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Post by tailortf on Apr 10, 2016 2:05:45 GMT
>Begin.
You are an acolyte of the cult of Argaleth, a doomsday cult that has taken up residence in this town for now.
Currently you are "enlightening the masses", which is a fancy word for standing around all day handing out pamphlets.
==>
You're not doing so well though. It's almost evening and you haven't managed to give away a single pamphlet.
==>
Honestly, it's like these people don't even want to save their souls.Hello! This is Cult Following - an adventure where you play as some cultists trying to bring about the end of the world. It's light-hearted good fun for all the family! This thread isn't the first (due to some forum crashes), so if you want to read from the start, here is a mirror to catch up on the story. The art gets a lot better, I promise :y Along with that, there's a mirror for all the little extra stuff I do sometimes. We also now have a simple tumblr as a backup where I'll link to new updates, take suggestions, and answer questions about the world&characters. Also, for discussion purposes, we have a Discord where you can hang out! I'm also on there some of the time if you need to reach me. Oh, and we have a TVTropes page now. Fun times! And if you like music, spinydoughnut33 has cooked up some sweet tunes specifically for the story! Big thanks to them! Anyway, the update below is a little spoilery, so there's gonna be a bit of empty space before it. Okay, on to the thread. >Tell her how you really feel.
Acolyte: I'm-
Acolyte: But-
Acolyte: ...No, you know what?
Acolyte: Good!
Sister Embers: What?
Acolyte: Yeah! I'm GLAD I won't be your acolyte anymore!
Acolyte: Because now I can tell you what I really think of you!
Acolyte: You know what you are, Sister Embers?
Acolyte: You're just a big bully.
Acolyte: You're always mean, you're always angry...
Acolyte: What you need is- is a change of attitude!
Acolyte: Why can't you be nice like Grand Master Flame?
==>
Grand Master Flame: Yes! YES!
Grand Master Flame: BEHOLD THE FLAMES OF OUR GLORIOUS LORD!
Grand Master Flame: THE TIME HAS COME FOR HIM TO SMITE THE SINNERS!
==>
Brother Chalk: Sir? This- this isn't supposed to be happening.
Grand Master Flame: What, the flames aren't supposed to be blue?
Brother Chalk: No, there aren't supposed to be any flames at all!
Brother Chalk: The book doesn't mention flames anywhere!
Grand Master Flame: Huh, weird.
Grand Master Flame: Maybe we did something wrong?
Brother Chalk: I'll check the circle.
Brother Chalk: Just keep casting for now.
==>
Sister Embers: Very well.
Sister Embers: I suppose an airing of grievances is in order.
Sister Embers: And now that you are no longer my acolyte, I shall inform you of what I dislike about you.
Acolyte: Sure, go ahead!
Acolyte: You already do that every day!
==>
Brother Chalk: Okay, I checked the circle and it seems fine.
Brother Chalk: Maybe we should stop for now, actually.
Brother Chalk: Try again later.
Brother Chalk: Flames are getting awfully high...
Grand Master Flame: Yeah, I already did that like five minutes ago.
Grand Master Flame: You think I'm an idiot?
Grand Master Flame: It's still going without me.
Brother Chalk: I- uh- um- alright, okay.
Brother Chalk: Don't panic.
Grand Master Flame: I'm not panicking.
Brother Chalk: Well I'm starting to!
==>
Brother Chalk: AHH!
Grand Master Flame: Well this can't be good.
Grand Master Flame: Okay, don't freak out, Brother Chalk, we can still fix this.
Grand Master Flame: Do you know "Test of Faith"?
Grand Master Flame: Cast that on everyone here.
Grand Master Flame: I'll check that the artifacts are all working properly.
Grand Master Flame: Sister Embers, you make sure that everyone is holding hands.
==>
Grand Master Flame: ...Sister Embers?
==>
Sister Embers: You are utterly incompetent.
Sister Embers: You have failed at every non-trivial task I have ever given you.
Sister Embers: If you were to leave this cult forever, I do not believe anyone would miss you.
Acolyte: NO!
Acolyte: SHUT UP!
Acolyte: People here like me!
