The Water-bearer

[Solarstream]

Character Sheet​

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


​

Other Notes:
(+) = favored towards you
(-) = biased against you

 

[Zaealix]

[X][Favor] You don't want anything from him. You're doing this for Capricorn Saturn. (Gain (+) with Aquarius Saturn and Kindness when that time comes.)
[][Favor] You would ask him what he knows of Nature Spirits-and ask him to keep this discussion quiet.

[X][Material] No, you'll work with a more traditional material...
-[X][Material] ...you'll carve it out of marble.

[X][Appearance] It's a statue of yourself in holy robes with the Being's symbols.

I like the idea of doing it in ice in theory, a new Relic to allow other holy women to walk our path after we are gone…
In practice I fear it's gonna get knocked over/ the Church turns on it once Zarya's gone and returns to being oppressive.
Because that kind of feels like their thing.
So many of the Mystic Priestesses were possessed of a fervor that brought them to reject anything that was not holy-the way the Nature Spirit Worshippers were wiped out in the past…
Admittedly Dionne's bunch feels like an accident waiting to happen but those I imagine to be the outliers who justify the pattern…

 

[Solarstream]

vote will close in roughly four hours from now

 

[Solarstream]

Adhoc vote count started by Solarstream on Aug 12, 2023 at 6:06 PM, finished with 4 posts and 3 votes.

• ---

  3 people have voted

  [X][Favor] You don't want anything from him. You're doing this for Capricorn Saturn. (Gain (+) with Aquarius Saturn and Kindness when that time comes.)

  • Eternal_0bserver
  • Wardragon
  • Zaealix

  2 people have voted

  [X][Material] You know what, you will work with ice after all. You'll need to ask around to get enough, and also see if one of the Mystic Priestesses can help you. Maybe Libra Venus or Scorpio Mars?

  • Eternal_0bserver
  • Wardragon

  2 people have voted

  [X][Appearance] It's a statue of yourself in holy robes with the Being's symbols.

  • Eternal_0bserver
  • Zaealix

  1 people have voted

  [X][Appearance] It's a statue of what you imagine a fusion of the two of you to look like.

  • Wardragon

  1 people have voted

  [X][Material] No, you'll work with a more traditional material...
  -[X][Material] ...you'll carve it out of marble.

  • Zaealix

and vote's closed~!

 

[Solarstream]

Spoiler: Winning vote

Winning vote:
[X][Favor] You don't want anything from him. You're doing this for Capricorn Saturn. (Gain (+) with Aquarius Saturn and Kindness when that time comes.)
[X][Material] You know what, you will work with ice after all. You'll need to ask around to get enough, and also see if one of the Mystic Priestesses can help you. Maybe Libra Venus or Scorpio Mars?
[X][Appearance] It's a statue of yourself in holy robes with the Being's symbols.

The Hermit (II)​

After thinking it over for a while, you decide that making your 'holy' sculpture out of ice is indeed what you want. You've spent all this time connected to water, so why not build this little monument commemorating that connection out of its solid form? The hardest part will definitely be shaping the small intricate details... but that would be true of any material. And, unlike those ordinary materials, you can reshape the ice as you see fit fairly freely, especially if you use your tools as well.

Now the only thing to consider is how big the statue should be. You could carry around a smaller one on your person, though you'd look quite odd doing so and would need to figure out how to conceal it. But that has the advantage of letting you pray to it anytime you want if you need your abilities. On the other hand, you could make a larger one, life-sized perhaps, and leave it here in a concealed dark place, which would be much safer for it. But that has the downside of limiting your use of spiritual abilities to Antioch and its nearby villages since you wouldn't be able to move it around easily.

As you think that over and make your choice...

(These will both be ready by the time the rogue Angel attacks. Choose one.)
[][Size] Go for the statuette.
[][Size] Go for the large statue.

...you get to designing it in your own likeness, drawing it out on a piece of papyrus. However, it won't just be a statue of you. No, you'll be draped in a holy robe. Not one of the Antiochian Church's outfits, nor the cloak of an unholy cultist. This will all be something of your own design, using symbols based on your interactions with the Being.

