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>>24155743

Ability Tree

GREEN abilities have been unlocked and learned.

BLUE abilties are unlocked, but are not yet purchased.

RED abilities are revealed, but locked due to prerequisites.

Unlocked Ability Descriptions:

>Great Strength - you have the strength to shift boulders. Bonus to physical attack.

>Earth Resistance - gives 1st earth resist upgrade. Costs 2 exp.

>Spirit Resistance - gives 1st spirit resist upgrade. Costs 2 exp.

>Ink - gain great control over your body shape, slipping under cracks like water or twisting your hand into keyholes.

>Communicate - you gain a natural understanding of languages. You can project your words into the minds of those that are within normal speaking range. With Ink, you can physically speak the words aloud (would help with blending in)

>Tough Skin - increases defense

>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. Opens shadow magic tree.

>Observe - better chance to detect tricks and traps

>Snuff - your shadow can put out lights it touches

>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

>>24155830

>Shadow control - You can grab at the shadows near you, manipulating the object that casts them. Your physical shadow attack 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, allowing you to move between shadows that touch each other. You gain a small overall bonus to stealth.

>Agile - You can sprint for short distances. You have better overall stamina and can better dodge enemy attacks.

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

>Robust immunity - Gain a greater natural immunity to ailments.

>regeneration - slow health regeneration in dark areas

>parasitic - potential for a larger heal after consuming something

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

>Doom Aura - puts out all lights in an area at once

>Quiet - You naturally make much less noise, granting a bonus to physical stealth.

>Marathon Monster - You are have great stamina and won't get tired even from miles of running. This grants you a dodge and accuracy bonus; you are unphased by rough terrain or poor conditions.

>Unnatural Speed - Move faster than any human could. Dodge bonus.

>Centipede - Your amorphous form allows you to create many additional legs which can immediately redirect you, reducing the impact of your own momentum and distributing your weight for better balance. Dodge, stealth, and accuracy bonus.

>Fist - all physical attacks gain a small armor piercing bonus

>Fear - Stun and disrupt foes nearby with a spiritual blast of magic. Weaker enemies may flee. (3 mana to cast)

If I've forgotten anything, just point it out and I'll be happy to explain.

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Statistics:

HP: 15/15
Mana: 4/4
EXP: 0
Humanity: 2
Corruption: 0

Basic Battle Options to keep in mind during fights (it would get tedious to list all of them every time):

-Physical Attack
-Shadow Attack (requires light source!)
-Magic Attack (Spirit Whip)
-Defend
-Dodge and Counter
-Flee (dodge check if enemy attacks)

>>24155743

Abigail has joined the rest of the women and children, seeking shelter in the wide town hall and town center. She and the rest slumber quietly; the hall is dark. Many of the men still patrol the town center with torches, keeping a watchful eye on the night.

There are still a few hours before dawn. You do not require sleep, and have been processing the events of the day.

You are uncertain as to your goals. You're anxious to continue your journey and learn of your nature, hopefully by finding the elf that banished you. You've no particular allegiance to Jacob's Field, but you feel a growing attachment to Abigail. The small girl has been through a great deal of trial in a short time, and she's quickly looked to you as a friend and guardian.

What do you do?

>stay quiet through the night, waiting until the dawn
>explore the town. The dangers of the wood will not walk unchecked.
>find something to eat. Linda's soup might do...
>find Sir Donovan Flint and try to communicate
>leave the town. This mess isn't any of your business.
>something else [write in]

From previous thread:
-Eat some food while everyone is asleep
-Follow flint, stay undetected

Also, might want to tell Abigail that we're going to follow Flint, making sure he is safe.

My list of suggested abilities to purchase, in order of most likely to be used often.

Ink
Communicate
Shadow Walk/Quiet
Marathon Monster
Unnatural Speed
Agile
regeneration
Observe
Iron Stomach/Robust immunity/parasitic (this will most likely be utilized more often if we have them all together.)
Fist
Living Shadow
Shadow control

>>24155971
Seconding.

>>24155971
I agree with this.

>>24155971
Let Abigail know that we are going to deal with bad things so she dont worry about where we disappeared to

You decide to find something to eat. The smell of Linda's soup hangs in the air.

There's a small but well-stocked kitchen behind the main room - probably for times just like these. You locate the pot of soup, well-covered to preserve as best as possible for many hungry people the next morning.

You take a few gulps, discovering that you do in fact have a sense of taste. It's tasty. You feel a bit more energized after eating.

But there's a hole that hasn't been filled. Deeper. Darker. An emptiness. It calls for you to consume something else...

...something alive.

You push the feeling away, and it fades as your attention focuses elsewhere.

You walk back out to stand amidst the pillows and sheets of the common room. Many woman and children snooze comfortably. You can see the flickers of torches outside.

What do you do?

>stay quiet through the night, waiting until the dawn
>explore the town. The dangers of the wood will not walk unchecked.
>locate Sir Donovan Flint
>leave the town. This mess isn't any of your business.
>something else [write in]

>>24156184

>wake Abigail, tell her you're doing [insert action]

>>24156197
>>wake Abigail, tell her you're doing [insert action]
>>locate Sir Donovan Flint

>>24156211
Seconded

>>24156184
I don't think we need to wake Abigail, she is safe right now.

We should see if we can find locate Sir Donovan Flin, just so we know where he is and we can find him before he wakes at dawn.

Then I suggest we do some light scouting ahead of him so we might be able to warn him of traps and such. While we are scouting maybe we can find some yummy animals to eat and practice sneaking up on, as they tend to be more aware of their surroundings then men.

Rolled 7

>>24156211
Seconded. If this guy's going into the woods alone he could probably use some blackup. Also hE doesn't seem terribly worried by us, that or he actually doesn't know we're here.

You creep over and nudge Abigail. She stirs slightly; you give her a pat on the shoulder. She blinks awake.

"...mmm...Mr. Shadow?"

You send her an image: one of you standing next to Sir Flint. You send more images like a sort of slide-reel; a zombie enters the scene. Flint stabs it, and you clobber it over the head. It falls over.

"Oh!" Abigail covers her mouth and looks around. A child next to her rolls over, but no one else wakes. "Yeah," she whispers. "That's a good idea. I bet Sir Flint could use help to fight the bad thing. I'll go with you!"

You immediately impress her with a sense of caution and a series of images showing her clearly sitting and waiting at the town hall.

She folds her arms. "But I have magic and I can - "

You repeat the image, a lot harder. She bites her lip, then nods. "...fine. Be careful, ok?"

You nod, then slip out the door.

The entrance is dark. A few pools of light are illuminated by torches. The men are huddled together, nervously looking between themselves and the darkness that seems to rise from the north.

Picking a direction, you walk toward the church, which is adjacent to the town square. Perhaps the knight is with the pastor on his home territory.

You can see the graveyard stretching long behind the iron fence.The church itself is a sturdy stone building.

You hear a grunt of effort echo across the stone. Curious, you walk around the edge of the church.

