Olivergarden says:
Be prepared to maybe kill or at least majorly injure someone if things go wrong.
Iron’s done the same for you…
heek89 says:
If you get the opportunity consider sabotaging the un-oiled gear in the boat they mentioned earlier. You could kill two birds with one mainspring by proving yourself as a trap-setting hunter badass and killing Effrenka(or maybe one of those Nerkogos goons should the opportunity arise).
Yeah, there’s no way you are going anywhere near that thing. In fact, you make sure to scoot aside until her body completely obscures your view of the mainspring. That way, if it goes off you have a barrier of cranky meat chunks to protect you.
You both return to the spot you left. Effrenka pulls out bundles of cord from a compartment and tosses one to your feet. “Help me wrap the oars up.”
Without a word, you follow along with what she does.
Nettik says:
Maybe apologize to cake-breath about getting off on the wrong foot, if things go really south here you might have to rely on her to get into The Circle and we don’t need her turning against you while you’re alone.
You know, if she’s made up her mind on killing you then it’s doubtful that an apology will tip the scales in your favor. And why should you? You don’t take kindly to people grabbing you.
In silence, you both finish up wrapping the oars.
Effrenka moves to the aft. She puts her feet up and closes her eyes. You suppose you’re done with the preparations.
whipp3dcoyote says:
You should probably try to at least get on Effrenka’s good side since it appears you both are in for the long haul. Maybe try orchestrating some small talk with her?
Callmesheep says:
Try to make peace with her. Swallow your pride. She’s your ally even if temporary. For the sake of the mission, make peace with her alright ?
Ugh… peace. With her? You don’t like it, but you may be right. Tonight might be easier if you can at least tolerate one another. You’ll think of something to talk to her about, but you ain’t apologizing. That’s for sure.
DaBeard says:
Tell Effrenka that she and Yenkaran argue like they could be an actual brother and sister – in a good way. Ask if all members of the Circle are this close.
You break the dirty ice, “So, you and Yenkaran. If I didn’t know better I’d think you two were actually siblings—the way you bicker. Is that normal for your… pack to be this close?
“No…”
“So… is it just him and you that are close?”
Effrenka’s eyes peek open at you, annoyed, “What are you doing?”
“Good question.” you snip. “Maybe trying to start some form of communication?”
“There’s nothing to communicate.”
“Let me tell you something I learned back in Gnomanya: I worked at a tavern, and so I’ve witnessed my people’s prized tradition in brawling. And in my experience, I learned that there were usually two outcomes: You either knock the other asshole out, or be the asshole that sulks in the corner like a lame trampler. So how about you pick one?”
She sighs, “Freckles, he’s not my ‘brother’ and I’m not his ‘sister’. It’s just some historical balderdash that Mikella wants us to drink up. Yen— he’s a lost, young man. He just needs someone like me to keep him grounded.”
“He seems all grown up to me.”
She glares, “You think you just magically have everything sorted out the moment you turn twenty?”
“We’d just call it, ‘getting your shit together’.” you reply, “And I knew someone who couldn’t. It didn’t end well.”
“You bellhead, that’s my point. Some people don’t have folk to call their own. Real folk. And when they don’t, they can easily be taken advantage of. Like you, probably. But likely on account of being unbearable.”
“Hey, I have friends. Or a friend.”
“Doubt it.”
Bough says:
Ask who the Nerkogos are. Effi will probably relish the opportunity to be an authority, and it’ll probably be useful information if this is how the Nanzuul are getting people and weapons in.
You change the subject, “You said I should know who I’m robbing. Who am I robbing here?”
She rolls her eyes and shakes her head. “Right. The Nerkogos… They’re the citizen’s militia. Mmm… they feed the poor… Sell protection… Pray to Shama…”
“Huh…” you sit back. “That sounds rather… decent.”
“…Bribe the city watch… Intimidate citizens… Harass Shintarics…”
“Oh.”
“…Hang hunters… Mutilate hunters… Kidnap and ship hunters off to Hwombazu…”
“Oh…”
“You know, just… decent.” You can feel the disgust in her voice. “At least they don’t eat people, eh?” She says, followed by a hollow wheeze.
You almost titter along.
Her tone shifts to more serious, “Does that paint you a picture?”
You nod your head.
ACA says:
Nothin’ like some very personal questions to break the ice a bit since you’re working with her for now!
What’s with her floppy ears, what species is she exactly? Why does she wear the mask and the funny harlequin get-up? Where is this ‘spot’ she mentioned earlier to rendezvous at if this hunt was to unexpectedly go south?
“So, what are you, exactly?”
“It’s just— the ears.”
“Huh?”
“I’ve never seen a hunter with floppy ears.”
“Oh…” she fidgets with her hair. “I’m a Gormutt. I come from the land of Gortogen. Up north.”
“Is that how you all dress up there?”
She raises an eyebrow, “No… we’d freeze.”
“So why do you dress like that?”
