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...and shadow greets you.

You turn over your 'arm', as much an arm it is. You are a shadowy thing, formless, indistinct. Even as you watch your skin wavers slightly. With difficulty, you can even stretch and bend yourself slightly.

You realize this is not normal. Most creatures have static form. But though it feels odd, it's all too familiar. You feel more at the tip of your mind, but it slips away.

You decide to get your bearings and take a look around the cavern.

It seems there's a tunnel leading away to your right. You keep turning.

Behind you, there's a pool. Misty, black. You're not sure if the liquid itself is black, or that's just the lack of light.

You don't think it's normal to see in the dark, either, but it feels natural. It's still there--the dark--but it simply knows to get out of your way.

Further past the pool is what appears to be a small altar.

What do you do?

>investigate the pool
>investigate the altar
>investigate the tunnel

Bump

>>24116667

Does /tg/ really need more quest threads?

>>24116816

You can easily minimize the thread.

go for the altar, seems obvious

tunnel. fuck that alter noise.

You move towards the altar. You slide and slither more than walk. But it's like breathing; it feels natural.

You arrive in front of the stone altar. It's almost shaped like a chair; wide, with a large flat back rising up into the cave wall. Text and symbols are carved into the rock. You can't understand any of it.

When you reach out to touch the altar, a flash of sensation runs through you.

You sense yourself. And other things - 7 other things exactly. They're like you, but different.

4 seem closer than the others. The last 4 are far. Very far.

1 stands out. It faces you. It's like staring into the face of the sun, and after growing used to the darkness around you, you recoil from the sensation.

But you know yourself. 1 of 8. Opposed to the bright thing. The light. And you know it opposes you, as well.

con't...

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>>24116888

Sorry, didn't see yours before I started.

You are aware of yourself. You feel untapped energy surge in your body. It calls to be put to use.

You have 10 HP.

You have 5 EXP.

>(EXP can be spent on any abilities you have access to. The cost of each ability is denoted by the number next to it.)

>(explanations of the abilities will be given on request; no hard numbers, just fluff. It will be clear what each one can do for you)

>(purchased abilities will reveal more of the ability tree)

You recognize the pool is...good. You're not sure how, but you should probably take a look at it before leaving.

>investigate the pool
>leave through the tunnel

>>24117048

Basics:

>(you start with 10 HP. Strength and defense upgrades increase HP, 1 for each strength point and 4 for each defense point)

>(attack damage depends on the type of attack; physical, or magical. Normal defense points defend against physical attacks. Magical resistance defends against magical attacks)

>(you have small ailment resistance)
>(you have strong shadow resistance)
>(you have neither advantage nor disadvantage against earth, water, spirit, and wind)
>(you are slightly weak to lightning and fire)
>(you are vulnerable to light)

>>24117048
Pool shall be investigated.

>>24117216

You crawl toward the pool.

It seems to surge with energy. You don't hesitate and reach a hand directly inside.

The energy swims into your body. You remember this energy - Mana.

You now have 4 mana. Mana can be spent on magical abilities (once you have them).

You wish you could read the words on the altar--you're sure they're important. But it's to no avail. Perhaps it's time to move on.

>investigate the tunnel
>other (not sure what you'd do, but hey, there it is)

>>24117290
Brave the face of the shining one.

>hey, off topic, but didn't you do another quest thread about ghosts or something?

>>24117290

can we make a copy of the words on the alter? maybe someone or something knows what they are?
If not, then make a few joined scratches into the caverns wall, if only to leave a reminder to the world that you were once here. Then enter the tunnel, as adventure is sure to be waiting for us...

>>24117048

Available abilities:

>(tough skin: increases defense)

>(articulation: allows you to better bend and contort your body to dodge enemy attacks. You can run. Required to unlock Fist.)

>(amorphous: your shadow body can absorb blows, increasing defense. Required to unlock Fist.)

>(Fangs: Armor piercing at close ranges)

>(Iron stomach: Nullifies negative effects from consuming nasty sorts of things. Actual nutritional value may vary)

>(Shadow strike: basic shadow magic attack)

>(Spirit whip: basic spirit magic attack)

>(Daysight: see perfectly during the day)

>(natural immunity: better resistance to ailments)

>(observe: better chance to detect tricks and traps)

>>24117338
>>24117348

You return to the altar. It seems so...familiar. But you can't quite place it.

