It is done. You are a Paladin. Your mantle and circlet are upon you. You have taken up the lantern and the title of the Guiding Light. The Caligo Clarus exists once more.

Your first duty is to see a caravan travel away from Grand Citadel, across the Kingdom, to the city of Stone Hall. Your friends whom you save from execution are in this group, along with a handful of other families that wish to try for a new life in Stone Hall.

Also with you on this journey is the 'legend in his own pea-sized mind' Isen the Audacious (A.K.A. Prince Itzak Newgate), his lover: Tara the minotaur girl, and Princess Mumei of the Phoenix Empire, Prince Itzak's bride-to-be. They're riding along the collection of wagons and beasts in a gaudy carriage that's covered with gold leaf and semi-precious stones.

The road is going to be very very long.

>>23858853
Okay, so you guys were totally right, it is going to take way more than just two weeks to go cross country by way of wagon train.

Thankfully it wont be totally Oregon Trail. You're going along an actual road that's even paved in some areas, there are towns to stop at. You'll be going through White Tree, and the road is well travelled enough that there's passerbys and even the occasional watchman, when you near a town.

So, let's call it two months then.

As for how you managed to book across the continent so damn fast, well there's a reason you liked having the Nightmare around. Also, why you're glad that Robin Goodfellow will be re-stealing it for you.

>>23858912

See if it's possible for Mage to research a "Mass Go Faster" spell anytime before the trip's over.

>>23858912
>we're going through white tree
>with our paladinship

ahahaha

HAHAHAHAHA

MOOOAHAHAHAHAHA

oh man this is going to be the richest, thickest satisfaction I have tasted in a long while.

Where did we leave off? Weren't we about to be asked what a paladin was and whether or not we would eat the firstborn child of the phoenix empire princess?

We should go talk to her and explain that we totally don't eat children.

>>23859054
I take it that'll take priority over his translator spell. Then? He'll see what he can do.

The second day, it's going to be two more days before you're out of Citadel's farm/cattle lands at this rate. These areas are patrolled by Citadel guards, so there's probably going to be no problems. Maybe Citadel will put up a fuss, but it's been rather quiet since Odette took her dive. It's probably digesting the meal.

The Princess still wishes an audience with you. Isen happily offers to serve as the translator.

>>23859108
My vote, as seen here
>>23859089
is for talking to her. It will be interesting, if nothing else.

>>23859108
Visit the Princess in her carriage with Isen in tow. Make sure you have the letter with you, in case you need it.

Start off the conversation by expressing your concern about any possible misunderstandings caused by communication problems, since you speak two different languages, and request that she ask for clarification on anything that sounds shocking, strange, or just not quite clear. Promise to do the same.

>>23859072
Your evil laugh there got me thinking about how Ssen laughs. I'm imagining how someone sounds when they try to suppress a laugh and it comes out as a bunch of short bursts of air and hisses, "sss s ss ss ssssss".

>>23859108
I prefer the translator spell over a 'Mass Go Faster.'

Anyways ... go with >>23859164

Might as well see what we can get out of this before the translating spell is finished.

>>23859206

So you'd prefer a convenience we can do without, that only works for us, over a greater convenience that works for everyone in this train?

>>23859108
Lets do our best to speak with the princess. It seems she has some misgivings about us, so perhaps we can put those to rest.

>>23859158
>>23859164

Isen opens the door to the carriage and steps inside. After a few moments, he waves you inside.

The inside is as opulent as it is on the outside. Thick plush red carpet, two bench seas with cushion and satin covers facing each other, and a small cabinet filled with liquors, books, and food.

"Paladin Ssen Patrick," Isen says as he sits next to you across from the Princess. "I present you before Princess Mumei of the Phoenix Empire, she of the beautiful wings, she who flies far without fear, she who wills the east wind of sweet spring blossoms to blow."

He says something to the princess in her tongue. You hear the words 'Stone Hall, Purple Sands, and First Wood' so he must be introducing you and your titles.

She says something.

"Okay, the princess says that she wishes to talk, but knows that the tongue of the serpent will never sing, so she is...willing to let the loon croak as best that one as he can."

>>23859292
"Wait...am I the Loon?" Isen says. "I thought that meant she was talking about the horse!"

>>23858912
At first the idea of the Nightmare just being 8 times faster than an ordinary horse bugged me, but thinking about it I kinda like the idea that we have a travel speed advantage over almost everyone else in this world. We'll be able to cross the continent in a reasonable time while most cannot. And that scales down to smaller distances, too: a trip that takes most people a week we could make by traveling from morning until nightfall, and an all-day trip becomes a matter of an hour or two.

>>23859292
"Isen, do please tell her we apologize for the language barriers, we will ask for clarification if anything she says is confusing or shocking, and we'd like her to do the same. No need to cause undue tension."

>>23859338
"I'm surprised you didn't pick up on it immediately Isen, it's quite fitting."

>>23859292
>>23859338
Echo the sentiment: "I hope to avoid any miscommunication as well, and I appreciate your patience and understanding. Where would you like to begin?"

>>23859338
"I think I'm starting to like her already."

>>23859355
This.

Turn to Isen for a moment: "Promise me that you'll translate what I say accurately, and not try to embellish or polish it, please?"

>>23859355
Yeah, this si going to be interesting if she ain't understanding.

>>23859355
This, but also tell her that our language is not as rich in metaphor and symbolism as hers, and while we'll do our best to interpret, a language as rich in symbolism as hers also allows much flexibility in interpretation."

>>23859344
One of the benefits is that the NIghtmare doesn't have the same needs as the others. It'll eat salted meat and other ration work and doesn't need to sleep as much as other animals.

>>23859355
>>23859366

"I'm surprised you didn't pick up on it immediately Isen, it's quite fitting." You say. Isen rolls his eyes.

"Isen, do please tell her we apologize for the language barriers, we will ask for clarification if anything she says is confusing or shocking, and we'd like her to do the same. No need to cause undue tension."

Isen nods and translates. The princess nods. She then says something, gesturing to your tail a lot.

"She's asking what you are." Isen says. "She says that there are other beings who are 'spawn of the Snake and the Egg Taker' over there. They're supposed to be a cursed people. And since you 'fly to protect, and cradle a nest of your own and lead a flock of...those who fly to make new nests...she says you can't be a serpent then. So, what are you?"

>>23859509

"How many 'spawn of the Snake and the Egg Taker have you personally met and civilly talked to before me?"

Unfortunately my people live in barbarism more often then not. I was lucky enough to be raised by my father, who was a Paladin and saw that I could be other then a monster. My kind are known as Lamia. I consider myself a person.

>>23859509
Let's start with the simplest details: "I am called a Lamia. Physically we have much in common with snakes, but unlike them we can think and feel like you and Isen can. As with humans, though, not all of my people are of one mind. There are many good Lamia, and many you might consider cursed. Much has to do with how they were raised; anyone, Lamia or human, can be raised to be good or evil or indifferent; I am eternally grateful I was raised by my father, a Paladin."

>>23859544
This and add that we were born as a Lamia in every way. We were raised by a Paladin, so follow in his footsteps.

>>23859509
"A person ...

"Though I think she may want more than ... technically I'm a lamia raised by a human father.

"I hold more in common with humans than my own kind these days."

Or something like that ... I'm not good with words.

>>23859509

These two, in order:
>>23859607
>>23859544

And then we want to start talking about the Egg Taker and what she knows about it.

>>23859625
No, we don't want her to think we're unique in that way; we're taking her to a city with many other lamias who have more in common with us than with the "pets" of Citadel and elsewhere.

>>23859544
>>23859607

"I am called a Lamia. Physically we have much in common with snakes, but unlike them we can think and feel like you and Isen can. As with humans, though, not all of my people are of one mind. There are many good Lamia, and many you might consider cursed. Much has to do with how they were raised; anyone, Lamia or human, can be raised to be good or evil or indifferent; I am eternally grateful I was raised by my father, a Paladin." You say.

