white-furred miu floating above her, "You've always been a creepy one, Safa."
Safa giggles, "Thank you. You seem to have changed so much though! Look at how you've cleaned yourself up. If only your sister was here to see you now—oh, wait!"
Noor grits her teeth as she rockets up in the air from her boots exploding up with a burst of flame, scepter pointed straight at the miu. Safa avoids the telegraphed attack lazily, sending another spell that the Advocate barely neutralizes in time as she lands back on the ground.
"She begged and pleaded for her life as my follower played with her, you know? Farah was such a pathetic mess from what I watched. Ahh, I wished I was there in person! I wonder what you'll look like when your life is in my hands—"
"Burn!" Noor howls as she squeezes her hand.
Red portals scream into existence all around the miu, infernal chains streaking towards her. Safa nimbly dodges them all, but yelps as one of the chains suddenly turns and slams into her torso. The cultist is sent crashing towards the ground with a cloud of smoke forming, but Noor sags and leans on her scepter from the energy exerted. A moment later, and Noor growls as the miu teleports back in front of her with only slightly singed clothes. The stalemate continues.
Opposed Rolls:
Amin - 3d6: 1+6+2 = 9 (9+4(Great Martial)+2(Slayer of Evil)+1(Divine)-1(Outnumbered) = 15
Vs
Dub, Dother, and Dian - 3d6: 3+1+3 = 7 (7+3(Good Martial)+2(Dark Patron's Blessing)+1(Synergy) = 13
Amin - 3d6: 1+6+2 = 9 (9+4(Great Martial)+2(Slayer of Evil)+1(Divine)-1(Outnumbered) = 15
Vs
Dub, Dother, and Dian - 3d6: 3+1+3 = 7 (7+3(Good Martial)+2(Dark Patron's Blessing)+1(Synergy) = 13
Amin grabs the spear thrust at him and pulls the cultist holding it towards him, headbutting the woman into the ground. Taking the spear in hand, he throws it at the mage with dark clouds and smoke billowing from them. Before he can follow up on either though, a hulking giant of a man tackles him from the side, lifting the armored paladin up in the air before slamming him on the ground.
"Dian smash you!"
Grunting with exertion, Amin wraps his legs around the arm holding him and twists with all his might. The muscular cultist yells out as his arm is about to be pulled out of its socket and quickly whips Amin away with enough force to tear him off and send him crashing into the wall. The paladin groans from the impact and mutters about his back, but manages to push himself back up to face the trio.
Dother, the spearwoman, speaks up after getting back to her feet, "You're strong, paladin, but the great Oya will feast on you once she is done playing with that elf."
Amin sneers, "I see she has you deceived. A simple look at a textbook will tell you that Oya is no second-rate demon candidate."
The mage, Dub, laughs, "You are the fool, slave of the celestials. We know that the texts forced upon us by the state are lies! The truth lies only with the Abyss, not your false Light, which our Lady has realized."
Suddenly, great gusts of wind blow past everyone in the room as the dome of swirling fire at the center spins wildly out of control. A storm brews underground as whatever is occurring within the barrier is reaching its final conclusion.
"See! Soon, you shall all be sacrificed so that the Lady of Disaster and Upheaval can ascend!"
The trio who accompanied Deirdre can only watch and pray for her success as grim determination settles into their bones to fight on.
Rain and hail falls from the skies outside the palace, pelting those outside without end. The greatest storm Nokoyo has ever experienced in recorded history threatens to overwhelm the city's emergency services as homes are flooded and property is damaged. More and more aircraft and helicopters are flying in, yet much of the response is divided and uncoordinated as command tries to both provide aid to the citizens and help secure the perimeter around the increasingly unstable area around the palace.
"This stalwart guardian will protect thee, child."
Amina watches as the young gnoll grabs onto the officer's hand and to be taken away from danger. The soaked child looks back at the knight, who waves happily back, before burying their face into the policeman's leg. Tugging the coat given to her closer to herself, Amina looks behind her to see the increasingly more nervous and frantic people manning the perimeter rush to and fro. Officers, guards, clerics, and Advocates all work together to rush people out as the environment continues to deteriorate.
