Toxoglossa 2018/03/07(Wed)20:15 No. 872283 ID: a30024
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It smells like fish. This is a normal state of affairs in a fishmarket. Cod, bass, squid, herring, tuna, eel, urchin; voices of all makes loudly proclaim the quality of their daily harvest, occasionally descending into squabbling matches between their neighbors or customers. Scales are removed, fillets are cut, glassy-eyed catches are spread across ice or lurk in shallow tanks. It is busy, messy, smelly chaos. In such a maelstrom of noise and activity, it seems impossible to discern any useful information.

Toxoglossa 2018/03/07(Wed)20:16 No. 872284 ID: a30024
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Undeterred, Casey, Gabe and Kol wander through the crowd, following up on a lead about a haunted ship. With them is Miki, who took a rare day off to visit the market.

Casey waves away an enthusiastic eel seller, “Thanks for coming Miki. Are you sure Raithe will be alright minding the shop by himself?”

“Oh sure! He said I needed a break. Such a sweetheart.” She beams, “Besides, you’ll need my help finding Galle. She’s a regular: told me about the ghost ship. I’m not sure where she sets up usually, but keep an eye out for an older tern.”

Do you guys even like seafood? Maybe see if anything looks good before things get spooky. Maybe you can leverage a "saved your asses" discount when it's over.

>>872284
I don’t know, something about this whole “ghost ship” thing smells a little.....fishy. *ba dum tss* ;-D

Am i the one that is going to say it?
Fine. *inhales* TENTACLE MONSTER!

>>872284
get a souvenir

>>872284
Ghost ship, huh? We gonna tangle with some salty sailing spooks?

Toxoglossa 2018/03/08(Thu)17:16 No. 872409 ID: a30024
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“Keep a lookout for good deals too.” Says Gabe, admiring a small tank of cuttlefish. The creatures glare at him with eyes full of alien knowledge and flash messages of ancient and terrible meaning across their colorful skins. “Heh, cute.”

Toxoglossa 2018/03/08(Thu)17:17 No. 872410 ID: a30024
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He moves to the next stall and goggles at the creatures on sale. Spread across a field of ice shavings are a trio of lobe-finned fish: their heads are armored with thick plates of bone, which curve down into hulking scythe tipped beaks. They are clearly creatures that have changed little over the epochs, dragged from a dark and deep era by a powerful hand.
“Woaaaah! I’ve never seen a fish like that!”

“What the lichfire are they?” Asks Casey, prompting the vendor to smile and launch into a pitch,
“Ahhh, those are abyssal reapers: deep water fish. They’re a delicacy, very hard to catch. I’ve got a guy, the only one who knows where to get them.”

Toxoglossa 2018/03/08(Thu)17:17 No. 872411 ID: a30024
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“Guys, we gotta try it, right?” Gabe grins hopefully.

Kol assesses the fish, “I wouldn’t know how to even begin cooking one. It looks like its almost all bone: a fillet knife would bounce right off...”

“Pssh, I could fillet one, no problem.”

Casey and Kol grimace at the thought, “You mean gate-cutting? I dunno, you remember last time?”

“Hey, they stitched it back on! It was a clean cut!” He twists his lips up in a scowl, muttering something about “wasn’t my fault...” He throws his hands up, "-ONE TIME!"

Maybe ask the salesperson for advice on how this kind of fish is supposed to be prepared before purchasing. Presumably he sells these things to people without portal cuts.

>>872411
Awh, let him try again!

Fine, but he gets to cook it all by himself. We ain't dealing with your magic cooking.

buy that fish!!!!!

Ponder the morality of selling potentially sapient cuttlefish for consumption.

>>872411
Let him give it a shot. Just be sure there's a healer nearby.

Given a world full of magical creatures, wonder if the alleged few fishermen that have been able to catch this species have been properly propitiating its spirit ruler for the loss of their subjects, as other hunters must.

You know what'll make everyone feel way better? Tuna! Get some tuna. Fresh tuna is the best and very easy to cut. Look up a seared tuna recipe! 

Please just get some tuna you guys absolutely can't afford another lawsuit right now.

>>872448
I agree. another lawsuit will end badly, you already lost the camero.

>>872434
Because they're like tidepods with gills and therefore their candy-like coloration is only an enabler for their consumption.

It was the first time doing that, this one'll be fiiiine. maybe someone on standby in case

Ask how abyssal reapers are usually prepared

I like food. Getting this fish is a fine plan.

>>872474
Evolution and teenagers can be so cruel...

Toxoglossa 2018/03/10(Sat)14:56 No. 872830 ID: a30024
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“Let’s hold off on cutting it up until we find out more about how its prepared, okay?” Kol pats him on the shoulder.

“Okay, sorry.” Gabe deflates a little, “You know how it is...”

Casey takes his hand and nods, “We’ve all had a lot to learn about using our magic, Gabe. Its okay, but you know that’s not what gate spells are for.”

His sigh is nearly lost in the sound of the market. “It is if you’re a Spirit Guardian...”

“None of us are at that level yet; we’re councilors, not defenders. Maybe someday, but right now I’m just happy helping people with you guys.” Kol gives him an encouraging smile and Gabe brightens up a bit.

Toxoglossa 2018/03/10(Sat)14:56 No. 872831 ID: a30024
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“Awwwww!” An extremely fluffy hug wraps itself around his midsection and Gabe looks down at the sparkling eyes of Miki, “You guys’ll be Spirit Guardians one day! I just know it!”

Gabe gives her little a hug back, “Thanks Miki. I hope so. Truth be told, it kinda scares me.”

>>872831
time to refocus! what were we here for again?

Only thing to fear is fear itself. Besides! You guys are on a bit of a winning streak aren't you?

Miki, the world doesn't deserve you, you are too good for it.
OK! Let's keep looking for this contact.

Honestly, I think "lover not a fighter" describes you lot quite well. But then, we haven't seen you really fight. Just make sure you're up on all the different aspects of what defending people means! Non-magic martial arts, disaster relief, etc. etc. You probably know this.

Toxoglossa 2018/03/10(Sat)19:01 No. 872892 ID: a30024
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“Why don’t you guys go on,” Kol tells them, “I’ll find out more about how to cook a reaper and catch up with you.” The rest of them agree to meet up later and wander into the crowd. Kol turns back and starts chatting with the vendor about the finer points of cooking a prehistoric nightmare.

Toxoglossa 2018/03/10(Sat)19:01 No. 872893 ID: a30024
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“What's so scary about being a Spirit Guardian?" Miki asks.

“There’s a kind of trial in order to become one, and not all of the people who try make it, or even come back.” Casey explains, “It involves crossing over to the etherial plane- “

“-Ghost zone!” Gabe interjects.

“-or as some people call it, Ghost zone. Supposedly, there's a sea of mana there, and on the far side of the sea are the Fates. Those who manage to cross the sea are then chosen by the Fates themselves to be Guardians.” She finishes.

“Woah, you mean they’ve been in the presence of the Fates? Scary!” Miki shudders.

“Yeah, they’re pretty badass.” Gabe nods.

What exactly makes the Fates so frightening? I assume they're Lawful Neutral AT MINIMUM, so is it sort of a "Be Not Afraid" situation? Wheels that are on fire, multiple faces, bodies that kill you if you view them?

Also keep looking for a Tern! You've got work to do!

Hmm, why is the Ghost Zone dangerous though?

Remember, we might have friends on the other side~[/KeithDavid]

>>872893
missed the nose shading oh glorious quest master.

So what happens to those who make it to the fates but aren't chosen. Are they the ones who make it back without becoming Guardians or the ones that don't make it back at all?

Toxoglossa 2018/03/11(Sun)13:00 No. 873009 ID: a30024
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“What’s so scary about the Ghost-Zone? I mean besides all the ghosts?” Miki skips to keep up with her longer legged friends.

Casey pauses, “Well, put it like this... Do you remember when Raithe um... released all that mana into you?”

“Oh yeah! I felt like I was so full of energy I could barely contain it. Oooooh.” Miki swoons, "I feel tingly just thinking about it…"

“Right, you had to burn it off with that huge flare. Now imagine an ocean of that power; Imagine trying to contain that.” Casey makes a worrying explosion gesture, “Its the source of life itself, a mortal's body would come apart at the seams…"

"Oh wow, I had no idea!" She closes her eyes and a noticeable warmth pours off of her, "I hope my body can handle Raithe… mmm."

Gabe chuckles, "Just don't let him get too pent up, Miki."

Toxoglossa 2018/03/11(Sun)13:00 No. 873010 ID: a30024
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Casey and Gabe exchange a look and shrug, "We… don't really know. The Guardians don't talk about them, either they're forbidden or they can't. Most of what we know is from the stories of the first Guardians."

"There's MINERVA, the moon, preserver. She represents order, preservation, and law. A lot of people follow her since she's the bringer of good health and science. Its because of her that we can understand the world."

"Then there's MUUT, the sun, the destroyer. He's the spirit of change, decay and death. He's probably the most mysterious of the three and a bit of a paradox, he is often represented with an absence, or void. He's the spirit of change, both good and bad; both necessary for the cycle of life to continue. His gift to us is the ability to change the world."

