Anyway, do we as a character know that peri/mari are faking us? If so, CONTINUE DISSAPROVING VISAGE.

if not, "Too long".

>>23815898

You clear your voice and the woman do a look at you, which turns into a double take, which turns into a triple take, which turns into her just standing there. Looking at what she's doing.

"We...we thought that we could..." There's a pause and she shakes her head.

"Ugh, oh damnit Mari, I told you we weren't going to wear this dress...wait...where are we?"

"I only said that it looked pretty, and I wanted to go visit Ssen, but you said we needed the money. How long have we been here?"

They look at you with a fervent hope that you're going to buy their act.

You just sigh, and look at her disapprovingly.

They hang their head. "Sorry," They mumble. "Guess we aren't that good at making sure that the other stays a good person, are we?"

File: 1363929954731.png-(89 KB, 1378x845, 1d12brianblessed.png)

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postan new thred

"Five weeks."

>>23815967
They clearly need a hug
"It's okay."

>>23815967
taken from replies in last thread

Hand on their should, turn them around, show them Tara, and say.

"Five weeks."

and hug them before the waterworks start from seeing Tara in the pit like that.

>>23815967
>remorse has been achieved
DISAPPROVAL FACE SUCCESS.

Now commence operation forgiveness storm.

>>23815967

"No. That's what you usually have me for."

>>23815967
"Well, between the two of you, you're a good person. So you're each about half good, I'd say."

>>23815975
No don't. Citadel knows only pleasure, so keep the stern face up until we leave then we can reveal our hugs.

>>23815993
Naw.
They decided to stick together because they make each other better.
That's saying that "no it wasn't them sticking together that made them but but us."

>>23815967
"You're pretty good at it, actually. But you're up against something more serious than your own tendencies for megalomania, and that's really saying something."

>>23815984
2nd

>>23815967
You point at Tara in the middle of killing another Naga.

"Five weeks."

"Yeah...we know." Peri said.

"We actually thought that something was weird when we found her here." Mari says. "She was fighting other minotaur girls back then. If you think THAT'S bad, it's really really disturbing to see someone beat someone to death while she's crying."

"So, we thought we'd be clever. Cause she wasn't listening to anything we said, but when we offered to sponsor her and put her against a naga, she jumped on the idea." Peri says. "We thought we were making progress, she stopped killing them at least."

"Then...well...things got easy, and there was all the money." Mari sighs. "We aren't going to be able to collect on these, are we? There's something screwed up here, isn't there?" She gestures to all the betting slips that little the floor of her private box.

>>23816049
Yeah, we need to get Tara out of here, and try to get Isen too.

>>23816049

"Yes."

>>23816049
"You can try, but I doubt it. Do you know a way to get Tara out of here?"

>>23816049
"Yes, There is, but we cant talk about it untill we are out of the city. We need to get Tara out of of there, and speak to Isen."

Time for us to go talk fight[\spoiler]with Tara.

>>23816106
This, but: tag in for the naga currently fighting, go up against Tara, look at her, and just say "What would Isen think of this?"

>>23816083
"You can try, but I doubt it. Do you know a way to get Tara out of here?"

"No clue." Peri says, gathering up a few decent marks.

"Just leave 'em." Mari says. "We can do better. You can head down to the arena over there, but...well..." Tara's finished the last of the Nagas and is screaming and roaring at the crowd's pleasure. "Unless you're ordering her to kill something, then she's not really up for listening."

"Good luck though." Peri says as she takes the damaged Medallion from Tricia. "Not a word bug-girl!"

"Five weeks of material...I'm going to save it and stretch it out over a life time." She grins.

>>23816129

... But Isen and her relationship started with her being a pit fighter-champion for him....

I'd go back to the "Isen misses you." line.

>>23816141
Clutch our amulet and prey to the light that she'll hear us when we do.

>>23816151
You makes your way down to the arena level, take a deep breath and slide over the barrier. You've got Tara's bronze necklace in your hand, and a lot of fervent prayers.

Tara turns to look at you. She scowls and walks towards you, cracking her knuckles.

"Isen misses you." You say.

Roll 1d20

Rolled 9

>>23816205

>>23816151
>I'd go back to the "Isen misses you." line.
That works. We may not have seen Isen yet, but we know this'll be true.

But there's something priceless about doing it in the middle of an arena fight. Heck, play off Citadel's tendencies here and take advantage: tell Mari to start taking bets from people who think the Hero of Citadel will win against the bull, or lose. And collect on both when it's a draw.

Rolled 1

>>23816205

>>23816230
Thank the Light I was late rolling.

>>23816242
>>23816230
>>23816210
the light:

It won't grant you a miracle.

But it will keep you from fucking up so badly you ruin everything FOREVER.

>>23816249
Almost as good as the Light.

Don't we get a reroll thanks to 1d12 BRIAN BLESSED?

>>23816306
save it for when we completely bomb a roll(1-5 on d20)

>>23816306
oh, come on. We don't need a reroll if we don't one-line tara.

We need a re-roll if tara has stabbed us twice already and we are woozy of dying.

>>23816306
If you really want to use it on this. A 9 is ok and we can handle being beaten up a bit before she comes to her senses.

Rolled 12

>>23816291
Well, you're sure she realizes who you are, but she's not in a good mood. You're pretty sure she's about to use your face as a medium to express upon her displeasure at the injustices of the world and her sorrows of life, using her fists as her paintbrushes.

Roll 1d20 vs. Hers

Rolled 10

>>23816342

Rolled 16

>>23816342

Rolled 5

>>23816342

>>23816357
Time for art.

>>23816357
GOD, her punches still pack one hell of a wallop. Thankfully you're not that winded.

So, that was her constitutive argument, by what way do you make a rebuttal?

>>23816342
>>23816357
Same old song.

Rolled 16

>>23816380

Rolled 7

>>23816357
"Dammit Tera, we're friends, what would Isen think of this?"
"Stop this nonsense!"

>>23816380
Tail whip is my rebuttal.