Sir Flint is in a small grassy nook tucked between the church and the graveyard. He's attacking a wood post that's been driven into the ground.

You're stunned by the skill on display. His strikes are light, and powerful. He slips by the post, ducking, twisting, cutting it as if he's done it a thousand times. In half a minute, the post is covered with notches and slices.

He grunts hard, and launches himself forward. His sword glows briefly. With a hiss, it slices through the wooden target, loping off a section of the wood. The severed piece thumps to the ground.

con't

Rolled 2

>>24156457
Actually yeah, we don't really need tI wake her up.

>>24156484

He ends in a measured pose, sword extended. After the rather embarrassing trips and falls that have seemed to plague him, he seems like another person, a powerful paladin ready to smite evil.

If you had a throat, you'd swallow rather nervously.

He twirls the blade once, twice, then sheaths it. He turns away...

...and promptly trips and falls. In a huff, he pushes himself to a sitting position.

"Flint, you're out here?"

Flint turns. You tuck in the shadows of the graveyard fence. John is approaching from the back door of the church. "I see the post got the best of you."

"...what did you see?" Flint asks.

"See? Uh..." John folds his arms and shrugs. "Opened the door, saw you trip." He looks at the beaten and weathered post. "On second thought, maybe you did get a few good hits in."

Flint sighs resignedly. "I'd hope so." He folds his legs in. "Couldn't sleep. It's only an hour till light anyway. Thought I'd do...something useful."

"Well, don't wear yourself out. I need you alert." The pastor walks past your position without seeming to notice your presence. "I'm going to speak with the men. I want them ready to evacuate if need be."

"A good idea. I'll speak with you later."

The pastor walks off towards the town center, leaving Sir Flint alone. The knight sighs again. He stands.

He punches the fence, hard. It bends slightly where he struck it. Frustration is written across his face - pained, deep frustration. "...why not...when...dammit."

He sighs again, then leans on the fence. He looks up at the moon.

What do you do?

>reveal yourself; try to communicate your intentions
>hide in his shadow for now
>explore somewhere else
>[write in]

Rolled 11

>>24156646
Guess he can't be awesome when people are watching (we're not people I guess ;_;). Reveal and state our intentions.

>>24156646
Can we project a feeling of hello? or something would like to get his attention without revealing ourselves...

>>24156646
I still say we scout ahead of him because I doubt he's going to be friendly to us and following him during daylight will likely be tough, so our best bet is to help him as much as we can without him knowing. This will also give us a chance to feed.

>>24156646
I say we just wait and observe.

Also, I am pretty sure that he is cursed. No way his clumsiness is natural.

>>24156767
This.

>>24156742
>>24156724

>>24156813
>>24156767

This, or that?

>>24156830
For the sake of progress I'll change my vote>>24156742
to move on ahead and clear out the chaff so Fint can get to the BBEG in the forest

>>24156830
Let's go ahead of Flint and scout around the forest. It'll be hard to hide in town during the day.

>>24156767
This seems like an actual plan, it's got my vote.

If you're going to protect Abigail, you need to work with this man. He seems to know more about magic than you do yourself, and his combat prowess - while inconsistent - would probably be a big help.

You gather your courage and impress him with a vague feeling of hello - a measured, cautious greeting.

Flint spins. He looks from side to side. You send him an image of a man standing in the shadows, and a feeling of patience and friendliness.

"I've not many friends amongst things that speak into minds," Flint growls. His sword is in his hands in a blink. His eyes scour the shadows. "If you're a friend, then reveal yourself." He swivels, uncertain. "Come, into the open!"

>reveal yourself
>try to impress more specifics before giving yourself away
>leave for now
>something else

>>24157033
Oh well this works too,
>Reveal yourself

>>24157033
>try to instill a calm and patience
>reveal, cautiously

>>24157033
As we reveal ourselves, impress an image of ourselves holding Abigail's hand. Abigail is smiling.

>>24157145
specifically this.

You quickly form an image of yourself holding Abigail's hand. You send this image repeatedly - a shadowy blob with eyes with the girl, who wears a bright smile.

You edge into the open. Sir Flint stares you down. You continue to slowly feed him images. An arrival at the town. Discovering Abigail in the graveyard. And then, defeating the monster that the corrupted magic had made from the bodies of her parents.

"...by the light." Flint lowers his sword. "You're that thing she kept on about. Mr. Shadow."

You bob and nod at this. Flint visibly relaxes. "I see." He peers at you; squinting. You can almost feel his senses probe at you. "...a shadow spirit. First, we've too much spirit magic. And now we've a denizen of the shadow. 2 for 8. At this rate the entire town will be a mana pool."

You send an impression of confusion, then ask for explanation. Flint sighs. "New spirits don't know much, do they? You're a living piece of the shadow element. A shadow elemental. Do you know of magic?"

You impress him with the affirmative.

"Magic creates instability, which creates more magic. When that reaches extreme concentrations, one of two things happens. Either a sentient spirit of the element forms in order to diffuse the imbalance, or a mana pool forms, usually if there's a mix of elements in the instability. It's a toxic sort of thing; pure energy. Not even you would survive contact with it."

You nod in understanding...well, somewhat. But questions can wait. You send an image of yourself and the knight attacking the zombies in the woods, and another of yourself shielding Abigail.

"...you wish to protect the girl?" Flint blinks at you for some time. "...to my understanding, most elementals are savage, wild things. Wolves, at best. You seem quite coherent...but I'm not sure if - " He seems hesitant to accept your offer.

What do you do?

>impress him with images of your abilities
>impress him with images of Abigail
>something else [write in]

>>24157363
Show him images of slaying the zombie in the graveyard

>>24157409
Best to use the ones when we took down the abomination since that thing was pretty strong.

>>24157363
>>impress him with images of Abigail
what does this mean exactly?

>>24157409
>>24157424
maybe how we save those elves from that shadow dragon?

>>24157363
impress onto him either us helping him fight, or us looking after Abigail. We will do one, though let him choose.

>>24157467
>what does this mean exactly?

Impress upon him your desire to protect the girl, as opposed to images demonstrating your prowess.

>>24157363
>send him an image of fiercely defending abigail, both times, that we are not to be trifled with, but are also able to trusted.

>>24157478
This. It'll seem less threatening if we offer him a choice of whether we accompany him.

>>24157478
>>24157485

yeah, this seems fine

>>24157478
i'm seconding this.

You search your mind and find a good image.

Abigail is pale and lying on the ground, exhausted from her spell. You use your shadow to stab through the zombie three times in quick succession, instantly finishing it. You then show an image of her holding you, and then you hopping into her shadow when the knight arrives with the men.

"...so you can fight," the knight says. "And you know well enough to hide...you were right to do so. That might have escalated, had you not."

You nod.

Flint sighs again. He rubs his hair under the edge of his helmet. "...I need every bit of help I can get, shadow." He locks his gaze on you. "If I find you unfaithful, my sword finds your throat."