Suddenly, a feeling of dread settles over Amina as the air seems to shudder around her. Great purple cracks form and shatter the fabric of reality in the area before the palace. The knight watches in numb horror as some… grotesque thing bursts into existence. She watches as the others around her begin to collapse to their knees, and for a moment, Amina wants to hide away in a corner from the monster. Without even thinking however, she shakes her head and pushes past the other shocked observers with her mace and shield drawn out.
A towering monstrosity nearly a meter taller than her roars in the palace's courtyard, rows of sharp teeth showing. Black, jagged horns sat atop its head, and its scaly, purple body exudes power with its combined musculature and stature. Behind it, a deadly tail swishes back and forth, ready to stab at someone with its pointed end.
Amina charges it, a great battle cry of her own cutting through the stunned silence left by the appearance of the demon. The demon locks their glowing, purple eyes with her own, its malice and hate made clear as it lunges toward her as well. A clawed hand descends down onto her shield, impacting with enough force to pulp a regular mortal.
DC 15:
Amina's Martial Roll: 3d6: 2+6+3 = 11 (11+((2(Decent Martial)+4(Great Physicality))/2)+2(Budding Hero) = 16)
Amina's Martial Roll: 3d6: 2+6+3 = 11 (11+((2(Decent Martial)+4(Great Physicality))/2)+2(Budding Hero) = 16)
Angling her shield, Amina braces herself and grits her teeth as the attack slams into it. Her charge halts, but she manages to stand her ground and slide the limb off to the side with a practiced deflection. Stepping forward, she rears her arm back before sending her mace directly to the demon's kneecap.
It howls as it falls to one knee, but Amina doesn't stop there. The knight swings her mace over and over at the demon, breaking bones and pulping flesh with each swipe as she wails on the monster. When it finally falls to the ground, she is covered head to toe in purplish blood and panting heavily as she stares down at the broken remains of the demon before her.
A million different emotions wrestle with each other within her. Fear and bewilderment at the situation, anger and disgust at the thought of demons invading their reality, and worry and concern for those around her. With the spotlight on her however, determination wins out as she raises her shield to the perimeter still in shock.
"Friends! The time hath come to defend thy homes! This line is all that separates this fair city from the horde. They art not infallible! They canst be slain! Wilt thou stand with me against the tide?"
DC 15:
Amina Charisma Roll: 3d6: 6+2+6 = 14 (14+4(Great Charisma)+1(Magnetic Personality) = 19)
Amina Charisma Roll: 3d6: 6+2+6 = 14 (14+4(Great Charisma)+1(Magnetic Personality) = 19)
For a single, frightening moment, nobody moves. Then a human cleric with his hair clinging to his skin from the rain steps up and raises his hand.
"I will! For the Light!"
Others begin stepping up as well, crying out their own utterances or simply making noise. A bright smile forms on her face, and the jumbled feelings within her fade away. Amina opens her mouth to say more—
—only for a purple blast of energy to rocket past her and strike something behind the knight. Turning her head, she blinks at the flying demon resembling a giant bat falling from the sky and convulsing on the ground.
"Don't take your eyes off the enemy, idiot."
Amina grins as she does the opposite and looks back at Dan, "Ah, thou hath finally arrived, friend!"
The yuren sighs and shakes his head, yet the corners of his mouth twitch upwards despite his efforts.
"Don't take this as me being all hyped up from your speech," Dan says. "I'm just here to make sure you don't get yourself killed."
Amina's grin widens as she says, "If thou sayest so."
Dan narrows his eyes, but there's no more time for banter as the screeches and hisses of demons get closer and closer. The two prepare to fight, living out the campaigns they've played together with their friends. Lives are at stake, and their friends' resolves are shaken, but the two stand together against the demons like so many have before them. The ground rumbles as they charge, and the end finally nears.
"Brothers and sisters! The demons have invaded the northern lands and come to despoil the world we've sworn to defend. Our most ancient duty calls for us to drive them back! With the gods as our witnesses, I ask you this. Are you willing, or are you craven?"
You cry out that you will fight with the rest of the scout and reconnaissance division as the speech ends. As a traveler and drifter, you have usually chosen to stay out of conflict and danger. Something stirs within you though at the thought of the demon invasion. It is an affront that you cannot simply stand by and take. So you joined up with the Verdant Company with your fellow elves, ready to perform the duty that superseded all.
