The Water-bearer

[Solarstream]

The Fool (I)​

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

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

Your thoughts turn to your last moments on land.

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

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

Sinking to the bottom of a lake...

As you sink, you feel something stir beneath you.

Something is awake and moving down there...

...something with a malevolent aura!

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

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

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

(What sort of creature was it exactly? Choose one.)
[][Demon] Formless and shapeless... a glowing unknown mass of bubbles.
[][Demon] An otherwise ordinary looking crab, if quite larger than a man.
[][Demon] What must assuredly be some sort of water-dwelling dragon.
[][Demon] A serpent that emerged from the hidden depths, bearing fangs.
Note: Only Options 1 and 4 are capable of human speech.
Ah... you can only hope that spending your last moments cursing men to death by the hands of a demon doesn't stop you from going to Heaven, especially since you can feel its aura flowing around you, possessing you as your consciousness fades. God will understand, right...?

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

.

.

.

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

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

You sigh.

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

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

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

The price of consorting with the demons is death.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Instead, you never made it.

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

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

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

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

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


Spiritual Aptitude: 0
QM Note: Plan voting is not necessary. Thematic approaches to your choices are appreciated though. I will also need the next two or three posts, so please wait...

 

[Solarstream]

Premise and Map​

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

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

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

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

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

A map of the setting with the major locations outlined is shown below:

Direct link: Map-for-Holy-Maidens-Quest
​

Major Locations
Antioch: Capital and home of the Advocates and the Sovereign Priest. A sprawling metropolis and the largest city by far.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Others TBD

 

[Solarstream]

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

 

[Solarstream]

Spoiler: Winning vote

Winning vote:
[X][Demon] Formless and shapeless... a glowing unknown mass of bubbles.
[X][Influence] ...that you had only slight changes... (May choose multiple options. May not start with Spiritual Aptitude greater than 20.)
-[X][Influence] One of your normally black eyes has turned dark blue. It will glow when you use magic. You currently have an eye-patch to hide it, but will need something better. (Gain +5 SA.)
-[X][Influence] The tips of your black hair have turned blue. As you grow more connected with the Demon, your hair will change color entirely. But for now, you can just cut the tips off. (Gain +5 SA.)
[X][Job] Sardis. You were travelling with the schematics of a machine meant for farming.
[X][Resolve] Retreat won't help you. What you need to do is...
-[X][Resolve] ...find a way to control the demon within you.

The Fool (II)​

The demonic entity was much more vivid in your dreams than it was in reality. It didn't look at all like what you were expecting of such a foul being. It had no fangs, nor claws, nor teeth. In fact, it entirely lacked discernable features at all! It was like a mass of bubbles or something similar. Only the fact that they acted as if they were one mass clued you in to the fact that something sinister was going on with them. You were enveloped in its immensity and then...

...nothing. Nothing that you can remember, anyway.

By the time you had awoken, you were already here. Apparently, you were delirious and had said something about the demon while being carried to Perge, but it looks like the doctors and others had assumed that the demon was related to the bandits, and so didn't question you about it.

Good. The fewer questions you have to answer the better.

Perge itself is quite the peaceful place. It lacks the stationed soldiers that you're used to seeing around in Sardis. Seems that they're remote enough that neither bandits nor pirates are an issue... or maybe the soldiers are just elsewhere and you haven't seen any yet. In any case, the people are paying you no mind, despite the eyepatch and your blue-tinged hair. Not so surprising since people of all sorts seem to be out and about, skin tones ranging from pale white to umber black. You, with your cool brown skin, don't stand out at all.

Good. The less attention you get the better.

Besides, you won't be staying here long anyway.

(Which way will you be going after you leave Perge?)
[][Direction] You should still go to Philadelphia and see your contact, despite not having the plans.
[][Direction] You should return at once to Sardis, to get back to work on that paying off that debt.

It'll be just a few days of travel, but you'll still need supplies. With no money on hand, you invoke the name of your master, Martin Aurelius of Sardis. The man is a wealthy businessowner and landlord who ended up with your debt after winning a game of cards with a wealthy woman in the city. He then called it in, knowing full well he would get another worker out of it rather than another income stream, and so you had to leave your village for the big city of Sardis.

The man isn't very well known here, so have to explain that he owns several workshops that produce a wide variety of agricultural equipment, and thus he will be good for it if you send him the bill and yes this is a real address and yes he is a real person and can they please just cut you a break?

He'll be good for it, you promise.

After a while, you manage to walk away with enough goods to let you weather the trip. But you still need to eat, and so head to the local church, hoping for a free meal. The local church is a relatively small brick structure, yet it still has a notable dome. There are a few people tending the grounds – some man, some women – and they notice you almost as soon as you approach. At first, you thought they might have noticed what happened to you and thus tell you to leave, but the opposite is true. They call no attention to your injury and simply allow you to share a meal with them.

That said, one of them does ask what happened to you...

(How you do want to answer this question?)
[][Eyepatch] (write-in)

...and you try your best to avoid bringing it up while remaining as truthful as you can. You don't know a lot about the Holy Maidens, but you did hear that the Holy Maiden of Humility, who also resides in Sardis, can tell if someone is lying in her presence. Best to get practice in avoiding outright lies now.