Not to be intimidated, you send him a hard, powerful image of defending Abigail. He takes a breath, then nods. "I see you have priorities. About the girl. She needs training; she must learn control. A backwater village like this won't do; she'd just be subject to misunderstandings, or worse. But in the Empire, she'd be respected, raised quite high, in fact. They value every magician highly."

You notice that the sky is beginning to pale. There's only a short time until dawn.

What do you impress upon the knight?

>ask about the Empire
>ask about magicians, and magical instabilities
>ask about where you are
>ask more about yourself
>something else

(you may select 2 options maximum)

>>24157666
>>ask about magicians, and magical instabilities
>>ask more about yourself

>>24157666
we can't skip a chance to find out about ourself.

>ask about ourselves
>ask about magical instabilities. Send him an image of us soaking up the mana, see if we can maybe absorb the corruption. Make it clear it's a question.

>>24157666
ask about the Empire
ask about magicians, and magical instabilities

the elf chick knew us. maybe these magi could help us if we an get Abby there.

>>24157727
>see if we can maybe absorb the corruption
But won't that make us evil?

Not that it's necessarily a bad thing, or course.

>>24157666
Ask about the elves, see if he knows anything about them.

>>24157710
this

You send Flint an image of a man in a robe. The man fires orange light like Abigail did. You impress him with a feeling of curiosity.

"Magic?" Flint asks. "It's a wild thing. Energy. It can be channeled into spells." He shrugs. "I suppose you don't know a lot about the world...." He trails off. "I can't imagine living as a babe, born, thrust into the world without a guide." He clears his throat. "Spells are instructions which direct magical energy. We don't keep mana -that's energy-within ourselves, but rather, our souls act as conduits for the energy around us. Spells serve as a framework to control that energy, direct it to useful purpose.

"One of the problems, though," Flint says, "and underlying problem...is the instability. Legends speak of a time before ours that lacked magic. It wasn't born with the world, but introduced afterward. Why, or how, is not known. But magic creates instability, which creates more magic." He gives you a grim look. "And look around. Undead. Unnatural plagues. Uncontrolled, such magic corrupts what it comes across."

"As for mages, those are professional magicians that earn their living studying and controlling magical energies. Most have an affinity with 1 or two of the 8 elements - shadow, spirit, earth, water, wind, fire, lightning, and light. Each element opposes one other. Earth and wind. Water and fire. Spirit and Lightning. Light..." He looks back at you. "...and shadow." He sighs. "As you can imagine, such powerful might is useful for a state. For important tasks...and, when necessary, for military strength."

You send a feeling of thanks to the knight. Your curiosity still has room for another question, though...

con't

>>24158055

Still think we should ask about the elves, or where we could find them.

>>24158055
Show him how you got here, if you still remember that is.

>>24158055

You send him an image of yourself, and a great feeling of curiosity.

Flint frowns. "...elementals. I'm unfamiliar with specifics, but know that they're to be avoided. Most are feral. I suppose I can see why, considering they're alone...it's debated whether they're even intelligent, or more like animals. They can often use powerful magic, though."

Flint looks at you. "As such, they're regarded as highly dangerous. To be reported, confronted and nipped in the bud whenever encountered. The Angels of the Ringed City take care of that, usually. I've heard rumors of mages capturing elementals and using their energies to fuel experiments. Were I you, I'd avoid public exposure. And that is all I have to say about that."

You then impress Flint with a new question - who is he, a knight of the empire, to let his guard down against something like that?

"Well, this...uh...conversation, settles the intelligence issue, as far as I'm concerned," he says. "I'm no great man. Perhaps, on another day, I might have been...acted differently. But I need allies, and I saw the wounds on that monster. They match with the images you showed me. You've spoken the truth. I will trust you, creature, for now."

He sighs. "But beyond that, I've no love of the Empire myself. I'm loyal to Arland, and my family, and my people. No more, no less."

You begin to ask him why he is here...

...but a heavy moan cuts through the night. It's different from the others - almost a roar. Angry and vicious, it rattles the air. The bell atop the town hall begins to ring.

Flint leaps off his position on the fence. "Shadow, stay at the town hall, protect the innocents!"

He runs off toward the sound of the roar.

What do you do?

>get to the hall as he asks
>follow Sir Flint into battle. The best defense is a good offense.
>something else

>>24158267

all we remember of that is the flash of green light, then being on the hill, not in the cave...

>>24158299
Head to the Townhall Flint has this provided he dosnt lose his composer and trips again...

>>24158299

He has given us his trust, for now, so we will follow his request.
We are the last line of defense!
We will burn our own to hold the red line; it is the last line to ever hold!

>>24158299

to the town hall. we shall defend

>>24158299
well shit... I don't like either of those options...
>suggest switching places. we don't want to panic the townspeople

>>24158383
if he declines, try to defend the town hall, but tell him to call out if he's in trouble.

>>24158383
this sounds something we should try

>>24158367
seconded

>>24158299
Return, We must protect our friend!

File: 1365564461099.png-(1.99 MB, 1200x1200, flesh golem.png)

1.99 MB PNG

>>24158299

You lope alongside Flint, keeping pace without difficulty. You flash him an image of fighting together.

"Someone that knows a hoe from a sword needs to be defending the children!" He shouts back. His steps clank across the cobblestones as you quickly approach the hall. You see torches bobbing in the distance - others have already run to the defense.

You send him an image of him standing next to Abigail in the hall, and yourself confronting a zombie. Flint hesitates a moment. "...too many people. Too risky. Stay in the shadows!"

You've reached the hall. Flint circles the building. Another roar peels out over the square.

A series of thumps pounds the ground, getting louder, like the thunderous clopping of a 2-ton horse. A thing rounds the corner - a thing with more heads than you can count, twisted, pulsating with pustules of disease.

Flint charges. His sword glows bright. A band of men round the corner, chasing after the monster.

Flint falls and trips forward. A swiping hand catches him before he hits the ground, and he's sent flying, up, back towards the church. He lands hard, his armor clacking across the ground. But somehow, he finds his feet, and he's up and running in a flash - back toward the church, though not quite as fast as before.

The golem looks between its new prey and the men.

And it splits. Sections of its body slough off as it trods after Flint. They grow, mutating into warped, rubbery-looking zombies. The original monster is now only a third its original size, but the group of men is faced with nearly half their own number in undead.

The biggest hunk of the fleshy creature continues after Flint, who is nearly to the graveyard. It roars again, splitting the air with its ugly cry.

What do you do?

>help the men
>aid Flint
>stand guard at the hall, but keep distant from either battle
>something else

>>24158690
how close are we to the town hall?

I hate arriving to quest threads like this late. I really wanted to do some mind fuckery with Sir Flint the first time we met him alone. Maybe I'll get my chance with John the priest or Joey the naive boy. I don't intend for it to make enemies or gain corruption. I just don't like the whole, "talk to Flint and be really really nice and non threatening about it." We are a shadow elemental and we could have controlled the conversation even more than the bland give-and-take that happened. Give it a chance and I'm sure you'll find being a shadow-y shadow very fun.