You tentatively rest a limb on its surface. The sensation of the other 7 existences flashes to the surface. 7 other elements.

Light waits there, cruel to even look upon...

...but it seems somehow unaware of you.

You withdraw your hand none the wiser. You take a few moments to stare down some of the symbols, burning their images into your mind. They must be important. After drawing them a few times in the dirt to help you memorize, you feel as though you've accomplished everything you can for the moment.

You head toward the tunnel...

con't

>(P.S. EXP can be spent at any time. I realize there's a lot of choices and you don't know much. I recommend spirit for communication opportunities and utility, shadow magic for pure power tree. You probably want to invest in the first defense point as well)

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>>24117432

It's dank, and dark. You proceed forward slowly. The walls are ancient--but in between the dust and dirt you can see the cobbled brick of intentional construction. However, the nature of those intentions eludes you.

You crawl forward. Strange patches of white mold glow on the walls. They darken as you pass, then lighten again once you're by. It's as if the light knows you.

You can't tell how far you've gone, or how much time passes. You don't feel thirsty, and the small effort doesn't tire you.

You do feel a hunger. But it's small.

The hall finally ends in a wide chamber. There are several entrances to the room, all of the same ancient, crumbling brick. It's like some sort of maze.

Suddenly, a light flashes from one of the tunnels! You hear voices, sharp, cautious. What do you do?

>hide in the shadows of the tunnel
>wait and watch openly
>something else

>>24117338
>hey, off topic, but didn't you do another quest thread about ghosts or something?

Wasn't me.

>>24117358

I vote for spending 3exp to buy 'Observe'.

what is 'Shadow Aura'? does it provide a bonus to melding with shadows or unlock a path to that end?

>>24117524
Hide in the darkness. Bearing the cursed light may be a precursor to hostile things...

>>24117573
>what is 'Shadow Aura'? does it provide a bonus to melding with shadows or unlock a path to that end?

Oh, right.

>(Shadow Aura: your presence dims the light around you, making you more difficult to detect; you can survive in lighted areas indefinitely. This branch opens the potential to use your shadow as a physical weapon)

>(I heavily recommend it, as it gives you the most options directly after.)

>(hint: Observe can wait a little while, I wouldn't waste the EXP)

In the interests of survival, you should probably spend that experience before your guests arrive.

I'll go with early suggestions because I don't expect a huge debate on the subject, so if you care, make your opinion heard.

>>24117635
Well shadow aura sound good for this scenario. Buy it, and then use it ASAP.

>>24117635
>>24117671
I vote:
Articulation
Shadow Aura
Shadow Strike
Natural Immunity

And save one point for later

>>24117732
>>24117684

Hold on fellas.

I'm going to buy Shadow Aura for you, then let you take a look at the new tree.

Also, Shadow Aura works passively, so you don't have to worry about that.

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>>24117762

There we go.

Writing new ability info...

4 EXP remaining.

>>24117798
So is green stuff what is available, or what we already have?

>>24117798

>(Physical Shadow: you can control your own shadow. Shadow attacks allow you to strike without breaking stealth, and unlike physical attacks, your shadow can directly interact with spiritual and ethereal creatures. However, all shadow attacks require a light source - otherwise you cast no shadow)

>(Snuff - your shadow can put out lights it touches)

>Black Aura - you can survive in full sunlight indefinitely

>Shade - Shade - create an illusory projection of yourself to confuse the enemy (costs 1 mana, grants temporary dodge bonus)

>Mimic - take on the vague form of things you've seen. Won't stand up to close examination, but works well in the dark

>Shadow slip - you can hide in the shadows other other objects, increasing stealth capability. However, you must remain still.

>>24117873
Oh shit, I'm an idiot. Just saw the key.
>Shadow Strike
>Daysight
>Shade
>Snuff

>>24117873

Green is what you already have. Blue is what is available to purchase. Red abilities are locked.

The only locked ability, Fist, requires articulation and amorphous. Fist grants a small natural armor piercing to physical attacks.

>>24117886

Ah, and it bears mentioning that shadow strike and spirit whip both cost 2 mana per use and have that same magical strength (2)

>>24117886
>Physical shadow
>Shadow strike
These two seem to work great together.

