Breadman
Big loaf supreme
2
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Fantasy Terrorchild: Awakening
- Thread starter K0mori
- Start date
joshuadim
the writer
1
Damian0358
Roleplaying Procrastinator From Elsewhere
2
hardcore.munchkin
Professional hater
2
rpg.veteran
gakusei
2
dikdik
colossal leaf and prince of the universe
2
turtwigwins
Junior Member
1
Build the Legend
New
K0mori
Servant Supreme
Option 1: 2 Votes (25% - Range: 1-25)
Option 2: 6 Votes (75% - Range: 26-100)
Fae Roll: 94
The goblin nods, but you sense that she recognizes a certain reluctance in your voice. "And what about you? You don't have that zame anger?" she asks, pointedly.
You shake your head. "Honestly, every time I ask a witch where she came from, I get a different version of the same stories. It's like everyone has some major trauma they're working on except me. I basically had a normal childhood; my dad wasn't in the picture, but he was a criminal and he got what was coming to him, I guess. He died when I was so young that I hardly even remember him."
A moment passes as you think about your more recent years, and all the ways your life has been derailed by your own awakening. It's not something that you think of often. "My mom... she ran off when she learned I was a witch, and I haven't spoken to her in about five years," you explain, feeling a distant twinge of rejection, and the underlying sadness that comes with it. It isn't easy to compare with the grief that Agranne has felt for Rigatte, or Corrinth for Iona. You've certainly cried a lot more for Ika than you ever did for your mother, but this is one of those rare times when you can reflect on why that's the case.
"...You know, I'd like to say that we were close, but we weren't. She was working all the time; making bedsheets and clothing at her shop in Tashlaan. Hells, the general shop's stock is probably still halfway full of her work, and it wouldn't even surprise me if that hat Agranne's always wearing was some of my mom's old work. She did it because she was trying to pay for the two of us to survive without having another man in the picture - and I don't blame her for that; it must've ripped her heart out to see my dad go - but I would ask her why she went through all that effort to raise me if she was just going to run away the moment she knew there was dark magic afoot. I guess I didn't really know her, and she didn't really know me... and that's nobody's fault."
Wag looks at you strangely. "...Wat?" she replies incredulously, cocking her head. "Zhe brought you into the world, and then treated you az if you were nothing but a mouth to feed - motherhood iz a hell of a lot more than that!" she explodes, startling her horse a bit and forcing her to calm the creature down before continuing, looking at you with pity in her eyes. "Take yourzelf for example - you got over her leaving you in five yearz. How many yearz did she raize you without either parent involved becauze zhe was zad about her huzband. You're a drow, it had to be decades!"
You think about it. All those seasons spent in Tashlaan before you began to feel that dark presence in your dreams, that desire to walk in the shadows. How did you really live? You remember lots of nights spent with simple meals - potatoes and carrots, usually. Your mother sitting across from you would cut away at meat on her plate, telling you someday that you would eat well when you brought home some coin. You were never hungry like Agranne, and so it never occurred to you in the moment that it was strange, the way you didn't eat the same meals. You also remember that she could read, but she never taught you. She would only read you stories from the old books in the house when her hands were too tired to sew, and only if you were working in her place.
You had to learn on your own. There were so many things she could have taught you, but you had to learn them all on your own.
This is why you never talk about it - it's easy to say that your childhood was "basically normal," and easy to pretend that your friendships with Corrinth, Ika, and Agranne stretch back further than they do. The minute you start putting in the work of examining happened before, or more importantly, what didn't happen, the less it feels true, and the more the adult you've supposedly become feels like a fictitious invention of an unloved child. But what can be done about it? "...I don't understand her," you admit as your frustration becomes more visible. "But I don't really need to, either. She wasn't a good mom - alright? - but I'm not kept up at night by the thought of confronting her over it. What difference would it make?"