>>24158690

Help the men.
If we can get them out of combat, they can protect the villiagers.
That will then free us to go and assist Flint. Though by this point, Abigail will most likely have snuck out of the town hall and be making her own way to help Flint... Though the last bit is just my own theory on Abigail's character...

>>24158777
i would not doubt it.

>>24158748

You are essentially standing at the front doors of the town hall. Albeit in a shadowy corner away from the lights that have started to appear on the inside.

>>24158690
Go aid flint.

He already knows about us, so we won't have to conceal our power.

>>24158690
Try and go for as many one shots as we can on the crowd of zombies to thin them out then keep watch on the townhall its most likly undefended

>>24158690
Go aid Flint. Helping the men would arouse the 'too many chefs in the kitchen' syndrome. They have numbers advantage. If we were to interfere with shadow attacks, they would panic and see us as a new threat. Going with Flint, who knows we are magical already, will have more opportunities for skillful Co-Op Zombie Pummeling.

>>24158853

>slip into a man's shadow and cut down any zombies that get too close, we'll get back to Flint soon.

>>24158872
>>24158867

He falls over anytime someone's watching, seemingly us included.

>>24158896
>seemingly us included
I don't think so. We watched him do his sword practice, and he didn't stumble until the preacher showed up.

Did Flint lose significant HP from that hit he took? I'm worried about how dangerous that thing is if you fail a dodge.

>>24158919
Please check your meta at the door.

>>24158914
true, but i seriously don't think these guys can handle this. Let's wrap it up quick and go to Flint ASAP.

>charge in, triple prong impale two of the zombies (well within our capabilities), attempt to cripple a third. if successful, grab and throw a 4th, then go off after Flint.

bigger fish and whatnot.

>>24158919

The only HP you can see is yours.

So far I tally

3 for Help the Men
2 for Aid Flint

>>24158961

That's a 4th, so I'm locking in assist the men.

compiling....

>>24158961
>i seriously don't think these guys can handle this
Probably not, but I'm not particularly interested in preventing their deaths.

>>24158914

he didn't know he was being watched by us though.
It is most likely some form of anxiety. possibly brought on though high expectations of him during his childhood/training. This is something that he needs to get over in order to advance in his life, and he sees this as an opportunity to prove to himself that he is a capable combatant. once more, this is all just theories based on character analysis and personal design experience...

>>24159003
perhaps not, but the consensus has been that Abigail is non-expendable, and if they fall, the women and children are next. Mahou shoujo aside, i doubt she'd survive.

You decide to put your trust in Sir Flint for the time being. You lope towards the men, snaking through the shadows created by their torches.

Neither group has spotted you. There are five of them arrayed against 9 of the men.

What do you do?

>slip into a man's shadow and support from there
>attack the zombies outright
>slip into a zombie's shadow and attack from there
>something else

>>24159052
I like option three, actually.
>slip into zombies shadow and do >>24158961

Rolled 5

>>24159052
Slip into zombie's shadow and attack from there. Make the first attack one piercing stab at a single target. Make it really hurt. AoE can come later.

>>24159052
>slip into a zombie's shadow and attack from there
Presumably the zombies are facing the men, and since the men are holding torches, the zombies' shadows are behind them.

If we lurk in a zombie's shadow, we can ambush-stab them from behind.

>>24159052
Use the furthest zombie at the back to surprise the group and keep the men from spotting us

>>24159052
Better idea

- defend the men, by keeping the zombies off them.
Don't do anything aggressive - PURE defense!

While they are distracted, Flint will be all cool and shit and then the biggie will die easily.

Then help the men finish the little ones.

>>24159128
This. Pick off the zombies at the back while the men take care of the ones in the front.

>>24159127
>Presumably the zombies are facing the men, and since the men are holding torches, the zombies' shadows are behind them.

Now you're thinking like a shadow.

Action locked in: hide in the shadow of a zombie, strike at it and others from behind.

Roll 1d20. Considering first 3 linked rolls.

Rolled 13

>>24159253

Rolled 13

>>24159253
BATTLE CRYYYYYY! rolling...

Rolled 18, 15, 18 = 51

>>24159253

Zombie Rolls...

Your bonuses:
-surprise attack from stealth
-attack from behind
-physical shadow strength

I can post specific numbers if you'd like, but I feel its more interesting without them, and you've already got HP. Whatever the crowd wants.

Ouch, high rolling zombies, I hope our bonuses are enough.

Rolled 3

>>24159253

Rolled 4

>>24159253

Rolled 5

>>24159320
well, it's been nice knowing you all.

>>24159320
so we can move to shadows we're not touching, yes?

>>24159253

You unleash your shadow.

It flies up, and under your command, splits in three. Two prongs stab straight through the skulls of zombies ahead of you. You wrench to the side, splitting their heads open. They drop to the ground, dead in an instant.

Your main attack strikes at a third zombie, but misses high. But with the numbers advantage, three men join forces to hold it off as it continues to lurch forward, and its teeth and claws find only air. Your shadows unravel back into your form.

On of the men screams. "The shadows! Their shadows are moving!"

"Oh my god!"

"Hold them off!"

The frightened man, distracted, loses his grip on his scythe. A zombie lunges forward and bites down hard on his neck. Blood splatters the stone. His gurgling cries of death rattle the others.

The zombie you're hiding behind has noticed your presence. It swivels back faster than you expect, swiping down at you!

How do you react?

>attack
>block
>dodge
>something else

>>24159556
>surge around his arm as he strikes down at us, attempt to consume him within our form.

can't hurt at this point.

>>24159615
That sounds pretty badass. Om nom nom.

>>24159556
Dodge and counter-attack. Gonna be quicker than a flickering flame. Bob and weave.

>>24159503

Yes, you can move at any time. Remaining still within a shadow (Shadow Slip) grants you a stealth bonus.

To give an idea on battle mechanics the one time:

Your bonuses: +5
Zombie negatives: -1

>>24159273
>>24159283
>>24159413

19 vs 18
19 vs 18
8 vs 12

In simplest terms, 2 dead. These enemies don't really have the power to survive more than one attack, so that's not really an issue for now.

>>24159643

Sorry, that should be 18 vs 17 on the first 2.

>>24159639
>>24159629
>>24159615

So, dodge, and then

CONSUME

?

>>24159685
are we to assume that our basic shadow prongs deal 1 damage? just so we have an idea of whether that or shadow strike is more powerful in their raw form.

>>24159706
sure we need to get stronger and we don't want these zombies around to hurt our friend.

>>24159706
That was what my shadow instincts told me to do, and we're fighting, so that's what i'm voting for.

>>24159615
you stupid idiot
DO NOT CONSUME THE ZOMBIES

>>24159706
Attack
do not consume the rotting flesh

I say rip it's arm off and bash it's skull in with it's own arm, then go help flint.

