How the fuck is she holding that bow up..?

And what the hell is she standing on? This picture makes no sense, she'd fall over..

>>12115998
JAPAN DOES NOT FOLLOW THE TRUTHS OF THE HUMAN BODY, OR THE REALITY OF WEIGHT

IGNORE HER PERFECT BALANCE, UNPROPORTIONATE STRENGTH AND OVERSIZED WEAPON

>>12115998
>How the fuck is she holding that bow up..?
Her toes are holding onto it.
>And what the hell is she standing on?
Left foot is on the ground or some other solid surface.

Not that complicated.

YAY VIERAQUEST IS BACK

what kept you, OP?

>mfw vieraquest is back on schedule

>>12115998

She's holding it up with her foot. You can see her gripping it with her toes. I don't know what she's standing on at the floor is cropped out, but she isn't falling over because she's just that balanced/strong, I imagine.

>>12116015
>human body
>Viera, race of amazons with incredible agility, dexterity, and the like
derp

>>12115979
>Er, whoops. This is part IV. My bad.
>Previous Threads: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=VieraQuest

After conversing with the sisters over your somewhat odd visual and auditory hallucinations of the last few days, you all decide to head to the Viera settlement to discuss the issue with the elders. After a somewhat tense return home, you find out that due to some misuse of ceremonial alcohol, you have become able to detect the flow of Mist on the planet and forecast its strength based on the phases of a possibly invisible second moon. After leaving the village, you and Elma have a run-in with one of the local fauna, and summarily dispatch it. Upon returning home, you have decided to go to sleep. As has been the case recently, however, your sleep is troubled, and you find yourself in a very vivid dream. At least, that's what you hope, because otherwise you've been transported to an inky black plane of pure nothingness populated by the whisperings of the arcane forces that control the elements of nature and life.

You can't see farther than ten or fifteen feet in any direction, and the whispering is omnipresent. You're sitting on what appears to be cold stone, and you're wearing what you had worn to bed-- pretty much nothing save for a light shirt and threadbare shorts. The climate is not unpleasant, but you're not sure if this is a dream or another one of your spontaneous relocations.

What do>?

>>12116032

Look at where her toe is grabbing it, look at the bowstring. The front of the bow would want to fall forward and twist in her grasp...

She would also fall forward from the way her body is positioned, as well with the weight of the arrows and spyglass.

>>12116069
Listen into the voices.
We might not be Viera but we can still tune in slightly, thanks to our apparent drinking problem

>>12116069
tap the stone your sitting on to see if crazy shit might happen, but for the most part sit and use your senses

>>12116071
Okay, okay, I'm gonna nip this one in the bud. The Viera in the picture is in mid-jump, getting ready to sniper a Bangaa downwind. She's holding the bow with her toes while she judges distance and wind speed with the spyglass. Before she hits the ground she will have executed a flawless triple-axle and planted an arrow in the back of the Bangaa's head.

Can we get on with the quest now?

>>12116069
Choose a direction at random and sprint.

>>12116071
Except all of those are covered by the fact that she's a Viera(agile, dexterous, strong) who has likely been doing shit like this for most of her life(which is probably a long ass time).
Seriously, do you ever stop shitposting?

>>12116049
>I was sick. That, and school has decided to give me ALL ART ALL THE TIME ALL AT ONCE. If you're an art student, I do not suggest taking several studio classes at once.

>>12116093
>>12116095
>>12116103
>Poke around a bit and listen.

You tilt your head slightly, trying to make sense of the voice(s) around you. Like the voice that has taken up residence in your head, it is unintelligible-- what registers as any more than a buzz is spoken in a language you do not recognize. You tap lightly on the stone beneath you, but fail to register any sort of sensation, like you were knocking on air. Maybe this is a dream after all? You resist the urge to sprint off in a random direction, just in case you're wrong and you are in fact in an empty pool or a warehouse full of high explosives. Just as you're about to sit down again, however, a section of the intangible wall of voices somewhere to your left suddenly becomes more distinct, like a radio going into tune. You can't recognize the voice, per se; it registers as more of an impression of what the person speaking is like. The meaning behind the voice, however, is clear:

"Follow me. Come, this way."

As if to beckon you further, an orb of light appears low to the ground just a few feet from where you are sitting, illuminating more of the featureless floor and bathing you in a soft cyan light.

"Come, we have work to do."

You stare at the light for a few moments, a bit puzzled. As much as you like following directions, you're still not sure where you are, and based on your recent track record with intangible objects, this could get very bad very quickly.

>>12116174
"What work?"
Question its motives.

>>12116174
Demand to know who/what is there, and go with the orb of light.

>>12116174
Follow the orb. It's not like we have ANYTHING TO DO, anyways.

>>12116200
>>12116208
>Question the orb. Find out what it knows.

The orb bobs a bit in response to your questioning, almost as though it's impatient.

"We do not have time for trifling questions. Follow me and all will be made clear. I am here to guide you."

You consider that kind of a stock answer, but shrug and follow the orb as it scampers (can orbs of light scamper?) off into the darkness, which you can now see is permeated by a shifting, formless mist. As you gaze into the fog around you, you are shocked to see your own face reflected back in the light of the orb-- this is no ordinary mist. You follow the light for some time, though time is pretty hard to gauge in a place like this, and soon you spy a shape in the distance. It is a vague, amorphous shape, but you can tell at least that it's getting closer. Soon enough, you come upon what appears to be a massive crystal, about one and a half times your height. The crystal is dull and clouded, and it's impossible to make out the dark shape inside, though it seems vaguely familiar. As you attempt to peer into the depths of the stone, the orb speaks again, this time in a voice that you can actually hear:

"This is a shard of the Great Crystal, known in ancient times as the Starseed, messenger of the heavens. Now it lies dormant, its power lost. Your recent exploits have attuned you partially to the shard, and you now have a rare opportunity. Through much trial will the shard be restored, its prisoner freed, and the pact fulfilled. Will you embark on this journey?"

You resist the urge to laugh. What the heck is this thing talking about? A million questions run through your head, but the light speaks again, coming to rest on the top of the massive crystal.

"Think back to your recent trials. Remember what you have been told. Consider it well before you answer."

>>12116298
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but this sounds pretty much perfect for a prison for demons. Gonna need more information before I make a decision."

>>12116298
Epic adventure or life as Joe Normal working a 9 to 5?

It's questing time

>>12116298
"My eyes do not betray me, what is it that I can see dormant within this shard?"

>>12116340
>>12116388
>>12116398
>Make the obvious choice, but voice your concerns.

In response, the light floats down to a spot about two feet away from you, pulsing slightly. The light speaks again, its tone understanding but anxious.

"Your misgivings are understandable, Hume. I trust this will convince you."

The light of the orb steadily grows brighter until you can no longer look at it, illuminating a massive area of the featureless plane. When your gaze returns to the orb, you find that it has transformed into a small creature about the size of a house cat. Its multiple tails flow lazily in a nonexistent breeze, and a large, crimson jewel is set into its forehead. Its long ears twitch slightly and it cocks its head at you, speaking again.

"I am Carbuncle, Terrestrial Avatar of Light and messenger of the Great Crystal. The form you see before you now is only a projection of my true self, which is now one with the Cryst you see before you. My absence in the world has caused an imbalance that must be corrected, and your unique position may allow you to assist in my liberation. I ask you again: are you prepared for this task? I will, of course, do all that I can to assist you and your companions, as well."

>>12116488
do it, the faster we end this "dream" , the quicker we can get this ball rollin

Oh, and make sure to remember EXACTLY what happened here, so that we can explain it to the girls

>>12116488

Hell yes, Carbuncle. Let's get this show on the road.

>>12116488
>Carbuncle
Sure, as long as we can count on him to stick with us.

BITCHES DON'T KNOW ABOUT MY REFLECT

so, we ever establish what killer awesome ability the cestus give us?

>I keep finding myself stuck between making this manageable quest-wise (i.e. having decisions that actually make sense) and keeping these posts within the proper length, hell, this one's probably too long. At any rate, I apologize if I get a little slow sometimes.

>>12116514
>Get the ball rolling.

The creature calling itself Carbuncle nods, and you find yourself looking between it and the crystal incredulously. Carbuncle rises from the ground, floating to just about eye level with you. It glows faintly, and its fur and tails rustle slowly.

"I understand. Please give this to your young friend-- the one who heeds the word of the Mist most closely. I am sure she will be in need of my aid, and it is through her that I am to be called into your world."

With that, Carbuncle wraps its tails around it, shining brilliantly once again. In its place floats a crimson jewel about the size of a peach. You snatch the softly vibrating gem out of the air--

And find yourself lying on your bed, drenched in a cold sweat. You look around the room blearily, and open your fist as the details of the dream come back to you. Somewhat surprisingly, there's nothing there. You can find no sign of Carbuncle's jewel anywhere in the apartment. Must have been a dream after all. You prepare for the day, all the while turning over the Avatar's words in your mind.

As you are busy crunching on a piece of toast and idly flipping channels on the TV, you hear a knock on the door. Peeking through the window you recognize Fyna's short-cropped hair and open the door. She looks troubled.

"Is this a bad time? We've got a bit of a problem."

>>12116667
"let me take a wild guess..."
*explain the jewel

>>12116656
>No, not yet. There's an idea-- you guys can make one up. It'll be our super-secret finishing move that costs a buttload of MP and can only be used when the enemy is in critical health. Are we still calling the weapons Bolt and Mercury?

Ask what's wrong

>>12116699
>>12116728
>Guess, and explain the dream.

Fyna gives you a puzzled glance.

"What the hell are you talking about? No, space cadet, another Guild's trying to annex ours, and Elma's none too happy about it. She and Laya are fighting. I tried to break it up but I can only take so much of... of..."

Fyna makes several rather complicated hand gestures and sighs, defeated. You pat her shoulder, your toast hanging from your mouth. She looks at you a bit sheepishly.

"Mind if I chill here for a bit until things cool down? Nieve still hasn't given up and I think if I stay there it's gonna come to blows."

Naturally, you nod and let her in, scarfing the remainder of the toast. Fyna stretches out on your couch, eying the television with minimal interest. She tosses an envelope onto your coffee table, which has evidently seen better days; aside from being already opened, the envelope looks like it has been run over by a truck. Fyna nods at it, looking irritated.

"Got that on our doorstep a few hours ago. Some big-shot Clan around here apparently doesn't like the fact that we're a registered Guild on their turf, and want us gone."

