Events Summary:

You've met the brilliant and ambitious Duke Vellik, ruler of Kelvere, who aims to reshape the political landscape of the world to suit more liberal, tolerant ideals. You've promised him friendship, if not permanent commitment to his ideals.

By consuming the magical dynamo power core of one of the duke's airships, you were able to defeat and ultimately consume the angel Raziel, who suddenly appeared with a comrade, Auriel, while you were speaking with the duke. Using the power of his soul, you realized Supersonic flight and retreated from Auriel back to Jacob's Field.

In Jacob's field, you learned that the occupying Kanians have noticed the great source of spirit beneath the town, but have been unable to access it. You also learned more of Abigail's past, and her parents, specifically her father. You believe there may be a connection between Abigail and the ruler of Archon, the archmage Yi Fang. While waiting for Sir Flint to meet you, you ate the Kanian's food supplies and put the fear of the shadow into a few of their men.

Flint eventually arrived at your meeting point - with a plea for aid from the duke. Lord Nulis Vin, ruler of Kan-Abar, has launched a surprise attack on Evinbrook using the power of a Demon Lord to hide his army's movements. Flint convinced you to return to Evinbrook and fight for Kelvere - despite the fact that the angel Auriel is still there.

You've just arrived back at Evinbrook, and the battle is in full swing. You restored power to the Velarion's engines, and fought alongside a Shadow Mage named Ila, who calls herself a servant of the angels. Flint has helped forge an unsteady truce between yourself and the angel Auriel for the sake of defeating the Demon Lord.

File: 1367611355934.jpg-(533 KB, 1600x1165, Venia.jpg)

533 KB JPG

>>24607057
The duke's plan to pierce the Kanian shadow-shield has worked. After a chaotic battle, you've secured the ground for the duke's forces. You attempted to wrest control of the air from the demons, but they fought back fiercely. Auriel is now being pressed hard by the demon lord.

You met a succubus named Annette in the wreck of the airship, the Velarion. She took an odd interest in you, following you into the battle despite you ignoring her. After seeing your prowess, she pledged herself to you - but before her loyalty could be truly tested, Ila killed her, thinking her another enemy.

File: 1367611393917.jpg-(631 KB, 1949x759, ability tree (44).jpg)

631 KB JPG

bility 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.

UNDERLINED abilities are active-use, as opposed to passive. Not all active abilities require mana.

Unlocked Ability Descriptions Located in the following Pastebin link (full list in progress):

http://pastebin.com/0AsM8qZu

Books the Main Character has read can be found here:

http://pastebin.com/xBMzDQJn

File: 1367611440291.jpg-(681 KB, 2048x1536, The Elements.jpg)

681 KB JPG

Current Statistics:

HP: 24/29
Mana: 9/10
EXP: 4
Humanity: 37
Temerity: 31

Party Members:

Sir Donovan Flint - a knight of Dobshire, of Arland, and fourth son of the lord and ruler of Arland.

Duke Vellik - the ruler of Kelvere. A brilliant politican and powerful Lightning mage.

Ila - a Shadow mage and servant of angels

Auriel - A powerful angel of the ringed city.

Equipment:

Utility belt with purse

Inventory:

Shadow Sword Shard
Spirit Sword (with Flint)
Fancy Sun-Moon Key
Mind-Scribing Pen

Current Location:

Kelvere - Evinbrook

i had to sprint 9 miles to get back to my computer ever since I read your tweet so this better be worth it

>Last time...

Annette opens her mouth to say something as she lowers her hands -

Ila appears below the succubus. Her knives are out, extended.

Annette tries to dodge. She gets out of the way of the slice aimed for her neck, but the punching dagger drives up into her abdomen. Ila withdraws her weapon and kicks the succubus down onto the ground. Annette's breath is shallow and uneven. Ila raises her knives for the killing blow.

<Ila, stop!>

Ila pauses. She glances at you, confused.

You slide to a halt next to Annette. You're not an expert in demonology, but the wound looks lethal. You lean down. <Tell me of the Shel'kath. Hurry!>

"...two...twins," Annette wheezes. "One...Donny...second....elsewhere..."

<What else? How do I kill it?>

"...need..." She coughs blood. It splatters over her body. "...resummon...me...master..."

Her head falls limp. And just like the other demons, she vanishes in an implosion of magic.

You feel a slight sense of loss.

But no matter. There is still Adavan.

"...was this demon important?"

<Somewhat,> you say. <But not irreplaceable.>

Flint finally reaches you. He seems unsure of how to react. "...I admit, I feel pity for her."

"Demons are not to be trusted," Ila says flatly. "I would utilize whatever replacement you have, Shadow, and forget this creature."

An explosion of magic grabs all your attention. The demon lord and Auriel are unleashing powerful blasts directed at each other, countering power with more power. But the shadow is steadily snuffing out all the lights, in a slow, inexorable wave.

"She needs help," Flint says.

"Indeed." The duke walks up between you. "And help she shall receive."

>>24607120
We are so gonna get wrecked by this demon lord

>>24607159
nah man dont be a pussy

OH SHIT, I AM ACTUALLY AWAKE WHEN SHADOW QUEST BEGINS

HYPE AS FUCK

>>24607023
IT'S SHADOW TIME!

4 xp! Quick! Get something! Even though it's a free action, hurry!

>>24607111
>i had to sprint 9 miles to get back to my computer ever since I read your tweet so this better be worth it

>these expectations

Well, I'll do my best.

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

Fire slams into the ground next to your group, tossing up soil in a gout of flame. But a nearby water mage counters with a wall of water, protecting you and the nearby troops. Two of the three succubi summoned by the demon lord are still alive...well, counting Annette, two of four. Half the flock of crows is still swarming the air, dive-bombing the troops, but the mages are fighting back and their numbers are dwindling fast.

Explosions of magic rock the inside of the sphere. Auriel and the Demon Lord are locked in close-range combat. Auriel's sword is blasting hard against a shield wielded by the lord. Her attack is ferocious, but he's holding his ground without much trouble. She's doing everything possible not to give him an opening.