>>24159771
instinct told us to earlier. here's hoping that instinct knows what's tasty and what's not.

>>24159792
Are you a fucking idiot?
Not only will it obviously give Corruption points but it will also give negative modifiers DUE TO ROTTING FUCKING FLESH

>>24159820
then vote against it 0.o

Rolled 13

>>24158775
I considered doing this but honestly, so far our character has shown absolutely no interest in things like that. Frankly we've acted far closer to what we actually are ( a two day old elemental with a giant gap in our understanding of everything) than I thought tg would. Also, shadowy manipulator is pretty much done to death. Shadowy protector is something I honestly haven't seen much around here

>>24159820
like shadows need healthy flesh and not ambient magic in the body.

>>24159714

It deals varying damage based upon the success of the attack.

Your roll beating the enemy rolls means success. The quality of the roll itself determines the level of success. Higher success "levels" can yield greater amounts of damage.

So, in direct terms, increasing your shadow attack power (via upgrades) will increase the base quality of your physical shadow rolls, which both increases the chance of success and damage done if you're successful.

YAY

>>24159728
>>24159732
>>24159771
>>24159783

Debate between counterattack and

CONSUME

Which should always be fully capitalized.

>>24159792
Instinct told us to eat something ALIVE, meaning at best eating zombies will do nothing.

Rolled 12

Voting against eating the zombies. Maybe after we pick up iron stomach but not now.

>>24159871
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/24135923/

we wanted to eat the zombie AFTER abi bashed its skull in...


CONSUME.

>>24159792
>>24159871

And why the hell do you think following the instinct is good? It also told us to consume Abigail when we met her, maybe we should go and do that?
Fuck, how dense can you be?

Oh, also, consuming the it in front of the fucking townspeople. Christ. I have really no words for the idiocy of that suggestion.

>>24159864
Counterattack, obviously

>>24159945
gotta learn somehow. but if you insist :/ up to the rest of the people here.

>>24159945
>It also told us to consume Abigail when we met her
Hey man, Abigail might be fucking delicious and nutritious.

That said, let's not eat the zombie. Fresh food is always better than rotting food.

>>24159945

oh they are too busy being routed to care.

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Ok, looks like things have swayed toward dodge and counterattack. Locked in. Roll 1d20 for your dodge!

bonuses
- passive dodge bonus
- hidden in shadow
- zombie has difficulty with quick movements

>>24159945
>Oh, also, consuming the it in front of the fucking townspeople. Christ. I have really no words for the idiocy of that suggestion.

You have no idea how much I was hoping people would do this. I had the fluff all planned out and everything.

>>24160003
They noticed the shadows moving right away and freaked the fuck out. They will notice the shadows consuming the zombies.

>>24159999
I'm sure there are some bonuses for eating live people, maybe even extra EXP. But it absolutely give us bunch of corruption points, which I assume we're trying to avoid.

Rolled 3, 5, 17 = 25

>>24160052

Zombie rolls...

So we will snack on a rodent or small canine in the woods later. Just Dodge the zombie and look for opening to strike back. Don't need to eat these things. Plus I really don't like showing that side of us to villagers yet. They can be fine in knowing the shadows have power and can attack. However, if they start thinking that every zombie shadow will EAT THEM, shit's gonna go bonkers. and they won't fight in melee anymore, so there's that.

Rolled 8

>>24160052

Rolled 2

>>24160052
cant touch this cant touch this cant touch this LOW BLOW!

Rolled 5

>>24160073
rolling.

Also>>24160052
I thought it'd be good fun anyway...

>>24160074
>So we will snack on a rodent or small canine in the woods later.
This sounds best way to test out what that hunger is.


Or maybe find some bandits later on if we really want to eat a live human.

i checked those rolls because i could not believe those were all d20s. we are fail.

>>24160117
>OP rolls relatively low
>We manage roll even lower

Welcome to tg dice

>>24160117
honestly, we still might survive xD we beat on 2 out of 3 i think....

>>24160052
>You have no idea how much I was hoping people would do this. I had the fluff all planned out and everything.

out of curiosity, what would have happened?

>>24160073

12 v 17
6 v 5
9 v 3

The zombie's movements prove no match for your reaction time. You snake your body to the side, and its swipe, while powerful, goes far wide. It unbalances and is forced into an awkward stumble to stay upright.

However, the movement puts it at a bit of distance from you. You move to close the gap-

A knife plants into its backside, and then a hoe slams it upside the head. The zombie is knocked to the ground. Three men proceed to surround it, stabbing and hitting it until its twitching finally stops.

Getting those first two zombies was enough to give them the edge. The men are still alter though. Their eyes peer into the darkness.

"Did you see that shadow?"

"I saw. Stay close!"

"Is it magic? Maybe Sir Flint will know?"

"Who the hell knows?! Stay in the light, keep against the wall!"

The men back up against the wall, pressing near the door of the hall. For now, it seems, the battle is over.

>you've gained 2 EXP

Current:

15/15 HP
4 mana
2 EXP
2 Humanity
0 Corruption

With that threat taken care of, you run off to assist Sir Flint. The men's eyes can't follow you through the night; your identity seems safe for now, your movements attributed to the zombies and vague magical forces rather than an elemental.

Halfway to the church, you stop, surprise. Donovan Flint is marching back toward you with firm purpose. His armor is splattered in blood.

He stops, frowning. You bob up and down, making yourself obvious. "...shadow? Is the hall safe?"

You send him an image of zombie corpses littering the cobblestone. You send an image of the larger monster and a bit of curiosity.

"The beast is dead. I was able to corner it behind the church." You send him an image of himself flying through the air. "Relax. It winded me, but this armor has a nice enchantment on it." He knocks his gauntlet against his chest-plate with a solid ping of metal on metal. "Let's get back to the hall. Ah...you should stay out of sight?"

con't...

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>>24160405

You would have consumed the zombie.

Right in front of the ignorant peasants.

>>24160412
>image of us slipping into his shadow, questioning

>>24160443
That's not an answer. Mr trollman

>>24160412
>2 EXP

What do we spend this on?
I don't think further communications skills are urgent, at least till the source of the problem is eliminated. We should get more offensive skills.

>>24160412

You send him an image of yourself sitting in his shadow. He pauses, then, grudgingly, nods. "That'll do."

In a moment, you hop into his shadow. He stops for a moment, focusing carefully on the slight blackness cast by the moonlight. "...it's like you're not even there. Useful for you, I suppose. Maybe that explains the elemental imbalance..."

As he walks toward the hall, towing you along, you throw him a curious feeling.

"Elementals aren't common by any stretch," he explains quietly, "but those of Shadow, Spirit, Earth, and Water varieties are most frequent. The other four - wind, fire, lightning, light - well, I've never heard of any incidents at all. A curiosity. Something to ask a mage, maybe."

You reach the hall. The men look relieved to see the knight. "Sir Flint!"

"I've slain the beast. Are the people safe? Where's John? I'd just spoken with him earlier."