Acolyte: And- and- and you were just holding me back, anyway!
Acolyte: I'm going to be better off with my new master!
Sister Embers: Oh, please.
Sister Embers: There is no one in this cult who is of a higher rank than me who you would have a chance to work for!
Acolyte: That's where you're wrong!
Acolyte: Because you know what!?
==>
Brother Chalk: Hey, wait.
Brother Chalk: What if we just try to-
==>
Acolyte: I'M GOING TO WORK FOR GRAND MASTER FL-
==>
==>
==>
Jones: Oh quit pouting and drink your latte.
Jones: So what if those cultist guys gave us the slip?
Jones: We'll just catch them next time.
Jones: Not like they're gonna decide to pack up and leave.
Jones: Sure would make our job easier though.
==>
==>
==>
Acolyte: -ame.
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sporkaganza
You are the Star
Posts: 221
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Post by sporkaganza on Apr 10, 2016 2:50:38 GMT
>Flash back and, starting from the beginning, evaluate all your life choices up until this very moment.
(This is weirdly resonant with the MSPA Forums situation right now. Was it a new direction inspired by that, or is it just a coincidence?)
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Post by sirblizz98 on Apr 10, 2016 4:57:50 GMT
>The Rational part of your Brain is going to try and say this isn't your fault. But obviously it is.
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randomwriter
Your shit is wrecked
Posts: 624
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Post by randomwriter on Apr 10, 2016 16:31:03 GMT
>Realize it must have had something to do with Embers, or you.
>Ponder life choices. Stay in cult, or abscond.
>Try to find survivors.
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Post by curiousfellow on Apr 10, 2016 16:58:24 GMT
Glad this adventure din't go down with the forums!
>Somebody's going to notice that big puff of smoke. Get what you can salvage and leave.
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Post by badatnames on Apr 10, 2016 21:36:50 GMT
>welp, there goes your life's work.
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Post by tailortf on Apr 11, 2016 16:09:38 GMT
==>
Acolyte: I- wh- h- WHAT?!
Acolyte: WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!
Acolyte: Did- did everyone else just explode?!
Acolyte: Why?!
Acolyte: I don't- huh?!
Acolyte: Oh, god, those poor guys!
==>
Acolyte: Oh...oh no.
Acolyte: Is it my fault?
Acolyte: I mean- I mean- I guess I didn't learn the song, but...
Acolyte: Was one person really that important?!
Acolyte: I...maybe?
==>
Acolyte: Oh no, Sister Embers!
Acolyte: I- I didn't even remember you for a second!
Acolyte: I am SO sorry about your brother and- and everyone and-
Sister Embers: Acolyte.
Acolyte: This is so terrible!
Acolyte: I mean, what are you even going to do now?
Acolyte: I can just go back home to my parents and find a job but you-
Acolyte: It's just...
Sister Embers: Acolyte.
Acolyte: Can you believe something like this?!
Acolyte: Again, I am SUPER sorry about-
==>
Sister Embers: ACOLYTE.
Sister Embers: Stop panicking.
Sister Embers: It is not good for the cult's morale.
Acolyte: What?!
Acolyte: What cult?!
Acolyte: Everyone's gone!
Sister Embers: No, acolyte.
Sister Embers: Everyone else may be gone, but WE are still here.
Sister Embers: And it is now our duty to spread the word of Argaleth as his sole followers.
Acolyte: But- but how can we do anything without Grand Master Flame and Brother Chalk and Sister Growth and-
Sister Embers: The cult has faced drawbacks in the past.
Sister Embers: Nothing quite as...significant as this, but we cannot give up!
Sister Embers: The world depends on us to save it from its' sin!
Sister Embers: Now are you with me?
==>
Acolyte: I'm-...
Acolyte: ...no, you're right.
Acolyte: I'm with you.
Acolyte: Sorry for yelling at you back there.
Acolyte: But...what do we do now?
Acolyte: We just lost so much.
Sister Embers: I do not have a full plan yet, of course, but I believe we should begin by looking through the ruins of the building.
Sister Embers: There may be some remaining things of use.
>Get what you can salvage.
15 minutes of searching later...