"And then there's MELEK TAUS, The rainbow, the creator. Their job is pretty obvious: they created the natural world, and are responsible for the creation of all things. They're supposedly the wellspring of thought, giving us the ability to create new ideas. "

"Not much else is known about them, supposedly because they don't want to interfere in the lives of mortals. Its not their job to tell is what to do, only to maintain the order of things."

>>873010
So the obvious question is if you get to bang any of those dudes / dudettes when you become a Spirit Guardian.

If they have supposedly seen it all, I wonder what they would say about the way you handle your jobs.

>>873016
I'm sorry but your first thought when hearing about these gods is "can we Bang These Boys"?

iconic

>>873010

Each one seems to be part of a duality save MELEK TAUS. Interesting.

On a slightly different note, is it possible to use mana from outside of yourself? That is, rather than taking it into yourself or using your own reserves, work your abilities without directly interfacing with a source of mana.

>>873023

(In hindsight, I suppose MELEK TAUS is more of the union of the two. Equally, and perhaps more, interesting.)

>>873022
I mean I can see where he's coming from. We've practically solved all of our problems thus far with some application of sex. These are just stronger spirits after all. Yes, stronger on a scale beyond mortal ken but still spirits.

Of course, the fact that Raithe, if allowed to get too pent up, could be a danger to his partner combined with just what kind of ludicrous scale these three are likely on, but if we'd have to survive swimming in an ocean of pure mana just to reach them it still might be possible.

Call me crazy, but I don't think the application of smut to a spirit is always gonna be the winning move after a certain threshold.

Not to say it's not still working out, and it'll probably KEEP working out. 

Just remember Kol mentioned that Portal Amputation is a thing Spirit Guardians know how to do.

I wonder if the Spirit Guardians are just as perverted as the rest of the unnatural things we have faced until now, and by extent, as us.

Toxoglossa 2018/03/12(Mon)18:21 No. 873178 ID: a30024
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“Its nice that they don’t try to interfere or judge or anything. Still, are you guys worried about what they might think about your... approach to problem solving?” Miki asks.

“A bit...” Gabe admits.

“A little...” Casey acknowledges. “Honestly I’m still kind of worried about what other guides will think once word gets out...”

“Eh,” Gabe shrugs, “Better than our reputation when we started out. Besides, who can argue with all our happy customers?”

Miki beams, “Oh that’s right! You’ve got a date with Delilah coming up! Any ideas for what you’d like to do?”

>>873178
A little dinner. A little theatre. Nothing too dramatic. First dates are for getting a feel, you know?

>>873178
LARPing date

>>873178
Super soakers wet t-shirt battle

>>873180
I agree with this, even if we had a literal feeling off her, hehehe. Still, i didn't really thought on what to do yet, besides dinner.
You know her, right? What kind of activities she likes? Besides of swimming, of course.

>>873180
Can't go wrong with that. Maybe wind down with some sightseeing? Gabe should have a waypoint to an awesome sunset.

>>873180
Good plan.

Toxoglossa 2018/03/13(Tue)19:05 No. 873491 ID: a30024
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Gabe moseys along and thinks, “I’m still not quite sure. A some dinner, maybe catch a play, take her sightseeing a bit... You know, play it by ear: I’m not a great planner.”

“Ohh, sightseeing with a sender. Sign me up! That sounds great!“ Miki gets dreamy eyed again, “There’s so many places I’d like to see.”

"Oh really? Like what?"

"I've always wanted to see the great reef, but I have that problem with water…. Oh and the cliffs! I'd love to visit the statue of Augustine someday. Ooh, or the ruins of the old city! I've heard they're fantastic this time of year: just draped in lilac."

"Hmm all good," Gabe mentally takes some notes, “Got any tips for me?”

“Well... Del’s always loved the idea of someone sweeping her off her feet, like in some kind of fairy tale...”

Casey chuckles, “I think after her latest experience with the fae she might have other opinions.”

“Oh yeah, how’s that going?”

“Well, haven’t seen much of Nixxy since then; but when we woke up the other day someone had installed a doorway under our staircase. As far as we can tell it leads to the faewild.” Casey stares straight ahead and sighs, “I don’t yet know how we’re going to explain that to the landlord.”

“Yikes, what’d you do?”

“We put a sign on it.” Gabe shrugs.

“Oh, good to know.” Miki giggles, “Gabe, I think the problem a lot of Del’s partners have had is in thinking they need to try and keep up with her and, let me tell you, its impossible. You’ll burn out long before she does.”
“She doesn’t need someone who feels like they constantly have to prove themselves. As a healer, she’s got no time for an idiot who doesn’t know when to quit; she’s always the one who has to go rescue them.”

Casey shoots a wry smile at the other mouse, “I don’t think you needs to worry about that, Gabe.” He mugs, the tip of his tongue peeking out from beneath his mousey incisors.

Gabe scratches his head, "Sooo, what you're telling me is that she wants someone to sweep her off her feet, but also not try too hard. Miki, those are two totally different things! What am I supposed to do with that?"

The baker winks, "If I knew, I would have taken a shot at her a looong time ago, dear. You don’t have to prove yourself, just… show her that she's special. Oh, and if you break that girl's heart, you can start paying for your own biscotti, mister." She adds.

Toxoglossa 2018/03/13(Tue)19:05 No. 873492 ID: a30024
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Her eyes light up and she suddenly shouts across the market, "Hey! Galle! How're ya doing ol' girl?"

A weathered looking tern cocks her head at the sound of "hey" and "Galle" rhyming, spotting the tiny Miki in the crowd. "Hey! Who let you out of your shop? How's it going, Miki?"

>>873492
SHE GOT LAID!

I think Gabe will be fine. Just has to show that he cares.

Miki is doing GREAT.

>>873492
Hanging out with her bad influence friends! Engage eyebrow waggle.

>>873492
Oh hey is that who we're looking for?

Gabe, my dude, you have her on the bag.
>>873492
Well, since she found a little someone to give her a hand, a very useful hand, she has more time to stretch her pretty little legs.

>>873491
>“Well...Del’s always loved the idea of someone sweeping her off her feet, like in some kind of fairy tale...”
You heard her Gabe, start working out so that you can sweep her off her feet with big strong arms!

One could almost say Miki's romance game has been on fire recently ;3

>>873497
shout this as loud as possible for the shots and giggs

She didn't get laid yet though.

Toxoglossa 2018/03/15(Thu)18:50 No. 873875 ID: a30024
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“SHE GOT LAAAAIIID! THAT’S HOW ITS GOIN’!” Gabe frames the chinchilla with double fingerguns. he bats his hands away and rolls her eyes. “Hehe, Gaaabe.”

Galle leans over her buckets of squid all ears, “What? With who? When?”

“I don’t know if you’ve met. Raithe’s watching the shop today.”

“The elemental? Hah, if he can get you out of that floury palace you built, he must be some kind of miracle worker. You be nice to that boy.” The Tern warns, “Dating, your employee, you’re playing with fire, girl.”

“Tell me about it.” Miki giggles.

Galle spreads her hands, “So you finally take a day off, and you visit this stinky corner of the city? To what do I owe the pleasure, MIki?”

“Well, we’re here because you mentioned something about a haunted ship a while back. Gabe and Casey here are Spirit Guides,” Casey bows slightly while Gabe waves. “They were hoping to look into it.”

Toxoglossa 2018/03/15(Thu)18:50 No. 873876 ID: a30024
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“Spirit guides at my stall? The fates must be having fun today.” She eyes them critically, “These aren’t the ones people have been talking about have they?”

“Are we?” Casey starts to blush, “What’re they saying?”

“Something about some new Guides who stopped a rampaging kelpie in that bathhouse up the coast.” She clears her throat diplomatically, “I don’t think they mentioned specifics as to how.”

“Trade secrets, you know how it is.” Gabe nods.

“Uh-huh, I sure do.” She treats them to the smirk of old ladies everywhere who know a great deal more than anyone’s comfortable admitting. “So, how can I help you up and coming ghost hunters?”

>>873876
well anything you know about the job will help!

Specifics about the job, mostly!

>>873876
Information. Any details on that ship. Sightings, people who have seen it, a name, anything you can offer.

What ever you have. And if you have some old ghost stories that might be related to what is happening, better. Sometimes, stories and myths are more than just that, sometimes they are truth, the real aconteciments.

>>873876
A lead in the right direction. A smile for our troubles?

Toxoglossa 2018/03/17(Sat)14:56 No. 874153 ID: a30024
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"Anyway!" interjects Casey in an attempt to drop a girder in front of that particular train of thought, "Ghost ships! Am I right?"

"Oh yeah, I suppose that's what you're here for. Well, I heard from one of the crews I buy from about this ship that was spotted out by the Chevalier Trench. Just a small fishing boat. The crew thought it was adrift, and hailed it as they approached. Didn't see anyone at the helm so they thought they'd check it out, maybe claim it as salvage. Well, as soon as they set foot onboard , mana fire spread across its rigging. They said they felt a presence staring at them, and an unseen force picked them up and tossed 'em overboard. They turned tail and came straight back to the Point, haven't been back to that area since."

