The Fey Court has been broken, Comedy and her undead servants have 'cleaned house.' The only remaining members of the group being the soldiers trapped in the Grove and Joy and the handful of cells that were out in the field. Also, the majority of the Amber Memories, the record of elvish history, has been destroyed.

You were, however, able to find the handful of secret Amber Memories that were within Thisleblossom's room. In them you learned a bit about the past, how the Dragon Who Was Of Shadow came to be, a hint on the true nature of The Fifth, and, most importantly, the design of the Grand Seal.

You left the court, so Queen Mab/Maxine could put it back together as best she could, and went to First Wood. There you heard from some of Peri's friends that there had been another upheaval at Grand Citadel.

A long lost Paladin had returned, claiming that he knew the reasons from the City's descent into squalor, and the kingdom's strife. It was due to corruption and evil that was within the hearts of a few Paladins, a few members of the Newgate Royal Family, and Her Illuminated Self.

Then, according to rumor, after this accusation, a Messenger Of Light, His Herald and His Voice, appeared before people and confirmed the Paladin's words. Her Illuminated Self was imprisoned, along with some Paladins and Newgates, awaiting trial. The Army of Citadel, a host over two million strong, is being mustered to march.

>>25242223
You know that this 'Missing Paladin' is 'King' Trevor, a Paladin that broke many of the fundamental values of the order. Becoming a ruler, putting his own ego over the safety of others, and this hasn't been the first time he's sent an army out to 'purge' the evil of Citadel Kingdom.

You also know, from description, that the Messenger Of Light has to be Peace. The Leader of the Dramatae, Child of the Dragon Who Was Of Shadow, and your primary foe.

You couldn't allow the army to mass, nor could you leave Her Illuminated Self to Peace's gentle mercies. So, you and the Dawnchasers went to Grand Citadel on a rescue mission.

You have arrived at the outskirts of the city, and see that without the Lightbringer Sacrifice, the damage to the Maw, and the loss of two of its connected cities, Grand Citadel has changed into a horrific state. Broken buildings, ruined streets, trash and filth, fires and screams. Grand Citadel is still whole, but its not getting what it wants, so everyone in it suffers.

Ah, welcome back echo! I look forward greatly to the rescue mission. Not so much the terrible hellscape of a city though.

So, are we just gaping at citadel at this point, like the first time we saw it?

>>25242257
Well this is an exceptionally awful tantrum.

>>25242388
It really is, isn't it?

Have we ever come up with any solutions for the citadel problem, other than "maybe evacuate it and pray to the light the rest of the continent can sustain the weight of people"?

We should probably have clang out just incase some of the inhabitants that buy into the "we are evil" story decide to take matters into their own hands.

>>25242442
I'm pretty sure we have a near instant draw on our dear sweet clang. It may be because of our spine, or because we're forming a bit of a legend/spirit on it, like how beacon is all about drinking the blood of evildoers.

>>25242430
Well, we'll need to find out exactly what happened, and then plan out a rescue of Her Illuminated Self afterwards. But for the main problem of Citadel and the army I'm not really sure, more information would help for that too though. Do we know if any of the paladins around are still loyal to the light?

>>25242516
Some were captured, I assume those were the ones most loyal to the light. We'll have to go in for ourself and see if they arrest us on sight or not.

Also, I hope we're not supposed to be entering dialogue on our reaction to citadel, because we totally aren't doing that.

Peri/Mari hitches up Lightmare at some trees by the city's limits. "Nice space, fresh grass, and plenty of squirrels to eat." She says.

"Do we have any idea where Her Illuminated Self is?" Tricia asks. "She could be held on the other side of the city as far as we know."

"Mage, didn't you say you'd be able to find the heart?" Lea asks.

"Yeah, but not from here." He says. "We need to be deeper inside the city."

>>25242583
Do we know any one who can be trusted in the city as I don't want to have to hide out in the cathedral attic again.

>>25242583
Gape for a moment longer while the others busy themselves.

"We... should probably put more thought into that evacuation plan at some point."

Then shake yourself from this, and go back to the matter at hand.

"First thing's first though. We need to get a lay of the land here, politics and all. They're arresting paladins, which means we could be on the wanted list if we're not careful."

>>25242583
"We need more information, as much as we know it's true, we're literally working on drunken rumors that traveled halfway across the country at the moment. Anybody think of a good informant or are we fumbling ahead without a decent plan as usual?"

>>25242641
well, there's the violet paladins, who are disbanded(?)

and HIS, but she's arrested.

Hmm.

First thing's first.

Let's go find out if we're criminals. Say hello to a few guards, go down to a patrol station and look at the bounties.

>>25242792
If we can get HIS out, we should have a chance to sway some paladins to our side. Of course, the danger in trying that is an entire army bearing down on us, but hey, there's been worse plans.

So when do we get to make out with bugtits?

>>25242880
It's standard procedure to kiss the girl AFTER the explosions.

So, in a bit.

>>25242880
Most any time we're alone together.

>>25242583
We probably shouldn't enter through a main gate, although actual stealth as a Lamia is unlikely to work very well.

Guys, why did none of you attempt to send some warning ahead to Stone Hall should we be delayed?
A coded letter? Anything?

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>>25242977
How stupid do you think the average citadelite is?

If we just... wear a hooded cloak, would they not notice the huge snake tail?

>>25243001
I suggested twice we send a messenger. We could do that even now, I'm sure citadel has at least ONE horseman for hire in its untold millions of desperate poor.

>>25243001
because it takes an age an a half for the army to be assembled.

>>25243001
Might as well, inform them of the latest happenings.

>>25242644
"We... should probably put more thought into that evacuation plan at some point." You say. "First thing's first though. We need to get a lay of the land here, politics and all. They're arresting paladins, which means we could be on the wanted list if we're not careful.

"We need more information, as much as we know it's true, we're literally working on drunken rumors that traveled halfway across the country at the moment. Anybody think of a good informant or are we fumbling ahead without a decent plan as usual?"

"Well," Peri takes out a map of Grand Citadel. "There's a reason I had us be here at one of the south entrances." She points at the map. "The army will be mustering here, on the East side. So, we can avoid that, if we're on a hit list." She points to three places. "These are the most likely places I think HIS will be kept. There's the Occuli HQ, but that's where the Violet Occuli used to be. Then there's the Cathedral of course, if they placed her under home arrest. Finally, there's Citadel Castle."

"Weird." Tricia says.

"Huh?" Peri looks up, Tricia's looking over the city with a spyglass.

"There's some buildings that haven't gone to shit like the others." She says. "There's one kind of close to us. Here." She hands it over to Peri.

She looks. "That's a shadow puppet theater." She says. "It's for kids." She hands it to you.

It's true. The place hasn't decayed like the rest but it isn't 'super bright-citadel-shiny' either. You also see what looks like a barricade set up around it."

>>25243092
"Do you guys happen to want to see a... puppetshow?

I'm interested in how they keep operational like this. Also in whether or not that barricade sees much use."

>>25243092
This place just screams "I'm important"

Lets check it out first

>>25243201
well, it's not specifically important. There are other places that are "fine" too.

But we need to get a sample of one of them to find out what they're doing differently.

>>25243092
Maybe its like Barney's shop, or the history guy's bookshop or the elf fruit seller's shop. When Citadel's magic is too taxed to suppress them, they grow naturally. We should investigate. Onwards to the puppet show.

