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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
    • [X][CM] You'll hint at the truth, but wait until Libra Venus returns

    [X][Sculpture] A statue that represents the Mystic Priestesses as a whole, though its clearly based on Libra Venus and Theodora.


    [X][Faith] And you'll take it up on that suggestion.
    -[x][Faith] You'll expose yourself to other religions.
     
    [X][CM] You'll hint at the truth, but wait until Libra Venus returns

    [X][Sculpture] A statue that represents the Mystic Priestesses as a whole, though its clearly based on Libra Venus and Theodora.


    [X][Faith] And you'll take it up on that suggestion.
    -[x][Faith] You'll expose yourself to other religions.
     
    [x][CM] You'll hint at the truth, but wait until Libra Venus returns.
    [x][Sculpture] A statue that represents the Mystic Priestesses as a whole, though its clearly based on Libra Venus and Theodora.
    [x][Faith] And you'll take it up on that suggestion.
    -[x][Faith] You'll spend more time with the Followers.
     
    [X][CM] You'll hint at the truth, but wait until Libra Venus returns
    [X][Sculpture] A statue that represents the Mystic Priestesses as a whole, though its clearly based on Libra Venus and Theodora.
    [x][Faith] And you'll take it up on that suggestion.
    -[x][Faith] You'll spend more time with the Followers.
     
    [X][CM] You'll tell the truth. Hopefully, she is willing to accept it.
    [X][Sculpture] A statue that represents the Mystic Priestesses as a whole, though its clearly based on Libra Venus and Theodora.
    [X][Faith] And you'll take it up on that suggestion.
    -[X][Faith] You'll spend more time with the Followers.
     
    Adhoc vote count started by Solarstream on Nov 27, 2022 at 4:08 PM, finished with 6 posts and 5 votes.
    Click to expand...


    vote closed~!
     
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    The Sun (IV)
  • Threadmarks
    • Winning vote:
    [X][CM] You'll hint at the truth, but wait until Libra Venus returns
    [X][Sculpture] A statue that represents the Mystic Priestesses as a whole, though its clearly based on Libra Venus and Theodora.
    [X][Faith] And you'll take it up on that suggestion.
    -[X][Faith] You'll spend more time with the Followers.

    The Sun (IV)​

    The day before Candlemas, the Sovereign Priest of Antioch returns to his namesake city.

    You had started that day the same as ever, trudging from your abode in the Great Church of Antioch over to your workshop and the getting right to work. You've never met all the Mystic Priestesses, so the hardest part has been adding in the details of each one into one coherent outfit. Aries Mars and Cancer Moon describe them as best they can, but without a visual reference, it's hard to tell if you're getting things right. If they came over here and looked at your work, maybe you could get it accurate, but they've been busy dealing with the city.

    You had decided it was better to scrap the ones you'd never seen before, and started doing that as you heard people suddenly scrambling in the streets. Panic fills your mind at first, but once you step outside and get a better listen its clear that people are excited rather than frightened. Particularly, the people you know to be Followers of the Way are cheerful, almost like its Christmas again.

    As soon as one of them noticed you, they gave you the good news!

    ...well, good to them, anyway. You were just getting into the Church, and so didn't have much of an opinion on the man. But they were happy, and you knew that Capricorn Saturn must have been happy that he recovered, so you gave a little cheer for them and then got back to work.

    This confused one of the Followers, who asked why you didn't want to see the man.

    But the truth was that whether or not he was here, in Smyrna, in Sardis, or anywhere else, your role in all of this was the same: sculpt; be exorcised; maybe join the Church, maybe find other work.

    You didn't say that, however. Instead, you suggested that since he was here, you should work even harder on your statue. After all, he would definitely see it.

    This got the person off your case.

    The Being sharing your body asked you a question as you worked. Is the Sovereign Priest of Antioch able to use magic like the Holy Maidens and Mystic Priestesses? You did not know. It then suggested that he must not, or he would have stayed and fought against the Advocates. So then, what sort of power does the man have?

    You don't know the answer to that one either. He's probably just in charge because people feel like he should be in charge. People like that were common, and some of them are still around.