Casey nods, "Sounds like pretty standard ghost ship stuff. Not sure how we're going to get out there, its not like we have a boat."

"Ahh, that’s the odd thing," Galle continues, "You won't need to go that far. A couple of weeks ago it showed up just off the coast. No one's seen anybody come or go from it and its starting to worry some of the crews we've got here."

"We'll check it out. Anything else can you tell us?"

"Just the name-"

Toxoglossa 2018/03/17(Sat)14:56 No. 874154 ID: a30024
File 152132377262.png - (146.12KB , 500x700 , 4-18.png )

"-The Sea Scar"

>>874154
oh sorry about that bump.

>>874154
Sorry about that. Hands kinda full. You uh, know where to go?

>>874154
"PArdon me, squire."

>>874154
say mybad don't turn your head, and keep walking.

"OUPS, sorry there sir. Didn't meant to be so clumsy."

>>874154
Check your pockets to make sure he didn’t steal your wallet or something!

>>874154
"Next words outta your mouth better be 'sorry, sir' or you're gonna catch these hands"

>>874154
Quicktime Event!

"Pardon,"

...Lets hope this guy doesn't try and start something...

Holy crap guys why don't you just roll over on your back and ask for belly rubs while you're at it?
A simple "excuse me" would be fine.

Toxoglossa 2018/03/18(Sun)15:14 No. 874404 ID: a30024
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Kol steps back, "Oh, sorry I was just looking for someone"

The massive sailor glares down at him, almost as wide as he is tall. One shovel-sized hand curls into a fist and a rumble of warning emerges from his throat.

Toxoglossa 2018/03/18(Sun)15:14 No. 874405 ID: a30024
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His eye catches the bundle in medium's hand and the growl turns to a deep, saw-edges laugh. "So, some fool does buy those monstrosities. Fates deliver, you're a braver soul than I."

>>874405
Oh no, yeah, it's probably a crazy idea.

But our whole JOB is having crazy ideas and then making them work!

>>874409
Yeah, we should actually makethat our logo: "We make crazy plans work".

"Fortune favors the bold. Do I have you to thank for catching this?"

>>874405
"Believe it or not, this thing is the least scary thing I've dealt with recently."

What? Why? It's not risky to prepare like fugu or something like that, is it? Or are you referring to the taste?

Toxoglossa 2018/03/19(Mon)21:07 No. 874539 ID: a30024
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Kol looks down at his purchase, “Believe it or not, its not the scariest thing on my plate lately.” He thinks back to the new door in his apartment. “Do I have you to thank for this catch?”

The scarred sailor gives him a jagged grin, “A good eye you got there. The name’s Caleb: deepwater angling is my specialty. Abyssals are a tricky catch, but worth the effort for the right buyer. Never could stand the taste myself, though.” He shrugs, “In some places, they ferment the blasted things for a season. Can’t say that improves the flavor much. You want my advice: cut ‘em into steaks, drown ‘em in wine and grill ‘em. Its the only way I could stand ‘em.”

>>874539
"Oh, stop. You're making me hungry."

As for cutting them... how?

A diver eh?
What other things do you find down there? Any interesting story to share?
I cold tell you some of mine in return.

>>874539
That does sound good.. This dude is bound to have stories. See if he knows anything about that ghost ship that's been floating around.

>>874539

Perhaps we'd be more partial to keeping it whole, but drowning it wine none the less and roasting it on a spit.

... if you know what I mean ;3c

It sounds like he knows quite a bit about seafood. Invite him over for dinner, maybe he can show you a thing or two in the kitchen. That'll give you plenty of time to ask him about ghost ships / seduce him.

I'll never say no to a good marinade.
Not much of a cook, though... You want to show me how it's done?

Toxoglossa 2018/03/21(Wed)17:51 No. 874786 ID: a30024
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Kol offers him a hand and a smile, “Sounds like you could teach me a thing or two in the kitchen. Maybe you’d like to have dinner some time?”

The seal laughs, “My, that was fast; especially for someone carrying a trench fish. Maybe, if you could find something better to offer an old sailor than a couple of bony steaks.” Nevertheless he engulfs Kol’s hand in an iron-gripped handshake. “I don’t even know your name yet, stranger.”

“Kol, Kol Bardo. Maybe we could swap some stories, then? I’ve got a rather bawdy tale about a kelpie I’m sure you’d like.”

“Muut’s whiskers; now that sounds more like my kind of dinner. Ahh, but you don’t want any of my stories. I got...” He hesitate with his eyes lost in something distant, “Nothing worth tellin.”

Kol cocks an eyebrow at him, “You sure? I heard something about a ghost ship in the area. Me and my partners were looking into it.”

Toxoglossa 2018/03/21(Wed)17:51 No. 874787 ID: a30024
File 152167989195.png - (126.81KB , 568x700 , 4-23.png )

“Your partners, eh?” He shifts his weight uncomfortably, “Yeah, I heard about it. I’m not gonna tell you your business, but... best leave it be. The sea holds a lot of stories, some of them best untold...” He points at the hideous fish and nods, “I thank you for keepin me afloat, though. Nice meeting you, Kol.”

He turns and exposes his back, along which a pale white thunderbolt of a scar is stretched. He gives Kol a backwards glance, not unfriendly, and strides into the crowd.

>>874787
damn thats a cool scar. ONWARDS

Yell after him, "That's a far cry from nothing worth telling!" but don't chase him or anything. We'll get the whole story sometime.

Well he's totally a ghost.

Later!

>>874787
Cool dude. Wonder if we can meet him later.

I like that guy.
Tell him that you will see him around.

That's the face of man who stared death in the eyes. Keep his warning to heart, you probably have some rough waters ahead of you.

Toxoglossa 2018/03/22(Thu)18:28 No. 875008 ID: a30024
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Kol watches him go, wondering what the story is behind that scar and why its “not worth telling.” He makes a mental note to ask around and see if he can learn a bit more about Caleb. His head full of questions, he heads off into the crowd in search of the others.

Its not long before he sees the three of them gathered around a stall, chatting with the vendor. Casey waves him over. “Hey! Kol!”

Gabe takes a peek at the beak protruding from Kol’s purchase, “Oh nice! I was hoping you’d get one! Get any tips on what to do with it?”

“Yeah actually, I ran into the guy who catches them. Said to cut them into steaks and soak it in wine before grilling it.” Kol explains, “Though he did warn me that it has kind of an... acquired taste.”

The stallkeeper checks out the purchase with interest, “A reaper? I didn’t think anyone was catching them anymore. Only place to find them around here is the... Chevalier... Trench...”

A quiet shiver of realization washes over the group and they stare at Kol. “What? What’s so special about the trench? Don’t just stand there looking spooked!”

Casey explains, “Kol, that’s where the ghost ship was first spotted...”

“Dude, did you just meet a ghost?” Gabe finishes.

“What? No, this guy was no ghost. He was flesh and blood like us.” He shrugs, “Besides, meeting ghosts our job; no need to get all spooky on me.”

Casey thinks, “You’re sure he was alive? Kol... what if he’s a ghoul? Or even a vampire?”

Miki squeeks as fear pours off of her. “A Vampire? Here? I-I thought they were just legends!"

Kol looks down, shaking his head. “Sort of. Most of what we know of them predates the creation of the Spirit Guardians. They're rare, but really they’re just another type of spirit. Normally, ghosts feed off of mana produced coming from objects and places. They’re rarely dangerous to mortals because a living body protects its mana reserves so well. But, once a ghost gets powerful enough to overcome those defenses, it can feed directly off of living beings. We call that a LICH. They’re much more dangerous and usually require banishment... something we try to avoid.”

Casey continues, “A VAMPIRE, or to some a JIANGSHI, is something even more dangerous. If a mortal body is completely drained of mana, a lich can possess it, manipulating it like a puppet. It can use the body to drain more victims, which lesser spirits inhabit and turn into GHOULS.”

Kol looks defiant, “But those kinds of things don’t happen anymore! They're practically myths at this point: just stories told of the old Guardians."

So does this mean the dinner date is cancelled?

>>875008
well we won't know unless we ask him ourselves or find a way to determinate if he is. focus on the ship for now.

>>875008
Starting to sound like this job might be out of your league.
I say ask around a bit more about Caleb to be sure.

>>875028
Oh come on, we are sopused to be trained for this, right?
It is our job too, whether we can or not. Something must be done.
He didn't look like a bad dude, actually, he looked kind of sad when mentioning his story. But i am sure that is somthing that it must be investigated before going futher with the goust ship.

Hey look, just because a ghost ship is out there doesn't mean it's impossible for regular people to go finishing! And he was pretty badass.

Let's look into the ghost ship for now. It there's a lich or vampire connected to it, you'll likely find some kind of evidence, right?

Lets not jump to conclusions everybody. No reason to assume that every grizzled sailor is a evil spirit monster in disguise.

>>875008
Tell them about Caleb and how you literally bumped into him on your way over here.

>sailor with scar
>catches rare fish
>only place to catch is by ghost ship
>ghost ship named sea scar
>sailor with scar
you find that motherfucker and you ride his salty dick right now

He's not a ghost or a ghoul and even even if he is, he's cool and we're not going to bother him with wild accusations.