“Because I like to?—What kind of question is that?”
“I’m just saying, it just seems like an eccentric outfit for such a dried-up person.” you smirk.
“Pfft, and what are you supposed to be? One of those Sorya the Qoths are so eager to catch?”
“No.” you firmly say.
“Is it true that all Sorya dress like gay pirates, can’t throw a punch, nor pronounce the letter ‘g’?”
“No, I’m not a Sorya. I’m a Sorrova. I don’t look nothing like them.”
“‘I dun look nuttin’ lack em’, she mocks, “At least you make my Continental sound native.”
“Shut up, I’m not a Sorya.”
“Okay. Sorrova, got it.” She says dismissively.
Colonel says:
You’ll need someplace safe to get to if something goes wrong, so ask Effrenka what/where “the spot” and “The Fool’s” are.
You ask, “When— if this goes bad, where’s this “spot”, exactly?”
“Remember where you spat pukewater on me? That’s the spot. It’s where I like to be when people annoy me.”
“Okay, and ‘The Fool’s’?”
“That’s not important.”
“I see. Must be one of your other ‘secret’ spots?”
“Sure. Now will you shut up already? I can’t hear the waves.”
Well, that’s probably enough progress you’re going to make for tonight.
rocotú says:
So, uh… she’s definitely going to kill you, right?
You suspect she seems rather bored with the idea. Maybe she respects Yenkaran’s wishes more than she hates you. If not, don’t worry, Plan D is still applicable. Just make sure to keep your bag on you this time.
You spend the rest of your silence watching the Near Moon. In a matter of minutes it concludes its cycle that what would take the moon back home weeks to do.
You’ve never really had much time to take in the view. But now that you do, you notice a red hue shift. A massive northern desert. A southern mountain range dangling below. It’s hard to imagine that something this colossal was hiding from you all this time. Another world that’s always been here.
In Siltria.
And knowing that the light will return as quickly as it can fade is another reminder that things might be different now.
As you continue to ponder, Effrenka snaps you out of it.
“Okay, I see him. Get your covers on. We’re about to board.”
Shodow says:
Make sure to put on a mask. Anything to look the furthest away from your wanted poster, really.
You grab the covers and wraps that Yen left for you. She slips on a worn, black mantle and then dons a well-used helm fixed with a bar-metal visor.
“You’re the only Sorrova in the city; roll down your sleeves and bind that tail.”
Noticing the gap in protection between you, you speak up. “Hold on, why do you get a helm?”
“Because it was issued to me. Besides, there’s nothing here that will fit your oversized head.”
“I didn’t come all this way to get killed. Give me something, Effrenka.”
“Sure. Sister. How about some perspective: Shut up and be grateful that I’m going along with this stupid idea of yours.”
She fastens a chinstrap, “If you keep low and do exactly what I tell you, you won’t even have to lift a finger to help.”
After slipping into your covers, you take the boat and silently row it towards the pinnace. Noticing the creaking of the oars is gone, you realize the use of the cords. Both of you watch the top deck closely. As you both pull aside, Effrenka gently posts a pike pole against the hull. The sounds of the cluttered mooring are overtaken by the beating of your own heart.
She sneaks over to you and whispers in your ear.
“Take your shoes off.”
“Ain’t that illegal?” you croak out a joke.
You hear her blow a few puffs of air into your ear.
“Heh, you remind me of someone I know… They like to joke around at the worst times.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah, now stop reminding me. Take your damn shoes off before I chuck you into the Triumph.”
After peeking over and scanning the main deck, she climbs aboard and draws her sword.
“Clear.” she whispers. “Stay close.“
You silently board the pinnace and follow her lead.
You remind yourself that you’re doing this for him.
You are now Lutemes.
It’s far too late for this.
No soul should be awake at this hour. You swear to Shama this is the last time you volunteer for any delicate matter.
Because— you know, delicate matters are boring. You’re bored.
Nothing but the lantern, and a bottle of Siltrian white to keep you company.
Oh right, and Goncha of course.
Which reminds you…
At first you dreaded pulling watch with the big man, but lucky for you he’s an unaccomplished fool that blew through his purse along with another inch of his hairline when he decided to fold on within five minutes. So his silence has been bliss— once in a while you limber up just to make sure he hears how heavy he’s made your purse tonight.
Of course, you like to think of yourself as a great pal that everyone loves, and just buy him a pity drink— but as it turns out, he’s apparently ‘too clean’ for that now. He’s training to be a duelist. ‘The drink dulls the senses’, he says. But you make it by just fine.
A duelist. You snort. His control of a blade would make you think it was a third tusk— or should you say… fourth tusk— but it’s not merit that gets you into the courts… or even the circus in a heretic’s world.
Its not for lack of trying though. Ha, we could bet on it, perhaps it’d be the first wager you’d be happy to lose!
Now where were you?
