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The Water-bearer

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Character Sheet
  • Informational
    • Character Sheet​

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


    ​
    Other Notes:
    (+) = favored towards you
    (-) = biased against you
     
    Last edited:
  • Informational
    • Adhoc vote count started by R2Walker on Aug 10, 2022 at 9:43 PM, finished with 11 posts and 6 votes.
    • [X][Destination] "...we marched directly onto Antioch, seeking to strike the Advocate's rebellion down while they're on the backfoot. Now let's get going!" (Gain (+) with Capricorn Saturn)
      [X][Spell] Antifreeze
      [X][Destination] "...we continued onwards towards Thyatira, though I'm not yet sure what that city has to do with anything. You'll have to explain that to me." (Gain (+) with Theodora)
      -[x][Destination] "Oh, and we're taking a boat!"
      [X][Spell] Hydration (manipulation of already existing water)
      [X][Destination] "...we continued onwards towards Thyatira, though I'm not yet sure what that city has to do with anything. You'll have to explain that to me." (Gain (+) with Theodora)
      [x]Hydration
      [x] Differentiation (able to generate eyes, limbs, and organs at will)
      [X] Signaling / Camouflage
    Click to expand...


    we have multiple ties lmao

    please break them
     
    I'll break the spell tie, but someone else will need to break the destination one!

    [X][Destination] "...we continued onwards towards Thyatira, though I'm not yet sure what that city has to do with anything. You'll have to explain that to me." (Gain (+) with Theodora)
    -[x][Destination] "Oh, and we're taking a boat!"

    [X][Spell] Hydration (manipulation of already existing water)
     
    Adhoc vote count started by Solarstream on Aug 14, 2022 at 5:57 PM, finished with 15 posts and 6 votes.
    • [X][Destination] "...we marched directly onto Antioch, seeking to strike the Advocate's rebellion down while they're on the backfoot. Now let's get going!" (Gain (+) with Capricorn Saturn)
      [X][Spell] Antifreeze
      [X][Spell] Hydration (manipulation of already existing water)
      [X][Destination] "...we continued onwards towards Thyatira, though I'm not yet sure what that city has to do with anything. You'll have to explain that to me." (Gain (+) with Theodora)
      -[x][Destination] "Oh, and we're taking a boat!"
      [X][Destination] "...we continued onwards towards Thyatira, though I'm not yet sure what that city has to do with anything. You'll have to explain that to me." (Gain (+) with Theodora)
      [x]Hydration
      [x] Differentiation (able to generate eyes, limbs, and organs at will)
    Click to expand...


    vote closed~! Hydration and going to Antioch have won.
     
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    Temperance (I)
  • Threadmarks
    • Winning vote:
    [X][Destination] "...we marched directly onto Antioch, seeking to strike the Advocate's rebellion down while they're on the backfoot. Now let's get going!" (Gain (+) with Capricorn Saturn)
    [X][Spell] Hydration (manipulation of already existing water)

    Temperance (I)​

    When the group consisting of yourself, Linza, Philippos, Theodora, the Mystic Priestess Libra Venus, and the Mystic Priestess Capricorn Saturn leave Smyrna after spending several days recovering, the first three of you do so as freedman, conical felt caps in tow. With both the Holy Maiden of Chastity and the Sovereign Priest of Antioch indisposed, authority over the city fell to Capricorn Saturn, who decreed that all slaves who assisted in defending the city were to be freed... which was quite a lot of them, especially when the invaders from Antioch returned for a second attempt. Enough so that they could free other slaves as well, ones who missed out on the battles. This order was enforced with the firm support of the local church and military, and the desires of the slave-masters to keep things as they were meant nothing against the new way of doing things. They could no more stop this than they could command the tides.

    Of course, you would only be able to keep your newfound freedom if the Advocates and their forces were taken down for good.

    Realizing this, it was a simple matter for Capricorn Saturn to convince all of you to go along with her vision of a journey towards Antioch.

    And so, here you all were – on the road to the captured capital city.

    Theodora was quite annoyed that her vengeance against the Holy Maiden of Charity and her allies was delayed once again, but was convinced to come along for two reasons. One – the Advocates were likely allies of Charity, and so they were also valid targets of her revenge. Two – the man possessed by the Crab Demon had retreated in this direction, and so if she wanted information out of him, she had to pursue him.

    Sure enough, while on the way to Antioch, you all had passed the shed shell of a giant crab. It must have been his.