Besides, you're just going to avoid her as much as you can anyway. You are going to control this demon so that it doesn't cause any problems for anyone, least of all you. You certainly have to hope that you can anyway...

Your distress gets noticed, even if the reason for it is never picked up on, and the head priest prays for you and blesses your travel before you leave. You decide that you'll sleep in a private room in one of the road taverns on the way to your destination rather than stay there and potentially have the truth uncovered. As you leave, you're told that Libra Venus – one of the Mystic Priestesses – is in the area, and so you can go and find her if you have any issues. You tell the head priest that you're grateful for the advice as you go off into the night.

In private, however, you just hope that you never run into her.

(Incidentally, did you happen to also buy a weapon for self-defense?)
[][Weapon] Yes: (write-in – needs to be something you can hide on your person or in a small bag)
[][Weapon] No, I'll run from danger.

Spiritual Aptitude: 10
QM Note: Leaving Perge for somewhere new next time!

 

[Solarstream]

Spoiler: Winning vote

Winning vote:
[X][Direction] You should still go to Philadelphia and see your contact, despite not having the plans.
[X] [Eyepatch] You have been attacked by bandits. Other people are much less fortunate than you. You don't want to talk about it.
[X][Weapon] Yes: Knife

The Fool (III)​

(Before departing for Philadelphia, you had the opportunity to send a letter back to your Master. Did you take it?)
[][Letter] Yes (write-in details)
[][Letter] No

Despite the chill starting to set in the air, the light breezes and sunny skies mean easy travel along the road to Philadelphia. You suppose that in other times of the year, the road must be busier – the stones in the path are well-kept, and it's wide enough for two caravans to pass each other – but during your travels most of the people you run into are the soldiers stationed every so often. Without having any identification on you, you have to argue solely based on your word that you are who you say you are. Luckily, you get let through without any issues, especially after explaining the bandit attack and what the deal with your eyepatch is.

A few times, you get asked if you would like company along the way, but thankfully you're able to turn them down and keep going. Besides, you have a knife on you for self-defense, and a few soldiers even give you tips in case you're attacked again.

Unfortunately, not long before you would arrive to Philadelphia, you would end up getting unwanted company.

At this point, you were closer to a major city, and so traffic had picked up. Perhaps this is what encouraged a group of bandits to go on that attack, because that's what you saw as you got closer and closer to the scene. Bandits accosting ordinary people, only to be routed by soldiers... and they're retreating in your direction! Panicked, you pull your knife out, and immediately start looking for an escape route... looks like you can go around them, despite their number.

As you start to retreat, however, you start to hear the sounds of a cithara, coming closer and closer, along with a woman's singing. The sure skill of the citharode's playing is filling you with energy... no, this is no ordinary playing! You can feel your mood improving just the same as if someone had come by to compliment you or your hard work, but you can tell somehow that the source is coming from outside you.

Someone is casting a spell on you!

You briefly notice someone on a horse approach the soldiers before you, with a shout, join in the fight on their side.

.

.

.

"Hmhmhm~! Are all the women of Perge so brave?" asks a woman you didn't want to meet.

"I can only assume so, though I'm not one of them," you reply. "I'm just passing through..."

The woman laughs heartily as she travels on the road to Philadelphia beside you. She's sitting atop on a tall, brown horse that seems quite relaxed around you. Her light marble-like skin contrasts sharply with the curvy and wavy jet-black hair framing her face. Despite the capture of the bandits by the soldiers and their departure, she insists on talking to you, introducing herself as the Mystic Priestess Libra Venus. She claims that you impressed her by responding to her song like a true warrior would... though it's not like you had a real choice in the matter. You were just swept up in the events around you.

When you say something to that effect, however, she simply compliments you on your modesty.

Your covered eye aches lightly with her so near, but thankfully you don't seem to be giving off the impression of being uncomfortable. You've had practice for that, you suppose. When she asks about it, you just give the same excuse as you've given to everyone else, and she finds it satisfactory just the same.

"Hmhmhm~! I cannot heal it, unfortunately, though I believe the Holy Maiden of Kindness will be able to help you."

"Oh, yes, she lives in Pergamum, correct?"

"Indeed! She can heal any injury that's beyond the ability of earthly doctors."

She then looks down at you with her one gray and one blue eye, smiling warmly.

"I'm sure she'll have no trouble returning you to your normal beautiful self~!"

You glance back at the ground. "I'd hardly call myself beautiful... but thank you for the advice."

You doubt you'll take her up on it. Even if you weren't constantly busy with work, walking directly into the abode of a Holy Maiden sounds like a bad idea. Still, you can see what her intention was and thank her for wanting to help you.

Though... if she really wants to help... maybe she can tell you things about her and those like her.

(Libra Venus will accompany you to Philadelphia. You decide to make the best of things by interrogating her. Write-in any questions you have for the Mystic Priestess. This is a suggestion vote, so all valid questions will go through. I will let you know if your question is invalid.)
[][Questions] (write-in)

You'll need to be careful about what you say, since she's armed with bow and arrow alongside her magical cithara, but that shouldn't be so hard with how friendly she's being towards you. Maybe running into her will turn out to be good for you after all.