>>12116867
How big-shot are we talking, here?

>>12116867

well thats no good, Read the letter, lets see if we can do anything to help the girls.

>>12116890
>Just how big is "big?"

You open the letter at Fyna's urgings, noting that it is printed on a very professional, custom-designed stationary emblazoned with a cow skull and crossed swords. The very concise letter reads as follows:

"To whom it may concern,

We, Clan Exguard, have come to the understanding that you have registered as a Guild in the immediate area. This area falls under our jurisdiction as per Clan bylaws, and your continued operation will be seen as a challenge to our position. We as that you meet at the following location within 24 hours to negotiate the terms of your Guild's induction into Clan Exguard, or else cease all Pact-related activity at once.

Regards,
Joshua Kismet, Clan Ace"

You frown and close the letter, noting that Fyna has placed a hand over her eyes.

"Uggh, these punks think that just because they're the most well-funded clan in the area they're allowed to bowl over private Guilds like ours. 'Challenge their position?' Hah! They outnumber us five to one, easily. Anyways, Elma wants to fight them for our right to exist as a Guild, and Laya is upset at even associating with other Pactmakers. Frankly, I don't like the idea of joining some Hunt Club bullshit organization, but the way I see it we don't have much of a choice."

You ponder the situation for a moment. Elma's far too prideful to consider being under someone else, and you have no idea what Laya's so upset about. Of course, it might be worth it to attempt to reason with these Exguard people, assuming you're able to actually meet with them.

>>12117079

let tell her we have to go somewhere real quick and that she can chill here for the time being.

Follow the return address and find these punks, maybe we can do something stupid awesome to stop our guilds takeover.

>>12117079
well, we still have the request of that avatar, perhaps we can quest for a bit, then when are clan gets bigger, come back and take over this other clan. make this proposal, and if she asks why, explain to her the "dream" and how this relates to what we told her at the door

>>12117142
Or at least scout them out a bit, yeah?

>>12117079
Considering we don't even really know that much about Fyna we could stay and talk to her for a bit before talking things over with the others. I doubt we could do much on our own.

>tragene affection;

Hmmm...

>>12117241
this, then
>>12117211
this, then propose to the group we do
>>12117217

Hell yes, Viera Quest.

>>12117258
This person is correct, and I second doing such a thing

>>12117258

Fyna lays back for a bit, not speaking, and you finish a few chores you had left to do around the house. As you sit back down, Fyna eyes you curiously.

"You know, if I didn't know better I'd say that this was one of those pre-ordained things. You know, new town, new people, and all of a sudden all this crazy stuff starts happening. Really, though, it's just the same old same old-- politics and people with sticks up their asses. Hell, my mother's got a whole forest up her ass."

You find yourself unperturbed by Fyna's gruff language; it's almost refreshing. The two of you talk for a while, the topics shifting between the situation at hand, recent events, and Fyna herself. She laughs when you confess that you haven't really had time to get to know her.

"There's not much to know. Like the other girls I just got tired of sticking to tradition and wanted to see the world. 'Course, I've been to Hume cities before, I used to go with the merchants and traders when I was a kid. Never really met any Humes before, though, especially not one as interesting as you."

She smiles roguishly at you and runs a hand through her dove-white hair. You can't help but grin back at her.

"Well, I should probably get back soon, see if they've killed each other yet. Poor Nieve's probably at her wits end by now. You should come too, I guess; I'm sure Elma would just be beside herself at the thought of spying on these high-society types."

You nod, but soon realize the implications of the suggestion. If Elma really is as upset as she sounds, would a stealth mission be the best thing to bring her on? You can just envision Elma leaping from an air vent like some kind of seven-foot-tall bronze Sam Fischer, snapping some poor kid's neck and howling for blood. Maybe it would be best to go with someone who has more of a level head... Of course, the thought of doing this behind Elma's back is almost as terrifying.

>>12117477

Well, I believe our character is pretty level headed. To the conflict!

>>12117477

I say we go by our self, nobody except the girls know we are in the guild. We can do the sam fisher thing ourselves without any( I hope) repercussion

>>12117493

And when I say that, I mean we should go act as a level headed meditator, trying to get the chicks to stop fighting.

>>12117514
or, we could pose as someone wanting to join the guild, and get as much info about the guild, in addition to the guilds building of operations, before we "decline" joining them. Make sure to leave a note on the girls door so that they can rescue us should "declining" to join the guild goes awry

>>12117549

thats a good backup

lets play some pretend!

OP dead, or is he writing up like 3 posts?

>>12117974
maybe hes summarizing our trip to the guild?

bump with OP's interpretation of Elma

>>12117549
>Apologies for the delay, had a few phone calls.

You walk Fyna to the door, apologetically stating that you've got some business to take care of. Immediately after she leaves, you set about finding the location of Clan Exguard. It's surprisingly easy, and you soon have an address and website from which to glean information. A half-formed idea slowly forms in your head, and soon you find yourself parking in front of an ornate and well-worn building downtown, after leaving a note explaining yourself on your door, just in case.

As you step out of your car, a huge figure strides powerfully across the front lawn towards you.

"And wot business 'ave you got with us, 'Ume? We ain't havin' no tours today."

You stare at the bangaa and then at the halberd lazily slung across his back, then state that you're interested in joining the Clan. The bangaa eyes you suspiciously.

"We ain't had no applicants. You got any qualifications, then?"

You're about to answer when the front door to the building opens, and a figure saunters forth. The man you see before you is clad head to toe in white, with several sashes and bangles affixed to his garb. You notice the glint of armor beneath his coat, and two scabbards at his waist. The man looks down at you from atop the steps leading up to the building, regarding you like one would regard something old in a refrigerator.

"Brago, who is this man, and why have you not escorted him off of the premises? I will not have any salesmen bothering my men anymore."

The bangaa snarls quietly, a scowl stretching across his leathery face. "This'un's wantin' to join the Clan, sir. Says 'e can fight."

The man is soon pacing slowly around you, looking you up and down. You feel a bit like a pine tree in late December. "Ah, an applicant, why didn't you say earlier? Well, man, out with it; why should I, Ace Kismet of Clan Exguard, give you a chance to join us?"

>>12118059
"I punched a crocodile to death."

>>12118059
EXAMINE info from website. Maybe we can tell him something he wants to hear based on how they advertise?

There anything nearby to dramatically crush with our fist?

>>12118106
>>12118103

Luckily, you came prepared. Without saying a word, you pop the trunk of your car, exposing its contents to the Brago and Ace Kismet. Within the trunk is the still-thawing tail of the baritine croc from the previous day, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for preservation. Kismet cocks an eyebrow at you, chuckling slightly.

"I do hope that you have more than this, my friend," he looks you over again, and you fight the urge to slap the turban off of his head, "I'm afraid a little 'gator tail isn't enough to win you a spot under our banner."

You had read stories about this on a few websites dedicated to reviewing Clans before heading here; though the skill of Ace Joshua Kismet is renowned on the battlefield, he's a bit of a douchebag. In response, you reach into your bag, revealing your trump card: Bolt and Mercury, your ashwyrm cestus. Kismet's grin slowly widens and Brago mutters a few Bangaa curses under his breath as you slip the knuckles on, wrapping your fists tightly. The weapons are already beginning to feel like extensions of your body at this point, due to some late-night practice and your constant fiddling.

"Well then, you never said you were a monk. I know it's not orthodox, but Brago, you've been warming the bench for some time now, correct? Why not spar with this fellow for a bit?"

You glance back at the hulking form of Brago, who suddenly seems a lot bigger. He clenches his fists a few times, a low growl escaping his crocodilian maw. You glance back at Kismet, who smiles at you vacantly, as though he were talking to a practice dummy.

>>12118228

Cleave and smite! Cleave and smite!

>>12118228
TIME TO USE THAT UBER ABILITY WE ARE LEARNING, PERHAPS ULTIMA STRIKE?

If not, then outright kill the bangaa with some clever footwork and jabs to the head, cutting him up as you pull back your arms would be a good bonus

>>12116710
>Make up ability.
>It's the finishing move.
What was that one move used in Fist of the North Star? There was a metric shitton of punching going on there. Either way we should use it.

>>12118059
"I'm pretty skilled when it comes to punching the ever-living shit out of things."

>>12118228
Simple motions, wait for his attack--it'll be fast and hard. Evade that, and then commence beating his ass like a drum.

>>12118228

look at him and say this.

"your shoes are already untied"

when hes distracted attack while shouting "YOU WA SHOCK!"

>>12118254
>>12118283
>>12118295

The two of you are escorted by Kismet around the side of the building to a large bowl-like indentation carved into the earth. The soil beneath your feet gives way to red clay, and you and Brago take your places on opposite ends of the circle. Kismet stands off to the side, watching with detached amusement.

"Ah, yes, one more thing before you start-- no need for unnecessary bloodshed, eh? I've gotten quite used to having Brago watch the front porch and we certainly don't want you spreading any nasty rumors..."

With that, the Ace produces a long, thin case from his coat, opening it to reveal a thin deck of cards. Brago groans.

"Oi, why one o' them here? Izzat really necessary, boss?! Jus' gonna rough 'im up a bit is all..."

Kismet smiles at Brago, silencing the bangaa. "Cease your whining, I have no intention of calling a judge for something as simple as this. Not a real one, at least... we'll use one of these."

Joshua flicks one of the cards into the air, which seems to fall extremely slowly before disappearing in a thin puff of smoke. As the smoke clears, a tinny, hollow voice rings across the battle field, reminding you a bit of a barker at a horse race. The voice seems to emanate from a small, armor-clad doll floating in the air off to the side of the arena.

"To maintain Order is the Judge's calling. Let it be known that the Order of this place shall not be disturbed! Participants, commence!"

You only have a moment to wonder what is going on before Brago lets out a gruff bellow and charges, halberd at the ready.

>Continued...

>>12118506
Sidestep, grab is halberd, and kick the weakest part of his legs to get is ass flat on the ground, from there kick the halberd out of his hands and lay into him in a full mount

>>12118555
disregard this didn't read it all the way

Deflect, move into the range where a pole-arm is useless, and kick one of his knees in backward?

I think technically that is avoiding bloodshed.

>>12118555
>Ground and pound! Ground and pound!
>>12118506

As the onrush of bangaa and steel near you, you crouch into a ready stance, easily sidestepping the furious charge. You turn just in time to see Brago dig his spear into the clay, using it like a fulcrum to swing around to face you without losing too much momentum. Still, the charge has left him somewhat unbalanced, and you see your opportunity.