You push against the wind, deaf to all but the gale and your thoughts. A few steps are made, but you are forced to stop and dig in as the speed picks up.
You cough and spit out globs of dirt as you lay on the still battleground. Compared to the victory cries and shouts of jubilation from just a few minutes ago, the deafening silence is a stark contrast that makes you want to curl up and hide away from what just happened. It seemed as if the Crusade was within reach of ending the Incursion in a few weeks not too long ago, until word of a second rift forming on the southern end of Kiengir reached the Crusade leaders. Many crusaders left in droves to defend their home, and various kingdoms and organizations withdrew their support in order to focus on the new threat. The Verdant Company fought hard with the remnants to maintain the offensive, but the demons pounced on their weakness.
Lying on the outskirts with others overseeing the battle, you share grim looks with those around you. The Verdant Company still lives, but the offensive is over.
Trying to take another step, you swiftly lose your balance and skid back from your previous position. Losing what little progress you made, you mutter darkly and steady yourself before continuing.
"Kill them all. They are tainted by the demons, and we have no time to cure, investigate, and feed them. We shall not leave behind potential recruits for the demons and their accursed worshipers."
You watch in horror as Advocates clad entirely in black armor surround the group of cowering townspeople. Taking a step forward, you are yanked back by the scaled hand of your companion.
"Don't, foolish elf," Mateo hisses in your ear. "You'll only get yourself killed."
Struggling against the lacerta's hold despite knowing that he is right, he is forced to stifle your cries as the Advocates massacre the defenseless crowd of people. On that day, any hope that remained that this Crusade would end soon finally dies.
Gritting your teeth, you begin shuffling forward bit by bit. Your skin feels as if it is peeling off, but your body fights against the weather by constantly repairing the damage.
"Thank you, kitten."
You take the arrows from the young miu's hands and watch as she scampers away. Turning back to the range, you begin taking aim and shooting at the various targets. The child has been sticking close to you ever since you rescued her, rarely speaking but always trying to help. She watches everything you do intently, but never shares what she is thinking. Though you don't want to turn her away, you're unsure of how to handle her. You are hardly the best person to care for a child…
As she returns your arrows to you once more however, the miu named Abiona speaks.
"I want to learn."
After what feels like an eternity of slowly inching forward, you spot the glowing silhouette of the Caorthannach amidst the chaos.
You walk inside the headquarters of the Commander of the Third Crusade with wary steps to give your report. Ever since two rifts were opened for the demons to pour through, progress has stalled in stopping the Incursion. While the northern front was an eternal stalemate where the two sides stared at each other from their fortifications, the southern front was utter chaos. Betrayal, hidden cults, and fractious allies plagued the region as the demons played with the fragile foundations of society.
Hope seems a distant thing, and even if the northern front was handled, you don't dare get too optimistic. As you enter the meeting room however, you catch sight of that untouchable figure kissing her… paramour? Tilting your head and observing in silence, you wait approximately ten seconds with the guards struggling to contain their laughter before the commander finally separates from her private moment and bangs the table with her knee at the sight of you.
You smile despite yourself. This was the woman who defeated the Caorthannach almost as soon as she got here? How improper…
Finally, you catch sight of the demon at the source of all this. Bits and pieces of her body fall off her as it tears itself apart at the seams to maintain the storm. Energy and indistinct spiritual masses are left behind in their place, but it's clear that the Caorthannach is losing her grip on her material form. Her eyes spin wildly at the sight of you, and a gust of strong wind pushes against you in a desperate attempt to send you back.
It falters after only a second though. Her strength waning, she can only watch as you get closer and closer to her. Feeling as if you are being pushed forward now instead of back, you finally clear the remaining distance to stand before the Caorthannach. Reaching out with your scarred and torn arms, she rears back from your hands in fear and disbelief.
"No! Get away from—"
You cut her off by taking her head in your hands.
Then, you squeeze.
She thrashes and struggles against your hold as you slowly lower her to the ground. Blood from your hands is smeared all over her face, yet your grip remains solid as your fingers press deeper and deeper into her skin. Looming over her, the weakened Caorthannach can only hit at your arms uselessly as her physical vessel falls apart. Light begins peeking out of the cracks in her skin, and the demon howls as her body arches back.