"We need to help her, immediately," the duke says. "But timing is everything." His brow furrows. "...I'm exhausted," he admits. And he looks it - gone is the sharp, calculating confidence, replaced with shadows under his eyes and a drooping posture. "If I have time to gather power, I might be able to fire a good spell or two at the lord to support you."

What do you do?

>suggest you help Auriel yourself. If she falls, you've probably lost
>mop up the flying demons before helping the angel
>have the mages concentrate fire on the lord while you attack the flying demons
>some other strategy

>>24607208
It's actually 2 exp.

>>24607222
>>24607208

Yeah, you have 2 exp left because you bought water strike. It was really late, I didn't edit.

>>24607221
>suggest you help Auriel yourself. If she falls, you've probably lost

Ha ha, time for killstealing!

>>24607221
help auriel, if we wait to long the shadow lord might kill and consume her

>>24607240
how about poison then? poison for extra damage

File: 1367612123614.jpg-(18 KB, 267x263, 1272911841799.jpg)

18 KB JPG

>>24607257
>>24607254
>pic

>>24607221
Focus on the flock, after they're cleared up all the mages will be free to assist us against the demon lord.

>while you decide...

-----------
Active (intent-use abilities that don't require mana)
-----------

Consume - Devour the latent energy of enemies and magical artifacts to add to your own power and restore your health.

Glide - Your aura allows you to glide, dropping safely from large heights or covering large distances if starting from a high position. Gliding is always stealthier than flying.

Flight - Spread wings of darkness to soar through the air. Carrying capacity is based on physical strength.

Supersonic - Fly at supersonic speeds. You'll move extremely fast, but suffer a large penalty to stealth and magic stealth. Takes 1 turn to activate.

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

Snuff - You shadow can put out the lights it touches.

Blink - Sight-range teleportation. (Cannot blink through walls, through the ground, into places you can't see, etc. 5-turn cooldown in battle. Auto-cooldown if battle ends. You can only Blink yourself and inanimate objects on your person. Max range 1/4 mile or 0.4 kilometers)

-----------
Spells (and other abilities that DO use mana)
-----------

Shadow Strike - Strike the foe with needles of darkness. (base power 2. Costs 2 mana)

Shadow Assault - Launch a flurry of shadowy projectiles at the enemy. (base power 4. Costs 4 mana. Can hit multiple enemies)

Shade - Create an illusory projection of yourself to confuse enemies. (dodge buff. costs 1 mana)

>Water Strike - A pressurized blast of water imbued with magical force. (2 base power. Costs 2 mana)

-----------
Summons
-----------

Wisp - A shadowy wisp from the Nether. (2 base shadow attack). Costs 1 mana to summon, 1 mana per action. Never breaks your control; if you run out of mana, it will merely vanish. [Level 0, Shadow]

>>24607221
>suggest you help Auriel yourself. If she falls, you've probably lost
Have to duke take some time to gather his power attack when he is ready.

>>24607295

----------------------------
>something I keep meaning to include
----------------------------

You are extremely resistant to shadow and ailments.

You have a little resistance to Spirit, Earth, and Water.

You have no weakness or resistance to wind.

You are weak to fire and lightning.

You are very weak to light.

>>24607221
Maybe have Ila target the succubus that are remaining.

>>24607307
Is this our base resistances or modified for our currently purchased upgrades? (shadow shield/wall)

>>24607305
Gonna second this because Annette showed us how crafty they can be and taking them out soon sounds good.

>>24607254
>>24607221
We are probably better off acting as a distraction.
Auriel is the super-heavy-hitter, we are fast and sneaky. Our best bet is to buy her and the duke an opening For Massive Damage.

>>24607284
If we can finish them quickly. We don't know how much time we have until the demon overwhelms her.

Also, the thread is mislabeled, we are on thread 18.

>>24607322
>>24607298
>>24607284
Excellent ideas.
Ila to kill remaining 2 succubuses. Shadow to kill remaining flock. Duke to collect power and then everyone gangs up on the demon.

>>24607323
>Is this our base resistances or modified for our currently purchased upgrades? (shadow shield/wall)

Modified based on current upgrades.

>>24607340
I can't think of anything outright wrong with seconding this, considering our damage dealing with shiva will work best when we gang up with the group, going for it.

>>24607352
>>24607307
>being weak to fire
>Demon lord uses fire magic

Well then.

>>24607340
Okay, if we are going for the flow I say we use Shadow Assault to try and get them all at once.

>>24607340
>>24607372
>>24607375
Yeah, let's kill/consume the succubus to get more exp, we are gonna need it.

>>24607375
Well, Shadow Assault while we are heading toward them maybe? If we don't kill them all then we can just SHIVA them to death.

>>24607375
I guess, for the second time, I'll second another thing! Seconding this.
God my head hurts.

>>24607374
>>24607352
>>24607307
>Wind resistance ability is on a green coloured background
>Water resistance ability is on a blue coloured background
>Spirit resistance ability is on a orange coloured background

Fuck, Fire resistance in on the summoning tree isn't it?

>>24607330
>Also, the thread is mislabeled, we are on thread 18.

Indeed we are. Oh well.

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

The duke is looking tired...but you think you've got a solid plan.

<Ila. Are you under orders?>

"I was told to help the Kelverens as I could," she said. "Vague. Open to interpretation."

<I think you'd best help if you focused on the remaining succubi before they rain down more fire on us. Right, your excellency?>

The duke hasn't missed much. He nods. "I agree. That would be very helpful to Kelvere."

Ila's lips curl in a slight smile. "Then I'll do that."

She vanishes.

<You stay here and prepare,> you tell the duke. <I'm going to clean up the crow demons. Then we can all focus on the lord.> You glance toward the fight. <Auriel can hold a little longer.>

"...probably. But don't be long."

Wings spread from your back. The flock is scattered in a melee with the duke's forces, but you know from experience they could reform quite quickly. This first strike needs to count...

Roll 1d100 for your opening.

>>24607428
If you look at Fae you can see it splits to two choices, maybe one of them is fire resistance?

