Mystical stranger

@hooded-vessel

Master of magic and necromancy.

336 posts

Maybe it's about time to make an intro post for this goober.

The hooded vessel, or the mystical stranger, is the seventh oldest vessel, born from the first batch of vessels. As it lived and climbed during the short story "Ascension" it despised the Pale King, which has come to influence its goals and motivation.

With the Higher Beings subjugating, enthralling, killing and manipulating the mortal bugs, the vessel took it upon itself to save them by any means.

It traveled for centuries learning and mastering multiple types of magic. First spell it ever learnt was Shade Soul, after which it studied both shamanism and Void-magic from a since deceased Snail Shaman. Soul magic was the easiest to learn, but the hooded vessel is among the best users in history. It knows necromancy and can manipulate the Soul inside living creatures. Dream magic is also a type the mystical stranger has mastered, able to read minds and conjure essence based creations.

The vessel travels with its little companion, the Shade named Them. Them was once a vessel which had two Shades in one shell, causing an eternal painful bloating. The vessel cut out the Shades to the wish of one, but against the wish of the other. When cutting, the friendly Shade was cut in half, leaving Them small and mute. The other Shade did not want to be separated, so when it was it became aggressive. It also absorbed the other part of Them to grow larger. This aggressive Shade is referred to as The Other Half.

Currently the hooded vessel is back to their usual self, but new understandings have shifted their perspective.

There are some rules:

-No NSFW!

-I love interacting with other blogs!

-The vessel doesn't have a gender, so it is referred to as it/its.

-I do large overarching arcs FYI.

-Morally grey.

#mystical stranger #hooded vessel #pharloomblr #them the dual shade #intro post

arachnidwithsaws

Looking for a higher purpose?

~{The scorpion looks up, his stinging tail not even bothering to flick anymore.}~

And what… could you be suggesting?

A vessel teleports in front of the scorpion. It's much larger than the Hollow Knight.

"To remove our gods."

arachnidwithsaws

~{He stares, unresponsive for several moments.}~

…

You do not possess the power.

I may be without a purpose, but I do not desire my own death so fiercely, tall vessel.

~{His tone does not shift, it is monotonous and cynical. He doesn’t believe in their capabilities. Not yet.}~

"I do possess the power. I fought one and won. The only reason they survived is that I was stabbed in the back. Will you be part of my great plan, not to kill, but to render useless?"

arachnidwithsaws

~{He tilted his head slightly as he scanned the stranger’s overall posture for any tells of a lie.}~

It would enrage them… the higher beings are often a vengeful sort, tall vessel. What will you do then? When they lash out? When they find a way to… take a shred of your dignity? Your will?

~{He kept testing for answers. He wanted to know that this potential idea was being headed by a creature who had thought everything through.}~

~{His tail flicked with his suspicions, splashing up some water from a calm puddle that it rested inside.}~

The stranger's eyes lit up orange as it showed its mastery over Dream magic. Teleportation had the scorpion already seen. It summoned a whirling mass of Soul around one hand and a whip of Void from the other.

"I may not be more powerful than a god using their own powers, but I have mastery of many different ones I can combine. That makes me a threat."

arachnidwithsaws

Hm… A volatile sorcerer of sorts?

I’ve never had luck with anyone who’s twisted both Void and Soul, heightened vessel.

Life and the absence of it… wielded together?

That would indeed bring down those above us… but it would also threaten our own ruin… yes?

Or do you suggest that… you have total… control? A perfect balance?

~{He shifted as he moved to stand on his four legs, though he was still dwarfed by the vessel he was speaking with.}~

"Yes, little Scoripon. I am attuned to them both. I see your curiosity has been piqued. Seek me in Hallownest if you want. I can teach you a lot."

arachnidwithsaws

Hm…Hallownest is a grand kingdom, I would know. Where in its vast reaches will I find you?

~{He pressed further, regrettably curious.}~

"I haven't decided yet. The Crystal Peaks would suffice. That's all." the vessel flashes white and disappears.

#scoripon #mystical stranger #highest falls #hallownest

arachnidwithsaws

Looking for a higher purpose?

~{The scorpion looks up, his stinging tail not even bothering to flick anymore.}~

And what… could you be suggesting?

A vessel teleports in front of the scorpion. It's much larger than the Hollow Knight.

"To remove our gods."

arachnidwithsaws

~{He stares, unresponsive for several moments.}~

…

You do not possess the power.

I may be without a purpose, but I do not desire my own death so fiercely, tall vessel.

~{His tone does not shift, it is monotonous and cynical. He doesn’t believe in their capabilities. Not yet.}~

"I do possess the power. I fought one and won. The only reason they survived is that I was stabbed in the back. Will you be part of my great plan, not to kill, but to render useless?"

arachnidwithsaws

~{He tilted his head slightly as he scanned the stranger’s overall posture for any tells of a lie.}~

It would enrage them… the higher beings are often a vengeful sort, tall vessel. What will you do then? When they lash out? When they find a way to… take a shred of your dignity? Your will?

~{He kept testing for answers. He wanted to know that this potential idea was being headed by a creature who had thought everything through.}~

~{His tail flicked with his suspicions, splashing up some water from a calm puddle that it rested inside.}~

The stranger's eyes lit up orange as it showed its mastery over Dream magic. Teleportation had the scorpion already seen. It summoned a whirling mass of Soul around one hand and a whip of Void from the other.

"I may not be more powerful than a god using their own powers, but I have mastery of many different ones I can combine. That makes me a threat."

arachnidwithsaws

Hm… A volatile sorcerer of sorts?

I’ve never had luck with anyone who’s twisted both Void and Soul, heightened vessel.

Life and the absence of it… wielded together?

That would indeed bring down those above us… but it would also threaten our own ruin… yes?

Or do you suggest that… you have total… control? A perfect balance?

~{He shifted as he moved to stand on his four legs, though he was still dwarfed by the vessel he was speaking with.}~

"Yes, little Scoripon. I am attuned to them both. I see your curiosity has been piqued. Seek me in Hallownest if you want. I can teach you a lot."

#scoripon #mystical stranger #highest falls

arachnidwithsaws

Looking for a higher purpose?

~{The scorpion looks up, his stinging tail not even bothering to flick anymore.}~

And what… could you be suggesting?

A vessel teleports in front of the scorpion. It's much larger than the Hollow Knight.

"To remove our gods."

arachnidwithsaws

~{He stares, unresponsive for several moments.}~

…

You do not possess the power.

I may be without a purpose, but I do not desire my own death so fiercely, tall vessel.

~{His tone does not shift, it is monotonous and cynical. He doesn’t believe in their capabilities. Not yet.}~

"I do possess the power. I fought one and won. The only reason they survived is that I was stabbed in the back. Will you be part of my great plan, not to kill, but to render useless?"

arachnidwithsaws

~{He tilted his head slightly as he scanned the stranger’s overall posture for any tells of a lie.}~

It would enrage them… the higher beings are often a vengeful sort, tall vessel. What will you do then? When they lash out? When they find a way to… take a shred of your dignity? Your will?

~{He kept testing for answers. He wanted to know that this potential idea was being headed by a creature who had thought everything through.}~

~{His tail flicked with his suspicions, splashing up some water from a calm puddle that it rested inside.}~

The stranger's eyes lit up orange as it showed its mastery over Dream magic. Teleportation had the scorpion already seen. It summoned a whirling mass of Soul around one hand and a whip of Void from the other.

"I may not be more powerful than a god using their own powers, but I have mastery of many different ones I can combine. That makes me a threat."

arachnidwithsaws

Hm… A volatile sorcerer of sorts?

I’ve never had luck with anyone who’s twisted both Void and Soul, heightened vessel.

Life and the absence of it… wielded together?

That would indeed bring down those above us… but it would also threaten our own ruin… yes?

Or do you suggest that… you have total… control? A perfect balance?