You realize that the best way to neutralize his reach advantage is to get in close, so you attempt to roll behind him, closing the distance between you as much as possible. Brago answers with a flick of his spear, sending the wickedly bladed head whistling towards your own. You manage to dodge the tip of the weapon, but the thick pole impacts your neck, stunning you for a moment. You end up skidding practically into Brago as a result, knocking him off balance even more. Recovering, you deliver a quick jab to the outside of his left knee, causing that leg to buckle. The massive lizard-man slumps to the ground for a moment, and you rebound, shoulder tackling him with all your might.

Surprisingly, the Bangaa hits the dirt, his halberd clattering off in another direction. You manage to get a few clean hits in, but they're body blows that only serve to make Brago angrier. He howls in your ear as the two of you grapple, making your head ring like a can full of rocks. You feel his hands clamp around your shoulders like a vice, and soon you are tumbling onto your back, cast off like a bothersome parasite.

Brago leaps for you, his halberd forgotten. You feel time slow, your right arm seeming to take forever to wind up. You call on your inner nexus to the Mist, a candle deep inside you that flickers and flares as the Mist flows past it into the outside world. You feel the flame grow, and Bolt roars to life with white-hot energy, searing your knuckles as you answer its call with your own voice.

THOUSAND SEALS TECHNIQUE: FIST OF THE WROTH GOD

>>12118657
SHORYUKEN!!!!!

>>12118657
so a falcon punch that sends his ass flying?

I just don't know enough about unarmed combat to be of any help with this

>>12118657

You feel the hit more than you see it; the impact sends a tremor down your arm and through your entire body. The effect is instantaneous; Brago might as well have been hit by a bus. The Bangaa is knocked clean out of his leap and sent spinning to the ground as you follow through with the hit, your left arm crackling with energy. You feel... it's hard to describe the feeling. You're currently feeling a strange mixture of disdain, frustration, rage, and mercy, all at once. This is the first time you've really had a chance to loosen up since this whole nonsense began, and you're sure it shows.
Brago lurches up again, his face a bloody mess. The punch caught him square in the side of the face, and it appears his jaw is broken, several of his long canid teeth having been knocked out by the blow. Nevertheless he is determined to remain standing, and you stare him down, the combat high fueling a victimless fury inside of you. You bellow at him to get up, to attack you again, and Mercury crackles in agreement. Another hit would surely render him unconscious; it might even kill him.
Kismet watches silently, vague amusement playing across his eyes. Before you're able to further admonish your opponent, the tiny Judge floats into view, its comically small sword raised above its disproportionately large helmet.

"Participant Brago has been rendered unable to continue. This engagement will now cease. The Law has been upheld."

Part of you cries out to finish this, to ignore the comical excuse for a referee and show these pompous assholes what you can really do.

>>12118809
NO, CALM THE FUCK DOWN, THE LAST THING WE NEED IS TO FIGHT A FUCKING PALADIN WITH DUAL SABERS

>>12118809
Time to simmer down. We've won. Bask in the feeling of victory.

>>12118809
stop fighting and bow to Brago. Thank him for the fight, perhaps we should make a excuse to get back to the girls after seeing if he will let us join or tell him the real reason why we showed up?

>>12118809
But there has to be a reason he used that stupid little card thing. I mean, normally who's going to listen to a tiny thing like that unless they didn't want to disobey. So it must be able to do SOMETHING to prevent rule violations, otherwise it'd be useless.

>>12118809
Hell no. We're not an animal; we control this. Deep breath. Think.

...What would Nieve say?

>>12118809

Now would be the best time to calm down, tiny judge is still a judge. Goosefraba

>>12118857
She would get all drunk, pressing her chest into hours, basking us in her scent.

Uhhhhh. Maybe make some sort 'shit, oops' gesture, then help the dude up with a hand.

>>12118809

The last thing we want to do is lose our cool, especially since it's eventually going to come out that we're not actually going to be joining their guild, and when that happens, we want to make it clear we're not out to damage them. I think we've messed up this guy's face enough.

>>12118857
I don't know about Nieve, but Elma would definitely cheer us on. Inwardly at least.

>>12118893
Would she? There's toeing the line and there's crossing it. Besides, this story's gonna be even better. "I kicked a bangaa's ass so hard he saw the curvature of the earth."
Hell, maybe we should see if we can collect a tooth as proof.

>>12118914
nah, the halberd would have been better, but unless its broken, I don't think he would be very cool with that. Besides, its the end of the engagement, so the judge would card our ass in a second

>>12118809
Call our now downed opponent a lizard.

>>12118876
>it's eventually going to come out that we're not actually going to be joining their guild, and when that happens, we want to make it clear we're not out to damage them.
When we say we're not going to join we should explain it away as needing to train more before feeling worthy or some such tripe.
>I think we've messed up this guy's face enough.
Yes, we have. This was just an audition at any rate.

>>12118809

The urge passes, and the world begins to come back into focus. Mercury ceases its howling, the heat dissipates. Brago slumps to the ground, groaning. The Judge turns to you, its visor inches from your own face.

"Participant, you have upheld the Law even in victory. We recognize you as the victor of this engagement. Farewell."

One puff of smoke later, and the judge disappears. You turn to Kismet, who has stood, looking somewhat smug.

"Well then, it appears you DO have some ability, then. Of course, the weapon does make the man, contrary to what others might tell you. As for you," he turns to Brago, who is clutching his face. The bleeding has mostly stopped due to judicial magic, but you're certain the bangaa is going to be left with another scar to talk about. "Go clean yourself up and see a medic. We'll discuss this later."

Brago hobbles slowly inside, still clutching his face. Kismet paces around in his idle way, scratching his thin blond goatee thoughtfully. He kneels momentarily to examine Brago's halberd, chuckling to himself and turning to you, arms spread wide.

"Well, it appears you can beat our doorman, at least. To that I say bravo, at least. Now, as for your interest in our Clan, I'm afraid that we are not accepting applicants at the moment and we will have to send you--"

The Ace is interrupted by a loud a derisive laugh. The two of your trace the source of the sound to the top of the hill that leads down to the practice arena, and the tall, lithe figure that stands there. Soon, the figure is joined by three others, and your eyes go wide.

Oh shit, it's the girls. Elma eyes Kismet with disdain, the letter from Exguard as well as your own clenched tightly in her fist. The other girls look a bit more wary. All of them are decked out in the gear of their respective professions, and you wonder if you've just started a serious fight.

>>12119006
Look back at Kismet with epic shit-eating grin. "Best laid plans, huh?"
Wave the girls over, feel like a boss, even if everything just fucked up.

>>12119006
Oh sweet sonuvabitch.

>>12119006
KICK THAT FUCKERS ASS WHILE HE IS NOT PAYING ATTENTION, THIS IS A PERFECT OPPORTUNITY FOR A SUCKER PUNCH.

If not that, then grab the dude like a hostage, and have the sharp end of the cestus to his neck.

>>12119006

Before they can do anything stupid jump up there and cover her mouth saying that these guys follow you around every now and then. laugh it off. if that doesn't work then say "It can't be helped. I'll have to use "that""(that should make him shit his pants)

>>12119006

SUCKER PUNCH THE FUCK IN HIS SNEERING FACE

CRUSH! KILL! DESTROY!

>>12119047
Also, maybe we should try to get ahold of Brago. His boss clearly just set us up for a fight for no fucking reason, knowing full well he wasn't going to take an applicant.

>>12119047
>>12119053
No no no. Wait and see what the girls do. They might be playing along.

I see one way to fix this.

Let out a 'fuck', then walk over to the girls to explain our attempt to infiltrate the guild. Maybe they will hear our honest sincerity, and not assume something bad.

>>12119050
>>12119071
No, you fucks. The dude wants to absorb our guild. We can't give him anything he can use against us - like assault.

>>12119071
>>12119050
Do you morons even have any brains in your thick skulls? That has to be the stupidest course of action we could take. You'll start a guild war and our guild will be crushed by their superior numbers. Dumbasses.

>>12119094
doubt it, kismet knows it a bunch of viera that is on his turf, elma laughed at the display, and kismet was planning on not letting us in regardless, there is no diplomacy or infiltration at this point. The girls are also decked out in gear, this is a fight

>>12119098
We already left a note on their door, we should be good on that end.

>>12119141
Holding a leader hostage or killing him will cripple his clan, if his doorman is any indication as to how intelligent the rest of the members are.

>>12119141
WE WILL GRIND THEM ALL TO DUST! WE ARE STRONGER! CRUSH THIS SNEERING MORTAL! DASH HIS HEAD AND DRINK HIS BLOOD FROM HIS EYESOCKETS!

...or not, whatever, 's all cool.

>>12119098
No. We left a note for them explaining what we were going to try and do. They may not be here for a reason that would blow our cover. Remember that the message the girls recieved said the clan wanted a meeting.

Clearly kismet will force us to prove our loyalty to him and allow us to join by fighting the girls, assuming he hasn't made the connection that we are in league with the girls.

>>12119173
What makes you think that?

The laugh could have been directed at Kismet. Possibly because they saw us beat down the lizard.

>>12119214
Several FF tactics games. Plus, its worth a shot as opposed to standing there like a jackass

>>12119233
A jackass? Our cover has not been blown. Standing there is not blowing our cover. The girls have not blown our cover. Yet. Let's not be too hasty.

>>12119261
So, tell me when its appropriate to negotiate with a opposing clan, when your in your battle gear. I doubt kismet is just gonna let me idle about while he deals with the girls, assuming he hasn't taken their presence as a deceleration of conflict

>Damage control.

Kismet looks for a moment at four Viera, then back to you. Laughing again, he spreads his palms in a gesture of honest curiosity.

"And... who might you be? Another set of applicants? I thought the Viera stayed away from the Pact, or are you another bunch of rebels away from home for the first time?"

You see Laya flinch, but Elma holds up a hand. Her voice is cold and low. "We're the Guild you're trying to take over, Ace Kismet of Clan Exguard. We've come to tell you that we are not our elders. We will not go quietly."

At this, you jog up the hill to the girls, putting on your best "it's about time" face. Elma's gaze doesn't waver from Kismet, but Nieve stares at you in disbelief.

"What's going on? We saw your note-- what were you thinking?! Do you have any idea how big this Clan is?"