I would also like
>Articulation
>Snuff
>Shade

Shadow Slip

I assume that Physical Shadow does not work while we are hiding in the shadow of other objects, or does indirect light allow for it to work?

(I assume that you plan for much initial combat, seeing as your recommendation of purchasing the expensive passive ability later)

>>24117798
Shadow strike.

>>24117942
>>24117898

So,

Shadow Strike - 1 exp
Snuff - 1 exp
Shade - 1 exp

Now, Daysight or Physical Shadow?

>>24117981
I vote Physical Shadow

>>24117957
>I assume that Physical Shadow does not work while we are hiding in the shadow of other objects, or does indirect light allow for it to work?
>(I assume that you plan for much initial combat, seeing as your recommendation of purchasing the expensive passive ability later)

Well...maybe...

You can in fact use physical shadow while hiding within a shadow; indirect light does work. However, there must be some light source. For example, if you used Snuff to put out a light, you'll be in the dark (which could be to your advantage) but you'll lose access to many abilities in the Shadow Aura tree.

>>24118012

If I have a second I'll go with that.

>>24117981

I vote articulate


>>24118030
So if we plan on assaults in the dark, physical shadow would be useless to us then? Ironically the best combo is
Shadow Slip, Physical Shadow and Daylight...

I do wish to dispute Shadow strike and Snuff...

>>24118081 here;

voting for;
Shadow Slip
Physical Shadow
Articulation
Daylight

>>24118081

Ironic, isn't it? You have to give up a route of attack to be in darkness. You can only use your stealth attack when there's a light source.

>JUST AS PLANNED

Everyone respond to this post with what they want.

>>24118116

acknowledged

>>24118130
Articulation

>>24118201
>>24118116

Adjusting tree...

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>>24118255

>You have bought:

>Shadow Slip - physical and magical stealth bonus while hiding in a shadow and motionless

>Physical Shadow - you can attack with your shadow, assuming there is a light source casting it. Shadow attacks can interact with ethereal creatures and be used from stealth. Stealth attacks incur a slight attack power penalty but have the benefit of surprise.

>Articulation - you can bend your body to dodge attacks. You can also run.

>Daysight - light no longer blinds your sight.

----
----

10 HP
4 Mana
0 EXP

The voices are getting louder. There's more than 1 of them! You see the light begin to haze into the chamber, illuminating some of the cracked bricks. What do you do?

>hide in the shadow of a nearby column
>confront them openly
>something else

>(ability info coming...)

>>24118130

Actually whether pre-planned or accidentally caused, you have made an interesting situation, that our greatest strength comes from our greatest weakness...
Bravo good sir, Bravo.


>>24118358
Hide in the shadow of a nearby column.

>>24118358
HIDE IN THE SHAAAAADOWS

>>24118358

>Shadow control: You can grab at the shadows near you, manipulating the object that casts them. Your physical shadow is stronger.

>Living Shadow: Your shadow is larger and more powerful than your form would suggest. Your physical shadow is stronger.

>Fog: A cloud of darkness shrouds your form, helping you stay undetected out of combat and helping you dodge blows in combat.

>Shadow Walk - You no longer have to remain still while hiding in the shadows of other objects. You can move between shadows that touch each other. you gain a small overall bonus to stealth.

>>24118450
And agile?

>>24118396
>>24118414

>Actually whether pre-planned or accidentally caused

(Oh, no, it was planned. In fact, the whole story is already planned. Just wait until you see the world map.)

(If you get that far, that is)

You quickly duck into the shadows and go absolutely still. The darkness jumps at your will, molding over your form. You feel relatively secure.

The source of the voices bursts into the chamber. It's a group of men - no. Elves.

The elves march into the center of the room. You watch from your vantage point, silent. A small sphere of light floats over their heads. There are four of them; two males with heavier armor, swords, and shields. A smaller female holds a bow that seems much to large for her to draw, but...

...somehow, you know better. More of those memories, that knowledge from nothing.

In the center of the group stands a beautiful elf woman. She wears practical clothing, leather armor, but holds a wood staff with a green crystal. She is quiet while the others argue. There's something different about her.

"Dammit, Selene, we're totally turned around!" On of the swordsmen stomps his foot. "Where in Venia are we?"