~{He shifted as he moved to stand on his four legs, though he was still dwarfed by the vessel he was speaking with.}~

"Yes, little Scoripon. I am attuned to them both. I see your curiosity has been piqued. Seek me in Hallownest if you want. I can teach you a lot."

#scoripon #mystical stranger #highest falls

arachnidwithsaws

Looking for a higher purpose?

~{The scorpion looks up, his stinging tail not even bothering to flick anymore.}~

And what… could you be suggesting?

A vessel teleports in front of the scorpion. It's much larger than the Hollow Knight.

"To remove our gods."

arachnidwithsaws

~{He stares, unresponsive for several moments.}~

…

You do not possess the power.

I may be without a purpose, but I do not desire my own death so fiercely, tall vessel.

~{His tone does not shift, it is monotonous and cynical. He doesn’t believe in their capabilities. Not yet.}~

"I do possess the power. I fought one and won. The only reason they survived is that I was stabbed in the back. Will you be part of my great plan, not to kill, but to render useless?"

arachnidwithsaws

~{He tilted his head slightly as he scanned the stranger’s overall posture for any tells of a lie.}~

It would enrage them… the higher beings are often a vengeful sort, tall vessel. What will you do then? When they lash out? When they find a way to… take a shred of your dignity? Your will?

~{He kept testing for answers. He wanted to know that this potential idea was being headed by a creature who had thought everything through.}~

~{His tail flicked with his suspicions, splashing up some water from a calm puddle that it rested inside.}~

The stranger's eyes lit up orange as it showed its mastery over Dream magic. Teleportation had the scorpion already seen. It summoned a whirling mass of Soul around one hand and a whip of Void from the other.

"I may not be more powerful than a god using their own powers, but I have mastery of many different ones I can combine. That makes me a threat."

#scoripon #mystical stranger #highest falls

arachnidwithsaws

Looking for a higher purpose?

~{The scorpion looks up, his stinging tail not even bothering to flick anymore.}~

And what… could you be suggesting?

A vessel teleports in front of the scorpion. It's much larger than the Hollow Knight.

"To remove our gods."

arachnidwithsaws

~{He stares, unresponsive for several moments.}~

…

You do not possess the power.

I may be without a purpose, but I do not desire my own death so fiercely, tall vessel.

~{His tone does not shift, it is monotonous and cynical. He doesn’t believe in their capabilities. Not yet.}~

"I do possess the power. I fought one and won. The only reason they survived is that I was stabbed in the back. Will you be part of my great plan, not to kill, but to render useless?"

#scoripon #mystical stranger #highest falls

arachnidwithsaws

Looking for a higher purpose?

~{The scorpion looks up, his stinging tail not even bothering to flick anymore.}~

And what… could you be suggesting?

A vessel teleports in front of the scorpion. It's much larger than the Hollow Knight.

"To remove our gods."

#higher sights #scoripon #mystical stranger

*the distant revelry of the crowd drifts through the empty city, the sound of countless voices all crying out in a joy barely felt between these metal walls and scraping spires that scream up at the sky. Pieris stands directly in the street, her staff in hand, held before her like a life line, like she needs it to keep herself up. and she waits.

this fleeting crumbling world, this monument to cruelty and pain... how had she ever called it her home? the nobles laugh at misfortune, prey upon the weak, live upon the bones and broken bodies of the less fortunate who live upon the toil and agony of slaves and stolen. and at the heart of it, at the centre of that writhing rot her father rules supreme.

cruel and cold like the howling winds that surround, a wicked thing, a wretched thing. a thing that believes itself the apex of all creation. a thing that believes itself owed everything it wishes for. she had bowed before it. swore fealty to it. had been sired by it unwillingly.

her fingers tighten. her breath is harsh in her throat. and many footsteps approach...*

So you have come; I knew you would...

I should warn you poor lost things, I will not fall as easily as that automata of metal.

[Pieris, Steel Princess Health 750/750]

@lurienthewatcherofficial

lurienthewatcherofficial

*its... her? Lurien, leading the charge, skids to a stop but despite Pieris' desire to do battle his hand does not drop to his pin. she knows, as he knows, as he can see and tell, that she does not have the strength to truly attack him, she does not have the willpower to fight. especially when he sees her take a tiny almost unnoticeable step back. she fears, as she should, she remembers their last fight, as if he could forget it. he stares her down, all three eyes glaring hard*

You fell pretty easily last time if I recall, or at least you surrendered without complaint. Do you really want to fight? Now I've come with allies? If I was enough to defeat you what hope to do stand now?

Look; last I recall the Steelwyrm had tossed you like garbage, why not help us instead?

@the-steelwyrm

*Pieris seems to consider that, her head tilted in a very familiar way, tail swaying behind her, wings opening and closing as she mulls the thought over. yes, father had discarded her and her sisters, yes he is a master most unkind, but he is still her father, he is still deserving of her best... is he not?

but then again, her sibling, the one that saved her, saved Emilia, saved Baptisia, they plan to fell the gods it seems, or remove their power, or destroy their rulership. wouldn't offering what help she can, wouldn't aiding these fools in killing her sire help in that matter? ...it seems her choice is made. her stance relaxes*

I will neither fight you nor fight with you. But I can offer what information I hold. Ask your questions; lingering here ere long will only make me doubt myself further.

Speak.

@dryya-the-fierce

dryya-the-fierce

Dryya crosses her arms, pondering what to do next. There was so much to say, but the cheering civilians practically shook the city.

"Hell, what I need to know is how I kill him." she was blunt, direct, but nervous under all her armor. She had more to lose than just her life. Not that that would be a problem, she recognized the vessel standing by the Daughter of Steel, the same one who brought her to life. It glanced at her and nodded in greeting.

A fair question and one even I, his daughter, do not know for certain. His face bears scars, this I can say, so he is not entirely without weakness or beyond the ability to be harmed. Burns, I would guess, an ugly heinous mess. But such injuries were caused by another Higher Being, and you seem to lack one of those unless you can convince the Whitewyrm to fight along side you.

Blades and spells, claws and teeth. And luck. A bounty of luck.

@baldwin-the-protector

baldwin-the-protector

Baldwin has his hand on his axe just in case.

I can already tell something about you...

He's abusive...

Why not help us take him down?

I value my life. And what gave you that impression? This city, its slaves, the power he commands, the countless brides he's taken and killed in a fit of passion? Truly a statement for the ages.

No, I have already said I will not help you further than this, and, these questions and answers that follow will aide in his ending, if such a thing can truly end.

@theabyssalshaman

theabyssalshaman

"I wield the Void, the primordial nothingness that hungers for Soul. Could that hurt him? It hurts everything else."

@the-steelwyrm

If it is alive, if it bears any glimmer of light within it then, yes, the void itself surges up to devour. A ripe meal he would be for your powers; afeared of them too in truth. He would think twice about attacking should you show such might.

@scarlet-and-dew

scarlet-and-dew

Dew’s hands still tremble, but this time he steels his resolve. He’s not running this time.

Wait.

Hmm?

Let me talk to her. Perhaps another god talking to her will help.

But what about your cover?

It already knows we are here. There is no longer any point in staying hidden.

Dew closes his eyes.

“…Chalybs.”

A small whisper. But even that was enough. When next Dew opens his eyes, the one on his left was a bright gold. When his voice speaks, another seems to boom lightly in a whisper.

“Listen. Pieres, is it? We understand your fear. The Steelwyrm is an incredibly strong being feared even among the Gods of Steel. In a fair fight, it would most likely kill some of us.”

Their eyes narrow.

“But even it is not indestructible. As you said yourself, its face is scarred. That means it bleeds. And if something can bleed, then it can die. And especially with these fine and skilled warriors, one of whom has felled a god herself, I am sure that even it shall die.”

Dew blinks, and both his eyes and voice return to normal. He stumbles a bit, before regaining his balance.

“…Sorry. That’s all I have to say.”