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>>23816380
We communicate the only way we know how.

THROUGH OUR FISTS.

>>23816380
Kiss her on the cheek.

>>23816380
Just like old times, eh Tara? That's okay. I know it's not me you're mad at.

Rolled 8

>>23816394
Also punch her in the face.

>>23816380
>>23816383
dare we risk a headbutt? Relive the days we've been down before?

>>23816380
Grab her by the horns, if she has any, bring her down to eye level and say "Do you think Isen would be proud of what you're doing here?"

>>23816380

...was I not supposed to roll? Otherwise, punch her right the fuck back.

"Snap out of it, Tara!"

>>23816407
So, you're going to fight her, not talk?

>>23816397
yes. communicate through your fists.
>>23816394
Communicate with your words, too, if you like.

>>23816396
>>23816401
These two together: pin, kiss (cheek, very important that it's on the cheek, we're with Tricia now), shock into silence.

>>23816418
I'd like to give talking another go, but whether or not we do it while fighting is up in the air.

Rolled 19

>>23816380
And before you kill me, we still need to settle that tail-wrestling match.

>>23816436

Can we use this roll? Please?

We're still weak from the 3 month coma we came out of yesterday, we can't really fight her properly.

>>23816403
I like this. While fighting her.

>>23816418
No, we're not seriously going to fight Tara, except to the extent we have to dodge and pin to get her attention. Nothing offensive; play defense and grapple.

Rolled 4

>>23816418
No fight and talk

If only we had an Isen the Audacious brand business card woodprint lying around...

>>23816444
It would use one of the rerolls you acquired.

Rolled 19

>>23816418
No, we talk.

>>23816436
>>23816462
>Fight or talk
>Both roll 19
>whynotboth.jpg

stop rolling until Echo prompts it.

>>23816466
I like it.

Let our fist express our love for her, our disappointment, and our empathy for all that the world heaped on her.

So
>>23816403

>>23816418
Both.

>>23816480
>Take this! My love, my anger, AND ALL OF MY SORROW!

I'm so disappointed nobody else wants to G Gundam this shit up.

>>23816455
Alright, you don't want to hurt the girl, too much, but you can't reach her while she's like this. You just need to get her to listen to someone other than that angry, sad, girl inside her own head.

Roll 1d20 to try and constrict her...gently. It's the best move you have that will slow her down enough to listen to you.

Rolled 3

>>23816499

Rolled 14

>>23816499

>>23816455
No! Save those for something serious, and this farce of a fight isn't. We need those for the next time a major character is going to die if we don't roll well. :)

Rolled 3

>>23816499
Here we go...
gently

>>23816502
Dammit, I've been second three times now.

>>23816501
Meh, OK, it didn't work. Try again.

Rolled 8

damn, guess I should have waited

Rolled 13

>>23816501
You miss, and Tara gets another swing at you.

"It's not fair!" She growls. "We were HAPPY!"

>>23816535
"And we can still be!"

>>23816535
"Then help me save him!"

>>23816535
She missed. For once. It was a damn close thing, though, her fist brushing past your ear.

Roll 1d20 to try and constrict again.

Rolled 15

>>23816418
Nah, just get her wrapped up. Easier to talke to a captive audience. We have only been conscious for a couple of days now. Having her put us back under so soon would blow.

>>23816543
You, and you still can be.

Rolled 3

>>23816549
Oh come on.

Rolled 6

>>23816549

>>23816535
"How would you know what happy was if you were happy all the time? Now do you want to go get Isen and see if you can be happy again, or do you want to keep complaining?"

Rolled 1

>>23816550
At least they don't have to be linked :3

>>23816560
>>23816562
Yeah, dice. Way to go dice. Go dice!

>>23816571
Hey man, this guys the first roll
>>23816550

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345 KB JPG

>>23816560
>>23816562
>>23816501

>>23816582
Fuck you Citadel.

>>23816569
If I recall right, they need to be.

>>23816403
Still voting this.

>>23816593
I don't remember that ever being the case.

Which is why we're supposed to roll when it's called for.

>>23816582
Citadel pls go. Not-Asia is more appealing right now.

Rolled 11, 4 = 15

>>23816550
(I'll be nice and say it's this one)

You manage to wrap her up in your tail.

"No, NO! Stop it!" She yells.

Tara gets two chances to break free

>>23816565
I like this one.

>>23816569
>>23816600
its supposed to be first linked, but echo has forgotten before.

>>23816614
You manage to hold her tight.

She has no choice but to listen to you at this point.

The floor is yours.

>>23816626
A many times. Or when he plays 'nice' which fucks with the rules.

>>23816634
"Tera, please listen to me, calm down, we're going to go see Isen. Please come with us, we need your help."

>>23816634
You're not a pit fighter. You're better than this. You're a hero! Besides, I still owe you that rematch!

>>23816634
This then:
>>23816618

Rolled 8

>>23816614
Now that she's wrapped: "Whatever he said, he was just scared you would end up like me!"

>>23816658
"Tera, please listen to me, calm down, we're going to go see Isen. Please come with us, we need your help." You say. "You want to be happy? How would you know what happy was if you were happy all the time? Now do you want to go get Isen and see if you can be happy again, or do you want to keep complaining?"

Roll 2d20

>>23816634
I say this
>>23816413
maybe some of this
>>23816565
as well

Rolled 8, 7 = 15

>>23816696

Rolled 12, 6 = 18

>>23816696

Rolled 10, 10 = 20

>>23816696
Oh boy.

Rolled 19

>>23816696
Dice gods and the Light, guide my roll!

I am only taking one of them though.

Rolled 8, 3 = 11

>>23816696

jeesh the dice are horrible

>>23816707
2nd again, damn you Citadel.

>>23816703
>>23816707
>>23816708
>>23816711
these fucking dice...

>>23816717
except for the holy one
>>23816710

Rolled 9, 4 = 13

>>23816722
Which rolled wrong.