    Though you know now that plenty of people also feel that no one should be in charge. Outside town, where the villas are, several have been taken over by small bands of Followers and turned into communes. They still call themselves Followers, but don't take orders from Cancer Moon, Virgo Mercury, or any of the soldiers they send. Since they don't cause trouble and are out of the way, they're mostly just ignored, but you're sure that will change now that the big boss is back. And you also wonder what the Followers who privately revealed to you that they feel more loyalty to Cancer Moon than to the Sovereign Priest feel about his return...

    Ah, well, you'll just adapt to whatever happens.

    They got rid of slavery for good here, so even if things don't work out with the Church, you'll be fine.

    You have to hope so.

    .

    .

    .

    It's cloudy on the day of Candlemas.

    Most of the day just felt like a normal day. You woke up, worked on your sculpture, ate your sad rations of boiled cabbage and hard bread, bathed among the masses... but at the end, when you went back to your workshop, you took your finished statue, placed it on a cart, and took it over towards the Great Church. Naturally, a crowd came to follow you, even though this wasn't the real procession.

    Virgo Mercury, who has been ignoring you all this time, is the first to come out and greet you.

    Well, "greet" you. She actually comes out with her sistrum in hand, already ratting, and alternates between eyeing the statue and glaring at you.

    She points the instrument at you, accusingly. "Did your Demon do anything foul to this statue in any way?"

    "It did not. You can sense that for yourself."

    Indeed, the ice inside the statue has no remnant magical traces. She must know that.

    Still glaring at you, she waves over a few Followers and goes with them to bring the statue in. They seem apologetic and whisper their appreciation for what you've done so Virgo Mercury can't hear them before departing.

    Annoyed, you walk off. Maybe you shouldn't even be in the procession...

    ...no, you should go. You want to go. You're not going to let Virgo Mercury ruin this for you.

    Several of the people in the crowd ask you what that was all about. Didn't you help defend the city against the Great Beast, despite being Demon-possessed? Why would Virgo Mercury be upset with a savior like yourself? You could tell them that it's because you're a savior and she's not that she's upset, but now isn't the time for that.

    ...

    ...or is it?

    [][VM] Swear the crowd to secrecy and them the whole truth. (News will leak and Virgo Mercury will lash out once she finds out.)
    [][VM] Deflect. Claim that the issue is solely your Demon-possessed status.
    [][VM] Keep quiet about the real cause, and let the crowd speculate...
    [][VM] (write-in)

    The procession itself is pleasant enough, despite the chill. The large crowd of Followers – most of the city's inhabitants – bring in candles to be consecrated by the Sovereign Priest. As you have none of your own, you end up carrying several in honor of those fallen during the crisis last week.

    ...which means you need more arms, and so sprout tentacles, meaning you cause quite the stir at the Great Church. Virgo Mercury, once again, looks like she wants to kill you herself, but she's kept in check by other holy people around her. To be honest, you're more surprised that her boss doesn't seem upset at all. He blesses your candles, the same as he does for everyone else, and then lets you go.

    The fact that you return to a normal human appearance afterwards is probably part of the reason.

    With an excuse to eat real food for once, you had a merry time at dinner, stuffing yourself full.

    You also get the best sleep you've had in days.

    (During this time, the Being has been working on try to disentangle itself from you. It has made some progress, and so your Spiritual Aptitude will go down by 5. As such, choose a spell from your Character Sheet to give up.)
    [][Lost Spell] ???

    Spiritual Aptitude: 60
    QM Note: No main update next week... maybe a sidestory though. We'll see.
     
  • Threadmarks
    • [X][Lost Spell] Amorphization
    [X][VM] Keep quiet about the real cause, and let the crowd speculate...
     
    Last edited:
    [x][VM] Deflect. Claim that the issue is solely your Demon-possessed status.
    [X][Lost Spell] Amorphization

    I was under the impression Virgo Mercury solely disliked us based on the demon possession. Is there another reason?
     
    [x][VM] Keep quiet about the real cause, and let the crowd speculate...

    What is our plan for the next few weeks? Are we going to be exorcised before leaving the city? I thought we were going to be called upon to deal with the Maiden of Charity...
     
    Nevill said:
    What is our plan for the next few weeks? Are we going to be exorcised before leaving the city? I thought we were going to be called upon to deal with the Maiden of Charity...
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    Cancer Moon and Virgo Mercury will want to do the exorcism before letting you leave Antioch. If you want to leave before then, you'll have to either convince Cancer Moon or the Sovereign Priest of Antioch.