Black and white energy explodes out of her mouth as the demon is ejected from her vessel. Directing her head away to avoid the corrosive substance, the mere exposure to it distorts your senses and sends pins and needles throughout your body. A terrifying scream seems to almost manifest visually as ashes settle in your mouth.
Though it feels as if it takes hours, you know that less than a minute passes before the body beneath you goes limp. Breathing deeply, you stare at the hollowed out husk of Fatoumata's sister for a moment before stumbling away and falling onto your back. All at once, the pain you've been trying your best to ignore returns with a vengeance, and you close your eyes as the burnt and peeled off skin slowly mends itself bit by excruciating bit.
"I see… so that's how it is, then. No wonder..."
Blearily, your eyes reopen to see an indistinct mass of black and white energy hovering over you. Despite its size, you can tell it is a frail, shivering thing that can be blown away if someone were to simply breath at it.
"Back to the Abyss with you, Carman."
The mass laughs, "I have not heard my real name in quite some time. Don't think you can taunt me so easily now. I have been defeated, this I admit. But I shall regain my strength and return one day."
"Go ahead," you chuckle. "Do what you will."
"Hmm, do you not quite understand? I have found you, elf. Now you shall never again escape my attention. A thousand years ago I fought against your kind, and a thousand years from now I will be here again to play this game with you. We shall dance this dance forever—"
You burst out in laughter, coughing and spluttering as you let go of any pretenses. With both your recent clarity and the weight settling back into your form, the hilarity of what she just utters makes you both want to laugh forever and cry yourself to sleep. You almost choke after a few moments, a cross between a sob and a genuine cackle.
The mass stirs uneasily, "What is so funny? Have you gone mad already?"
You wipe the tears away from your eyes, "No, I feel like I am perhaps the most sane I have ever been for the past few hundred years."
"Then what is it!?"
"In a thousand more years, we shall be so insignificant that our existence will barely factor into the lives of those in Orbis. We will be reduced to a footnote in history as the mortals grow far beyond whatever we can imagine. Our petty feud of shooting arrows and throwing fire at each other will be forgotten unless some bored mortal decides to make a story or fairy tale out of us."
"You… that's wrong! You're deluding yourself. I am Disaster Incarnate! You are the last of the elves!"
"Lady of Breezes and Sparks, we are barely anything," you mock. "Where once you destroyed cities, now you fight in the basement of a single middling palace struggling to kill a single elf. Where once I fought in the Crusades, now an investigation of a demon cult barely needed my help to succeed. My greatest contribution was knowing a fairy."
You close your eyes and sigh, "Did you honestly think this little invasion of yours would succeed? You would've never been able to leave the city after your presence was confirmed. At worst, Nokoyo would've suffered some moderate losses if they decided to bomb you into oblivion... but it is one city among many, and it would've been rebuilt by those who evacuated."
"No! I can't accept this! One day I will ascend, and the world of Orbis shall tremble when they hear my name!"
"And the mortals shall advance and change far better than you ever could. They have their own disasters now that easily match any of yours. We are the last vestiges of a conflict thousands of years old that no one cares about anymore. You were empowered to defeat the unchanging elves, and they are dead and gone. Our time is over. Goodbye, Carman."
You descend into bitter laughter as the mass is drawn back to the Currents howling in impotent fury. Amusement of such a terrible adversary fading into obscurity quickly vanishes as reality settles in. The inner warmth that the shades of the past stirred within you is gone now, reduced to lingering embers. Clutching at your sides as you curl up into a ball, your chuckles soon morph into quiet sobs as exhaustion and pain starts to overwhelm you with nothing else to focus on.
You may have lain there curled up for a while longer, but the reminder of those visions sobers you up quickly. With their memory still so fresh in your mind, the thought of wallowing in your misery leaves a bitter taste in your mouth. There will be time to grieve and ponder on what was said to you later. For now…
You look around you, searching for the three companions you traveled with. Noor is sprawled on her back heaving with every breath, her scepter having fallen out of her hands. A closer inspection shows no critical signs of injury, so you move on. Amin is surrounded by three prone figures in various states of injury. The paladin himself sits against a broken piece of masonry, almost unmoving, yet the slight movements he makes show that he is still alive. He seems to be looking at something nearby, and you turn to see what it is.