Spiritual Aptitude: 10
QM Note: Next update will be the arrival in Philadelphia proper.

 

[Solarstream]

Spoiler: Winning vote

Winning vote:
[X][Letter] Yes, explain the attack with the bandits and your recovery delaying you and your attempt to press forward further to still make use of the trip
[X][Questions]Why do you have a grey eye and a blue one?
[X][Questions]Why did your song compel me to join? Was it magic to promote courage?
[X][Questions]Has she ever managed to save someone infected by a demonic curse?
[X][Questions]Has she ever fought a demon up close?
[X][Questions]What is it like as a Holy Maiden?
[X][Questions]Does she know other Holy Maiden? And if so, what are their personalities?
[X][Questions]How often does she travel like this?
[X][Questions]How exactly do girls become Holy Maiden? Does she like being one of them?

The Fool (IV)​

"If you don't mind," you start, "I have some questions I'd like to ask you. I'm curious about you and your station."

She chuckles lightly. "By all means, go ahead~!"

You start by asking about her song. Why did it compel you into action? Was it simply a matter of her magic?

"Indeed~! I call it The Song of Roaring Flames~!"

She then explains that through playing her cithara in a certain way, channeling her magical power through it, she can encourage and embolden people into action. She then tries to imply that you secretly wanted to fight the bandits, but that's nonsense. You're not a fighter. The fact that you have a bone to pick with a different group of bandits is irrelevant.

When you comment on this, she again compliments your modesty again.

Whatever, you'll take it.

In any case, you follow up by asking about the cithara, and she proves to you that it's just an ordinary instrument by having you play it to her instructions. Nothing happens until she starts to sing along with you, at which point you feel a sense of calm flood you. This is the Song of Calm Waters. She also has a Song of Magnetism, but only briefly explains what it does.

That's fine by you, because you switch topics and ask what its like being a Mystic Priestess or a Holy Maiden, how she became one, and if she knows the others.

"My, you're certainly curious~. Do you want to join us? It's good timing if you do; we unfortunately have an opening."

You blink in surprise. You weren't thinking about becoming one; it'd be too dangerous given your current position. Besides, the odds of your master just letting you go – and thus letting all your debt be forgiven – are too low for you to bet on.

"No, it's just that I've never really interacted with any of you. I'm from a small village near the coast, so..."

"But surely you must have at least seen one of us?" she asks.

You shake your head. Your parents owned a small farm and you spent most of your childhood indoors helping with chores.

"Hm... I see," she says, leaning her head in one of her hands. "Well, allow me to explain things from my point of view..."

She the goes on for quite a while, also going into your break for lunch and afterwards. The girl who threw her name away to become the Mystic Priestess Libra Venus has been in her position for several years now. She was selected by the previous holder of the title and had to make vows of purity, virtue, and loyalty. Of those years, the vast majority of that time was spent either under the direct instruction of a Holy Maiden or wandering the countryside. The Holy Maidens themselves tended to stay in one place, since they managed the affairs of specific churches, and those like her were meant to assist them, being granted their powers by the Holy Maiden of Charity. She's met all of them, but wouldn't call herself particularly close to any of them. Instead, she mostly spends her time talking to soldiers and to civilians like you.

In total, there are seven Holy Maidens and twelve Mystic Priestesses... or at least, there's supposed to be. The Mystic Priestess Leo Sun was recently slain in a pitched battle against demon-worshipping heretics, with only a lone soldier able to return to tell the tale of the encounter. As such, all of them have been on high alert ever since. But she insists that you have nothing to worry about as long as they're on watch, words that are cold comfort given what's already happened to you.

She does notice the little bit of the distress you let through though.

"Worry not~! I myself have never fought off a Demon, but many among us have. Such as... you said you were coming from Sardis, yes? Well, Sagittarius Jupiter currently resides there, and is a fearsome warrior, able to control bolts of lightning!"

You nod, taking that in... it's a double-edged sword. As long you're not a threat to her, having her around is great. But if you are one (or perceived as one), you'll be in immediate danger.

Best to lay low, you think.

She takes your nodding in thought as reassurance and continues on, explaining that the holders of the holy magic are those who are best able to embody them. The power of Libra Venus is that of "lyrical beauty" and she expresses it through her abilities and her person. The more she becomes in tune with it, the more abilities she'll be able to express with it. Hence, the cithara, the singing, and even her light song-like voice.

You nod along. "That makes sense," you say. "I wonder... could Demons do the same thing? Is that why the heretics reach out to them?"

She nods. "Indeed! They curse those who make contracts with them, but also give them great power in the process."

"And what happens to those who are cursed?"

She shakes her head. "Sadly, they are lost to us. Only a few can be saved from their fate, and of those it's only the ones who had the curse forced on to them with evil spells."

She then gives you a serious stare. "But the rest have chosen their fate, so there's no reason to mourn for them."

You give what you hope is a neutral expression, and nod along.

.

.

.