The main focal points are, of course, water and ice. The robes will be flowing around you like waves atop the sea, the "cloth" rippling like bubbles, and the edges will terminate into textured icy crystals. Some of the bubbles, scattered around the robe, will be opening up into eyes, scanning the imaginary scene around them. You briefly think about adding in some tendrils, but maybe that might be too much? Maybe... you won't have them stick out of the sculpture; it might be too much detail. Maybe you'll have them form river channels into the robes...

[MAKE A DOUBLE HELIX. IT'S THE FORM OF YOUR INFORMATION. THAT SHOULD HELP REINFORCE YOUR OWM BEING.]

...and as you were drawing them, the Being's voice suddenly chimed into your head with a suggestion of its own. A double helix – two entwined spirals, huh? Yeah, that would work just fine. You could wind one around each of your arms, one around each of your legs, and one around your stomach... it adds a lot of texture, but nothing you shouldn't be able to handle with time and care.

While you're doing that, Libra Venus has spent the time strumming her cithara in fits and starts. As you're finishing up your design, she finally bursts into full-out song. You stop at once, and listen intently while looking at her. Now that you're aware of spiritual presences, you can see a faint aura around her, and you'd call it pink if you had to give it any color. It has a soft warmness to it – both the aura and her song. It's meant to be comforting, almost like a lullaby, like one of the ones your mother used to sing to you... moments of care like that are some of your few positive memories of your old life...

Ah... if only you could have had more of them...

Oh well...

When you snap back to awareness, Libra Venus is suddenly right in front of your face!

"A-ah!?"

Startled, you back away and flop onto the ground.

"Zarya? Are you okay?" she asks, and then helps you get up. Not like you needed it, but you appreciate the aid.

"I'll be fine. I was just listening to you. Was that one of your new songs?"

Libra Venus smiles brightly at you. "Yes! I call it the Song of Affection~! Tell me, Zarya, what did you feel when you were listening to it? I was hoping to invoke the love and care I received while growing up in the Church!"

"...well, I felt something like that. But why are you composing a song like this?"

She either doesn't notice your deflection or doesn't care. Instead, she answers her question with her typical enthusiasm. "I'm hoping to save Capricorn Saturn with it~! I didn't know her that well, so using just my own interactions with her won't be enough. So, I want to draw out as many tender moments as I can... hmm, maybe I should ask Linza and Philippos to help me? They've spent some time with her as well..."

"Oh, that would be a good idea!" you reply. "And you said you were working on another song as well?"

She nods. "Yes, the Song of Growth. It should help you all draw out more power in a pinch... but it's not ready yet. I'm not a fighter, so I'm still not sure what to play to properly invoke hidden strength..."

"Linza would definitely be able to help you with that one too. And so would the Mars duo now that I think about it..."

She then goes to get her cithara. "Okay then~! I'm going to go talk to them. Aries Mars and Scorpio Mars should be outside the city training. Do you know where Linza would be?"

"She'd also be outside the city, though she'll be with the military men. Philippos should also be with her. I'll go with you."

"Hm? Do you need to talk to them too?"

Her confusion goes away when you answer as you both head out. "Well, it's about my ice sculpture. I'm concerned that it'll just melt once summer comes, so I'm hoping that Scorpio Mars can use her defensive abilities to reinforce it. Actually, if you could help too, I'd really appreciate it!"

"Hmmm... once I have the Song of Growth further developed, that should help. But you're right, we should talk to Scorpio Mars. I know just where they should be, so follow me~!"

Of course, even without Libra Venus, you doubt you would have had any issues finding them. Even with the lurking presence creeping closer in the distance, you can sense the two of them well before you see them outside the city walls. Scorpio Mars with her shield and Aries Mars with her sword are clashing beneath the cloudy skies, stopping only once Libra Venus starts to play a song, drawing in their attention. They're, of course, quite willing to help Libra Venus out, but Scorpio Mars is quite skeptical about reinforcing your statue with her defensive powers. She – like Libra Venus and Temperance – is aware that the Being inside you is an alien and not a Demon, but it's still not a part of her holy system.