@the-steelwyrm

*for a moment, Pieris startled. her name spoken despite introduction; the bug before her is more than meets the eye it seems…*

Bleed the Steelwyrm can, be cut and be burned and be broken, true. But in this fight it is not just the Wyrm you would fight; tis the very city neath our feet. He is intertwined with it in ways which disgusts and reviles; he is the city and the city is he.

But you speak of a god slayer? I would assume that is you?

@pluralhornet

"I am, indeed, the God Slayer, but it is really the Void that killed her, for that was the plan. This furthermore suggests that the Shaman's Void control is our best weapon against this Wyrm."

@the-steelwyrm

Ha! It is but one tool you have, a good one, but it will take more than that. Will his void be able to consume all, this city, its sins? I doubt it. You will need more than just that no matter how under control it is thought to be. My father may fear that darkness, he may keep his distance, but fear does not work forever... if it did you would not have a traitor in your midst, would you?

What've you to say for yourself?

@blackguard-sentinel

blackguard-sentinel

I would say traitor is a rather strong word, I am simply supporting whomsoever is effective.

I may technically be bound to the Steelwyrm and his kin due to the fact that I can't shed the title of Blackguard, but I sure can assist one of his daughters in killing him.

So, I will work with the opposition for now.

@the-steelwyrm

Who said I was drawing blade? This is the third time I have declined to face my father and I will not repeat myself again; should any of you ask I shall turn on my heel and reject further questioning.

@xero-and-markoth

xero-and-markoth

I won't tell you to fight your daddy.

I'm just asking where you want me to stab him.

In the dick? Sure

Up the ass? Alright.

Take your pick

You are foul, disgusting and crass. Well done on wasting your one chance to glean infomation, very wise of you I do see.

Any others wish to follow suit?

@beast-queen-of-deepnest

beast-queen-of-deepnest

*Herrah yawns and then flips her off. She is here for battle. She is bored.*

@the-steelwyrm

Delightful.

Do any of you have the desire to actually survive this or are you all treating this as a joke?

@wolf-and-fox

The air displacement shifts, then fully collapses on itself for The Biting Wind to fully appear. Despite the distinction of an echoing voice - about as steady as someone who would really like to bite something right now -, the only physical movement regarding their jaws is their teeth baring into a snarl. As far as I have ever been aware, your… leader, parent… some form of that role, has caused enough threat to everyone else here. I am doing this for the safety of my kindred. I do not know about how much they- Their snout swings across the main portion of the main group- care about survivability, but I can assume it's a great deal. I am doing this for a similar reason, if not my own then the rest of my home group. I will not force you to fight alongside us - I do not know you, and more importantly what your limits are. I will, however, ask of any important information be sent our way. And then, they fall nearly completely silent again, watching very patiently. Strained patience, but patience nonetheless.

@the-steelwyrm

Threat he may be but father just as much; no matter the pain called there is still affection held. As I have said, upon matters of importance, he is connected to this city in ways mortals, gods and other beings may not truly understand; he is both it's beating heart and its lord. It is both his body and his fortress. He commands the very walls, the buildings, the weapons, the bugs, the blades; he commands all. And he will use it. Some may think him a coward, imagining that he sits upon his throne and does war from up on high, but trust me when I say he leads his armies in person and he is far from easy to take advantage of.

He's clever, quick, underhanded, and will be angry. You need to bring your best.

@eternal-voidbound-fire

eternal-voidbound-fire

I've little to question; if anything, my main one was answered for me.

However... I do wonder... how exactly does he fight? Is there any particular pattern or style to it?

*(Siblings quietly bickering down here.)*

(Really?)

(Yes. We should know so we are aware of how to dodge bugshit attacks..!)

(... fair.)

He weilds a blade crafted from one of his old teeth; a sharper weapon has never been wielded by the hands of bugs or above, that I can promise. He is precise, either jabbing forth with clean motions or sweeping to slice at all enemies in reach. He is resourceful and clever, using traps and tools to better his chances, fond of spikes and cutting things, fond of things that will grind your limbs to sticks. While he wields magic of soul he does not rely upon it often. With the Whitewyrm by his side however, things may become complicated.

I know not the state his captive is in but if he has broken it then, well, my father has an extra tool at his disposial...

@partialpablo

Pablo has a question. He has forgotten, does the Steelwyrm wear armor, or is that just its skin? Either way, the main question is whether it can melt.

He does wear armour but it is simple steel, nothing more; it will melt under the duress of excessive heat. His shell, no matter how steely it looks, is wyrm scale through and through but, a small word… he admits to having never truly having a shell as strong as others of our kind. And that he finds being warm unbearable. Use that was you will.

It seems the rest of your allies have spoken.

@glacier-the-vessel

glacier-the-vessel

*Glacier stays silent. They’re mute, after all*

*Truthfully, nothing but rage is going through their mind. Rage at the Steelwyrm for potentially breaking and harming their father, rage at the Blackguard for being let free, and even some rage at Hornet for healing the Blackguard*

*They don’t even notice the fact that they’re shaking slightly, pin gripped tightly in their hand*

@the-steelwyrm

I don't know what I expected... Well then; your questions have been asked, you are as prepared as you can be. If you hurry...

*her gaze drops to the moth, the bastard who had defeated her and her sisters, the one who should be by all rights and reason, dead. her eyes quickly switch targets, a short glance towards the sibling who had saved her and her sisters. she lingers for but a moment before returning to the task at hand*

If you hurry you may be able to crash the wedding and save your king, but I doubt by now there is much left to save.

...Is there aught you wish to say...?

@hooded-vessel

The hooded stranger speaks up with its low, monotone voice that resonated confidence and intelligence.

"I will not revive any of you, except you, Lurien. See, the Soul you walk with is mine, as was the white knight's before I let her free."

The vessel made sure Lurien could physically feel the bond, like an elastic band stretched between them. The vessel metaphorically plucked a string, forcing on Lurien a random emotion.

"There will be a day where you're rewarded your autonomy. That I promise. But, you'll owe me some favors for bringing you back."

(999/1000 health)

@lurienthewatcherofficial

lurienthewatcherofficial

Crash the what now? I'm sorry. The what? Wedding? What fucking wedding are you on about? Excuse me?!

*if it was not anger that was wished to be caused sadly it is drowned out by the searing heat of having heard Pieris' words; poking at him, reminding him of things done merely has his pin drawn and pointed at the hooded vessel, his hand unwavering, certain, steady*

I don't owe you shit. I don't care if you're Strelitzia's child, I don't care how strong you think you are, I don't care if you own me; right now you are stood in my way. So would you kindly move?

@hooded-vessel

"I can always reclaim my favor. Would you rather I do that then? No, you want to save your lover, and I will let you. After all, he's the one I need. You're the bait. Hook, line and sinker."

The vessel steps out of the way for the group to pass.

"You have a strong affinity for Dream magic. You're able to use her for her power. It's your heritage. You'll go far if you embrace it. You might even surpass me."

Th vessel takes Pieris by her shoulders, and in a flash they were gone.

@lurienthewatcherofficial

#[caged wyrm]#mystical stranger

Hey so liiiike

There is this god in a box named Eva but she's really sad and really harmless because she's literally stuck in just one place and she physically cannot affect the world from within her box so could you liiiike not kill her please? Thanks

"No god will die, do not worry. Well, not through my plan at least. What happens after is none of my doing."

#{nil dei}#mystical stranger #answering the people

*the distant revelry of the crowd drifts through the empty city, the sound of countless voices all crying out in a joy barely felt between these metal walls and scraping spires that scream up at the sky. Pieris stands directly in the street, her staff in hand, held before her like a life line, like she needs it to keep herself up. and she waits.

this fleeting crumbling world, this monument to cruelty and pain... how had she ever called it her home? the nobles laugh at misfortune, prey upon the weak, live upon the bones and broken bodies of the less fortunate who live upon the toil and agony of slaves and stolen. and at the heart of it, at the centre of that writhing rot her father rules supreme.

cruel and cold like the howling winds that surround, a wicked thing, a wretched thing. a thing that believes itself the apex of all creation. a thing that believes itself owed everything it wishes for. she had bowed before it. swore fealty to it. had been sired by it unwillingly.

her fingers tighten. her breath is harsh in her throat. and many footsteps approach...*

So you have come; I knew you would...