The young archer raises an eyebrow. "Why don't you stop and ask for directions?"

"Fuck you!"

"Silence," the woman says. They instantly fall silent, exchanging looks like children caught with hands in the cookie jar. The woman takes a breath. "A moment of peace, please, while I discern its lair."

con't...

>>24118496

Heh, sorry.

>Agile - You can sprint for short distances. You have better overall stamina and can better dodge enemy attacks. Unlocks other parts of the movement/speed tree.

>>24118607

For a moment, you tense.

What is IT?

Are you IT?

The woman relaxes. She points in the opposite direction you came from. "This way." She steps forward confidently. The other three elves bound forward to keep her surrounded. However well they get along, they're well trained.

"Wait." The boisterous swordsman pauses. "Something's off..." He turns back and faces where you're hiding. He takes a step forward.

Roll 1d20

>>24118710

Oh, and

>(bonus from natural stealth, bonus from shadow slip)

Rolled 10

>>24118710
Stay perfectly still... Like T-rexs, Elves can't see us if we don't move...

Rolled 5

>>24118710
Oh boy, here comes a natural one.

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>>24118799
>Elves can't see us if we don't move...

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>>24118799
>>24118811

The elf blinks for a moment.

"What?" the archer asks. "Have to take a shit?"

"Would you shut up?" The swordsman glances back over his shoulder, then straightened. "Just thought I saw something move. Can't be too careful down here, right?"

"Your caution is appreciated, Zeldan," the matronly elf says. "Let us proceed."

"Thank you, your majesty," Zeldan says. He grins haughtily at the archer as he saunters into the tunnel ahead. The archer pouts at the woman, who simply gives a vague sigh. They begin out of the room.

Just as the light fades, the woman's face turns. She looks directly at you.

There is no question in your mind she knew you were there.

They vanish down the tunnel. You can hear the echos their voices as they move forward.

What do you do?

>follow them. Stealthily.
>try to head out the way they came in
>take one of the other two passages
>other

Follow them, stealthily -

This female elf intrigues me. She knew, and covered for us... Why?

At any rate, they're some of the most interesting things we've seen yet.

>>24118962

Follow them stealthily. They might be able to read the symbols. The woman is clearly no standard elf, as not only could she see us when we were stationary, but she may also prove to be a friend.


Proposed upgrades for next acquisition of exp;

Shadow Walk
Shadow Control/Living Shadow
Black Aura
Agile

Our spec should focus on the stealth tree with a secondary in the movement tree. with movement only so we can keep up with any 'prey' or 'targets'...
To be visible is to be exposed.
The Light is a Blessed Curse. For without it, we are nothing.

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I say we try and become as intangible as we can get, making us immune to physical attacks and extremely stealthy seems fun ass hell.

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flashback

>>24119034
>>24119056

You are intrigued by the elf woman - nobility, going by what the swordsman said. And you know she chose not to reveal you.

With your energies put to use, you no longer have to crawl - legs pick and shift you lightly across the ground. It's easy to stay quiet. You remain just out of range of their sphere of light, trailing along softly.

The tunnel opens up ahead. You can see their light spread wide over a vast chamber. The young archer whistles. "This is incredible, your majesty."

"...an old place," the woman says. "Ancient. Dark."

"And evil," Zeldan finishes.

"Maybe," the woman says. "What we hunt is evil. But the darkness is not so, not implicitly."

"Haven't met a dark thing yet that wasn't evil."

The woman smiles. "Perhaps you haven't met a dark thing yet that you've given the chance."

The swordsman scratches his head, then shrugs. His face disagrees with the assessment, but he doesn't voice his opinion further, probably out of respect.

You decide you like the woman more.

Something changes. Huge footsteps pound the floor. The elves fall into stances. The woman twirls her staff into a ready position, and green energy crackles around its crystal.

A roar like death and suffering fills the air of the chamber.

>>24119198
Cont?

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>>24119198

A huge monster slithers to the top of an outcropping of broken rocks on the other end of the hall. In front of the broken stone and rows of columns long since collapsed, it looks like the harbinger of doom.

Its wings flap once, twice, and it darts into the air far faster than you'd expect.

The elves leap into action. The archer sprints left, firing arrows that leap forward with white light. A flap of the monster's wings scatters them on a dark wind.