Rolled 8, 4 = 12

>>23816696
Say this, too.
>>23816683

>>23816703
Tara blinks and frowns. "I should have jumped in front." She says. She looks miserable. "They won't let me see him, or anything.

"I'm sorry about your hair. It still looks pretty...sorta." She sniffs.

>>23816758
Is that I real book.

>>23816762
What if you are given the chance?

Come with me and I will bring you to him.

>>23816762
Smile

"If you jumped in front, it probably would have killed you. And I would feel terrible about you never getting that rematch with me!"

>>23816762
"Hey, you stop that right now. No death wishes. There's enough death around taking the unwilling without you going and wanting it."

>>23816762
"It'll come back in time... maybe."
"Tara, we'll get in, I promise you. Come with me, get out of this place."

Rolled 13

>>23816762
I have a plan. But I need your help with it. You see Isen is my paladin sponsor and he will have to attend. I say once we have him in our clutches we grab him and run!

>>23816768
Do you doubt GW's thirst for cash, anon?

>>23816784
"If you jumped in front, it probably would have killed you. And I would feel terrible about you never getting that rematch with me!"

She smirks.

"Okay, so no death wishes. There's enough of that around already." You say. "Also, lets go find the dummy."

"Can I hit him when we find him?" She asks.

>>23816806
Sure. He will survive it.

>>23816768
http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/content/blogPost.jsp?aId=16100001a&_requestid=1567181

>>23816806
"Yes, but only after we get you and him out of this damn city."

>>23816821
... I think

>>23816802
I see a very odd article that looks like an april fools joke.
>>23816806
Once we get out of this city and he's just Isen again.

>>23816806
"Well, somebody needs to hit him, and somebody needs to kiss him, and I'd rather kiss Tricia. So I get to hit him."

>>23816828
So, no.

>>23816835
Ha, I like this.

>>23816835
"Well, somebody needs to hit him, and somebody needs to kiss him, and I'd rather kiss Tricia. So I get to hit him."

She laughs. "Oh! My necklace!"

You uncoil yourself from her and she takes it. Then she looks around at the heaps of carnage that are around her. She sobs again and hugs you in a rib cracking grip. "Never do anything like that again! I don't do nice things when I'm angry, and I'm not smart like you are to keep from getting angry."

>>23816835
Ha, I like this.

>>23816835
>Implying Tara doesn't do both at the same time

>>23816891
"I promise I'll try to never get poisoned and knocked out for three months again. Now let's go get your lover-boy."

>>23816891
But you ARE a good person Tara. I know it, and He knows it.

The others are waiting for us.

>>23816891
"Tera, you don't need smarts to not give into your anger, you just need faith in yourself."

>>23816921
And

>>23816925

>>23816891
"Someone's gotta be there to snap you out of it before you hurt yourself." Smile and return the hug.

>>23816891
"You're smarter than you think, Tara. And new for Isen.

>>23816951
Ffffffff...all of my hate, cell phone.
"And now for Isen."

>>23816921
"But you ARE a good person Tara. I know it, and He knows it." She just you tighter as she sobs. "The others are waiting for us." She nods and lets you lead her out of the arena.

The crowd doesn't seem to care, or notice. You can see behind new new people enter the arena and begin to fight again. The cheering never really stops, and the blood keeps on flowing and flowing.

The six/seven of you all are at the outside of the arena.

"So, before we try to get anywhere near the Castle," Mage says. "I would really really like to get caught up on what in all the myriad darknesses is going on. And don't give me that 'Tell you later' stuff. I need SOMETHING or I'm going to think I'm just going crazy in a different way."

Tricia nods. "It would be nice to get everyone up to speed. Is there anywhere where we can go to talk, at least a little?"

>>23816976
>She just you tighter as she sobs.
Just hugs*

>>23816976
Only thing I could think of would be the place where our fathers statue is. I don't recall any citadel influence there. Either that or outside the city proper.

>>23816976
"I'm trying to tell you, it's this whole damn city that's the problem. I don't think there's ANYWHERE in it where it's safe to talk freely."

>>23816976
Okay, someone verify for me that this is a good action. I think it is:

Dramatic pause

"We could go to father's statue."

>>23816976
"Within the city? Hm.." make appropriate Lamia in thought gesture. "Back at the Caligo Clairus(sp) shrine near Father's statue. I have a feeling that place will be safe of prying ears and eyes."

>>23817003
I am in agreement with this. We can stand in front of our forefathers and feel safe.

>>23817003
>>23817016
This sounds good. But still, only a quick, safe, circumspect version until we get Isen and get the hell out of here.

>>23817021
>>23817016
this, but only tell them of the Dramatae, save the fact that the city is 'alive' till after we are outside.

>>23817031
Make sure do we do a prayer to the light for protection while we're there.
Something about protecting our minds and souls from the influence of the Citadel.

REMEMBER THE WARNING OF THE NAGA MATRON HOWEVER.

do NOT tell them too much. Just something.

>>23817036
Oh, good call! That provides enough of an explanation, including Peace as the assassin, without actually going into anything dangerous.

>>23817036
>>23817076
These are important.

>>23817048

I agree.

>>23817036
Yeah, we don't want them hating the Citadel while they're in the Citadel just yet.

>>23817082
actually the dramatae alone are pretty hot information.
buuut...

they already know. They know about the rage guy. They know about peace. They saw them.

I don't know if helping them put 2+2 together is safe, but they might do it on their own OUTSIDE of the influence of the Light.

>>23817021
"Within the city? Hm.." You snap your fingers, got it.

You head back to the Cathedral, though Lea is slightly hesitant, but she relaxes when you go to the Paladin wing of the place. Paladin Odette is nowhere to be seen. You all hike up the stairs to the top, pull down the ladder, climb up it (A little slower for you than the others) and close the door behind you.

As the others introduce Tara to your Father, you notice something by the absence of it...a kind of numb tingle at the back of your head is gone. You feel a little more relaxed. Yeah...this place is safe...well...safe-er, than out there.