After that, you changed the topic to something much lighter – what's the deal with her differently-colored eyes? She cheers up immediately, laughing in pleasure, and explains that she's had them since birth. Despite her parents thinking it was an ill omen, she knew it meant that she had been chosen by God. Naturally, when she drifted towards the orbit of the Church, her parents simply let her go. She hasn't so much as seen them ever since, and she seems quite happy about it.

You say that you're happy that she's happy, and she takes it quite well.

The rest of the journey to Philadelphia is consumed by light chatter between the two of you... mostly you explaining your situation and daily life to this endlessly curious woman. Once you arrive to Philadelphia, she notes that another Mystic Priestess is there just outside the city for some reason. They can be recognized by their distinctive robes, which are similar to those worn by other members of the Church, but will have designs according to the title of each one.

Then said woman, with deep umber black skin, neutral brown eyes, and braided hair in the shape of bull's horns, turns her attention directly at you.

You flinch under her gaze, but she remains impassive.

"Greetings Taurus Venus~!" announces your companion. "Are you here for this woman?"

Taurus Venus turns her gaze to Libra Venus.

"Indeed."

She then looks back at you.

"Follow me."

You give Libra Venus a concerned look, but she tells you not to worry about it and then leaves you be at the city gates. Though, before departing, she does ask if she can visit your Master's estate in the future, mostly just to see you.

[][Invitation?] Accept.
[][Invitation?] Decline.

With that decided, she rides off and you follow Taurus Vanus into the city. She's silent the whole way, despite your attempts to make conversation. As you both walk through the city streets, you notice that the people walking around are greeting her warmly and familiarly. She remains stoic, but does return the greetings.

She takes you to a small restaurant, much to your surprise. Is this not about the Demon?

When you both get there, you see several men and a few women seated around a table, wine cups at the ready. A few other men and women are standing around them, paying close attention, which you can presume are their attendants. One of them – a man with rosy pink skin, brown hair cut close to his head, and sparkling brown eyes – waves you both over. Taurus Venus gestures for you to continue, and then leaves you be. So then...

"...apologies for the delay," you say to your local contact. He's the son of a wealthy farmer, one who was too sick to make the journey to come to Sardis. Hence, you were sent to him. "I have bad news for you..."

You then explain to the group as you stand about the bandit attack. The schematics for the improved farming implements were lost, and the man who was meant to explain them in detail – a man who was accompanying you along the way – had been slain while fighting back, trying to defend you.

Despite his status as inferior to them, they praise him for the attempt.

"But then, you still came here," he notes. "So, you believe this machine to be worth it for me."

That wasn't a question.

"Indeed. I can't prove it to you, but I trust our machinists."

He chuckles. "Then, I suppose I'll have to see them in person."

You blink. "You mean..."

"Yes, you will be showing me the way to your Master's abode, and we'll discuss the matter in person. I have good word that it'll be worth it."

He waves over one of his attendants, who goes by your side.

"We'll be leaving in a few days. In the meantime, you'll be in my care."

You thank him as you and the attendant depart the scene.

(You have a few days to spend in Philadelphia. What would you like to do? Choose three.)
[][City] Just relax. You could use it. (May select multiple times)
[][City] Chat with the attendants. (about what?)
[][City] Wander the city, randomly.
[][City] Go somewhere specific.
-[][City] Go find the Holy Maiden of Patience. (requires 75+% approval by voters to pass)
-[][City] Go for a walk in the grassy plains outside the city.
-[][City] Go try and find the city's library. (write-in what you'd like to research)
-[][City] Go search for the local mineral springs.
-[][City] Go check out the local industry.
-[][City] (write-in, subject to QM approval)

Spiritual Aptitude: 10
QM Note: A journey ends, only to begin again. Though I won't be covering that – just the time in Philadelphia, and then you'll be in Sardis.

 

[Solarstream]

Spoiler: Winning vote

Winning vote:
[X][Invitation?] Accept.
[X][City] Wander the city, randomly.
[X][City] Just relax. You could use it.
[X][City] Go somewhere specific
-[X][City] Go try and find the city's library. (study local history)
-[X][City] Go search for the local mineral springs.

The Empress (I)​

In the first morning of your short stay in Philadelphia, you wake up with an ache in your blue eye that grows into a general headache. Thankfully, it goes away after a short amount of time, but for a moment you were worried that your demonic companion was going to come out and take over your body. Looks like it can't do that just yet... and hopefully it never will.

You decide that there's no reason to further fret over it... for now.

There's nothing urgent for you to do here until you're summoned again by Gaius Helvius, the son of Gaius Helvius, the farmer you had come here to convince to buy your master's goods. As a slave, the Helvius family would never receive you as a guest at their villa, so you were dumped at an inn and told that they'll come find you when they're ready to go. Since that's the case, you decided to just wander around the city for now. Maybe something will catch your eye?

Before you leave though, you make sure to trim your hair and cover your blue eye.

Thanks to that, you draw little notice in your wanderings, and get mostly positive sympathy when you bring up the bandits upon being asked about the eyepatch. Unlike Sardis, Philadelphia has been able to expand its grid layout throughout the entire city, so it's easy to get around. Like in Perge – and also like in Sardis – people of all sorts are out and about. When you make your way to one of the many public spaces – in this case, a garden – you happen to see Taurus Venus among the people, preaching to them. She speaks softly, so from a distance you can't hear her – but the crowd is clearly entranced by her words. Perhaps it's a spell at work, or simply her skill at speaking... but the crowd is peaceful, and you're able to keep on going by. Philadelphia is filled with public squares like this, containing gardens, markets, churches, and so on.