>>25243227
The citadel runs on stories, there is such a thing as the law of conservation of detail.

Unless Echo is throwing us a red herring.

>>25243092
"Am I the only one who thinks it's dumb to go rescue her before we know what charges they trooped up against her? While they're no doubt false, being wrong-footed by them at the wrong time after breaking her out could mean the difference between converting a bunch of the paladins to our cause or get them all on our tail. And I'm not optimistic enough to think we'll get this done without running into an army at some point. We need to find a paladin to tell us what's happened. Maybe even someone who'll cough it up willingly if we're lucky."

>>25243255
See, the thing I'm interested in is this might be a non-citadel occurance inside of citadel.

Which means... it DOESN'T run on stories.

>>25243260
She's an important figure. We need to win hearts and minds or we'll just get ground to paste by the sheer number of citadel army wrecking both us and all the changes we made.
>>25243278
Either way it's an obvious plot hook from Echo. We need to check it out

>>25243311
My plan is we go in there, ask for a puppetshow, and then DRILL the puppet operator for all the information we can.

Politics, recent events, which paladins are arrested, how they feel about the recent events, how their store manages operation like this, whether or not they really need the barricade...

>>25243092
"We should investigate why these places are not decaying like the rest"

>>25243311
I didn't say not to rescue her. But from the lack of obvious riots it's obvious that people think she's guilty of something (even if just due to Citadel being Citadel) and being able to concisely refute or brush off whatever they put her in for when we're inevitably confronted by it will instill doubt in the mooks around to hear it, while going in with no idea and hemming and hawing over a response will not.

>>25243383
That's step 2 of our information gathering plan. After we find out if we ourselves are criminals, we will talk to a law enforcement official. If we're not criminals, voluntarily. If we are, less voluntarily.

We should probably visit the HQ. I wonder what they did with it, without the violets there?

>>25243174
"Do you guys happen to want to see a...puppet show? I'm interested in how they keep operational like this, and why that place isn't decaying like the rest. Also in whether or not that barricade sees much use."

There's a chorus of agreement, and you all make your way through the city, slowly, towards the puppet theater.

"Starting to miss the marble streets." Tricia says, as you make your way through the streets and alleys. Due to huge piles of debris and garbage, you keep having to take detours. "It's going to take us ages to get through this."

"Hang up." Lea says. She points at a shop.

It's a messenger bird shop. People used to send birds from one side of the city to the other. However, there are also long distance flying birds. They're expensive.

"But we can warn Isen about the army." Lea says. She also holds up her copy of the Grand Seal. "And we can send the design to Ambrose as well."

"Not a bad idea." Peri says. "Anything else we want to send?"

>>25243616
Let's see...

We're sending a general report of events to Isen. He will tell everyone else about them, granny included.

Ambrose gets the design and seals and a copy of mage's notes.

Well, other than personal matters, I can't think of a good one. And we've never been ones to spend a lot on personal matters.

>>25243616
"Are you sure we want to trust this to a messenger bird? The bird might get intercepted, or Light forbid, Citadel has control over the messenger birds."

>>25243616
"Good spotting, Lea. We should probably try to get a report of what's happening to our friends. Though, I'm unsure if they'll be the ones getting them- Do you think we could code it somehow? I think I can do some phoenix tongue."

we can write some phoenix tongue, right? Or are we only verbal with that?

Also, is there a written lizardtongue that we know?

>>25243616
>>25243681
That sounds like all. But yeah, an actual sapient being would be preferable to a bird IMO.

>>25243695
I doubt Echo would be that pointlessly cruel.

>>25243745
>phoenix tongue
Brilliant!.jpg

>>25243911
we learned from a guide and Mumei, so it will be the modern dialect. One Ambrose knows.

though, it has its downsides. Like it will lead people to think this is all a phoenix empire plot, in the case of appropriate interception.

I wonder if we can speak phoenix while we speak lizardtongue...

"Good spotting, Lea. We should probably try to get a report of what's happening to our friends. Though, I'm unsure if they'll be the ones getting them- Do you think we could code it somehow? I think I can do some phoenix tongue." You say.

"That's a good idea." Mari says. "Mumei can translate it."

"I can leave out a few parts in the diagram and describe them in detail for Ambrose." Mage says. "Shouldn't be too hard."

One translated, and transcribed, document plus ten gold later. You watch as the bird tamer lets the large bird into the sky.

"That an eagle or an albatross?" Tricia asks.

Mari shrugs. "Never studied birds."

"Thank you for your patronage, Lady Paladin." The keeper/shopkeep says. "People are holing up, not sending many messages these days." He looks around. "How, umm...how long are you going to be in this neighborhood?" He asks. "Because I know that looters won't dare do anything if there's a Paladin around, let alone the famous Paladin Serpent."

"Looters?"

"Yes, since the bad times started, there's been break ins, robberies, and vandalism." He looks around. "They happen at night, that's why everyone locks themselves in these days." He shudders. "There's rumors about them. Scary rumors."

>>25243745
>Write "This is written in PheonixTongue at the top" followed by "This is written in Lizardtongue" beneath it.
>Break up the important bits so it requires a bit of coordination to get out.
We would be a horror for codebreakers

>>25244390
"What rumors?" in the most authoritative voice you can muster.

>>25244395
Forget that, we can curse in 3 different languages!

>>25244390
"Unfortunately, I'm here on rather urgent business, so I cannot afford to stay in Citadel for long. Where did all of the Citadel Paladins go?"

>>25244436
Ask him about HIS being arrested. He would probably know more about it than us.

>>25244390
"I'm in a bit of a hurry, but breaking up some "scary rumors" shouldn't take too long. Tell me about them."

>>25244390
"While I can't help you directly, I may be able to alleviate the issue during my brief stay, though without details I can't promise."

>>25244479
"Unfortunately, I'm here on rather urgent business, so I cannot afford to stay in Citadel for long. Where did all of the Citadel Paladins go?"

He shifts uncomfortably. "I've heard a few things." He looks aside, but his fingers drum on his store's counter.

>>25244568
drop a few coins on the counter.

>>25244568
Tell me. Now.

>>25244594
Why pay when we can use our paladin reputation? We ain't fucking murder hobos.

>>25244617
because times are hard on these people and a few coins can go along way

>>25244568
"Do tell. Depending on what it is, we could probably clear it up for you right quick."

>>25244568
Time to bribe.

>>25244634
Good point, we'll save the intimidation in case he is holding anything back.

>>25244643
"Do tell. Depending on what it is, we could probably clear it up for you right quick." You say as you drop a few coins on the table.

"Alright, well...you didn't hear this from me, but I heard that the Paladins are in the middle of a schism. Have been since the Purple Occuli got disbanded." The man says. "Now, the official words is that the Occuli headquarters, where the Purple used to be, is quarantined because of rats, or disease, or whatever the crier says. But the real reason that neighborhood was evacuated, and there's a guard presence, is because the Traitor Paladins have all holed up inside. The Loyalists are trying to starve them out. But it hasn't been working, because the Looters are in league with the traitors." He nods. "Just like the Messenger says."

"And these looters?"

