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

 

[Solarstream]

double-posting to note that I added a fifth point to both if anyone happened to read them all already

 

[Nevill]

Is there a particular reason why Temperance is being assigned to the Angel by default in the third option, and the Being isn't?

It feels to me that Kindness and Temperance are better suited to be a team sent as possbile envoys, and we and the Being could play tag with the angel all day long, especially when bolstered by Libra Venus' songs.

Kindness:
---Spell: Understanding I → Understanding II → Understanding III (connect minds)
---Spell: Reciprocating I → Reciprocating II → Reciprocating III (shares feelings)

Click to shrink...

Temperance
---Spell: Balanced Mind: Emotion (reduces emotional fluctuations)

Click to shrink...

 

[Solarstream]

Is there a particular reason why Temperance is being assigned to the Angel by default in the third option, and the Being isn't?

Click to shrink...

Temperance volunteered to fight. You could certainly have her and the Being swap places, espcially if the goal is to pin the Angel down while others try to talk things out.

 

[Nevill]

Okay, let's try this. A slight alteration to Zaealix' plan.

[x]Split up. You and the Being will delay the angel, backed by Libra Venus. The rest will attempt to handle the Trinity.
[x] Diplomacy first-Might it be possible to talk the Trinity down from turning so many towns to cinders?

 

[Solarstream]

Adhoc vote count started by Solarstream on Sep 15, 2023 at 11:59 AM, finished with 8 posts and 2 votes.

• ---

  2 people have voted

  [X] Diplomacy first-Might it be possible to talk the Trinity down from turning so many towns to cinders?

  • Zaealix
  • Nevill

  1 people have voted

  [X]Split up. You and Temperance will take on the angel, backed by Libra Venus. The rest will fight the Trinity.

  • Zaealix

  1 people have voted

  [x]Split up. You and the Being will delay the angel, backed by Libra Venus. The rest will attempt to handle the Trinity.

  • Nevill

current tally, need a tie-breaker by this time: Sep 16, 2023 at 5:00 PM

 

[Eternal_0bserver]

[X]Split up. You and the Being will delay the angel, backed by Libra Venus. The rest will attempt to handle the Trinity.
[X] Diplomacy first-Might it be possible to talk the Trinity down from turning so many towns to cinders?
-[X] Even if the reasons are very serious, should this battle happen now? Between the demonic cults and Dione, you'd think there are much bigger issues to focus on right now. Maybe temporary cooperation is an option?

Because Dione bothers me much more than the angel attack.

 

[Solarstream]

vote's closed~!

 

[Solarstream]

Spoiler: Winning vote

Winning vote:
[X]Split up. You and the Being will delay the angel, backed by Libra Venus. The rest will attempt to handle the Trinity.
[X] Diplomacy first-Might it be possible to talk the Trinity down from turning so many towns to cinders?

The Moon (II)​

Your group of seven rushes your horse-drawn wagon towards the Angel and its companions.

You can see that a series of hastily constructed aqueducts are running alongside the road, heading towards your destination. Each of those channels runs deeply with seawater, running straight from the ocean. Knowing full well that you might – and hopefully would – fight that divine messenger outside of Antioch, Cancer Moon realized that water would need to be sent your way, and in massive quantities. You're far enough from the shore that you'd absolutely need them to bring out your full might.

The might that you'll bring down an Angel with, working alongside the Being and Libra Venus!

As for the others... well, Temperance originally wanted to fight by your side, but Kindness was able to convince her to try another approach. Why not try diplomacy first? Unlike you, the rest of them were all holy women, connected to the Antiochian Church of the Followers of the Way. It might be possible that they could find common ground, even now. Dione was still out there, after all, and there might be other lurking threats... no doubt the ones that the Trinity had come here to eliminate!

You were skeptical of that, but didn't voice it...

...mostly because you didn't have to. Scorpio Mars spoke up instead. "Hmph. If they're only after cultists, then there was no need to destroy two entire cities, especially ones that had already been secured by our Church. Furthermore, why not go after Laodicea? No, I think there's more to it than that."