Hmm... well, there has to be something you can do to help re-assure her if you want. But what?

[][SM] You'll do something for her. (Gain (+) with Scorpio Mars)
-[][SM] You'll alter the design to include some of her holy facets.
-[][SM] You'll submit to training under her to show your good will.
-[][SM] (write-in; subject to QM approval)
[][SM] You won't do something for her, since you can rely on the Being and Libra Venus.


Spiritual Aptitude: 40
QM Note: Made some minor changes to the character sheet as well.

 

[Eternal_0bserver]

[X][Size] Go for the large statue.

[X][SM] You'll do something for her. (Gain (+) with Scorpio Mars)
-[X][SM] You'll alter the design to include some of her holy facets.
-[X][SM] You'll submit to training under her to show your good will.

I see no reason not to do both. This should ease the suspicions of others as well.

 

[Nevill]

[x][Size] Go for the large statue.
[x][SM] You'll do something for her. (Gain (+) with Scorpio Mars)
-[x][SM] You'll alter the design to include some of her holy facets.

We are lanning to settle when it's over, yes? And our workshop is here as well.
Making the statue into a place of city-wide significance makes it easier to dedicate resourses for maintaining it.

 

[Solarstream]

vote will close in roughly 24 hours or so

 

[Solarstream]

vote closed~!

as for the Scorpio Mars vote, only altering the design will go through.

 

[Solarstream]

Spoiler: Winning vote

Winning vote:
[X][Size] Go for the large statue.
[X][SM] You'll do something for her. (Gain (+) with Scorpio Mars)
-[X][SM] You'll alter the design to include some of her holy facets.

The Hermit (III)​

The idea comes to you almost at once. "Well then, Scorpio Mars, how about this? I was originally going to design the statue solely with symbols related to the Being, but perhaps I can include something related to you, like your shield? That way, it aligns more closely with your Church. Does that sound good to you?"

Looks like she's thinking it over, a hand on her chin. "Hmmm... well, that's better at least..." She then nods. "I'll approve it, though I'm not the only one who needs to."

You nod. "Right, the Sovereign Priest of Antioch might take issue with it."

But, to your surprise, she shakes her head. "No, he doesn't mind your strangeness. The holdout will be the Mystic Priestess Cancer Moon. She thinks that the Being inside of you is a Demon, right?"

You're about to say that no, of course she wouldn't think that, because you went and talked to her about it... but you hadn't actually done that yet. You've both been busy – her with managing the city by herself, and you with getting your bearings and designing your statue. She would absolutely still think that the Being is a Demon, since you never corrected her, and say as much to Scorpio Mars.

"Oh, right, we haven't been able to sit down and talk with her since coming back... wait, but our Most Holy Father also knows the truth, right? So maybe he told her?" noted and asked Aries Mars.

"Hmm... he might have, or he might not have. It would ultimately be up to him, as he has authority over her and can decide what information she should or shouldn't have. Really, you should tell Cancer Moon yourself anyway, Zarya. I think she'd like to hear it from you," suggested Libra Venus.

You nod. "Right, I'll do that as soon as I can. I wonder if she's busy right now..."

"It's the middle of the day, so certainly. You'll have a better chance of connecting with her tonight. I'll join you for that too," replied Scorpio Mars before picking up her shield again. "Now then is that all? If so, we'll have to get back to training..."

Aries Mars butted in before you could say anything. "Hey, hold on, I want to see this statue!"

You then speak up. "Well, it's not built yet... I need to get ice still. I've spent the day designing it and..."

"Oh, so you have something drafted then? Can I see it? I'll help you get ice on the way!"

"Oh, that'd be a great help!" Without your tendrils, there's no way you could move all the ice you'll need by yourself. You then turn to Scorpio Mars. "Do you mind?"

She sighs and straps her shield to her back. "Yes, but I suppose I have no choice now... I'll just have to go ahead and join you."