The two swordsmen charge forward. The dragon slams down onto the ground in front of them and breathes an ugly black fire. They brace themselves for the impact, but you don't see how they could possibly survive.

The woman raises her staff. Green light flares over the two warriors. The black fire rolls around them harmlessly, dissolving the columns and bits of rock on either side. They dash in and land nasty cuts on the dragon's maw.

At the same time, the archer's arrows pierce its belly from the side. It roars in pain, thrashing as the white light seems to blossom on its side. Its head swivels as it tries to pick a target.

You don't want to be that target, but you're enraptured by the battle.

What do you do?

>stay where you are, hidden by the elf noblewoman
>RUN

>>24119305
I say stay where you are but be ready to both run and, I have a feeling, grab the elf woman.

>>24119305

can we shimmy up to sit on the roof? just pool there, above the Friend. so if needs be, we can drop into the Friends shadow to help her.
It seems she does not inherently wish to destroy us as her Elven associates do. clearly not a standard elf. silly elves, not being able to see us when we stay still... maybe that is why she is their leader, because she can see things that do not move as well. Clearly a higher form of being than elf.

>>24119444

You can try, but without even basic strength you probably won't succeed.

Going with >>24119414
unless there's major dissent

>>24119479

so we ARE bound by gravity. hmmm, certainly a problem that shall have to be resolved at a later date.

>>24119414 is good, so long as we are near our new Friend. Don't want some other shadow using her's for its own nefarious purposes...

>so we ARE bound by gravity. hmmm, certainly a problem that shall have to be resolved at a later date.

(you will be happy with that future resolution, I'm sure)

You feel a tremor shake your body - one of both fear and excitement. You feel ready to run, but the scene nails you to the floor.

The dragon roars, and then turns his body. His tail whips and strikes both the warriors. They fly through the air; apparently the protection was only magical, not physical. They both land upright, but are obviously hurt.

The archer continues to fire, burying another arrow in the creature's hide. It blasts a wave of the black fire in her direction.

The woman, who seemed to be preparing a spell, is forced to stop to protect her ally. The archer is barely saved from the acidic fire-smog.

The dragon begins to flap its wings, building a storm of wind. Darkness rips through the air like razors. The warriors and archer hunker down against the ground. The woman uses her magic to shield them once more, but she's left open. The spell goes up, but the staff is ripped from her hands.

The dragon roars. It flies toward the easy target, then begins to dive from the ceiling and toward the woman.

An absurd idea pops into your head - the idea that you should preserve this woman that so recently preserved you.

You'd probably die trying, and not make that much of a difference.

The dragon is seconds from slamming into the ground directly on top of her.

What do you do?

>dive between the dragon and the elf
>lash out with your shadows
>run away
>something else

>>24119629

Can our shadow 'push' her towards us?
If so then we could meet her half-way and move her away from the Not-Friends... All of them...

maybe we should tell her the secret to our super stealth technique... though I doubt that she will understand it since she is obviously better than her associates...

>>24119629
What would you mean by lashing out with shadows? Would it be to grab the elf and pull her away or to try and deter the creature off-course and miss her? Or is it something we can choose it does?

>>24119629
Just how far away and fast are we? I think attacking is almost out of the question because I doubt we have the range nor the power or skill to make the dragon change course without being creative and or lucky.

If we are fast and have enough mass we might able to slam her out of the way and continue moving with little speed loss, I doubt we have the strength to lift her. We might be able to try and run "past" her and grab her dragging her out of the way.

What do you guys think?

>>24119780
>>24119763

Regarding your shadows, you may choose to either strike at the dragon, push/pull her out of the way, or protect yourself.

>maybe we should tell her

>implying you are able to speak

>>24119629
Pull her away and pull the staff towards us. Also see if we get damaged by the black fire, there should be some leftovers somewhere. Who knows, we might be immune.

>>24119862
I think it would be best to try and grab her with shadow and pull her away; even if we fail we are still far away enough to be able to run if we need to.

>>24119849

Thanks to articulation, you can run about as fast as a physically fit human. You would be able to reach the elf before the dragon got there. It might be easier/safer to use your shadows.

Oh, and please roll 1d20 with your vote in response to this post.