Isen takes a while to translate. The princess just looks confused. Isen tries to re-translate, but she nods her head and waves her hand at him. She got it, she just doesn't get it.

"How many 'spawn of the Snake and the Egg Taker have you personally met and civilly talked to before me?"

She says something.

"Snakes cannot sing. They have no tongue or song within them. They never will." He says.

She says something, and Isen laughs. "Oh, she's got you down, Scales." He clears his throat.

"I think that you are cuckoo." Isen says. He laughs again.

>>23859707
"Cuckoos insinuate their eggs into the nests of other birds, Isen. I see what she's getting at."

"If anything, I was a cuckoo-in-reverse. I was raised by my adoptive father, a paladin, away from the curse that keeps others bestial. There are others like me; I may be able to introduce you to one, if she's willing."

>>23859807
oooohhhh

I was thinking she maybe called us a bit nuts, but that makes more sense.

Maybe we should ask our local librarian wagonmember for a book on birds before our next conversation.

>>23859807
This, but "introduce you to some, if they're willing".

I think the pervasive metaphor in her language means we actually need to help Isen out by supplying the right metaphor to translate to. I think we need to make bird analogies.

>>23859864
As in, I think her language might be full-on "Shaka, when the walls fell.", but at least with a common background world to draw on between her people and ours.

>>23859864
you know what? this might be true.

>>23859848
I meant Granny, specifically, because I don't think the lizardmen quite qualify.

>>23859864
I think 'cuckoo-in-reverse' might be the best we can do here (cuckoo who flies backwards?).

For the curse keeping lamia bestial, I think "without song" is the appropriate translation.

>>23859707
>>23859807
"Cuckoos insinuate their eggs into the nests of other birds, Isen. I see what she's getting at."

"Ohhh. Okay, that makes sense."

"If anything, I was a cuckoo-in-reverse. I was raised by my adoptive father, a paladin, away from the curse that keeps others bestial. There are others like me; I may be able to introduce you to one, if she's willing."

"Uhh, I thought we weren't supposed to talk about the old lady." Isen says before he translates.

>>23859917
Hopefully we won't bring up the naga any more and she won't either.

>>23859917
"Right. Leave off the offer of introduction for now, I'll talk to her about it when we get there and make the offer if she's willing."

"A cuckoo raised by a peacock would look like a cuckoo, but would strut and preen audaciously like a peacock. A cuckoo raised by a raven would steal shiny objects. And a cuckoo raised by an eagle would try to soar majestically."

>>23859917
We haven't said anything about Granny specifically. There are plenty of other lamia we could introduce her to.

>>23859965
None of which we met and as granny said, very few are as fortunate as us.

One thought: let's not say anything in front of her in our language that we don't want her to know. I don't want to dismiss the possibility that she really does speak our language. (By the way, what *is* our language called? Common? I saw someone call it "Citadel", but was that seriously the name?)

>>23859965
Who would try to eat her.

>>23859917
Oh yeah, leave that part out.

>>23859953

"Right. Leave off the offer of introduction for now, I'll talk to her about it when we get there and make the offer if she's willing."

"Alright, but make sure she knows that it was YOU that told her. She told me that if I kept her secret for a year, she'd invite me and Tara down to..." He grins. "Well, somethings are worth the wait, you know."

The princess says something.

"She says that a cuckoo will always be a cuckoo."

"Tell her that, a cuckoo raised by a peacock would look like a cuckoo, but would strut and preen audaciously like a peacock. A cuckoo raised by a raven would steal shiny objects. And a cuckoo raised by an eagle would try to soar majestically."

Isen sighs and replies. The princess shakes her head. She says something.

"She's had enough talking for now. She wants to rest. She thanks you for the time, and asks that when...I have no idea what that word is...hold on..."

The pair talk for a bit. Isen shakes his head.

"That when she lays her first clutch, that you will still be a cuckoo, and not actually a 'Serpent of The-Dragon-That-Is-Not-A-Dragon-But-Those-Who-Saw-It-From-Our-Nests-Were-Too-Wise-To-Call-It-A-God.' I think." He shrugs. "That is as close to what I think she's saying."

>>23860028
The lizardfolk of Stone Hall wouldn't.

>>23860103
>'Serpent of The-Dragon-That-Is-Not-A-Dragon-But-Those-Who-Saw-It-From-Our-Nests-Were-Too-Wise-To-Call-It-A-God.'
Oh my~

>>23860103
> 'Serpent of The-Dragon-That-Is-Not-A-Dragon-But-Those-Who-Saw-It-From-Our-Nests-Were-Too-Wise-To-Call-It-A-God.'

Holy balls, I think she's talking about Citadel.

>>23860103
I think we just heard her word for either the Dragon

"Tell her that we share the same enemy; we fight the Dragon Who Dwells In Darkness as well."

Perhaps later we could show her the lantern and ask her if her people have stories about it as well.

>>23860172
Er, "either the Dragon or Citadel", I meant to say.

Also, "I'm happy to talk any time."

>>23860172
It's not the same dragon, we asked about this before. Citadel is a different (but related) entity.

Dammit, why the help did you guys talk about granny...

Guess since there are no secrets anymore we can.clerify for isen.
"Citadel."

>>23860172
"Tell her that we share the same enemy; we fight the Dragon Who Dwells In Darkness as well."

Isen tries to translate, but the princess hisses and puts her hands over her ears, and then motions for you to leave. Now.

>>23860103
Oh, wait, she's getting at the bit about wanting us to not eat her young. "When you have your first clutch, you need but ask and we'll be there to protect them from the Dragon who dwells in Darkness."

>>23860103
Blink for a moment. "Tell her that that is a promise I am all too happy to make."

right lets go. As we leave it might be a good idea to ask Isen to start teaching us her language.

>>23860191
Sigh. Bow and leave, then.

After we leave, let's ask Mage about the translation spell. I think she might be getting tired of talking to the Loon, and it would be a mercy to have a direct conversation with her.

>>23860211
The day ends and you make camp. Most of the people stay in their own little areas, though the Swing boys find Mr. Dunraven unspeakably cool as he describes and shows how all of his implements work and his experience with dead bodies.

The Caligo Clarus all gather around a fire by themselves. Isen and Tara are busy attending to the Princess.

"Okay," Peri says. "Are we far enough out of Citadel for you to be able to explain to us what's been going on?"

I've got to run a few errands, so feel free to make this explanation as long and perfect, and as detailed as you want.

>>23860267
wait, before you go

ARE we far enough?

>>23860283
well, looks like we don't know for sure, but I would assume so. As long as our friends are caligo'd up.

>>23860267
Keep an eye out for anyone else approaching the fire; we don't want to share this yet.

Before we start, give the prayer once more: "May the Light blind the eyes of malice, and may its ears hear only his Teachings."

"I'm sorry that I haven't been able to share this with you yet. When we were in Stone Hall, Granny told me that Citadel, the city itself, has a sort of mind or spirit of its own. And it isn't a good one. It's like a spoiled child, and all of our lives are the story it wants to be entertained by."

"When we were in Citadel, the first sign of it was that horrible painting that artist drew for the liberation of Stone Hall. He said that Citadel liked that version better. Same with all the plays about romance and harems. And did you notice how Ambrose's allergies acted up when he was telling us about certain things? How Barney had so much trouble with his inventions? People that Citadel doesn't like have...problems."

"Did you hear the voice in the back of your own minds, that only went away in the room of the Caligo Clarus in the cathedral, and after I prayed against the eyes and ears of malice? That same voice that you heard constantly while I was in a coma, and which drove you to distraction? Lea, you kept preaching for weeks and thought no time had passed. Tara fought in the arena, and Mage researched conspiracies real and imagined. Tricia managed to avoid it because her obsession with finding a cure for me was stronger than that voice."