One of the men takes a long breath. He shuts his eyes. "...Joey...the idiot boy ran at the thing. John pushed him out of the way...he isn't good."

"Shit." Flint stomps a foot. "Where is he? Take me to him, quickly!"

con't

>>24160412

spend now on Communicate or Shadow Walk, or save up for Shadow Control or Ink...

choices choices...

Impression and articulative language is serving us well thus far...
I vote for saving up to get either Shadow control or Ink...

>>24160558
tough skin and fist are both good options right now, i would think for combat...

however, we're not exactly suffering on combat just yet. perhaps something more utility-oriented? saving up for ink would be awesome...

>>24160607
>however, we're not exactly suffering on combat just yet

we've been lucky

>>24160558
Ink sounds glorious, and would probably have some pretty horrifying combat uses, at least against foes that need to breathe.

Let's save up for that.

>>24160412
>you should stay out of sight.
That's what tiggers do best. Use shadow slip and remain still. Go to Abigail at soonest available moment.

>>24160645
Or better yet injecting it like a toxin into their veins.

>>24160552
Good. Now we can officially refer to Joey as "The Idiot Boy" Quest OP has made it canon.

>>24160732
O.O oh man we could have our own minions... fill their veins with our Ink, then use them as puppets.... sure, it'll probably corrupt, but it's also badass.

>>24160552

The men quickly lead you to the pastor. The scene is not pleasant.

John is propped up against the wall of a building. His left arm is bent back the wrong way at the elbow, and one of his legs has a long gash down the side. A man is busy stuffing cloth on the wound, trying to staunch the blood. Joey is alone at the edge of the torchlight, holding his head in his hands. You can see the tears leaking out from his face.

"Dammit." Flint kneels down. He lays his hands on John. "...this isn't my area of expertise. Stand back."

The townspeople quickly make a space. Flint's hands begin to glow.

"...no." Flint blinks, surprised. John's eyes flutter open. They find Flint. "Don't. I'm done."

"John, I've got to-"

"Shut up." John coughs hard. "...don't waste...the strength. Arm's gone...couldn't fight now. Both be in bed if you healed me this far gone."

"You won't be in bed if I don't heal you! You'll be dead!"

"At least the town'll have a chance. Get to the forest...stop this thing."

"John, I can't do it alone!" The shout comes out of Flint, unreserved even in front of the people surrounding him. "I'm healing you whether you like it or -"

"Fuck you," John spits. He coughs again. "...you...save my town..."

He goes slack. Flint grabs his shoulder. "John. John!"

The townspeople hang their heads. Joey's wails are the only sound. Though you're distant from these people, you do feel pity for them.

The rest of the late night is quiet and somber. John is buried behind the church. By the time it's done, the sun has risen. You've stayed in Flint's shadow the whole time. The townspeople are in mourning for their outspoken but warm religious leader. Abigail stays with the other children, briefly smiling at you when Flint passes her by with a nod.

He leaves the town, alone.
You stand alone at the edge of the forest. It's surprisingly close to the edge of the buildings. "Shadow," Flint says. "I'm going in. The attacks will only worsen. Are you coming?"
Your response?

>>24160558
Ink now and then communicate later. Ink has practical uses in and out of combat that we can use. Projecting images into the minds of others seems to be working enough for now, we can tie communicate in with ink later to let loose our dulcet tones later.

>>24160755
And if they resist we can cut off their fingers, toes and limbs until they give in and let us take control.

>>24160654

I thought Tiggers were 'bouncy, bouncy, bouncy, bouncy, fun, fun, fun, fun' as the wonderful thing about Tiggers is that there is only one...

>>24160645
See now, you are really grating against me. Only because I want to get fog and focus on everything in that ability tree. Become the floating gaseous shadow that has so much dodge we can never be hit. Then we can swarm through the air and counter attack everything.

>>24160773
Agree to go with Flint. We were going to do that anyway.

>>24160826
I seem to remember fog cost mana....

>>24160539
>That's not an answer. Mr trollman

Part of the fun is -not- knowing what might have happened otherwise.

I can tell you it wouldn't have gone over well.

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>>24160773
To protect our friend! Onwards!

>>24160773

Of course. You'll need help after all.

Show him a vision of him tripping but we catch him before he falls, and us holding back a zombie that he ten strikes down.

agreeing to the motion of going with him. Keep an eye out for Abigail. I have a feeling that she will make an appearance at some-point in this combat scenario...

>>24160773
>try to ask if he knows how to stop this

>>24160881
nah, man that's shade or mimic. Fog sounds more passive and permanent.

>>24160881

Fog is passive and costs no mana.

Shade costs 1 mana.

>>24155830
>ability tree

OP, there should be distinction between active and passive abilities. Maybe underline active abilities that cost mana?

>>24160826
What about a inky fog. Like a raincloud that drips amorphous shadowy death.

We should take tough skin and fist. Those are baseline abilities that cost the least exp, we will get them eventually, so we might as well do it now.

Fist is a passive ability, right?

>>24160970
i think it's active, but free. like we have to specify, i thought...

>>24160922

Mimic does not cost mana, but is mostly for out-of-battle use. It allows you to form and maintain for long periods the shape of things you've seen, such as a person, plant, object, etc. It's distinct from ink in that ink is a fine-tuned, temporary thing. You can't hold it for very long.

Also of note is that, while shadowy, you do have a constant mass. Think blobby, foggy shadow. Like Koffing/Muk/Ghastly, to use a pokemon metaphor.

>>24161014
how much mass do we have, out of curiousity?

>>24160970
>>24160987

Fist is passive and does not need to be specified.

However, it's important to remember that the armor piercing bonus applies only to PHYSICAL attacks. There is a difference between using your actual body to attack and attacking with PHYSICAL SHADOWS. Your strength and shadow strength are two different statistics.

>>24160932

That's a good idea. I'll work on it.

I say we save the EXP for Ink, because I'm sure we are about to get a change to make a lot of EXP soon.

>>24161014
exactly, and I really want to become more like Ghastly or Koffing, rather than liquid Muk or more solid Darkrai

>>24161035

Meh. About a hafling's worth.

You have some compressibility and stretchability, but, as you might expect, you weaken if you stretch too far. (so no magical scaling sheer cliffs by stretching up them like the elastic man)

Strength and defense upgrades may increase your size...

Alright.

I'm getting that people want to save for Ink. Yes?

In any case, are you leaving immediately with Flint?

>>24161119
yes we don't want to leave the poor guy alone.

>>24161119
yep

Lets save some time and exp for now, and go with Sir Flint. Gonna eat an animal and use some mana in this upcoming fight.

>>24161119
>I'm getting that people want to save for Ink. Yes?
Not really, I don't see how it could be more useful for combat than other, dedicated skills.

Yeah, we'll leave with flint

>>24161119
Perhaps we should send an impression of what we're doing to Abigail so she doesn't wonder where we've gone.

But otherwise yes, accompany Flint.