The goblin hesitates to answer. She had been so angry on your behalf that she hadn't thought of the practical question involved. "Well, fine, I guezz. But if you're zet on the idea of live-and-let-live, then why put yourzelf here, at the center of Agranne's battle?"
"Because I love her," you quickly reply, "and I know she needs this to be happy."
"Your happinezz matterz too, you know," Wag replies thoughtfully. "You zhould've been told more often when you were a kid."
You wish this conversation would take a different direction. "She loves me too," you reply quickly. "That makes me happy. Or at least, it will once we finally have some time alone together."
"Zhe'll ztill have that anger, zizter. It zounds like you're going to be following her for a long time waiting for that chance," Wag warns. "What if zhe zetz herzelf on conquering the whole world in the name of Lythrefang?"
Now, you feel insulted. "Then we'll do it!" you snap, your frustration finally boiling over. She sees this and reflexively pulls her horse away, creating a bit of distance as you steady yourself. "...You don't have to understand my love for Agranne, but this battle she's waging is for all of us. All of my friends, and my whole life is wrapped up in the coven. If Syrith calls on me to fight for it, I'm going to give it all I've got!"
Wide-eyed, Wag nods emphatically at your passion and answers by thumping herself in the chest a couple of times. "Forgive me, zizter, I didn't mean to imply that your heart wazn't with uz. It'z just refrezhing to meet zomeone who'z fighting to protect uz, and not juzt for zome kind of retribution."
Her perspective takes you off-guard, but for once, you feel proud of yourself. It's easy to forget, thanks to Corrinth and Veralt, that you actually enjoy your membership in this sisterhood of witches, and you love the power and freedom that comes with it. You might not have felt that freedom recently, but that's only because, as Wag pointed out, you put yourself right in the heart of Agranne's battle. You might have to grapple with that choice if your doubts prove correct, and Agranne can't let go of her anger, but for now, you're certain you can stomach the wait a while longer.
1. Ask About Corrinth and Veralt - Speaking of the sources of your most recent anxieties, you decide to check how Wag sees her pact sister and brother. "I can't be the only one," you say, downplaying Wag's flattering comment. "Before I go, can I ask you something? I know Agranne and I are a weird pair, but what about Veralt and Corrinth?"
2. Meet with Fiola - "Hail Lythrefang," you say with a toothy grin before excusing yourself. You still need to make sure that Fiola is on you and Agranne's side, and as the goblin answers your enthusiasm with a salute of her own, you flick your reins and gallop on ahead.
Option 2: 6 Votes (75% - Range: 26-100)
Fae Roll: 94
The goblin nods, but you sense that she recognizes a certain reluctance in your voice. "And what about you? You don't have that zame anger?" she asks, pointedly.
You shake your head. "Honestly, every time I ask a witch where she came from, I get a different version of the same stories. It's like everyone has some major trauma they're working on except me. I basically had a normal childhood; my dad wasn't in the picture, but he was a criminal and he got what was coming to him, I guess. He died when I was so young that I hardly even remember him."
A moment passes as you think about your more recent years, and all the ways your life has been derailed by your own awakening. It's not something that you think of often. "My mom... she ran off when she learned I was a witch, and I haven't spoken to her in about five years," you explain, feeling a distant twinge of rejection, and the underlying sadness that comes with it. It isn't easy to compare with the grief that Agranne has felt for Rigatte, or Corrinth for Iona. You've certainly cried a lot more for Ika than you ever did for your mother, but this is one of those rare times when you can reflect on why that's the case.
"...You know, I'd like to say that we were close, but we weren't. She was working all the time; making bedsheets and clothing at her shop in Tashlaan. Hells, the general shop's stock is probably still halfway full of her work, and it wouldn't even surprise me if that hat Agranne's always wearing was some of my mom's old work. She did it because she was trying to pay for the two of us to survive without having another man in the picture - and I don't blame her for that; it must've ripped her heart out to see my dad go - but I would ask her why she went through all that effort to raise me if she was just going to run away the moment she knew there was dark magic afoot. I guess I didn't really know her, and she didn't really know me... and that's nobody's fault."