"They come in the night, like I said, yeah? And if you look upon them? Then they'll take you away." He licks his lips. "I heard tell of stories, how they aren't...quite...human. But anyone who describes them too well? They vanish too."

"Did you see the Messenger?"

"No, but I saw High Lord Paladin Trevor when he passed through here on inspection. I also saw the light of the Arrival of the Messenger." He nods. "The entire city saw THAT one."

>>25244898
"If I may take a stab at the messengers appearance. Angelic wings with the mask of the dramatae of peace?"

>>25244898
Drop another coin onto the counter.

"Do you anything about that shadow puppet theater? From their appearance, they seem to be doing rather well."

>>25244898
"Wait, so if the 'traitor' paladins are in the headquarters, where are the real ones?"

>>25245032
"Wait, so if the 'traitor' paladins are in the headquarters, where are the real ones?" You ask.

"Umm...not sure..." He says, and starts to drum the counter again.

>>25244898
How much can we afford to give? Food's probably not cheap, and they could use it.

>>25245047
Drop a few more coins "My generosity only goes so far, I do hope you won't keep any more information from me"

>>25245047
Ask him about >>25245014 as well.

>>25244898
So, we going to rescue the paladins who actually follow the Light as well?

>>25245047
"Hmm, well that's a pity. Still, thanks for the information."
Alright, do we want to spring the paladins first to help get HIS out, or get HIS possibly before getting noticed and then the paladins during the chaos?

Also, what time is it? Is there time to wait for and meet the looters during the night before doing either? Obviously jail-breaks are best done at night anyway, but waiting a full day in Citadel doing nothing sounds like inviting trouble.

>>25245138
Don't give up so easily, this guy is obviously flaking on us.

Just a note, while we're here we might want to send a message to Bronze Peak as well. They are part of this too.

>>25245103
Um, no, we are a paladin. Life's tough, they need money, and we need information.

>>25245127
We'll, we're definitely going to need help getting HIS out of Citadel. Plus, having a loyal core of Paladins would give her more legitimacy than she would have alone.

>>25245192
We're only rewarding him for continuing to just bleed us for ever bit of info. He MIGHT get a bonus if he comes all out, but this bullshit shouldn't stand.

>>25245103
"My generosity only goes so far, I do hope you won't keep any more information from me" You say as you put another two coins on the counter, as well as shoot him a glare.

"They've taken over the Grand Market." He says. "That giant pyre is their doing. They camp there and supposedly make plans on how to retake the Castle and the kingdom."

"Retake the Castle?" Mari asks.

"The Newgates are fighting among themselves." He says. "The king's being 'kept safe' by half of his family, and the whole place is locked up. Apparently some of the other Newgates are working with the Paladins to rescue His Majesty."

"Do you anything about that shadow puppet theater? From their appearance, they seem to be doing rather well." You ask.

The man scoffs. "That's because the 'Shadow Company' has taken it as a base." He sneers.

"Shadow Company?" Lea asks.

"A bunch of mercs who have taken it into their heads that this part of the town is under their protection." He shrugs. "Yes, there's been less looting, but it's people like them that are CAUSING this disaster in the first place."

"Why? Do they extort protection money?" Peri asks.

"No. They're all Godless bastards, they refuted His Light, The Silent God, The Elven Elders, you name it. They say that there's no need for man to worship anything. They even doubt the Messenger!" He shakes his head. "People like that will cause the whole city to crash in upon us all!"

>>25245274
Looks like we need to have a little civil visit.
Sounds like my kind of people actually. Doubt Lea will be happy about it though.

>>25245274
Oh no, atheists!
They might be useful. If they'll work with a paladin.

>>25245274
"Thank you for the information" drop him like 5 coins "I'll be back later for more if all goes well"

>>25245274
Atheists. Its kinda hard to blame them if you know the truth about the last few 'gods' that have ruled this land.

>>25245317
Well, considering the The Light has saved Ssen's life on more than one occasion, I don't think we're going to be going atheist any time soon

>>25245348
definately not. We've had very real evidence that His Light does work for good.

So it's time to visit some heretics I suppose

>>25245348
Doesn't mean we can't go newpope on them if they aren't assholes. Would be a bit of a refreshing change of pace.

>>25245274
Oh boy, we've inadvertently created this world's first militant atheists.

I say we avoid the shadow company for now. If they don't believe in the Light or HIS, they most likely won't be inclined to help us. I saw we try and intercept the "looters", make contact with the renegade paladins, and hammer out a plan to get HIS freed.

However, as much as I would like to, I think it's best that we stay out of the whole Newgate drama. We can't be certain what side he's on and I'd rather not get caught up in inheritance drama right now.

>>25245274
Let's visit the atheists, and see how well they react to paladins being genuinely good people.

Also, do we visit the "true" or "false" paladins first?

>>25245394
We're Satan. I'm not so sure how good we are tbh.

>>25245348
>ever implying the light isn't real
Haha silly atheists. Oh well, as long as they're good people.

>>25245385
we should at least go by and tell them we approve of their work keeping the place safe. (and get that damn puppet show)

>>25245385
Well, they haven't extorted the populace which seems decent enough. We may as well talk with them.
>>25245394
The 'true' ones probably have us as kill on sight.

>>25245348
We only worship one got more than them. We have so many gods that we don't worship in common! Who wouldn't want to bond over some friendly Peace-killing?

>>25245274
"Well, that's enough to get me started. Thanks for the help."

Give him a small bonus

"Keep those birds healthy now. They're your bread and butter."

I feel like giving those guys a hug.

We're ALL ABOUT having people live without the overt interference of gods. Or at least being subtle about it.

>>25245331
"Do you know where Her Illuminated Self is being held?" Lea asks.

"No." He says, shaking his head. "She was taken away by High Lord Paladin Trevor." He shrugs. "He says that she's in a seclusion retreat, meditating upon her deeds, and when she is ready, she will commune with the Messenger and the public."

"Thank you for the information." You say, dropping five gold coins on the counter. "Keep those birds healthy now. They're your bread and butter."

"Your ladyship is welcome here, anytime." He says. "And I don't believe those nasty rumors for a minute."

You leave. Lea sighs and looks at the others. "No, I don't have any problems just talking to Shadow Company. I wont start kicking in heads the moment they say something foolish."

"I remember someone smashing a metal bar once." Mari says.

"That was different." Lea says. "That was a bastardization of His Light. That was heresy. Provided that these people are civil, then this could be something else. I don't APPROVE of it, of course."

"There's a shocker." Tricia says.

"But, I'm not here to tell people that they have to live their life like I do." She says.

"So," Mage is trying to draw a diagram of what's going on in the air. "Are the looters the good guys or the bad guys? Because people say they're working with the traitors, who are the good guys, but that's coming from the loyalists who are the bad guys, who could be lying to the other...ugh...my head hurts."

>>25245610
"Guess We'll find out after we have a nice chat with some atheists"

>>25245587
Future Caligo Clarus Soldiers? I mean they ARE mercenaries.

>>25245610
"We will have to find out for ourselves."

>He says that she's in a seclusion retreat, meditating upon her deeds, and when she is ready, she will commune with the Messenger and the public.
Citadel's working on controlling her in other words.

>>25245610
"Looters are a an unknown party that both sides will want us to gather information on. That's my guess."

>>25245705
I think faith is a requirement for membership, although a lightshow with beacon might earn some converties.