==>
Sister Embers: Acolyte. Report.
Acolyte: Could I maybe get promoted back to student?
Acolyte: Maybe as an apology since we've made up now?
Sister Embers: I do not see why I would need to apologize.
Acolyte: Wait, but-
Acolyte: *sigh*
Acolyte: Nevermind.
Acolyte: Could you go first, at least?
==>
Sister Embers: Very well.
Sister Embers: Whatever this mysterious explosion was, it removed almost any trace of the cult from the building.
Sister Embers: The only thing I could find was this.
Sister Embers: One of the artifacts we were using for the summoning.
Sister Embers: An orb that can supposedly make small-scale accurate predictions.
Sister Embers: However, it's an artifact of Luck.
Sister Embers: And knowing the followers of that religion, it might just be an ordinary carefully painted rock.
Sister Embers: What did you manage to acquire?
==>
Acolyte: Okay, well, I got these.
Acolyte: There's the stone key we got with Grand Master Flame.
Acolyte: Though it doesn't look too good now.
Acolyte: I'm surprised it survived the explosion at all.
Acolyte: Stupid thing probably caused it.
Acolyte: Oh, and there's also this bag.
Acolyte: I think it's a bag of holding?
Acolyte: It doesn't really feel like it has any weight to it.
==>
Sister Embers: I believe this is Brother Chalk's bag.
Sister Embers: He had it monogrammed.
Sister Embers: Is there anything useful in it?
Acolyte: Just more of those pamphlets.
Sister Embers: Excellent.
Sister Embers: We shall use them to spread the word across the land.
Sister Embers: What else?
Acolyte: Uh, hold on, let me see.
==>
Acolyte: Hey, wait...
==>
==>
Acolyte: I think Brother Chalk might have had a problem.
Sister Embers: Indeed.
Sister Embers: This is a definite misuse of duplication magic.
>Leave. Somebody's going to notice the explosion.
Acolyte: Well, if that's all we found, could we possibly head somewhere and call it a night?
Acolyte: It's almost 3 AM, so I haven't slept in around 20 hours.
Sister Embers: While the idea is good, there is an issue.
Sister Embers: We do not have anywhere to go.
Sister Embers: The cult has not established enough of a foothold in Stonekey to have secondary locations set up.Amazingly enough, just a terrifying coincidence. I had this update all planned out before the forums even went down for the first time.
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The One Guy
Rust Maid
Posts: 1,148
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Post by The One Guy on Apr 11, 2016 17:43:29 GMT
Oh wow, I had no idea Sister Embers was so short.
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sporkaganza
You are the Star
Posts: 221
Pronouns: he/him/his
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Post by sporkaganza on Apr 11, 2016 18:11:56 GMT
> You may just have to hope that some motel will allow you to hole up for the night. I hope Sister Embers ain't too proud to beg.
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Post by badatnames on Apr 11, 2016 20:10:21 GMT
>Start crafting blankets pillows and beds out of the pamphlets.
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randomwriter
Your shit is wrecked
Posts: 624
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Post by randomwriter on Apr 11, 2016 20:36:32 GMT
>Hotel it is.
>Ask Sister Embers how low her standards are when it comes to places.
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Post by GreatKaiserNui on Apr 14, 2016 3:46:59 GMT
>Come up with at least one location far, far to foul.
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Post by tailortf on Apr 14, 2016 16:01:24 GMT
>Hotel it is.
Acolyte: Maybe we should go to a hotel.
Sister Embers: What is a hotel?
Acolyte: Oh, uh, that's like a fancy word for "inn".
Sister Embers: Then you may forget it.
Sister Embers: Inns are festering dens of filth and lowest common rabble.
Sister Embers: I would rather sleep on the street.
Acolyte: Yeah, I'd rather not do that again.
Acolyte: Last time we did that, I got bitten by a rat.
Sister Embers: In addition, we do not have any money for renting a room.
Acolyte: Look, we'll work something out.
Acolyte: I'm sure the owner would understand.
Acolyte: I just need to try and read this stupid map.
Acolyte: I think it's more like a cheap souvenir map, actually.