Rolled 14

>>24607450
No animal motifs, just need a damn good roll..

Rolled 34

>>24607450
Caw Caw motherfuckers

Rolled 61

>>24607450

Rolled 20

>>24607450

>>24607466
ftge

Rolled 93

>>24607450

Rolled 10

>>24607450

Kill maim burn ?

File: 1367612833752.jpg-(1 KB, 125x93, 1367379186743s.jpg)

1 KB JPG

>>24607428
>Fuck, Fire resistance in on the summoning tree isn't it?

You know what I'm going to say.

Rolled 3

>>24607450
Hope for something decent.

>>24607466
>>24607467
>>24607473
>>24607474
>it begins

Rolled 64

>>24607450

Rolled 1

>>24607450

Rolled 43

>>24607497
>>24607450
>1
Thanks m8.

>>24607497
damn you... 9th roll

>>24607492
>>24607497
Dammit /tg/ dice.

Rolled 53

>>24607497
fuck nooooo

>>24607497
>>24607492
>>24607485
Just, please, stop the pain.

>>24607497
Well fuck.

anyway we have 4 xp, lets get poison and bind for the Demon Lord.

>all dat good planning
>all dat nothing because bad rolls
WELP HERE WE GO

>>24607537
We only have 2 xp,but I would be up for getting poison.

>you gained 1 HP from regen (25/29) (from previous turn spent talking)

You soar up through the flock of crows, slashing at every one you pass. You down them quickly. Alone, they're light and frail.

It isn't long until a group forms up and hones in on your position in a flying-V. You collide with them, blowing a few of them apart and taking some damage yourself.

>2 damage (23/29) HP

Meanwhile, one of the last succubi has mysteriously vanished...you silently thank Ila.

>you gained 1 HP from regen (24/29)

Roll 1d20 for your ground support.

Rolled 57

>>24607553
>>24607537
Eh, might as well.

Rolled 9

>>24607557
here comes a nat 1

Rolled 12

>>24607557

Rolled 6

>>24607557
20!

Rolled 3

>>24607557

>Mana: 9/10
>Bind can use 0 to 10 mana, more mana = stronger bind
Eat something to max mana, and then perform a 10 mana bind on the demon just as the duke releases his super attack :)

>>24607497

I didn't see that before I typed the response, so I arbitrarily rule that you got away this time.

THIS TIME.

Rolled 15

>>24607497
I'm so glad SM decided against making crits after the first three rolls count as insta fail or win.

Rolled 7

>>24607557

Rolled 8

>>24607557

Rolled 11

>>24607557
Here goes nothing

Rolled 13

>>24607557

>>24607583
This is actually an interesting plan.
Sure, lets get bind.

File: 1367613252406.jpg-(263 KB, 1048x689, 1361790037029.jpg)

263 KB JPG

Shadow Quest is on at not 2 in the morning? I can participate!

Rolled 8

>>24607583
Now we just need to know if it would be better to use a 10 mana bind on the demon to hold it in place for the attack or a 10 mana water attack to both hurt it (it's super effective!) and distract it long enough for the attack to hit.

A barrage of magic is unleashed from the mages on the ground. The last succubus ignites, then gets hit with a blast of water...then gets electrocuted. It drops from the sky like a lead weight, corpse still smoking. Apparently the duke had one more trick left.

There's still a significant number of the crows, but they're thinned out quite a bit.

You glance down toward the main event. Auriel is now on the defensive against the demon lord, who is mauling at her with his claws. She's deflecting them with her blade, but she's giving ground, fast.

Flint has organized a company of mages and elites, and they're charging at the demon lord from its backside!

What do you do?

>finish the crows already
>dive in to assist Auriel
>dive in the assist Flint
>try to communicate with the Demon Lord
>check back in with the duke
>something else

>>24607694
Eh fuck the crows, time for the main event.

>dive in to assist Auriel

>dive in to assist Auriel
into her shadow. Whenever the demon devotes an attack on Auriel we strike with Crush and Shiva.

>>24607694
>try to communicate with the demon lord
why the FUCK is this an option?! what the HELL ARE YOU DOING SM?

Assist Flint because that fucking parasite is still there!

>>24607694

I'd like to help Flint.

>>24607694
>dive in the assist Flint
also can we get poison?

>>24607694
Assist Flint with the backside charge, sounds more stealthy than trying to stand ourselves right up next to the Demon Lords focus.

>>24607694
>dive in to assist Auriel
Might want to send Auriel an image of use coming to help her.
Maybe ask the demon a question? <Why are you here? Why do you fight these people?>

Rolled 18

>>24607694
I say the demon lord is more important than the crows. There are enough ground-troops and mages to deal with any remaining crows but we are one of the very few things that can actually hurt the demon lord and Auriel won't hold out long.

I say we head for Auriel immediately but take a circuitous to take out any crows that are between us and the lord. Use blink to surprise attack it as soon as you see an opportunity!

>>24607729
>why the FUCK is this an option?! what the HELL ARE YOU DOING SM?

Everything is an option. I dunno, you wanted to talk to the lich back at the Old Forest Keep.

>>24607694
>Flint is attacking demon lord from rear
Definitely assist with that.

Also, by bind and notify duke of this plan >>24607583 (we can communicate at range)

>>24607694
Sneak up alongside flint from behind.

>>24607767
But I get paranoid when you present options like those. They're ridiculous and you're trying to kill us! This is another case of
>it ain't in the same ballpark
Because the lich decided to speak to us AND wasn't hellbent on busting our semi-friends nuts.

>>24607785

I'll buy Bind if I can have a few more consenting votes.

Since you're in a buying mood, might as well compile:

>1 exp from killing crows
>total: 3

>>24607694
>dive in to assist Auriel
Sure, why "might" be able to tip the balance.

Rolled 9

>>24607785
Hold it right there! I think using a maxed out water blast would be a more efficient use of our mana. This is a fire-aligned demon after all.

>>24607805
Eh, might as well buy it, won't hurt.