Temperance flinched when her home city was mentioned, the one she'd lost control of. But when Scorpio Mars apologized for bringing it up, she told her not to be sorry. "It was my fault for not noticing the signs. And I will need help taking the city back."

Aries Mars nodded. "Yeah, we'll need all the manpower we can get!"

Only with the agreement of her closest companions did Scorpio Mars agree to the plan. You all would split up – some on the attack, others seeking peace.

As you all get closer, you can hear singing. You recognize one of the voices immediately – it's Capricorn Saturn. The others must be the Trinity? You can see them now and... it really is just the four of them!? There's three old women, faces veiled, draped in white and black, with Capricorn Saturn in front, wearing a white tunic. All of their eyes are shining with an odd white light, the same light that was coming off of the angel.

Speaking of the angel, it's an absolutely massive serpent, and its hard to look at. Not just because of its size, but because of the blazing aura composing it, outshining the sun. But from the glimpses you're willing to make, its segmented body is covered in eyes, each glowing with a dim light. Six wings carry it aloft gently and smoothly through the air, despite its enormity. It does not flap its wings like a bird, however; they gently flex in place instead. It also has no head – only another tail where one would be.

As it burns the world, it also chants. 'Holy, holy, holy.' It has no mouth from which to speak.

...is this thing really a divine messenger? It looks more like another monster!

And as you're thinking that, several of its eyes turn their gaze at your wagon! The light in their eyes turns red and intensifies!

As quickly as you can, you draw water from the Aqueducts for protection...

...and the world above you explodes into flame!

"AHHHHHHH!?"

Everyone shrieks in terror, including the poor horses. Only your quick thinking stopped the flames from hitting your wagon. You brought forth a large mass of water as cover, and it exploded into vapor instead.

You hear the singing stop.

"So, you've arrived. Come here," calls a voice in the distance. That's Capricorn Saturn.

R-right...

Everyone's spooked, but there's no time to waste! That angel could attack again at any moment!

You gather up more water and rush ahead, putting all your speed into it. From her surprised shout, you can tell that Libra Venus is right behind you, being carried along by the Being. You can trust it with her.

The Angel is pretty high up in the air, and so you'd really want to bring it down and stop it from launching any more devastating attacks like that.

Speaking of...!

"!"

Another water shield goes up and gets evaporated. Tch! You need something more than this!

You're a bit away from the others, but you can hear that they've started talking to the Trinity and Capricorn Saturn. And those four are talking back... good. Maybe this really will work out... which means you need to do something about this Angel!

You regroup with the Being and Libra Venus. The Being looks as neutral as ever, while Libra Venus seems pretty shaken up. But she's holding her cithara tightly and gets a determined expression when you draw near. "What do you want me to do, Zarya? I-I can still go on~!"

You frown. "I'd like it if you could calm it down, but I don't know if it can hear..."

"If it is a body, it can feel my song, even if it can't hear it. But what if it is calm? Those attacks looked very focused and precise... how about I power you and the Being up instead?"

The Being vibrates in a way that signals its agreement. And you're good with that too, so she then sits down and starts to sing and strum... and as she does, you feel the flow of your spiritual presence inside yourself increase, bit by bit...!

With Libra Venus singing in your ears, you can't hear the others, so you'll have to hope that they're doing their jobs. In the meantime, you have a plan. The angel hasn't attacked again, despite having a clear opening. You'll take advantage of that! You take hold of more water, as much as you can and then even more... just like with the Dragon, you'll pin this thing down. You're too far from the ocean to drown it in there... but that's fine. With any luck, it won't come to that.

As you two amass more and more water, the Angel finally notices and starts going on the attack, trying to evaporate your water away. But, you hold on it is too strong! The evaporated water re-condenses.

It then does an odd thing. One of its eyes starts to glow white instead of red, and it's pointed at...

...Libra Venus!