Wag looks at you strangely. "...Wat?" she replies incredulously, cocking her head. "Zhe brought you into the world, and then treated you az if you were nothing but a mouth to feed - motherhood iz a hell of a lot more than that!" she explodes, startling her horse a bit and forcing her to calm the creature down before continuing, looking at you with pity in her eyes. "Take yourzelf for example - you got over her leaving you in five yearz. How many yearz did she raize you without either parent involved becauze zhe was zad about her huzband. You're a drow, it had to be decades!"
You think about it. All those seasons spent in Tashlaan before you began to feel that dark presence in your dreams, that desire to walk in the shadows. How did you really live? You remember lots of nights spent with simple meals - potatoes and carrots, usually. Your mother sitting across from you would cut away at meat on her plate, telling you someday that you would eat well when you brought home some coin. You were never hungry like Agranne, and so it never occurred to you in the moment that it was strange, the way you didn't eat the same meals. You also remember that she could read, but she never taught you. She would only read you stories from the old books in the house when her hands were too tired to sew, and only if you were working in her place.
You had to learn on your own. There were so many things she could have taught you, but you had to learn them all on your own.
This is why you never talk about it - it's easy to say that your childhood was "basically normal," and easy to pretend that your friendships with Corrinth, Ika, and Agranne stretch back further than they do. The minute you start putting in the work of examining happened before, or more importantly, what didn't happen, the less it feels true, and the more the adult you've supposedly become feels like a fictitious invention of an unloved child. But what can be done about it? "...I don't understand her," you admit as your frustration becomes more visible. "But I don't really need to, either. She wasn't a good mom - alright? - but I'm not kept up at night by the thought of confronting her over it. What difference would it make?"
The goblin hesitates to answer. She had been so angry on your behalf that she hadn't thought of the practical question involved. "Well, fine, I guezz. But if you're zet on the idea of live-and-let-live, then why put yourzelf here, at the center of Agranne's battle?"
"Because I love her," you quickly reply, "and I know she needs this to be happy."
"Your happinezz matterz too, you know," Wag replies thoughtfully. "You zhould've been told more often when you were a kid."
You wish this conversation would take a different direction. "She loves me too," you reply quickly. "That makes me happy. Or at least, it will once we finally have some time alone together."
"Zhe'll ztill have that anger, zizter. It zounds like you're going to be following her for a long time waiting for that chance," Wag warns. "What if zhe zetz herzelf on conquering the whole world in the name of Lythrefang?"
Now, you feel insulted. "Then we'll do it!" you snap, your frustration finally boiling over. She sees this and reflexively pulls her horse away, creating a bit of distance as you steady yourself. "...You don't have to understand my love for Agranne, but this battle she's waging is for all of us. All of my friends, and my whole life is wrapped up in the coven. If Syrith calls on me to fight for it, I'm going to give it all I've got!"
Wide-eyed, Wag nods emphatically at your passion and answers by thumping herself in the chest a couple of times. "Forgive me, zizter, I didn't mean to imply that your heart wazn't with uz. It'z just refrezhing to meet zomeone who'z fighting to protect uz, and not juzt for zome kind of retribution."
Her perspective takes you off-guard, but for once, you feel proud of yourself. It's easy to forget, thanks to Corrinth and Veralt, that you actually enjoy your membership in this sisterhood of witches, and you love the power and freedom that comes with it. You might not have felt that freedom recently, but that's only because, as Wag pointed out, you put yourself right in the heart of Agranne's battle. You might have to grapple with that choice if your doubts prove correct, and Agranne can't let go of her anger, but for now, you're certain you can stomach the wait a while longer.