"While we're all walking together, I have something I'd like to ask the two of you about..." and then Libra Venus goes on about the Song of Growth that she's developing while the four of you head back towards the city. Since this part doesn't involve you, you're silent for most of it. So, you turn inside and start thinking about what you'll say to Cancer Moon...

(If there's anything you'd like to bring up to Cancer Moon besides the truth of the Being, let me know.)
[][CM] (optional write-in)

...as well as how you'll be incorporating Scorpio Mars into your statue. She has a big and distinct ovular scutum shield with a single spike in the center, perhaps representing a scorpion's stinger, so you think you'll go for that. You'll just need extra ice for making it. It even fits with how you've used your own abilities – you've acted as a defender of two cities, Smyrna and Antioch. Meanwhile, in Ephesus and Sardis, you were the one going on the offensive. ...hm, does that mean you should also incorporate Aries Mars's sword? You're sure that she'd like it if you did.

Before you come to a decision on your own, the four of you run into Theodora, out and about amongst the people. "Huh, what are you four doing together? I thought you Mars priestesses were out training?"

"Oh, we are, we're just taking a break," says Scorpio Mars.

"Theodora, who should I ask for ice? I'm building a statue and..."

Theodora cuts you off. "Another commission? Is now really the right time for that?"

But you shake your head, as she's mistaken. "It's not a commission. It's for me. We're going to bless the statue so that I can use these abilities I have even after being separated from the Being."

Theodora grunts. "How convenient for you."

You flinch. "Sorry..."

She sighs. "No, it's fine. I shouldn't hold that against you anymore. There's a couple of big ice chests in the main church that I can give you access to, though I guess you'd also like to ask people in the city for some?"

"That's right. I wouldn't want to put this all on you."

"Fine by me. This way..."

And so, Theodora leads you, Scorpio Mars, and Aries Mars away from Libra Venus, who's armed with some new ideas and is going to head back outside town to chat with Linza and Philippos. Unsurprisingly, the people you ask for ice are quite willing to hand it over once you explain that it's for another big sculpture. You even get some requests... that you unfortunately have to turn down. You need to focus!

You also get requests to see the statue when it's done. A lot of them. As in, almost everyone who gives you ice expects to see what you've done with it once you've finished. You were originally planning to leave the statue in a dark, underground place, but... if the ice is reinforced, then it should be able to stand up to the summer heat. That means you could leave it outside permanently, maybe by the Great Church of Antioch since it's also by the ocean. That also means that anyone can access it, and people inside the Church might take an issue with such a public monument. Then again, it's also adorned with their symbols.

Well, you'll need to make a choice.

[][Location] Move the statue outside.
-[][Location] By the shore and the Great Church.
-[][Location] Inside the city, near the center.
-[][Location] Just outside the city walls.
[][Location] Leave it in cold storage.
[][Location] Ask Cancer Moon what she thinks.

Spiritual Aptitude: 40
QM Note: Next update ends this part with a mostly completed statue, and then the Angel will attack the update after that.

 

[Nevill]

Meanwhile, in Ephesus and Sardis, you were the one going on the offensive. ...hm, does that mean you should also incorporate Aries Mars's sword?

Click to shrink...

Definitely. Thought about it the moment the shield was mentioned.

[x][Location] Move the statue outside.
-[x][Location] By the shore and the Great Church.

It fits what I wanted for it. We haven't officially joined the Church, but we have worked alongside them for most of the quest. It'll be their magic that will be supporting the statue powering our own, so it's fair if we make it a shared project.

 

[Zaealix]

[X][Location] Move the statue outside.
-[X][Location] By the shore and the Great Church.
[X][Location] Ask Cancer Moon what she thinks.
She might know better then us if the statue is a bad idea or not to display publicly…
But I figure with so many Mystic Priestesses in favor of it, the Church SHOULD be okay with it?…
I also am mulling over asking Cancer about the Angel and anything she can learn about how to see what's coming but…

 

[Wardragon]

[x][Location] Move the statue outside.
-[x][Location] By the shore and the Great Church.