She hasn't noticed, so you rush into the way! A beam of white light strikes you and...

...

...nothing happens? Huh, then what was that...?

Regardless, that creature tries again and again, but to no avail. And with enough water amassed, you think you're ready to go! You and the Being launch out tendrils from the water and ensnare the Angel! And with all your might combined, you start dragging it down from the sky! It struggles and squirms, but to no avail. Even with the heat it gives off, you have more than enough water to hold it in place.

There's shouting in the distance. You take a moment to glance over, and see that the Trinity and Capricorn Saturn are all hunched over, seemingly in pain. Kindness and Temperance are tending to them while the Mars duo stay on guard... though they seem relaxed, as if the talks were going well.

The Angel struggles even harder, and starts blasting away at your tendrils with its explosive flame bursts. Aghhh... this is taking a lot out of you...

(Choose one.)
[] You can't stall anymore. Drown the Angel in the ocean! (Note: will kill the Trinity and Capricorn Saturn, reduced relations w/ the Church)
[] You'll just have to keep holding on regardless, no matter what! (Note: Zarya drops out of the fight, leaving the others to handle the Angel)
[] You need to let go for a bit and...!? What's this silver light!? (Note: Zarya, the Being, and Libra Venus end up inside the Angel for a bit)

QM Note: The soldiers have noticed the lack of an invading army and have taken to evacuating civilians.

 

[Zaealix]

[X] You need to let go for a bit and...!? What's this silver light!? (Note: Zarya, the Being, and Libra Venus end up inside the Angel for a bit)

I am curious what this is…
But. If I am right?
That bit where Zarya tanked the shot aimed at Libra without issue makes me suspect Humility is actually an Angel Bonded, the same way Zarya got bonded to the Being…

 

[Eternal_0bserver]

[X] You need to let go for a bit and...!? What's this silver light!? (Note: Zarya, the Being, and Libra Venus end up inside the Angel for a bit)

 

[Nevill]

[] You'll just have to keep holding on regardless, no matter what! (Note: Zarya drops out of the fight, leaving the others to handle the Angel)

Click to shrink...

Well, the Being is our equal, so presumably we can swap in and out as needed.

But this is more interesting.

[x] You need to let go for a bit and...!? What's this silver light!? (Note: Zarya, the Being, and Libra Venus end up inside the Angel for a bit)

 

[Solarstream]

vote's closed~!

 

[Solarstream]

Spoiler: Winning vote

Winning vote:
[X] You need to let go for a bit and...!? What's this silver light!? (Note: Zarya, the Being, and Libra Venus end up inside the Angel for a bit)

The Moon (III)​

The serpent angel continues to thrash about, incensed by your restraints. This is just like that time back in Antioch with the dragon demon, only now you don't have Theodora and Kavouras as back-up... it's just you and the Being now, since the others are pre-occupied attending to the Trinity and Capricorn Saturn. You'd love to ask the Mars duo to come over here and help you out, but the blazing aura surrounding the angel makes you wonder if they can even hurt it...

...best to figure out how to restrain this thing yourselves then.

Libra Venus continues playing, but stops her singing for a moment. "Zarya, are you okay!?" she shouts, barely audible over the angel's screaming.

You glance back and see her concerned and terrified expression. "No... I need more power!"

The Being extends itself into a tendril attached to your neck, and does the same for Libra Venus. It just feels like water, and so actually soothes you, but she jumps a bit in surprise. [PERHAPS WE SHOULD ADJUST OUR HOLD?]

"That sounds good to me. Libra Venus, can you start playing again?"

"Y-yes, of course!" and then she promptly launches back into her song. You feel your spiritual presence surge once again... just in time, as the angel was about to break out!

"Oh no, you don't!"

You and the Being tighten some of your tendril restraints on the angel, despite its struggling. You have to loosen up others to do that, but that's fine. You both have a plan to contain this thing. The two of you shift the tendrils around, hoping to curl up this angel into a ball, keeping it easier to contain and...

...!?