File: 1367613876637.jpg-(16 KB, 255x345, 14563525.jpg)

16 KB JPG

>>24607800
>But I get paranoid when you present options like those.

I know.

>>24607805
I'll second buying bind. No dirty thoughts no dirty thoughts no dirty thoughts...

>>24607805
I say we buy poison

>>24607805
Sure, buy bind.

Impress upon the demon army a great feeling of despair, and an image of a wave of light suffocating their existence.

>>24607805

Although it's not useful at the moment how do you guys feel about getting Observe later? Being able to sense traps and lies better could be reassuring.

>>24607861
I'ld rather save up exp to get fast regen.

>>24607857
Rather than an incentive to fight harder, maybe impressing them with extremely happy thoughts and situations will be more effective. As a distraction.

>>24607815
Its a being of shadow actually. Also, bind might not harm it but for the duration he is held both veliak, the angel, flint, and our supporting mages could pound on it all together while its helpless to dodge or retaliate.

>>24607861
I am all for it, later.

Christ why is it always about buying abilities with you people?
Why do you never spend any exp on boosting our hp? We're the glassiest of glass cannons.

At some point we should really get berserk, but not for the ability itself but for the abilities it unlocks. Getting some more health would be nice.

>>24607861
Talking to the demon lord to distract it might be a good idea actually.

>>24607908
I thought our only way to boost HP was to buy abilities which are defensive in nature and AFAIK none are currently available.

>>24607861
>>24607887
Once massive combat isn't the immediate concern, it probably would be a good idea to go for perceptive upgrades. I personally would like to see where focus goes.

>>24607908
I wasn't aware we could do that. Can we?

>>24607908

We can do that directly? I thought it only increased when buying Physical stuff?

File: 1367614369354.jpg-(635 KB, 1949x759, ability tree (45).jpg)

635 KB JPG

New Tree

>Spirit Lash - Lash out with multiple strikes of spirit magic. (mana cost: 4. Takes best of 5 rolls rather than 3)

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

You've chosen to help Flint, after letting the Duke know about a possible bind-the-demon plan.

Writing.

>>24607928
>>24607925

I think he was referring to the fact that physical strength and defense upgrades increase your total HP.

>>24607915
>>24607928
>>24607925
Sorta my point.
Berserk's just sitting there, and beyond it rests opportunities for more HP.

>>24607982
I think we avoided it because we feared the "lose ability to distinguish friend or foe", due to being always on (no underline).
However IIRC last thread Shadow Master clarified that berserk is NOT always on and that this was an error (XP map still not updated). Do we get to choose when/if to activate berserk? can we ever accidentally berserk (due to taking damage/etc)?

>>24607982

Berserk has too many bad sides for my liking. Less Defense, less evasion, uncontrollable and lasts at least two turns.

>>24608012

Whenever we hear shadow related puns.

>>24608022
See
>>24608012

If it's not always on, then it may very well be quite useful sometimes, besides freeing up the rest of the tree.

>>24608012
SM has already that is a ability you have to active and he REALLY needs to update the chart to show it.

You fly towards Flint, clipping a few crow demons along the way. Compared to the rest of this battle, its easy going - they're trying to survive, now, rather than attack.

You land heavily on the ground next to Flint and merge with his shadow. The other men with him are briefly surprised, but smile grimly. They remember your previous work. It's probably a relief for them to have you with them.

"We've got to hurry," Flint says. "I don't know how much longer she's going to - "

The demon lord roars. A powerful shockwave of shadow and spirit blasts at Auriel.

She drops her sword and raises her hands. Lines of white light twist into a complex sigil. The disc of magic takes the shockwave attack, but she's driven back, back, her feet leaving ruts in the ground as the powers push against one another.

Finally, the spell dissipates. Auriel raises her right arm, and her sword vanishes and appears back in her hand. But then, she crouches low and waits.

"̨Tir̢e̵d a̵l̵r͏eady͝?" The demon grins. Black smoke escapes his mouth when it speaks. "͝C̛o̷m̷e̸ ̧cl̀o̶se͏r̡ ̶so̷ ̴I͘ ͟c͘a̶n ͘b̡r̴ea͠k̵ ͢yo̧u.̛"҉

Auriel straightens, and levels her sword out. "I'm just getting warmed up."

The demon laughs for a moment - then turns. He stares at your approaching party. "͘More̵ wo̢rm̶s?̀ An̕d ҉th̶e̴ Shad̵ow, to҉o. Ít̕'s̴ ͜a̵bo̢u͜t̛ ͏ti̢me̶ ͘you͘ b̸r̢o͏uǵht ̛me ͟s҉o̸me eńt̵e̷r͠t͘a̛i̸nm͏ent.̡"͠

The demon glances up into the sky and takes note of his decimated army. "̛A͞h̶. T̴heỳ'̢rȩ ͠d͡ea͏d̴.̵ Well̀ t͠h͠en̴.̛.."̀

Magic flares!

con't

File: 1367615139974.jpg-(635 KB, 1949x759, ability tree (46).jpg)

635 KB JPG

>>24608012
>>24608022
>>24608036
>>24608074
>>24608080

Forgot about that. Yes, you chose when to activate it. No ability can get 'accidentally' activated.

>>24608116
nightflare would be good right now.

>>24608162
Thanks for the updated version SM and it's good to know that it won't happen without us wanting it to.

>>24608164
SM already told us that we would need a crit to do anything to a demon lord.
Nightblaze probably would have an effect, but we don't have it and we need all our mana for a max-power binding. It's probably our only hope.

>>24608116
>dat fukin' TEXT

File: 1367615534531.jpg-(268 KB, 1600x1344, Demon Lord.jpg)

268 KB JPG

The demon raises its arms.

Discs of shadow and spirit appear on the ground around it. 2...then 5...then more. They multiply until there are dozens. Black spheres warp and condense over the sigils, and they all flash brightly.

Spirits fly out of the spheres! Ghosts, wraiths, some like wisps, others more evil specters with eyes of fire! The phantom army flies toward you, cutting down the troops to either side of you.