You stammer out an apology, and Fyna chuckles at you, a little nervously. "I told you you shoulda come with me. Elma's talkin' about challenging this guy to a duel."

You and Kismet raise your eyebrows simultaneously at this. You look at Elma in shock, Kismet with intrigue.

"Oh, then you must be Elma Blueblood, the 'leader' of your little group. Tell me, how does it feel being alienated among your own people for breaking TWO taboos?"

Fyna instinctively reaches out to grab Elma's arm, but the older Viera doesn't budge. Without turning, she addresses you.

"You still have some fight left in you? We're gonna have a full on engagement here in a minute, and I don't want any slack from you. Got it?!"

Your mind is racing. What the heck is Elma talking about? Is it even possible to use reason with her at this point? Another part of you revels in the conflict to come, and that worries you.

>>12119296
"Ma'am, I will beat wholesale ass in your holy name. Let's do this."

>>12119296
KHORNE HAS GIVEN YOU HIS FAVOR! EMBRACE IT! DESTROY THE ARROGANT CREATURE AND IMPRESS YOUR COMPANIONS!

>>12119296
>and they said a preemptive strike was a bad idea

real smooth guys, what a wasted opportunity

>>12119296
I wish I could figure out how to give that special dream gem to Nieve. A summon could really be handy right about now.

>>12119329
There are laws to be followed for this sort of thing, as the tiny card judge pointed out. We could have really screwed thing up by attempting an ambush.

>>12119362
It tends to happen in moments of crisis. Fortunately, we are damn good at finding those.
>>12119329
I'd rather not piss him off before we have to. If he calls down the entirety of his guild's available force on us, we're crushed. If he thinks he's working from a position of strength, his arrogance--he's got it in spades--might give us an advantage.

>>12119371
I was still under the assumption that kismet use the card to call the judge, considering there was no judge around when we were fighting that gator

>>12119296
LEEEEEEEEEEEEET'S GET READY TO RUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUMBLEEEEEEEEEE!

>>12119296
>Side Action: Examine SKILLS.

The rush of combat has unlocked the latent power of your ash-fang cestus, Bolt and Mercury. This gives you access to the realm of Mist for use in combat, as well as allowing you several new skills.

>NEW COMBAT ABILITIES ACCQUIRED!
>Skillset: Fistfight
>Learned skill "Beatdown!"
>Learned skill "Far Fist!"
>Learned skill "Whirlwind!"
>Learned skill "Blitz!"

>NEW SPECIAL TECHNIQUES ACCQUIRED!
>Learned Technique "Thousand Seals: Fist of the Wroth God" (Bolt only, right-handed technique)
>Learned Technique "Thousand Seals: Howl of the Wroth God (Mercury only, left-handed technique)
>Learned Technique "Hundred-Thousand Seals: Midnight Sun (???)

>>12119379
That was a wild animal, this is a guild fight. Even if law isn't a perfect analogy to what we've got, it's still an assault. And if you look at it in "two opposing factions" terms, you come to the negotiation table and cockslap the opposition before the talks begin. Nobody's gonna be happy with you there.

>>12119390
regardless if it was a wild animal, it was still a fight, and judges are used even in fights with wild animals

regardless, the girls are obviously here to fight

>>12119388
I forgot, is blitz the move that lets you hit two squares?

>>12119422

Blitz is an accurate but weakened strike. If I remember correctly it never misses.

>>12119422
That's strikethrough or something like that. I think Blitz is a fast, low-damage attack with good accuract.

>>12119413
No, currently Elma is here to challenge Kismet to a duel. There are rules for this sort of thing. This could be one on one. Or we could beat him down before anything is established and it could be all of Clan Exguard vs the 5 of us.

>>12119388
>"Hundred-Thousand Seals: Midnight Sun (???)

>>12119452
she JUST said to us that we are gonna be in a full engagement
that also doesn't change the fact that she didn't announce the duel to kismet until after they showed up

>>12119296
I'd like to take Nieve off to the side a bit and explain about Carbuncle and the dream and the thing we were supposed to give her while Elma and Kismet do whatever they do.

>>12119464
That's got to be the big finish. Use after FotWG and HotWG.

OP, how long are you gonna go tonight? I love VieraQuest, but I also love sleep.

>>12119479

That should probably wait; it makes more sense to try and use the guy's arrogance. Let him fight alone against us - if he can't handle a fist fighter and a buncha girls, what right does he have to run a guild this way?

>>12119479
>Sounds reasonable.

As Elma and the Ace of Exguard stare each other down, you turn to Nieve, who is looking between you and Elma, concerned. You notice that in addition to her usual Elementalist's attire, she is carrying a long wooden staff that ends in a broad, flat head. Hanging it are several baubles and trinkets, one of which you recognize...

It's Carbuncle's ruby! You nudge Nieve, and the two of you recede far enough to be out of earshot of the Paladin. You quickly explain your dream of the previous night, and Nieve listens, somewhat awestruck.

"Y-you met a Terrestrial Avatar? And it gave you a quest?! That's incredible! What did it look like? Was it scary? Why did it choose you? I mean, not that I wouldn't choose you for a quest it's just--"

You reach out and touch the ruby, which glows faintly, silencing Nieve. Her eyes lose focus for a moment, and she looks like she is listening to a far-off voice. Shortly, she shakes out of her reverie and turns to you, her eyes even wider.

"I... uh, this might sound a bit crazy, but there was this blue... thing right behind you and it said... Well, I guess you already know."

You nod. You guess that's what Carbuncle had meant, though you're a bit irritated that it hadn't been more clear. The two of you rejoin the others, and you notice that Kismet has been joined by four others.

"In the spirit of fairness, this will be a five-on-five engagement. I am a charitable man, after all. We shall meet at the engagement hall at sunset to determine once and for all the fate of your Guild and its members. Agreed?"

>Continued...

>>12119505
>Probably until the end of the engagement. Not a whole lot longer, but there's always the archives.

>>12119664
Elma nods, having not moved an inch from her previous position. You notice that her left eye has turned black and amber, the slit pupil fixed in a bestial gaze upon Kismet's throat. The man can only laugh. Elma's voice is barely audible, but you're certain that Kismet gets the message.

"Of course. We'll be there."

Kismet claps and motions to his clanmates, who file inside the Clan Hall. He waves jauntily to your group, and you once again resist an urge to set upon him like a wild dog.

"Splendid! We'll see you in a few hours, then. Just remember, if we win you will give up your aethyrite and cease all activity as a Guild. Well, until then...!"

As soon as the heavy oaken door closes, Elma lets out a breath through her nose. The grass beneath her feet vaporizes instantly, leaving a charred circle in the dirt. She turns and stalks back to the front of the hall, all business.

"We need materials. Laya, I need you to be in full swing, we have three hours. Let's hit the Mog Market." She turns to you, and it takes all your willpower not to flinch. "You're driving. I don't have any more money for the bus."

>>12119664
>We shall meet at the engagement hall at sunset to determine once and for all the fate of your Guild and its members. Agreed?
I WILL CRUSH YOU, LIKE LITTLE BABY MAN

>Let's hit the Mog Market.
THIS IS WHERE WE MEET OUR MOST BROTASTIC PARTY MEMBER YET, RIGHT?

RIGHT?

>>12119682
"Just so we're clear, is it against the rules to try to hit him with a building?"
Drive, try to remain the anchor of calm in all this. The girls are all going to be stressing in their own ways, helping them keep their heads on straight will let them help you keep yours. Get all the information you need to know.

Hey, do Moogles have flamethrowers? That could be fun.

>>12119682
Right. Silent treatment here we come. I hope.

>>12119726
>implying Moogles wouldn't have the most kupo of all weaponry

>>12119739
they don't, they have guns, they have magic, they have bazooka's, but no flamethrowers.

I say we propose to stock up on some ethers on the off chance we do not have some to give to the magical members of the party

>>12119682

Right then. We need to stock up on healing items, and perhaps purchase an accessory or two for ourselves. Also, what ability does our monk's garb grant us?

>bus
I now have this hilarious mental image of some poor bus driver having a nervous breakdown when four seven foot tall bunnies covered in swords climb on board demanding tickets.

>>12119912
that makes little sense if you consider that its normal in OP's version of Ivalice. You probably have something ridiculous like a moogle bus driver

>>12119713
>Keep a level head.

The Mog Market is in a separate district of town, one populated entirely by Moogles. As you drive down the rustic cobblestone streets, you can see that from every door, window, and rooftop flit the tiny, fuzzy-eared, pompom-toting masters of gadgets and gizmos. As you pile out of the car, Elma hefts a bag over her shoulder from the trunk, along with the baritine tail. You almost protest, but remember that you have no idea how to cook the thing, anyways, or if it's even any good to eat. The five of you enter a rather run-down looking building on a side street, and you are immediately greeted by an elderly moogle wearing a wide, flat beret and large goggles.

"Yes, customers, what can I do for you, kupo?"

Elma lets the bag she is carrying fall to the counter and places the baritine tail firmly in front of the shopkeeper.

"We're here to trade. Show me what you've got."

As the shopkeeper leads the two of them over to a wall laden down with what look like bones, machine parts, and chunks of unidentifiable material, you slowly drift through the aisles, looking for anything that will pique your interest. You notice a few things stashed in small boxes and on top shelves: A tiny box containing a few jet-black gears, a splintered section of behemoth horn, and a device you can't identify in a glass bell. You bring these objects over to the others, the shopkeep perking up as you draw near.

"Ah, yes, yes, kupo. We can do something with this. What do you say, missy?"

Laya is silent, scrawling figures on a pad of paper. Elma looks impatient.

You ponder your choices. You could suggest something to the moogle machinist and Laya to craft for you, or you could peruse some of the pre-made arms lying around the shop. The moogle seems happy with what Elma brought to trade, so cost doesn't seem to be an issue.

>>12119954
Look for a shotgun.

Pray to EVERY GOD I KNOW this world has shotguns.

>>12119954
>the two of them

Aargh, this got confused because I had to cut the post down. Meant Elma and Laya.

>>12119981
doubtful, they have rifles, cannons, and pistols, but no shotguns.

>>12119996
INVENT ONE

>>12119954
we need suggestions from the merchant so we can get laya to craft a gun for us. Shooty shenanigans should be had in this coming encounter.

>>12119954
"I won't lie. We're in some serious business here. If there's any advantage you can give us, let us know. We'll be grateful--and we remember friends."

a trench knife.