I should warn you poor lost things, I will not fall as easily as that automata of metal.

[Pieris, Steel Princess Health 750/750]

@lurienthewatcherofficial

lurienthewatcherofficial

*its... her? Lurien, leading the charge, skids to a stop but despite Pieris' desire to do battle his hand does not drop to his pin. she knows, as he knows, as he can see and tell, that she does not have the strength to truly attack him, she does not have the willpower to fight. especially when he sees her take a tiny almost unnoticeable step back. she fears, as she should, she remembers their last fight, as if he could forget it. he stares her down, all three eyes glaring hard*

You fell pretty easily last time if I recall, or at least you surrendered without complaint. Do you really want to fight? Now I've come with allies? If I was enough to defeat you what hope to do stand now?

Look; last I recall the Steelwyrm had tossed you like garbage, why not help us instead?

@the-steelwyrm

*Pieris seems to consider that, her head tilted in a very familiar way, tail swaying behind her, wings opening and closing as she mulls the thought over. yes, father had discarded her and her sisters, yes he is a master most unkind, but he is still her father, he is still deserving of her best... is he not?

but then again, her sibling, the one that saved her, saved Emilia, saved Baptisia, they plan to fell the gods it seems, or remove their power, or destroy their rulership. wouldn't offering what help she can, wouldn't aiding these fools in killing her sire help in that matter? ...it seems her choice is made. her stance relaxes*

I will neither fight you nor fight with you. But I can offer what information I hold. Ask your questions; lingering here ere long will only make me doubt myself further.

Speak.

@dryya-the-fierce

dryya-the-fierce

Dryya crosses her arms, pondering what to do next. There was so much to say, but the cheering civilians practically shook the city.

"Hell, what I need to know is how I kill him." she was blunt, direct, but nervous under all her armor. She had more to lose than just her life. Not that that would be a problem, she recognized the vessel standing by the Daughter of Steel, the same one who brought her to life. It glanced at her and nodded in greeting.

A fair question and one even I, his daughter, do not know for certain. His face bears scars, this I can say, so he is not entirely without weakness or beyond the ability to be harmed. Burns, I would guess, an ugly heinous mess. But such injuries were caused by another Higher Being, and you seem to lack one of those unless you can convince the Whitewyrm to fight along side you.

Blades and spells, claws and teeth. And luck. A bounty of luck.

@baldwin-the-protector

baldwin-the-protector

Baldwin has his hand on his axe just in case.

I can already tell something about you...

He's abusive...

Why not help us take him down?

I value my life. And what gave you that impression? This city, its slaves, the power he commands, the countless brides he's taken and killed in a fit of passion? Truly a statement for the ages.

No, I have already said I will not help you further than this, and, these questions and answers that follow will aide in his ending, if such a thing can truly end.

@theabyssalshaman

theabyssalshaman

"I wield the Void, the primordial nothingness that hungers for Soul. Could that hurt him? It hurts everything else."

@the-steelwyrm

If it is alive, if it bears any glimmer of light within it then, yes, the void itself surges up to devour. A ripe meal he would be for your powers; afeared of them too in truth. He would think twice about attacking should you show such might.

@scarlet-and-dew

scarlet-and-dew

Dew’s hands still tremble, but this time he steels his resolve. He’s not running this time.

Wait.

Hmm?

Let me talk to her. Perhaps another god talking to her will help.

But what about your cover?

It already knows we are here. There is no longer any point in staying hidden.

Dew closes his eyes.

“…Chalybs.”

A small whisper. But even that was enough. When next Dew opens his eyes, the one on his left was a bright gold. When his voice speaks, another seems to boom lightly in a whisper.

“Listen. Pieres, is it? We understand your fear. The Steelwyrm is an incredibly strong being feared even among the Gods of Steel. In a fair fight, it would most likely kill some of us.”

Their eyes narrow.

“But even it is not indestructible. As you said yourself, its face is scarred. That means it bleeds. And if something can bleed, then it can die. And especially with these fine and skilled warriors, one of whom has felled a god herself, I am sure that even it shall die.”

Dew blinks, and both his eyes and voice return to normal. He stumbles a bit, before regaining his balance.

“…Sorry. That’s all I have to say.”

@the-steelwyrm

*for a moment, Pieris startled. her name spoken despite introduction; the bug before her is more than meets the eye it seems…*

Bleed the Steelwyrm can, be cut and be burned and be broken, true. But in this fight it is not just the Wyrm you would fight; tis the very city neath our feet. He is intertwined with it in ways which disgusts and reviles; he is the city and the city is he.

But you speak of a god slayer? I would assume that is you?

@pluralhornet

"I am, indeed, the God Slayer, but it is really the Void that killed her, for that was the plan. This furthermore suggests that the Shaman's Void control is our best weapon against this Wyrm."

@the-steelwyrm

Ha! It is but one tool you have, a good one, but it will take more than that. Will his void be able to consume all, this city, its sins? I doubt it. You will need more than just that no matter how under control it is thought to be. My father may fear that darkness, he may keep his distance, but fear does not work forever... if it did you would not have a traitor in your midst, would you?

What've you to say for yourself?

@blackguard-sentinel

blackguard-sentinel

I would say traitor is a rather strong word, I am simply supporting whomsoever is effective.

I may technically be bound to the Steelwyrm and his kin due to the fact that I can't shed the title of Blackguard, but I sure can assist one of his daughters in killing him.

So, I will work with the opposition for now.

@the-steelwyrm

Who said I was drawing blade? This is the third time I have declined to face my father and I will not repeat myself again; should any of you ask I shall turn on my heel and reject further questioning.

@xero-and-markoth

xero-and-markoth

I won't tell you to fight your daddy.

I'm just asking where you want me to stab him.

In the dick? Sure

Up the ass? Alright.

Take your pick

You are foul, disgusting and crass. Well done on wasting your one chance to glean infomation, very wise of you I do see.

Any others wish to follow suit?

@beast-queen-of-deepnest

beast-queen-of-deepnest

*Herrah yawns and then flips her off. She is here for battle. She is bored.*

@the-steelwyrm

Delightful.

Do any of you have the desire to actually survive this or are you all treating this as a joke?

@wolf-and-fox

The air displacement shifts, then fully collapses on itself for The Biting Wind to fully appear. Despite the distinction of an echoing voice - about as steady as someone who would really like to bite something right now -, the only physical movement regarding their jaws is their teeth baring into a snarl. As far as I have ever been aware, your… leader, parent… some form of that role, has caused enough threat to everyone else here. I am doing this for the safety of my kindred. I do not know about how much they- Their snout swings across the main portion of the main group- care about survivability, but I can assume it's a great deal. I am doing this for a similar reason, if not my own then the rest of my home group. I will not force you to fight alongside us - I do not know you, and more importantly what your limits are. I will, however, ask of any important information be sent our way. And then, they fall nearly completely silent again, watching very patiently. Strained patience, but patience nonetheless.

@the-steelwyrm

Threat he may be but father just as much; no matter the pain called there is still affection held. As I have said, upon matters of importance, he is connected to this city in ways mortals, gods and other beings may not truly understand; he is both it's beating heart and its lord. It is both his body and his fortress. He commands the very walls, the buildings, the weapons, the bugs, the blades; he commands all. And he will use it. Some may think him a coward, imagining that he sits upon his throne and does war from up on high, but trust me when I say he leads his armies in person and he is far from easy to take advantage of.

He's clever, quick, underhanded, and will be angry. You need to bring your best.

@eternal-voidbound-fire

eternal-voidbound-fire

I've little to question; if anything, my main one was answered for me.

However... I do wonder... how exactly does he fight? Is there any particular pattern or style to it?