Acolyte: It doesn't even have street names.
Sister Embers: No need for maps.
Sister Embers: If you insist upon staying somewhere, I shall use my impeccable intuition to locate the perfect -or least horrible- place for us to rest.
==>
Sister Embers: Here.
Sister Embers: We will rest here.
Acolyte: Wh- you literally just pointed at the first inn you saw!
Acolyte: This isn't a very good method for finding a place to sleep.
Sister Embers: Compared to attempting to find a good inn using a map you admitted yourself was of poor quality, it absolutely is.
Acolyte: ...Yeah, okay, good point.
Acolyte: Come on.
==>
Charlie: Hey, Hec.
Charlie: Graveyard shift again, eh?
Hector: You know it, Charlie.
Hector: Comin' in for a pick-me-up before your shift?
==>
Charlie: Oh, nah, mine just ended.
Charlie: And get this: someone robbed the museum.
Hector: For real?
Charlie: Yeah.
Charlie: Apparently it was some guy named the Crimson Rouge.
Charlie: Left his business cards all over the place.
Charlie: Think he had some other fellas with him too, magic-lookin' types.
Charlie: We woulda got 'em, but they done disappeared into thin air.
Hector: Crazy stuff.
Hector: Well, fortunately we ain't gotta deal with robbers and weird-lookin' folk too often.
==>
==>
==>
Acolyte: ...they're staring. Why are they staring?
Sister Embers: Perhaps they're taking the time to memorize your completely exposed face.
Sister Embers: Really, acolyte, it's getting embarrassing to have to keep reminding you at this point.
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sporkaganza
You are the Star
Posts: 221
Pronouns: he/him/his
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Post by sporkaganza on Apr 14, 2016 17:48:14 GMT
> Let's make some new friends! This seems like an idea that's not terrible at all.
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Post by badatnames on Apr 14, 2016 19:34:53 GMT
>Yeah, a hood totally isn't suspicious at all.
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Post by sirblizz98 on Apr 14, 2016 19:51:20 GMT
>Play it cool.
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randomwriter
Your shit is wrecked
Posts: 624
Pronouns: he/him/his
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Post by randomwriter on Apr 14, 2016 20:27:38 GMT
>Be cool.
>Did you hear some hooded members of the Church of Truth were spotted at the museum with some crimson guy?
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Post by tailortf on Apr 16, 2016 15:15:42 GMT
>Just be cool.
Sister Embers: Do not make eye contact, acolyte.
Sister Embers: Merely look forward.
Sister Embers: I shall do the talking.
Acolyte: I thought you said you were bad at talking to people.
Sister Embers: Yes.
Sister Embers: Which is why I need as much training as possible.
==>
Sister Embers: Good evening.
Sister Embers: I would like to rent a room.
Hector: Alrighty.
Hector: Rooms are 50 gil a night, 70 if you want breakfast.
Hector: And let's throw in an extra five for slamming the door so loud you probably woke up half my customers.
Sister Embers: We do not wish to pay.
Hector: In that case, I "do not wish" to give you a room.
Sister Embers: I do not believe you understand the sheer importance of our mission.
Sister Embers: You see, we believe that-
==>
Acolyte: WHAT MY FRIEND MEANS is that we don't have money right now!
Acolyte: B-but we could pay you back later!
Acolyte: Or- or maybe do some work for you!
Acolyte: Maybe wash some dishes or something?
Hector: Dishes are all washed and I ain't got nothin' else that needs doing.
Hector: Sorry, kid.
==>
Acolyte: They didn't go for it.
Sister Embers: We are not friends.
Sister Embers: I am your superior.
Sister Embers: At most we are similarly-interested acquaintances.
Acolyte: Looks like we're going to have to find another place to sleep.
Sister Embers: Sleeping on the street is still an option.
Sister Embers: In fact, it never stopped being an option.
Sister Embers: I do not know what you have against it.
==>
Hector: Actually, I suppose there IS something I need done.
Hector: And I'm willin' to rent you a room for a night for at least a chance of you doin' it.
Hector: You folks headin' to Veriton by any chance?
==>
Acolyte: Wow, how lucky! That's exactly where we are going first thing tomorrow!