>>24161169

Discussion of EXP allocation can continue, I'll monitor for consensus.

In the meantime, off we go.

>>24161119
>ask him if he knows how to stop

Save for Ink, Abigail is smart I'm sure she will stay here.

>>24161266
Man, they never stay behind.

You send Flint an impression of agreement, and an image of yourself holding off a zombie from his shadow while he decapitates it. Flint nods fiercely. "Damn right."

He trods forward.

The forest is quiet. His boots crunch through the leaves and snap twigs without much concern for stealth. He's a man on a mission.

"...speaking of, shadow. What's your name?"

You send Flint an image of yourself, with a heavy streak of curiosity. You send him what you remember of the tunnels - a brief glimpse of the altar. The face of the elf woman. The shadow dragon. A flash of bright, green light. And then you finish with another wave of uncertainty and curiosity.

"I'm getting that you don't really know much about yourself. I suppose "Shadow" will do for now. What was all that, exactly? Was that an elf?"

You send him the affirmative, but find it difficult to communicate the exact specifics. Eventually he shrugs. "Just tell me when you can think of how to put it."

You consider this for a moment. Then you realize you don't know much about the current situation. You compose an image - a strange, glowing figure, connected by shadows to many zombies. You add a note of curiosity.

"What's behind all this?" Flint translates. "...could be rampant magic. It happens. Or...it could be intentional. Directed." He frowns. "...I'm...well, I suppose you could say well read, at least compared to my brothers. I don't have much to compare myself to. Anyway, I remember something about this region in particular. Long ago, there was a strong clan of mages that specialized in spirit magic that lived here, near that town and in what's now called the Old Forest. I think that must be at the heart of it - spirit magic is closely linked with speaking to and raising the dead. Along with Shadow, in fact." Flint glances hard over his shoulder at his shadow, and you. "Don't do anything like that, if you can. Or you can consider this allegiance over."

How do you respond?

>>24161327
Well if your going to be so stereotypical like that they always end up fine anyway so what's the deal?

>>24161349

>Retcon: you briefly send Abigail an image of yourself and the knight going into the forest, followed by one of her with the children in the hall, and a note of caution. You feel as though the message has reached her, though it seems as if it was at the very edge of your range of communication.

>>24161349
>image of the slaughtered zombies

>>24161349
nothing, lets just continue

>>24161349

Agree with the pally, an Image of us breaking a zombie as its rising should do. Also shake hands with the man.

>>24161349
Why would we even want to raise the dead?

>>24161349
Convey the feeling of neutrality in general.

Speaking of names, I have an idea for one.

"Watcher" or "The Watcher"

>>24161469

He doesn't know much about us, hes stating ground rules.

>>24161411
seconding this

>>24161469
Perhaps if someone we liked was killed? Like Flint or Abigail?

>>24161502
Still a valid response to his question.

>>24161528
i'd like to avoid making an ink puppet out of Abigail (unless we have to >.>)

>>24161349
I know we don't have the ability to talk yet, so send an impression of when sir flint asked, "shadow what's your name." follow that with an impression of the time Abigail said "Mr. Shadow" in front of him. Repeat it in a singsong manner but distorting it and dropping sounds until it sounds like something else.

Mister Shadow Mister Shadow
Mister Shadow Miste Shado
Mist Shado Mist Shad (drop the 'm')
Ishad

>>24161621
I'm quite content with just being Mr. Shadow.

>>24161648
Mr Shadow.

>>24161621
What?! Mr. Shadow is an excellent name!
it
I am appalled you would think to change it.

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>>24161411
>>24161433

You respond to Flint's question with a brief and sharp image: yourself, smashing zombies back into the ground with shadowy spears.

Flint nods. "That's what I wanted to hear-ah, see, I guess."

The journey continues. Flint breaks briefly for food and water from his shoulder pack, then walks on.

The forest begins to change.

Trees lose their leaves, though it barely seems to be mid-spring. The ground below grows dry and cracked as if all the water has been sucked dry. Yellowy bits of fungus clods the base of trees and here and there in bare dirt. Flint's movements begin to grow more measured, precise.

You send him an image of crossroads, and curiosity.

"...it's easy," he says. "Can't you feel the magic? It's like breadcrumbs. A giant road made out of them."

You reach a small clearing. He points above the treeline. "There. That's where we're going."

You follow his arm. Above the trees sits the tower of an old keep. Despite your efforts, you can't seem to sense magic very well, at least, not the diffuse sort that Flint seems to be so aware of.

A twig snaps.

>>24161648
>>24161662
>>24161671
I really only meant it as a suggestion, I like Mr Shadow too. Just think of how creepy a little girls voice talking to "Mr. Shadow" would be when there is nothing in sight. Gonna be fun.

>>24161706

"enemies"(should we use quotation marks for impressions or parenthesis?)

search for the sound.

>>24161706
Looks like our man Flint gets his fuel from being unobserved by people, and background magical radiation.

>us
>black
>don't count as people
I found this an amusing.

>>24161706
ready defenses

>>24161706

Flint glances back, frowning. "Did you hear that?"

You send him the affirmative.

"...you, in the woods! Show yourself!"

You find it unlikely that a zombie will obey that command...but then, you haven't seen many smart zombies lately.

Despite your skepticism, there's a rustling from behind you. Bushes part - and Joey steps into the clearing.

"What the - dammit, boy, why the hell are you out here?!

"I couldn't just sit there and wait!" Joey shouts. "I...it's..." His voice falters. "Pastor John...he died because of me." He clenches his fists. "I have to do something. My life is the least I can - "

"You stupid, idiotic boy!" Flint screams. Joey is in shock at his tone. You're surprise yourself. "Self-sacrifice is the path of cowards and fools that can't face their mistakes head on! What do you think you can do against a zombie? Against 5, ten?! You think I have the skill to protect you?!" Flint covers his face. "And now we're but a half mile from the center of this chaos. I can hardly send you back through the woods alone and expect you to live."

"...I got this far alone," Joey mutters.

"That just shows your ignorance. 4 of them have been following us for three miles. I thought you were the fifth, but when you got close I could tell the difference." Flint folds his arms. "This is beyond you. But now you're stuck here, and I'm stuck with you."

The knight leans forward. "Let me explain something to you. This isn't an adventure out of a story. I'm not going to get myself hurt trying to save you. Not because I don't like you, or I think you deserve to die - no, I'd prefer you safe and at home and tucked into your bed after your mother's pie. I won't go out of my way to save you because I now have to weigh your life against the five hundred or so other lives in your village, and I can't afford to take more risks than necessary. Sticking my neck out for you is more than necessary. This is already a Light-damned suicide mission."

con't

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>>24161808

The 16-year-old struggles to respond to the brutal honesty of a cynical man. In the end, he says nothing; only checks his hilt and straightens his pack.

"Stay close," the knight warns. "I don't know why they aren't attacking us..." His eyes wander down to you, then back to Joey. "...but it can't last forever. Just remember that your life is in your hands. The longer you live, the more zombies you get to kill, and the less Pastor John has to turn in his grave."