"What's happening?!"
"Take cover!"
"Ghosts, get down!"

Magic leaps from the hands of the mages. A few ghosts are scoured out of the air, but a dozen are still attacking your group. The rest of the mob flies by, heading back for the duke's army!

>end of Zalgo text. It's a pain in the ass.

"We've got to kill this thing," Flint says. "Keep them off me!" He charges forward straight at the demon lord, dragging you along with him.

The demon lord sneers at the lone knight. "Pathetic. What are you, Shadow, a pet? I'll do you a favor and kill this one." It raises a hand, and a ray of darkness pulses toward Flint!

What do you do?

>get out of the way!
>shield Flint
>some other strategy

>shield Flint
If we had shadow control of any type I'd say try to bend it slightly so it misses instead.

>>24608201
>SM already told us that we would need a crit to do anything to a demon lord.

That was just an exaggeration, but it's going to be an uphill battle.

>>24608278
>Hit the deck! And pull Flint down with you!

>>24607960
>>24607826
Bind unlocks Spirit Lash try to escape the dirty thoughts now

>>24608278

What the hell Flint? Our massive Shadow Resistance better be good enough or we'll haunt him.

Shield.

>>24608278
Dodge.

>>24608278
>shield flint
It's shadow. We are shadow. Surely instead of taking the blow we can redirect it or something.

>>24608327
>Hit the deck! And pull Flint down with you!

I didn't offer this as an option because there is very little time.

You can try this, but I hope you brought your lucky dice.

>>24608278
Shield Flint.
<And what of you Demon? Are you a puppet for others?>
I'm not the best at dialogue, but you get what I'm trying to say.

>>24608278
>shield Flint

>>24608278
Shield. we have great shadow resist, though we should try to pull him away from most of it instead of just taking it It's still a demon lords attack.

>>24608314
I meant to refer to you telling us last thread that we would need a crit to cancel one of the Demon lord's spells with nightflare.

File: 1367615870951.jpg-(126 KB, 452x308, Damn.jpg)

126 KB JPG

>mfw the quest started early today and I didn't notice it until now

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

You do not fear the shadow. You dive in front of Flint to shield him.

Roll 1d100

>>24608361
In that case changing my vote to shield.

>>24608381
>I meant to refer to you telling us last thread that we would need a crit to cancel one of the Demon lord's spells with nightflare.

That is more accurate.

Rolled 76

>>24608116
Should have attacked immediately after all...

I wonder if he didn't mention Ila because she is below his notice or just because he doesn't notice her. In either case she might prove a nice extra in the fights.

Our roll in this fight is not to dish out damage but to keep the demon distracted and protect our side. Protect Flint as long as possible and hope that Azriel and the duke use the time we build to prepare some awesome spells.

Rolled 49

>>24608392
Please don't let me be the one who rolls a 1

Rolled 29

>>24608392

Rolled 80

>>24608392

Rolled 44

>>24608392

Rolled 47

>>24608392

hopefully the dc was low... ouch

Rolled 99

Here we go

File: 1367616031867.jpg-(78 KB, 509x700, Butterfly.jpg)

78 KB JPG

Rolled 43

>>24608392

Have a butterfly.

Rolled 44

>>24608392

Look at me mom, I'm rolling !

>>24608443
....

Rolled 50

I'll throw in a roll.

>>24608443
You. Roll more often.

Rolled 97

>>24608392

Hey, SM, that Annette gal, after getting killed said "re-summon me" or something along those lines and players talked about bring her back towards the end of the last thread.

So that means demons that are killed merely go back to hell?

Wouldn't that also mean the only way to permanently kill a demon is to consume it or similarly annihilate it?

Rolled 49

>>24608527
my guess is yes. So we definately need to consume this!

Rolled 77

>>24608443
The fuck is with you guys, VoidWalker/VoidBearer getting good rolls in shadow quest. Let me test this shit.

>>24608554
Well I'm keeping this most assuredly.

>>24608527
Consuming it might merely be consuming the energy holding it here and thus result in it going back to hell.

>>24608554
YOUR ONTO SOMETHING THERE BOY.

>>24608566
Ehh, the thing we consumed back in the airship engine room when it was getting attacked had its 'soul'/consciousness getting absorbed by us, so I think it might indicate a more traditional death.

Because I'm going to sleep I will say this now:

Attacking Auriel at any time, even if it seems we can easily kill her, is a very very bad idea! This has several reasons other than mere moral obligations (not killing the nice guys etc)

1) The outcome is not set in stone. Something similar to blink might let her escape, reinforcements might arrive, whatever.
2) Someone WILL notice. Either right there or as soon as we deal with someone who is proficient in truth spells and investigates. The death of Angels will be investigated by someone like that.
3) It will be a PR nightmare for a long time. All future dealings with anyone light-aligned (pretty much everyone including Flint) will be hampered. Our claim that we are different and that our nice-guy routine is not just a ruse will not believed any-more. No amount of explaining will stop this. They will say "The shadow saw it couldn't defeat Auriel so it played nice until an opportune moment arised."
4) Even if no-one knows that we are to blame we will be blamed. The Air-Ship had been corrupted seemingly from within and after the duke stopped whatever magic hindered the engine from working properly we ate it. In fact we ate the engines of both ships that were meant to protect the city. We also killed the other Angel and will be blamed for both their deaths.

tl;dr: KEEP AZRIEL ALIVE

daw fuck I'm late

>>24608406
>>24608407
>>24608408

>you regen 1 HP [from last turn] (26/29)

You twist in front of Flint, wrapping his front side with your body!

The shadow strikes you - !!

And for you, it's like taking a warm bath. The ray strikes you, then dissipates to black mist that floats to either side of you. It kills the blades of grass it touches, but Flint is totally unharmed.

The demon settles back. It takes a long look at Auriel. She's set low, still breathing hard. He looks back at you as you separate from Flint and stand up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVyZrYv_BUQ

<You call me a pet...but you're a puppet yourself,> you say.