>>24119902
staff towards her*

Rolled 8

>>24119907
Ah okay, rolling for this one then >>24119902 >>24119912

Rolled 20

>>24119862

do we know otherwise? then we should 'Try' to tell her. our expectation of her not understanding due to 'out obvious intelligence' will cover for not understanding due to 'linguistic incompatibility'.

I kind of see our character as a child with obvious misconceptions of the world. this is due to the 'hole-y' memories we have.


>>24119907
we get the staff, Shadow pushes her towards us, then grabbing her; ESCAPE VELOCITY!!!

>>24119907
Ah I guess we can assume that our shadows can move faster then we can, I say grab and pull her with our shadow AND run in the opposite direction to amplify the effect.

>>24119978

>Rolled 20

>you lucky son of a bitch

>>24119978

hopefully OP is not a nat 20 extreamist... I would hate for our new friend to die in space due to no air....

>>24119978
Nat 20 on multitasking. MMMmm yes

>>24120011
>hopefully OP is not a nat 20 extreamist... I would hate for our new friend to die in space due to no air....

Nah you got this. 1 sec...

>>24120031

1.........

you are late...

Yay for Bad Literal Jokes!!!

The trembling inside you explodes.

Your shadow whips out behind you, blasting your forward as your body forms legs and lopes along. Your shadow snatches up the rod.

The rod crackles with energy at your shadow's touch. You nearly fumble it, but at the last minute decide to toss it to the woman. Startled, but reacting quickly, she snatches it from the air.

You run past her, just between her and the dragon. Your shadows lick at her sides and tug her up into the air and along with your run. The dragon's jaws snap only air as it lands in the corner, and it hits hard, momentarily confused by the shadows around it.

But it reorients quickly. You barely have time to set the woman down when a wave of the black fire is on top of you. She raises her staff, but there's almost no time to cast the protective spell!

What do you do?

>shield her yourself
>ignore the flames and counterattack
>flee
>something else

Roll 1d20
(roll 1d20 for both)

>>24120136
>(roll 1d20 for both)

To clarify, I mean you need to roll no matter your choice at this point.

>>24120162
If we ignore the flames does it mean the woman will die? If so fuck that, I say we shield her because if we die and she lives we just proved her right that not all darkness is evil, something worthy of dieing for.

Rolled 10

>>24120275

>>24120275
>If we ignore the flames does it mean the woman will die?

Part of the fun of a quest is making choices without knowing how they'll turn out.

>I say we shield her because if we die and she lives we just proved her right that not all darkness is evil, something worthy of dieing for.

Dawwwww.

Rolled 17

>>24120275

OURS IS THE WILL THAT WILL SAVE THE FRIEND!!!

if we 'glomp' her, can we hide her?

>>24120342

...I suppose that would work.

Rolled 10

>>24120136

Shield her first, THEN strike at this dragon! Our shadows will rend its very soul!

>>24120136

>dragon rolls 5
>breath attack 5+13 = 18

>you roll avg rounded down: 13
>13+6 natural shadow resistance = 19

>just letting you know how close it was

----------------
----------------

You can see in the elf's eyes that she doesn't believe she'll make it.

You launch yourself up, bending yourself around in front of her. The flames roil over your body, dissolving the walls with an ugly hiss. But your shadows protect you.

The fire ends abruptly. You uncoil and settle on the ground. The elf woman's eyes are wide. She stares at you, uncertain.

You try to speak, to calm her and let her know that you're a friend.

A strange gurgling escapes your body. She blinks at you in confusion.

"HAIL."

You both snap to attention. The dragon just spoke. If you had eyes, they'd be as round as dinner plates.

The dragon's voice is like roaring sandpaper. "...YOU PROTECT THESE CREATURES? I DO NOT UNDER-"

Arrows of light slam into the dragon's face. One of them buries itself in the creature's eye. It shrieks, stumbles, and runs headfirst into a column.

The swordsmen are on top of it in an instant. They hack at its exposed neck, cutting deeply. The dragon begins to rise...

...just in time for the elf woman to finish her spell. Stone from the column the dragon struck comes alive with green light. It shapes itself into an enormous fist and slams downward, crushing it into the ground.

Meanwhile, its head is a pincushion of white arrows. Its head is nearly severed clean. The shining green fist raises itself once more, then pounds down. A sickening crack resounds through the hall.