>>12120014
>A review of found items:

-Jet-black gears: These gears fill you with dread. You shudder to think what kind of machine they came from.
-Behemoth Fragment: It takes quite a bit of effort to shatter a behemoth's horn-- whether or not it's still alive!
-Strange Device: This device looks like it's still in working order, despite the case it's being incredibly worn. It emits faint heat.

>>12120033
so some sort of doomshot ability?
I'm all for it. Maybe if we learn it, then switch over to monk, we can punch people and watch as they die right in front of us

>>12120014
But if we switch our weapon to a gun won't we be unable to use the attacks we've learned?

>>12120047
Maybe we can develop the Bolter and Chainsword support tech.

...They have a bolter in stock, by any chance?

>>12120047
You've forgotten the first rule of pirate combat.

A gun is either first or last.

SOMEBODY PHRASE THIS BETTER

>>12120047
aside from far fist, which is just a ranged monk ability, the other abilities are useable with guns. So we can beatdown people from across the room with boolets

hence shooty shenanigans

>>12120047

Either we get to use the ability, or we channel it through bullets. Assuming FFTA mechanics.

>>12120033
It's pretty obvious we're building a gun here, so all you guys have to do is decide what kind of gun it is. Remember that we're not experienced with ranged weapons yet, so complicated firearms are probably not a good idea.
>>12120047
Since this is kind of a hybrid FF system, I'm going to forgo the AP system. When new abilities are acquired, consider them learned, and use of one weapon does not necessarily prohibit the other in battle.

>>12120033
Better to ask this now: will a gun benefit us at this point in time?

I've got it!

Wrist-mounted revolvers!

>>12120060
>>12120055
We started out knowing the fistfight skillset and we have improved along that line. Why do you want to go into battle with a weapon we have no skills with? We won't have any time to train with it. We don't even have the skillset for it.

>>12120091
Disregard. It figures the answer gets posted shortly before me.

>>12120091
depends on what the enemy will be bringing to the table in the fight, and what the other party members are gonna be rolling as

what about some kind of forearm guards? That way we can block weapons with ease

>>12120090
I say a smallarm. Something like a pistol. Revolvers are unwieldy for new users, so probably magazine-based. Plus we can equip one of our cestus in the off-hand.

>>12120098
1. Guns are part of the Monk skillset(?)
2. Guns kill things really well.
3. WE ARE GOING TO NEED A LOT OF KILLY IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE AND FIST CLAWS JUST WON'T DO

>>12120090
I've never played tactics, so help me out here. Will we be able to use our move and specials even though we are using a gun?

>>12120121
how about a fistclaw/gun combo? fistclaw on dominant arm, and pistol being held in the other? That way we can at least use that uber attack we raped that bangaa with earlier

Two words: Caster gun.

>>12120125
for the most part yes. far fist is just a ranged monk attack so its useless. Beatdown can be used by a gun, blitz can be used by a gun, and whirlwind is a small burst around us, so no gun use with that ability.

also our uber abilities can't be used with the guns because the abilities require the cestus

>>12120130
Dood, wrist-mounted revolvers.

>>12120146
DOOD >>12120152
We can TOTALLY strap guns to our forearms in a way that doesn't get in the way of the rapepunching.

>>12120146
Air Render is a simple monk distance power. Far Fist is an area of effect. That could be very useful.

HEY YOU SEEM TO WANT TO INQUIRE MORE ABOUT FIREARMS WITHIN THE WORLD OF IVALICE


In Final Fantasy Tactics, guns were probably the strongest ranged weapons, but they were limited to the Orator/Mediator class, and Mustadio's special class, however a support skill allowed any class that took it to use firearms

In FFTA the only class that could use fire arms was the Moogle Gunner

Firearms typically had the longest range, usually 7-9 squares away and were unaffected by terrain elevation, but because of this you could hit allies if you were not careful

Can we at least ASK to see if slapping revolvers to our arms will work? Worst case scenario, we get a Moogle laughing at us.

>>12120166
sorry, I forgot we had air render.
You know what would make for an awesome ability to have? Sidewinder.

Buttfucks any monsters within range. I'm not saying its gonna be useful now, but still, we should consider being a hunter and/or ninja in the future

>>12120169

to be fair, they later introduced a Bangaa class that could use cannons, but it wasn't very good. As always, humans are god tier though.

>>12120194
and wasting the time of our teammates. I think we should at least have the cestus equipped so we get brownie points from elma, even if its just 1.

lets make pistols for our feet, we'll be male Bayoneta! Bayonetor? Bayonet-keith? Bayonetothan?

>excles useful

captcha likes my idea

>>12120203
are you saying ether shell and mortar are not awesome abilities?

regardless, OP, lets make a pistol with doomshot as an ability

>>12120203
Wasn't FFTA2 the game where you started with 0MP

and that class had a shot that restored quite a bit.

Why would they do that anyway.

>>12120210
>everyone talking about more weapons
>we've shown we can hit very effectively
>we have no sort of armor or other equipment

Seriously, unless I've missed something can we at least get some bangles or something? And some potions?

Guys this is a stupid idea for now. If we lose this next fight the girls lose their aethyrite and have to disband the guild. We are going to need our specials, which means we won't be able to use a gun. The gun should be for later, like when we actually have time to train with it.

>>12120210
Elma will totally be impressed by the sheer audacity of taping guns to one's wrists. Even if it's the worst idea ever.

Also we can still ask about a doomshot pistol while we're at it.

Anyone familiar with a pile bunker?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6HPp3t5K7M

it's on the robot's right arm. Basically uses rounds to fire spikes/stakes into enemies at close range or cause explosions.

>>12120243
this, make some doomshot pistols, and train with it later when we are not currently preparing for an important fight.

Doom is a pretty awful ability, if you've ever played any FF game you would know this.

>>12120275
as opposed to?

>>12120275
>>12120296

I say we should go with pistol shoes, Be the man Bayoneta!

>>12120296
Just about any other status effect aside berserk, but even that's more useful.

Doom normally has an awful hit rate, and anything that can't be killed in three turns is immune to it.

Think of it this way, if one of your units gets doomed you have plenty of time to cast auto life, or just recklessly charge that unit in and then they'll either have to waste attacks on that unit or let it hit them until doom finally goes off.

Can I see some armor?

>>12120296
Making things explode with our fists.

And it's kind of stupid to shoot someone & then give them 3 turns to live. In my opinion it's always screamed 'Please rape my face'.

>>12120318
>>12120243
Inquire of the Moogle merchant as to armour and arms. And also the ludicrosity of WRISTSHOTGUNS

I would really rather get some monk appropriate gear than guns we can't use effectively

>>12120321
But we could totally be Kenshiro with that ability.

YOU ARE ALREADY DEAD

>>12120315
Why are we under the assumption that we are going to miss with this pistol all of a sudden just because the bullets cast doom on a target? so far we've dictated battle without a whole hell of a lot of mechanics from the game involved

but fine, If you don't think doomshot is a good idea, lets try blind

Can you believe this wasn't archived yet?

Oh, and OP, this is IV, not III. Not to nitpick, but hey.

>>12120318
Agreed. Let's get our defenses shored up.

>>12120238
>>12120249
>This is a good point.

New weapons are fine and all, but you'd rather stick to what you know; despite beating Brago and a wild crocodile, you know you're not exactly the best fighter around. A new weapon would be great to try out later, or use in a pinch, but you're plenty satisfied relying on Bolt and Mercury.

Some time later, the five of you depart, having stocked up not only on weapons and (in your case) better armor, but a few restorative potions and potables as well. Elma takes a quick inventory before you head out, and as you leave you can't help but think of what the aged moogle told you:

"Weapons forged in bloodlust are powerful, yes, but also very dangerous. You found some kupo materials there, boy, but be careful - creating weapons like that is one part experience and two parts luck, kupo!"

As you climb into the driver's seat and adjust your new WYGAR, you think again of the sealed box containing the mooglecrafted weapons nestled somewhere in the trunk. You've got to remained focused, though, and you set about mentally preparing yourself for the fight ahead. No one talks on the way to the engagement hall, not even Fyna, who is busy polishing a broad pearl-colored blade. Laya is mumbling spells to herself, staring out the window. Nieve remains fixated on Carbuncle's Ruby, and Elma can do nothing but stare straight ahead, her eyes narrowing as the engagement hall comes into view. It seems that word of the clan fight has reached the general public, and a sizable crowd has amassed to fill the large arena.

>>12120321
Please can we look at armor? We have bitchin weapons, we've shown the ability to kick the ass of one of this Clan's warriors already. We're just lacking in the equipment that protects and augments us. Stuff that buffs attack, defense, it's the best idea.

We can save this oddball equipment for our super-badass weapon, but we're working against teh clock.

>>12120335
Yeah but we had already had a bit of training time before that battle. We won't have time to train with the gun. and our new specials are useless with a gun. You really want to go into what may amount to a boss fight with a weapon we only have basic moves for?

>>12120332
That went off after 7 seconds though.

And monks can already get pummel.

>>12120335
Normally when doom is a spell or ability, it has an awful hit rate.

If it's an added status effect to an attack/damage spell it has an very low chance of actually giving doom.

Blind is one of the best status effects.
And it even worked on the final boss in FFTA.

>>12120345
Stay focused. Decommission a single threat at a time with everyone unless you can hit multiple enemies at once, and make sure they don't do the same to you. Ask who's hardiest. They're going to try to take the heat.

>>12120345
EXAMINE PARTY
I want to know jobs, abilities, and any noteworthy equipment

>>12120345
Do we know how these fight work? It's 5 on 5, but is it a free for all or 5 separate duels?

>>12120345
Okay, stay frosty. You're a monk which means you can lay down some powerful attacks, but you're still inexperienced here and regardless of channeling the Mist it's wise to assume you're not the most powerful person here. Listen to the others and don't try to be a hero, these girls have probably went through crazier shit than this and to try and protect them like some dumbass white knight will just help no one.

Above all, trust in your Pact-Mates.

>>12120398
its 5 people, against 5 people. If kismet sets up a judge, then we have some more rules, but other than that, nothing else.

Exit the vehicle as smoothly as possible.

Ask the girls if they've ever seen Reservoir Dogs because by god that would help right now.

Just a reminder: someone's archived this already so be sure to vote it up if you want it to stay. The first 3 threads have pretty healthy scores. Good job, people.