    Besides, the city of Smyrna would likely take Charity down in Theodora's stead. With Capricorn Saturn gone, control over the city had been turned over to allies among the freedmen and within the military. You and Libra Venus had told them (along with Capricorn Saturn) what Theodora had told you. It was agreed at once to send envoys to Thyatira and Laodicea to determine the status of those cities and to gain allies for an attempt to remove Charity from power. Particularly, Libra Venus wrote a letter to Temperance, Aries Mars, and Scorpio Mars, explaining the situation and asking for their aid.

    She also wrote letters to Sagittarius Jupiter (explaining the situation and asking for aid from Sardis) and Taurus Venus (updating her on what had transpired in Smyrna). She had thought about also writing letters to Aquarius Saturn and Cancer Moon, but nobody knew where the former was and the latter was hiding out in Antioch, fighting back against the Advocates, and would need to be supported by them.

    Cancer Moon would only be able to survive in that hostile city for so long, after all...

    With destination and goal set, you all traveled along the coast roads running between Smyrna and Antioch. It had only gotten colder and colder, though the chill wasn't as bad by the ocean as it was in the mountains. But between the cold and the short days, travel was slow.

    This meant that you were all still on the road when you had another dream of the day you died.

    The content of the dream was similar to all the last ones. You fell, dead. You were consumed by the Demon. The Demon rose from the depths. The Demon struck out at its summoners.

    However, you noticed another important detail.

    Your Demon was not the only Demon on the scene that night.

    Perhaps you have only noticed it because of your greater connection to your own Demon. There was indeed a Demon-possessed man there the night of your sacrifice. He had a serpentine face and aura, and managed to slip away when your Demon went on the attack.

    ...which meant he should still be near Sardis. Though you weren't sure why he never made himself known to you.

    [][Serpent] Perhaps he believes you died? If so, you should correct his error... and also kill him.
    [][Serpent] On the other hand, Humility should be able to handle him. Perhaps she already has.

    Unlike last time, you manage to sleep through the night soundly. You don't notice that anything about you has changed until later that day, when you're all back on the road and have stopped for a quick break.

    Theodora also felt new power come to her during the night and wanted to try it out. Unfortunately for her, things go wrong pretty much immediately. Sure, power does come to her, but at a cost – she loses control of herself, and starts to go on a wild rampage!

    And you, as the other Demon-possessed person, were her target!

    "T-Theodora! STOP!!!" you shouted at her as you ran away. But she either didn't hear you, or didn't care, as she kept chasing you down the coast, easily keeping up with your speed. In a moment of panic, you dive into the cold ocean waters, hoping he won't follow. But of course, she dives right in. You swim away and she follows you, but you feel more connected with the water than you did before...

    Thinking quickly, you bid the water itself to try and bind Theodora!

    And it works!

    ...at least, for a while. It gives you enough time to get back to shore and for Libra Venus to come by to support you before she breaks out and approaches.

    "...!? Why did you come here!?" you ask Libra Venus.

    She holds her cithara tightly, prepared to play. "Didn't I tell you before? I couldn't stand it if anything bad happened to you! Now then, let's stop Theodora's rampage together!"

    Of course, doing so is easier said than done. You'll need a plan, and fast!

    (How should Zarya and Libra Venus get Theodora to stop her Rampage? Remember to check the Character Sheet to know who has what spells.)
    [][Battle] (write-in)

    Spiritual Aptitude: 50
    QM Note: Character sheet was also updated.
     
  • Threadmarks
    • …Maybe I'm misunderstanding/missing something but what keeps us from just popping dissolution and letting Theodora vent uselessly trying to pop the bubbles?
     
    [x][Serpent] On the other hand, Humility should be able to handle him. Perhaps she already has.

    Personally never been big on vengeance. If he crosses our paths again, great, strike him down. If he doesn't, move on and live our life as we can.

    [x][Battle] Use Dissolution to distract Theodora and keep her hitting a harmless target while Libra uses Song of Calm Waters to subdue her
     
    Zaealix said:
    …Maybe I'm misunderstanding/missing something but what keeps us from just popping dissolution and letting Theodora vent uselessly trying to pop the bubbles?
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    the answer to that is that the bubbles are not invulnerable. losing too many of them would be bad.

    not to say that this idea is bad (it's actually quite good), but that it's not foolproof.
     
    Solarstream said:
    In a moment of panic, you dive into the cold ocean waters, hoping he won't follow.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    "she'

    [x][Serpent] On the other hand, Humility should be able to handle him. Perhaps she already has.

    Dissolution was my first guess as well. We are not specced for direct confrontations. I'd probably try to add Momentum/Amorphization into the mix to attempt to dodge, keep at Theodora's back at all times, and try to subdue her in a more direct fashion (restrain her; dissolve if she breaks free, slip past her to reform at her back, repeat until she tires herself out of Libra Venus pacifies her). We don't do much in the way of damage.