In fact, one of the churches you pass by happens to be the main church of the city, and you briefly get a glimpse of the local Holy Maiden. Thankfully, you were far enough away that she didn't notice you. She looked like a healthy old woman with rosy pink skin. She wore a plain red dress and hat, despite her station. In fact, you can only tell that it's her since she's surrounded by other members of the church and is clearly directing them. She starts to turn in your direction and you immediately vacate the scene.

Besides, you're getting hungry.

The inn that you're staying in also doubles as a restaurant, so you can just head back there whenever you need at eat. It even has a private bath for guests!

However, you've heard that high quality mineral springs are just outside the city... so instead of bathing there or in the city's public baths, you head for the outskirts once you're done eating. When you arrive, you see that the baths are just as crowded as you might expect from such a popular location. The building also has spaces for people to exercise and play games, but you ignore that and head straight for the baths, invoking the name of your master to be let in. You suggest that you might send a good word about the baths to him and to other prominent families in Sardis if they let you in, and that's good enough for the staff.

What follows is several hours of idle relaxation. Ahhhh~.

Soothed by that experience, you decide to do something useful the next day. After being warned by a visiting attendant that you'll actually be leaving the next day, you decide to try and find the local library. You've been told by your master that Sardis has the largest library across, but even if that's true you're not likely to be able to visit it anytime soon. Best to take advantage of the opportunity in front of you.

You wander through the city streets, searching for it. As you do, you run into someone that you make a favorable impression on, and as they ask about your situation they also decide to get in touch with your master.

(Who is this person?)
[][Opportunity] An owner of a local vineyard and farm
[][Opportunity] An underling of the local Holy Maiden
[][Opportunity] A local merchant, eager for connections
[][Opportunity] A marble sculptor, looking for patrons
[][Opportunity] (write-in; subject to QM approval)

When you arrive, you find it to be a large concrete building with many scrolls available for reading. You can't take any of them with you, but that's fine. You'd rather stay and read by one of the many windows in the reading room anyway. Filtering through the scrolls, you find several with content relating to the history of the city, and file through them.

What you find out is that this area – despite the frequent earthquakes – has been inhabited for a long time under the guidance of the Holy Maiden of Patience. In fact, in this city, the Holy Maiden is the leading political force, having seized control from the wealthy families that would normally rule a city like this. This happened over many, many years, and it seems that she has the support of the locals. Furthermore, the other members of the Church have yet to turn against any of the Holy Maidens of Patience that have head this position. Seems like they're all quite skilled at governance... so much so that you wonder if magic is involved. It's not outright stated, but certainly is implied by each of the different writers!

In any case, with her focus on her city, she'll probably never be concerned about you. After all, you don't mean her or her city any harm. Sure, you would rather stay clear of her, but at least running into her on accident won't be a death sentence... and maybe you'd even be fine if you did un into her on purpose, depending on circumstances.

You leave the library feeling a palpable sense of relief.

.

.

.

Sure enough, the next day sees you leaving Philadelphia for Sardis. Your entourage, consisting of Gaius Helvius, his wife Ennia Segunda, several of his slaves, and yourself, takes a direct route between the two cities and takes the trip at a quick speed, taking up only a few days of travel. Thankfully, the road seems to be free of bandits... must be due to the growing chill in the air. You spent the trips with the slaves, and the main topic of discussion seems to be plans for Christmas, as most of them have a week off for it.

You do as well, but you have no plans just yet. Or rather, you're not sure if you should go home or not. Best to keep an eye on your Demon and make the call later.

When you arrive at Sardis, you don't enter the city proper. Instead, another one of your master's slaves meets your group at the city gates and redirects you to his villa outside the city proper. Cornelia Prima – his wife – must have convinced him that you would be bringing guests back with you.

She'll be quite pleased to see that you have.

(Of the members of the Aurelius domus, who are you close to? For each person, you must also choose someone to be distant from. Vote by plan, please.)

Spoiler: Options

Martin Aurelius, the head of the household
Cornelia Prima, his wife
Lucian Aurelius, his young son
Aurelia Prima, his young daughter
Julian Aurelius, Martin's brother, and an artisan
Aurelia Prima, Martin's sister, seeking marriage
Mettia Prima, Martin's elderly mother, a widow
Gaius Helvius, a guest
Ennia Segunda, a guest

[][Closer] ???
[][Further] ???


Spiritual Aptitude: 15
QM Note: Do note that there's been a change to the Character Sheet.

 

[Solarstream]

Spoiler: Winning vote

Winning vote:
[X][Opportunity] An underling of the local Holy Maiden
[X] Tarumath Plan
-[X][Closer] Cornelia Prima
-[X][Further] Martin Aurelius

The Empress (II)​

You've been away from Sardis long enough that you've missed the first snow. The ground around is covered with a light dusting of it – enough to shimmer beneath the setting sun but, thankfully, not enough to make travel difficult. Gaius and Ennia seem to be fascinated by it – perhaps it doesn't snow much near Philadelphia? You begin to regale them with tales of young Lucian Aurelius playing in the snow for the first time last year, and you're deep into it by the time your caravan arrives at your Master's villa.