1. Ask About Corrinth and Veralt - Speaking of the sources of your most recent anxieties, you decide to check how Wag sees her pact sister and brother. "I can't be the only one," you say, downplaying Wag's flattering comment. "Before I go, can I ask you something? I know Agranne and I are a weird pair, but what about Veralt and Corrinth?"
2. Meet with Fiola - "Hail Lythrefang," you say with a toothy grin before excusing yourself. You still need to make sure that Fiola is on you and Agranne's side, and as the goblin answers your enthusiasm with a salute of her own, you flick your reins and gallop on ahead.
joshuadim
the writer
2
hardcore.munchkin
Professional hater
1
Infab
The Demon Fanatic
2
dikdik
colossal leaf and prince of the universe
2
Breadman
Big loaf supreme
1
Damian0358
Roleplaying Procrastinator From Elsewhere
2
turtwigwins
Junior Member
2
Ask About Corrinth and Veralt
New
K0mori
Servant Supreme
Option 1: 2 Votes (29% - Range: 1-29)
Option 2: 5 Votes (71% - Range: 30-100)
Fae Roll: 9
Wag snickers at the mention. "Haah haah, yeah! Thoze two are fuckin' weird, aren't they?" she says, spitefully. "I wazn't gonna zay anything, but that firzt night in the temple back at Gilbert'z Rezt, I waz awake for most of Corrinth'z 'flirting.' When I found out how thingz turned out that next morning, I can't believe how badly he played her, but then again, they seem made for each other."
"Oh?" you ask, excitedly. This ought to be good.
Wag nods hard enough that her ears flap back and forth. "I waz drunk, you know, of courze I waz, but I think it was all juzt zafe ztuff we brought along, no faerie wine for me. And while you and Agranne were having your little dance in the zky, I waz down below, looking for zomething to eat to go with the drink, when I found the two of them talking in the dark at the edge of the camp. At leazt, I knew Corrinth waz there, zince zhe waz doing all the talking. And Corrinth iz all, 'I can be anything for you. What do you like~?' and I think zhe changed her face around, becauze zhe kept talking and her voice waz different, but, ah, familiar."
"Oh god, was she pretending to be us!?" you ask, morbidly fascinated and more than a little disgusted at the idea.
Wag laughs nervously. "Well, yeah. Agranne, you, a couple I didn't recognize... I think zhe did me? It wazn't that accurate though, if it waz..."
Your blood runs cold as you realize that Corrinth might not have been imitating Wag, but another goblin she used to know. As the thought sets in, you somehow know that's exactly what she did. "That... hideous... fucking creature!" you curse, your voice cracking in outrage.
"Eeeh!?" she replies, shocked at how quickly your mood changed again. Pulling her horse away a second time, this time she doesn't relax when you take a few breaths and calm yourself. "Thiz iz why I didn't zay anything," she complains.
Gritting your teeth, you push down an overwhelming desire to ride back to the front of the pack and scream your outrage to Agranne and bring this whole army to a halt. "It- It wasn't you, alright? Corrinth was imitating a friend of ours who died back in Tashlaan. It's bad enough she used our faces to try to get laid, and if Agranne knew that Corrinth was using her face again she'd probably kill her, and I mean it. But to use Ika's face, for that," you explain, your eyes beginning to sting with tears, "I might just do it myself!"
"H-hey, come on zizter, now izn't the time!" Wag urges you. "We're going to Thandan, and we have to fight together if we're going to zurvive! Pleaze..."
You ride in silence for a while, until you lift your head and realize that Wag has drifted back towards her circle, uncertain if her conversation with you has ended and looking rather unsettled. You let out a frustrated sigh, and drop back toward her. She senses your intent and picks up her pace a final time to meet you. As soon as you're within earshot, you try to give her some reassurance. "Listen, Wag," you say, "I'm not going to do anything right now. Corrinth is more trouble than she's worth, and sooner or later, Agranne is going to have to deal with her - but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it."
"At leazt that'z zomething," she replies, a bit more coldly, as if she expects you to change your mind. "...What other trouble are you expecting?"