"Elma, whatever happens, I want you to know...I have always loved you....'re breasts."

bump

>Man, Firefox REALLY doesn't want me to post.
>>12120396
>Examine PARTY:

You:
-Job: Monk
-Abilites: Fistfight, Forbidden Techniques
-Equipment:
Weapon: Bolt (R. Hand), Mercury (L. Hand).
Armor: Wygar (Body, light armor), Power Sash (Accessory)

Elma:
-Job: Blue Mage
-Abilities: Blue Magic (Dragon Force, Flame Breath, Bolt Breath, White Wind, Lv. 3 Defenseless, Goblin Punch)
-Equipment:
Weapon: Manganese Saber (1h curved sword)
Armor: Blue Coat (Body, light armor), Outcast's Bands (Accessory)

Fyna:
-Job: Spellblade
-Abilities: Swordcraft (Oil Blade, Maim Blade, Slow Blade, Doom Blade, Drain Blade)
-Equipment:
Weapon: Pariba Blade (1h blade)
Armor: Wanderer's coat (Body, light armor), Bone Gauntlets (accessory)

Laya:
-Job: White Mage
-Abilities: White Magic (Cure, Curaga, Esuna, Regen, Raise, Holy)
-Equipment:
Weapon: Nirvana Staff (2h staff, holy element)
Armor: White Robe (Body, robes), Gilt Timepiece (accessory)

Nieve:
-Job: Summoner
-Abilities: Blood Pact (Carbuncle, proto-Ifrit, -Shiva, -Titan)
-Equipment:
Weapon: Cheer Staff (1h staff)
Equipment: Summoner's Garb (body, robes), Carbuncle's Ruby (Accessory)

Ask Elma what the plan is.

If the first words out of her mouth aren't "I'm not sure" or "I'm thinking" then we best be bodily restraining her until we have a valid plan.

>>12120595
>cheer staff
Awesome, she can bludgeon us to life if she or Laya run out of juice.

>>12120595
alright, so laya and nieve are gonna be in the back casting regen and boosting MP so nieve can call in our trump card.
Elma will be in the heat of battle
and fyna will protect the girls in back
So what are we gonna do?

>>12120624
That is the silliest, most amusing mental image I've had in a while.

"Please wake up!" *whack whack whack*
"OH GOD STOP HITTING ME I'M UP"
^_^

>>12120644
If I remember right, in FFTA there were a handful of items that healed on a basic attack, and cheer staff was one. It was also good for taking a shillelagh to undead kneecaps.

>>12120628
Whatever we're told to do. And we'll nod and say "Yes ma'am" because we know we've not handled things that well by escalating this by charging in alone.

>>12120624
>run out of juice.

"Hey Nieve, mind if I borrow your cheer staff?"
"I thought you were going out with Laya tonight."
"Exactly."
cue porno music and/or horrible beatdown

>>12120654
we have a brain, and for the most part elma has been fine with how we fight, hell we may even need to challenger her on some orders, cause even if she designated herself the leader, everyone still works as a team.

>>12120682
I'd think the fact she hasn't done much more than give us cool orders and take our chunk of loot from the kill the other day to prepare for this battle indicates we done did a fuckup. The fact they all showed up in full battle gear doesn't help, and the fact we're now going straight into combat after we pretended to be interested in joining the other Clan just makes it seem like we were trying to subvert them and steal their territory.

Just because no one's torn us a new one yet doesn't mean they're happy with us. And they're all still more experienced than us, especially in battles like this.

>>12120628
>So what are we gonna do?
Punch the ever-living shit out of people, obviously.

>>12120595
Listen to leader, but begin channeling the rage. Let it flow through yourself, feeding your strength and sharpening your senses. Look within for the island of furious calm, that place of perfect crystalized killing intent.

>>12120710
Hardly has there been any orders from her I would consider "cool". Regardless, we put for the effort to scope out the enemy, because a guild annexing us is not cool, and while Elma has seen first hand that we aren't terribly knowledgeable about this whole thing, She's also seen how resourceful we can be.

It is of my opinion that the protag going to scope out the place was the perfect opportunity for elma to act, and it even stopped the fighting that was going on between the girls.

Damn if I ain't late to the party.

>You're currently feeling a strange mixture of disdain, frustration, rage, and mercy, all at once
So we just gave him the good ol' God Finger? fuck yeah.

This may have zero relevance for the immediate conversation- but I'm seconding the suggestion that we seek PILE BUNKERS as a form for our upgraded monk weaponry, and suggesting that one of our SPECIAL TECHNIQUES involves sending our target airborne and following them skywards to deliver a spinning backhand or ride them back to the ground below.

Anyway, don't mind me, f5 and let the carnage commence.

>>12120783
I'm of the opinion it showed we're immature and we stepped out of our bounds. We didn't even have the respect for them to inform them of our idea, regardless of how we felt Elma would react.

>>12120755
And then punch an enemy so hard they turn into a chocobo. Now THAT would be one hell of an ultimate attack.

As the five of you enter the arena, the crowd swells. Kismet stands in the center of it all, bowing and gesturing to the people in the stands. His clanmates stand around him, weapons at the ready. You spy a Hume Ninja, two Bangaa Dragoons - one of which you recognize as Brago, now quite scarred - and a Moogle Black Mage. Warily, your group advances, and you remember the pep talk Elma gave you all before you entered:

"Can Exguard is known for their fantastic teamwork. The Ace is gonna hang back and support his teammates until it's absolutely necessary for him to get his hands dirty. The others are no pushovers, but if we divide and conquer then we should come out on top. Remember what's on the line, here. Don't give any quarter."

You scan your opponents slowly, searching for the weakest link. The obvious choice would be Brago, but the Moogle probably won't stand up to more than a couple solid blows. On a platform above the arena, an armored figure steps forward - an actual Judge, far removed from the substitute Kismet had summoned earlier. His voice booms through the arena, proud and strong. You can't help but feel that his voice sounds hollow, like he's speaking through a tube.

"The Judges exist to uphold The Law. The engagement, the wager, all are honored. The Law will be upheld. Order will be enforced. Participants... commence!"

>Continued. I'm trying to make this as clean as I possibly can to avoid confusion, so I may be a bit slow. Er.

Honestly, reading this thread makes me think that maybe berzerker would be a better fit as a sub-class than gunner.

>>12120840
>Don't give any quarter.

Well, I guess SOMEONE doesn't donate to the local veteran's relief fund.

>>12120823
WHAT BONDS? Hardly was there a mention of boundaries for the guild. Moreover, There is nothing immature about taking initiative. Sure, maybe if elma told us EXPLICITLY not to do anything, or even hinted at it, we would have done something disrespectful, but like I said, lack of boundaries.

>>12120840
Right off the bat, I say their BM's priority will depend on how fast Nieve can get off Carbuncle. That goes up right out the gate, the BM isn't gonna be doing any offensive casting. outside that, I say defer to Elma, focus on her target.

>>12120872
to justify assisting on Elma: Brago might seem the softer target of the two dragoons, but a) he's probably fully healed aside from cosmetic damage, and b) Elma probably does have a better eye for this sort of decision.

>>12120869
I don't think it takes much sense to understand that if you're part of a larger group, and you're expected to operate as part of a team, that going off and doing things that could look poorly upon the entire group without consulting anyone could be seen as a bad idea.

>>12120872
that, but we also gotta remember that the dragoons could have jump, which is deadly if it hits, and a ninja could be troublesome if he gets confuse or silence out.

Maybe focusing on bango first, then helping other party member will be good.

>>12120840
Make a move toward the Moogle, coax the fighters to intercept.
Then drop a Far Fist down in the midst of them. Hopefully that'll also take sufficient time for the girls to work their magic.

>>12120840

Following Elma's cue, the five of you form a tight cluster, careful to keep an eye on the Moogle for any upper-level black magic. Elma busies herself casting protective spells, a guttural roar escaping her lips as an ethereal dragon engulfs you, filling you with an incredible feeling of invincibility. When she speaks, you can hear the beating of massive wings.

"Give 'em all you've got! Aim for the heavy hitters first, and take out that black mage!"

You, Elma, and Fyna rush forward, as Nieve and Laya hang back. Nieve's spells - pacts formed with the elements of the Mist - will take the longest to cast, and she needs to rely on Laya for support.

You meet one of the bangaa head-on, barely avoiding getting skewered from above and planting one of your fists squarely into the lizardman's gut. You hear him gag as your bladed fist bites deep, and he clutches at the resulting gash. You kick his weapon away, just in case. One down, four to--

>Continued

>>12120902
I like this plan- but again, emphasis on dropping Carbunkle if we can. Their mage may be soft, but if we can force him to stand there like an idiot until reflect fades, that's the two blows we'd need to take him down turned to someone who'll actually be able to attack and react instead of sitting there casting while we turn their face to custard.

>>12120949
we could always focus on helping the other fighters, and distract the moogle with a far fist? Its area affect should help if any enemies are protecting him

>>12120949
>turn the Moogle's face to custard
DOUBLE custard!

Make his head explode.

>>12120913

The air around you begins to superheat, and in moments it's like being inside an oven. You look over just in time to see the moogle firing off a high-level Fire spell, enough to seriously wound you if not put you out of the fight altogether. You do your best to roll out of the way, but get caught in the backdraft of the explosion. Dazed and scalded, you scramble to your feet just in time to avoid Brago's spear. The bangaa roars, a wild fire in his good eye.

"Aye, boy, now 'ere's a fight! I won't be droppin' from this one any time soon! Gahahahaha!!"

Your fists beg to differ, and a well-placed blitz sends the bangaa skidding backwards, gritting his teeth.

"Ohoho, ye've still got yer fight I see! Good-- 'cuz I 'ate slaughterin' them that can't fight back!"

The sounds of battle are all around you. Nieve and Laya are doing nicely-- Nieve has summoned an avatar of Ifrit, a mere shadow of the power she could possess, to spew molten power in every direction. Laya is keeping the ninja at bay with blasts of Holy, though you know she can't keep it up for long. Fyna has already dispatched the black mage, tossing his limp form to the wall. Elma and Kismet are locked in a brutal show of swordplay, flashes of gold and turquoise mixing with howls and holy incantations. Once again you find yourself facing Brago, and once again the flame inside you grows. The combat high is kicking in, and you feel tempted to let go-- to take all your frustration and helplessness out in a place where death is as preventable as mold.

>>12121009
Stay cool. Save that inner fire for when it's needed. Be cautious--he'll expect us to wait for openings like last time. If you've got the time, throw a Far Fist or an Air Render at that ninja.