As far as you can tell, all villas are sprawling complexes surrounded by vast gardens, and this one is no exception. It absolutely dwarfs the small farm your parents had been trying (and failing) to keep afloat. The farm here is also far more productive, which your father would find infuriating.

Your Master – Martin Aurelius – and his wife – Cornelia Prima – are attended by several other slaves, who are shading them from the still lightly falling snow. The two of them both have pale white skin, and Martin's hair and eyes are dark brown while Cornelia has dark red hair to go with her light blue eyes. Martin and the bulk of the slaves go to greet Gaius and Ennia, while Cornelia and a smaller contingent head straight for you. Did she not know of your injury? You know you mentioned it in the letter, but she seems absolutely horrified at your appearance.

"Oh Zarya, what has happened to you?" she asks, concern evident on her wavering voice. You simply state that you are fine and glad to be back, and take her side. She accepts your statement, but her eyes would occasionally flicker towards you and your eyepatch as the night went on.

Not long after you arrived at her villa, she took one look at you and demanded to put you at her back and call... much to the annoyance of her husband, who wanted you to work for him. However, she pressed her case. Because you grew up on a farm, she believed that you would be skilled in the field (true) and around the villa (true). She was surprised to learn that you were literate, but used that to argue that you would be indispensable in assisting her... and could thus pay for yourself in that way. The fact that you were relatively close in age to her was another benefit.

He complained and complained... but she had her way in the end, and you had been by her side ever since. Your situation could hardly be call good even despite this – you are still a slave and you sleep on the floor outside her room, for example – but she treats you well enough, just the same as the other slaves under her command.

This has, however, made things... difficult, perhaps... with Martin. While Cornelis commands you, this is an informal arrangement. He owns your debt, and occasionally uses it as a cudgel against you to get more work out of you or do things for him specifically. Such as, for example, you being sent on this ill-fated trip to Philadelphia. He's also quite evasive when you ask him questions such as how much work you owe him.

It doesn't breed confidence in you leaving here any time soon.

At least, not in one piece.

"Are you sure you're alright?" asks someone to you, later on. No, not someone – Cornelia, your Mistress. You've all moved inside now and she and Martin are entertaining the guests – not just the two from Philadelphia, but several others that Cornelia invited. She's whispered it you as you slaves keep the wine flowing freely, the food on the table, and light music in the background.

You nod, solemn, as you finish serving her glass, trying not to let anything out.

You made a promise that you will control this Demon. You won't let it ruin things for you.

So, there's no need for her to worry.

.

.

.

Your situation means you sleep with your eyepatch on, and your mistress can't help but comment on it again when you wake her in the morning. You continue to insist that its essential for your recovery, and while she doesn't quite seem to believe you, she doesn't press you on it.

All the same, she commands you to eat boiled cabbage – and lots of it. For your recovery.

[][Cabbage] Ugh!
[][Cabbage] Meh.
[][Cabbage] Yay!

You do as you must.

Over the next few days, she and your master continue to impress their two guests with their wealth and capabilities. The first day is spent in the villa, recovering from the dinner party. Gaius and Ennia are shown around the villa and the gardens... which looked nicer a few months ago, and would again with the hard work of you and others. There's another dinner party, but the mood is much tamer and business starts to be discussed more seriously.

On the second day and the third day, Sardis is properly visited. The city just as peaceful and prosperous as ever – and also just as crowded. You all stop only briefly at the family domus, as Cornelia hates how cramped it is in the city center. You keep your agreement with her private, as you think bringing that up in front of Martin – who grew up in a domus and prefers being there – would end badly for you. The bulk of the time is spent at Martin's many workshops, where he has hired out artisans and free workers to build machines for him.

These are the machines that he wanted Gaius to purchase, and the man decides that he is interested in them after all.

You keep your stoic expression intact as the two of them discuss the finer points. However, on the inside, you feel a deep sense of relief. At least something good came out of this. With your mistress's singing your praises that night and the party from Philadelphia leaving from the villa in a jovial mood the next morning, you began to hope that maybe the worst was behind you.

You would be proven wrong not too long later.

(In the next update, Zarya will gain access to her first spell. What shall it be? Choose one from the spoiler below.)

Spoiler: Spell List

• Hydration (manipulation of already existing water)
• Amorphization (transition of body shape between human and ???)
• Differentiation (able to generate eyes, limbs, and organs at will)
• Dissolution (split apart into a mass of bubbles)
• Momentum (enhanced movement speed)
• Signaling / Camouflage (change coloration at will)
• Strength (able to withstand higher stresses)
• Oxidation (able to directly intake oxygen via skin)
• Antifreeze (improved ability to withstand cold)
• Kryation (manipulation of already existing ice)

[][Spell] ???

Spiritual Aptitude: 15
QM Note: If you have ideas for a spell, feel free to suggest those as well! I'll let you know if I think they fit.