Let's refocus here. How do we investigate this ship?

Toxoglossa 2018/03/25(Sun)11:33 No. 875405 ID: a30024
File 152200282447.png - (123.76KB , 596x700 , 4-25.png )

“Look, let’s not jump to assuming that he’s a vampire or a monster just because he fishes in ghostly waters.” Gabe concedes. “But we still gotta follow up on this guy. He’s probably at least seen something.”

“Well... I did mention that we were looking into it and he got all evasive and left...” Kol admits.

“Kol...” Casey folds her arms.

“Kolllllll...” Gabe

“Kolllllllllllllll-“ They both stretch out until he waves them off.

“Yeah, yeah I know.”

“Well, what did he look like?” Gabe asks.

Kol thinks back, “A big seal, no shirt. Had a huge scar running down his back...”

“Dude!”

“What?”

Casey sighs, “The ship’s name is the Sea Scar...”

“Okay, that’s… pretty suspicious…” Kol admits. “He’s still not a vampire, though. But we should look into it.”

They wave goodbye to Galle and head back to the stall where Kol bought his nightmare fish, hoping the vendor can tell them more about Caleb.

Ok let's go over the facts again. They think there's a ghost on the ship because it looked abandoned but when they boarded the ship, mana fire showed up on the rigging and "an unseen force picked them up and tossed 'em overboard". Could this just be magic? Some sort of security system? A wind spirit perhaps?

>>875405
Ask the vender who sold him the reaper, Where they usually do business, Where they dock, anything.

>>875413
Also when they usually hang out and if there are any strange stories about him.

Toxoglossa 2018/03/27(Tue)17:59 No. 875607 ID: a30024
File 152219876565.png - (141.58KB , 633x700 , 4-26.png )

They find the vendor dumping a fresh load of ice shavings into the bin. His burly brow twitches from recognition to concern, “Oh, hey, you guys again! Something wrong? All my stuff is freshly caught each morning...”

“No, its not about that,” Casey explains, “We were wondering about your source for your reapers. Can you tell us about the guy?”

“Caleb? Sure, I guess. He’s not in any trouble is he?” The vendor scratches his head, “He seems like a nice guy...”

“No, I don’t think so. We just wanted to ask him about something he might have seen, out by the trench.”

“You talking about the ghost ship?” He shudders, “He’s never mentioned it, but he’s not what you’d call talkative...” He pauses to recollect. “He showed up a few weeks ago and came to me directly. I supply for a lot of chefs in the upscale restaurants around town, so I have a bit of a reputation for selling hard to get fish. Caleb finds me and he offers me something I’ve never been able to get a hold of before; then he throws one of those ugly bastards down on the ice before me.”
“Now, most people have never even seen a reaper before. Most of the time they end up washing up on shore or tangled in a net, long dead and rotting. People thought they were extinct! He offers me a chance to be the sole buyer if he can keep bringing them in. I can’t say no to that!”

Kol hefts the fish as it weighs down on his arm and asks, “Do you know anything about him? Anyone talk about him at all?”

“I asked around, seeing if he was approaching anyone else. No one else knew anything about him, or what crew he worked with, or his boat... A few people had mentioned seeing him walking a path headed towards the southern cliffs once. There’s a park in that direction just past the market, but past that is only scrub and pines.”

>>875607
You have a trail, follow it. Tell the vendor that if he comes across Caleb, let him know Kol wanted to catch up with him. See if the vendor will hold your fish for you before it starts smelling.

Has he been known to engage in spooky behavior, e.g. rattling chains, standing so as to be just varely visible out of the corner of your eye, giving people cryptic warnings, asking for rides by the side of the road and telling a scary story during the journey only to end up disappearing before reaching the destination, and so on?

Caleb's probably not going to be happy about you guy's following him, but knowing what you're getting into is more important.
And couldn't Gabe just take the fish home? Like, instantly?

>>875611
The fish is going to rot!
I think this is a good opportunity to split into two groups. One should keep looking for Caleb, while the other looks around the place where the ghost ship appears. That way we cover more ground.

>>875607
Portal the fish home before it starts smelling!

Thank him for the help, and absolutely do not make any ghostly accusations. If you're wrong, you don't want to start rumors that will cause Caleb troubles.

>>875611
>>875613
Good point, right in the fridge it goes.

Toxoglossa 2018/03/28(Wed)18:23 No. 875769 ID: a30024
File 152228660346.png - (138.28KB , 500x700 , 4-27.png )

The group thanks the vendor for his help. “Okay, we have a lead. I’m down for following him, but I’m not hauling this fish all the way out to the cliffs.” Kol shifts the weight of the reaper as his muscles start to complain.

Gabe perks up, “Hey, no problem! I’ll take you home and we can drop it off.” He gives Kol a thumbs up. “Are you two okay checking out the cliffs until we catch up?”

“I think we can handle it.” Casey winks at the chinchilla, “Isn’t that right Miki?”

The baker practically glows as enthusiasm bubbles out of her, “We’re going to follow a lead! Its so exciting!”

Kol gives Casey a pick peck on the cheek, “Stay safe, you two.”

The two parties split up; Miki and Casey head for the park, while Gabe and Kol look for a place away from the crowd where they can open a gate.

>>875769
Fish group can dip into an alley. Pursuit group should go ahead and make their way to the edge of the market. Make sure to keep your wits about you!

Toxoglossa 2018/03/30(Fri)20:11 No. 876163 ID: a30024
File 152246591255.png - (158.95KB , 661x700 , 4-28.png )

Gabe and Kol duck into an alley and open a gate in order to avoid accidentally slicing apart anything in the crowded market. A flash of light later and they step into their apartment, landing in a square of carpet specially cleared for incoming gates.

“Nixxy! We’re home!” Gabe announces, as though the thunder of gate travel weren’t enough. He opens up the ice box and Kol drops the abyssal reaper inside. “Niiice. So what’d he say about preparing it?”

Kol shrugs, “Caleb said cut it into steaks...”

Gabe grins.

Toxoglossa 2018/03/30(Fri)20:11 No. 876164 ID: a30024
File 152246591613.png - (89.96KB , 700x389 , 4-29.png )

Casey and Miki find their way out of the fish market and climb a set of stairs that lead them to the cliffside park. They meander arm in arm through the well manicured gardens, between the various lawn games of the well-to-do. Miki pops her parasol to keep the sun off, completing the image of a pair of society ladies enjoying a stroll in the park.

“Such a lovely day!” Casey remarks.

“Isn’t it?” Miki agrees.

“Nothing lifts my spirits like a visit to the gardens.” Casey drawls.

“Oh, quite so! Isn't nature grand?” Miki manages, barely stifling a laugh. "I was just saying to myself 'Miki give the servants a half-holiday and go see the roses.'"

"Oh, yes the roses! SO lovely this time of year!" Casey exclaims, "I told Kol the other day that we need a vase of roses in every room of the manor."

The pair choke back church-giggles as they attempt to out-posh each other, dragging at their vowels like taffy until they become practically unintelligible.

So how's the family?

Hi Naz, Selma and Geoff

What's so funny, Gabe? Also, see if Nixxy has any advice. You should probably get that town map ready as well so you get a prime gate location.

>>876163
Gabe, you behave now.
>>876164
Time to chat and gossip as only a pair of lady friends can.

Gabe and Kol said they'd drop off the fish and catch up, not fool around with it.

Toxoglossa 2018/04/02(Mon)17:35 No. 876749 ID: 07a312
File 152271571787.png - (98.45KB , 700x555 , 4-30.png )

Kol catches his smile and warns, “Gaaaabe, come on, no cutting.”

“Aww, but I can totally do steaks!” He sighs and rolls his eyes, pushing the icebox door shut.

“Later, we promised we’d catch up with Casey and Miki, right?”

“Ooookayyy, let me grab a snack to recharge...” Gabe snags a muffin from the breadbox.

“I wanted to check with Nixxie too, see if she might have any advice...” Kol approaches the door under the stairs, its sign hanging askew from a nail. He notices that the door frame seems to have sprouted a few young leaves.

“Really? Your call, Kol...” Gabe munches his baked good from a safe distance as the medium knocks on the door.

Toxoglossa 2018/04/02(Mon)17:35 No. 876750 ID: 07a312
File 152271572389.png - (168.89KB , 500x700 , 4-31.png )

The door instantly swings inward and there is a rush of wind, carrying the smell of undergrowth and lilac through the house. A whirlwind of movement follows, and as it resolves, the kelpie looms over Kol.
”Kol! You bring fun for me?” She hugs him with surprising gentleness for a creature so large.

“A little... There’s something we’re checking out that we were hoping you could help us with...” Kol explains what they’ve learned about the ghost ship and the mysterious, scarred sailor.

Nixxie’s emerald eyes go wide and she gives them a huge horsey smile. Ohh a thing! A thing I know! I tell a thing, you guess for Nixxie? Give Nixxie a reward, yes?” She claps her hands together and bounces on her heels, rattling the dishes in the cupboard.