Dawn. The floppy eared pitch remembered you’re a sorrova. She does love you. Hey, lutemes Give the guy a chance. Let him have a shot at winning sone money back. Bet on pulling off a draw and flourish then sheathe maneuver. A nice and easy one. Then go slow to give him a chance. If he wins, he gets a… Read more »
“ Give the guy a chance.
Let him have a shot at winning sone money back.”
I saw chance and shot together and my mind instantly went “NOW’S YOUR CHANCE TO BE A BIG SHOT.”
What’s the bet – though I don’t bet – that this Lutemes turns out to be a really good duelist or fighter, absolutely kicks Effi’s or/and Yenkaran’s asses and completely screws the whole mission up?
A duelist. You snort. His control of a blade would make you think it was a third tusk— or should I say… fourth tusk— but it’s not merit that gets you into the courts… I assume all this talk of duelling lawyers is to do with Trial by Combat, where two lawyers on behalf on their clients battle each other.… Read more »
What do you guys think is on board that ship? Any theories of your own? Do you think there are weapons, or something else?
Yen— he’s a lost, young man. He just needs someone like me to keep him grounded.
A lost bird. A lost bird, who never learnt how to fly!
On a more serious note, does Effi think herself more of Yen’s sister or a romantic partner? And why is Yenkaran lost? I assume that he joined the Circle to find purpose, but why was he lost in the first place. Family drama? I theorised Yenkaran could be a member of some aristocratic family, and perhaps, instead of following in… Read more »
Effi said she got issued that helmet. By the Circle? How can they afford that? My theory is that Yenkaran is from some aristocratic background, and he used his wealth to help fund the Circle. Would explain his sophisticated manners and suaveness.
It could be that back home she was a soldier and this is what remains of her equipment. Nothing about the other members equipment looks uniform.
Wait, that’s it. Perhaps not a soldier, but she was once part of the milita. Glass says she smells like cake, so, although bakers would be conscripted in times of war, in find it more probable she wasn’t a full soldier. Their being once part of the Cohv milita could also explain somethings. Perhaps the Nerkogos wasn’t always run exclusively… Read more »
Rich of her to go on about having real folk to rely on when they’re all a bunch of cannibal cultists!
Yeah. I think what she says about the Nerkogos might be exaggerated because of her own bias. Maybe she hates the Nanzuul and their allies because of some incident she had with them.
Should we warn this guy? Lutemes? If we do, then we might be screwing Glass over. If we don’t, he might get turned into beef jerky. He doesn’t seem evil. Effi probably isn’t the most reliable of sources, and we haven’t heard his perspective on things yet. The Nerkogos could be better than what we’ve been told.
“You know, just… decent.” You can feel the disgust in her voice. “At least they don’t eat people, eh?” She says, followed by a hollow wheeze. It seems that Effi knows she isn’t one of the good guys, that what she does is quite deplorable. She’s not under any illusion that she’s a hero, hence why she doesn’t buy into… Read more »
I notice that for this new guy the visuals are blurred, but when it is in Glass’s perspective it is clear. That’s because she has night vision. That’s a really cool world building feature, because it has an effect on the visuals.
ZOMG, I totally didn’t pick up on that, but it makes so much sense!
Seems to be either that, or that bottle he’s holding.
Just testing out to see if i got the account all set up
Superb as always J&T :3
Ay creo que si la tendrá difícil glass 😬
“Dress like gay pirates” XD
Another funny one “ Remember where you spat pukewater on me?”
Glass is doing a lot for Iron. I don’t know what happened back in Gnomanya, but I had thought that perhaps Iron wasn’t as good or altruistic as Glass thinks he is/remembers he is. What if Glass’s memories of the event are foggy (she’s already shown to have trouble remembers when she’s sick, and her seasickness for the journey might… Read more »
That would upend the most powerful scene in the story (imho) so far in the story, and I wouldn’t like that.
You mean where Glass gets mad at Zeb for prioritising his beliefs over her Iron? I get what you’re saying, but I feel as though it wouldn’t quite upend it. Glass got mad at Zeb, whose willingness to basically forget another person because of what she sees as belief in something made up. She, in her perspective, has her quest… Read more »
I meant Zeb’s whisper-pleading to Glass while everyone around was discussing ways to butcher him.
Oh. Right. I do see how that could upend that. I just feel as though there’s far more to the story than Glass is not just letting on, but in fact knows herself.
Getting back to this idea, I had a thought that Iron Bottle saw Glass as his ticket out of Gnomanya and decided to help her for his own benefit. He had a vested interest in protecting her so he could get himself to Siltra. Once there, he could have booted her to the curb.
Who’s this handsome fellow? Not a shapeshifter, from the looks of it. And what delicate matter are they managing? Might just be me, but the pinnacle has gone from giving me eldritch feels to looking like it’s the Flying Dutchman. Who knows? Maybe the Nerkogos/Nanzuul, whoever it is, are doing business with Davy Jones.
omg new hottie alert!!
It’s Zeb, but more gruff and toned. Also, boars!