"Okay, so..." Mari asks. "Why did we all lose our fucking minds these last three months, who was that guy that shot you, and when can we get out of here?"

>>23817134
Make sure they all touch their representations of the medallion, and get Tara to hold yours with you. "May the Light blind the eyes of malice, and may its ears hear only his Teachings."

>>23816976
"Ok, but only a little. There is a force that manupulates all in the city. I can't say any more. Just be observant and you will see it."

>>23817134
"Okay, so to start, I can't tell you large swathes of this until we actually leave the city for direly important reasons. But I will help you with what you already know, since you guys do deserve to know something. Remember the man in the angry mask, back in the sands? He was related to the man in the peace mask. They're conspirators with wide reaching power."

I don't submit dialogue much, so sorry if this is too wordy or not wordy enough or something. Also, someone vet it for need to know info.

>>23817134
"The guy who tried to shoot Isen was Peace. The guy at Purple Sands was Rage. They're a group of mages who style themselves after the dramatae. Over the last couple of months you've been acting how they think you should. We're nowhere near strong enough to fight them yet so we're getting out of here as soon as possible."

>>23817161
Certainly do this first. Before anything else.

>>23817161
You motion for them all to bow their heads, and you place your hand on Tara's head. "May the Light blind the eyes of malice, and may its ears hear only his Teachings." You say.

A moment goes by, everyone looks up at you, quietly and reverently, waiting for what's going to come next.

>>23817182
This seems better worded than mine, I would suggest you use it over mine. If that's the choice.

>>23817171
>>23817182
Both of these. Explaining that it is actually Citadel itself can come later.

>>23817188
"Remember the guy with the mask from Purple Sands, outside the Underside's lair?"

"He was wearing a Rage mask. The assassin that nearly killed me? He was wearing a Peace mask."

"There are others of this same group, I am calling the Dramatae for now, working for a Power in the area and are responsible for some of the wierdness, the Purple Sands attack, the attack by the Ghouls on Stone Hall, and other things.

>>23817181

I like it.

You know something, once we get our paladinhood, first thing we gonna do is go back here and sign our names in the book.

>>23817220
yes.

>>23817181
"Okay, so to start, I can't tell you large swathes of this until we actually leave the city for direly important reasons. But I will help you with what you already know, since you guys do deserve to know something. Remember the man in the angry mask, back in the sands?" Peri/Mari nod. "He was related to the man in the peace mask. They're conspirators with wide reaching power."

"Who are they?"

">>23817182
>The guy who tried to shoot Isen was Peace. The guy at Purple Sands was Rage. They're a group who style themselves after the dramatae. Over the last couple of months you've been acting how they think you should. We're nowhere near strong enough to fight them yet so we're getting out of here as soon as possible."

"Wait, so...these Dramate people...they're the ones manipulating the city?" Tricia asks.

"That's horrible!" Lea gasps. "We can't just let them do that to all these people! How can you say we should leave, if the threat is right here?"

>>23817220
That will be next time we are back in town, after we bring an army to convert Citadel.

>>23817220
We're already paladins, we're just awaiting confirmation. We could sign it now.

>>23817237
Not now. The Light does not need earthly confirmation like this.

>>23817235
They have too much power. Too much influence. Its not just citadel, though they are strongest here. Its everywhere? Remember your father? THe wasp witch? They did all that.

>>23817235
"Because of the parts of the story I can't tell you right now! I said I can't tell you most of it."

>>23817235
"Why would they want to hurt Isen? Is he in danger right now? We need to get to him!" Tara says.

"How powerful is this spell of theirs?" Mage asks. "I mean...if it took them three months of that crap to make us all go weird,"

"A month and a half." Tricia says.

"Shut up." Mage snaps. "But, look, we can shake it off, right? So we find them, or whatever they're using to cast the spell, do our thing, and voila, problem solved. Right?"

>>23817188
"Remember the Dramatae, weavers of the story? Either the real ones or some imitators of them are weaving a story, with the whole world as the stage. The Light holds their influence at bay, but after the ball, you all eventually got caught up in that story. It's a story that makes you feel happy and content. But it's the same story for all eternity, and its idea of 'happy' is more like a cheap whore that distracts you from true love. And content people are quiet and don't make trouble.

Let's go make some trouble."

>>23817272
I wish it was that simple. I really do. But we don't have the full picture. We need to learn more and staying here is dangerous.

>>23817272
I am afraid it is far more complicated.

Right now, we have no hope of opposing it.

>>23817272
"It's not that simple. The Citadel is where they're strongest. They have literally the entire city at their disposal. No, our best bet is to get out of this city and regroup."

>>23817272
It's bigger than that. I know that this is a lot to ask and it's frustrating but please, I can tell you all the rest once we leave the Citadel. Even if you never trust me again just trust me this one time.

>>23817316
I like this.

Also, add that our mind is not our own in Citadel.

>>23817308
supporting, because it will make sense to them, without revealing the true power behind them.

>>23817272
"Before we got to this room, did you feel a little feeling in the back of your mind, a feeling that just wanted you to be happy, and play along? That's how powerful they are. No, we're getting the hell out of this hell as soon as we get Isen."

>>23817272
"Please trust me, it's not something we currently have the power to oppose, we need to get Isen and get out of the city, they want him dead because he can't be controlled due to his outrageous personality.

>>23817316
I gotta support this one over the one before it, because it's more honest about the information we are withholding.

You don't know how hard it was to choose between them posts.

>>23817235
Nowhere is far enough from the citadel, remember what Granny said.

Explain, somewhat, about the power. Finally, explain that the virtues of the Caligo Clarus should help protect against it.

>>23817337
But in lands with a land spirit, Citadel should not reach as well.

"Hey Tara? Personal question, but bear with me. When we get Isen and get safe, you're going to want to go enjoy each others' company in private for a while, right?" (Wait for obvious answer.) "So you're going to stay in your rooms and do that 24 hours a day, because what could be better. Right?"

>>23817303
"I wish it was that simple. I really do. But we don't have the full picture. We need to learn more and staying here is dangerous."