>>876750
give nixxie a snoot kiss. you know anything about ghost ships in (area here), or less malevalent spirits based around Sea Scars?

>>876750
>guess what it is
Uhh, does she know what threw people aboard?

>>876750
She has clothes? I didn’t think she owned any clothes to wear!

>>876750

A reward... well, you could invite her to the dinner. Or you could take her shopping and buy her something she likes. Within moral and monetary reason.

>>876765
True! She looks gorgeous.

Toxoglossa 2018/04/02(Mon)19:48 No. 876793 ID: 07a312
File 152272373779.png - (148.32KB , 700x535 , 4-32.png )

Gabe chews his muffin, "Is that our rug you're wearing?" She does a little spin to show it off and he munches thoughtfully, "I was wondering where that went…"

“Okay, go ahead Nixxie, tell us the thing.” She squeals, glee exploding out of her.

NIxxie pauses and thinks, composing herself. Closing her eyes, she recites,

”What to call a sailor
Sealed from the sea?

What lets a warden,
Set a prisoner free?

If I had a brother,
What would he be?”

She opens her eyes and smiles, awaiting their answer.

>sealed from the sea
>sealed
>sailor guy was a seal
>"if I had a brother, what would he be?" - a fairy creature, like her
>keeping someone from the sea/imprisoned

I'm not sure what the exact answer to her riddle is but I feel like maybe a selkie is involved.

>>876795

You put me on the right track, so thanks. It's not a selkie. It's an unseelie.

>>876793
A sailor sealed from the sea... shipwrecked? Landlocked?
Warden sets a prisoner free with a key. You could also say the lock allows it, though.
A Kelpie's brother would be uh... this is stumping me actually. Maybe it's more along the lines of a male horse? Colt? Stallion?

>>876796

Or possibly a selkie unseelie, I suppose. Pretty sure unseelie is correct, though! A sailor away from sea is un-sailing, what lets a warden set a prisoner free is un-sealing and a fey seelie's 'brother' could be considered an unseelie.

>>876795
Oh, a selkie. This is a three part riddle, but it's a bit odd.
"sealed" is important in the first one(maybe the answer is water-sealed or something?), the second part's plain answer is "a key" and the third one requires you to combine the first two. Seal-key. Selkie.

Or maybe the first part is a hint that his ship is a submarine?

>>876798
Ha, or that.

>>876798

"Unseelie" does work well, but I think our man being a selkie works pretty well. He's a seal, and has a mysteriously good knowledge of the deep ocean. More than that, seals use their skin to change forms, and our sailor man has a large scar - in other words, his skin is damaged. Some incident that stopped him being able to return to the sea would explain his initial surliness, his positive response to the suggestion of a story about a kelpie, and the impression of something sad in his past he doesn't want to talk about. The reason I'm not sure about selkie being the answer is I don't see how to work it with the first verse. Well, each of our heroes should get one guess, right?

Not sure how selkie form-shifting would work in a world like this, though. I guess he'd basically turn into a mermaid? Or are there non-anthropomorphic seals?

Think it might be a nuckelavee which is a sea variant of the kelpie and an unseelie, and is apparently kept in confinement in the summer by the Sea Mither.

Sheesh, i really don't get this one. I had a hard time with the last one, no way i can get this one. The only think i can think of is a male mermaid. But as far as i know, those never were a real thing.

>What lets a warden,
>Set a prisoner free?
The key to the lock.

Traditionally, selkies become stuck in human form when their sealskin cloak is stolen - permanently, if it's disenchanted.
>>874787
That was a really big scar. Like somebody ripped about a square foot of skin off his back.

I mean, selkie/cell-key.

well cell-key duh
and selkie with their seal skin stollen can't return to the sea but they aren't sailors is there a term for like retired sailors or something
and how the hell are we supposed to know what your brothers called
is it a water bull
i mean i'm reading shit and apparently most kelpies are male and selkies female so i guess if we swap genders we get our female water horse and a male seal thing
i almost posted water seal wtf

"Selkie.. You're the best, Nixxy!"

>>876796

Selkie makes the most sense, though our buddy hardly seemed like he'd be part of the Unseelie Court, you know?

Unless we're using a more literal translation considering it all, wherein unseelie here would mean "unhappy or misfortunate," which would very much coincide with his circumstances and the first clue.

>>876905

Looking at what we know, I'll admit Selkie does seem the more likely answer, although it's cool that the poem was ambiguous enough for me to cludge 'Unseelie' onto it.

Hmm, if he lost his sealskin maybe that's why he's doing deep water dives? It fell into the ocean and he's trying to find it? Or someone put it down there on purpose.

Toxoglossa 2018/04/03(Tue)17:27 No. 877013 ID: 07a312
File 152280167650.png - (164.93KB , 700x500 , 4-33.png )

“A warden...” muses Gabe, “A key!”

Realization strikes Kol, “A cell-key! Selkie! He’s a selkie!”

Nixxy runs in a tight circle, lassoing the two mice together with her tail and pulling them into a hug, ”An answer true! Good! Good! Much fun!”

“The scar on his back! He can’t go into the water! Selkies transform in order to swim, but they need their skin!” Feeling the rush of epiphany, Kol kisses his fae friend on the nose. “Thanks Nixxy!”

“But is he dangerous?” Gabe asks.

”He a fae,” Nixxy shrugs as though that was explanation enough, ”Him sound... sad. Yes? Fae call unseelie. Dark spirit. A shadow on him. Rules of fae, they say selkie no skin, no swim. Him trapped, yes? Bound to land.” Her eyes turn sorrowful and worried, ”You careful, Kol. And you, Gabriel. No bad fae, Nixxy think, but... is trouble. You need a help, you call to Nixxy, yes?”

Yes. But first... "Give Nixxie a reward, yes?" That was the deal!

>>877013
He can't swim, but he's catching deep-water fish? How...? Is he just walking on the ocean floor, then climbing back up his anchor? Technically not swimming!

Well, seems like we've solved the case, but now we have a side mission. Help the poor guy! Ask Nixxy if he could put his skin back on if it was ever recovered. Maybe we can get it for him!

>>877014
A deal is a deal.

>>877020
He might have used a diving suit. It is not a really crazy possibility. If he can't go underwater, the only option is that he has to use a dry diving suit. That way he doesn't touch the water directly, and he can perform most of the activities he could do if he was without the suit.

>>877013
Gabe you know what to do kiss the best place.

>>877025
Or he is just using standard surface-based fishing gear and insider knowledge. Don't jump too far into conclusions without more information.

>>877013
Welp, now that we’ve solved that, let’s go tell the girls what we’ve learned.

>>877014
.....yes, after we’ve rewarded Nixxy, we’ll go tell the girls.

>>877013
give Nixxie 5 minutes of massage and heavy ear petting.

>>877013
Definitely, Nixxy. A deal is a deal though. What would you like?

Maybe Gabe can go catch up and tell them what's going on, and then pick up Kol after he finishes whatever the reward requires?

It's his fault portals are so convenient.

Toxoglossa 2018/04/04(Wed)17:50 No. 877166 ID: 07a312
File 152288941689.png - (96.80KB , 700x528 , 4-34.png )

“Don’t worry, Nixxy. We’ll be careful.” Kol rubs her neck, reassuringly, running his fingers through her long mane. “Now, I believe you mentioned something about a reward?”

Toxoglossa 2018/04/04(Wed)17:50 No. 877167 ID: 07a312
File 152288942053.png - (178.09KB , 500x700 , 4-35.png )

"Hey, Kol, who's rewarding who here?" As Gabe's pants are slipped away, he leans back against the kelpie's arm and gasps as a warm tongue teases him.

The medium mumbles something that's lost between Nixxy's thighs, his tongue already hard at work rewarding the fae.

>>877167
procede

Remember the saying, "Rode hard, put away wet."

It is a mutual reward! We reward her for being so helpful, and she rewards us for being so smart.

>>877167
What does a kelpie taste like? Horse? Fish?

>>877202
I bet she tastes like a seahorse, but without salt.
Or maybe she does?

>>877202
Surf and turf

Toxoglossa 2018/04/07(Sat)15:15 No. 877690 ID: 07a312
File 152313935999.png - (144.39KB , 700x583 , 4-36.png )

Still cradling Gabe, Nixxy lays back and spreads her legs. Kol takes his position between them and everybody starts to feel really rewarded. Trying to keep this quick, Kol's thrusts slam into Nixxy's thighs and she moans in appreciation. She easily takes Gabe's cock down to the base and sends her moans tingling through his body. "Fucking faaates, you're really good at this. I'm not going to last if you keep doing that."

Let her have her salt lick and treat. We're riding this to the finish!

>>877690
Gabe rub those pretty ears, reach your legs over and pet Nixxie's neck with your calves be sure to use a light touch.

Rewarding though this should be, it should also as a secondary priority not take too long, since you have some buddies waiting for you. Push the envelope a little.

Gabe, grabe the ears!

>>877930

Grab? Fondle!