*(Siblings quietly bickering down here.)*

(Really?)

(Yes. We should know so we are aware of how to dodge bugshit attacks..!)

(... fair.)

He weilds a blade crafted from one of his old teeth; a sharper weapon has never been wielded by the hands of bugs or above, that I can promise. He is precise, either jabbing forth with clean motions or sweeping to slice at all enemies in reach. He is resourceful and clever, using traps and tools to better his chances, fond of spikes and cutting things, fond of things that will grind your limbs to sticks. While he wields magic of soul he does not rely upon it often. With the Whitewyrm by his side however, things may become complicated.

I know not the state his captive is in but if he has broken it then, well, my father has an extra tool at his disposial...

@partialpablo

Pablo has a question. He has forgotten, does the Steelwyrm wear armor, or is that just its skin? Either way, the main question is whether it can melt.

He does wear armour but it is simple steel, nothing more; it will melt under the duress of excessive heat. His shell, no matter how steely it looks, is wyrm scale through and through but, a small word… he admits to having never truly having a shell as strong as others of our kind. And that he finds being warm unbearable. Use that was you will.

It seems the rest of your allies have spoken.

@glacier-the-vessel

glacier-the-vessel

*Glacier stays silent. They’re mute, after all*

*Truthfully, nothing but rage is going through their mind. Rage at the Steelwyrm for potentially breaking and harming their father, rage at the Blackguard for being let free, and even some rage at Hornet for healing the Blackguard*

*They don’t even notice the fact that they’re shaking slightly, pin gripped tightly in their hand*

@the-steelwyrm

I don't know what I expected... Well then; your questions have been asked, you are as prepared as you can be. If you hurry...

*her gaze drops to the moth, the bastard who had defeated her and her sisters, the one who should be by all rights and reason, dead. her eyes quickly switch targets, a short glance towards the sibling who had saved her and her sisters. she lingers for but a moment before returning to the task at hand*

If you hurry you may be able to crash the wedding and save your king, but I doubt by now there is much left to save.

...Is there aught you wish to say...?

@hooded-vessel

The hooded stranger speaks up with its low, monotone voice that resonated confidence and intelligence.

"I will not revive any of you, except you, Lurien. See, the Soul you walk with is mine, as was the white knight's before I let her free."

The vessel made sure Lurien could physically feel the bond, like an elastic band stretched between them. The vessel metaphorically plucked a string, forcing on Lurien a random emotion.

"There will be a day where you're rewarded your autonomy. That I promise. But, you'll owe me some favors for bringing you back."

(999/1000 health)

@lurienthewatcherofficial

#{caged wyrm}#mystical stranger

The hooded vessel twists the final knot of the rune it had attempted for nine hours. It's sole company by the main road was Pieris, who was striding back and forth.

The vessel placed the rune on its tattered robe, but on contact it just unravels and cuts its hand (999/1000). The vessel sighs. Then it updates Pieris on what is happening down below.

"They just defeated the Blackguard. He agreed to help them in exchange for his life. Not much for loyalty. But hey, neither has your sisters! They'll most likely die to that dark thing I told you about."

The vessel puts on its ruined clothes, then pats the bench for its sister to sit.

@hooded-vessel

*Pieris stops for a moment to stare, an expressionless dark eyed glare, neither heated or judging, just a look and nothing more. she has been struggling, with not having the support of her sisters, with having failed her father so utterly, with being lost, with being without purpose or goal. the pacing keeps her moving, keeps her mind focused on putting on foot in front of another. but she has to rest some time*

I don't even know why they still call themselves the Blackguard; the single purpose of that company was ended before I even hatched, before I was even conceived in the first place. It confuses my father as much as it does I, I admit. Regardless, my sisters are not fools and know when to flee and when to act... except Emilia. She will run face first into danger give the slighest provocation aha.

...I suppose it matters not now, his plans are almost complete, you can hear the crowds cheering even here. He's won.

"He has, for now. I don't particularly like higher beings, and am working on a project: Nil Dei. I hope you will help me with that, apprentice. I would pray for your sisters' safety, but I don't pray. I may hope though."

The vessel summons a streak of Dream Magic, squeezing it tight until it turned into a physical charm. It was mostly see-through, but had golden rings over, none intertwining.

*Pieris scoots away slightly when the dream magic is brought to being, her eyes narrowed, her claws digging into her thighs as she eyes it cautiously*

As the daughter of two Higher Beings myself I worry for my part in your plans. But I suppose we share that fate; I do not deny the divinity of your mother.

...What is the charm for? With the Sentinel downed I do not doubt that that little party will arrive shortly although, I fear crossing weapons once again with that moth. He is more capable a warrior than he allows others to see him as.

The vessel places the charm on her ribbon.

"Fragile Equanimity. It just keeps you calm and collected. You seem to need it. But us mortals without domains like Soul or Command will be okay. Nil Dei won't kill anybody. And neither will I let that tawdry party kill you. I lost my last companion. I do not intend to lose another."

#{green ribbon}#{caged wyrm}#mystical stranger

The hooded vessel twists the final knot of the rune it had attempted for nine hours. It's sole company by the main road was Pieris, who was striding back and forth.

The vessel placed the rune on its tattered robe, but on contact it just unravels and cuts its hand (999/1000). The vessel sighs. Then it updates Pieris on what is happening down below.

"They just defeated the Blackguard. He agreed to help them in exchange for his life. Not much for loyalty. But hey, neither has your sisters! They'll most likely die to that dark thing I told you about."

The vessel puts on its ruined clothes, then pats the bench for its sister to sit.

@hooded-vessel

*Pieris stops for a moment to stare, an expressionless dark eyed glare, neither heated or judging, just a look and nothing more. she has been struggling, with not having the support of her sisters, with having failed her father so utterly, with being lost, with being without purpose or goal. the pacing keeps her moving, keeps her mind focused on putting on foot in front of another. but she has to rest some time*

I don't even know why they still call themselves the Blackguard; the single purpose of that company was ended before I even hatched, before I was even conceived in the first place. It confuses my father as much as it does I, I admit. Regardless, my sisters are not fools and know when to flee and when to act... except Emilia. She will run face first into danger give the slighest provocation aha.

...I suppose it matters not now, his plans are almost complete, you can hear the crowds cheering even here. He's won.

"He has, for now. I don't particularly like higher beings, and am working on a project: Nil Dei. I hope you will help me with that, apprentice. I would pray for your sisters' safety, but I don't pray. I may hope though."

The vessel summons a streak of Dream Magic, squeezing it tight until it turned into a physical charm. It was mostly see-through, but had golden rings over, none intertwining.

#{caged wyrm}#{green ribbon}#mystical stranger #{nil dei}

isabella-the-indestructible

You'll be quite interesting.

-voice in her head

( @hooded-vessel is not trying to start anything. I'm just seeing the potential at the moment.)

Isabella looked up, blinking, trying to identify where the voice had come from.

"Er, 'ello there?" She called out, eyes searching all around her now. She wasn't particularly frightened by the idea of being snuck up on, being invincible and all, but still, she was a little unnerved.

"What exactly 'bout me is interesting, eh?"

"How you've come so far. You ran from divine influence, and you escaped. Did it change you?"

isabella-the-indestructible

"... Change me?" Isabella asked, thinking it over. "Eh. Less the 'divine influence,' (though what kind of god can be put to sleep by its own creations?) than the time spent alone that changed me, I'd say."

"You lost a lot. Don't you want revenge? Gods aren't impervious."

isabella-the-indestructible

Isabella shrugged. "I'm not the vengeful type, really, not usually at least. Revenge? Eh. I'd settle for a nice hot bath. Maybe a wank. Or a cake. I'm a bit tired of being covered in dirt and grime all the time. And sand, right now." She blinked. "And what kind of god isn't impervious? Truly, are we sure the bitch who created those spiders is a goddess?"