    Charity is currently being handled by Smyrna, an effort which is now being led by Capricorn Saturn. If you were to go to Thyatira now, she'd be captured by the time you arrived. You'd be able to help out with other stuff if you still headed there, though.
     
    The Heirophant (I)
  • Threadmarks
    • Winning vote:
    [X][VM] Keep quiet about the real cause, and let the crowd speculate...
    [X][Lost Spell] Amorphization

    The Heirophant (I)​

    Antioch becomes livelier as the days go by, despite the cold. With everyone's collective effort, whether acting according to the directive of the Church or being done by some of the smaller religions and other groups in the city, the city returns closer and closer to its olden, golden self. Everyone's mood is lifted as homes are restored and new buildings are made from the rubble.

    Even you can't help but be a little bit more cheerful.

    Though you have another reason for this. The Being's initial attempts to disentangle you have been a great success so far. One day, you tried to grow a tendril in order to grab a block of ice, and found that you couldn't. You're certain that your cheers could be heard all across the city. At this rate, there really will be a future for you here!

    Naturally, Cancer Moon claims credit for your progress, and you're all too happy to let her have it for now. You'll fill her in on the truth in a more convenient season. Theodora is also visibly less annoyed with you when you next see her, though she doesn't want to speak to you again just yet.

    Virgo Mercury continues not to like you or want you around. It really seems like nothing other than an immediate exorcism will make her happy. Well, too bad for her! Given what you know, you're not letting that happen.

    But while you've given up one power, that hasn't stopped people from asking you to use your others. Considering the speed at which you can run, even if its only in short bursts, you're a great help for sending along urgent messages. And, of course, you keep getting requests for ice sculptures. They're the new hot commodity it seems, and you're quite happy to make more since it keeps you busy.

    During this time, two things happened to interrupt your easy days.

    One – several artisans came by your workshop, and asked if you'd like to learn to work with other materials. At first, you try and turn them down, but they insist that you have real skill and it'd be a shame to lose it once you give up your ice manipulation ability for good.

    It's enough to keep you from outright rejecting them, though you don't give them an answer yet. Instead, you think it over. When they ask again, you know that...

    [][Artisans] ...you'll accept their offer.
    [][Artisans] ...you'll turn them down.

    Two – Virgo Mercury, of all people, came by your workshop and demanded you come with her. You immediately started to panic, fearing that the moment you dreaded had come at last, and demanded an explanation. But she could offer none, saying only that the Sovereign Priest of Antioch had demanded an audience with you and that turning it down was not an option.

    It's only once she's dragged you over to the Great Church that you learn that Aries Mars was supposed to deliver this message to you, and that Virgo Mercury intercepted it for some reason.

    Well, not some reason. One reason. It's because you're involved.

    She even follows you inside the now fully restored Great Church, keeping a hateful gaze on you the whole time. You do your best to ignore her as you make your way to the Sovereign Priest's office. The door is shut, so you knock on it and the man tells you to enter.

    As you do, you get a glimpse of his eyes and can't help but notice that they're the same as those of Capricorn Saturn – soft and gray. His gaze is actually soft, however. He has the same skin tone as her, and is wearing a white cassock and skull cap. He's also quite tall and lacks any facial or head hair.

    "Ah, Zarya, do take a seat... hm? Virgo Mercury, is something the matter?"

    "Only this woman," she says pointing at you.

    The man seems disappointed, but does not directly reprimand her. Instead, he reminds her that she should heed his words. In this case, that means allowing the meeting to go on in peace.

    With an annoyed grunt, she departs, slamming the door in the process.

    He shakes his head. "Oh my, oh my... I hope she not given you too much trouble, Zarya."

    "N-not at all!" you blurt out, a bit nervous. "I mostly just avoid her... besides, isn't she doing what she thinks she's supposed to be doing. I am Demon-possessed, after all."

    He takes a seat as well, a long desk separating you from him. "Yes, of course. But the case of your Demon is quite curious. Has it ever once taken control of you and forced you to commit evil? Or even tried to talk you into sinning?"