>>25245748
Well, they seem to have come to a similar conclusion that we have without our influence. If they are amenable they may do nicely instead of trying to convert a bunch of reds like people suggested before.

>>25245648
"Guess we'll find out for ourselves, after we have a nice chat with some atheists." You say.

It takes a little longer than you thought it would to get to the puppet theater. It actually looks like some of these debris piles were intentional, as they have you being funneled down a very specific, but winding path. Also, a few look constructed, rather than just heaps of trash.

"How long have they been watching us?" Mage asks.

"Since we left the shop." Tricia says. "But that's was just one guy, we've got four now on the roofs following, and there's two more waiting for us at that alley just ahead." She says. "Wait...four more. My flies see two...no...three on ground level. The last one's dressed in a uniform the rest are in camo."

You're just about to enter said alley.

Call out as you enter that you've merely come to talk.

>>25245882
"They've got a very good network in place here, I think. I'm impressed. Well, either that or we draw a lot of attention. Which do you guys think it is?"

>>25245882
enter the alley single file, and slowly, to parley for a talk. We mean no harm, and they have every right to be suspicious.

>>25245882
"We know you're out there. You might as well come out of hiding so we can talk like civilized people.

>>25245882
May as well call out we see them, might put them off balance a bit. Make it known we are there to talk.

>>25245925
No no, don't call. I don't want to have to have a yelling conversation, those strain the vocal chords.

Just wave and continue on your way. We'll talk to them in the puppet theatre.

>>25245882
"Well, they're thorough at least. If we can make use of them they have some potential."

>>25245951
we're going to be asked about why we've come before we're let in. Might as well pre-empt them.

Hey, if we have a themesong, maybe Citadel should get one too,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzdUy90vTuk

>>25245988
Ehhh

Not quite right, the instrumentals don't really feel right

>>25245988
>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzdUy90vTuk

If it were a bit more amusing rather than horrifying this would be perfect. Legend never dies indeed.

>>25245882
>>25245967
oh, oh, I know.

We have two more waiting for us in the alley up ahead, right? We could go for a double-handshake or a double-arm-around-shoulder.

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>>25246058

Maybe not before, but now that it's a decaying hellhole, I think it's quite METAL.

>>25245988
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM8JhvfoqdA this was the theme for citadel before it went to shit.

>>25245931
"They've got a very good network in place here, I think, I'm impressed. They're thorough. If we can make use of them they have some potential." You say.

You stop at the mouth of the alley. "We know you're out there. You might as well come out of hiding so we can talk like civilized people."

"Heh, shows us for trying to be clever." A voice says. "Alright, Paladin Serpent, you passing through, or were you sent to deal with us?"

>>25246089
Meant to post this. Fuck. Now Christmas is ruined.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzHuCDDzP-E

>>25246096
>>25246096
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7SkrYF8lCU
I disagree

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>>25246105

wow. WOW. yes.

>>25246122
"I actually came by for a puppet show, and to ask all sorts of questions of the operators about how the city is going. I suppose I'll just have to ask you gentlemen, then? Come, let's get a roof under our heads and some chairs for those of you with legs. We probably have much to discuss."

>>25246105
I'm seconding this.

>>25246122

"I was sent by no one save The Light itself. Tell me, what do you think of The Light?"

>>25246127
Doesn't fit all that well...

>>25246213
Don't provoke them dickbutt.

>>25246213
No, don't pick fights with them you dumbass. We need allies

>>25246134
This is an ideal type of song for post-Ssen citadel.

>>25246238
Exactly why I suggested it.

>>25246224
>>25246226

What I was thinking is that everyone who has called US traitors has been thinking that 'Light=Citadel'. If these guys are anti-citadel the locals might think them anti-light as well. I would ask their opinion.

I suggest we go in smoooth with this. We're smooth operators. Just the other day, Mage married an elf queen don't you know.

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>>25246213

>>25246213
>>25246286
let's not, still. We'll save that for AFTER we have all sat down with bows pointed at us.

what color occuli was Trevor anyway? I can't really remember any of them except purple.

>>25246288

Oh shit, you're right. I retract that suggestion. I'd rather not make us into Jehova's Lamia.

>>25246172
"I actually came by for a puppet show, and to ask all sorts of questions of the operators about how the city is going. I suppose I'll just have to ask you gentlemen, then? Come, let's get a roof under our heads and some chairs for those of you with legs. We probably have much to discuss." You say.

"No doubt." The voice says. "Although, I'm going to have to ask you, since you aren't a resident of the Feather Hill neighborhood, I'm first going to request the standard toll. This is to keep the roads safe, barricades high, and food in the stomachs of the people of Feather Hill." He says. "One gold a head, but Paladins have a special rate, five gold. Unless you'd like to purchase a long term pass for fifteen gold. It's a bargain." He says. "You'll also get a reciept, and I've got a charter from the Occuli, that says that they will reimburse you any and all gold should you show them your receipt." He sighs. "Though that was BEFORE things went to shit, and we went from rebuilding and guarding bridges to this nightmare."

>>25246369
"I'll take a long term pass as well the story of how everything went to a nightmare"

>>25246369
"I find it rather unlikely the higher-ups would bother reimbursing me even were I to ask. Nevertheless, I believe I can afford that, and I'm sure my companions have a gold piece to spare each."

do we bother with the pass? unrestricted access might be nice.

>>25246369
>Rebuilding
>Guarding
Oh god these guys are perfect for our little educated peace corps.
We ought to get the toll, see if we can't finagle a little escort as well.

>>25246421
Pass is good idea, it would also show that we're interested in coming back

>>25246369
>legal occuli refundable road tolling
so... like bandits, but not?

I have no moral qualms with paying this, even though they're gouging a bit.

"Does the long term pass cover everyone in a party? If not, we'll go with singles. "

don't make our companions pay, we DON'T PAY THEM. We pay for them.

>>25246468
Perhaps, but I want at least 1 priest per group, along with the scholars.

>>25246369

So they're contracted. interesting.

>>25246507
Depends on how holier than thou they are. If they are obnoxious yeah, but from what I've seen they haven't shoved it down our throat, which given the asshole guards and mercs we've encounters of our OWN faith is a huge breathe of fresh air.

>>25246369
After you guys decide payment options:

"You'll have to tell me the harrowing tale of how you got from the bridges to here. I'm sure it's a good one."

How much money do we even have?

>>25246609
probably somewhere in the region of ~750 ish, given our spending habits and our most recent trip to stone hall.

estimate pulled right out of my ass.

>>25246507
"Does the long term pass cover everyone in a party? If not, we'll go with singles." You say. "Although, I find it rather unlikely the higher-ups would bother reimbursing me even were I to ask."

A person walks through the alley towards you. He's dressed in dull greys and blacks. He's bald and taller than Mage. He's built like a brick wall. He's got a greatsword on his back and a mallet at his belt.

"That would be a failing of the Occuli. Not my men." He extends his hand. "Janos Jesspy. They call me Blue Jay. I'm in charge of what they call the Shadow Company." He shrugs. "Although we're really Citadel Road Reconstruction & Taxes Crew #17."

>>25246652

Return the shake. "So, CRRT No. 17? or just Crew 17?"