You sigh, checking again to make sure she's not eavesdropping on you before dropping all pretenses. "...I get the sense that Veralt doesn't trust Agranne's leadership. With Corrinth in his ear, I'm worried he'll betray us."
"What...?" Wag says, her eyes narrowing as she processes your accusation. "Why would Veralt betray uz?"
You briefly explain what happened when you and Agranne arrived in Mardenaal for the first time - how, even with her hexblood abilities, she wasn't strong enough to resist Diala's compulsion. With Veralt being a master of the art, you insist, all it would take is for him to decide he's more worthy of the coven's leadership for things to get ugly, quick.
Wag shakes her head, getting frustrated. "Okay, zo he could betray uz, but you ztill haven't explained why he would!"
Oh, now this fucking sucks. You should have just walked away when it felt like Wag was on your side. Your fae-touched mind is going to get you killed if you keep running your mouth.
1. Truth: "Did you see him before we left? Every time Agranne and Corrinth butt heads, he seems angry, like he's protecting her. But she makes her own trouble, so it's only going to get worse. And he also thinks he can start telling Agranne what is and isn't respectful to the coven," you argue, carefully stepping around the fact that the very point that Veralt was speaking out against was your appointment to lead this force.
2. Fuck It, Just Lie: "...Keep this between you and me," you say, realizing that what you're about to do carries a lot of risk. "I've been learning from Halfiya how to use telepathy. I've peered into his thoughts and while it's just an inkling, I can't tell how strongly he feels this way, but he wants Agranne dead. I just know it," you insist, dearly hoping that Wag won't expect you to demonstrate proof of this supposed ability of yours.
3. Manipulation: You're cornered. If you tell the truth, it'll make you look jealous and paranoid of Veralt's power and drive Wag further away. If you lie, it'll only raise further questions that you aren't prepared to answer. If you admit now that you have nothing but assumptions and yet have the nerve to suggest treachery, then Wag will probably think you're a snake and she'll never trust you again. You reach into your coat as if you have something to show her, but instead grip your wand. One quick flick, and you'll have her on your side... at least until you meet Agranne on the other side of the canyon.
Option 2: 5 Votes (71% - Range: 30-100)
Fae Roll: 9
Wag snickers at the mention. "Haah haah, yeah! Thoze two are fuckin' weird, aren't they?" she says, spitefully. "I wazn't gonna zay anything, but that firzt night in the temple back at Gilbert'z Rezt, I waz awake for most of Corrinth'z 'flirting.' When I found out how thingz turned out that next morning, I can't believe how badly he played her, but then again, they seem made for each other."
"Oh?" you ask, excitedly. This ought to be good.
Wag nods hard enough that her ears flap back and forth. "I waz drunk, you know, of courze I waz, but I think it was all juzt zafe ztuff we brought along, no faerie wine for me. And while you and Agranne were having your little dance in the zky, I waz down below, looking for zomething to eat to go with the drink, when I found the two of them talking in the dark at the edge of the camp. At leazt, I knew Corrinth waz there, zince zhe waz doing all the talking. And Corrinth iz all, 'I can be anything for you. What do you like~?' and I think zhe changed her face around, becauze zhe kept talking and her voice waz different, but, ah, familiar."
"Oh god, was she pretending to be us!?" you ask, morbidly fascinated and more than a little disgusted at the idea.
Wag laughs nervously. "Well, yeah. Agranne, you, a couple I didn't recognize... I think zhe did me? It wazn't that accurate though, if it waz..."
Your blood runs cold as you realize that Corrinth might not have been imitating Wag, but another goblin she used to know. As the thought sets in, you somehow know that's exactly what she did. "That... hideous... fucking creature!" you curse, your voice cracking in outrage.
"Eeeh!?" she replies, shocked at how quickly your mood changed again. Pulling her horse away a second time, this time she doesn't relax when you take a few breaths and calm yourself. "Thiz iz why I didn't zay anything," she complains.