"Granny told me that Citadel would have a hard time hearing my thoughts, and that my medallion would help protect me as well. But she said that the same did not apply to the rest of you, and that you even thinking about Citadel and its malice would draw its attention to you."

two months is a loooong time to wait... I think we are going to have to risk it. Utter the prayer to blind and deafen citadel then start explanations.

Remember the tale Mr. Trapp told us? About the foe the first Caligo Clarus faced? I believe we face something similiar. Not a mortal being like you and I but more like a... spirit of the land. It influences the people who live on it in many ways. Most aren't that strong but the spirit of Citadel is. And there is a reason for it. The Lightbringers. They are sacrifices to the Citadel. The Dramatae use them to feed it and because of this the Citadel grows both in size and power. They literally create Lightbringers. First by destroying their home towns, directing their companions then manufacturing the villian they face. Like the Wasp Witch. Like your father. Currently there is a LIghtbringer out there some where and the Dramatae have not yet given up.

The Citadel does a lot of good I admit. Its people are happy, prosperous and never go without. However we've also seen the evil it does. How it punishes, even kills those who do not fit in. How it forces people like Sophia to follow its whims.

>>23860419
First, let's warn them that once we tell them this, they probably won't be able to return to citadel again until we solve it, which may take years. Once they agree to those terms, give 'em the full whollop.

>>23860492
I don't think they want to go back to Citadel any time soon as things stand right now; the only reason they'd want to go back is to solve this problem that they don't know about yet.

>>23860517
let's amend that to "citadel and areas strongly influenced by citadel". I feel it's important to warn them of the gravity of this.

>>23860543
Good call. Right after the apology for not being able to share this yet, "Understand that once I tell you, you'll be in constant danger whenever you're in areas under Citadel influence, and you won't be able to return to Citadel itself until we have a plan to deal with it. But after hearing this, you'll understand that it's the biggest bit of darkness we need to bring His Light to."

Also, we need to explain about the Paladins opposing Citadel.

>>23860267
OK, stitching what we have so far together:

>>23860419
Keep an eye out for anyone else approaching the fire; we don't want to share this yet.

Before we start, give the prayer once more: "May the Light blind the eyes of malice, and may its ears hear only his Teachings."

"I'm sorry that I haven't been able to share this with you yet."

>>23860600
"Understand that once I tell you, you'll be in constant danger whenever you're in areas under Citadel influence, and you won't be able to return to Citadel itself until we have a plan to deal with it. But after hearing this, you'll understand that it's the biggest bit of darkness we need to bring His Light to."

>>23860466
Remember the tale Ambrose Trapp told us? About the foe the first Caligo Clarus faced?

New:
"Granny told me of something just as malicious but more subtle, sinister, and pervasive."

>>23860466
"Not a mortal being like you and I but more like a... spirit of the land. It influences the people who live on it in many ways. Most aren't that strong but the spirit of Citadel is. And there is a reason for it. The Lightbringers. They are sacrifices to the Citadel. The Dramatae use them to feed it and because of this the Citadel grows both in size and power. They literally create Lightbringers. First by destroying their home towns, directing their companions then manufacturing the villian they face. Like the Wasp Witch. Like your father. Currently there is a LIghtbringer out there some where and the Dramatae have not yet given up."

"When we were in Citadel, the first sign of it was that horrible painting that artist drew for the liberation of Stone Hall. He said that Citadel liked that version better. Same with all the plays about romance and harems. And did you notice how Ambrose's allergies acted up when he was telling us about certain things? How Barney had so much trouble with his inventions? People that Citadel doesn't like have...problems."

(continued)

>>23860267
Continued from
>>23860665

>>23860419
"Did you hear the voice in the back of your own minds, that only went away in the room of the Caligo Clarus in the cathedral, and after I prayed against the eyes and ears of malice? That same voice that you heard constantly while I was in a coma, and which drove you to distraction? Lea, you kept preaching for weeks and thought no time had passed. Tara fought in the arena, and Mage researched conspiracies real and imagined. Tricia managed to avoid it because her obsession with finding a cure for me was stronger than that voice."

"Granny told me that Citadel would have a hard time hearing my thoughts, and that my medallion would help protect me as well. But she said that the same did not apply to the rest of you, and that you even thinking about Citadel and its malice would draw its attention to you."

New:
"That's why I didn't tell you until now, and why I couldn't tell you while we were in Citadel; even in the safety of the Caligo Clarus...attic...in the cathedral, I could only hint at the details of the Dramatae and some malice behind the scenes; I didn't want Citadel to hurt you more than it already had."

>>23860714
Don't forget the lightbringer story sacrifice

>>23860267

New material for after
>>23860714

"His Light predates Citadel, and thus the Paladins stand against it, knowingly or not. The Caligo Clarus, especially so. And I think we have to take up that mantle."

>>23860714
>>23860665
can you specify in there somewhere that the reason we are less affected by it than them is because we're not a human, or even an elf or a dwarf, so the citadel doesn't know us so well.

>>23860735
>>23860753
Ah, right; pulling those in:

First:
>>23860665
And right after "the Dramatae have not yet given up.":
"I keep getting visions when I sleep, of the Dramatae, and my father. And I see two Lightbringers, a boy and a girl, who lost three companions and their home in the Dramatae's effort to forge them into the ideal Lightbringers for Citadel's abattoir."

"I've also spoken with some other entity that vaguely hints at the Dragon of Darkness reformed, and says something about the dragon's daughter."

Then:
>>23860714
but add after "would have a hard time hearing my thoughts":
", as it is unaccustomed to the mind of a lamia; lamias don't appear in its stories as anything but mindless monsters or pets."

Finally, this:
>>23860741

Phew! I think that's everything so far, woven into one narrative.

>>23860851
Good work!

Now we can all make sandwiches and wait for echo to get back and worry he was whisked away to the cornfield.

So, who wants to bet whether or not we'll have a peaceful journey?

>>23860971
i think we are pretty much guaranteed to have some problems, and probably at least one or two fights against bandits/elves/ghouls/wildlife.

>>23860971
After getting poisoned, being unconscious for three months, having all but one of our friends sucked into Citadel's sickening play, and having to stop an attempted lynching, all one right after another, I'll happily settle for:
>>23861022
this.

>>23861022
>>23861051
Elves who have been turned into ghouls and taken to banditry who have trained the local wildlife, which include glass scorpions.

>>23861092
Lead by Mage's sister.

What happened to her anyways? Can she still cast spells?

>>23861124
yes, if she had a new wand.

She was put into a CITADEL ASYLUM.

>>23861134
I thought she was with the refuges or the ex-citizen->ghoulz people.

>>23861150
I thought they were in a refugee asylum?

>>23861158
Ahhh right. Poor people, locked up for the rest of their lives.

>>23861134
Wish we'd at least visited her.

>>23861210
I might have misrememebred the CITADEL ASYLUM thing. That may be where donovan is.

>>23861210
Isn't she at the Stone Hall asylum? What is stopping us?

>>23861223
nope, shes in a Cups Guild asylum, with the rest of the converted, and they know she is a mage.

doesn't say what city the asylum is in though.

>>23861247
well, here's hoping it's at stone hall. We might even meet her there!

With a whole legion of glass scorpions!

>>23861353
Donovan's in a Citadel prison.

Ester was put into an asylum at White Tree. They aren't letting Ghouls into Citadel.

Alright, so, can you guys put together what you want to say, because it looks like you got it, if in piecemeal.

>>23861478
oh, I'll try my best to stitch it together then. I thought someone already did that. It won't fit in one post though.

>>23861478
OK,
>>23860851
has the complete story, and it's too long for a single post, but I'll stitch it together into two or so.

Keep an eye out for anyone else approaching the fire; we don't want to share this yet.

Before we start, give the prayer once more: "May the Light blind the eyes of malice, and may its ears hear only his Teachings."

I'm sorry that I haven't been able to share this with you yet. Understand that once I tell you, you'll be in constant danger whenever you're in areas under Citadel influence, and you won't be able to return to Citadel itself until we have a plan to deal with it. But after hearing this, you'll understand that it's the biggest bit of darkness we need to bring His Light to.