 

[Solarstream]

vote will close around this time: Aug 26, 2023 at 5:00 PM

 

[Solarstream]

Spoiler: Winning vote

Winning vote:
[X][Location] Move the statue outside.
-[X][Location] By the shore and the Great Church.

The Hermit (IV)​

This choice is one that's made for you just as much as it's one that you make for yourself. You're not willing to disappoint all these people by shoving your statue down in cold storage somewhere, locking all of them out from access. No, you'll put it in a prominent position somewhere for display – and you know just the right place. You'll put it on display it by the ocean and not far from the Great Church of Antioch.

Of course, this means you'll need to alert the people working inside the church, otherwise they might complain and have it destroyed. As you need to talk to Cancer Moon anyway, you'll bring it up with her tonight. For now, you'll just gather more ice and start building the statue. After a while, Theodora leaves you and the Mars duo behind to get back to her own work. Once you have a wagon full of ice blocks, you figure that this is enough to get started, and direct your two companions back to your workshop.

"Not going to build it outside?" asks Scorpio Mars.

"Hmmm... not at first," you reply. "Not until after I've talked with Cancer Moon. By the time we've enchanted the ice and I've started work on both of your facets, it should be about time."

Scorpio Mars nods as she trails behind you. "That's fair."

"Yeah, that..." and the Aries Mars cuts herself off as she realizes something. "...both of us?"

"Of course! As long as you're fine with it."

Aries Mars beams with pride. "Absolutely! My sword will give your statue quite the imposing and awe-inspiring presence~!"

"...that's not going to help convince Cancer Moon that I mean well, you know..."

"It will when she realizes that you have my approval! Now come on, let's hurry~!"

And with that, Aries Mars rushes ahead, dragging the whole wagon with her, forcing you and Scorpio Mars to run to keep up.

.

.

.

By the time night has fallen, you've re-designed your statue to include replicas of the Shield of Sturdy Strength and the Sword of Savage Strength. The sculpture will be holding an ice shield in the left hand and an ice sword in the right hand. This means it doesn't have a free hand for Libra Venus's cithara, so you decided to inscribe her holy symbols on the icy robes instead. With that settled, you started using Scorpio Mars's enchanted ice to make replicas of the shield and sword.

Leaving them half-formed, you head for the Great Church of Antioch. The building is well-lit and remains a flurry of activity, with Followers going here and there all around and inside the place. For a moment, you had to wonder if Scorpio Mars was mistaken and that Cancer Moon would be too busy to see you... up until the Mystic Priestess herself comes up to you.

"Ah, Zarya, you're here. It's good to see you again. Scorpio Mars told me there was something you wanted to talk to me about? Come, we'll eat a small meal together."

Sure enough, the meal is small – salted bread, stuffed with herbs. You'll have to get something more filling after this. The two of you are joined by the Mars duo and Libra Venus, though Libra Venus is mostly fiddling with her cithara and not paying attention to your conversation. With most of the audience knowing the truth already, you decide not to hesitate and to get right to it.

"Cancer Moon, I need to tell you something important about this Being I was fused with."

She nods. "Yes, I noticed that its presence has diminished somewhat. That said, I'd hoped that we would be able to remove it by now. Have you had issues with maintaining your regiment? The Sovereign Priest of Antioch had asked me to hold off on your exorcism for a more appropriate season, but I think that it would best to do it sooner rather than later."

"I agree," you calmly state," but there's a detail you need to know regarding that exorcism in order for it to work properly. See, we're figured out that the Being isn't a Demon."

She narrows her eyes. "Are you certain? Demons are habitual liars."

Aries Mars then speaks up. "Humility was able to confirm it for us."

"It also lacks the malicious intent inherent to Demonic essence," adds Scorpio Mars.

"Hmmm..."

Cancer Moon closes her eyes and starts thinking it over.

"..."

You decide to speak up again as she's been silent for a few moments.

"I am also working on a new ice sculpture, one based on myself. It will help me maintain my sense of self during the exorcism, allowing us to be separated at any time once it's complete."