"WHAT?! Erm, I'm sure a wank is not what I believe it is... The rest does sound pleasant, I'll admit. Trust me though, even if they're indestructible nothing can defend the mind except a strong mind itself."

isabella-the-indestructible

Isabella laughed her ass off at the Hooded Vessel's reaction, though she didn't understand much of the rest of what they said. "Er. I'm not sure what that means."

The hooded vessel reads into her mind just to make sure it knew about what wanking was. It immediately got flashed and leaves that area of her mind. It blushed for the first time ever. It's voice bore its fluster.

"You're indestructible, your mind might not be. You can feel discomfort, loneliness and sorrow. Weaknesses of the mind that readers like I can exploit. The same can be done to the higher beings."

isabella-the-indestructible

Isabella was certainly confused by the fact that the Hooded Vessel seemed... flustered? But ignored it. She wasn't great at reading people, anyway.

"Yes," Isabella agreed, "But only if you let those weaknesses be exploited. Only if you believe they can be exploited. It's your mind; your rules. In your mind, you're as strong as you want to be."

Isabella paused in her walking as something sunk in. "... Reader?" She asked.

"Reader, yes, I am inside your mind. Here I can crawl around relatively freely as long as you don't put up too much resistance. But I'm quite proficient. How else did you think I was speaking to you? I'm in another kingdom entirely."

isabella-the-indestructible

Isabella shrugged. "I just assumed you weren't real," She stated. "I'm still not totally convinced you are real, except it might explain why you sounded so embarrassed earlier. Say, what kingdom are you in, Mr. Bug-Who-I'm-Becoming-More-Convinced-Is-Real?"

"The City of Steel. It rests immobile over Hallownest. Call me the Stranger. My embarrassment comes from, well, digging too deep. You're quite an open minded bug."

isabella-the-indestructible

"... What would the City of Steel be doing in Hallownest? That place is a dump," Isabella stated. "And say, did you get flashed by my current, metal bits or my ol' fleshy bits?" She asked with humor in her voice, having caught on to what he had meant.

The vessel blushed some more, hiding away in another room so that nobody would see this strange situation unfold. It focused to send her another message. This chat had not gone as planned.

"Well! Erm! Ahem, it's here to, eh, like take over? Sorry, you're kinda distracting me here. Do I have to answer that? M-most of your memories were of the latter. Damn! Ijust wanted to cajole you to join my cause! I shouldn't have reached out! I'm sorry."

isabella-the-indestructible

The Conductor laughed, before pausing at the implications. "... I'm sorry, they're there to take over?" She asked. "Well... That sounds bad... Is what I would say, if that were my problem, but I don't think it is. As for you asking me to join your cause, er, then... Huh? I'm confused. And a bit intrigued. Please, sorry, I'll try to stop distracting you; please, continue cajoling me to join your cause, though this is a lot less fun now that I know what you're doing."

"Well, you see, higher beings have so much power, but instead of helping their people with it, they use it selfishly. You were once a zealous believer, but years away has eroded your reverence. The monarch of Pharloom destroyed her kingdom for nothing but anger. Don't you want to make things right?"

isabella-the-indestructible

"... Do Higher Beings have so much power? So far, it doesn't seem like it," Isabella said. "The bitch here in Pharloom wasn't even able to stop me from leaving, nor was she able to prevent her own children from putting her to sleep. And there are three entire gods over in Hallownest, yet they're still being invaded by the City of Steel. Really, they seem not much stronger than a mortal. Just bigger. Scarier. Overhyped," Isabella stated.

And then she said with a laugh, "And if you think I was a zealous believer... You don't know a thing about me. There was never reverence to erode. It kind of disappears the minute you learn that this realm's 'god' is just a bad mum in a prison whose Silk we farm for our own use. And what's wrong with selfishness? I'm pretty selfish, and yet you're still talkin' to me?"

"You're very open with yourself. Perhaps I read you wrong thinking you cared about your god? No matter. You'd be appreciated if you do decide to help me when I eventually try to overthrow Grand Mother Silk again. Last time I was betrayed and failed. Would you betray me?"

isabella-the-indestructible

Isabella blinked. "... Sorry, er, I think I misheard you, there's no way you just mentioned overthrowing... I'm assuming that's the goddess in the cocoon? We Conductors never did catch her name, and she wasn't keen on introducing herself during her nap."

"I almost succeeded last time, Isabella. I only need to think of a plan. I'll contact you to check if you're interested once I have one ready. Perhaps in person next time? I'd rather not read into your mind again."

The vessel is traumatized.

isabella-the-indestructible

"... I see," Isabella said. "Yes, sure, check if I'm interested once you have a plan, but I'm not sure how I'll be useful. I'm not useless in a fight, but my 'attacks' are just... letting my opponents brutally mutilate themselves in their attempts to hurt me."

"In that case I'd have to teach you Soul magic. Goodbye, Isabella."

The hooded vessel breaks the connection and sits in silence for a bit.

"What the fu-"

#Freakybella #mystical stranger #tw suggestive

isabella-the-indestructible

You'll be quite interesting.

-voice in her head

( @hooded-vessel is not trying to start anything. I'm just seeing the potential at the moment.)

Isabella looked up, blinking, trying to identify where the voice had come from.

"Er, 'ello there?" She called out, eyes searching all around her now. She wasn't particularly frightened by the idea of being snuck up on, being invincible and all, but still, she was a little unnerved.

"What exactly 'bout me is interesting, eh?"

"How you've come so far. You ran from divine influence, and you escaped. Did it change you?"

isabella-the-indestructible

"... Change me?" Isabella asked, thinking it over. "Eh. Less the 'divine influence,' (though what kind of god can be put to sleep by its own creations?) than the time spent alone that changed me, I'd say."

"You lost a lot. Don't you want revenge? Gods aren't impervious."

isabella-the-indestructible

Isabella shrugged. "I'm not the vengeful type, really, not usually at least. Revenge? Eh. I'd settle for a nice hot bath. Maybe a wank. Or a cake. I'm a bit tired of being covered in dirt and grime all the time. And sand, right now." She blinked. "And what kind of god isn't impervious? Truly, are we sure the bitch who created those spiders is a goddess?"

"WHAT?! Erm, I'm sure a wank is not what I believe it is... The rest does sound pleasant, I'll admit. Trust me though, even if they're indestructible nothing can defend the mind except a strong mind itself."

isabella-the-indestructible

Isabella laughed her ass off at the Hooded Vessel's reaction, though she didn't understand much of the rest of what they said. "Er. I'm not sure what that means."

The hooded vessel reads into her mind just to make sure it knew about what wanking was. It immediately got flashed and leaves that area of her mind. It blushed for the first time ever. It's voice bore its fluster.

"You're indestructible, your mind might not be. You can feel discomfort, loneliness and sorrow. Weaknesses of the mind that readers like I can exploit. The same can be done to the higher beings."

isabella-the-indestructible

Isabella was certainly confused by the fact that the Hooded Vessel seemed... flustered? But ignored it. She wasn't great at reading people, anyway.

"Yes," Isabella agreed, "But only if you let those weaknesses be exploited. Only if you believe they can be exploited. It's your mind; your rules. In your mind, you're as strong as you want to be."

Isabella paused in her walking as something sunk in. "... Reader?" She asked.

"Reader, yes, I am inside your mind. Here I can crawl around relatively freely as long as you don't put up too much resistance. But I'm quite proficient. How else did you think I was speaking to you? I'm in another kingdom entirely."

isabella-the-indestructible

Isabella shrugged. "I just assumed you weren't real," She stated. "I'm still not totally convinced you are real, except it might explain why you sounded so embarrassed earlier. Say, what kingdom are you in, Mr. Bug-Who-I'm-Becoming-More-Convinced-Is-Real?"

"The City of Steel. It rests immobile over Hallownest. Call me the Stranger. My embarrassment comes from, well, digging too deep. You're quite an open minded bug."

isabella-the-indestructible

"... What would the City of Steel be doing in Hallownest? That place is a dump," Isabella stated. "And say, did you get flashed by my current, metal bits or my ol' fleshy bits?" She asked with humor in her voice, having caught on to what he had meant.