Remember the tale Ambrose Trapp told us? About the foe the first Caligo Clarus faced? Granny told me of something just as malicious but more subtle, sinister, and pervasive.

"Not a mortal being like you and I but more like a... spirit of the land. It influences the people who live on it in many ways. Most aren't that strong but the spirit of Citadel is. And there is a reason for it. The Lightbringers. They are sacrifices to the Citadel. The Dramatae use them to feed it and because of this the Citadel grows both in size and power. They literally create Lightbringers. First by destroying their home towns, directing their companions then manufacturing the villian they face. Like the Wasp Witch. Like your father. Currently there is a LIghtbringer out there some where and the Dramatae have not yet given up."

"When we were in Citadel, the first sign of it was that horrible painting that artist drew for the liberation of Stone Hall. He said that Citadel liked that version better. Same with all the plays about romance and harems. And did you notice how Ambrose's allergies acted up when he was telling us about certain things? How Barney had so much trouble with his inventions? People that Citadel doesn't like have...problems."

(continued)

>>23861517
Argh, I left out the fixes; I see why you want this all pre-stitched-together. Trying again:

Keep an eye out for anyone else approaching the fire; we don't want to share this yet.

Before we start, give the prayer once more: "May the Light blind the eyes of malice, and may its ears hear only his Teachings."

I'm sorry that I haven't been able to share this with you yet. Understand that once I tell you, you'll be in constant danger whenever you're in areas under Citadel influence, and you won't be able to return to Citadel itself until we have a plan to deal with it. But after hearing this, you'll understand that it's the biggest bit of darkness we need to bring His Light to.

Remember the tale Ambrose Trapp told us? About the foe the first Caligo Clarus faced? Granny told me of something just as malicious but more subtle, sinister, and pervasive.

"Not a mortal being like you and I but more like a... spirit of the land. It influences the people who live on it in many ways. Most aren't that strong but the spirit of Citadel is. And there is a reason for it. The Lightbringers. They are sacrifices to the Citadel. The Dramatae use them to feed it and because of this the Citadel grows both in size and power. They literally create Lightbringers. First by destroying their home towns, directing their companions then manufacturing the villian they face. Like the Wasp Witch. Like your father. Currently there is a LIghtbringer out there some where and the Dramatae have not yet given up."

"I keep getting visions when I sleep, of the Dramatae, and my father. And I see two Lightbringers, a boy and a girl, who lost three companions and their home in the Dramatae's effort to forge them into the ideal Lightbringers for Citadel's abattoir."

"I've also spoken with some other entity that vaguely hints at the Dragon of Darkness reformed, and says something about the dragon's daughter."

(Continued.)

>>23861555
Continued:

"Did you hear the voice in the back of your own minds, that only went away in the room of the Caligo Clarus in the cathedral, and after I prayed against the eyes and ears of malice? That same voice that you heard constantly while I was in a coma, and which drove you to distraction? Lea, you kept preaching for weeks and thought no time had passed. Tara fought in the arena, and Mage researched conspiracies real and imagined. Tricia managed to avoid it because her obsession with finding a cure for me was stronger than that voice."

"Granny told me that Citadel would have a hard time hearing my thoughts, as it is unaccustomed to the mind of a lamia; lamias don't appear in its stories as anything but mindless monsters or pets. She said my medallion would help protect me as well. But she said that the same did not apply to the rest of you, and that you even thinking about Citadel and its malice would draw its attention to you."

"That's why I didn't tell you until now, and why I couldn't tell you while we were in Citadel; even in the safety of the Caligo Clarus...attic...in the cathedral, I could only hint at the details of the Dramatae and some malice behind the scenes; I didn't want Citadel to hurt you more than it already had."

"His Light predates Citadel, and thus the Paladins stand against it, knowingly or not. The Caligo Clarus, especially so. And I think we have to take up that mantle."

OK, that's the whole thing in this post and the previous one.

Kinda figuring that you'll want to weave it into less of a monologue and more of a conversation with the others, with timely questions.

>>23861517
be sure to give them time to respond after we tell them the warning.

>>23861619
/tg/ actually getting editing done.

I am impressed. Thanks good anons!

>>23861555
"May the Light blind the eyes of malice, and may its ears hear only his Teachings." You say.

The others repeat the prayer.

"I'm sorry that I haven't been able to share this with you yet. Understand that once I tell you, you'll be in constant danger whenever you're in areas under Citadel influence, and you won't be able to return to Citadel itself until we have a plan to deal with it. But after hearing this, you'll understand that it's the biggest bit of darkness we need to bring His Light to.

"Remember the tale Ambrose Trapp told us? About the foe the first Caligo Clarus faced? Granny told me of something just as malicious but more subtle, sinister, and pervasive. It's not a mortal being like you and I but more like a...spirit of the land. It influences the people who live on it in many ways. Most aren't that strong but the spirit of Citadel is. And there is a reason for it. The Lightbringers. They are sacrifices to the Citadel. The Dramatae use them to feed it and because of this the Citadel grows both in size and power. They literally create Lightbringers. First by destroying their home towns, directing their companions then manufacturing the villian they face. Like the Wasp Witch. Like your father, Mage. Currently there is a LIghtbringer out there some where and the Dramatae have not yet given up."

"How do you know this?" Lea asks.

"I keep getting visions when I sleep, of the Dramatae, and my father. And I see two Lightbringers, a boy and a girl, who lost three companions and their home in the Dramatae's effort to forge them into the ideal Lightbringers for Citadel's abattoir."

"I've also spoken with some other entity that vaguely hints at the Dragon of Darkness reformed, and says something about the dragon's daughter."

"Who is this entity?' Mari asks.

"The Fifth Humor, that's all I've been able to learn about him." You say.

>>23861584
"Did you hear the voice in the back of your own minds, that only went away in the room of the Caligo Clarus in the cathedral, and after I prayed against the eyes and ears of malice? That same voice that you heard constantly while I was in a coma, and which drove you to distraction? Lea, you kept preaching for weeks and thought no time had passed. Peri and Mari went on an indulgent power trip as one person. Tara fought in the arena without end, and Mage researched conspiracies real and imagined. Tricia managed to avoid it because her obsession with finding a cure for me was stronger than that voice."

Tricia blushes at that.

"So, why were you in the clear?" Mage asks. "Would being unconscious make it easier for the Citadel Spirit to mess with your mind?"

"Granny told me that Citadel would have a hard time hearing my thoughts, as it is unaccustomed to the mind of a lamia; lamias don't appear in its stories as anything but mindless monsters or pets. She said my medallion would help protect me as well. But she said that the same did not apply to the rest of you, and that you even thinking about Citadel and its malice would draw its attention to you."

"If it did all of that to us when it liked us, I'd hate to see what would have happened if it didn't." Peri shivers.

"That's why I didn't tell you until now, and why I couldn't tell you while we were in Citadel; even in the safety of the Caligo Clarus...attic...in the cathedral, I could only hint at the details of the Dramatae and some malice behind the scenes; I didn't want Citadel to hurt you more than it already had.

"His Light predates Citadel, and thus the Paladins stand against it, knowingly or not. The Caligo Clarus, especially so. And I think we have to take up that mantle."

There's a pause and they all nod or give other signs of confirmation.

"We're with you, but...I have a question." Mari says.

>>23861677
"Shut up, Mari"

>>23861677
"I will answer it as best I can."

>>23861628
I've been in the thread as an anon since Stone Hall; I've been meaning to start posting as a non-anon, but couldn't think of a good name to use. I'm the one who stitched together the versions starting at
>>23860665
>>23860851
and
>>23861555
from pieces redaeth and I wrote and several other anons added corrections to, so this seems like as good a name as any.

>>23861691
Don't shut her up, questions are good. We are willing to field questions.

>>23861677
Smile. "Only one? I suspect that raised a few dozen, at least."