>>25246652
"A pleasure to meet you Janos" offer your hand for a handshake "You are of Crew 17? How many crews are there and where are they located? My Order's duties has kept me from the Citadel and it's various workings, so your group's existence is a bit of a pleasent surprise"

>>25246652
Shake the hand. Mind your claws and freaky long fingertips.

"Ssen Patrick, and these are my friends Peri, Meri, Lea, Tricia, And Mage. I've got an acre of questions, some of which you've answered already, so we'll move on to the other ones. Let's start by talking about paladins! Tell me about them. Which side is which, do you prefer either, any rumored secrets the organizations might be covering up, all that good stuff.

Oh, and you've got to tell me about how your crew came to be in this position of sentry over the neighborhood. Dealing with looters and all must be a task- especially since I can't seem to get a description as to what exactly they are. You must know, having dealt with them."

>>25246652
Probably would be prudent to bounce the same questions we gave the merchent off of him. Multiple sources and whatnot, he seems like he has the finger to the ground. Then we ought to tactfully bring up the subject of why they thought we were sent to deal with them, Ergo the athiesm business.

>>25246652
Wait hold up. If Citadel's roads are made of souls, why the fuck would it need a CRRT crew? Sounds to me like he's a Passion.

>>25246972
Lets not have a bible fight in the middle of a warzone? Please?

>>25246987
Souls don't move on their own silly! They can only move when acted upon by an outside force.

>>25246987

With a name like that they weren't always there. Most likely they've been called into service since the Fall started. Citadel is so bloated it can't maintain itself, even the living roads need a bit of help.

>>25246999
No need for a bible fight, just address the roc in the room. They thought we were possibly sent to deal with them. May as well find out about that since they brought it up first.

>>25246987
Because Citadel is starving and can't maintain itself effectively anymore.

>>25246987
somebody needs to put the soul-bricks in.

"A pleasure to meet you, Janos. Ssen Patrick, and these are my friends Peri, Meri, Lea, Tricia, And Mage." You say, as you offer your hand for a handshake, you're ready for it but still you wince a little at the rough calloused hands and bone cracking grip that rivals Tara's grip.

"You are of Crew 17? How many crews are there and where are they located? My Order's duties has kept me from the Citadel and it's various workings, so your group's existence is a bit of a pleasant surprise."

"I don't know about the other Crews." Janos says. He waves the crossbow men off and motions for you to follow. "Ocean Front might be doing something, but I've got to get, and keep, my own house in order, before I worry about them."

"How did your crew come to be in this position of sentry over the neighborhood? Dealing with looters and all must be a task."

"It isn't much to speak of." He says. "We get called out to repair a bridge, or a road that's outside of Citadel proper, and we collect tolls when the Newgates say we have to." He shrugs. "We're mostly retired soldiers or Occuli. People who couldn't give up the blade, but didn't have the bodies or souls for battle. So, standing in the sun, keeping Ghouls, Bandits, and Fey Court away from a bridge was appealing." He shrugs. "And I like building things."

"And then things went downhill?" Mage asks.

Janos nods as he leads you through the alley, towards the puppet theater. "Most of us live in Feather Hill, and I didn't want to see thing place get turned into a riot like Paper Lantern, or whatever the Market's become." He shrugs. "So, we set up barricades, moved people around, and we've been collecting tolls like normal on people who pass through or want to 'emigrate' within. We use that money to keep the food merchants coming in. I make sure that everyone gets a receipt too." He nods. "I am NOT a thief and I am NOT a thug." He shrugs. "They started to call us the Shadow Company because we took the Puppet Theater as our base."

(cont)

>>25247053
scholarus material here. as soon as this all blows over(which is obviously an optimistic way of looking at things) we hire these guys, or maybe just Jay as the co-head of the traveling scholars. Now all we need is a scholar as the second head, and we can begin

>>25247035
And is also throwing a tantrum and making its residents suffer until it gets its way.

>>25247103
look, let's keep shopping around. These guys are good, but I'm sure there's more good folk out there. Also we can tap some from the fey court too, if we want.

We have options, let's not make a decision until the time comes.

Also we need to rescue HIS before we can alter our charter to allow such things.

>>25247103
Again, this is assuming they would want to join our order. They probably won't be too keen and only our pope analogue can amend the charter that probably states that you have to follow his light in order to join up.

>>25247053
Sounds like a man for the shorter list. Does he agree with what happened with the paladin schism and HIS?

>>25247128
Charter prevents us from tapping other Occuli forces, these guys look like mercs, and are well within our purview.

>>25247147
We can probably hire them as muscle, but what is being suggested is the purview of members of the order, and the order demands faith.

He leads you up the steps into the Puppet Theater. The big spacious entry hall has been converted into a barracks. Cot beds, a mess hall, and a strategy table with maps of the area.

"This is the strongest place we had, also the...things...don't like coming near here. So we have the kids all set up in the back, those that will come anyway, and work out of here." Janos says.

"I've got an acre of questions, some of which you've answered already, so we'll move on to the other ones.

"Let's start by talking about paladins! Tell me about them. Which side is which, do you prefer either, any rumored secrets the organizations might be covering up, all that good stuff."

Janos shakes his head. "I'm keeping out of that mess, and we're going to have an Issue if you want to bring in Feather Hill to that mess.

"We've had only one Paladin come through here, since things went bad, High Lord Paladin Trevor, Voice of the Messenger." He sneers. "I didn't want to make trouble, so I just hid in here. The Shadow Company went out, did some lip service to the ass, and then he left, and we went back to work."

"What did he want?" Lea asks.

"Some foolishness about a loyalty oath and giving homage to the light through the Messenger." He shrugs. "Nonsense and empty words. Same as all the rest."

"What about these looters?" Tricia asks. "We're hearing strange things about them."

"Which ones?" Janos asks. "The Purple Rebels or the City Things?"

>>25247138
If members of the fey court can receive confession in his light, we can surely give nonbelievers a job. If they are even nonbelievers, they don't seem militantly atheistic, just skeptical.

>>25247192
"Both, please."

>>25247192
"I would like to hear about both if you don't mind"

>>25247192

Calling it now:

Purple Rebels: Loyalists to the Purple Occuli or Purple Occuli themselves.

City Things: Manifestations of Citadel itself, snatching people in the night to feed their souls to the starving city. Alternatively, Dramatae servants.

>>25247192
"See, distinctions like that are why we buy the passes."

>>25247192
"Both actually. I've been hearing all kinds of things from so many people and all they tell me are confused ramblings and "a guy in the pub told me" stories. So I'm quite curious as what is currently going on here in Citadel?"

>>25247247
Same, but we best keep it on the down low. We should probably see why they were worried that we were sent to deal with them if they have an occuli charter.
I'm thinking this guy is less athiest and more practical minded.

>>25247192
"Don't worry, we aren't planning on bringing you into any of the fighting. We're only after information at this point."

>>25247291

>Atheist
>practical

My thought was that one lead to the other. who's to say he's not both?

>>25247426
don't go starting into that can of tiny paladins.

>>25247223
"I would like to hear about both if you don't mind." You say.