"And the other things we've done in our life have been oh-so-secure in their safety." Mari says.

"I know, I know, but there are parts of the story I can't tell you right now! I said I can't tell you most of it." You sigh.

The others frown. They want to trust you, and they do, but you admit, if the roles were swapped, that would be one hell of a gap to jump.

Tricia takes your hand and nods. "Okay."

The others nod as well.

"Damn, it's getting late." Peri says. "Are we going back to a Traveller's or the apartments in the Castle?"

"I don't want to go anywhere in this place." Lea says turning away from the window. "The sooner we purge it of the taint within, the better...this is worse than the ghouls...they at least left your soul intact."

"Has anyone looked in these?" Tara says. She's been poking her nose in the boxes that had been stored up here. "We've got some blankets, a couple of thick prayer rugs, and...more blankets and prayer rugs."

We really should just tell them and have faith that the Light will protect us. Right now we're withholding information from them, keeping them in the dark, we're supposed to bring light to the darkness.

>>23817337
no, Citadels power is less outside of Grand Citadel, note how only THIS city sees its benefits, and is controlled by it.

wait for the Citadel explanation till we are outside of its mindcontrol reach

>>23817355
I am really curious as to what you are getting to.

>>23817358
We sleep here for tonight. Tomorrow we plan on springing Isen and getting out of this city. All of us. I was thinking of using the paladin confirmation to do so.

>>23817355
wat

no

>>23817377
I agree.

>>23817358
I think we need to go get Isen as quickly as we can, and not dawdle. But first, can we go by the inventor for a bit, and get some supplies? This time around, we don't need to worry about convincing Isen, we need to "convince" his guards.

>>23817371
Too much of a good thing, and Citadel's perma-happy fugue state. Plus lightening the very tense mood.

>>23817358
"Does it count as divine providence if the providence happens in a house of the divines? I think I'll take it."

>>23817377
"We sleep here for tonight. Tomorrow we plan on springing Isen and getting out of this city. All of us. I was thinking of using the paladin confirmation to do so." You say.

"Not a bad plan." Mari says. "HOwever, you'll have to convince the Blue Occuli that Isen's not in any danger any more...even with Odette having caught the guy...that was just her making it up, right?"

"Told you!" Mage says.

"Yes, yes, you're very smart." Mari says. "Anyway, if they're all weirded out by the Dramatae, why are they going to let him out to be at your confirmation? I mean, they tried to kill him."

>>23817417
"How about a personal escort by the Hero of Citadel? Let's tell his guards that we're going to take him to see his true love. We'll just fail to mention who that might be, and that she's right around the corner. Right Tara?"

>>23817377
If we can a private confirmation say in the castle's private chapel, we have a good chance of sneaking him out. And we have to sneak/fast talk him out, any violence and we're screwed.

>>23817355
>>23817371
he was thinking that the Dramatae don't like the lightbringers having sex.

which is why it probably wouldn't work, unless Isen and Tara are the two lightbringers.

>>23817417
"The Dramatae only has five members, at least as far as I know, most who wear the masks are innocents completely unrelated to the group"

Apparently the illuminated one is demanding tradition be upheld.

>>23817445
Uh, no. Just trying to make a point about Citadel's little play and keeping people subdued by giving them what they "want".

>>23817438
"How about a personal escort by the Hero of Citadel? Let's tell his guards that we're going to take him to see his true love. We'll just fail to mention who that might be, and that she's right around the corner. Right Tara?"

"As long as I don't need to dress up in those Phoenix Empire clothes, they look itchy." Tara says.

"Barring that, if we can get a private confirmation say in the castle's private chapel, then we'd have a good chance of sneaking him out."

"Past the castle, the Blue Occuli, and every other Paladin in Citadel." Peri sighs. "This isn't going to be easy."

Lea puts a blanket over Father's statue, and Mage gets his own little exile to a corner. The rest of you make...well...you hate to say it, but it's more of a nest than anything else. The room is big but not that big.

"Heh," Tricia says as she squirms up next to you. "What do you think's going to be happening when we wake up tomorrow? Fire from the sky, or just an invasion from the Phoenix Empire?"

>>23817515
"Let's worry about that tomorrow. For now, let's just rest, with our minds clear." Kiss Tricia, snuggle up, and sleep.

>>23817515
Attempt to hide legitimate fright as to what citadel will do tomorrow.

Fail.

>>23817515
"If only it was that straightforward. But let's not worry about that."

>>23817515
"It wont be nearly a visible at that."

>>23817580
Perfect.

>>23817547
"Let's worry about that tomorrow. For now, let's just rest, with our minds clear." You kiss Tricia, and she returns it.

"This is fun!" Tara says as she grabs both you and Tricia in a hug. Both of you two let out an 'urk' noise.

"Tara...can't...breathe..." Tricia says.

"Oh, sorry." Tara lets go and scoots away to her own pile of rugs and blankets. "Good night." She says.

"They don't even ask me to turn away." You hear Mage mutter. "They really do think I'm the baby brother..." He groans.

"If you don't shut up and let us sleep, we'll think of you as the group eunice!" Peri/Mari snaps. "Go to sleep!"

"Yeah, yeah." He mutters.

Lea's already out, and she snores...loudly.

Tricia giggles. "Takes more than a mind-controlling city to mess us up, huh?"

>>23817609
>She knows!
SHE KNOWS!

>>23817609
damnit!
nervous laugh.

>>23817622
Did we tell her btw?

>>23817622
She thinks it's the spell in general, that the Dramate are making the city do it, not Citadel itself.

>>23817609
>>23817624
the nervousest of laughs possible.

And then change the subject.

>>23817637
doesn't prevent that from being unsettling as all hell that she knows anything close to "mind controlling city".

PALADIN WORRY SLEEP IS GO.

>>23817609
"Everyone got caught by an obsession. You were sleeping in a chair for 3 months. I'm just lucky you got obsessed over me. And I look forward to returning the favor."