>>23861677
"Citadel is making itself bigger and keeps its people happy, and safe." She says. "Does that mean it's affecting the food that comes in, and makes sure that...say...all those homes and buildings on the water don't sink or get swept out to sea, or wasted by a storm?"

Tricia frowns. "Oh...right, not to mention that nearly every town relies on the trade that goes into and out of Citadel."

"Right," Mari continues. "If we stop this...spirit thing...does that mean that all the protection magic stops? It could destroy the entire kingdom if Citadel falls into ruin."

"You're not saying that we should let this atrocity continue?" Lea says.

"No, no...but if there's a way to stop the sacrifices, but keep Citadel 'alive' so to speak...shouldn't that be an option?" Mari says. "I mean, the destruction of the ocean part of Citadel alone, would me that we'd be partially responsible for those that die or lose their homes."

>>23861704
I've been an anonymous in every thread thus far, and have provided pivotal dialogue at times.

>>23861691
Stop that.

>>23861727
"I'm not going to lie to you Mari. That's the main reason we left citadel. We could have killed the dramatae and saved the lightbringers as soon as I woke from my coma, but I had no plan in place for saving all those who would have died. I am hoping that among the skilled experts rebuffed by citadel, there are some solutions to the devastation that would be unleashed without the sacrifice."

>>23861785
Even if we're looking for a way to do this without sacrifice. Blood will be spilled and not everyone can be saved. We've all have just seen this not that long ago. It's something we have to remember.

>>23861727
"Citadel fears change, especially sudden change. It wants the story to stay the same every time. I don't want to destroy Citadel's spirit if we don't have to; I'd like to help it grow up and let the story unfold as it will, if at all possible. But we can't let it continue as it has, and if it won't grow up, we need to break its control. People need to live their own lives, and prosperity alone isn't reason enough to give up."

>>23861727
We hope we can convince the Citadel of the Light. But if we cannot, I believe although there will be natural disasters, there will be food shortages, and hardships a plenty, the Light will help us through it.

He has given us ingenious people in the mechanical art, making machines to stamp name cards or boil water. What if these minds can be turned to make wonders that will help us through these times? What about the bright minds in the academy, or in the cup guild, or in the elves, in the dwarves, and in the monsters who will have a chance to live?

I believe there is a purpose behind all of this. The Light will not abandon his people half way through.

>>23861785
"I'm not going to lie to you Mari. That's the main reason we left citadel. We could have killed the dramatae and saved the lightbringers as soon as I woke from my coma, but I had no plan in place for saving all those who would have died. I am hoping that among the skilled experts rebuffed by Citadel, there are some solutions to the devastation that would be unleashed without the sacrifice."

The group turns to look at Barney who's trying to remove his hand that's stuck in something that looks like a pig's bladder attached to a frying pan.

"Yeah," Peri says. "The hopes of the future, right there."

>>23861727
"I'm not too sure, honestly that would be for the best but I'm afraid it's far too dark for something like that to work. it's too early to talk about destroying it too as we are there is no way we can defeat it, in direct opposition at least I think we should do our best to make sure the light-bringers aren't killed, if citadel doesn't get it's meals it's influence will probably weaken and people will break free from it, if anyones as a better idea feel free to tall me because I'm at a loss as how we're going to "kill" or even fight a city but not the people living in it"

>>23861860
"don't be too hard on him, his inventions are crazy but they work...kinda and they might be just what we need"

>>23861860
"Hey, we've had worse plans before. Though, none so far reaching. If you guys have any ideas or questions, though, shoot. I've not had anyone to talk about this with."

>>23861915
This. "It's a relief to finally be able to talk about this. I hated having to hide it from you, even to protect you; I don't ever want to have to do something like that again."

>>23861902
Then
>>23861915
Then
>>23861938

>>23861813
"Citadel fears change, especially sudden change. It wants the story to stay the same every time. I don't want to destroy Citadel's spirit if we don't have to; I'd like to help it grow up and let the story unfold as it will, if at all possible. But we can't let it continue as it has, and if it won't grow up, we need to break its control. People need to live their own lives, and prosperity alone isn't reason enough to give up."

Mari nods in agreement.

"I hope we can convince the Citadel of the Light. But if we cannot, I believe although there will be natural disasters, there will be food shortages, and hardships a plenty, the Light will help us through it."

"You want to convert an entire city to the Light?" Mage asks.

Lea laughs. "Let it never be said that the Caligo Clarus made small goals."

Tricia shakes her head. "Your Father had a saying, remember?

'Make no small plans, for they have no power to move men's hearts.'

I think that was it." She nods. "Alright, you know I'll follow you wherever." She squeezes your hand. "But I'm in."

"Why not." Mage says. "It's not like we lead safe lives anyway, and I've gotten used to never sleeping in."

"Hey, we've had worse plans before. Though, none so far reaching. If you guys have any ideas or questions, though, shoot. I've not had anyone to talk about this with."

"How far does Citadel's influence reach?"
"Is it the Dragon Who Was Of Shadow Reborn?"
"Can we 'talk' to it? Find out why it needs the sacrifices?"
"Do we know where the Lightbringers or the Dramate are?"
"We CAN kill the Dramate right?"
"Do you know how or when Citadel became 'aware?' Is there someone we can ask? The old Naga, maybe?"

>>23862008
"Let's see... in order of question asked:"
"No idea."
"I think it might actually be something closer to a child of the dragon? if that makes sense?"
"I have no idea."
"No."
"Almost certainly."
"That's one of the things we want to find out while traveling, and why I'm so interested in history books and the like."

>>23862008
>"How far does Citadel's influence reach?"
"From what I can tell, Citadel has its strongest influence in the city itself; there it can directly act, as it did when it animated those stained-glass warriors and statues. Outside of Citadel, it can only whisper in people's minds. But Stone Hall seems to be completely free of Citadel's influence, it seems; that's one of the reasons we're going there and taking the others there."

> "Do you know how or when Citadel became 'aware?' Is there someone we can ask? The old Naga, maybe?"

"I don't know, but I definitely have some questions for Granny when we get to Stone Hall.

>>23862008
>"Do we know where the Lightbringers or the Dramate are?"

"Well, Peace was the one who shot at Isen and hit me. I don't know where any of them are now, though."

>>23862008
>"We CAN kill the Dramate right?"

But another will rise to take its place soon after. Citadel finds new dramaticaes for her agents. We need a longer reaching solution.

>"How far does Citadel's influence reach?"
The entire continent hears its whispers and its dreams. Citadel alone follows its will directly. Stone Hall is safe die to the failure of the Dramatae and the magics unleashed.


>"Is it the Dragon Who Was Of Shadow Reborn?"
No. I think at the beginning it was its own spirit and then something changed it into the Citadel of tady. The Fifth called it the Human Daughter so perhaps the first Dramatae altered it with the first sacrifice.

>"Can we 'talk' to it? Find out why it needs the sacrifices?"
I have no idea. But I believe so.

>"Do we know where the Lightbringers or the Dramate are?"
I got a hint from the Fifth. We head to the Bronze Peak(?)

>"We CAN kill the Dramate right?"
Yes they are mortal.

>"Do you know how or when Citadel became 'aware?' Is there someone we can ask? The old Naga, maybe?"
We'll ask her.

>>23862008
>"We CAN kill the Dramate right?"
"We can kill those playing as them in this version of the story. But killing what amounts to the priests worshipping Citadel's spirit will just make Citadel angry; that alone won't stop Citadel itself, any more than killing all the Paladins could stop the spread of His Light. Not that I want to test that theory, mind you."

>>23862092
>>"Do we know where the Lightbringers or the Dramate are?"
>I got a hint from the Fifth. We head to the Bronze Peak(?)
This, definitely.

>>"We CAN kill the Dramate right?"
>Yes they are mortal.
Those wearing the Dramatae masks at the moment are, anyway.

>>23862098
"We can kill those playing as them in this version of the story. But killing what amounts to the priests worshipping Citadel's spirit will just make Citadel angry; that alone won't stop Citadel itself, any more than killing all the Paladins could stop the spread of His Light. Not that I want to test that theory, mind you."