"Well, the Purple Rebels, they have their own name, I'm just calling them that." Janos says. "They're originally made from the Purple Occuli and probably the Newgates, not sure if they're the ones keeping the king 'safe' or want to 'rescue' him." He shrugs. "Hardly matters. They're the ones fighting the 'corruption within' Citadel." He shakes his head. "Thugs, looters, and people who're taking advantage of this mess. They wear purple sashes, and pick and choose the good from the evil." Janos shakes his head. "Personal vendettas, imagined slights, and people who disagree with their current leader's philosophy." He nods. "Gold pays tongues, and I have the birdman reading mail, yes, I know it's illegal. I am aware Paladin, but I'm worried about raids and death squads, not who's sleeping with whom." He snarls at you. "And I answer to Feather Hill, not you, and certainly not the light."

"We understand." Lea says. "Go on. The Purple Leaders."

"Right, well...they change constantly from region to region. Dead man's boots is their leadership model." He then frowns. "The City Things. Those are the things that scare me. They come at night, break into homes, and take things, or move things, or destroy them, or build things." He shakes his head. "I have no idea what they want...but I do know that if a person sees them, then that person disappears."

"Then how do you know what they are?" Tricia asks.

"Because I've seen them, and I don't leave the Theater at night and I don't travel alone." He says. "Also, I'm meaner than they are."

"What are they?" Mage asks.

"Almost human." He says. "Then you look at them, canvas skin, plaster flesh, ropes for sinews, glass eyes...every one of them is different. Some of them run away, some fight the others, a few just sit in the middle of the street and wail. All of them scream when they see you and know that you see them." He shudders.

>>25247426
I think its more more he probably doesn't care one way or the other about religion. weather or not that counts as atheists or not is also something he probably dos'tn care about.

>>25247506
After these messages, we'll be right back.

>>25247506
"Meaner than they are? Does that mean you've finished some off?"

>>25247506
Well, the purple rebels sound like something one of the more power hungry Newgates crated, and they may help us if our targets align. However, our real enemy are the Citadel Golems and their master.

How about HIS? Does our new frind know where she is?

>>25247632
a good thing to ask him would be about the location of Her illuminated Self

I also think we should visit the official paladins at the burning corpse pit. It doesn't seem so much like there's a bounty or anything out on us yet.

>>25247426
>>25247508
I'd call it more of a genteel athiesm or agnosticism than militant atheism. Especially since he isn't going full sperglord on us. Which I think he just suggested he might do a bit of regarding Trevor

>>25247506
"Why, that's fascinating. I don't think I've heard of stranger yet. You'll have to tell me all about the times you've seen them., and how you keep them away."

>>25247506
This guy would make an amazing Call of Cthulhu PC

So, THEORIES!

These things are the ones that made people "drop dead" when they left citadel.

They can only be seen by certain people, which is why they take those who see them.

>>25247506
We should tell him about the souls.

Also... I gotta wonder if all those incidents are the souls trapped within the city starting to break free of Citadel..

>>25247961

Possible. I think it more likely they're a recent invention, something Peace threw together.

Something so slapdash and out of place screams desperation in its design.

>>25248007
Perhaps. or they could just be
>>25247996
escaped souls, doing escaped soul things.

They're probably escaped souls, driven mad by being in the dark. And those who see them and disapear are probably due to Citadel itself who is trying to prevent even more panic.

>>25247961
Actually I think that these things used to Be humans.

I think they may be the 'not humans' we saw crawling over Citadel in our dream a while back. People who gave themselves completely over to citadel and became a literal part of it, and now that its power has weakened it can no longer hide how twisted they have become, even from themselves.

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>>25248195

Wow. I really hope you're wrong.

>>25248272
no, that's what's going on. We've said it, so it's true.

Man these guys haven't been weirded out by us being a lamia once.

Good gameface, these guys have.

>>25247631
"Meaner than they are? Does that mean you've finished some off?" You ask.

He shrugs. "As much as you can call those things 'finished.' I suppose. They're still made of stone, wood, and other things that break when you hit them hard enough." He nods. "You just have to do it enough times that they don't come back."

"Why, that's fascinating. I don't think I've heard of stranger yet. You'll have to tell me all about the times you've seen them, and how you keep them away." You say.

"Well...that's the strangest thing." He says. "I think I HAVE found a way to keep them away. But when I tell them about it, the citizens call me crazy and my men give me funny looks." He jerks his head. "It's in the other room, with the kids."

>>25248507
lets go see.

>>25248507
"Marvelous, if everyone thinks you're crazy it must be good. Or worthless. It's usually a tossup, but I'm an optimist."

>>25248507

"What works is what works. I think you'd agree?"

>>25248507
5 gold says it's a clock.

>>25248507
Bet you it's a clock.

>>25248654
>>25248657
have we gotten pocketwatches yet?

>>25248654
>>25248657
one of our companions should say this.

>>25248677
We should say it

>>25248576
"Marvelous, if everyone thinks you're crazy it must be good. Or worthless. It's usually a tossup, but I'm an optimist." You say.

"You are very unlike most of the Paladins I have seen in my life." Janos says.

"Is it cause she has red hair?" Mage asks. "Or that she has green AND yellow scales?"

"Everyone in Citadel knows of the Paladin Serpent." Janos says. "Although I'm a little surprised to see that you wear such...normal...armor. The pictures that show your triumphs and deeds have you and your people dressed...differently."

He leads you to the theater proper, and you see a room full of young kids. They're watching the stage, a shadow puppet show is being performed. 'Magic' lanterns dance lights and paper cut outs gesture and twirl across the stage. A band plays a harp, a flute, and a drum. It's very calm. But you recognize what kind of story is being shown to the children.

It's a rendition of one of the Lightbringer stories.

>>25248728

>feeding the beast

Damn it.

>>25248728
>green AND yellow scales

I KNEW WE WERE YELLOWBELLIED

>>25248728
"So, the puppet show was the thing to see all along? Care to explain?"

>>25248728
Let's watch it!

>>25248745
You are probably right.

>>25248788
This, see how this particular rendition ends. See if it's the same as the usual ones or closer to the original.

>>25248817
>>25248745
I wonder if we can feed it with fictional stories?

>>25248847
>>25248788
shit, this is actually a good idea.

Also I think we should just start, I don't know, punching the wall when people mention that armor thing. Or something.

>>25248872

Well, we could get a baby rattle, tie it to our tail, and shake it...works about as well as anything else.

>>25248896
Never.

Nobody will ever be able to get us to do this.

>>25248931
Unless they really hate having a skeleton

>>25248745
Or maybe those "magic" lanterns have something more to them...

>>25248783
"So, the puppet show was the thing to see all along? Care to explain?" You ask.

Janos shrugs. "It was a bad night, the kids were freaking out, and the City Things were skulking about, getting ready to take us all. So, one of my guys grabs the equipment and starts to put on a show. He only knows the Lightbringer stories by heart, so he does one. The one with the bear and the ice wyrm. The kids quiet down and watch it, and the City Things...go away." He shrugs. "And every night that we've done these shows, the City Things get less and less hostile." He shrugs. "People think I'm nuts when I tell them this, but it keeps the kids calm while we wait out the storm."

>>25248931
I bet Tricia could do it if she traded for the wings (not that she'd take that trade).

>>25248990

I'm imagining citadel as a baby, crying in a crib made of bones, and these stories as those little music boxes that play music via a spring and a studded wheel.

And I REALLY want to just drop-kick that baby into a river.

