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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
     
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  • Informational
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    The Fool (II)
  • Threadmarks
    • 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!
     
  • Threadmarks
    • [X][Direction] You should return at once to Sardis, to get back to work on that paying off that debt.

    [Ch] [Eyepatch] This eye patch is a seal that holds back the demonic force that is capable of destroying the world!

    I regret that this is not a good option in this setting.

    [X] [Eyepatch] You have been attacked by bandits. Other people are much less fortunate than you. You don't want to talk about it.

    The best tactic when you don't want to talk about something is to make the conversation so awkward that the other person wants to change the subject.

    As for weapons... What exactly do we choose from? Is there, for example, an option like a hand crossbow or a specific weapon like a tonfa?

    [x][Weapon] Yes: Tonfa
     
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    [X][Direction] You should return at once to Sardis, to get back to work on that paying off that debt.
    [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

    Knives are great, straight forward, and multi purpose. It can be used for self defense! It can be used to skin game! It can be used to whittle! They are also extremely easy to figure out, pointy end goes in here. Not a fantastic weapon, but better than having nothing at all, and as earlier stated, useful for more than just defense
     
    [X][Direction] You should return at once to Sardis, to get back to work on that paying off that debt.
    [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: Hairpin dagger
     
    [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

    I think we should stay as far away from the living lie detector priestess as we can, at least until we've sorted things out a bit more.
     
    [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

    Never leave a job undone, even if you can't deliver it's better they know why they're not getting the delivery.
     
    Eternal_0bserver said:
    As for weapons... What exactly do we choose from? Is there, for example, an option like a hand crossbow or a specific weapon like a tonfa?
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    the simpler, the better, since zarya is not an expert in combat.
    though i wouldn't be opposed to either of those example options.
    if you do want something that might be more rare (like a crossbow, for example), you'd more likely be renting it rather than full-on purchasing it.
     
    [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
     
    [X][Direction] You should still go to Philadelphia and see your contact, despite not having the plans.
    [X] [Eyepatch] This eye patch is a seal that holds back the demonic force that is capable of destroying the world!
    [X][Weapon] Yes: Knife

    I wanted the eyepatch because of that chuunibyou thing, i know it is a terrible idea and i am 90% sure that it won't win, but i will vote for it anyway.

    AltF4152 said:
    i couldn't resist the chuunibyou thing of an eyepatch sealing her demonic powers
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
     
    [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
     
    [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
     
    Adhoc vote count started by R2Walker on Jan 18, 2022 at 12:10 PM, finished with 12 posts and 10 votes.
    Click to expand...


    vote closed~
     
    The Fool (III)
  • Threadmarks
    • 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.
     
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    • [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

    You've used your master's name to pay for things in the city, if you don't inform him before he receives bills he's going to be furious, and you'll end up with bounty hunters on your tail

    [x]Why did your song compel me to join? Was it magic to promote courage?
    [x]Has she ever managed to save someone infected by a demonic curse?
    [x]Has she ever fought a demon up close?
    [x]What is it like as a Holy Maiden?
     
    [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] 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?

    [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
     
    The Fool (IV)
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    • 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.
     
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    • [x][Invitation?] Accept

    Our libra friend may be dangerous but I really like her

    [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.
     
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