Hector: You're a bad liar, buddy.
Hector: Anyway, listen up.
Hector: 'Round here, we have our little circle of regulars.
Hector: And one of 'em's Jamie.
Hector: You remember Jamie, right, Charlie?
Charlie: I don't think you can forget Jamie.
Charlie: Always scribblin' them star charts on the napkins.
Hector: Point is, she's moved to Veriton lately and we kinda lost touch.
Hector: And she ain't been respondin' to any of my calls.
Hector: I like to check on my regulars.
Hector: So I'd be real grateful if you could pop in, see if she's alright.
Acolyte: I mean, yeah, sure!
Acolyte: That sounds fine.
Hector: Alright, great.
Hector: Here's her address and the key to your room for the night.
Hector: My scrying frequency's on there too, you might need to call me when you meet her.
Hector: Jamie can get a bit...ornery around people she don't know.
Hector: Y'know how astronomers are.
Charlie: Ornery? Is that what you call it?
Hector: Shush.
==>
Charlie: Hey, fellas, this might sound a bit crazy, but, uh...
Charlie: You rob any museums lately?
Charlie: 'Cause your robes, well, they look mighty familiar.
Sister Embers: You are entirely correct.
Sister Embers: That did, in fact, sound crazy.
Sister Embers: We are now going to our room.
Sister Embers: Do not disturb us.
==>
Sister Embers: I must admit, acolyte, that was a good instance of social manipulation.
Sister Embers: You have earned us a free room for the night.
Acolyte: Well, it's not entirely free.
Acolyte: We're gonna have to go check up on that lady.
Sister Embers: We do not need to do that.
Sister Embers: There was no binding contract stating that we do.
Sister Embers: We may merely leave tomorrow and never see these people again.
Acolyte: Well, I mean, we DID promise them we'd do it.
Sister Embers: I do not see what this has to do with anything.
Sister Embers: You may have to explain it to me tomorrow.
Sister Embers: For now, we shall rest.
Sister Embers: Tomorrow will be a long day.
Sister Embers: I shall guard the room during the night.
==>
Acolyte: Wait, so you're not going to sleep at all?
Sister Embers: I do not feel the need to sleep tonight.
Acolyte: Are you sure?
Acolyte: A good night's sleep might make you feel better after all of today's craziness.
Sister Embers: I assure you that the events of tonight have not affected me in any way.
Sister Embers: Now go to sleep.
Acolyte: Well, okay.
Acolyte: Good night.
==>
Poor ol' Sister Embers. She lost pretty much everything she had in one night. You're not really sure what you'd do if you were in her shoes.
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Post by curiousfellow on Apr 16, 2016 17:08:41 GMT
>Hey, didn't you need to watch the alignment of the stars to summon lord Argaleth? It could be useful to recruit this astronomer to your cult.
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Post by tailortf on Apr 18, 2016 11:21:53 GMT
>Hey, didn't you need to watch the alignment of the stars to summon lord Argaleth? It could be useful to recruit this astronomer to your cult.
Hey, yeah. Maybe she'd be up for it, astronomers are strange like that. Heck, that could maybe even get Sister Embers to come around...
==>
You'll tell her about it tomorrow.
==>
The city rises.
Like a shepherd, you rouse it from its' slumber.
Wait, "rouse"? Is that the right word to use there?
Whatever.
==>
Your name is Rick Verdant. You like waking up early, wearing cool capes, and helping people.
Oh, and about a month ago you became part of an organization of elite individuals dedicated to spreading truth across the world.
How cool is that? You think it's pretty cool.
==>
Right now you are on your way to investigate a mysterious explosion that happened in the bad part of town last night.
You WOULD have gone last night, but you were waylaid by dumb excuses like "It's almost 2 AM, Rick" and "We don't need to investigate EVERY explosion in town, Rick".
You wish your friends had the same enthusiasm for this whole truth thing you did.
==>
Jones: Ugh, 7 AM. Sun isn't even all the way up yet. What's the point of living so ungodly early?
Rick: See, I told you we should've gone last night.