>>25249007
Bah no need to actually do a trade. We've got a few decades/centuries to come up with a plan that gets her wings

>>25248990
"Of course it calms the city down. The Lightbringer story is its favorite after all. Thank you for showing me this. I don't suppose you know where HIS is being kept?"

>>25248990
He knows enough already, he deserves to hear why he's not insane.

"You're not nuts. Citadel is, but you're not crazy for figuring out its secret. Think of it like a spoiled rotten child and you'll be on the right track; it loves these stories.

It loves the real thing even more, but it isn't getting that right now. Or ever again."

>>25249116

Seconded, but refer to Citadel as 'the city'. Don't make too big of a leap.

>>25248990
"You know, that actually makes some amount of sense. Gives me a good lead on the agenda of these things. Though whether or not catering this is warding them away or paying them tribute is yet to be seen- things get really weird when you're dealing with creatures like this. There's all sorts of bizzare rules and spiritual contract mumbo jumbo. Usually takes a wizard and two ancient languages to figure out! Keep doing what you're doing, but be prepared to change as the situation does. Myself, I've got to get to the bottom of this."

>>25249175
Fine by me.

>>25249116
>>25249175
Nthed.

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>>25249175
>>25249116
Good with these.

>>25249229
I can easily imagine the Cathedral looking like that now.

>>25249176
I guess don't use this if we're going the direct route.

>>25248990
You aren't warding the city things off, you're paying them tribute.

>>25249265
Clearly we just need to shift Citadel into a random theatre in the middle of nowhere, and let it veg out.

>>25249288
That might be the best way to do it.

I wonder how it would like new stories?

>>25249307
It likes a certain very specific kind of novelty, the kind that's really just more and more of the same. Other than that, novelty is tantrum-inducing.

>>25248990
"Its because, in a way, you are feeding them what they want." <When he goes to ask just what the fuck we're talking about> "Its a story that would take too long to explain so don't ask."

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>>25249307

It BETTER. Citadel is everything that was wrong with the 90's 'Dark Age' of comic book writing. Grim n' Gritty, lots of sacrifice and bloodshed, and the hero always-ALWAYS-dies at the end.

There is a better way. Justice figured it out, followed by everyone else. A story doesn't have to have a sad ending to have meaning. It just has to be a good story.

This city-this stupid, brainless, insipid pile of tinsel and rubble-needs a good old fashion dose of reconstruction.

Well, if they're defending themselves and THE KIDS, I deem it a fair trade, for now. Of course, I'd like him, his krew and all the civillians to leave for safer areas and we should tell him that. But we have to be focused on our mission and that is to free HIS.

>>25249475
I'd be much more fine with citadel if it only ate plays, and not souls, bodies, and heroes.

>>25249116
"You're not nuts. The city is, but you're not crazy for figuring out its secret. Think of it like a spoiled rotten child and you'll be on the right track; it loves these stories.

"It loves the real thing even more, but it isn't getting that right now. Or ever again." You say.

"Huh?" Janos asks.

"It's a long complicated story." Mari says.

"I bet." Janos says.

"Do you know where Her Illuminated Self is being kept?" You ask.

He nods. "Yeah, come back to the maps."

You leave the theater and go back to the Shadow Company's HQ. "She's being held in the Silver Eagle neighborhood, but don't bother going there. By the time you reach it, they'll have moved her." He points on the map. "They've been moving her every other day for some reason."

"Let me guess." Mage says. "She's here now...but she was here...and here...before, RIght?"

"Yeah...how'd you know?" Janos asks.

"They're running a mandala." He says. "Long magic-babbly explanation made short, they're slowly converting HIS so she can't be brought back, they have to keep moving, and they have keep her at these points to do it." He draws a few lines and circles on the map. Then he puts a big red X on it. "There. That's where she'll be for the next few days."

"What kind of timeline are we working with Mage?" Peri asks.

"They're nearly half-way through." Mage says. "If we want to save her, we have to stop this before they complete the Ocean District. We do that, we can bring her back, we screw it up...and best case scenario is that she'll have free will, but will never be able to leave Citadel. Ever."

"Worst case? We kill her?"

"No...no that's really not the worst case." Mage says. "You don't want to know what the worst case is."

>>25249578
Yes I do Mage.

>>25249578
"Well great, sounds like the perfect foundation for a plan! Do we have time to spring the imprisoned paladins first? That could be a useful distraction while we rescue her, but probably not as time-sensitive."

>>25249578
>"No...no that's really not the worst case." Mage says. "You don't want to know what the worst case is."

"I really do. The known is always less scary than the unknown. We're going to stop it, but I want to know what we're going to stop, and what they were trying to pull in case it comes up again."

>>25249578
Let me guess. She becomes Citadel's mind, body... and soul. Citadel Corrupt like those poor monsters.

Should we bother contacting the Paladins? Or shall we go scout out the place she will be.

>>25249578
I think it's about time for this song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCOPuGBg_W0

"Whatever a Mandala is, I hate it and it must be stopped. Janos, you have any information on the site?"

>>25249578
...Worst case is HIS becomes a Dramatae or an Avatar of Citadel.

We need to reach the X-ed area so we can ambush whoever is holding HIS and get her out of this hellhole. We should ask Janos if he wants to be a bigdamn hero and help save HIS.

>>25249679
He wont he doesnt give a flying fuck about HIS so it wont matter.

>>25249679
>...Worst case is HIS becomes a Dramatae or an Avatar of Citadel.

Having HIS as the next Tragedy wouldn't be *nearly* as bad as having HIS as a physical avatar of Citadel.

>>25249578
I want to know what the stakes are.

>>25249781
Yeah. Not that we don't already fight as hard as we can, but there's something extra compelling about knowing exactly what you're fighting against. Plus, more knowledge *never* hurts.

>>25249578
"And the paladins? Do you know where they're being kept?"

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>>25249744

"I really do. The known is always less scary than the unknown. We're going to stop it, but I want to know what we're going to stop, and what they were trying to pull in case it comes up again." You say.

"What, Mage?" Lea asks. "Her Illuminated Self becomes a physical avatar of Citadel?"

Mage shakes his head. "Her Illuminated Self is not Peace's Plan A, she's the back-up plan."

"Regular words, Mage." Tricia says.

"Her Illuminated Self would be the...host." He says. "If Peace succeeds, then even if we took out the Heart, and stopped Citadel, then Peace could start all over."

"So...wait...HIS would be the mother of a new Citadel?" Peri asks.

"Not quite...more like how there's a type of wasp that injects its young into a living lizard, and how when those young hatch they eat the lizard from the inside out?" Mage nods. "This would be WORSE than that."

>>25249951
"Janos, if you're overhearing this, I'd suggest either bowing out or getting in on it. We're up to paladin business now, and it tends to escalate quickly."

>>25249951
She would hatch to be the new city wouldn't she? She'd contain all the souls that Citadel has harvested that Peace can cram into her. And once the Lightbringer story is finished once again... wherever she is... a new Citadel would sprout.

>>25249951
"Hey, no insect-shaming around here mister. Well, nothing to do but preventing that from ever coming to fruition, then."

>>25249951
"Well, that's horrible, thanks for telling me. We've got a few days, you say? I guess we're used to working on a time limit. We should get to staking the place out, maybe have tricia give us the layout. Maybe I'll talk to the other paladins, see what news they have."