What the...!? The lights in its eyes are... turning silver! What does that me-!?

Before you can even so much as finish that thought, the world around you explodes in a flash of silver.

.

.

.

You had to shut your eyes from the sheer brightness of the silver light. You keep them shut, as you're still surrounded by a bright light and you dare not be blinded by its intensity. It's giving you an odd feeling too... and to make matters worse, you can't feel that water that you were once connected to anymore. What did that thing do to you? You can still hear its chanting, accompanied by even more voices, so it still has to be nearby... actually, it's pretty loud now. Louder than...

...wait, Libra Venus isn't playing and singing anymore!

For that matter, you can't hear the others either...

Did that angel send you somewhere?

"Why do you not open your eyes?"
​

"Huh!? Who...!? Are you the Angel?" you ask, not expecting to actually speak to you.

It doesn't answer. Instead, it repeats its question.

"Why do you not open your eyes?"
​

You're not sure if you should answer, so you don't. Instead, you pivot your head around, wondering if there's a direction with less intense light so that you can, in fact, do that without going blind. But there isn't one, so you don't. "Ugh... it's too bright... is there any water here?"

Your own spiritual presence has been diminished. You've been cut off from the main source of your power. This must be a part of some plan.

However, there is water here, though its hard to grasp. It's like it's being held rigidly in place.

The Angel speaks again.

"STOP."
​

​

And you feel not just light but heat coming from all around you, cutting you off from those little bits of water entirely. You shriek, and fall over. The ground is oddly soft. What is this place?

You hear sliding and slithering. The Angel perhaps. It speaks once more, coming from all around you.

"How are you able to keep your eyes closed? You should not be able to resist. You too are connected to the holy angelic power, infected as it is by the taint of two worlds."
​

...?

It takes you a moment to realize what it's getting at. Perhaps it can sense that you've been blessed by holy women before. It may be confused and think that you're one of them. Then, it is after the Mystic Priestesses and Holy Maidens? ...but if so, then why destroy Thyatira and Smyrna? You consider asking about that, but you realize that you're not interested in hearing any more excuses or justifications.

Instead, you ask only about the former: "Are you after all these blessed holy women?"

Finally, it actually answers you.

"Only Capricorn Saturn and Aquarius Saturn. One sees the future. One sees the past. Both are necessary for perfect Judgement."
​

...!?

You don't like the sound of that.

"I won't let you!"

You then immediately try to take hold of more water, only to find heat instead.

It even feels like the ground is dissolving beneath you... you're sinking, but strangely there's no ground around, just air. What is this space? If only you could open your eyes and...

"Zarya~."

"...!? Libra Venus...!?"

You almost open your eyes as you turn to face her, but opt to keep them shut instead. Because you certainly didn't hear her walk up to you... was she always there? Or is this the Angel's doing?

She places her hands on your face...

"Zarya..."

...and starts trying to... open your eyes!?

"...it's alri-!?"

In response, you do what little you can and shift your face to be a mass of bubbles. She can't open your eyes if you no longer have them! She recoils, and you hear serpentine hissing surrounding you. This angel... is it really any different from that serpent demon!?

Libra Venus then screams at you. "Zarya!? Why are you rejecting me!? Why now, when we can fall into God's embrace and receive true happiness forever!?"

Her voice is distorted, like two people are trying to speak at the same time. The angel is in control here!

"Let her go!" you shout.

She shrieks again. "OPEN YOUR EYES, ZARYA!"

"Don't you want to be happy together with her? You can be as close together as you like. All you have to do is open your eyes, Zarya. Open your eyes and accept this holy light."
​

The angel asks that so innocently, as if it has nothing to do with this sudden distance!

Aghhhh... what can you do here!? There must be something... right?

[] There isn't. OPEN YOUR EYES.
​

[] There is... there has to be!
-[] Where's the Being...!? Try calling out to your ally!
-[] If there's no water around.. you'll just use yourself!
-[] This "ground" is not the ground... it's a cloud!
-[] (write-in, potentially combining votes or proposing new ideas)

QM Note: 100th threadmark!