"Hardly," the demon growls. "That fool's sanity is crumbling at the seems. It's only a matter of time...and then, I'll exist here by my own merit." The demon grins. "You had reason to save that thing?"

<My ally is worth saving.>

"Ally? Can't you feel his soul? He's like a miniature version of the flying rat." The demon jerks its bony thumb at Auriel. "I was under the impression that you beings hated one another."

<Apparently you had a false impression.>

The demon's laugh rumbles loud and long. "So what did they promise you? Protection? Or merely your life? Oh yes...glory to the wonderful angels, who deem your existence worthy to go unnoticed, un-purged-." The demon shrugs. "We can easily destroy these fools."

<Why would I help you?>

con't

>>24608663

"Why not? Join me, and we will rule as we might. We will make slaves and servants of these...humans...and secure ourselves a foothold in this Reality. Alternatively..." The demon raises an eyebrow. "Help them, and be tolerated as a second class citizen...until they decide you've grown too dangerous for their precious sense of -balance- and rub you out like chalk on slate."

<That won't happen.>

"Am I not under assault by those very forces right now? Have you been different? Did they make some special exception, just for you? or did they label you a disgusting thing to be destroyed just because of what you are - what you look like?"

You remain silent, for you have nothing to contradict.

"As I thought," the demon says. It smiles its evil smile. "You have potential, Thing of Shadow. With my power, these lands would be ripe for you to consume. I care not for the tools of mine you've slain - there is no debt to pay. No conflict between us. Join me, and prosper."

"Flint!" Auriel shouts. "Get away from the Shadow!"

Flint's head snaps back and forward between you and Auriel. He settles his feet. "He won't betray us."

Auriel's face is strained with exasperation, but she doesn't try to reach you. She's worse off than she's letting on.

What do you do?

>write-in

>>24608633
Yes. The duke, flint, and survivors we have saved all vouched for us. Backstabbing her like that would ruin our rep in their eyes too.

>>24608663
>talking to the demon at all
Nope.tiff

Call him a faget and let's get this goin

>>24608698
I'm hungry Just hungry, demons are tasty. You see where I'm going with this mr. demon?

>>24608698
Hmm, if we are close enough I say we don't reply and merely attack. But we should do it unconventionally. I really want to simply blink to behind him. Attack. Once his attention is fully on us... Bind him and let the others get their shots in.

>>24608698

"No thank you. Also did you just call Flint a tiny pigeon?"

>>24608698
"...Wow, you really thought that speech would work didn't you?"

>>24608698
<It's true, from the moment I came into being they feared me, but not all of them even if it was just a little spark of life and a bumbling knight that put their trust in me and came to call me a friend, then it is worth it>

>>24608698
Refuse. Regardless of whether or not the realms turn against us at some point, when we met Flint he stayed his hand and has become our friend.

Rolled 22

>>24608663
The angel promised me nothing but death so far. It is still full of old prejudice, just as you seem to be. Light and Darkness are opposites but not enemies. The fact that their sentient embodiments don't seem to grasp this is quite beyond me.

Keep talking. We are stalling for time so that Auriel may recuperate and the Duke prepare.

>>24608758
I can see Shadow saying something like this.

>>24608754
>using shadow magic against the demon lord
We are far weaker than him and just shrugged off his attack. What do you think he will do to our shadow attacks?

>>24608698
Hah. The demon lord may still have some power but he's backed into a corner and is using this lull to attempt to gain an ally. How cute.

No. This guy ain't shit. Stall for Duke spell with SHIVA while protecting Flint, consume as soon as he is weak enough after getting barraged.

Get ready for bind perhaps?

>>24608698
"I have no need of slaves or a home."

There is water in blood
Earth in their bones
Spirit in their breast
and they walk with a shadow every day
As long as these humans exist so will our elements.
They can't survive without air
without fire
without light
we must work together in order to survive.
But you want to rule, to dominate,
That is not what I want
I AM THE KEEPER OF THE BALANCE!!!

>>24608698

So, I would say to go with the demon lord. Because for once in a nice story we could play the bad guy, betraying everyone in the most glorious moment of all.

I would.

But since it won't happen, I'm just gonna settle for a nice <muh friendship is stronger than your deceptive lies.>

>>24608698
<I was granted stay by my own actions. Look at what you yourself have wrought upon this land! I have saved many lives not knowing a single fact about my existence. They in turn have granted me my own place to stay in their world where I thrive in; the shadows. It does not matter to me what power or ruling I am given if I cannot repay my own debt to these humans. You are a demon, a bloodthirsty, savage monster hell bent on destruction, and my mission to find out who I am does not include submitting to your one-dimensional desires!>

>>24608698
>>24608759
>>24608758
>>24608765
>>24608773
>>24608794
>>24608797
Lets use all those.

>>24608698
Does the duke look like he will be ready to attack soon?

Either attack outright, or approach slowly and then surprise attack.

We shouldn't bother talking to him.
Yes some will forever hunt us for what we are, we will kill them. We will not be servants we will forge a new side that is open to all and kill any of the shadow or light who will not allow that. But this demon has to go not because of it being of the shadow but because of its sociopathy and desire to destroy and consume.

>>24608698
>mimic his form
Demon lord....I am your father.

>>24608817
Ehh, that's a bit too emotional and boisterous for us in this particular moment.

>>24608807

>So, I would say to go with the demon lord. Because for once in a nice story we could play the bad guy, betraying everyone in the most glorious moment of all.

Yeah, just thought I'd throw the option out there.

You've chosen to give the demon lord the verbal one-fingered salute.

...writing...

>>24608807

I agree with this guy.

I say we turncoats on them.

We aren't even human. Aren't even an angel.

Evil things know us. We're one of them.

Why should we condemn our brethren?

>>24608870
We still can, whenever we want to. Just now is not the BEST time.

>>24608870
because demons aren't shadow spirits. They are no brethren of us.

>>24608870
>We aren't even human. Aren't even an angel.
>Evil things know us. We're one of them.
>Why should we condemn our brethren?