>>12121009
I really hope our protag doesn't gain berserk and confuse on his own like that, shit will be really annoying

Regardless, unleash hell on brago, start off by a palm to the chest, a nasty uppercut, then your uber ability right to his gut

>>12121009
>exciting fight scene
Sorry, I'm having trouble concentrating.

DAT ASS

>>12121009
But do these hands of ours glow with an awesome POWER? Do their burning grips tell us to defeat them? Do we feel the urge to give them our love, our anger, and all of our sorrow?

Well...probably not our love. The frustration & helplessness will suffice there.

Yell to Fyna to help Laya with the ninja.

>>12121038
it's like the F is pointing at her ass

>>12121009
>The combat high is kicking in, and you feel tempted to let go-- to take all your frustration and helplessness out in a place where death is as preventable as mold.

I find this idea very tempting, but one question first. What exactly is against the rules in this competition? We wouldn't want to get our team disqualified now would we.

>>12121047
killing might be allowed, considering the lethality of the weapons, and the status of the moogle, other than that though, nothing really.

>>12121044
We'll be giving plenty of love later, if you know what I mean.

Engage the rapeface.

"If you can't take a newbie monk one on one, Brago, you should just leave now. No use ruining your face. Or is that your ass? I can't tell through all the shit."

>Check SKILLS: Thousand Seals: Howl of the Wroth God.

If this and "Fist of-" are significantly different in execution, start setting Brago up for the other barrel. Either way, he'll likely be looking for disarm/trip, so try to feint and get behind him.

>>12121080
That won't fly, he lives and breathes that kind of banter.
Bring up how little his boss cares about him--like I said before, he set up a fight just to watch someone get hurt knowing there was no job offer to be had.

>>12121072
Giggity.

>>12121092
Dude, not done yet.

Wait for his response.

>The combat high is kicking in, and you feel tempted to let go-- to take all your frustration and helplessness out in a place where death is as preventable as mold.

You know, a thought just occurred to me. Do we a a limit break meter? And if so, is it full at the moment?

>>12121028
>>12121037

You and Brago stare each other down, each waiting for the other to make the first move. You wind up, willing your fist to reach across the distance...

...And smack the Ninja right out of the air behind Laya. The cloaked assailant bounces once before regaining his footing. You can tell you've shaken him up at least. Nieve's avatar of Proto-Ifrit has dissipated, and she is now busy invoking another avatar, a blue-white glow surrounding her.

Back to Brago. Spinning his halberd like a quarterstaff, he sweeps for your feet, which you easily dodge-- only to feel the bladed head of the weapon bite into your shoulder. You grit your teeth and lunge forward along the haft of the weapon, using it as a guide to Brago himself. Your left fist crackles and burns, a fire-element strike catching Brago in the ribs. He buckles to his knees, gasping and singed. You clap a hand over your shoulder but surprisingly find the wound is slowly mending. Laya waves to you from across the arena, her staff held aloft.

Nieve has finished summoning Carbuncle, and the blue-furred creature runs up alongside her, looking at you. You are soon joined by Laya, who looks around nervously.

"I lost the ninja a little while ago-- I think he's hidden somewhere. How are Fyna and Elma doing?"

Your answer comes in the form of a crackling bolt in the middle of the arena-- another one of Elma's breath spells.

>Dammit I hate the post length limit sometimes.

>>12121128
no, not really, If we get lucky, we can gain an opportunity action like giving 3 people hast, beating the shit out of a single target, making 2 people tough as nails, or boosting strength

>>12121136
"Stay together, keep your eyes open, and keep Laya safe. Let's move."

One possible threat: Phoenix downs on beaten enemies. Make sure the ninja didn't skulk off to heal the others.

>>12121136
if fyna isn't busy, get the gang together to help elma, also make sure everyone keeps an eye out for that ninja

Frustration and helplessnes are fuel, fuel for your rage. Rage is the truest feeling; love and hate can mix but rage, rage is pure, elemental! Become one with the anger, take your place as an avatar of war.

>Nieve has finished summoning Carbuncle, and the blue-furred creature runs up alongside her, looking at you.
Does he/she/it want something?

>>12121136

Elma's fight is apparently going badly, even with the inclusion of Fyna; the two of them are a flurry of blades and magic, Fyna's precision matched only by Elma's raw power. Through it all, the Ace lazily deflects and redirects, his knightswords flashing and a mystic shield rendering all but the most damaging of spells useless.

Laya looks to Nieve, who nods and turns to you. The three of you are about to join the fray when you hear a wheezing growl-- Brago is back on his feet, clutching his side and leaning on his spear. The Viera look at you, but you wave them off and they comply, going to join the effort against Kismet. Brago grins wickedly, the air around him crackling with power.

"Yeh'll soon wish ye'd kept yer wood-whores around, 'Umie - ain't no keepin' a Bangaa down... 'specially not a Dragoon!"

>DRAGONHEART

You step back, the force of the spell like a howling gale, drowning out even the roar of the crowd. You didn't think it was possible, but Brago looks even bigger than before, and he looks as though pain won't be a problem. In an effort to preempt his next move, you charge, calling on your dwindling Mist reserves for another FIST OF THE WROTH GOD. Brago bats you aside like a paper toy, and you hit the wall with enough force to blur your vision.

"Tha' trick won't work on me twice now, boy. Now 'old still an' die like a proper man."

>>12121216
"Your clan master seems to think different."

>>12121216
"The only whore you'd be familiar with is your mother you overgrown lizard." start running around him just out of reach and far fist his ass until the others can help

>>12121216
He hasn't seen the Howl of the Wroth God yet has he? Also, we have counter right?

>>12121240
we do have counter, but he just chucked out ass

>>12121216

HOWL OF THE WROTH GOD

>>12121216
"Fuck it. One healing spell and then you two go help the others. I'll keep him busy. Just keep an eye on me if the ninja shows up."

>>12121216
Looks like it's time for some
>Technique: "Hundred-Thousand Seals: Midnight Sun (???)
We need to say something to the effect of "You're already dead" before we feed him his halberd.

>Now 'old still an' die like a proper man.

"A real man could never die when he has four beautiful women relying on him."

HotWG his ass. (I'm assuming from the name that it is an AOE or ranged attack, am I wrong?)

>>12121259
To be honest I suggested this just because I wanna know what it does.

"Death? Ha! You know little of us, and even little of our ways. You know not of our tenacity, our strength, or our willpower. Oh, and don't talk about ladies like that. It's rude, chunderfuck.
>HUNDRED-THOUSAND SEALS:
>MIDNIGHT SUN!"

>>12121265
I'd like to see it in action too, but i also kind of want to save it for Kismet.

Personally, I think we need to keep the banter (mostly) civil and punctual. Therefore, I suggest:
>"Now 'old still an' die like a proper man."
"Let me show you how a man dies. And don't talk about ladies like that. It's rude, chunderfuck."

>>12121261
This was me, and I want to change my dialogue suggestion to: "What kind of man could die when he has four beautiful women relying on him?"

It sounds better.

>>12121259
>>12121283
Save that shit damnit. We've still got Howl of the Wroth God, and their Ace seems to be sitting pretty against Elma.

>>12121307
Actually it's both Elma and Fyna now.

>>12121286
I did too until I remembered this.
>calling on your dwindling Mist reserves for another FIST OF THE WROTH GOD
We ain't got much left in us at this point.

>>12121216
You know you feel the delicious whisper of killing rage tugging at your mind. Pain won't be a problem for you either, if you learn to drink it in. It's fine delicious wine for what you could become...

>>12121223

At this quip, Brago's face contorts into a mask of rage, and he lashes out with his halberd, gouging a long, deep furrow into the solid arena wall.

"Don' ya be tryin' ta humiliate me 'ere, boy! I AIN'T GOT NO USE FER CRAP LIKE THAT!"

Taking advantage of the momentary reprieve, you circle around the bangaa, taking advantage of his increased bulk. As you expected, Brago's agility has dropped to practically zero, and at this close range his halberd is useless. He makes a few grabs for you before crouching down and leaping straight into the air, with you directly beneath him.

You look up just as Brago reaches the height of his jump - it's too late to try to dodge, so you'll have to meet his attack head-on. Mercury roars to life as the second part of your Thousand Seal technique triggers, and you leap as high as you can, bundling as much of your body's tensile strength into your left arm. Just before the point of impact, you strike.

THOUSAND SEALS TECHNIQUE: HOWL OF THE WROTH GOD

A massive, bestial head materializes around your fist, letting loose a howl that halts Brago in his descent and sends you rocketing back towards the ground. As you land, you give one final push, and the roar increases, slamming Brago against the high wall. He plummets back to earth with a sickening thud soon after, and you practically collapse. You struggle to your feet and slowly advance on the maelstrom engulfing the center of the arena. It's impossible to tell who's winning at this point, and even with Laya's white magic the other girls are having a hard time keeping up with Kismet, who seems to be a bottomless fountain of stamina.

>>12121317
We've got nothing. FUCK IT, GUTS OR GLORY, LADS
Run in and grab Kismet. Literally, just grab him and hold on and let the weight drag him down a bit.

>>12121327
...Unless, of course, we've got the stuff for some Air Render. Then harry him, if it seems effective.

>>12121317
This cheap ass mother fucker needs to go down, if he hasn't noticed you yet, kick him in the head to get him off guard enough for the girls to strike, in the mean time air render for a precisions strike to his knees

>>12121317

lets make like gutts and give in to the hounds of war. hopefully though we don't attack our friends like gutts.

>>12121317
We gonna get ganked by the Ninja while stumbling our ass over to the fight.

Now if only there was a way to break out Midnight Sun...

We need to learn chakra. I've always found that to be the most overpowered of the monk skillset.

>>12121317
We have ethers right? We need one now.

We should try and figure out exactly what is happening in the fight versus Kismet before jumping in. And look for that ninja too.

>>12121317
First, make SURE he's down for the count this time!

Do we have any way to replenish mist? I know we can hear it (kind of), but can it hear us? Can we call for more?

If so, stagger up to the wall and lean our back to it, watching for the ninja. Gather more mist, as much as we can hold. The enemy leader deserves our very best.

>ganked

>>12121317
Take his halberd, throw it at Twin-Swords the Cheapass.
Won't do anything, but it will probably make him go 'oh shit wha-'

>>12121317
That F@$ing ninja is making me paranoid. Where the hell is he

>>12121430
Watching. Waiting...for the perfect moment to strike...