 

[Simon. Andersen]

[X] There is... there has to be!
-[X] Where's the Being...!? Try calling out to your ally!

 

[Zaealix]

[X] There is... there has to be!
-[X] I don't want to leave this world burned and scarred! I will fill the hole left by slain holy women if I must, but the flames of war must be quenched!

 

[Solarstream]

[X] There is... there has to be!
-[X] I don't want to leave this world burned and scarred! I will fill the hole left by slain holy women if I must, but the flames of war must be quenched!

Click to shrink...

this statement is nice, but I'm looking for actions with this vote, so you'll need to amend it accordingly

 

[Zaealix]

[X] There isn't. OPEN YOUR EYES.
This thing has the perspective of whomever it's connected to right?
This might be foolish of me but I wonder what this will do….

 

[Wardragon]

[X] There is... there has to be!
-[X] Where's the Being...!? Try calling out to your ally!

 

[Nevill]

However, there is water here, though its hard to grasp. It's like it's being held rigidly in place.

Click to shrink...

That is the Being, no? It's a bit too dense to be rainwater.

[x] There is... there has to be!
-[x] Where's the Being...!? Try calling out to your ally!

Can we have some ice goggles, please?

 

[Solarstream]

vote will close around this time: Sep 30, 2023 at 6:00 PM

 

[Solarstream]

vote closed btw

That is the Being, no? It's a bit too dense to be rainwater.

Click to shrink...

it's not the Being, no

Can we have some ice goggles, please?

Click to shrink...

certainly!

 

[Solarstream]

Spoiler: Winning vote

Winning vote:
[X] There is... there has to be!
-[X] Where's the Being...!? Try calling out to your ally!

The Moon (IV)​

The two of you didn't come here alone. The Being – your ally from another world – came here with you. But where is it!? You'd look around but... you still can't risk opening your eyes just yet.

And if you can't do that... well, you could feel your way around, but that might take a while. Besides, the angel might decide to start attacking you. So far, it's been content merely to talk – which it's still doing now, you're just not paying any attention to it – but who knows how long that would last...

An idea comes to you. If everything around you is air, then...

"Zarya? What are you...?"

...you might be resting on a cloud. You ignore Libra Venus as well, and pick up a bit of fluff as best you can. It's cool to the touch and you can sense a small number of ice crystals inside it. Thankfully, that's enough! You smush the cloud-piece into your bubbled mass of a face, expanding the ice crystals using the water inside it and yourself.

The angel hisses.

"What do you think you're doing, Zarya!?"
​

"Zarya, there's no need for this. Just open your eyes and-"

You cut Libra Venus off. "No. If anything, you ought to close your eyes!"

You've replaced your eyes (and half of your face) with a self-reinforcing block of glass-like ice. It doesn't give you true sight, but you can at least see shapes now. Libra Venus is in front of you, accompanied by a large snake slithering around her, agitated. That must be the angel... but you thought it'd be bigger. Perhaps that's just a copy...!?

You don't get any time to ruminate on your thoughts, as Libra Venus suddenly jumps at you!

"Gah!"

She grabs at your face, trying to force you to look... up!? There must be something above you!

"Let me go!" you shout back, and then shove her away!

This time, the angel's hissing comes from all around you. More snakes seemingly emerge from nowhere.

"Zarya! Stop resisting! Open your eyes to God's eternal bliss!"
​

Oh, that's not good...

The ground here is unsteady, but even so you're pretty sure you can still run. After all, the possessed Libra Venus had to have run across it to attack you, right?

Speaking of...

"Come here, Zarya~!"

...she's back up and ready to go! Well, this time you're not going to give her the opportunity!

"HELP!"

You shout at the top of your lungs, with all the power you can muster, as you dash away.

"BEING! WHERE ARE YOU!?"

You briefly glance back.