Gritting your teeth, you push down an overwhelming desire to ride back to the front of the pack and scream your outrage to Agranne and bring this whole army to a halt. "It- It wasn't you, alright? Corrinth was imitating a friend of ours who died back in Tashlaan. It's bad enough she used our faces to try to get laid, and if Agranne knew that Corrinth was using her face again she'd probably kill her, and I mean it. But to use Ika's face, for that," you explain, your eyes beginning to sting with tears, "I might just do it myself!"
"H-hey, come on zizter, now izn't the time!" Wag urges you. "We're going to Thandan, and we have to fight together if we're going to zurvive! Pleaze..."
You ride in silence for a while, until you lift your head and realize that Wag has drifted back towards her circle, uncertain if her conversation with you has ended and looking rather unsettled. You let out a frustrated sigh, and drop back toward her. She senses your intent and picks up her pace a final time to meet you. As soon as you're within earshot, you try to give her some reassurance. "Listen, Wag," you say, "I'm not going to do anything right now. Corrinth is more trouble than she's worth, and sooner or later, Agranne is going to have to deal with her - but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it."
"At leazt that'z zomething," she replies, a bit more coldly, as if she expects you to change your mind. "...What other trouble are you expecting?"
You sigh, checking again to make sure she's not eavesdropping on you before dropping all pretenses. "...I get the sense that Veralt doesn't trust Agranne's leadership. With Corrinth in his ear, I'm worried he'll betray us."
"What...?" Wag says, her eyes narrowing as she processes your accusation. "Why would Veralt betray uz?"
You briefly explain what happened when you and Agranne arrived in Mardenaal for the first time - how, even with her hexblood abilities, she wasn't strong enough to resist Diala's compulsion. With Veralt being a master of the art, you insist, all it would take is for him to decide he's more worthy of the coven's leadership for things to get ugly, quick.
Wag shakes her head, getting frustrated. "Okay, zo he could betray uz, but you ztill haven't explained why he would!"
Oh, now this fucking sucks. You should have just walked away when it felt like Wag was on your side. Your fae-touched mind is going to get you killed if you keep running your mouth.
1. Truth: "Did you see him before we left? Every time Agranne and Corrinth butt heads, he seems angry, like he's protecting her. But she makes her own trouble, so it's only going to get worse. And he also thinks he can start telling Agranne what is and isn't respectful to the coven," you argue, carefully stepping around the fact that the very point that Veralt was speaking out against was your appointment to lead this force.
2. Fuck It, Just Lie: "...Keep this between you and me," you say, realizing that what you're about to do carries a lot of risk. "I've been learning from Halfiya how to use telepathy. I've peered into his thoughts and while it's just an inkling, I can't tell how strongly he feels this way, but he wants Agranne dead. I just know it," you insist, dearly hoping that Wag won't expect you to demonstrate proof of this supposed ability of yours.
3. Manipulation: You're cornered. If you tell the truth, it'll make you look jealous and paranoid of Veralt's power and drive Wag further away. If you lie, it'll only raise further questions that you aren't prepared to answer. If you admit now that you have nothing but assumptions and yet have the nerve to suggest treachery, then Wag will probably think you're a snake and she'll never trust you again. You reach into your coat as if you have something to show her, but instead grip your wand. One quick flick, and you'll have her on your side... at least until you meet Agranne on the other side of the canyon.
Last edited:
turtwigwins
Junior Member
1
joshuadim
the writer
1
Breadman
Big loaf supreme
3
Infab
The Demon Fanatic
1
hardcore.munchkin
Professional hater
1
dikdik
colossal leaf and prince of the universe
1
bat_hacker
Junior Member
1
Truth
New
K0mori
Servant Supreme
Option 1: 6 Votes (86% - Range: 1-86)
Option 3: 1 Vote: (14% - Range: 87-100)
Fae Roll: 45
"Well..." Wag replies tensely, before grunting in frustration and giving you a tougher look. "Agranne azked uz to be in her pact circle. We zhould be free to speak our mindz, and do what we can, when we can! But then zhe clamped Corrinth'z mouth zhut when she tried to talk. Now you want to set me up againzt Veralt for queztioning her for that? Or did I have you wrong when I thought you were on the zide of all of uz?"