Cancer Moon then opens her eyes again, staring directly at you. You never knew that the soft gaze from her pink eyes could be so piercing. "Is that so?" She then looks at her holy compatriots. "And all of you are aware of this and fine with it?"

Libra Venus is busy with her instrument, so you speak for her. "Yes, Libra Venus helped me come up with the idea."

"The three of us have also had our holy relics incorporated into the statue," adds Scorpio Mars.

"We're also going to place it outside the Great Church so that you can keep an eye on it," continues Aries Mars.

Cancer Moon then sighs and takes a small bite out of a slice of bread. "I suppose it's already been decided then... very well, go ahead. I'll let the others know."

While Scorpio Mars and Aries Mars are happy at this declaration, you can't help but feel that something's off, and so you ask Cancer Moon if something's wrong. She doesn't deny it, but also doesn't elaborate. Instead, she says that this is something that she and the other church members need to handle, and immediately pivots to asking about your statue, which prompts Aries Mars to jump on describing it, and so you go along with it, filing that away for later.

You might not be a church member, but some people you care about are.

.

.

.

You don't see Cancer Moon for next few days, despite constructing your giant ice sculpture in clear view of the Great Church of Antioch. Your only constant company for those days is Libra Venus, who is dutifully working on her Song of Growth, using it to reinforce your ice with mystical potency. In the meantime, that angelic aura is getting closer and closer... and as it does, you can feel it rippling and shimmering, like waves made of fire. Those flames... they must have destroyed Smyrna as well. Thyatira, Smyrna, and all the little villages around them and on the way to this city of Antioch.

You'll help put those flames out.

(Next main update will begin the battle against the Trinity, their partner Angel, and their unwilling allies. In the meantime, the statue is being completed. What would you like to name it?)
[][Name] The Water-bearer
[][Name] The Guardian of Antioch
[][Name] (write-in)

(Furthermore, are there any other design elements you'd like to include? So far, we have a statue of Zarya in holy robes made of rippling bubbles and textured crystals, draped with double helices and Libra scales, wielding a Scorpio shield and an Aries sword.)
[][Extras] (optional write-in)

Spiritual Aptitude: 40
QM Note: Next week I may either post an interlude or skip it entirely. Regardless, I'll make an announcement later.

 

[Zaealix]

Hrrrm…
I don't blame Cancer for being unhappy.
With two Mystic Priestesses behind us that's some momentum and one slightly dissaproving prophetess probably can't stop that…
But that's not the same as approving of it.
That or she had her own plans which that disrupts…Or she knows that Witch is coming and is concerned about her. I don't know. Too many options to be sure.

[X][Name] The Water-bearer
Title drop!

 

[Nevill]

[x][Name] The Water-bearer

Furthermore, are there any other design elements you'd like to include?

Click to shrink...

Probably something of those who helped us before. From Humility, or perhaps from Capricorn Saturn?

Humility was the one who cleared our name, and is one of the most powerful demon exorcists. The statue is already designed as a protector figure with its sword and shield, so it seems appropriate.

 

[Wardragon]

[X][Name] The Water-bearer

 

[Solarstream]

Probably something of those who helped us before. From Humility, or perhaps from Capricorn Saturn?

Humility was the one who cleared our name, and is one of the most powerful demon exorcists. The statue is already designed as a protector figure with its sword and shield, so it seems appropriate.

Click to shrink...

Hmm... Humility wears a solid red robe and has no holy relic, so that would be tricky. A blazing aura also clashes with the water and ice theme... however, it could be re-interpreted as being shimmering like ocean's surface or wavy like... the waves . Or perhaps the aura could have frozen over into ice.

As for Capricorn Saturn, probably would want to go with adding some goat horns on the sculpture's robes. I think Zarya would also want to ask her about it, so this would have to be put off for now.

 

[Solarstream]

QM Note: Next week I may either post an interlude or skip it entirely. Regardless, I'll make an announcement later.

Click to shrink...

no update tomorrow! have a nice weekend~!