>>23817609
It messed us up for months without trying. We need to remain vigilant.

>>23817639
You laugh a little, and twitch your tail a bit in nervousness.

"Oh!" Tricia squeaks. "Don't twitch there, I'm ticklish." She says. (It's the small of her back)

You grin and twitch again. She laughs and smacks you in the shoulder. "Cut it out Snake."

"Wait until you're alone." Peri/Mari moans. "Please!"

"I hate my life." Mage mutters in his corner, feeling very very alone.

"EYES!" Mari snaps.

He turns around.

>>23817609
"Aheh. Heh. Yeah, tricia, a lot more. Sleep well."

attempt to sleep well.

>>23817682
Everything we ever do makes it worse for mage in some ephemoral way

>>23817682
I feel bad for mage.

WE SHALL TAKE HIM TO BARS.

AND FIND HIM A GIRLFRIEND

AND IT'LL TURN OUT THAT SHE HAS A BITING KINK

AND HE WILL BE DISTURBED

would it be uncouth/lewd/unpleasant for him in an anime harem protagonist way to invite mage over?

>>23817733
With Dad in the room? Come on, you're classier than that.

>>23817682
You dream.

The boy is in a squalid apartment. He's coming down off a long long bender. He feels like crap. How could his life had gone so wrong? Why did he push her away? Everything he touches turns to shit. He sobs into his knees as he looks at the shattered pieces of his life.

The door opens, and there...in a halo of light, with a face of concern and love, is the girl.

They embrace.

"Well done." Comedy says.

"Thank you. I apologize for taking so long," Tragedy says. "I did not wish to break him too far down."

Peace nods. "There was no rush. She is satisfied." He looks at the scene. "I am impressed, break him down, build him up...a Lightbringer who has fallen, but redeemed himself. That has not been given to her since the second age, and not nearly half as well done as this one."

"Thank you." Tragedy says. "What happened after that one was given unto her?"

"Citadel doubled in size." Comedy says. "This could all end up being a happy accident. We could get even more now."

"Exponentially." Peace says.

You dream of a giant pile of coins that are white as snow, and sing when they strike the ground.

"I'm sorry for letting go of them." The Fifth says. "I thought I could hide them better if I let Citadel have them just a little. I was certain that you'd be able to reach them...but I should not play with their lives. I'm sorry."

A pause.

"We have some time, you're in a safe spot for once. I'll answer any questions I can, as completely as I can, but you'll understand if I have to leave some things out."

>>23817682
"Tricia obsessed over me for 3 months trying to keep me alive. Now we're cuddling together in a chapel and trying to sleep, and tomorrow we might die. We'll try to celebrate being alive a bit quieter, sorry."

>>23817803
"OK, I know I should start with something important here, but I can't help but ask: why the heck is my metaphorical representation a boy?"

>>23817825
Thats an actual lightbringer dude.

>>23817832
The metaphor is pretty thick here, and it seemed like the most obvious interpretation...

>>23817803
I suppose this is how the others felt. *chuckle*

The other one that I see in my dreams, the Lightbringer. Will I have to stop him? He seems so nice.

>>23817847
No, you're seeing the poor bastard that the Dramate picked to be the next Lightbringer.

>>23817803
"OK, what *is* Citadel? Is it the Dragon of old, or something else? And most importantly, how can I stop it, permanently?"

>>23817825
we can think of a better question. I think I got it!

"What ARE dragons?"

>>23817847
There is no metaphor.

>>23817847
except it does not fit us at all, we never pushed Tricia away etc, if anything it sounds like Isen and Tara.

>>23817803
"Is Citadel the Dragon Who Was Of Shadows reborn?

>>23817803
"Who are you, and what are you doing to us?"

"How do we break the cycle? How do we bring the light permanently, so that boy over there doesn't have to try again?"

>>23817854
"The other one that I see in my dreams, the Lightbringer. Will I have to stop him? He seems so nice." You ask.

"Hopefully not." The Fifth sighs. "But, you and the Dramate are in opposition, so expect trouble. If you must, kill him. Anything is better than what would happen to him and the girl if they complete their 'heroic quest.' Trust me."

"What are Dragons?"

"It depends on what the Dragon is." He holds up his hand. "I know, I know, but that's one of those things I can't talk about to you without risking your safety."

"Is Citadel the Dragon Who Was Of Shadows reborn?"

"No." He says. "But they are related. You could call this the..." He chuckles. "The Human Daughter that was raised by the Dragon." He shakes his head. "Although, not really."

"Who are you, and what are you doing to us?"

"I am...I am what holds. All that are within myself are defined by me, and...oh screw this...you had a name for me long long ago, but now you call me Citadel Kingdom, and Purple Sands, and White Tree, and even River's Crossing...but I had another name, before the damn monster showed up and started to take over." He sighs. "As for what I'm doing to you? I'm trying to stop Citadel, and save as many lives as I can. Also, I've got some...requests...from another source and I REALLY can't say anything about THAT."

>>23817927
If he can't tell us this, then
"Where should I go to find the next piece of the puzzle?"
oh, how about
"How can I get evidence that Paladin Odette was behind the assassination attemp?"

>>23817950
"Is there any way to reverse the... consequences of the Glass Scorpion venom?"

>>23817927
"How do we break the cycle? How do we bring the light permanently, so that boy over there doesn't have to try again?"

"If I knew, I would tell you. The old Naga tried the direct route, long ago, attacked the Lightbringers. Didn't work well, and she got really badly beaten by the Humors. I thought that if you could derail the story, before they GOT to it, that would work, or give us an opening...but it seems that the only thing it's doing is compounding the chaos, and the threat." He shrugs. "Which means there's hope...but we're really off the rails here."

>>23817950
"The Human Daughter that was raised by the Dragon? Subtle that wasn't. Can Citadel be saved, then, rather than destroyed? How can we influence its thinking, shape its story, without having it retaliate?"

>>23817968
What consequences? We look a bit more unusual than we did before. Sure, at some point we might want to look into fixing that, but it isn't even remotely a priority.