Fatoumata kneels over the broken form of her father, head down and utterly still. Her clothes are a mess, and her fur is matted with debris and dust. The miu who takes great care and pride in her appearance simply sits there in silence, dead to the world around her. After a moment's hesitation, you stand up and make your way towards her.
She doesn't stir as you sit down across from her. Looking down at the President, you spot the various locations in which bullets pierced through his clothes and body. His face is locked in a sort of pained grimace, and you realize with a start that the old miu may still be alive as his chest very slightly rises and falls. You don't ask her about it though, and the two of you sit in silence as you give what little comfort your company can offer.
Surprisingly, she speaks up.
"Deirdre…" Fatoumata whispers. "Why… why do you keep on fighting? You've lived for so long, experienced so much loss, and yet still you're here. How? Does it ever stop hurting so much to keep losing everything?"
[] Write-in.
"I see…" she mutters in response, absorbing your words.
The miu thinks quietly for a moment before looking up to meet your eyes, "I don't know what I should even do now. I've fought for over ten years as a demon hunter, and I couldn't change anything. Things get worse no matter how hard I fought. The cults never go away, and people continue to suffer and die. I can't keep doing this anymore… but what else is there for me?"
Choose One:
[] "The only way you can truly affect things is by changing society on a fundamental level. It'll be hard, but you should get involved with politics and work to improve Sumeri."
[] "You can't let them take away your happiness and hope. That's how they win. You should retire and take some time to find joy in your life again."
[] "The work of a demon hunter is important, Fatoumata. Countless lives are saved through what you do, even if it isn't as obvious. Keep pressing on, you can work past this."
[] Write-in.
Fatoumata simply looks back down after you give your advice. Amidst the shattered room destroyed by the battle here, four people lay broken and battered on the floor. A father and sister were lost, and the ghosts of the dead continue to haunt all those who survive, but the day was saved without resorting to more drastic actions.
You have won.
10 Hour Moratorium on Voting.
Last edited:
Rant Ahead:
I was going to write a reflection on Sumeri itself, but I think I'll save it for a different post. This will be a dramatic post for what is essentially just completing one volume of this quest, but I've been feeling dramatic for a lot of this quest, so screw it. Story time:
When I first started writing this and seriously considered the idea of posting it as a quest, there were a lot of different emotions that I was feeling very acutely. Chief among them though, I think, was desperation. I always have ideas bouncing around in my mind, but they've rarely ever amounted to anything on paper. For a large portion of my life, I've always wanted to write out the stories and worlds in my mind, to join the authors and writers I've read novels, comics, games, and fanfics from.
But for one reason or another, I never really did. Whether it was my anxiety, distractions, stress, motivation issues, or anything else that can be thought of, I could never make it past writing down an idea and maybe writing a few thousand words for it before stopping. I simply drifted in life and put off committing myself to something that I wanted to do for years and years until the growing realization that I've never gotten anything done in one of the few things I'm passionate about became too much.
This quest/story was one of the few things that I actually managed to think of more and more stuff for. It was not the only one, and I've tried (too few times, but I did) writing something out for those other ideas, but somehow, this story was the one I settled on. I had been reading quests for a while after discovering them a bit ago, and something about the format drew me in. I began filling in a google doc and drawing random maps in paint to help picture what the world would look like. Coupled with some motivation from a few sources and the itch to write, well, anything, I started actually getting a lot of stuff down.
I was so intensely nervous making my first post. You guys wouldn't believe the dms I was sending to the one friend that I was discussing the quest with beforehand(who barely even knows anything about the fanfic/quest communities) when I first created the thread. Before I say anything else, let me say that I am extremely happy that my quest has received positive reception at all. This quest gained and lost watchers and posters over time, but I'm very grateful nonetheless for everyone who contributed.
I'll admit, looking at other quests sometimes make me nervous and question if I'm doing things right. Some quests have extremely intricate mechanics perfectly laid out from the beginning that attract a lot of interest. Other quests have tons of discussion as voters frantically discuss what the best plan or options are and contribute. A few quests clearly have way more forethought, organization, and planning put into them, with detailed story arcs and plots extending way way into future.