 

[Solarstream]

vote will close around this time: Sep 9, 2023 at 5:30 PM

 

[Solarstream]

Spoiler: Winning vote

Winning vote:
[X][Name] The Water-bearer

The Moon (I)​

The Water-bearer is a statue of you – of who you are, of who you've become, of who you've transformed into. It shines with icy splendor in the day, unfazed by the growing heat – both from the shifting seasons and from the approaching angel. It radiates power – holy power, natural power, alien power... all of these combined into one unique spiritual essence, now frozen in time. You felt your spiritual self pour into it as you made it, bolstered by your companion the Mystic Priestess Libra Venus and your ally the Mystic Priestess Scorpio Mars.

You beheld it once it was complete. You beheld a version of yourself – another you.

She was draped in holy robes made from water and ice. These robes flowed around her like waves atop the sea, blown about by the winds, forming channels in the shape of double helices. Imprinted into the robes were more eyes, set upon scales. The 'cloth' rippled out into bubbles and seafoam shifting into open clear blue eyes. The 'cloth's' edges terminated into jagged crystals, sharpened like blades... similar to the one it was wielding, alongside a spiked shield.

And atop her head was an icy aura crown, shaped like a blazing explosion – it was the best you could do to represent the Holy Maiden of Humility.

(New Trait gained: The Water-bearer. Check the Character Sheet.)
​

The day you finish it is a bright and sunny day, one where the angelic aura has drawn quite close. Your statue was already a public spectacle, with thousands coming in from all across Antioch to bear witness to it and a crowd immediately started to gather once you declared that you were done. Among them were all of the resident Holy Maidens and Mystic Priestesses as well – but not the Sovereign Priest of Antioch for some reason. You were silent as Cancer Moon, Aquarius Saturn, and the new Virgo Mercury appraised it – they're seeing it now for the first time.

Aquarius Saturn holds a hand up to it, as she looks it up and down with her one good eye. "Hmmm... I feel something. Holy power... this is from Libra Venus and Scorpio Mars, correct?"

The two declare it to be so.

She nods. "It's mixed together with something else. Hmmm..." She then holds up her holy relic, a book, up to your statue, and flips through the pages. It allows her to witness past events.

Virgo Mercury shakes her head. "I still don't like this. Look at the crowd! They're here to appreciate this chimeric creation... look at how they hold it in reverence!" Indeed, some were attempting to leave small offerings to the statue, but were being stopped by Linza, Philippos, and Theodora. "It could become a new idol!"

Aquarius Saturn ponders her companion's words... for a moment.

It makes you nervous... for a moment.

But only for that moment.

After all, you no longer have anything to fear. With the statue complete, you can finally be separated from the Being, and Cancer Moon knows that.

She looks over to you, and you nod. You are ready. You have been for a long time now.

Aquarius Saturn speaks up once more. "I have read this statue's past... Zarya, these are of your experiences with this thing, what you call the Being. They're inscribed into it. You've gone through so much... you've experienced despair, but also hope. Moments of terror and moments of peace. They have all shaped you, and you've shaped them into this statue. I've seen them and so I know... the Zarya who made this statue cannot be our enemy! Virgo Mercury... if you won't trust her, perhaps you'll trust me?"

Virgo Mercury scoffs. "I'd feel better if Capricorn Saturn were here... but we have to get her back first. And we'll need your help with that, Zarya," she adds, turning to you, and then sighs. "...Very well."

Cancer Moon looks you over, her expression serious despite her light and placid eyes. "Then we're in agreement. Let's begin the exorcism and get that Being out of her. If one of her is a help, then two is a blessing in disguise. Virgo Mercury, please help Zarya's friends in clearing the area. Aquarius Saturn, help me arrange the candles. We'll also get Libra Venus and the Mars duo to help. And as for you Zarya..."

She finally gives you a smile, and hands you a pair of white robes. "...put these on, and take a seat by your statue. This should be quick."

You do so without hesitation, changing in a nearby alley, and lay at the feet of your statue, in front of its armaments.