 

[Solarstream]

Spoiler: Winning vote

Winning vote:
[X][Cabbage] Meh.
[X][Spell] Momentum (enhanced movement speed)

The Magician (I)​

One night, you had a dream of it again.

You were sinking... sinking... and you were bleeding out in the murky depths. From the deep shadows at the bottom of the lake, it emerged – a vast mass, covered in unblinking eyes, blob-like body writhing through the water.

As you remembered, it swallowed you up in its bubble-like flesh.

However... the dream kept going.

It dragged you along with it, as it breached the surface. You felt yourself rising, demonic energy infiltrating you... and you could begin to feel what it felt. Namely, the fact that it was being called by something. It breached the surface...

...and the you were suddenly struck with a massive headache!

"MMMMMPH!?"

You cover your mouth to keep yourself from screaming in pain. The door to your mistress's private chamber is shut, thankfully, so at least she can't see you flail around and scramble to get up. All your motions feel off... you try to just get up normally, but all your limbs feel like feathers, so you swing them around uncontrollably. The only upside to this is that it's just as easy to avoid crashing into a wall, so at least you don't hurt yourself.

"Mmmm... quiet down..."

You freeze in place.

"...mmmmmmm..."

Slower than normal, you turn back to whoever just spoke. It was one of the slaves that attends Cornelia Prima, like you. She's gone back to sleep, thankfully.

You take a deep breath and decide to take things slow. Focusing intently on the movement of each limb, you bring one hand up to cradle your pained head and gingerly tiptoe around the other slaves. Best thing to do right now is to figure out whatever is going on and then go back to sleep. It's still the middle of the night, and the half-moon is shining brightly in the sky, moonlight cascading down on the inner garden. The air has a mild chill, negated somewhat by the heated floors. Several slaves are sleeping out in the atrium, groups by the doors outside each of the private chambers of each member of the household, while the others are crammed in rooms elsewhere in the villa, out of sight.

Your movements feel slow to you, but as far as you can tell you're now walking normally. You exit the atrium for the inner garden, and then go out the slave's entrance towards the outer gardens.

Once you're a good distance away from the villa, you stop, take off your eyepatch, open up your left eye just a little bit, and, once light starts to come out of it, you shut it immediately.

So then, this is the demon at work!

Your headache starts to dissipate as you walk around the villa. Besides the villa and the outer garden, there's also a private bath chamber, several repositories, and a raised seating area in the back. By the time you return to the slave's entrance that you exited from, your headache is gone entirely and you can now walk and move around normally. Checking your eye quickly, it's no longer glowing.

You breathe out a sigh of relief, and head back inside to go back to sleep... after cutting off the tips of your hair again, just to be safe.

.

.

.

When you're woken up by your Mistress, you find that you can still move normally. Relieved, you enter her chambers and attend to her as normal. Today, she and Martin – along with Martin's siblings – are to go to the public baths in Sardis. You remember that this is an important part of the dealings of the two of them. One can spend hours in there, and thus it's an important place for the wealthy and connected to socialize.

And you do the same! Though, not with them.

You have been tasked with keeping watch of your Mistress's belongings, working alongside three of the other slaves – one for each member of the family here. There are several other slaves as well, from other prominent families, and while you are all still attentive, you're mostly just chatting with each other.

You are, of course, the center of attention, with your conscious eyepatch.

"What has happened to you?" asks Linza, one of the other slaves of the villa. "You refuse to talk of it in front of our masters."

"Indeed, I am also curious," adds Eusebius, another one of your companions. "I know not of any bandit who would satisfy themselves with only removing one eye and not the other. Not to mention that you otherwise look fine and were the only survivor..."

"Perhaps I was just lucky," you state calmly, not liking where that line of questioning was going.

Both Linza and Eusebius frown at you.

"Zarya, please be serious!" Linza demands.

"Hmph. Maybe the two of you shouldn't pry," replies Philippos, the last of your group. "If she has a reason not to speak of it... perhaps things happened that should not be spoken of."

Linza gasps. "You mean...!?"

You simply grimace. You don't like the implication, but if it gets you out of this conversation... you won't contest it. Linza at once apologizes for prying, and you forgive her for it. You have to admit that if one of the other slaves had turned up like this, you'd be curious too. Eusebius doesn't apologize, but you don't like him anyway – and the feeling is mutual, since he still looks upon you with suspicion.

No matter.

(What does the conversation turn to next?)
[] The past, as you tell them of your trip
[] The present, as you discuss Christmas plans
[] The future It's just more of the same... right?

Spiritual Aptitude: 20
QM Note: This one fought me a bit near the end, but I'm satisfied with this. Sardis is a pretty peaceful place... for now.

 

[Solarstream]

Spoiler: Winning vote

Winning vote:
[X] The present, as you discuss Christmas plans

The Magician (II)​

"Enough of that," you say, waving your hands as if to clear away bad air. "There's no sense in dwelling on that incident. Nothing will come of it." Indeed, that's certainly your hope.

"I'd rather hear of your plans for Christmas, everyone."

Philippos grows excited, and immediately buts into the conversation before Linza can try to steer things back towards you and your problems. Unlike you, the man is from Sardis and knows all about the festivities that will be going on this year. Eusebius grumbles something about the need for piety during a holy season before walking off and joining a conversation elsewhere in the chatter, still keeping an eye on you three.