Toxoglossa 2018/04/08(Sun)17:33 No. 877957 ID: 07a312
File 152323400516.png - (188.71KB , 700x600 , 4-37.png )

Kol feels her tensing up and does his best to send her over the edge, his hips meeting hers in a frenzy of thrusting. Nixxy lets out a long, rising moan, muffled by a mouthful of mouse cock, as the medium drives her to a climax. Gabe feels the urgency in her moans and can barely squeak out a warning before he spills himself into her mouth. She grinds herself between his legs hungrily, not losing a drop as the mouse goes limp in her hands. Gabe gasps and twitches, too spent to fight the overstimulation as she keeps sucking, "Oh fuck, fuck dude…."
Kol's hips break into an uneven staccato and he manages, "Nixxy, you ready?"
The kelpie moans and affirmative into Gabe's exhausted cock. Kol staggers as his orgasm overtakes him; continuing to pump away at Nixxy as she shudders and clenches in climax. When he finally stops, he lays against her gasping, feeling the gentle comingling of their fluids and her quivering aftershocks.

Nixxy drops Gabe onto her chest and he sprawls across her body in a boneless heap. The keplie's lips pull back into an exhausted smile and she nods "Good. Good reward for Nixxy. Thank you, friends…"

Toxoglossa 2018/04/08(Sun)17:33 No. 877958 ID: 07a312
File 152323401567.png - (139.17KB , 700x500 , woods.png )

Meanwhile, Casey and Miki find the edge of the park and set along the cliffside hiking path. A gentle sea breeze wafts through the pines, and the muted crash of waves comes over the hill.

"I wonder what's keeping the boys.." Miki ponders, stowing her parasol in the shade of the trees.

>>877958
probably just being gay

>>877958
Oh hey, that's him. Just say hello once you catch up. Ask if he's the sailor your associate ran into at the market. Is it okay if you check his ship for ghosts?

It sure would be great if they were here with pertinent information, but Nixxy deserves the best. Small talk about fishing, maybe? Nah, I guess be straightforward about what you wanted to talk about until the boys show up.

>>877957
Excellent riding, lads.
>>877958
There's your target. Casey, you want to tail at a distance? Mikky you want to wait for the boys?

They're probably caught up in resident fae shenanigans.
Anyway once you've caught up with Mr Scar keep him busy acting like to free spirited women interested in his "tall tales".

I was going to suggest that we follow him all sneaky beaky like, but fuck it, go be two charming ladies.

Toxoglossa 2018/04/09(Mon)17:16 No. 878078 ID: 07a312
File 152331939468.png - (116.98KB , 700x433 , 4-38.png )

“Knowing them? Probably having a quickie...” Casey smiles.

“Boys...” Miki rolls her eyes with good natured commiseration.

“Boys...” Casey agrees. She peers between the trees and points, “Hey, is that him?” Sure enough, a broad shouldered figure is visible between the pines. Even from a dozen yards away, a pale white slash is visible across his back.

Miki cranes over the undergrowth, “Its gotta be. What do we do? Should we hang back?”

“Nah, I don’t want to lose him. Besides, we’ve got nothing to hide, right? Let’s see if we can catch up.”

The pair double their efforts, setting a hurried pace down the trail. Fortunately, the path is easy and well maintained, but by the time they draw close, both of them feel out of breath. Miki leans against a tree, accidentally puffing out a flicker of flame, which evaporates in the dewy air. “Ughhh, I need longer legs.”

Toxoglossa 2018/04/09(Mon)17:16 No. 878079 ID: 07a312
File 152331939871.png - (127.52KB , 500x700 , 4-39.png )

As they get closer, the sailor stops and plants his feet, letting the sound of the ocean wash over him. His powerful arms drape loosely at his sides, each tipped with a set of savage looking claws. He half turns and fixes them with a glare, “You following me? What’dya want?”

>>878079
We wanna touch your muscles!

Offer to give his hands a massage.

With your thighs.

And then your muffs.

We saw you hiking up the hill and we were wondering where you were going. Is there a nice view up there or something?

Also, you're very attractive.

>>878079

Time *huff* to gasp and *puff* wheeze our ... *wheeeeze* our way through (fates, my legs) -- look, *inhale* we want to help.

I couldn't resist

>>878079
Tell him he looks like the seafaring type and you always found Sailors to be fascinating. Is there perhaps a chance he could tell you a seafaring tale?

Introduce yourself as Kol's friends. Apologize for disturbing him, but you wanted to know if you could help him with anything? If there's a ghost in his ship you can guide them to the afterlife.

>>878089
Pretty much this.

Let's not forget to add a flattering/flirtatious comment

Toxoglossa 2018/04/10(Tue)17:40 No. 878201 ID: 07a312
File 152340725109.png - (131.40KB , 700x600 , 4-40.png )

Casey steps forward cautiously, “Its Caleb, right? I’m Casey and this is Miki: we’re friends of Kol’s. We heard you might be headed this way and, well... we’re trying to help.”

The seal turns to face them, an uncertain anger etched across his face. His eyes flicker between them and the ground, “That’s... nice of you to offer, but we don’t need any help.“

We?

We? Um, well we do specialize in these sorts of things and we've done really well lately. Last time we made friends with a fae! So we don't know exactly what's going on this time, but we've been asked to help and even if you don't need it, maybe you might want it?

Not receptive at this time, so back off. Say "Alright, if you're sure. If you decide you would like some spirit guide help, we'll be working around the waterside for a while, doing investigations."

>>878201

That's... okay. That's fine. We're not here to force ourselves on you - I know it might seem that way, but we've really just come up for a chat. Miki here isn't a SPIRIT GUIDE like me, so, uh, if you REALLY don't want us to poke about, let us down gently, okay?

It's just... we'd like to talk about the 'ghost ship' rumour that's been going around. Kol said that you warned us away from investigating it, but we'd heard the ship's name was the Sea Scar and well... we ended up putting two and two together. Sorry if we're being rude.

Sure you don't want to talk about it?

>>878201
Tell him you can sign a non-disclosure agreement if he's got trade secrets.

You're not here to push anything, you're just here to help. Is it okay if you just talk for a bit?

>>878211
yeet

>>878201
who said you needed help, we are here to help weather you want it or not better to let us then to leave us to mess something up right?

Toxoglossa 2018/04/12(Thu)17:04 No. 878475 ID: 07a312
File 152357788159.png - (94.28KB , 700x362 , 4-41.png )

“We? Who’s we?” the question hangs in the air between them.

Caleb steps back, panic blooming in his eyes. “Nobody! Stay back! You leave him alone!” He retreats further up the path, an enormous hand held in front of himself protectively.

“Caleb, its okay, we just wanted to talk about-“

“The ghost ship right? You're Guardians aren’t you? He- he never hurt anybody!” His voice echoes into the trees, sending a flock of crows skyward. He takes another step back followed by another as tears stream from his eyes. “We’re fine, okay?”

Casey holds out her hand, “We’re not Guardians, Caleb. We’re just Guides. We just want to talk...“

Toxoglossa 2018/04/12(Thu)17:04 No. 878476 ID: 07a312
File 152357788763.png - (63.95KB , 700x500 , 4-42.png )

Caleb considers this, appearing to calm down. He shakes his head sadly, “No, I’m sorry. I... I can’t lose him again...”
The seal takes another step-

He's gonna fall, grab his hand quickly.

>>878476
He's gonna fall. Can you use tentacles to push him back from falling over the cliff?

>>878479
Well, if you mean "pull" then this one.

Tell him you want to help whoever he's talking about, not slay them! You make sure everyone wins, mortal, undead, or fae.

>>878476
Quick! Grab with your power before he falls! Pull him back!

>>878476
try to grab him around his belly with your magic larger target and less likely to hurt if he falls

Cry out, rush towards him, but slip and fall off the cliff yourself. Use the tentacles to emergency tether yourself to Kol and whatever tree/bush overlooks the cliff.

Pull him out of there!

Toxoglossa 2018/04/13(Fri)19:04 No. 878638 ID: 07a312
File 152367146280.png - (83.48KB , 700x445 , 4-43.png )

Casey flings her hand out, “Caleb, wait!” Her aura snakes out and coils and coils around the sailor’s wrist.

“No, let go!” Caleb struggles with the tentacle, losing his balance and slipping over the edge.

Casey and Miki manage to lock eyes for a split second before the weight of the seal yanks the Binder off her feet. “No wait! Miki!” She turns and reaches for the baker just as shes pulled off the cliff.

Toxoglossa 2018/04/13(Fri)19:04 No. 878639 ID: 07a312
File 152367146681.png - (153.83KB , 571x800 , 4-44.png )

Miki races after her and stops just short of the edge. “Caseyyyyyyyy!” She yells after her, looking around in a panic for what to do. She’s startled when the deck of a ship swings into view below her. It pulls along the shore, impossibly close to the cliff face, and stops perfectly still in defiance of the ceaseless waves. As she watches, the tiny form of Caleb grabs the rigging in one hand. He turns and catches Casey around the waist as she plummets past and swings onto the deck. The ship, seemingly on its own, turns into the tide and starts to sail away from the shore.