>>12121430

bump

>>12121369
>>12121408
>This is smart and you should feel smart. What's a major part of FFXII Quickening Chains? Mist Charge!

You breath deep, attempting to get a second wind. You plead silently with the Green Word as you attempt to temporarily block out the clashing metal all around you. The same indistinct voice is there, but you feel that you can only observe, not manipulate the flow. Opening your eyes again, you spy Brago's halberd, forgotten at your feet. Hefting it, you gather what's left of your strength and pitch it towards Kismet.

The missile doesn't quite find its mark, but manages to graze the feathers on the Ace's hat, knocking it off. Before the gaudy thing can even reach the ground, it is torn to shreds and immolated by the volatile magic of the vieran sisters.

At this moment, the action freezes; Kismet pins Elma and Fyna's blades with his own, one on either side. He glares at you, any trace of his previous arrogant vacancy gone. His blades flicker white only for a moment, giving you just enough time to make a desperate dash forward, towards the girls. You know what's coming next.

"SAINT. CROSS."

Holy flame rips across the arena, carving a massive cross into the ground. You manage to tackle Fyna out of the way in time, knocking her blade out of her hands. The both of you land hard, skidding to a stop some five feet from the epicenter of the attack. Nieve and Laya can only watch in horror as Elma collapses to the ground, completely motionless.

Kismet laughs, his voice full of malice. "Hahaha! That's it? That's all you can take? Just one and that's it? HAHAHAHAHAHA!! How sad!"

Kismet kicks the motionless Elma once, for good measure. You feel something change iniside you, as the currents of Mist shift to blow outward through your body, stoking the fire within.

There's that second wind.

>>12121540
Remodel his face.

>>12121540
I just want to say something. I've been the voice of caution in this thread. Through the evening, I've been advocating the safe and controlled approach, keeping calm and carrying on.

Destroy him.

>>12121540
It's all good baby, laya has raise remember.
Anyway
LAY INTO THAT MOTHER FUCKER
LETS GET KENSHIRO ON HIS ASS
YOU THINK BLADES CAN HELP YOU PUSSY SHIT?
I WILL FUCKING PUNCH THE BLADES INTO OBLIVION, THEN YOUR FACE

Pull out hundred thousand seals midnight sun

>>12121540
I suppose now would be the poin to use Hundred-Thousand Seals: Midnight Sun, but I really wish we knew what it did. Maybe we should try something else first.

Any suggestions? I'm drawing a blank.

>>12121540
We need to point at him & inform him of the fact that he is already dead.

And then use Midnight Sun.

>>12121583
>Any suggestions? I'm drawing a blank.
I suggest we end his arrogant ass.

THE HAT WAS JUST THE BEGINNING. LET HIM FEEL OUR HATE.

>>12121583
motion for someone to get elma out of the way so laya can raise her

Then destroy the section of the building that contains assmet

>>12121584
>>12121583
>>12121574
>>12121573
>>12121566
Great. And let's be ready with a counter just in case the ninja shows up at any time.

>>12121603

that ninja won't be able to defeat the fist of the north star!

>>12121540

"These fists of mine course with the rage of the wilds. My every muscle screams for your defeat. Take This! My Fear, my hate, and ALL OF MY FURY!"

>>12121540
Where is the ninja though? We need to stay on guard, yet act both defiant and cornered. We must give not a hint we have a trump card. No "you are already dead", no "face my fury!", no warning at all. Once our target is in range, let loose with no warning.

>>12121651
And then we strangle the shit out him while foaming at the mouth, right?

>ortmon Lohengrin.
I always liked that word, Captcha. Lohengrin. It's just nice to say. Lohengrin. Lohengrin.

>>12121672
The dude's an arrogant fuck & we look like we're about to keel over. He's not gonna suspect a damn thing.

Before we go all nuts, can we at least tell the girls to watch out for the ninja?

You rise slowly, the Mist rippling the air around you, casting grotesque reflections of what has just transpired... and what is about to. Bolt and Mercury burn simultaneously, each howling with rage and indignation. Your voice is indistinguishable from theirs. Kismet laughs again, leveling one of his swords at you.

"I am a veteran of over a hundred victories. I have fought entire clans to a standstill on my own. I have hunted the rare and dangerous beasts that roam the hidden places of this world. I am Joshua Alvarest Kismet, Ace of Clan Ex--"

You don't let him finish. Rocketing forward, you aim a deadly bladed fist for his jugular, which clashes against the gold and purple of the paladin's holy swords.

THOUSAND SEALS: FIST OF THE WROTH GOD

Kismet holds his ground for a moment, but you've only just begun. You follow through with the punch, shattering one of the Ace's blades and sending him bouncing across the ground, finally coming to rest at the base of the west wall. You advance slowly, purposefully, great clouds of smoke billowing from your nose and mouth. You are channeling the source of your weapons' awesome power, a mighty ash wyrm-- made low by the gods but forever unattainable by man.

Kismet staggers to his feet, casting aside his broken arch sword. His remaining blade glows white once again, and he charges, attempting to slash you with the sanctified brand.

He never makes it. You grab his sword arm, pummeling his midsection with your free hand.

THOUSAND SEALS: HOWL OF THE WROTH GOD

The blow all but annihilates the paladin, blades of wind slashing at him from every direction as you subject him to the full force of the second stage of your attack. Finally, you fling your opponent bodily into the center of the arena, turning slowly to face him. Once again, Kismet rises, and once again he wears that same cocky grin. Your walk gives way to a run, and then to a sprint.

This is it.

>>12121684
if by "strangle" you mean "beat into a fine red mist" yeah.

>>12121718
FINISH HIM. If fortune is kind to us, maybe we can even pull off a bunny team attack.

>>12121718
clothesline this fucker and kick his fucking face in

>>12121726
Of course. I always enjoy a nice, warm mist after a good workout.

>>12121718

"Hundred-Thousand Seals: Midnight Sun right now

>>12121718
Son of a bitch where's that F#@$ing NINJA!?

>>12121769
He killed OP so now we're stuck waiting.

Forever.

>>12121718
I wouldn't mind having Carbuncle's reflect on us right about now. It feels like something could go very wrong any moment now. Like we exhaust ourselves and take out Kismet, only to find that ninja has finished the girls and we are to weak to fight him.

>>12121777

lol

>>12121787
You know, reflect wouldn't really help in that situation.

>>12121718

You meet the paladin at full speed, slamming into him and forcing him backward. Your right arm goes back, then forward, a jackhammer blow. The left follows suit. And again. And again. Faster and faster your fists pummel Kismet, becoming little more than a white-hot blur. He is on the ground now, but still you continue, turning the sand beneath you to glass with the intensity of your assault.

Finally, you wind up for a haymaker, a projection of an ancient ash wyrm filling the arena. The wyrm howls, shaking the walls with its phantom screams, and your fist glows so brightly that you can no longer see. You feel the blow connect, and all is silence.

What seems like hours pass, and eventually your vision clears. You look down at your fists, now badly burned. At least you look better than Kismet, who appears to have been gored by a King Behemoth while simultaneously being trampled by a herd of Aspidochelone. You fall to the side, exhausted. You feel rather than see or hear the girls run up to you, Fyna carrying a still-unconscious Elma. From somewhere far away, you hear the booming voice of the Judge.

"...Clan Exguard has fallen in battle. Let it be known that Order has been upheld. All participants will be treated as necessary immediately. We recognize the opposing Guild as the victors. This engagement is decided."

>>12121806
MUDADADADADADA

FUCK YEAH

Mutter something incomprehensible about wishing Elma had seen that and pass out. Sleep the sleep of champions.

>>12121806

scream WRRRRRYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!
then pass out

>>12121806
Raise a fist as high as we can and squeeze out a "Woo" followed by the, without a doubt, deserved "Ow".

>>12121806
"can I get a little help here?"
Have someone heal your hands, then drive home so everyone can nap

rolled 2 + 0 = 2

>>12121806
As for the fate of that ninja... Gonna roll me a d20 to see what happens to him. Here we go...!

>>12121806
But... but... what happened to the ninja?

>>12121853
in his shitty attempt to flee, he falls off the top of the building and breaks his neck, effectively killing him

I vote for a muttered apology to Elma as our last words before blacking out.

>>12121877
There's no need for an apology now, we just annexed THEIR clan.

>>12121877
I'd say a muttered apology to all the girls would be more appropriate.

>>12121853
>Oh man, he failed that hard. So hard. Some ninja.

You open your eyes just enough to see that the girls are kneeling around you. Nieve has your head in her lap. Laya is tending to Elma, who weakly gives you a thumbs-up, which you return. Fyna is chuckling and shaking her head, as if she knew this would happen all along. Suddenly, a thought crosses your mind, and you rise up on one elbow, looking around.

"...What ever happened to that Ninja...?"

Laya looks up from Elma and motions toward the far end of the arena. "Apparently he was invisible the whole time, but he was caught in that attack the clan leader used. The poor man was wearing a Dark Garb as well, so it was particularly effective against him."

You let your head fall back into Nieve's lap, sighing with relief. So much for that. Soon, without you realizing, you fall asleep in the middle of the arena, the crowd still cheering wildly.

>>12121890
OKAY, AND THATS WHERE WE CUT THIS OFF RIGHT?

>>12121898

Yep. Pretty sure this has hit the bump limit anyways, and I can hear birds outside my window. Oh God.

As for that Ninja, just so you know, if I had rolled a 10 he would have snuck up on one of the girls and attacked them, only to have the Judge warp down and pretty much kill him for breaking the Law. I would have revealed a bit more about this world's Judges as well, but that can wait.

As always, thanks for participating, and I'll see you next time!

>>12121911
>Pretty sure this has hit the bump limit anyways
Autosage should be 300 replies. I'd say we're at...150? 175? Maybe 200.

Either way: see you...later tonight I guess since it's like 6:40 in the damn morning.

>>12121923
>328 posts and 41 image replies omitted. Click Reply to view.

>>12121923
Try more in the ballpark of 330.

>>12121933
Fucking really? Damn.

So, wait, reading over those last posts, did we actually perform Midnight Sun, or just channel the dragon our weapons were made from and go apeshit on the ace after softening him up with the Fist and Howl?

>>12121959
Yes, I think. I'm willing to wager the phantom wyrm was a projection of our weapons into the attack itself.

Vast amounts of DATASS and fuckwin.

Thanks for another awesome read, OP. Can't wait for the next session.