Nigga we are Batman, deal with it

>>24608807
While I'd love such a twist myself, once its done this quests following of retarded hur dur Evil people will only gain in strength and I don't know if the quest can survive such a reboot.

>>24608870
I'd much rather do that on our own terms then rely on a dickass demon lord

>>24608870
Did you miss the earlier threads where we decided to do away with the elementoachy and its silly division and start a third side?
Yes we are fighting beings of shadow now but we will have to kill beings of light later too to do so. We already killed one angel.
And the duke explicitly states he shares our view

>>24608848
Right, humanity.... I should only suggest stuff like that when we get our levels in that up.

>>24608927

Truthfully, I did.

Honestly, I want to go all "Darkness falls upon the world forever."

>>24608927
The Duke wants 'power to his dreams' as far as I can tell. He follows all the tropes of a yet-to-be-BBEG chess master and even if his ideology is appealing to us at the moment it may cause a rift later on. We're on his side; right now. The world he imagines to build might be too far for him.

>>24608807
I'd like to side with the demon lord too, at least until Auriel is dead, but we have literally no reason to trust him.

Dude would probably backstab us as soon as the opportunity presented itself, just to remove a threat to his power.

>>24608978
Well I'd like to go for ruler ending, but not dick ass ruler ending

>>24608979
I said he explicitly states not that we are 100% sure he is honest. If he turns out to have lied we will kill him.

The thing about working for a chessmaster who openly states an ideology he does not actually follow is that his entire organization is openly people who share that ideology. If he is then assassinated the side will naturally continue down the path of his STATED ideals not his actual ideals.

>>24608997

Unless we backstab him before.

Who is the living shadow of cleverness and deceipt here, us or some third rate braindead demon lord ?

Yeah, I thought so too.

>>24609031
Which also means if he has an unfortunate accident, then someone with his ideals likewise will take his place.
Kukukukuku...

Also, I have a way for us to potentially curb the duke.
We personally conquer al-abur (by getting all the top enemy nobles/generals to surrender to us). There is only 1 king, he is currently going insane from demon lord, and he has no heirs.
We take it and become its king openly and ally with the duke. Then we get flint placed on the throne of his home nation and allied with us and duke.

>>24609051
We are not siding with the demon lord, get over it.

>>24608978
Well, that probably isn't going to happen.
Given how the character has been progressing, if we survive it all we are probably going to end up as a king of neutrality.

>>24609076

It's more than one person interested...

>>24608978
You are in the wrong thread then. We were chivalrous from thread 1.

>>24609081
>king of neutrality
If I die...tell my wife I said...."hello"

>>24609091
So?

<Do you believe you could sway me with a display power and an eloquent speech? I have seen power. I have heard speeches. The outcome of this battle is clear.>

"My army will prove otherwise. If you - "

<I will not join you. You are wrong.>

"...what?" the demon growls.

The image of a small girl forms in your mind.. You may not know what you are, but those memories are clear.

<I have been rejected, by some. Not all. I will not abandon those that have accepted me.>

Flint grins.

<But you're right about one thing,> you continue. <I am of the shadow...and my darkness will consume whatever lies in my way.>

"We shall see who consumes whom."

Black light flares around it. The dome of darkness encompassing your battlefield begins to swim and churn...it's beginning something big!

Auriel leaps, and flaps your way, strafing the demon by a good margin. It watches her, but does not move. She lands heavily next to you.

"You see?" Flint asks.

Auriel snorts. "You're naive." Auriel stares at you. "And don't think you've won any points with me."

You ignore the jibe. <Do you know what it's doing?>

"I got in a few hits." She examines the demon a long moment. "It's casting a regeneration spell, and then planning on resummoning its full army. We need to strike hard, now."

<What about the man controlling it? Nulis Vin?>

"I've searched," Auriel says. "He's was never here. Probably back in Kan-Abar."

Flint spits on the ground. "Coward."

"...Shadow..." Auriel begins. "...with me. And if I see a hint of intent against me, I'll annihilate you."

<I've enough of your threats, angel, to last me weeks. But I will fight with you.>

"What about me?" Flint asks.

"This enemy is beyond you. Keep your distance, help the other men."

Flint works the pommel of his sword in his hands, but he grudgingly nods.

How do you fight?

>fight on your own, on the ground
>on your own, from the air
>fight from Auriel's shadow
>some other strategy

>>24609127
FIGHT FROM HER SHADOW its our only chance and we will regen

>fight from Auriel's shadow
protect her from its shadow attacks. And if it starts to build up alrge attacks strike first.

>>24609081
>king of neutrality.

>Not going Ultimatet Ending route.

For shame.

>>24609127

As hard as it can be, we need to work with her if we want to win.

>>24608920
>I'd much rather do that on our own terms then rely on a dickass demon lord

Darkling has the right idea once again.

>trusting a demon lord for five seconds
>Ishiggydiggy

But you didn't, so yay!

There's always time for evil - later!

>>24609127
>fight from Auriel's shadow

>>24609127
from her shadow, and make sure to steal that kill

>>24609127

Maybe we should focus on protecting Ariel from the Demon's dark attacks? She is weak to dark, we are not. Plus we can't do much offense wise besides squirt water if the demon is dark resistant.

>>24609127
Fight from her shadow. Ask the duke if his charge attack is ready. We should perform the bind BEFORE the demon finishes the spell

>>24609155
You realize king of neutrality is hard mode.
As a champion of one of the two established sides we get instant and massive support. This way all the greatest powers are aligned against us.

>>24609127
Give the angel some shadow support.

Would this be the best opportunity to use bind, posters? Or should we wait more?

File: 1367618482753.gif-(1.97 MB, 300x216, 1367460364547.gif)

1.97 MB GIF

>>24609169

>>24609127
Attack from her Shadow.
Can we send a quick message to the Duke? Ask how he is doing?

>>24609127
>fight from her shadow

I guess. We can protect her from shadow abilities.

>examine the demon lord closely

For real. Lets give him a good inspection.

>>24609169

By the way, did he call Flint a tiny pigeon?