    [x][Battle] Use Momentum to keep at Theodora's back trying to restrain her with Hydration or your own Amorphous limbs, Dissolving into bubbles if she breaks free. All the while Libra Venus uses Song of Calm Waters to subdue her.
     
    [X][Serpent] Perhaps he believes you died? If so, you should correct his error... and also kill him.

    We should totally kill this guy tho.

    [X][Battle] Use Momentum to keep at Theodora's back trying to restrain her with Hydration or your own Amorphous limbs, Dissolving into bubbles if she breaks free. All the while Libra Venus uses Song of Calm Waters to subdue her.
     
    [X][Serpent] On the other hand, Humility should be able to handle him. Perhaps she already has.

    We don't need two obsessed revenge-obsessed teammates - Theodora is enough.

    [X][Battle] Use Momentum to keep at Theodora's back trying to restrain her with Hydration or your own Amorphous limbs, Dissolving into bubbles if she breaks free. All the while Libra Venus uses Song of Calm Waters to subdue her.
     
    [X][Serpent] On the other hand, Humility should be able to handle him. Perhaps she already has.

    [X][Battle] Use Momentum to keep at Theodora's back trying to restrain her with Hydration or your own Amorphous limbs, Dissolving into bubbles if she breaks free. All the while Libra Venus uses Song of Calm Waters to subdue her.
     
    Adhoc vote count started by Solarstream on Aug 21, 2022 at 5:14 PM, finished with 7 posts and 5 votes.
    • [x][Serpent] On the other hand, Humility should be able to handle him. Perhaps she already has.
      [x][Battle] Use Momentum to keep at Theodora's back trying to restrain her with Hydration or your own Amorphous limbs, Dissolving into bubbles if she breaks free. All the while Libra Venus uses Song of Calm Waters to subdue her.
      [x][Battle] Use Dissolution to distract Theodora and keep her hitting a harmless target while Libra uses Song of Calm Waters to subdue her
      [X][Serpent] Perhaps he believes you died? If so, you should correct his error... and also kill him.
    Click to expand...


    vote closed~!
     
    Temperance (II)
  • Threadmarks
    • Winning vote:
    [X][Serpent] On the other hand, Humility should be able to handle him. Perhaps she already has.
    [X][Battle] Use Momentum to keep at Theodora's back trying to restrain her with Hydration or your own Amorphous limbs, Dissolving into bubbles if she breaks free. All the while Libra Venus uses Song of Calm Waters to subdue her.

    Temperance (II)​

    Theodora – covered with green scales, bearing jagged sharp claws, tail dragging heavy across the ground – lunges forward at you and Libra Venus. The two of you had only moments to come up with a plan, so you stick to something simple. You will distract Theodora with your abilities while Libra Venus will play a soothing song to get her Demon to calm down.

    Thankfully, Theodora cooperates.

    You rush ahead at Theodora, taking her by surprise! She swings at you, but you tumble around the attack, ending up behind her. By the time Theodora turns around and goes for a second strike, Libra Venus has started to play her cithara. But her spell is focused on Theodora and does nothing to you.

    ...unfortunately, it's also doing nothing to Theodora... at least, not yet.

    You dodge Theodora's second and third swings, and this time you counter-attack! Well, not quite. You transform your arms into that same bubble-like matter from weeks before. Forcing yourself to ignore your revulsion to this form, you swing them out at Theodora! Naturally, she does her best to dodge them, and sometimes slashes them open. But when she does, you let them dissolve into bubbles, and the bubbles come back to you and reform into tendrils, letting you try again and again and again...

    One time, you even manage to grab her and hold her still.

    She roars at you and struggles with all her might. By this point, Libra Venus has been playing for several minutes to no effect. And you can feel your own grip weakening...

    Here's where you get another idea.

    Thinking quickly, you shove Theodora closer to the ocean. Your grip weakens, but she's too surprised to take advantage of the opening. Which is good, because you then bid the ocean to hold Theodora fast, and tendrils of cold salt water come forth from its mass to pin her down.

    This time, when she tries to struggle out, you're able to hold her tight. But the song still isn't doing much of anything... hmmm... well, maybe this will work!

    You get closer to Theodora. Libra Venus gives you a horrified look, but you tell her to keep playing. Moments later, you get as close as you dare, wrapping more and more of your bubble-like limbs around Theodora, and start to squeeze. Theodora struggles ever harder, but it amounts to nothing against your mass. Only in this state does the song start to work... the tail and claws vanish, and the scales start receding...