The dragon does not move again.

con't...

>>24120544

Damn, that dragon KNEW us!

Respected us!

Oh well, these new creatures are oddly powerful for things so small, and at least the one with nobility seems to not dislike us.

Welp, time to try to draw in the sand, the dragon's blood, or whatever medium is convenient. I wonder if she'd recognize those symbols?

>Also, do we get xp for helping slay a dragon? Because I'd like to talk.

>>24120544

The elf woman lowers her staff and looks to you. After that display of power, you don't feel much like hopping into her arms. She squints hard. "...it knew you."

You try to give her some explanation, some message. You wobble. You shake. You end up shaking yourself from side-to-side in a sort of "no".

"Look again," the woman says.

You turn back toward the dragon. Its eyes, now dead, stare into space. Dark eyes.

Eyes you've seen before.

Memories. Memories flood into you.

Yes. You know the dragon. You know it... but where! How? The answer is on the verge of your recollection...!

"Oh." You're distracted by the woman's voice. "You're..." Her voice falls to a whisper. "By the earth and moon."

"My lady!" Zeldan is running over. "Run!"

"NO!"

Zeldan and the other two freeze at her shout. She turns back to you. "...I see...what I must do."

Her rod begins to crack with green light. It flares bright, then brighter. You can hardly see with all the light.

The memories...so close--if you could just reach out, you know you could--

"I will give you choice," the woman says.

You are bathed in the green light, and the world goes dark.

>You have gained 1 humanity point!
>You have gained 3 EXP!

con't...

>>24120669

You waken.

You look around.

The caverns and elves are gone. You are on top of a hill, whole, unharmed. A soft wind whistles by, rustling the grass under your form. The moon is bright high in the sky.

You're not sure what happened. What did she mean? She knew something about you, and then she transported you here.

You search for the memories once more. You can piece this together if--

You hit a wall. A wall in your mind. It might as well be built of admantium. You can't get past it. You struggle to remember, but it's like clawing at steel with bare hands. You can't even remember the symbols from that altar. Just the woman, the fight with the dragon - then nothing.

Frustration burns inside you. You have to find her, and somehow make her give you your memories back.

But where is she? And where is here?

You gaze out over the hill...

con't

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>>24120669

>Sorry, that was supposed to be 6 exp

After several fields, a town set alongside a sizable river greets your eyes. It is brightly illuminated by the moon, though you wouldn't need that to see.

On one side is a large farm. Opposite that is a small graveyard. Light flicker from several windows, but they seem brightest in a large building set in a square in the town center.

Perhaps this is where the elf lives? It seems a bit mundane...

What do you do?

>explore the farm
>explore the graveyard
>explore the town center
>something else

>>24120858
>explore the graveyard
Because why the hell not?

>>24120770
Spend EXP:
Shadow strike
Natural immunity

These will unlock lots of new tree points

Let's explore the graveyard first - part of me is kinda waxing poetic, and metaphorically thinking of, "searching for long dead memories", the other part just wants to know there's definitely somewhere dark and comfy for when the sun comes up.

Then let's search the town center.

>>24120939

I honestly don't remember which one it is my man, but I'd like to remember our voice. Communication is key!

>>24118358

>>24120910
>Because why the hell not?

I knew people would go for that.

Before we continue, you've got 6 experience to spend as you so choose.

If you're interested in communication, you should purchase Spirit Whip and proceed up the tree from there.

>(tough skin: increases defense)

>(amorphous: your shadow body can absorb blows, increasing defense. Required to unlock Fist.)

>(Fangs: Armor piercing at close ranges)

>(Iron stomach: Nullifies negative effects from consuming nasty sorts of things. Actual nutritional value may vary)

>(Shadow strike: basic shadow magic attack)

>(Spirit whip: basic spirit magic attack)

>(natural immunity: better resistance to ailments)

>(observe: better chance to detect tricks and traps)

>(Snuff - your shadow can put out lights it touches)

>Black Aura - you can survive in full sunlight indefinitely

>Shade - create an illusory projection of yourself to confuse the enemy (costs 1 mana, grants temporary dodge bonus)

>Mimic - take on the vague form of things you've seen. Won't stand up to close examination, but works well in the dark

>Shadow control: You can grab at the shadows near you, manipulating the object that casts them. Your physical shadow is stronger.