"It's unfortunate you couldn't join us last year," says Philippos.

"Well, I had no choice. My Mistress fell ill and I was bound to take care of her." There was really nothing you could do about it. Cornelia Prima fell ill not long before Christmas, and you had to help nurse her back to health... which ended up taking the whole week. At least you got to enjoy a feast in the villa...

...but the stories that Philippos (and Linza, who chimes in on occasion) tell you are quite light and charming. Sardis is fairly stratified city – the wealthy and powerful live on a plateau while the poor live by the water – but these differences are ignored during the week. The whole city takes on a festive atmosphere where slave and master, rich and poor alike can find pleasure and entertainment. Wine flows freely for all to imbibe each night.

"You, however, could stand to drink less!" complains Linza to Philippos. "You turn into a gambling fiend! You would have wagered and lost the clothes on your back if we hadn't found you!"

He shrugs. "Maybe so, maybe so. But you can't blame me for being possessed by a festive spirit, hahaha!"

"I certainly can!" she protests.

Philippos turns to you. "Now, now, Zarya, don't mind her. She's still upset over that time she ended up in the bay half-naked!"

"Oh my!" you exclaim while Linza's pink face goes red. When Philippos tries to explain further, Linza covers his mouth and insists that you forget that you heard anything. You, however, will do no such thing... if only to make sure you don't end up like that.

You might suffer consequences for such folly, after all.

Only when Philippos nods in agreement to not speak of that time again does Linza let the man's cool brown face go. He then offers to keep you company during Christmas week, which is in roughly two weeks, making sure that you have an excellent time. Linza invites herself, not trusting the man, and you're pretty sure there will be some others joining you based on how he talks about it.

(Accept the invitation?)
[][Party] Absolutely! (Gain (+) with Philippos and Linza)
[][Party] You'll pass...
-[][Party] You'd rather be by yourself.
-[][Party] You have other plans.

"Are you not going home for Christmas, Zarya?" asks Linza.

You shake your head. "It's too far away... I'd just be spending the whole week on a boat back and forth and have no time to relax. Better to just stay here."

You don't mention that fact that you have no real desire to go home. There's no freedom for you there even if you fulfill your debt. Your parents have had you working the farm from a young age, and with no prospects for marriage you'd just be trapped there. Better to become a freedwoman and make a new destiny for yourself here.

Sardis is, after all, a prosperous and peaceful city.

.

.

.

At least, that's what you thought. Perhaps Sardis is more image than substance, even with its powerful Holy Maiden and Mystic Priestess...

Your chatter in the baths remains on light topics from then on, with Eusebius eventually rejoining you. After several hours have passed, you're all called away. You attend to your mistress, cleaning and dressing her, and not long later you've all departed for the villa.

However, there would be a slight problem with that.

"Is it about to snow?" asks Martin, peaking out from the carriage that the family were riding in while the rest of you were walking near them. A dark shape was starting to cover up the blue sky. It resembled no cloud that you could ever remember seeing. It was... writhing. As if it were alive.

"Looks more like a storm..." complains his sister. "Let's hurry out of here!"

Your covered eye was also aching, and you suddenly had an odd feeling of dread come over you.

You come close to the carriage, noting that the horses seem disturbed as well. "If I may... we should take another route to the villa. I have a bad feeling about this..."

Martin, however, ignores you and bids the horses to continue on, despite Cornelia's attempts to support you. But without telling him the truth of why you think this is bad news, he has no reason to listen to you. He is, however, forced to listen to the horses, who eventually stop and refuse to go any further, despite the efforts of the drivers.

The darkness is approaching... and humanoid shapes are swimming in it!

"What is that!?" shouts Martin, who joins an effort to get the carriage turned around. Gone is his usual cool; instead, he's just as panicked as anyone else. Only your discipline as slaves prevents you all from running away and leaving them behind. In fact, the only one without any obvious panic is your Mistress, who has turned to prayer.

"Ah!?"

She's shocked out of it, however, by a sudden clap of thunder!

"Whoa!"

The horses then begin to bolt, leaving you all in the dust and forcing you all to run to keep up.

Thunder, huh? Then the Mystic Priestess Sagittarius Jupiter must be nearby. Whatever caused this, you have to hope that she can take care of things...

...things don't go so well for you all, however.

The darkness takes the form of a fine mist or fog, and eventually swallows you all up!

You get bowled over and crash land on the marble-lined streets. Scrambling to get up, a sense of wrongness surrounds you. You feel like something inside you wants to escape. Just run away from here.

You're half-tempted to listen... but you have a job to do.

(What should Zarya's immediate goal be?)
[][Priority] Search for the carriage
[][Priority] Gather the other slaves
[][Priority] Try to find the cause of this
[][Priority] (write-in)
[][Priority] Assist the Mystic Priestess Absolutely not!

(Is it time to use your power?)
[][Magic] Yes, you'll have to accept the risk of discovery. (requires 75+% approval by voters to pass)
[][Magic] No way, your life is still on the line here!

Spiritual Aptitude: 20
QM Note: Peace over