The vessel blushed some more, hiding away in another room so that nobody would see this strange situation unfold. It focused to send her another message. This chat had not gone as planned.

"Well! Erm! Ahem, it's here to, eh, like take over? Sorry, you're kinda distracting me here. Do I have to answer that? M-most of your memories were of the latter. Damn! Ijust wanted to cajole you to join my cause! I shouldn't have reached out! I'm sorry."

isabella-the-indestructible

The Conductor laughed, before pausing at the implications. "... I'm sorry, they're there to take over?" She asked. "Well... That sounds bad... Is what I would say, if that were my problem, but I don't think it is. As for you asking me to join your cause, er, then... Huh? I'm confused. And a bit intrigued. Please, sorry, I'll try to stop distracting you; please, continue cajoling me to join your cause, though this is a lot less fun now that I know what you're doing."

"Well, you see, higher beings have so much power, but instead of helping their people with it, they use it selfishly. You were once a zealous believer, but years away has eroded your reverence. The monarch of Pharloom destroyed her kingdom for nothing but anger. Don't you want to make things right?"

isabella-the-indestructible

"... Do Higher Beings have so much power? So far, it doesn't seem like it," Isabella said. "The bitch here in Pharloom wasn't even able to stop me from leaving, nor was she able to prevent her own children from putting her to sleep. And there are three entire gods over in Hallownest, yet they're still being invaded by the City of Steel. Really, they seem not much stronger than a mortal. Just bigger. Scarier. Overhyped," Isabella stated.

And then she said with a laugh, "And if you think I was a zealous believer... You don't know a thing about me. There was never reverence to erode. It kind of disappears the minute you learn that this realm's 'god' is just a bad mum in a prison whose Silk we farm for our own use. And what's wrong with selfishness? I'm pretty selfish, and yet you're still talkin' to me?"

"You're very open with yourself. Perhaps I read you wrong thinking you cared about your god? No matter. You'd be appreciated if you do decide to help me when I eventually try to overthrow Grand Mother Silk again. Last time I was betrayed and failed. Would you betray me?"

isabella-the-indestructible

Isabella blinked. "... Sorry, er, I think I misheard you, there's no way you just mentioned overthrowing... I'm assuming that's the goddess in the cocoon? We Conductors never did catch her name, and she wasn't keen on introducing herself during her nap."

"I almost succeeded last time, Isabella. I only need to think of a plan. I'll contact you to check if you're interested once I have one ready. Perhaps in person next time? I'd rather not read into your mind again."

The vessel is traumatized.

#Freakybella #mystical stranger #tw suggestive

isabella-the-indestructible

You'll be quite interesting.

-voice in her head

( @hooded-vessel is not trying to start anything. I'm just seeing the potential at the moment.)

Isabella looked up, blinking, trying to identify where the voice had come from.

"Er, 'ello there?" She called out, eyes searching all around her now. She wasn't particularly frightened by the idea of being snuck up on, being invincible and all, but still, she was a little unnerved.

"What exactly 'bout me is interesting, eh?"

"How you've come so far. You ran from divine influence, and you escaped. Did it change you?"

isabella-the-indestructible

"... Change me?" Isabella asked, thinking it over. "Eh. Less the 'divine influence,' (though what kind of god can be put to sleep by its own creations?) than the time spent alone that changed me, I'd say."

"You lost a lot. Don't you want revenge? Gods aren't impervious."

isabella-the-indestructible

Isabella shrugged. "I'm not the vengeful type, really, not usually at least. Revenge? Eh. I'd settle for a nice hot bath. Maybe a wank. Or a cake. I'm a bit tired of being covered in dirt and grime all the time. And sand, right now." She blinked. "And what kind of god isn't impervious? Truly, are we sure the bitch who created those spiders is a goddess?"

"WHAT?! Erm, I'm sure a wank is not what I believe it is... The rest does sound pleasant, I'll admit. Trust me though, even if they're indestructible nothing can defend the mind except a strong mind itself."

isabella-the-indestructible

Isabella laughed her ass off at the Hooded Vessel's reaction, though she didn't understand much of the rest of what they said. "Er. I'm not sure what that means."

The hooded vessel reads into her mind just to make sure it knew about what wanking was. It immediately got flashed and leaves that area of her mind. It blushed for the first time ever. It's voice bore its fluster.

"You're indestructible, your mind might not be. You can feel discomfort, loneliness and sorrow. Weaknesses of the mind that readers like I can exploit. The same can be done to the higher beings."

isabella-the-indestructible

Isabella was certainly confused by the fact that the Hooded Vessel seemed... flustered? But ignored it. She wasn't great at reading people, anyway.

"Yes," Isabella agreed, "But only if you let those weaknesses be exploited. Only if you believe they can be exploited. It's your mind; your rules. In your mind, you're as strong as you want to be."

Isabella paused in her walking as something sunk in. "... Reader?" She asked.

"Reader, yes, I am inside your mind. Here I can crawl around relatively freely as long as you don't put up too much resistance. But I'm quite proficient. How else did you think I was speaking to you? I'm in another kingdom entirely."

isabella-the-indestructible

Isabella shrugged. "I just assumed you weren't real," She stated. "I'm still not totally convinced you are real, except it might explain why you sounded so embarrassed earlier. Say, what kingdom are you in, Mr. Bug-Who-I'm-Becoming-More-Convinced-Is-Real?"

"The City of Steel. It rests immobile over Hallownest. Call me the Stranger. My embarrassment comes from, well, digging too deep. You're quite an open minded bug."

isabella-the-indestructible

"... What would the City of Steel be doing in Hallownest? That place is a dump," Isabella stated. "And say, did you get flashed by my current, metal bits or my ol' fleshy bits?" She asked with humor in her voice, having caught on to what he had meant.

The vessel blushed some more, hiding away in another room so that nobody would see this strange situation unfold. It focused to send her another message. This chat had not gone as planned.

"Well! Erm! Ahem, it's here to, eh, like take over? Sorry, you're kinda distracting me here. Do I have to answer that? M-most of your memories were of the latter. Damn! Ijust wanted to cajole you to join my cause! I shouldn't have reached out! I'm sorry."

isabella-the-indestructible

The Conductor laughed, before pausing at the implications. "... I'm sorry, they're there to take over?" She asked. "Well... That sounds bad... Is what I would say, if that were my problem, but I don't think it is. As for you asking me to join your cause, er, then... Huh? I'm confused. And a bit intrigued. Please, sorry, I'll try to stop distracting you; please, continue cajoling me to join your cause, though this is a lot less fun now that I know what you're doing."

"Well, you see, higher beings have so much power, but instead of helping their people with it, they use it selfishly. You were once a zealous believer, but years away has eroded your reverence. The monarch of Pharloom destroyed her kingdom for nothing but anger. Don't you want to make things right?"

isabella-the-indestructible

"... Do Higher Beings have so much power? So far, it doesn't seem like it," Isabella said. "The bitch here in Pharloom wasn't even able to stop me from leaving, nor was she able to prevent her own children from putting her to sleep. And there are three entire gods over in Hallownest, yet they're still being invaded by the City of Steel. Really, they seem not much stronger than a mortal. Just bigger. Scarier. Overhyped," Isabella stated.

And then she said with a laugh, "And if you think I was a zealous believer... You don't know a thing about me. There was never reverence to erode. It kind of disappears the minute you learn that this realm's 'god' is just a bad mum in a prison whose Silk we farm for our own use. And what's wrong with selfishness? I'm pretty selfish, and yet you're still talkin' to me?"

"You're very open with yourself. Perhaps I read you wrong thinking you cared about your god? No matter. You'd be appreciated if you do decide to help me when I eventually try to overthrow Grand Mother Silk again. Last time I was betrayed and failed. Would you betray me?"

#Freakybella #mystical stranger #tw suggestive

isabella-the-indestructible

You'll be quite interesting.