    ...which is good because this is tiring you out too...

    ...so, can you really be blamed if you let yourself return to normal, release your watery hold, and fall over too?

    .

    .

    .

    When you wake up, it's dark and you're under a blanket. Looking around, you're in a room somewhere. You're surprised someone would let your group stay at their home or inn, considering the state you of you were in, but you're grateful for that, and fall back asleep.

    As it turns out, your group made it to one of the small villages orbiting outside Antioch. It wouldn't be long at all until you got to the city proper!

    At least, it would be, except...

    "I insist! I'm certain I can control it!"

    ...that Theodora wanted to try out her new abilities again, certain she could control them this time. Capricorn Saturn tried to warn her against it, but Theodora ignored the girl. She was certain that she would succeed this time!

    But, she would not.

    Thankfully, you were able to convince her to leave the village and come to the shore before she went on her rampage, so you can Libra Venus were able to subdue her much more easily. You manage to stay awake this time. Capricorn Saturn, who elected to join you, certain of her prediction, helped Libra Venus drag Theodora away while you stayed by the shore a bit longer.

    The ocean... it's calling to you. You can feel something, an alien presence like your Demon's perhaps, as you stand near it. But are you sensing your Demon's essence reflected back at you by the waves, or are you sensing something new, something that comes from the water itself? You can't tell.

    What you can tell is that after stripping, diving in, and calling your Demon forth near instantly, you can be in its presence for basically as long as you want if you're in the ocean. And the ocean itself clung to you as you returned to the shore. You needed to intentionally reject it for it to let you go and for you to dry off. You wonder briefly if your Demon came from the ocean's depths before returning to the others and telling them of your discovery.

    Of course, this incenses Theodora further. Naturally, if you can command your Demon, and then she, who has been immersed in malevolence for longer, should be able to command hers. She demands another chance to control her newfound ability.

    The next morning, she tries again.

    The next morning, she fails again.

    Only after this attempt does she give up and decide that the spell can only be used in emergency situations, allowing you all to finally keep going.

    But you all would have to stop not long later anyway. Not because of Theodora this time, thankfully. No – someone familiar has appeared, coming down from the mountains. It's the Mystic Priestess Virgo Mercury, in the company of several dozen soldiers and a closed casket. Sure enough, the casket contains the body of the Holy Maiden of Diligence. But the fact that she is heading to Antioch means that she must have no idea of recent events, so you all had to warn her from approaching.

    While she believes your story, it's clear that it's only because Capricorn Saturn is there and can vouch for you all. She still does not accept you or Theodora, and she rejects showing support for you as Libra Venus has. But a temporary alliance against the Advocates? That is something she can support.

    She grew up in Antioch, and so can guide your group around without issue.

    However, you need to get into the city, which might be hard if the Crab Demon warned them about you and Theodora.

    After thinking it over, you all decide on the following opening approach.

    [] Splitting up worked last time, so Linza and Philippos propose doing that again. Virgo Mercury will lead them in as normal, while you help everyone else sneak in.
    [] Virgo Mercury, however, thinks the easiest thing to do is to all enter together. But only she was expected, so the rest of you will have to be treated as captives.
    [] And, as usual, Theodora just wants to go on a direct attack. This will bring the most immediate heat, but if you survive, Cancer Moon will certainly appreciate the help. (Gain (+) with Theodora.)
    [] Meanwhile, Capricorn Saturn proposes the opposite approach. You will all wait outside the city until she receives a sign that the time is right. But that might be a while... (Gain (+) with Capricorn Saturn)

    Spiritual Aptitude: 50
    QM Note: Instead of a regular update next week, I hope to post a sidestory giving more details regarding Antioch. The quest will then continue as normal.
     
  • Threadmarks
    • Solarstream said:
    Thankfully, you were able to convince her to leave the village and come to the shore before she went on her rampage, so you can Libra Venus were able to subdue her much more easily.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    Some doubling may have occured.

    [x] Meanwhile, Capricorn Saturn proposes the opposite approach. You will all wait outside the city until she receives a sign that the time is right. But that might be a while... (Gain (+) with Capricorn Saturn)

    Frontal assault is risky, while deception will not work for long and endangers the non-combatants.

    Let's use a resource we picked up on the way, even if it wastes some of our time.
     
    Theodora's unfortunately hilarious in her failure to master her berserker rage mode…
    And we seem to have our water theme coming more and more into focus…Hrrrm.
     
    [X] And, as usual, Theodora just wants to go on a direct attack. This will bring the most immediate heat, but if you survive, Cancer Moon will certainly appreciate the help. (Gain (+) with Theodora.)