Toxoglossa 2018/04/13(Fri)19:04 No. 878640 ID: 07a312
File 152367147268.png - (144.27KB , 700x606 , 4-45.png )

Thunder crashes through the trees, causing Miki to squeak with surprise. Kol and Gabe drop out of a gate and a slow, creaking catastrophe of a sound builds up as a hundred year old pine slides off of its bisected stump. As the noise dies away, Gabe uncurls from his cringe while a drift of pine needles settles over the forest, “Shhhhhhiit, sorry.”

Kol sees the fear in Miki’s eyes, “What happened? Where’s Casey?”

>>878640
tell gabe to gate onto the ship, Miki

>>878640
Uh wait can he even gate onto a moving object safely?

>>878640
"SHIP!" Point! Take a breath and tell them that this guy is troubled and fell off the cliff when Casey tried to pull him away from the edge. He's scared and panicked.

>>878640
You still have a lot to practice, motherfucker!
>>878645
This!

"She's down there, on the ghost ship!"

>>878644
Open the widest gate you can manage, one end out in front of the ship, other end up here. After the Sea Scar runs aground and (ideally) has her bowsprit tangled up with the falling tree, ask politely for permission to come aboard.

The seal jumped on the ghost ship and Casey fell after him!

>>878640

I think ... Caleb and the Sea Scar are part of the same entity -- or else that's the other half of the "we."

Toxoglossa 2018/04/14(Sat)10:49 No. 878705 ID: 07a312
File 152372816819.png - (82.14KB , 700x500 , 4-46.png )

She rushes to him, her voice a blur of blazing syllables, “WefollowedthatguyhereandCaseytriedtotalktohimbuthegotscaredandjumpedoffthecliffandCaseytriedtostophimandtheylandedonaboatandITSSAILINGAWAY!WEHAVETOCATCHTHEM!”
She stops and refills her lungs, going cross-eyed as the air flows in.

Kol eyes the retreating ship. “Gabe, you think you can get us there?”

The sender squints through the sea haze and eyes his chances, “Moving target, rocking waves…" he checks the height of the cliff, "I’m gonna have to drop us in front of it and hope they don’t change course.” He frowns, “And I do mean drop. Depending on the swells we could end up at 3, maybe 4 meters above the deck."

"But you can do it?"

"I think so, give me a minute to figure out the range." Gabe makes a loop with his index finger and thumb and peers through it. There's a number of pops as he opens and closes a sequence of tiny portals and peers through them. By the time he's done, the Sender is sweating from exertion.

Toxoglossa 2018/04/14(Sat)10:49 No. 878706 ID: 07a312
File 152372817249.png - (154.41KB , 700x500 , 4-47.png )

Gabe nods to them and takes one last look at the distant ship. “Okay, get ready. Jump in as soon as the gate opens, and be ready to hit the deck.”

They get ready to jump and with a flick of his hand, the sender rips open a portal. The three of them dive through, falling a few feet and landing on the deck with a slight stagger.

They look around at the deserted deck, seeing coils of rope, carefully hung nets, racks of harpoons and barrels of fresh water. In spite of her anxiety, Miki looks excited, “I’ve never been on a ship before...”

The hairs on Kols neck stand on end, “There’s something on the ship... Something strong...”

“Wow, you can feel it already?” Gabe circles warily.

“Mmm hmm, its a Medium thing...”

>>878706
Gabe that is the middle of the ship not the front of the ship. Lucky we didn't slice through anything...

Anyway, Mixi should inform Kol that the seal has some kind of ghost boyfriend that he definitely does not want to let go of, so this mission might be a bust.

Casey must be below decks, go find her and see what the situation is like. If it's bad, we summon Nixxy. If it's not so bad yet we can try talking it out.

>>878706
Start calling out for Casey and asking if she’s ok.

Start calling out for Caleb and telling him that you’re Guides and just want to talk.

>”There’s something on the ship...Something strong...”
Considering the fact that the ship is moving and the sails aren’t being used to catch the wind, I think it might be safe to assume that the entire ship is possessed by a ghost.

Meaning you should be careful around any rope that’s lying around because it could spring up and tie you guys up!

Start by announcing that you know the story behind Caleb's scar. You can help him. You aren't here to fight.

Is it a strong thing or a medium thing? Make up your mind.

>>878706
"HEY YO WE'RE SORRY IF WE SPOOKED YOU, WE'RE NOT HERE TO EXORCISE YOU OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT WE JUST KINDA CHECK THINGS OUT TO MAKE SURE NOTHING'S CAUSING A DISTURBANCE AND SOMETIMES GET LAID, SORRY AGAIN FOR SPOOKING YOU"

Say that you know what's up with the scar and that you want to help. You don't plan to do anything like an exorcism without everyone's okay, including the ghost's.

Toxoglossa 2018/04/14(Sat)23:06 No. 878799 ID: 07a312
File 152377239099.png - (128.72KB , 700x514 , 4-48.png )

"What is it?" Gabe swivels, looking behind them.

“Dunno, never felt one before. Never felt this before, either...” Kol glares, “Be ready for anything.”

"Kol, Caleb said something before he fell: he said he didn't 'want to lose him again.'" Miki huddles closer to them. "Whatever is here, its close to Caleb…"

Toxoglossa 2018/04/14(Sat)23:06 No. 878800 ID: 07a312
File 152377239445.png - (233.91KB , 700x500 , 4-49.png )

A glow suffuses the ship, building until mana flares from the rigging

Toxoglossa 2018/04/14(Sat)23:06 No. 878801 ID: 07a312
File 152377239881.png - (111.93KB , 700x500 , 4-50.png )

The unnatural light crackles and leaps to the helm. The stairs creak under the weight of footsteps as a figure descends to the deck, its body crackling with-

Toxoglossa 2018/04/14(Sat)23:06 No. 878802 ID: 07a312
File 152377240386.png - (150.30KB , 500x700 , 4-51.png )

"Lichfire." Miki gasps.

"Who are you?" The figure demands.

>>878802
fuckers of the occult. no need to worry the lich we are Spirit Gurdians like Caleb got confused

>>878802
Introduce yourselves and apologize for the intrusion. Explain what's happened and that you mean no harm.

A Lich!? Wait, the stairs creaked... would a Lich do that without a body? Is this a fucking VAMPIRE?! Wait no I guess if the Lich had complete control over the ship he could be doing that to make it feel more like he's physically there, both to himself and others.

First impulse is to summon Nixxy. On the other hand, the report from the sailors just involved them getting thrown overboard. This could be a peaceful Lich.
How about this for an answer: "I'm Kol, this is Gabe and Mixi, and we are so totally out of our depth right now."

Ghosts gotta go to the Ghost Zone so they don't poison the mana pool, right?
>>878802
>"Who are you?" The figure demands.
"We are your doom."

>>878802
>"Who are you?"
“Hi, I’m Kol, this is Gabe, and we’re Spirit Guides. This is Miki and she’s a baker. Our friend and fellow Spirit Guide Casey accidentally fell onto your ship and we followed her down here to make sure she was ok.”

>>878803
No, we’re Spirit Guides, not Spirit Guardians.

>>878810
>"We are your doom."
No, don’t antagonize him!

>>878802
"Ship inspectors. This is Mully, that's Sculder, and I'm Gone Lunman. Sir, were you aware that your vessel has amounts of ectoplasm exceeding regulations?"

BUN BUN BUN BUN!! GOD, HE'S SO HOT
I don't know the best course of action but DON'T HURT THE BUN or else you'll suffer the terrible consequences of bunny karma. Yes, even if he's an undead monster wanting to chop your heads off. NO HURT BUN.

Carefully introduce yourself and don't just assume the bun wants to kill you just yet. Be good.

Gabe, your Sender abilities allow you to trap a ghost/spirit in a small place for a while, right? Be ready to try that if the bun turns out to be aggressive. I don't know if that'd work but it's worth a try at least, right?

Just introduce yourselves normally and politely. Casey, Gabe and Kol, Spirit Guides, and Miki, baker. Say sorry for suddenly jumping on the ship without asking permission but Casey got tangled with Caleb when she thought he was trying to kill himself or something, you know split second perceptions and all, and the rest came here after her to make sure she was ok.

Now that you are here, though, you should say you've received reports of... spooking.

>>878811
I agree with this. Don't make the pirate mad.
I think now i am understanding the backstory of this apparition.

>>878802

Tell the truth: Our friend fell off the cliffs trying to keep Caleb from falling, too. He caught her and they're both on the ship. We're here to bring her back.

No threats, no mention of being spirit guides; just people concerned for their friend who want to see that she's well.

And maybe invite Caleb to dinner for saving her, because it's the right thing to do.

Toxoglossa 2018/04/15(Sun)11:03 No. 878870 ID: 07a312
File 152381542154.png - (143.67KB , 700x500 , 4-52.png )

"I'm Kol and this is Gabe, we're Spirit Guides. This is our friend Miki. We're here because our partner, Casey, landed here while trying to help Caleb. We just want to see if she's okay…" the medium keeps his tone calm and peaceful despite the race of his heartbeat in his ears.

The apparition's glare softens, "She… Caleb took her belowdecks. I think… I think she was hurt in the fall. He said he was going to try to heal her…"

He looks at them imploringly, "Please! Caleb, he's not a bad person! He's- He was my husband… I know you're probably here for me but… I can't leave him! Not until I return what he gave me!"