Your eyes widen. Should have walked away when you could. Should've walked away... "He didn't speak for just himself!" you argue, growing flustered. "...And he didn't speak for just Corrinth, either! He spoke for the whole circle, as if it were an insult for them to follow her instructions!"
"No," Wag counters with palpable exasperation, "he zaid it was an inzult that Agranne would put you in charge when zhe had no reazon to diztrust him, azide from favoritizm and the grudgez you two carry againzt Corrinth. Honeztly, zince I have no hiztory with you all, I'd have taken either him or Corrinth ahead of you, zince you're looking for my help in caze he turnz on you... If you were ztrong enough to lead, you wouldn't need me to defend you. Do you underztand what I mean?"
You take a breath. This hurts. But despite how badly this conversation has turned out, you realize that Wag isn't being unfair to you. She saw what you were trying to orchestrate and shut it down, and made you look like a fool... But she isn't going to go over your head about it. She's giving you the chance to choose a different path forward. Maybe it really would be best to hand this thing over to Veralt as soon as Agranne has departed for Maanlash. You had only committed to this course of action on the basis that you would have the support of Wag and Fiola, but since that's not possible anymore without coercion, which you aren't willing to use, it's best to move on.
"Okay, I get it," you say, fully humbled. "...I didn't ask Agranne to put me in charge, you know. I told her it would paint a target on my back. So once she leaves with Jannava, I'll have a word with Veralt and ask him to take the reins."
Wag nods, and then gives a weary smile. "Thankz, zizter."
You ride away from Wag, sullen that your plan fell through so quickly. At least you have a better understanding of your place in the eyes of Agranne's followers, and just like last night, you feel a growing itch to learn new things and try to expand your arsenal of tricks. You just hope that you can keep yourself safe for the next two days, since you won't have Agranne or a circle of your own to call upon if Veralt and Corrinth decide to turn on you.
You'll just have your own wits. And right now, you don't feel particularly smart.
"This is where we diverge, isn't it," you say as you realize that subtle pathways of land and shallow water snake through the overgrown swamp in two different directions, to the east and the northeast.
Agranne agrees. "Yeah, I guess it is... You gonna be alright?" she asks, giving you a smile.
You nod and smile nervously, but you already know she sees through it. "...I talked to Wag. She thinks you should've put Veralt in charge. She thinks you're playing favorites by picking me."
It takes a moment before the reality of the situation settles into Agranne's eyes, and she gives a look - not at you, but rather in the general direction of the coven - and begins to whisper under her breath. "Are we not on the verge of doing the impossible right now? And they want to tell me I'm wrong?"
1. Agree with Wag - At this point, if the coven doesn't sense a threat from Corrinth and Veralt, then it's likely to sense one from Agranne if she comes out heavy-handed and wrathful. You need to somehow convince her that she's making a mistake. Maybe you can just ask her to let you go to Maanlash, and leave Veralt in charge?
2. Do Nothing - You're tired of being caught in the middle of all this. Maybe, if things are going to fall apart between Agranne and her pact sisters, it ought to happen here on this hill and not when you're at the gates of Thandan.
Option 3: 1 Vote: (14% - Range: 87-100)
Fae Roll: 45
"Well..." Wag replies tensely, before grunting in frustration and giving you a tougher look. "Agranne azked uz to be in her pact circle. We zhould be free to speak our mindz, and do what we can, when we can! But then zhe clamped Corrinth'z mouth zhut when she tried to talk. Now you want to set me up againzt Veralt for queztioning her for that? Or did I have you wrong when I thought you were on the zide of all of uz?"