    Chaaaargee!!!
     
    [X] Virgo Mercury, however, thinks the easiest thing to do is to all enter together. But only she was expected, so the rest of you will have to be treated as captives.
     
    [x] Meanwhile, Capricorn Saturn proposes the opposite approach. You will all wait outside the city until she receives a sign that the time is right. But that might be a while... (Gain (+) with Capricorn Saturn)
     
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    Sidestory: Antioch in Winter
  • Sidestory
    • Sidestory: Antioch in Winter​

    Meanwhile in Antioch...

    It is one of the many blessings of holy and golden Antioch that it never gets as cold there as it does in the surrounding countryside. This sprawling metropolis, beset on two sides by the great ocean and on a third by a massive artificial canal, is home to hundreds of thousands of people and is the major trade hub of the country. In better days, boats and caravans would be constantly coming in and out of the many harbors surrounding the city, taking advantage of the ice-free oceans.

    These are not better days.

    With the chaos incited by the Advocates' seizure of power, trade had slowed to a crawl and people were only trying to flee the city, not enter. Of course, there were not many places for them to go. Ephesus and Pergamum had already been captured. Sardis and Philadelphia were too far away on one side, and Thyatira and Laodicea were too far away on the other. And few knew that Smyrna had withstood the recent assault and was a safe haven.

    So, many stayed, and waited for better days to return or simply got used to the new normal – a city without its Sovereign Priest, with the Church weakened, with the military policing the people, with the Advocates in full control.

    Others were preparing to make those better days come back.

    Consider, for example, the Mystic Priestess Cancer Moon. At first glance, she doesn't make much of an imposing figure. Like most of her group, she had no skill in combat. And her ability that lets her better empathize with others seems useless for a rebellion, having no direct combat utility. Unless, of course, she had found a way to extend her ability to others – letting them work and fight together as if they were truly of one mind and body. Between this and her extensive knowledge of the city, it was enough for her and those connected with her to survive another day, and another, and another... Perhaps if they kept surviving, they would be blessed with a miracle that would deliver them from this crisis. They could only hope that said miracle came sooner rather than later.

    But, of course, there are those who see within crisis opportunities to reshape the world according to their own desires.

    The cultists are an obvious example. They are not a unified group at all, each sect and solo practitioner having their own desires. With the Church in retreat, they have been given space to do as they please. And sure enough, for some, it is merely to practice their own Way without the threat of a stronger holy power crushing them. Others have darker desires, and these are the ones actively clashing with the resistance movement led by Cancer Moon.

    This was how the Advocates learned that this crafty woman remained a thorn in their side.

    But, that's all she was to them – a minor annoyance.

    They did not consider her and her allies a serious threat. From their perspective, they had already won this city. Completing their victory lay in seizing the other cities and eventually the island of Patmos itself – seizing the holy power residing there and using it for their own ends, no longer limited by the Trinity, nor the Sovereign Priest of Antioch, and not even the church itself!

    Of course, even in the best-case scenario, it would be another month until they heard news from the island. It was simply that remote. But it didn't matter to them. They had faith of their own. Faith in the power of the institutions personally loyal to them. Faith in the fallibility of the Followers of the Way. Faith in victory and their soon dominance over all.

    But neither Cancer Moon nor the Advocates could have predicted what was to come in the depths of that Winter as Candlemas drew near...

    QM Note: Regular update next week. Vote is currently still open.
     
  • Sidestory
    • [x] Meanwhile, Capricorn Saturn proposes the opposite approach. You will all wait outside the city until she receives a sign that the time is right. But that might be a while... (Gain (+) with Capricorn Saturn)
     
    [X] Meanwhile, Capricorn Saturn proposes the opposite approach. You will all wait outside the city until she receives a sign that the time is right. But that might be a while... (Gain (+) with Capricorn Saturn)
     
    Adhoc vote count started by Solarstream on Sep 3, 2022 at 2:34 PM, finished with 9 posts and 6 votes.
    • [x] Meanwhile, Capricorn Saturn proposes the opposite approach. You will all wait outside the city until she receives a sign that the time is right. But that might be a while... (Gain (+) with Capricorn Saturn)
      [X] And, as usual, Theodora just wants to go on a direct attack. This will bring the most immediate heat, but if you survive, Cancer Moon will certainly appreciate the help. (Gain (+) with Theodora.)
      [X] Virgo Mercury, however, thinks the easiest thing to do is to all enter together. But only she was expected, so the rest of you will have to be treated as captives.
    Click to expand...


    Current tally. Vote will close around this time:
     
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