>>24609193
Fighting from her shadow means we can block shadow attacks while letting her stop attacks that would harm us.
Plus our firepower gets combined unto one point, and even though we aren't at angel levels yet, we aren't insignificant.

>>24609127
Fight from shadow, but only use physical attacks.

>>24609236

Yes.

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

>you've gained 1HP from regen (27/29)

<I am your shadow. Go with caution.>

You slip into Auriel's shadow. She swallows, staring at you for a long time.

Slowly, she turns her back on you.

Over 700 years old...a survivor of wars, plagues, demons, and who knows what else. It must have been difficult for her to look away.

That, or she's very desperate. You decide it is probably the latter.

She clutches her sword of light high and beings to carefully make her way toward the demon. "Do you discern anything I may have missed?"

You closely examine the demon.

Roll 1d100

Rolled 99

>>24609310

Rolled 60

>>24609310

Rolled 72

>>24609310

Rolled 33

>>24609310

well thats encouraging

File: 1367618977063.gif-(2.24 MB, 320x240, 1349926652014.gif)

2.24 MB GIF

>>24609328

Rolled 10

>>24609310
Rollan

Rolled 26

>>24609310

Trying out that VoidX suggestion.

Rolled 33

>>24609310

>>24609328
nigga yeeee

Rolled 17

>>24609310

>>24609310

Rolling for great angel-waifu

>>24609354
>VoidDude
>Dude
Average void being
Average roll
Try VoidKing or VoidMaster

Cut off rolls now!!!

What do we see?

Rolled 51

>>24609384

She don't want us it seems.

Rolling for yandere Shadow.

>>24609310
Since she is so jumpy, as well as being a heavy hitter, we should probably warn her about the bind plan too... Maybe no specifics in case the demon lord can overhear it, but some general warning to prepare to strike?

captch: Railroad dbuthat

>>24609328
>>24609333
>>24609334

<...I thought you said the spell was for regeneration.>

"I think so."

You note scars and burns on the demon's arms. <It isn't healing.>

"Then what...?"

The demon roars. Purple lightning leaves its body and rises up into the sky. It strikes the dome, and the rate of the spinning increases, faster, then even faster. It's like your in the eye of a black hurricane.

You sense something.

<...that took power,> you say. <Its defenses are weakened! Strike, hurry!>

Auriel nods. She lunges forward at blinding speed, swinging her sword as she does so!

Roll 1d100 for your first supporting blows.

>you've gained 1 hp from regen (28/29)

Rolled 47

>>24609310

>>24609390
we look at the demon lord and see...
>he was never loved as a child
>his father was a manapotionholic his mother was a succubus tier tramp
>the politics of hell hit their family hard during the Great Inquisition of demon summoners
>he's been struggling all his life to gain the approval of his father and mentor by fighting against light
>he fears small winged creatures of all kinds
>his favorite color is burgundy

Rolled 78

>>24609428

Rolled 30

>>24609428

Rolled 6

>>24609428
>>24609428

Rolled 35

>>24609428
Let's git it.

Rolled 17

>>24609428

Rolled 94

>>24609428
BY THE POWER OF NOTHING

damn

>>24609432
>all kinds of feels

Maybe we should let him rule earth and kill all humans

Rolled 55

Let's do this

Rolled 49

>>24609428
Hit it with a crowbar

Rolled 69

>>24609454
>by the power of nothing
>void is as such

suddenly everything makes a little bit more sense

Rolled 79

>>24609428

Do you hear it ? It's the sweet, sweeeet sound of doom...

Rolled 85

>>24609428

Rolled 45

>>24609428
shit my rolls suck today

Rolled 44

>>24609428
Get em!

Rolled 37

>>24609494
>>24609486
come on give me somthing to work with

Rolled 82

>>24609428
well this is going wonderful

>>24609428
Wait, he's channeling all his energy into making a huge mass of shadow energy SPIN.
Is he trying to create some kind of dynamo spell?

>>24609531
... I wonder if we can consume it.

Rolled 37

>>24609543
he now thats a taste idea

Auriel's sword swings from top to bottom!

The demon shields with his forearms, but her attack leaves thick gashes! A strange mixture of blood and magic ooze sprays from the demon's wound.

The demon roars and spins, lashing out with his tail to catch her while she's bringing her sword back up -

- but your limbs catch the demon's tail briefly, stopping it. He struggles to escape, and frees himself, striking you hard as he jumps away.

>you've taken 3 damage (25)
>you regen 1 HP (26/29)

Auriel presses forward on the retreating beast.

<If the opportunity arises, I'm going to try and bind it!>

She nods, and positions her sword for another attack.

What do you do?

>continue support
>use Blink, try to flank the demon to distract it
>hit it with magic
>"mess up' and purposely let Auriel take a hit
>some other strategy

>use Blink, try to flank the demon to distract it
its time, blink and bind.

>>24609560

Also,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xkqsL6wwok

>demon lord battle music!!!

Rolled 31

>>24609560
>use Blink, try to flank the demon to distract it

>>24609560
>water blast to his eyes

>>24609560
Continue support, we should conserve our mana for later purposes.

wait does blink cost mana? If not blink nigga blink

>>24609560
Continue support and try to get in contact with the duke. See how he is coming along and try to coordinate an attack for when we bind the demon.

>>24609588

>wait does blink cost mana? If not blink nigga blink

No mana, but five-turn cooldown.

A lot can happen in five turns...

>>24609592
Seconding this because an update on timing attacks with the Duke will be devastating for the Demon Lord.

Rolled 66

>>24609560

Blink time !

>>24609592
This

>>24609592
+1

>>24609560
Keep supporting, it can't use shadow magic to full effect while we are supporting her.
Also, it might be good to try using bind sometime soon, while it's weakened. What are the effects of bind, other than restricted movement?

You'll be continuing your support and contacting the duke.

Roll 1d100

Rolled 42

>>24609637
yea nigga

Can we blink with auriel?

Rolled 27

>>24609637

Rolled 52

>>24609637

Rolled 36

>>24609637
Rollin

Rolled 89

>>24609637

Rolled 9

There's my roll