"Are you the Light?"

>>23817979
It's still nice to ask. At the very least we would have hint as to where to go to fix it.

Oh hell hes the original citadel spirit.

he's THE DRAGON REPENTED

that is my wild theory

>>23817993
I doubt it.

>>23818010
Oh, I love this. I hope that's the truth. It would fit so well with the theme of this story. And it would explain why he can't tell us that bit right at the moment.

"What really happened to the Dragon? What was the Lantern, really?"

>>23817954
"Where should I go to find the next piece of the puzzle?"

He gestures to the piles of white coins that make music notes when they hit the ground. "This is what I got. I think it's Bronze Peak too, because it's cold. Other than that, you're seeing what I can get from what I can do that doesn't tip off Citadel."

"Is there any way to reverse the... consequences of the Glass Scorpion venom?"

"Yeah," He shrugs. "Dragon blood. Ultimate panacea. Plus they're doing all sorts of strange stuff with alchemy these days. Though I recommend leaving something, scarless consequences are...too perfect, too Citadel."

"The Human Daughter that was raised by the Dragon? Subtle that wasn't."

"Wasn't meant to be."

"Can Citadel be saved, then, rather than destroyed? How can we influence its thinking, shape its story, without having it retaliate?"

"First you need to get the Humors out of the picture, and that means getting them away from the Lightbringers. They aren't risking anything with them now." He sighs. "I've got NO idea how you've been able to spy on them so accurately for so long, but uhh..." He points upwards. "Isn't saying, and I don't ask. But once you can get the Humors out of the way, then things will be a bit easier. Citadel's not that smart without its servants, and without a Lightbringer sacrifice, it'll starve to death really quickly. Although, you'll need one hell of a King who can get that monster of a city through the dark times that will come." He sighs. "No matter what...a lot of people are going to die when the change comes...but it so desperately needs to come."

>>23818034
"Well, there's one way to keep it from getting a Lightbringer sacrifice. Not die. I like that plan."

>>23818031
"What really happened to the Dragon? What was the Lantern, really?"

He frowns and shifts his shoulders. "Those are the perfect questions to ask...and of course, I really can NOT answer them. Sorry. Not my call."

Thank you for telling me this. Bronze Peak it is then. Light be with you.

>>23818034
Anyone up for grooming Isen to be the best king there ever was?

I mean, he truly doesn't want the job, which is already like 7/10ths of the qualification for being a good king.

>>23818059
he is a ways down in terms of succession though, if I remember right he was something like 10th, and any children his older siblings have would bump him further down.

>>23818059
Im thinking the same thing. However making it so he survives kinghood is gonna be tough. Citadel already doesn't like him. Then theres the problems with all the troubles its fall will bring

>>23818069
Odds on any of those nameless jerks surviving are...

>>23818059
Short of a mass Royal Family massacre, I don't see how he could end up on the throne.

Of course, if we leave long enough for the city to self-destruct, we might get just that.

> He frowns and shifts his shoulders. "Those are the perfect questions to ask...and of course, I really can NOT answer them. Sorry. Not my call."

"That's enough of an answer, though. Thank you, from one monster to another."

>>23818069
thats simple. Kings can declare one of their children as heir over the others. We'd just have to convince the King that its the best choice.... not easy though I admit.

>>23818058
"Thank you for telling me this. Bronze Peak it is then. Light be with you."

"It always is." The Fifth says. "And I know it's become a bit of a running theme with you and yours, but you'll probably want to not stop for breakfast." He shrugs. "What can I say, Citadel's as cliched and unoriginal as the Humors. Personally I preferred it when you used to hang people from trees at sunset by having them stand on a horse and then moved the horse." He bows. "Thank you, Paladin of the Guiding Light."

This time, you don't smell Father's leather and stew...you feel his hand on your head as you blink in the dawn. You see him smiling as he looks over you and Tricia. He nods in approval at the two of you. "This is not the hard part." He says.

>>23818082
I think this is plan alpha
>>23818080
royal massacre is plan beta.
Also, I agree with the thanks from one monster to another. See if that pierces his visage.

>>23818089
Kiss Tricia awake, wake everybody up quietly, and get out of here.

Everyone up. We have work to do.

>>23818089
>he prefers the REAL old ways

HE IS TOTALLY THE FUCKING DRAGON

I AM CALLING IT AGAIN

WHEN IT TURNS OUT TO BE TRUE I AM GOING TO YELL LIKE A MADMAN

>>23818091
we are NOT going to massacare the royal family.

we are not even going to think about doing something so foul.

>>23818119
I mean we were going to do it.

I meant if we failed to get isen on the throne, they would all DIE during the TERRIBLE PERIODS OF MISGOVERNMENT. sorry for being unclear.

>>23818119
we probably won't have to. When Citadel starts to die of hungers its going to lash out. And theres nothing so tempting as a scapegoat like the fat, ineffectual royal family

>>23818089
You blink, and it's his statue that you're looking at. You smile as Tricia nuzzles into your shoulder. You really don't think you could go back to sleeping alone, without another person coiled around you, or you around them. The world's too dark and lonely. No wonder Peri and Mari don't want to split up.

"Mmph!" You hear a muffled cry. "Hlp mi!"

You look. Apparently Tara got lonely during the night and decided to sleep besides Mage. Now the poor fool is trapped under a, very asleep, very heavy, very immovable, woman. He's enjoying it far less than you imagine a person would in that scenario, but given that he's probably having trouble breathing..."

>>23818123
>I mean we were going to do it.
I meant we WEREN'T going to do it. Fucking... typos.

HAH!

Help the guy out. Tell everyone you have a bad feeling about today.

>>23818128
>mage needs to breathe
>ghouls need to breathe
Huh. Learn something new every day. Help him!

>>23818128
"And you complained about Tricia and I?"

>>23818131
You gently wake and untangle yourself from Tricia. Who helps you gently lift and shift Tara enough so Mage can scamper out.