Jones: And I told you to never make me do stuff before 10, so I guess we both don't listen.
Rick: What if this explosion was caused by magic? You're the only magic guy I know.
Jones: Well, this particular "magic guy" isn't doing any sleuthing until after he finishes his coffee.
==>
Rick: Don't worry, this won't take a bit.
Rick: Look, the police are here already!
Rick: This'll be a snap.
==>
Rick: Hello, officer.
Rick: Thank you for setting up the police tape ahead of time, that's very thoughtful of you.
Rick: It leaves us with a lot more time to investigate.
Officer: Oh, no, sorry, fellas.
Officer: This whole building's roped off.
Officer: Can't let you in.
Officer: Safety hazard.
Officer: Government doesn't want you kids' parents to get sue-happy if one of you breaks a leg or something here.
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randomwriter
Your shit is wrecked
Posts: 624
Pronouns: he/him/his
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Post by randomwriter on Apr 18, 2016 20:30:07 GMT
>WHAT.
>Flip out, at this poor infidel, who dares to block the investigations of the Church of Truth.
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Post by sirblizz98 on Apr 19, 2016 0:35:52 GMT
>Shove your Holy Symbol all up into this wacko's grill.
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Post by GreatKaiserNui on Apr 20, 2016 3:07:17 GMT
>Holy Justice must be done! At any cost!
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Post by tailortf on Apr 20, 2016 15:26:39 GMT
>WHAT.
Rick: I'm sorry, what did you just say?
Rick: Do you not realize who we are?!
Officer: Whoa there, fella, calm down.
Officer: Just...just doin' my job here.
>Shove your Holy Symbol all up into this wacko's grill.
Rick: Do you know what this is?
Officer: Uh...glass...glass marble?
Rick: Yes.
Rick: But it is also a symbol of the most holy and powerful group in the world - the Church of Truth.
Rick: And I happen to be part of that group.
Rick: By wearing this, I swear that I will stop at NOTHING to uncover the truth.
Rick: NOTHING.
Rick: And what you are doing right now is preventing me from uncovering the truth.
Rick: Do you realize how bad this is making you look?!
==>
Officer: Okay, jeez, fine.
Officer: Just stop with the yellin' already.
Officer: And don't tell anyone about this.
Rick: Good to see you've decided to actually start doing your job.
Rick: Your secret is safe with us.
Rick: Come on, Jones.
Jones: I'm not your slave, y'know.
Jones: I'll go wherever I want whenever I feel like.
Jones: ...which just happens to coincide with where you're going right now.
==>
Jones: Alright, well, here we are.
Jones: Exploded house, freaking amazing.
Jones: Let's get out of here. Maybe we can still catch a few Z's before the rest of the city wakes up.
==>
Jones: We should probably apologize to that policeman too.
Jones: Well, you should, since you're the one who yelled at him.
Jones: You gotta stop doing that, man, it is REALLY bringing down our image.
Jones: Especially when you start to get that foam in the corner of your mouth.
==>
Jones: Are you even listening to me, dude?
Jones: Hello?
==>
This... you know this symbol.
The cultist guys from yesterday used this same symbol.
==>
So THEY were the ones who blew up this house!
Oh, that is it.
You've had enough.
==>
These guys make you look like a total jackass in front of your friends, they get away scot-free, and now they're blowing up buildings?!
No.
Not in your town.
You just found your new nemesis.
And now you know his name.
==>
Rick: AAAAAARGAAAALEEEEEEEEEETH!!!
==>
Acolyte: *yawn*
Acolyte: Good morning, Sister Embers.
==>
Acolyte: Ahh!
Sister Embers: I would not classify this morning as particularly "good".
Sister Embers: In fact, it is quite cloudy.
Acolyte: Were... were you standing this close to me all night?
Sister Embers: No.
Sister Embers: Only when I thought you might wake up.
Sister Embers: It is important that we are well-rested for the day ahead.
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randomwriter
Your shit is wrecked
Posts: 624
Pronouns: he/him/his
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Post by randomwriter on Apr 20, 2016 20:27:32 GMT
>Agree, and tell her about the astronomer being an asset to summon Lord Argaleth.
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