>Living Shadow: Your shadow is larger and more powerful than your form would suggest. Your physical shadow is stronger.

>Fog: A cloud of darkness shrouds your form, helping you stay undetected out of combat and helping you dodge blows in combat.

>Shadow Walk - You no longer have to remain still while hiding in the shadows of other objects. You can move between shadows that touch each other. you gain a small overall bonus to stealth.

OP, an odd thought - Do we breathe?

Mentioning the river made me think of it, because if we don't need air, we could get away with hiding underwater if we had to.

>>24121037
inb4 water hurts us

>>24120939

How about

Spirit Whip
Natural Immunity

Agreeable?

>>24121037

No, you do not need to breathe. Water won't hurt you, unless we're talking about deep-ocean pressures.

>>24121091
Yeah sure

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>>24121091

To clear up the communication requirements...

It's rather unfair, as you'll be encountering people soon, so I'll give you a hint this one time.

Translation will let you understand any spoken language.

Impression will allow you to convey images and emotions to the people you meet.

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>>24121091
>>24121098

You have purchased:

Spirit Whip - attack foes with basic spirit magic. Costs 2 mana.

Natural Immunity - you've become more resistant to ailments such as poison and paralysis

4 EXP remain.

>>24121237

More ability descriptions:

>Bind - trap and enemy in ropes of spirit magic. May spend 0 to 10 mana (determines strength)

>Spirit resistance - become more resistant to spirit magic
>costs N experience. Right now, that's 2 EXP points. Resistance costs increase for each one purchased for the same element.

>Robust immunity - moar immune

>regeneration - slow health regeneration in dark areas

>parasitic - heal after consuming something

>poison - there is a 5% chance you will poison the enemy with any physical attack

>>24121302

Translation
Black Aura
Agile

>>24121402

...upgrading...1 second...

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>>24120951
>>24120910

>purchased: agile, translate, black aura

10 HP
4 Mana
0 EXP
1 Humanity Point
0 Corruption Points

You decide to head toward the graveyard. It seems dark, and safe. If the sun rises, it might offer a nice hiding spot.

You stride around the edges of the town, keeping distant from any lights. You pass through without event.

You make your way into the graveyard. Fog has settled low around the lines of tombstones. They're etched with characters; you can't read the language, but you assume they're names and dates. Some few have flowers next to them. The older stones are weathered with age to nubs. This town has been here for a long time. That bodes well, considering you're looking for elves.

You hear a shriek tumble out of the fog to your left. You peer through the fog...

...there's a small girl. She's lying on the ground in front of a grave.

A human form lurches toward her, arms outstretched. Rotting skin hangs off its bones, exposing blackened flesh and sinew.

What do you do?

----
----

I'm going to end the thread here, it's getting late. I'll be back tomorrow at around 9pm EST.

If you liked it so far, up vote it in the archive! I've got a very long adventure planned...

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html

>>24121623

Knock dat mud'nuckin' zombie out.

Or just run away with the girl, I dunno.

See ya tomorrow, OP!

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>>24121623
Hey OP is it possible to become this guy, atleast powerwise since from the way things are going to be a good guy not that I have a problem with that I think living shadow is fucking awesome

Rolled 3

>>24122016
I was thinking the same thing.

We will need:
Regeneration
Parasitic
Observe
Living Shadow
And definitly Amorphous for dat intangibility, which is what I suggest we get next.

>>24122156
We'll also need to upgrade shadow whip and make it some form of dark lightning or have form into a sword

>>24122191
Maybe find a way to combine Parasitic with the whip so we resurrect dead enemies.

bump

>>24121623
I've just noticed a slight error on the ability tree.
Fangs should be in red as we need to unlock both Consume and Amorphous, but we have only unlocked Consume...

on the topic of what abilities to get next, I think we should get;
Shadow Walk
Quiet
Observe
Unnatural Speed
Shadow Control


In regards to the small girl, We need to incapacitate the Zombie, then we can offer a 'Symbiotic Relationship' with the girl. As people will probably be hostile to us initially, so we need a 'face' which for the time being, could be this girl. In return, we look after her safety, defending her from the occasional nasty, hiding her from search parties, and pulling her out of sticky situations.

Maybe we could raise her to be a pillar of goodness like us.