    You shake your head. The man nods. "This is what I mean. Your Demon appears to be something unique. I have already talked to Theodora and Cancer Moon, and they've said as much themselves. Though I believe Cancer Moon wanted to do further studies..."

    "S-she hasn't asked me about those yet..."

    "Naturally. We have been busy restoring this great city. Our enemies have taken great pains to try and destroy us for good, but they have failed. And they will continue to fail, God willing..."

    He looks you dead in the eyes as he says his next lines. "And I believe you, despite everything, have been instrumental to that. I must offer you my sincerest gratitude for your actions in Smyrna and here. Rest assured that we will return the favor to you. I'm aware that the citizens already hold you in high regard."

    ...you have to admit, embarrassment is not an emotion you expected to feel during this meeting. "Ah well... it's not like you can blame them, right?" you ask, but it's not really a question.

    "Of course, of course. God acts according to His designs, not ours. It is surprising to us that a Demon-possessed woman would become the savior of two cities, but he must have a great fate in store for you."

    "W-well, I don't know about that..." you say, not quite liking where this seems to be going.

    "So, I must ask you to be the savior of another city."

    And there it is.

    You sigh. "Ephesus, right?"

    The man nods. "That's correct. I have heard that this 'Crab-Man' was heading that way. He must be stopped before he can..."

    At this point, Virgo Mercury barges back in, pale, teary-eyed, trembling. "S-sir! I-I... please forgive my impudence, but I must protest this course of action! This Demon must be a skilled manipulator biding its time! It's convinced Patience, Libra Venus, Capricorn Saturn, Cancer Moon... it has to be stopped now!"

    Thankfully for you, she's unarmed, but she looks to frenzied that she might try to strangle you with her bare hands!

    She advances slowly. You get up and back away slowly.

    The priest decides that now is a good time to intervene. "Of course, I understand your concerns, Virgo Mercury. Indeed, I share them, though not with your, ah, intensity."

    Her gaze goes to him. "Great, so we're going to exorcise her now, yes!?"

    "I have something else in mind. I would like you to keep an eye on this Demon during the journey."

    He says something about Aries Mars also being sent along just in case, but your brain in on overdrive and the Being inside you can't keep up. You have to interject!

    [][Interjection] You demand that Virgo Mercury not be sent! (The two of you then get into a fight!)
    [][Interjection] You demand that you be allowed to stay here! (Gain (-) with the Sovereign Priest of Antioch)
    [][Interjection] You demand to be sent elsewhere instead! (but where and why?) (outcome depends on location)
    [][Interjection] You demand... (write-in) (outcome depends on selection)

    Spiritual Aptitude: 55
     
  • Threadmarks
    • [X][Artisans] ...you'll accept their offer.
    [X][Interjection] You demand that Virgo Mercury not be sent! (The two of you then get into a fight!)
     
    [X][Artisans] ...you'll accept their offer

    Artists for the win


    [X][Interjection] You demand that Virgo Mercury not be sent! (The two of you then get into a fight!)

    Virgo Mercury is determined to think the worst of us. I don't want that around! Even if it means she thinks we're plotting
     
    [X][Interjection] You demand that Virgo Mercury stop acting like you're the villain here. Otherwise, you will not be able to work with her.

    Probably mostly the former, but a bit more reasonable-sounding from our heroine's side. Plus, I think that's something she's been wanting to say for a long time.

    [X][Artisans] ...you'll accept their offer.
     
    [X][Artisans] ...you'll accept their offer.
    [X][Interjection] You demand that Virgo Mercury stop acting like you're the villain here. Otherwise, you will not be able to work with her.
    Personally, I am a fan of keeping the not-demon around and learning more about it, but I only just got here. And learning a trade is always a good thing. Zarya must be quite talented for people to come around and beg to teach her for the sake of their art, or whatever else is motivating the offer.
    Solarstream said:
    The Tower (IV)
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    Missing a threadmark here.
     
    [x][Interjection] You demand that Virgo Mercury stop acting like you're the villain here. Otherwise, you will not be able to work with her.
     
    Adhoc vote count started by Solarstream on Dec 18, 2022 at 11:53 AM, finished with 7 posts and 5 votes.
    Click to expand...


    current tally. vote will close in roughly five hours.

    edit: and its closed!
     
    Last edited:
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