"Yeah," Tricia says. "But it'll make me feel better. They did shoot you."

>>23862110
Oh, and: "He also hinted that we might find dragons there, the real kind, not the metaphorical kind. He said that dragon blood could help with, well [gesture at our patchy hair, veininess, and eyes] this."

>>23862129
And I think they will know more of our history during the dark periods.

>>23862121
"Well, to be fair tricia, they were trying to shoot Isen.

I'm sure even good men have tried."

>>23862121
How much of the dream with the Fifth can Ssen remember?
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/23815898/#p23817950
Can we relay it to them as close to verbatim as possible, please, subject to the limits of memory? The post I just linked to, in particular.

>>23862129
"The Fifth suggested that we should go to Bronze Peak. He also hinted that we might find dragons there, the real kind, not the metaphorical kind. He said that dragon blood could help with, well...this." You say as you gesture to your face.

"Bronze Peak it is." Peri says.

"I am interested in this gap." Lea says. "But are you sure that even if we find a dragon, that it'll want to talk to us. They aren't exactly the most social creatures."

>>23862165
You made my day anon. Now someone free me from this Otto's Irresistible Laughter spell.

>>23862180
Maybe our historian friend can help us.

>>23862180
Its the only solid lead we have to go on. Plus, it will be far enough away from citadel to refine our plan. It is both fact finding, and giving ourselves some time.

It'll be good practice for the citadel.

>>23862185
It will wear of in 2d4 rounds

>>23862180
"we'll just have to hope he will agree to have a chat, if he doesn't then I hope he won't be in the mood for a snack when we meet"

>>23862180
"I honestly don't know. Granny said some things about dragons and lamia, so I'd like to talk to her about that while we're in Stone Hall. Beyond that I don't know if they'll help us or eat us. But we've done crazier things."

>>23862225
"We'll just have to hope he will agree to have a chat, if he doesn't then I hope he won't be in the mood for a snack when we meet"

"Oh, so this is one of our usual plans." Peri says.

"That doesn't sound like a plan at all." Mage says.

"Like I said, one of our usual plans."

>>23862248
We still need to answer their question about how far Citadel's influence extends, and in particular about Stone Hall:
>>23862092
>The entire continent hears its whispers and its dreams. Citadel alone follows its will directly. Stone Hall is safe die to the failure of the Dramatae and the magics unleashed.

>>23862248
"Well, we actually have time to think this one over. Maybe we can go about it a bit smarter than our usual breakneck lifesaving pace?"

>>23862248
sigh at that "yep it'll be all in a days life for us, whatever we do though we're going to "insert city name" and we're taking at least a good 4 days of vacation, because seriously I need the rest and no being unconscious doesn't count as sleeping"

>>23862332
Stone hall.

>>23862287
"And don't worry about Citadel's influence, thanks to the Dramatae screwing up with the Ghoul attack, the place has broken free."

"Okay, so if all else fails all we need to do is nearly burn the other cities to the ground." Tricia says. "We have a plan B. That's a first."

>>23862289
"Well, we actually have time to think this one over. Maybe we can go about it a bit smarter than our usual breakneck lifesaving pace?"

"First time for everything." Peri snarks.

>>23862342
"ANYWAY," You snap, showing maybe a little more fang than normal. "Let's just worry about getting everyone to Stone Hall in one piece, and then when we're there, we take a break for a few days. The Dramatae aren't moving quickly anymore, and we deserve a little proper celebration that isn't tainted by something Dark and foul."

"Here, here!" Lea says.

>>23862372
"Well, if we're all done with questions and answers, we should probably have those of us on watch go back to it. Don't want to be jumped with a bunch of civilians nearby."

We DID set up a watch, right?

>>23862372
You all go to sleep and then start up the journey again.

(Okay, it'll take about 9 weeks for the travel, 4 weeks to reach White Tree. We're going to keep this as simple as possible. Low numbers are good, now)

Week 1: Roll 1d20

>>23862410
>We DID set up a watch, right?

Yes, you've set up a regular watch.

Rolled 12

>>23862420

Rolled 15

>>23862420
Keep an eye on them roads!

Keep another eye on them butchers!

Keep a third eye on the chilluns!

>>23862436
Week 1 passes without incident.

Week 2: Roll 2d20

Rolled 12, 5 = 17

>>23862446

>>23862436
Hahahahaha.

12 rivers to ford!

Rolled 15

>>23862446
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlCaB1pXIDc

ON TO STONE HALL!

THROUGH THE WHITE TREE!

>>23862454
Well, it looks like your luck has been holding. Two weeks of nothing but simple quiet travel.

Week 3: Roll 3d20

Rolled 14, 18, 3 = 35

>>23862501
Which week to we pass the town?

Rolled 14, 1, 4 = 19

>>23862505

we are learning Pheonix Empire langauge from Isen right?

>>23862505
At the end of week 4 you'll be at White Tree.

Your luck has run out, something's happened.

Roll 1d6

Rolled 3

>>23862516

>>23862505
>>23862512
we should start, if we're not!

Rolled 4

>>23862516
well crud

Rolled 20, 14, 1 = 35

>>23862512
We are learning Pheonix Empire langauge from Isen right?

Sure, and Mage is working on that haste spell. Before we see what happened, you roll 3d20 to see your progress.

>>23862512
That and having Mage polish the translation spell, I hope.

Rolled 5, 17, 8 = 30

>>23862537

>>23862544
You passed on that for him to learn haste.

>>23862557
Ah, I'd hoped we'd changed our minds on that after the initial conversation with the Princess, since she seemed to tire of the loon's translation quickly.

>>23862557
haste is more useful at first, yeah.

>>23862549
Okay, you're making good progress, you know simple greetings and the basic honorifics, but you've got a way to go.

There's a little incident though. One of the Rawe's kids hasn't come back for dinner. They were playing 'Paladins and Ghouls' in the area.

It's mostly plains, with some smatterings of tree pockets here and there.

>>23862594
Allright, hold up the caravan. Ask the parent if this kind of thing has ever happened before. Assemble into buddy-buddy search parties.

>>23862594
Rawe?
The butcher or the mortician?

>>23862594
See if Tricia can have some of local bugs help find the missing kid.

Well, time to track them down. Good thing we learned how to do so as a hunter.

>>23862594
>>23862621
also, ask the kids playing with him where they last saw him.

>>23862621
Make sure each team has a party member for protection. Have them call out to each other for communication. Any team that fails to report in needs immediate investigation.

>>23862624
The Rawe family are the bricklayer Robert, his pregnant wife Terri, and their kids.

>>23862661
Ahh thanks.

guys, we were a hunter, we have a snake tongue that can pick up scent and Tricia has her bugs. Sending out search parties isn't necessary.

>>23862594
It seems really unlikely that we can learn enough of the language to hold a conversation, and kinda by definition we can't get better at it than Isen is. Greetings, honorifics, and the like do seem like a good start; that's at least enough to show that we're making an effort, since last time she said that "the tongue of the serpent will never sing".

Rolled 6

>>23862621
>>23862633

The bricklayers seem more pissed than upset. This isn't the first time that people have taken off.

Tricia calls for some friends and sends them to scatter off.

>>23862691
Not necessary? It can only help.
We are a paladin. When it comes to aiding the innocent, ESPECIALLY children, we don't fuck around.

>>23862698
"Nope, sorry." She says. "Guess we're doing this the usual way."

So who are you sending out, with whom, and are you leaving anyone at the Caravan?"

Be sure to have the search parties watch their feet for sinkholes, and the trees for kids.

>>23862714
Something is up.

I bet three cookies that Citadel is on the move, or someone.. someone is being particularly bitchy. However, since we should be impartial, let us investigate throughly.

>>23862714
Leave Isen, Lea and Tara to guard the caravan, the rest come with us, fanned out wide but sticking together as a group.