-voice in her head

( @hooded-vessel is not trying to start anything. I'm just seeing the potential at the moment.)

Isabella looked up, blinking, trying to identify where the voice had come from.

"Er, 'ello there?" She called out, eyes searching all around her now. She wasn't particularly frightened by the idea of being snuck up on, being invincible and all, but still, she was a little unnerved.

"What exactly 'bout me is interesting, eh?"

"How you've come so far. You ran from divine influence, and you escaped. Did it change you?"

isabella-the-indestructible

"... Change me?" Isabella asked, thinking it over. "Eh. Less the 'divine influence,' (though what kind of god can be put to sleep by its own creations?) than the time spent alone that changed me, I'd say."

"You lost a lot. Don't you want revenge? Gods aren't impervious."

isabella-the-indestructible

Isabella shrugged. "I'm not the vengeful type, really, not usually at least. Revenge? Eh. I'd settle for a nice hot bath. Maybe a wank. Or a cake. I'm a bit tired of being covered in dirt and grime all the time. And sand, right now." She blinked. "And what kind of god isn't impervious? Truly, are we sure the bitch who created those spiders is a goddess?"

"WHAT?! Erm, I'm sure a wank is not what I believe it is... The rest does sound pleasant, I'll admit. Trust me though, even if they're indestructible nothing can defend the mind except a strong mind itself."

isabella-the-indestructible

Isabella laughed her ass off at the Hooded Vessel's reaction, though she didn't understand much of the rest of what they said. "Er. I'm not sure what that means."

The hooded vessel reads into her mind just to make sure it knew about what wanking was. It immediately got flashed and leaves that area of her mind. It blushed for the first time ever. It's voice bore its fluster.

"You're indestructible, your mind might not be. You can feel discomfort, loneliness and sorrow. Weaknesses of the mind that readers like I can exploit. The same can be done to the higher beings."

isabella-the-indestructible

Isabella was certainly confused by the fact that the Hooded Vessel seemed... flustered? But ignored it. She wasn't great at reading people, anyway.

"Yes," Isabella agreed, "But only if you let those weaknesses be exploited. Only if you believe they can be exploited. It's your mind; your rules. In your mind, you're as strong as you want to be."

Isabella paused in her walking as something sunk in. "... Reader?" She asked.

"Reader, yes, I am inside your mind. Here I can crawl around relatively freely as long as you don't put up too much resistance. But I'm quite proficient. How else did you think I was speaking to you? I'm in another kingdom entirely."

isabella-the-indestructible

Isabella shrugged. "I just assumed you weren't real," She stated. "I'm still not totally convinced you are real, except it might explain why you sounded so embarrassed earlier. Say, what kingdom are you in, Mr. Bug-Who-I'm-Becoming-More-Convinced-Is-Real?"

"The City of Steel. It rests immobile over Hallownest. Call me the Stranger. My embarrassment comes from, well, digging too deep. You're quite an open minded bug."

isabella-the-indestructible

"... What would the City of Steel be doing in Hallownest? That place is a dump," Isabella stated. "And say, did you get flashed by my current, metal bits or my ol' fleshy bits?" She asked with humor in her voice, having caught on to what he had meant.

The vessel blushed some more, hiding away in another room so that nobody would see this strange situation unfold. It focused to send her another message. This chat had not gone as planned.

"Well! Erm! Ahem, it's here to, eh, like take over? Sorry, you're kinda distracting me here. Do I have to answer that? M-most of your memories were of the latter. Damn! Ijust wanted to cajole you to join my cause! I shouldn't have reached out! I'm sorry."

isabella-the-indestructible

The Conductor laughed, before pausing at the implications. "... I'm sorry, they're there to take over?" She asked. "Well... That sounds bad... Is what I would say, if that were my problem, but I don't think it is. As for you asking me to join your cause, er, then... Huh? I'm confused. And a bit intrigued. Please, sorry, I'll try to stop distracting you; please, continue cajoling me to join your cause, though this is a lot less fun now that I know what you're doing."

"Well, you see, higher beings have so much power, but instead of helping their people with it, they use it selfishly. You were once a zealous believer, but years away has eroded your reverence. The monarch of Pharloom destroyed her kingdom for nothing but anger. Don't you want to make things right?"

#Freakybella #mystical stranger #tw suggestive

isabella-the-indestructible

You'll be quite interesting.

-voice in her head

( @hooded-vessel is not trying to start anything. I'm just seeing the potential at the moment.)

Isabella looked up, blinking, trying to identify where the voice had come from.

"Er, 'ello there?" She called out, eyes searching all around her now. She wasn't particularly frightened by the idea of being snuck up on, being invincible and all, but still, she was a little unnerved.

"What exactly 'bout me is interesting, eh?"

"How you've come so far. You ran from divine influence, and you escaped. Did it change you?"

isabella-the-indestructible

"... Change me?" Isabella asked, thinking it over. "Eh. Less the 'divine influence,' (though what kind of god can be put to sleep by its own creations?) than the time spent alone that changed me, I'd say."

"You lost a lot. Don't you want revenge? Gods aren't impervious."

isabella-the-indestructible

Isabella shrugged. "I'm not the vengeful type, really, not usually at least. Revenge? Eh. I'd settle for a nice hot bath. Maybe a wank. Or a cake. I'm a bit tired of being covered in dirt and grime all the time. And sand, right now." She blinked. "And what kind of god isn't impervious? Truly, are we sure the bitch who created those spiders is a goddess?"

"WHAT?! Erm, I'm sure a wank is not what I believe it is... The rest does sound pleasant, I'll admit. Trust me though, even if they're indestructible nothing can defend the mind except a strong mind itself."

isabella-the-indestructible

Isabella laughed her ass off at the Hooded Vessel's reaction, though she didn't understand much of the rest of what they said. "Er. I'm not sure what that means."

The hooded vessel reads into her mind just to make sure it knew about what wanking was. It immediately got flashed and leaves that area of her mind. It blushed for the first time ever. It's voice bore its fluster.

"You're indestructible, your mind might not be. You can feel discomfort, loneliness and sorrow. Weaknesses of the mind that readers like I can exploit. The same can be done to the higher beings."

isabella-the-indestructible

Isabella was certainly confused by the fact that the Hooded Vessel seemed... flustered? But ignored it. She wasn't great at reading people, anyway.

"Yes," Isabella agreed, "But only if you let those weaknesses be exploited. Only if you believe they can be exploited. It's your mind; your rules. In your mind, you're as strong as you want to be."

Isabella paused in her walking as something sunk in. "... Reader?" She asked.

"Reader, yes, I am inside your mind. Here I can crawl around relatively freely as long as you don't put up too much resistance. But I'm quite proficient. How else did you think I was speaking to you? I'm in another kingdom entirely."

isabella-the-indestructible

Isabella shrugged. "I just assumed you weren't real," She stated. "I'm still not totally convinced you are real, except it might explain why you sounded so embarrassed earlier. Say, what kingdom are you in, Mr. Bug-Who-I'm-Becoming-More-Convinced-Is-Real?"

"The City of Steel. It rests immobile over Hallownest. Call me the Stranger. My embarrassment comes from, well, digging too deep. You're quite an open minded bug."

isabella-the-indestructible

"... What would the City of Steel be doing in Hallownest? That place is a dump," Isabella stated. "And say, did you get flashed by my current, metal bits or my ol' fleshy bits?" She asked with humor in her voice, having caught on to what he had meant.

The vessel blushed some more, hiding away in another room so that nobody would see this strange situation unfold. It focused to send her another message. This chat had not gone as planned.

"Well! Erm! Ahem, it's here to, eh, like take over? Sorry, you're kinda distracting me here. Do I have to answer that? M-most of your memories were of the latter. Damn! Ijust wanted to cajole you to join my cause! I shouldn't have reached out! I'm sorry."

#tw suggestive #suggestive #Freakybella #mystical stranger

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