You expected more ceremony with this exorcism, but Cancer Moon was right – it was quick. Once the candles were set out and everyone started to chant, you felt the Being start to separate from you immediately. Or rather, you started to separate from it. You kept a tight focus on yourself – your body, how it feels, what it's been through – to reinforce yourself. You can feel its blobby mass come out of your skin and flop onto the ground in front of you, collected into a sphere about as big as a large deer.

Huh, you remember it being bigger than you... maybe that was from being in the water? Or was that just in your dying imagination?

In any case, you can feel that your spiritual presence has entirely left you. A quick prayer to your statue fixes that – something pours into you... something mystical.

There was a pool of holy water brought here just in case. You're now able to move the water around with a thought. You then try to reach out to it despite it being several feet away, and find that you can turn your hands into tendrils again. Looks like you poured the totality of your abilities into the statue.

"Zarya? How do you feel?" asks Libra Venus.

You glance at her with your ocean-blue eyes. "...at peace."

She smiles at you. "I'm glad."

Theodora stares into the distance – where the approaching aura is strongest, and you think you can hear chanting and singing. "Hopefully everyone can share in that peace soon. The Angel's almost here!"

Temperance puts on her helmet. "Then let's get moving!"

And with that set, all of you head out towards the gates of Antioch together. The Being even accompanies you – a favor to the Church in exchange for safe passage across the land afterwards. Once you get close to the gate, you see this angel in the distance for the first time. It's a massive serpentine being made of fire and covered with wings, slithering through the air and firing beams of light at the ground underneath it. It must be on the attack!

You, the Being, Temperance, Scorpio Mars, Aries Mars, Libra Venus, and Kindness rush ahead to face it. And on the way, you all finalize your plan of attack...!

(You all may add in more details as desired.)
[] All of you attackers will go after the angel. You can worry about the Trinity and Capricorn Saturn afterwards.
[] The Trinity has called forth this being, so perhaps you must defeat them to get rid of it. Focus entirely on them.
[] Split up. You and Temperance will take on the angel, backed by Libra Venus. The rest will fight the Trinity.
[] (perhaps you all had another idea...?)

QM Note: It begins... Character Sheet has also been updated.

 

[Solarstream]

hmmm... are there any questions or concerns regarding the vote or this update?

 

[Nevill]

Could you please remind me what we know about the Trinity, so far?

For that matter, what do we know about angels?

 

[Zaealix]

[X]Split up. You and Temperance will take on the angel, backed by Libra Venus. The rest will fight the Trinity.
[X] Diplomacy first-Might it be possible to talk the Trinity down from turning so many towns to cinders?
I'm kind of assuming the Trinity got spooked by all the uprisings and decided they needed maximum power and that the angels of the dead could sort out the believers from the heretics, or that the Antioch Head dude rebelled and since he went bad…
But We don't know, and frankly fustrating Lu enough the Church or at least Church-aligned factions did seem to be generally winning so what's going on…?

 

[Solarstream]

Could you please remind me what we know about the Trinity, so far?

Click to shrink...

Regarding the Trinity:

1. They are holy women in charge of all monasteries and run the one on Patmos themselves.
2. They don't have holy abilities... at least, they're not supposed to.
3. They - along with the SPA - are the heads of the Antiochian Church.
4. Temperance notes that they were trained in basic unarmed self-defense.
5. The Trinity last made landfall on the mainland in Antioch last Christmas, meeting with the SPA and the Holy Maidens.
   1. Neither Kindness or Temperance noticed anything unusual about them at that time.

For that matter, what do we know about angels?

Click to shrink...

Regarding angels:

1. The holy women claim that there are different types, and each one has a different role in God's plan.
2. This particular angel appears to be a Seraph, which has a form made of fire.
3. The role of the Seraph is to chant God's glory and maintain divine order. It is also said to possess divine knowledge.
4. As it must maintain its holy fire to remain present in this world, Temperance expects that water-based abilities will be best for putting it out.
5. It is very unusual for a higher Angel like a Seraph to appear in this world, especially not on its own.
   1. It was almost certainly summoned here, though a currently unknown means.