>>878870
"How can we help?"

It's alright, we're not here to hurt anyone. If you explain more about the situation, maybe we can see if there's something we can do to help?

>>878870
Tell him it's alright. This situation is not what you expected, now you'd just like to help. Ask his name.
Let me guess: Caleb gave the ghost his sealskin when they were both still alive, but it was lost on the sea floor and they've been searching down there somehow, catching deep sea fish in the process?

Sounds like a good deal to make. You find what he gave them, and then the ghost can disappear without any fighting or anything bad like that. It sounds like they're not lingering out of desire to drain mana from people. Still, -keep your guard up-.

>>878870
“Hey, it’s okay. We don't work like that. Our job is to show you the way and help you move on. We only banish if someone is in danger and as far as we can tell, you haven’t done anything to hurt anyone or put anyone in danger, so we’re not gonna banish you.”

“Why don’t we all go below deck? Both you and Caleb can tell us your stories and that’ll help us find a way to help you.”

>>878870
was it his coat?

Our business is helping folk like you. Now, tell us, how can we be of service? And if it is not too much to ask, can we check on our friend? We are kind of worried.

If you can give Gabe some more mana, and maybe hold the ship steady, we could solve some of those problems with portals. Scout out the ocean floor through waterproof windows, return the injured binder to a proper hospital, something like that.

Actually we just want you to move your ship out of the good fishing spots and not get in the way of the harbor or other ships, after that you and Caleb are free to settle thing your own way if you like and move on when you a Caleb are ready.

His skin, right? Did you lose it, and that's what caused you to get spotted? We can help find it.

>>878870

Looks like we'll be helping a lot of people today, then. Time to ask him what we can do.

Oh.. did he give up his skin to be with you?

Toxoglossa 2018/04/16(Mon)19:09 No. 879153 ID: 07a312
File 152393094651.png - (144.71KB , 700x574 , 4-53.png )

“His skin right?” The lich steps back, staggered with surprise. Kol continues, “Caleb’s a selkie, right? He’s trapped in his current form without the skin from his scar. What happened, did you lose it?”

The lich sighs, “No, its not like that... In the old days, to marry a selkie you had to steal its skin while it was on land and hide it away. It was a sign of ownership, and if the skin was found they would be free. Caleb... he gave me his skin out of love: giving up his life in the sea so we could be together.”

“Awwww!” Miki swoons.

The lich smiles, taking confidence from the baker’s warmth, “The fae have very particular rules about these things. They believe in something given for something taken, and he trusted me with his skin. So I did what I was supposed to: I hid it.” He shakes his head, rattling his dreadlocks, "But after I died... I-I couldn’t remember where...”

He wipes his eyes, “I... I haven’t told Caleb this, but... its getting harder to remember things. Living things, I mean. I’m forgetting the way things tasted, the feel of the breeze, the... the feel of his warmth on a cold night... I’m scared that if this goes on too long, there’ll be nothing left!”

Kol steps forward carefully, putting a hand on the lich’s shoulder and feeling the shock of icy fire course up his arm. “What’s your name?”

He hesitates, as though taking a moment to remember, “Adrian. I- I’m Adrian.”

“Don’t worry, Adrian. We’re here to help.” he takes his hand away and shakes some feeling back into it. “Why don’t you take us below. We need to check on our partner first, okay?”

Adrian nods and leads the way, taking them to a narrow door in the side of the ship.

Toxoglossa 2018/04/16(Mon)19:09 No. 879154 ID: 07a312
File 152393095605.png - (169.75KB , 800x438 , 4-54.png )

They follow him down a twisty staircase; Kol and Gabe having to duck to fit through.

Belowdecks, they enter a messy cabin: its walls tacked with nautical charts, books lay open on shelves, the pages shifting gently as the ship sways, an elaborate looking fishing lure sits in a tiny workman’s vise emitting a strange glow. A large hammock swings between a pair of supports and above it, a small, glass photoplate hangs from the wall depicting Caleb and Adrian in formalwear, caught mid embrace.

Casey lays across a table at the far end of the room, her arms over her stomach and groaning slightly with each breath. A pile of books and equipment looks as though its been shoved to the ground to make room for her. Beside her, a grim faced Caleb pours a glowing liquid out of a glass flask and into a shallow dish. He looks up as they enter, “Adrian, wha- You!” nearly dropping the flask, his skin momentarily goes as white as his scars. “What? How’d you get here?”

>>879154
"Adrian let us in.
We understand you need relationship counseling."

>>879153
Liches are physical without possessing someone? Interesting.

>>879154
Portal. Don't worry, nothing got sliced. How's she doing?

>>879164
What if we have Adrian possess Caleb? Would that be a sustainable solution?

Easy now Caleb. Adrian allready informed us about your dilemma, and, as we tried to explain when we first met, we are here to help. But first, we need to check on Caesy.

>>879154
Hey, Caleb. Used a portal. Met your BF. He's cute. How's Casey?

Portal. But why we're here is more important. We weren't going to abandon Casey. And also we're here because we want to help. With your skin, and with your husband. And not in a Good way, in a Guide way. To find something sustainable.

Toxoglossa 2018/04/17(Tue)18:40 No. 879296 ID: 07a312
File 152401562858.png - (100.81KB , 700x455 , 4-55.png )

“Oh, that’d be me.” Gabe waves, “I’m Gabe, I’m a Sender. Is Casey okay? What happened?”

“A Sender, of course-“ Caleb shakes his head. “I should have known. I- I’m sorry I didn’t mean for her to get hurt. She got pulled after me and I caught her, but I think I bruised her ribs when I did.”

Casey sits up, taking short, light breaths, “I’ll be okay. Good to see you guys.”

Toxoglossa 2018/04/17(Tue)18:40 No. 879297 ID: 07a312
File 152401563210.png - (116.45KB , 700x655 , 4-56.png )

Caleb holds up the flask for them to see. It glows in his hand like liquid lichfire. “I was going to try and use this to heal her.”

Kol takes the flask and sloshes it, the glowing concoction slides around the container in an oily, slightly viscous wave. “What is it?”

“Its mana oil, from the abyssal reapers.” He sighs, “Its how I’ve been able to sustain Adrian for so long. They’re ancient fish, from the age of Wild Mana, long before the Guardians. The mana in their blood keeps them alive so that they can go years without feeding.” He looks into the little bowl, the luminescent fluid gleaming in his eyes, “Sailors tell myths about them: that eating one could bring back your youth, or heal the sick, or raise the dead. I went looking for them once I lost Adrian...”

>>879297
Ah. Well, it's not exactly a healing potion but I suppose we'll see if it works?

In the meantime, where have they looked for his skin?

>>879297
do you have a limited supply of that stuff if so save it for now we have an adventure to go on and we need you both in tip top shape.

>>879300
both being you and the lich

>>879297
"Ok, so. Adrian is forgetting what it feels like to be alive. He doesn't want that to happen.
At the moment, he wants to find your skin so that he can move on without leaving you enslaved forever. The problem is that he can't remember where he hid it.

Bit of an out-there idea, but have you considered asking Adrian possess you? You either share control, or take turns. He gets to feel being alive, you get to stay together."

>>879297
Or it might do something bad to her. I'm sorry, but I'd rather take her to a conventional healer.

Besides that, can we do anything for Adrian and Caleb? They sound like they need help.

>>879297

"Limited supply, huh? With Gabe here, if Casey needs medical help we can get her a check-up and some healing, so you could save it for giving your hubby a boost. If they're this manifest, yet not far gone it must've helped a lot. Still... there's something you need to know. Adrian? Please. Find your courage. Tell your love what you told me."

Wait for Adrian to admit to forgetfulness.

"I'm a Medium, Caleb. I speak to ghosts and spirits, do last requests and help people pass in peace. Adrian isn't ready to go yet, but it's becoming more important that he do so before losing himself - and so... I'm here - we're here - and we'd like to help Adrian recover your skin, if at all possible. If it helps, I could borrow Adrian my body - since experiencing life again might jog his memory. I've never actually done it for a ghost of his caliber."

>>879297

So Caleb found them, as we know. I take it the myths were just that, then; myths.

Don't liches have a phylactery or something to keep them bound to the physical realm? What's sustaining Adrian?

>>879322
It’s probably that elaborate looking fishing lure that’s sitting in a tiny workman’s vise emitting a strange glow on the table behind Caleb right here: >>879154 .

Save the mana oil for adrian, he needs it more and we already know a healer.

As for the skin... I don't know if letting adrian borrow Kol's body is gonna work out too well since adrian already has a physical form still. We should try and figure out if Adrian left it in the ocean or on land.

Let's not experiment on Casey. It sustains lichfire but who knows what it really does to flesh, and to Guide flesh at that. I feel bad for her, but we know a healer and that's a lot safer. We might have to just ask her to lay down for a bit, while we help your situation. Adrian might have something to tell you about that. After, I'm a Medium. I could maybe loan my body in order to help with that.

We can send her to a healer if needed. There's something we need to help you two with..