In essence, my chief reason for writing this quest was to try and encourage myself to write more. Having people vote on each update helps put that sort of expectation and pressure I've realized I needed to get anything done myself. The main drawback of this is of course that I've sort of neglected planning things out as much so I can keep my momentum and drive going for as long as I can. There were a lot of times where I felt like I had absolutely no idea what I was doing or going with certain stuff, but managed to push through somehow.
I won't be overly self-deprecating here though, I don't believe I'm doing or writing anything horribly wrong(hopefully), but as someone with anxiety problems, it's difficult to entirely get rid of my doubts without them creeping back in. Seeing people continue to read and post on my quest though is very, I don't even know how to describe it. I'll just say I appreciate it so much. All I have is my ability to write stuff sometimes and spend way too long thinking on various subjects. Seeing it producing something that others are enjoying makes me really happy, even if I sometimes feel I can do other things better.
Now, the future of the quest. Rest assured, this isn't the part where I suddenly announce that I've lost interest and won't be writing anymore. I think I do want to take a break from the pace I've been setting and start actually doing other things and reading more. Maybe around a week to read stuff again, relax, and see if I can continue the quest without the momentum pushing me forward since I know that will run out one day. I'm very set on completing at least one more volume before I start seriously considering anything though. It's a big time commitment and it's easy for me to get discouraged over random things, but I hope that I can keep writing and doing what I love.
That's enough for now. I hope to release a wikipedia article sort of informational page of Sumeri one day, but I don't have the energy for that right now. Everyone, thank you for bearing with me as I learned how to run a quest. It's truly been a great journey so far(hah!) exploring this world and pushing my limits. I never would have thought I would write over 50k words for anything, and I feel as if I've barely started! Over one hundred people have started watching this quest, and I'm still in a daze about it. There's some epilogue parts I plan to write for Sumeri to flesh it out before we move on, but it shouldn't take long after the week-long break is over. Thank you again everyone, and I hope to see you all in the next volume! *sleeps for the next two days*
I was going to write a reflection on Sumeri itself, but I think I'll save it for a different post. This will be a dramatic post for what is essentially just completing one volume of this quest, but I've been feeling dramatic for a lot of this quest, so screw it. Story time:
When I first started writing this and seriously considered the idea of posting it as a quest, there were a lot of different emotions that I was feeling very acutely. Chief among them though, I think, was desperation. I always have ideas bouncing around in my mind, but they've rarely ever amounted to anything on paper. For a large portion of my life, I've always wanted to write out the stories and worlds in my mind, to join the authors and writers I've read novels, comics, games, and fanfics from.
But for one reason or another, I never really did. Whether it was my anxiety, distractions, stress, motivation issues, or anything else that can be thought of, I could never make it past writing down an idea and maybe writing a few thousand words for it before stopping. I simply drifted in life and put off committing myself to something that I wanted to do for years and years until the growing realization that I've never gotten anything done in one of the few things I'm passionate about became too much.
This quest/story was one of the few things that I actually managed to think of more and more stuff for. It was not the only one, and I've tried (too few times, but I did) writing something out for those other ideas, but somehow, this story was the one I settled on. I had been reading quests for a while after discovering them a bit ago, and something about the format drew me in. I began filling in a google doc and drawing random maps in paint to help picture what the world would look like. Coupled with some motivation from a few sources and the itch to write, well, anything, I started actually getting a lot of stuff down.
I was so intensely nervous making my first post. You guys wouldn't believe the dms I was sending to the one friend that I was discussing the quest with beforehand(who barely even knows anything about the fanfic/quest communities) when I first created the thread. Before I say anything else, let me say that I am extremely happy that my quest has received positive reception at all. This quest gained and lost watchers and posters over time, but I'm very grateful nonetheless for everyone who contributed.
I'll admit, looking at other quests sometimes make me nervous and question if I'm doing things right. Some quests have extremely intricate mechanics perfectly laid out from the beginning that attract a lot of interest. Other quests have tons of discussion as voters frantically discuss what the best plan or options are and contribute. A few quests clearly have way more forethought, organization, and planning put into them, with detailed story arcs and plots extending way way into future.