Isen and Mage with the Caravan. Lea, Tricia, Ssen, Meri\Peri and Tara shall search the forest.

>>23862714
Us and Tricia, Mage and Peri/meri searching, Lea,Isen and Tara stays with the caravan

>>23862594
We'd be able to see them in the plains; focus on the tree pockets, and also look for any holes or traps on the plains that they could have fallen into.

>>23862691
This, definitely. And if we do send people out, make sure most of our party stays with the caravan.

>>23862714
Tell Tricia to keep trying. Talk to the kids and get them to take you to where they were playing.

Also, which of the kids ran off? How old?

>>23862746
This once we get to search parties.

>>23862714
Group one: Ssen and Tricia
Group two: Peri and Lea

Home base: Mage, Tara, Isen.

Is my setup.

And then /tg/ shows the complete lack of ability to choose who to send.

Just like the dress.

Just like deciding whether the butchers should come.

Just like time management.

But why do I enjoy this so much?

>>23862758
Don't forget what order to read letters in.

>>23862751
Oh, specifically, have *Mari* talk to the kids and get them to take you to where they were playing.

>>23862758
Because fa/tg/uys are good at making plans, but are terrible at micromanagement.

>>23862758
except we chose the dress in 9 minutes flat.

>>23862827
We know what makes us feel pretty.

>>23862823
So very true.

>>23862827
Fine.

>>23862823
So we need Starcraft player to help us?

>>23862752
I second this setup.

If anyone wants to include civilians, I could propose a modified setup, but I would only include them if they volunteered.

>>23862823
Nonsense, I play grand strategy games! I can't be bad at micromanagement.

>>23862752
I second this. It's identical to my proposal, save for Lea's position, and that doesn't matter too much.

Decisiveness and cohesion matter infinitely more.

>>23862752
Group one: Ssen and Tricia
Group two: Peri and Lea
Home base: Mage, Tara, Isen.

You using any of the other settlers/exiles?

>>23862751
>Also, which of the kids ran off? How old?
You're not sure on the brood's names cause they run around so much, but it's one of the 11 year old twins.

>>23862919
We'll use other settlers if they volunteer to look for the kids. If they do, we'll make a revised grouping. I assume everyone knows of the late child?

>>23862919
What sort of twins are they? Would the present twin know -everything- about the other?

>>23862919
Before we head off, what about talking to a couple of the kids to get them to lead us to where they were playing?

>>23862962
And learn more of the circumstances around the disappearance.

>>23862962
We could get them to point us in the right direction, but I'd rather we didn't take the kids out into a potentially dangerous situation with us.

>>23862919
Unless they have any sort of combat experience, it's best to keep the civilians in camp.

>>23862962
>>23862919
yeah, let's talk to the kids who were playing, the reciprocal twin, and the parents. Ask the kisd where they were and if they know where he might be, and the parents if they've run off like this before.

>>23862973
Yeah. We're going in blind right now, with no direction and no information other than "they don't seem to be here, let's find them".

>>23862954
The Rawes of course will help, apparently this one answers to Sammy.

The Quails say they want to help...but they're still bickering with each other.

The Swings are unconcerned.

Mr. Dunraven says he rather be with the carts.

Gregory and Sophie are happy to search.

Ambrose says he'll search...but he probably shouldn't.

Widdy's cooking dinner and doesn't care.

Barney's happy to help.

>>23862983
Okay, to interview the kids, roll 1d20

Rolled 4

>>23863018

Rolled 4

>>23863018

Rolled 3

>>23863018
Let's see what they know.

>>23863030
>>23863034
>>23863036
/tg/ dice. It's getting old. Stahp

>>23863030
>>23863034
>>23863036
Clearly they tell us jack and shit.

A side thought: The land spirit that was portrayed as the "dragon" enjoyed grimdark stories of unending hatred, xenophobia, and war between the various peoples living on the continent. After it got dethroned, it was eventually replaced by the current Citadel land spirit that prefers heroic sacrifice stories in a noblebright setting.

It's also likely that the original land spirit isn't entirely gone. More likely, it's just waiting for a chance to come back, and needs the Citadel land spirit out of the way to do so. And of course, the horrifying bloodshed, disaster, war, etc. that would accompany Citadel's fall would be a feast for the "dragon."

So any enemy of the Citadel could potentially be a servant of the "dragon," attempting to bring down the Citadel only to raise up the "dragon" in its place. The Fifth Humor might be, but Granny shouldn't be above suspicion either.

Trust no one.

Hahahaha /tg/ dice.

We are basically blubbering about whtcha you playing at to the kids in the princess' language.

>>23863001
I think we need at least one of the Rawes to stay with the other kids. I'd only suggest taking one of them, and only if we think a familiar voice would help. Let's not take the Quails. Gregory and Sophie seem like a good idea, as does Barney.

>>23863048
Pretty much yeah, they do detail exactly what the score was...which none of them agree on.

>>23863051
This is why we're converting the citadel.

>>23863067
OK, dirt simple question that they can't possibly not know the answer to: "Were you playing in the trees, or on the plains?"

On a side see if we can make a signal arrow/blot for Ssen and Peri/Meri in case one of the groups run into trouble.

Don't know if anyone has said this yet.

How many stands of trees are nearby?

>>23863067
Ask the reciprocal twin: "When you and your brother(assuming boy) play hide and seek, what kind of places does he usually hide in?

>>23863109
I like this.

>>23863086
"Both!"

>>23863109
"I dunno..."

>>23863051
There is no reason to suspect that the dragon is alive, if it is not the 5th.

Yep, that is the paranoid /tg/ I know!

>>23863116
>>23863130
"We are never having children." Tricia mutters.

>>23863130
Can we ask if the brother was playing a ghoul or a Paladin?

Let's just pretend we ate the kid and move on. Not like anyone expected otherwise anyway. We really need to finf him though before they just assume we did somehow.

>>23863116
>>23863130
"Well, thanks for trying kids. We have to be off to look for him now."

Are we bringing civvies? Should I draw up a group distrobution? I'll make one.

Ask the adults: where do the kids usually play?

Is the effect of our last roll still on?

>>23863143
"I don't think we can, since... y'know. Lamia."

>>23863070
My point is that the Fifth Humor or Granny might not actually be seeking to convert the Citadel. They might be seeking to kill it, in order to create a massive sacrifice that will catapult the Dragon back into power. Anything they say might very well be some form of manipulation aimed at getting us to help them kill it.

>>23863116
>>23863130
Worthless children ...

>>23863143
Well we wouldn't raise them to be like this for one and two that's a bit cold ...

>>23863143

Wince a little. Because we actually can't have a child with her and that's kind of a shitty feeling.

>>23863164
That came up before, actually, and we can.
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/23768347/#p23770003

>>23863179
>Chunk of our bone marrow
Oh god... probably worth it though.

>>23863143

Let the bad feels from that wash over us for a second, then ask Tricia to specifically look for flying insects. We need a bird's eye view to canvas the fields since we'll never see through the tall grass horizontally.

>>23863194
That's what Granny said.

>>23863206
>>23863179
>>23863194
Well then, nvm.

Give her the bone.

>>23863143
"Nah, we'll just wait to take them on road trips until they're older. Like, 30 or so." Say it sincerely, even if Tricia was joking; see if she reacts.

>>23863226

> Bone her later

fix'd

>>23863130
>>23863116
lets start the search, just combat capable pairs, but have the others at camp keep a lookout for the kid

>>23863202

She could try to conscript mosquitos to our cause. Those things can seek out warm-blooded creatures like nobody else's business. And they are abundant in all types of climates, barring constant wintry weather.

>>23863179
I move to change your name to Quote, Dex or possibly Spelunker.

Because dem archive diving skills.

>>23863001
Gregory and Sophie are in a group with Mage, using mage's old hunting experience

The male rawes and the male quail will go with lea and peri/meri, since they all aren't the best at searching.

The female quail and barney go with Ssen, who will track for the child.