"Two...hours..." He mutters.

"Just be quiet and get dressed." Tricia say, smiling at him.

"I think I smell like her now...if a wild bull tries to jump me, or worse, if Isen does...then I will NOT be responsible for my actions!" He snaps.

>>23818128
"Good morning everyone! Let's go get me my paladinship and then immediately become criminals for absconding with a prince!"

Help mage out of cowlock

>>23818146
"Alright, don't have a cow, if you can help it. C'mon, we've got a castle to storm."

>>23818162
>Don't have a cow
I am all for using as many puns as we possibly can.

>>23818149
"Good morning everyone! Let's go get me my paladinship and then immediately become criminals for absconding with a prince!"

"We have the best plans." Mari says.

Lea begins her bandaging routine as she goes through the morning prayer.

Tara wakes up with a snort. "Aww, where'd my pillow go to?"

"I swear, I was safer with the people who ATE people!" Mage snaps. He pauses as he looks out the window. "Hey...Peri, you got your spyglass?"

She tosses it to him. He looks through it through the window for a while. "Uhh...okay. Hey, Ssen. Good news, we don't need to talk your way into a Paladin ceremony to get Isen to come out." He hands you the spyglass and points. "The central area of the market. The stage."

>>23818182
Before we go, we might actually want to put our name on that book.

If our plan goes according to plan, we are NOT getting a second chance in the forseeable future.

>>23818182
take a look... and e prepared to start running.

>>23818182
>isen
>on a stage
>in market

HE IS GOING TO GET HUNG AND THEN SHOT BY ASSASSINS AND THEN BEHEADED

OH GOD

>>23818186
Better: take the book with us.

>>23818182
Hmmm. I wonder if this is going to be his (arranged) wedding?

>>23818182
We should get a shield, are there any in the room?

>>23818182
There's the Newgate Royal Family, and there's Prince Itzak, looking very unhappy and uncomfortable at just being one of many. It's amazing at how much his appearance seems to change when he's being forced to be Itzak. Maybe it's how his face is all tight, and how unhappy he is. When he's Isen, he seems to always be trying to fill the room with his personality and ego. Itzak just tries to vanish as quick as he can.

The blue occuli are everywhere around them, and you can see a squad of Red Occuli, and, yep, there's Odette, and Julian too!

>>23818196
>we should get a shield
you are SO RIGHT

Lets head to the market.

>>23818202
Ah, hmmm. Lynching of Odette's purported assassin?

That raises an interesting possibility. How about we offer to take his confession?

>>23818196
Nope. No weapons, just the statues and the book.

There's actually two stages though. One that has the Newgates, and the other has four wooden stakes hanging on it. There's a guy in a leather hood waiting to the side. He's carrying a giant iron bar in his hands.

>>23818211
I say we first spend a moment identifying the source of hubbub, so we know whether or not we need to run there.

>>23818219
>>23818220
okay, source identified. they're executing someone.

I really don't know what to do here, so someone else, come up with a good plan.

>>23818218
you were right. though I don't like the look of those four stakes.

>>23818225
they're going to do something horrible, like impalement.

or spalling.

>>23818225
yup, poor guy. I wonder who they pinned it on... maybe donovan?

>>23818219
I shouldn't say hanging, I should say jutting out of the stage.

"Hold on." Mage looks, apparently one of the little panels in the great window can open.

"-IMES OF ATTEMPTED MURDER, TREASON, CONSPIRACY, AND OTHER CRIMES AGAINST CITADEL!" A voice yells from below. "THEY SHALL BE LASHED TO THE STAKES, AND BEATEN FIVE TIMES WITH AN IRON BAR!"

The crowd roars in approval.

You scan the crowd a bit more, and then you see the prisoners in an iron cage off to the side.

Robin Goodfellow, Gregory Garish, Barney Pits, and Ambrose Trapp are locked inside.

>>23818238
or Robin, or any of the many outcasts..

>>23818240

i knew it!

Oh... Fuck... Me.

>>23818240
AaaaUUUUGHHHH

I don't even know if that's a lethal sentence or not. It probably is. Shit. Fuck. Hell. This was not in the plans.

Do we want to just... go spring all of them? and isen? Somehow?

>>23818240
>>23818245
>>23818249
>>23818251
WHATEVER we do, get moving. We have to go there to do anything.

>>23818240
How high up are we? How insane would it be to go out the window to get there faster?

>>23818249
"Oh... Fuck... Me." You say.

You hand the scope to Tricia and she looks. "Shit! We need to go. NOW!"

"I think, perhaps, we should start waking up at noon." Lea says. "It would stop all of our rushed mornings."

How the hell did they pin it on an old man, a tailor and an inventor? Robin I can at least understand... he IS a rebel after all.

>>23818265
well, we have to save them. Somehow. Either with trickery, or being INCREDIBLY STUPIDAND NOBLE. Both of which we have been known to employ.

>>23818264
OK, let's think. We're not going to succeed here by battling our way out of Citadel. And a lynch mob isn't the time to attempt to present evidence, even if we had any. So, we're either going to need to talk our way into some subterfuge that lets us sneak the four of them out (but then we'll just have a headstart from the lynch mob when they catch on), or we need some way to turn Citadel's narrative into something it'll enjoy more than a lynching.

>>23818264
Thankfully, public executions are rare fun-filled family entertainment for all. That was just the opening act. There's comedic re-enactments of how the loathsome conspirators were caught. Testimony given by the courageous Paladins. (Yes, plural.) And lots of breaks for frivolity, dancing, another one of Citadel's merry plays, and other things to amuse the masses and the Newgates.

You get to the celebration grounds at about 10, and the big even't not scheduled until noonish.

ghoulish indeed.

can we approach Julius or Isen? We need answers.

>>23818295
Oh, thank goodness. Time for plotting and scheming is good.

We have several good excuses to get close. First of all, we're a "wronged" party as well: we got shot, and we have a lovely visual aid to show it. Second, Hero of Citadel for saving Isen. And third, taking a confession.