Your eyes widen. Should have walked away when you could. Should've walked away... "He didn't speak for just himself!" you argue, growing flustered. "...And he didn't speak for just Corrinth, either! He spoke for the whole circle, as if it were an insult for them to follow her instructions!"
"No," Wag counters with palpable exasperation, "he zaid it was an inzult that Agranne would put you in charge when zhe had no reazon to diztrust him, azide from favoritizm and the grudgez you two carry againzt Corrinth. Honeztly, zince I have no hiztory with you all, I'd have taken either him or Corrinth ahead of you, zince you're looking for my help in caze he turnz on you... If you were ztrong enough to lead, you wouldn't need me to defend you. Do you underztand what I mean?"
You take a breath. This hurts. But despite how badly this conversation has turned out, you realize that Wag isn't being unfair to you. She saw what you were trying to orchestrate and shut it down, and made you look like a fool... But she isn't going to go over your head about it. She's giving you the chance to choose a different path forward. Maybe it really would be best to hand this thing over to Veralt as soon as Agranne has departed for Maanlash. You had only committed to this course of action on the basis that you would have the support of Wag and Fiola, but since that's not possible anymore without coercion, which you aren't willing to use, it's best to move on.
"Okay, I get it," you say, fully humbled. "...I didn't ask Agranne to put me in charge, you know. I told her it would paint a target on my back. So once she leaves with Jannava, I'll have a word with Veralt and ask him to take the reins."
Wag nods, and then gives a weary smile. "Thankz, zizter."
You ride away from Wag, sullen that your plan fell through so quickly. At least you have a better understanding of your place in the eyes of Agranne's followers, and just like last night, you feel a growing itch to learn new things and try to expand your arsenal of tricks. You just hope that you can keep yourself safe for the next two days, since you won't have Agranne or a circle of your own to call upon if Veralt and Corrinth decide to turn on you.
You'll just have your own wits. And right now, you don't feel particularly smart.
---
Another gray day passes as the trees quake in the autumn wind, their steadily-changing leaves threatening to fall at the height of their beauty. Isolated patches of trees dot the landscape and wall in the narrow creeks and rivers of the hilly lands at the eastern ends of the plains, but there are no forests here for a hidden camp. As you reach the top of a decently-high hill, Agranne motions for everyone to stop so that you can get a view of the lay of the land. Ahead is a long and gentle descent from the hilly uplands into the swamps you were told about, and somewhere off to the left, another rise in the landscape seems parched and dry, and you realize that it must be because the river cutting through must do so at a descended level, cutting through the rocks as a canyon.
"This is where we diverge, isn't it," you say as you realize that subtle pathways of land and shallow water snake through the overgrown swamp in two different directions, to the east and the northeast.
Agranne agrees. "Yeah, I guess it is... You gonna be alright?" she asks, giving you a smile.
You nod and smile nervously, but you already know she sees through it. "...I talked to Wag. She thinks you should've put Veralt in charge. She thinks you're playing favorites by picking me."
It takes a moment before the reality of the situation settles into Agranne's eyes, and she gives a look - not at you, but rather in the general direction of the coven - and begins to whisper under her breath. "Are we not on the verge of doing the impossible right now? And they want to tell me I'm wrong?"
1. Agree with Wag - At this point, if the coven doesn't sense a threat from Corrinth and Veralt, then it's likely to sense one from Agranne if she comes out heavy-handed and wrathful. You need to somehow convince her that she's making a mistake. Maybe you can just ask her to let you go to Maanlash, and leave Veralt in charge?
2. Do Nothing - You're tired of being caught in the middle of all this. Maybe, if things are going to fall apart between Agranne and her pact sisters, it ought to happen here on this hill and not when you're at the gates of Thandan.
Damian0358
Roleplaying Procrastinator From Elsewhere
1