Tricia will stay at base with isen and tara, searching the area with bugs. The pregnant rawes will stay home.

VOTE ON MY SETUP. IS IT EFFECTIVE?

>>23863136
> There is no reason to suspect that the dragon is alive, if it is not the 5th.

It fed on xenophobia, racism, and violence based on those. It is fueled by lynchings, race war, and all of that. And while the Citadel is keeping that suppressed to a degree, those things aren't gone. So the only thing stopping the spirit that feeds on that from returning is the fact that the Citadel is sitting on it at the moment, and its fat ass is so huge that it's kept the Dragon pinned down and powerless.

It's not dead, and I doubt it's content to stay down.

>>23863276
Daughter sitting on papa?

>>23863231
"Nah, we'll just wait to take them on road trips until they're older. Like, 30 or so."

Tricia laughs. "Yeah. Sure." She sighs and squeezes your hand and gives you a slight 'if only' whistful look.

So, I'm going to assume you send the Quails, Barney and one of the Rawes, and the Garishes.

That's five search parties along with Tricia's bug squad.

Roll 6d20

Rolled 15, 6, 17, 13, 11, 4 = 66

>>23863333

Rolled 19, 15, 11, 13, 13, 10 = 81

>>23863333
Dice.

>>23863333
>>23863270
I set up a distribution with three, larger search parties each involving one of our party members, and tricia at home bug searching for a fourth party.

I propose we use that one.

>>23863270
I was going to suggest that we should leave out the Quails, but splitting them up is not a bad idea. However, I don't think we want three parties with such a low ratio of party members to non-fighters, though; if there's anything out there to worry about, they'll be busy defending the others.

>>23863333
Wait, no, no parties not having one of our party members in them, please.

Rolled 12, 12, 6, 5, 20, 5 = 60

>>23863333
not sure if supposed to 1 by 1..

>>23863333
We should talk to Tricia tonight, after we find the kid.

>>23863345
"Found him!" the Quails yell. "Come quick!"

Roll 1d6

Rolled 1

>>23863424

Rolled 6

>>23863424

Rolled 2

>>23863424

>>23863431

I saw that coming

>>23863431
>>23863432
I happens every goddam time I roll.

>>23863395
Agreed. I bet she'll still have misgivings about having to deal with a rather large snake-tailed baby though.

>>23863445
>I
>It

File: 1364172018402.png-(203 KB, 501x415, 1330393310200.png)

203 KB PNG

>>23863431

What. The kid's been ripped apart, hasn't he?

>>23863431
I love you /tg/ dice.

Do we fall into a pit/trap?

>>23863446
Are we going to put our bone in her? Or vice versa?

Rolled 3

>>23863431
>>23863432
If this is just "what kind of insanity do we have to fight off", fine, but if this is the "did we find him alive" roll, that's worth a reroll.

>>23863461
we will reroll depending on the type.

a kid's life? worth a reroll.

>>23863431
>>23863432

Rerolling is still an option. Last I know, we still have 2 rerolls left.

>>23863461
(Curse you persistent dice! I meant the dice right after mine, not the one I just rolled by accident, in case that wasn't clear.)

the kid has been caught by 5 beartraps.

>>23863472
three rerolls, I believe.

One for hanako, one for the Voice of JUSTICE copypasta, one for the picture of Ssen and party

>>23863424
Shiver down our spines a little when we think of the boy in the same position as little Ssen.

Then slither faster.

>>23863431
The kid's fine. He crawled into a little crevice in a pile of rocks to hide, that opened up to a small naturally forming open space inside a circle of rocks. and it was one of those holes that's easier to get into than get out of.

The kid didn't care, he was happy playing with the bugs and the dirt in his hidey-hole. The Quails heard him before they saw him.

A few branches to serve as levers and using your body to squeeze through and the kid is pulled out back into the happy, if heavily chastising, arms of his father.

The kid seems more upset and afraid of his upcoming spanking than anything else.

The Quails are actually not fighting with each other for once. They both seem very proud that they heard the kid.

>>23863525
That...

I remain suspicious.

>>23863525
(Trust me be VERY glad that the 1 came before the 6. Also for that 17 on that turn, you came really REALLY close to Worst Case Scenario)

>>23863525
"Well done, quail family! You're the heroes of the day! I'm sure their family will thank you as well."

Oh boy we get to congradulate the heroes. We are finally the man.

>>23863525

...

...

Detect Evil.


>>23863541
Wait, was less better? Also, what was worst case?

>>23863541
Oh right. Low is Better right now.

>>23863525
"Bless you ears, you two. I'm grateful to have you along." Bow a little.

To the found boy, "So what'd you find in there? Anything neat?

File: 1364172407683.jpg-(728 KB, 1431x807, Innocent_Child.jpg)

728 KB JPG

>>23863559
>what was worst case
Oh, don't worry about it.

>>23863541
I'm still suspicious. Echo might just be saying that to throw us off, so he can surprise us when the kid ends up having been brainwashed by the Dramatae.

>>23863568
"Bless you ears, you two. I'm grateful to have you along."

"Thank you, Paladin." The Quails say as the squeeze each other.

"So what'd you find in there? Anything neat?

"This!" He shoves a handful of worms in your face. "Little Paladins!"

Your traitorous friends burst out in a short bark of laughter.

>>23863593
>>23863559

You all have the right idea. Citadel is likely making one last clever move since it failed to place its first plants.

What I fear is that citadel lured the impressionable boy away and had him pick up some neat, shiny Dread artifact of Shadows and Sparks which he will keep in a shoebox where it can serve as a beacon of influence for citadel. It's what I would do if I was Citadel.

>>23863638
Fuck it. Laugh.

Sincerely. We don't even know where to begin with the silliness of that.

>>23863638
"Well, you should return them to the darkness then. It's where the light is needed the most. Now get back to your parents, they're worried."

>>23863663
HA, FUCK that's good.

Nigga, you my nigga.

>>23863660
>>23863663
both these

>>23863638
"An impressive find, but you'd best put them back so they can grow up big and strong to fight evil."

>>23863472
Three rerolls available, and we haven't used any.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/23791319/#p23800367
> You may invoke Hanako's name for a reroll, once, as a token of my gratitude.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/23809094/#p23815761
> 1d12 Brian Blesseds? That's amazing. You won yourself a re-roll in times of need, my friend.

>>23863516
> one for the picture of Ssen and party
I remember this, but I can't seem to find it.

>>23863525
Oh thank goodness. You mixing roll-high and roll-low keeps us on our toes. :)

>The kid didn't care, he was happy playing with the bugs and the dirt in his hidey-hole.
Could Tricia have a chat with those bugs and make sure everything's OK?

>>23863663
This.

>>23863660
before
>>23863663

>>23863758
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/23847432/#p23848025

>>23863663
>come back this way a few years later
>discover tiny kingdom of worms, beetles and other assorted creepy crawlies has sprung up under the rocks
>worm paladins brought light to the darkness
>the Spider Who Dwells In Darkness has been slain

Fellows, I fear we may be learning about one of the hardest trials Father ever faced.

Finding it within us to trust, to savor simple joys and small victories, to stop ourselves from seeing, not opportunity, but death in every unknown.

To seek the darkness, to plunge in and through, to dispel the demons, enlighten the ignorant, solve the gnawing mysteries, this is the easy part.

The hard part may well be returning to the Light. After all we will have seen and known, when we are greeted by that which we gave our innocence to defend greets our return with open arms, will we truly be able to put up our sword and embrace it in kind?

>>23863830
Thanks!

>>23863864
"Introducing the Champions of First Leaf, the Loamchasers, the Liberators of Gravel Hall, the Beautiful Nightcrawlers!"

>>23863888
Lucky for him he found us. Ssen has Tricia and the rest of her companions to hopefully help her overcome the same thing that her father before her had to. Plus, there's always Granny's kid.

>>23863864
>>23863933
But who is their Isen?

>>23863983
The beetle.