Libra Venus, despite her lack of training, is able to keep up with you with ease. And now that you can somewhat see things, there's an odd glow coming out of where her eyes are. A clear sign of possession!

You turn away.

"I NEED YOUR HELP! CAN YOU HEAR ME!?"

"No one is coming, Zarya! This is your chance for salvation. Embrace it!"
​

​

You ignore the Angel again, its voice coming from all around.

"BEING! BEING! BE-!?"

You barely notice it out of the edge of your vision.

A flying snake lept of a cloud, fangs bared, aimed straight at you!

"I don't think so!"

You slip around it, not breaking your stride, and continue screaming for help.

The angel continues to attack like this, and you continue to evade it and Libra Venus.

At first, there's no response. Of course, the Being can't speak, so it can't shout back at you. But you couldn't hear or sense anything. So, you thought for a moment that maybe the angel was right. Maybe the Being wasn't coming to help you. Maybe it had opened its eyes and already accepted the Angel.

You only thought that for a moment.

The Being is an endlessly curious creature. It would never agree to burn away this world!

That faith let you keep going, despite the pounding in your chest and the weariness creeping into your voice.

That faith was rewarded when a blobby shape suddenly appeared in the horizon barreling your way!

"OVER HERE!"

You hear Libra Venus stop behind you, but the angel doesn't. The hissing around you magnifies, and multiple snakes fly at you! Only by dissolving yourself are you able to avoid them...

...but, some of them went after your legs, so you had to stop running.

That gives plenty of time for a second round of snakes to launch themselves at you!

"Prepare yourself, Zary-!?"
​

They get tossed away by the Being's many summoned tendrils as it gets close.

A tendril reaches out for you. You grab and let the Being drag you away. You were starting to get tired...

"W-wait!?"

Libra Venus tries to chase after you, but also gets flung away by the Being's tendrils. It's so strong!

[TAKE A MOMENT TO REST. SOON, WE MUST ESCAPE.]

That's right. You need to get out of here and get back to the others. Who knows how things are going outside of this angel... is it attacking them now or is it too focused on you to strike in the real world? You wish you knew...

...but...

...can you really just leave things here like this? Leaving Libra Venus under the Angel's control?

You need to make a choice, and fast! You'll follow your intuition!

[] Just focus on getting out here, trusting the Libra Venus can be recovered later.
[] You need to save Libra Venus. It's what she would do for you. Then retreat.
[] Find the Angel? Maybe if you can defeat its true form, everyone will be saved.

QM Note: I may be able to do another update during the week. I'll keep you all posted.

 

[Zaealix]

[] You need to save Libra Venus. It's what she would do for you. Then retreat.

…So this bugs me.
I would vote this, on the idea the angel needs it's believers to manifest and exist in this world.

But.
It switched from using Venus as a lure to using her as another set of hands seeking to open our eyes….
And I figure Libra Venus was vulnerable because she used holy power, and the angel used holy power. Like to like.
But then why is Libra under its control?
And on that note…
It appears in the form of a snake but…
It reminds me too much of the Snake that Apostate lady Diona I think her name was? Had. Like it fed her that vision to make her hunker down and keep it's Kingdom buttoned down and waiting so it could go out in 'angel' mode and try and ravage everything…
But nyaargh! Not knowing what Holy Power proper or it's ideals beyond mentally slapping Christian aesthetics as a stopgap is annoying!

 

[Solarstream]

It reminds me too much of the Snake that Apostate lady Diona I think her name was? Had. Like it fed her that vision to make her hunker down and keep it's Kingdom buttoned down and waiting so it could go out in 'angel' mode and try and ravage everything…

Click to shrink...

The Serpent Demon does not support Dione's Angelification plan and is not an Angel

But nyaargh! Not knowing what Holy Power proper or it's ideals beyond mentally slapping Christian aesthetics as a stopgap is annoying!

Click to shrink...

not sure what you mean by this?

in any case, the Seraph has showcased all of its abilities

 

[Solarstream]

i should be able to write another update tomorrow or thursday if some votes come in by then