The journey forward is as silent as ever.

When you reach the keep, there are still several hours of daylight left.

>pic related: drawing in photoshop with a mouse

A crumbling stone retaining wall surrounds the ancient keep, which lies in the middle of a large courtyard. Access is simple; there's holes in the wall, weathered down from the elements. You can see the dome of a mausoleum in the back behind the keep, and a large well is located in the courtyard as well.

Flint steadily eyes the surroundings.

You could suggest a course of action, or let him chose for you.

What do you do?

>nothing
>suggest exploring the keep
>examine the well
>examine the mausoleum
>examine the wall

>>24161808
And you guys though Abigail was going to be the one following us...

>>24161931
hell, examine everything

>>24161931
remain silent to all, investigate the well

>>24161931
>>examine the mausoleum

>>24161931
Maybe we should tell Flint to let joey in on our existence.

>>24161967
The well should be the first think we check out first because it should be quick and easy, as long as we don't try getting in it that is...

>>24161991
No, we dont need him thinking we can protect him. His odds and effectiveness are going to be better when he's scared and cautious.

>>24161991
Telling Joey might be a good idea. I would rather not get stabbed in the back because he starts freaking out.

>>24161991
>>24161967

You send Flint an image of the well. He gives you a subtle nod, then walks over.

The wood supporting the bucket has long since broken and collapsed inside. The opening itself is pitch black. Flint drops in a stone. It clacks off the wall, then after a brief silence, you hear the distinct "plunk" of water. It has no distinguishing features.

You send Flint an image of yourself stretching out from behind him, and Joey having a fit.

Flint turns back. "Boy - I'll be using magic. That includes shadow magic. So don't turn into a frightened pigeon when you see my shadow move, alright?"

Joey nods. His eyes keep darting around nervously. He's obviously near about to wet himself.

Flint just sighs.

What do you do now?

>>24162039
Send Flint our version of an eye roll about Joey.

>>24162039
Take a peek at the Mausoleum I guess its just a well its not like there is a secret passage way below it right?

When we do get the ability to speak I vote that it should be somewhat like this: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dD_NdnYrDzY)
because we then don't really have (as far as I can tell) a real mouth to speak with, just mimicking it.

>>24161950

Yeah, ok. Writing...

>>24162039
examine the wall, then explore the keep

>>24162085
Jesus Christ how horrifying.

>I like it.

We will become the godawful terrifying Shadow Spirit that all are afraid of, yet all look to for protection.

>>24162085
Nah, like Death.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpaVFgOlIJ4

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You send Flint an image of the wall.

He deftly scrambles up a few collapsed stones, and he's on top of it in moments. The surrounding forest is quiet.

You see a bit of motion through the trees. You send it as an image to Flint.

He nods. "They're out there," he mutters. "Don't know what they're waiting for."

"D-did you say something?" Joey stutters.

"Nothing important."

"Y-you too..."

Flint frowns, then just shakes his head.

You send Flint an image of yourself rolling your eyes at Joey. That gets a small smirk out of the knight, but it fades quickly.

Flint walks over to the Mausoleum.

Now, even you can feel the magical energy. The mausoleum is certainly the source.

Images glow on the walls. In small nooks, an orange sun and moon. In the center, the orange outline of a triangle.

Flint puts his hand on the triangle. It doesn't react. He probes a bit. "...I think this is an entrance of some sort. Sealed." He purses his lips. "Wonder if the key is still lying around..." He takes in the sun and moon sigils. "...maybe two keys."

You nudge him to look at the keep. He walks toward the front. Joey trails like a scared puppy.

The front doors of the keep have long since fallen in. It's quite dark inside, but the wide hole provides enough sunlight to cast shadows. Your night vision allows you to peer through the darkness easily. The stone is bare and devoid of furniture other than an old pile of wood in one corner. You see a stairwell leading up into the second floor, and one leading down.

What do you do?

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>>24162170
>"Y-you too..."

>>24162164
Too stereotypically creepy to actually be creepy.

>>24162170
>Go down the staircase
Better to get the key that is down below then the one up top in case the tower falls to pieces

>>24162170
look out for keys, I guess

>>24162220
Was more going for pleasant sounding yet distinctly otherworldly than creepy.

>>24162164
As much as I love Pratchett's Death I don't really think it would fit the character. At least not until it has truly mastered it's form in which case it could have whatever voice it wanted.

>>24162227
crushed, or falling. Neither sounds pleasant. Let's go with up first. probably less to explore.

>>24162170
>Y-you too...
We must ascend from darkness.
Let's check the top first because there's less likely to be something evil up there. That way if there is a monster in the basement then we'll have searched as much of the keep as possible before we move on to the next stage of the story - I mean, before we ruin our opportunity to thoroughly investigate this hazard to the villagers. Eheh heh.

But be weally weally quiet so we don't alert whatever's in the basement to our presence.

No, actually fuck it. We need to get the drop on anything down below if there's anything down there. We don't want them sneaking up on us. We go down, Joey stays as a sentry on the stairs where nothing can sneak around him.

Let us dig deep and greedily.

>>24162170

You nudge Flint with an image of the tower collapsing, a feeling of great caution, and then direct him to the staircase leading down.

Flint moves down the stone stair. The door below is made of iron. Oddly, the iron hasn't rusted at all, despite the obvious age of the surrounding materials.

There's a sun crest on the door matching the one that was on the mausoleum. Flint focuses for a moment, then nods to himself. "I think I'm beginning to see the idea of this place. Defense in depth. We need one key to open this door. I'd bet you anything the second key is down there. Once we have both, we can open that mausoleum." His face darkens. "But what did they want to keep locked up?"

"...maybe they wanted to keep something locked in," Joey mutters.

"Your speaking privileges have been revoked," Flint snaps. "Think positive. I'm not going to be eaten alive by zombies. I'm going to survive what is by far the most dangerous situation I've ever been in. Sir Flint is not going to kill me out of sheer frustration."

Joey swallows, but wisely keeps to his new no-speaking rule. Flint marches up the rotting wood steps with slightly more gusto than is probably wise. He opens the door to the second floor...


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AND the thread ends for the night, because I'm already going to regret staying up this late at work tomorrow!

Fucking hell.

I'll be online again between 8 and 9 pm tomorrow as well. At this pace we might finish the dungeon by the next thread.

Vote up the thread in the archive if you're a shadowbro:

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

>>24162398
>http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html
You can just call me, Mr. Shadbro

>>24162398
Thanks for the quest OP! It's been awesome so far. See you in the 'morrow.

>>24162398
Nite Master thanks for the quest!

>>24162164
I say our voice should sound like this deep and smooth like dark chocolate
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwTZ2xpQwpA

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>>24162164
I think looking like the shadow spirit from secret of mana would be more appropriate. If you want something sinister you could use this you could use Eddi from guilty gear http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTyCVT2c8d8