In essence, my chief reason for writing this quest was to try and encourage myself to write more. Having people vote on each update helps put that sort of expectation and pressure I've realized I needed to get anything done myself. The main drawback of this is of course that I've sort of neglected planning things out as much so I can keep my momentum and drive going for as long as I can. There were a lot of times where I felt like I had absolutely no idea what I was doing or going with certain stuff, but managed to push through somehow.
I won't be overly self-deprecating here though, I don't believe I'm doing or writing anything horribly wrong(hopefully), but as someone with anxiety problems, it's difficult to entirely get rid of my doubts without them creeping back in. Seeing people continue to read and post on my quest though is very, I don't even know how to describe it. I'll just say I appreciate it so much. All I have is my ability to write stuff sometimes and spend way too long thinking on various subjects. Seeing it producing something that others are enjoying makes me really happy, even if I sometimes feel I can do other things better.
Now, the future of the quest. Rest assured, this isn't the part where I suddenly announce that I've lost interest and won't be writing anymore. I think I do want to take a break from the pace I've been setting and start actually doing other things and reading more. Maybe around a week to read stuff again, relax, and see if I can continue the quest without the momentum pushing me forward since I know that will run out one day. I'm very set on completing at least one more volume before I start seriously considering anything though. It's a big time commitment and it's easy for me to get discouraged over random things, but I hope that I can keep writing and doing what I love.
That's enough for now. I hope to release a wikipedia article sort of informational page of Sumeri one day, but I don't have the energy for that right now. Everyone, thank you for bearing with me as I learned how to run a quest. It's truly been a great journey so far(hah!) exploring this world and pushing my limits. I never would have thought I would write over 50k words for anything, and I feel as if I've barely started! Over one hundred people have started watching this quest, and I'm still in a daze about it. There's some epilogue parts I plan to write for Sumeri to flesh it out before we move on, but it shouldn't take long after the week-long break is over. Thank you again everyone, and I hope to see you all in the next volume! *sleeps for the next two days*
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The one thing I've learned in my time trying -and mostly failing- to write quests and fics is that you shouldn't compare yourself to others. Its just a recipe to lose motivation and get depressed.
There is of course no wrong in looking at others and deriving inspirations or learning from their mistakes and successes but trying to compare your writing to others rarely ends well.
You've got a good idea and you're executing it well, continue writing and you'll improve in time.
- Location
- Chelsea Alabama
[] "For all that I met and will meet, all the goodness and warmth that they have graced me and will grace me and are gracing me with. No it doesn't get easier to say goodbye, but I have been reminded that as painful it is too loose what they have parted and imprinted with me shall always remain. Those bonds, those echoes, those embers, they keep me going to the day I can say hello to them once more."
[] "I don't know what you should do, but whatever you decide don't do it alone. You, all of you, have grown far beyond what I have ever imagined. However it is done, whatever you wish to do, as long as you hold true to the values and virtues you hold dear and the bonds you have made, it will get better and improve in ways I cannot predict."
So what do you guys think of these answers of mine? The last elf just got a reminder and what a person can do can only be decided by the individual.
You know in a way your story is touching. I know what it is like to do nothing for one reason or another. So to see someone moving is itself moving.
[] "I don't know what you should do, but whatever you decide don't do it alone. You, all of you, have grown far beyond what I have ever imagined. However it is done, whatever you wish to do, as long as you hold true to the values and virtues you hold dear and the bonds you have made, it will get better and improve in ways I cannot predict."
So what do you guys think of these answers of mine? The last elf just got a reminder and what a person can do can only be decided by the individual.
You know in a way your story is touching. I know what it is like to do nothing for one reason or another. So to see someone moving is itself moving.
[ ] "A friend once told me that every journey has its end, but I still believe that each day until then is a blessing. Even if today was filled with pain tomorrow brings the promise of a new sunrise, the familiar weight of a pack on our shoulders, and maybe even the warm smile of a new friend. Let's meet tomorrow together." Deirdre reach out with her hand to help Fatoumata up as she finishes.
only way I can coherently express my love of the new update said:
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