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>>25249951

>Citadel and Peace as botflies
>FUCKING BOTFLIES

I HATE this city. I HATE Peace. I HATE them both, with a fiery passion that blazes like the plasmatic heart of a red giant star. If my hate were harnessed as a form of energy it would meet all the energy needs of the world thrice over.

>>25250008

This.

>>25250008
>"Hey, no insect-shaming around here mister. Well, nothing to do but preventing that from ever coming to fruition, then."

Seconded.

>>25249981
>"Janos, if you're overhearing this, I'd suggest either bowing out or getting in on it. We're up to paladin business now, and it tends to escalate quickly."

Sounds good; we could probably use the help if he's willing, or at least ask him to put on a huge show as a distraction.

>>25249951
So planning an ambush is top priority right now isn't it? Janos! If you are with us, I hope you and your crew can help with this, I don't expect you to actually fight, but constructing an ambush sight would be much appreciated

>>25250115

Not this.

>>25250054
settle down, yo.

>>25250115
what are you stupid?

If anything, this is a heist.

>>25250165
Leviathan's Five.

>>25249951
"What a lovely shadow we're about to go barreling into."

>>25250174
Poor Dana. We just picked her up and dumped her in our hot tub.

>>25250198
>Poor Dana. We just picked her up and dumped her in our hot tub.

I think we ought to have a longer conversation with her after we rescue HIS and make our way back to Stone Hall and Bronze Peak.

>>25250198
well, she didn't want to come to the mainland.

We'll adventure with her when we're pirates, later on in life.

>>25250217
Paladin Pirates.... I gotta sea that.

Her Illuminated Self has been kidnapped by Dramatae.

Are you a righteous enough Paladin to rescue HIS?

>>25250237
>Paladin Pirates.... I gotta sea that.

Paladin *Privateers*.

>>25250260
Bringing His Light to the Seven Seas.

>>25250215
Well, she IS the best conversation of all the Dawnchasers & Co.

"Hey, no insect-shaming around here mister. Well, nothing to do but preventing that from ever coming to fruition, then." You say.

"Oh! Right, sorry Tricia." Mage says.

Tricia waves him off. "How do we get there from here?"

"Janos, if you're overhearing this, I'd suggest either bowing out or getting in on it. We're up to paladin business now, and it tends to escalate quickly." You say.

"You lost me when you started to talk as if Citadel was a living thing." He says. "I'll show you the best way to the Ocean District, but I'm not leaving Feather Hill. I've worked too hard to keep this place safer than the rest of the city." He shrugs. "And while I'm not against helping the HIS if she needs it, I doubt that she'd want someone like me near one of those so-called sacred sites."

"Just you, or the entire Shadow Company?" Lea asks. "I'm just curious if it's just your reputation that has blanketed the entire group of if they have similar viewpoints."

"A couple share my 'viewpoint,' if you want to call it that." Janos says. "But it's mostly me, yeah. I don't believe in His Light, the Silent God, or any other big face in the sky that's supposed to be watching us. It's as much a fairy tale and as solid as the shadows back in that theater. Of course, shadow puppets never slaughtered people."

Lea holds up a hand. "Fine. That's fine. You're here to help the people of Citadel. We're also here to help the people of Citadel. Neither of us is here to argue."

Janos frowns and shifts his shoulders. "You won't reach the Ocean District by nightfall if you leave now." He says. "I suggest you stay here for the evening, we have reasonable rates, and then take off at the first light of dawn. Then you'll get there with plenty of daylight to burn." He kind of looks upset that Lea wasn't willing to get into a shouting match with him.

>>25250279
Wonder what she's doing right now.

>>25250287

I don't think we have the time to waste.

>>25250287
What time is it right now? Could we make it to the market/corpse pit and back before nightfall?

I'm fine with staying the night if it's already late.

>>25250287
"We have no need to argue theology; hang around us long enough and you'll get all the evidence you need.

And arriving after nightfall sounds just fine; who says they're going to wait for daytime for the ritual? Let's get going. Janos, if you wouldn't mind, make tonight's theatre production a night to remember; we could use the distraction."

Dark for dark business indeed.

>>25250287
"Sorry everyone, No rest for the Righteous."

>>25250287
Drum your fingers.

"No, I think perhaps we might want the cover of night for this. Sad I didn't get to inform the other paladins, but this is a time sensitive matter. Oh, speaking of other paladins, do you happen to know where the imprisoned paladins are being kept?"

>>25250287
"Bright daylight may not be ideal for our plans, but thank you for the offer."

Hey guys, know what this means?

A SNEAKING MISSION!

This can't go wrong!

>>25250591
you just doomed us.

>>25250591
>This can't go wrong!

You.

>>25250591
We have a good record with sneaking missions, even your jinx can't stop us!

"We have no need to argue theology; hang around us long enough and you'll get all the evidence you need." You say.

Janos scoffs.

"And arriving after nightfall sounds just fine; who says they're going to wait for daytime for the ritual? Let's get going. Janos, if you wouldn't mind, make tonight's theatre production a night to remember; we could use the distraction." You say.

"What? You mean bells, whistles, and fireworks?" He says. "We're not exactly professional performers."

"We're hardly a professional group ourselves." Tricia says. "Just anything you can do to spruce the place up and make the show more...public...would do wonders for us."

Janos rolls his eyes.

"Sad I didn't get to inform the other paladins, but this is a time sensitive matter. Oh, speaking of other paladins, do you happen to know where the imprisoned paladins are being kept?" You ask.

"There aren't any." Janos says. "At least I don't think there are any. The Purples claim that the 'Corrupt' have them locked up in the Market place, and the Loyalists claim that the 'Traitors' have them in Occuli HQ.

"But that isn't the important part." Janos says. "The important part, of this whole debacle, is...what's in this for me if I help you by putting on this 'big show?' I mean, by what I've heard, and what you're telling me, isn't doing this going to bring a huge mass of attention, not to mention City Things, Feather Hill's way?"

"The whole POINT of the barricades and the silent watches and the calm tolls is to make us NOT a point of attention. I've seen what happen to places like Paper Lantern, that make noise and get attention. Those places burn." He shakes his head. "And I want something more than just what little gold you have on you, or the promises of empty platitudes from an invisible person."

Rolled 1

>>25250591
>>25250640
Sneaky luck test.

>>25250697

Tell him, then. Tell him *exactly* what he's fighting for. And who the Messenger is.

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>>25250591
>This can't go wrong!

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>>25250719

You motherfucker.

>>25250747
>Tell him, then. Tell him *exactly* what he's fighting for. And who the Messenger is.

Yeah, at this point he needs to know.

>>25250719
Well this will go swimmingly.

>>25250719
Fuck, abort the mission.

>>25250697
"No, that's fine, we recognize it would bring a huge amount of heat down on you. Which is why we asked, so you could turn it down if you wanted. Not everyone jumps at the chance for heroism."

We don't want to bring heat down on these guys if they can't handle it.

>>25250747
This. If he doesn't believe us, tell him that if magic can be real then magically malicious land spirits can be too. And it'll explain a lot for him.

>>25250697
"Want us to get you and your guys out of Citadel? That can be arraigned."

>>25250719
>>25250591
Thou hast offended the dice gods. You've doomed us all you colossal faggot.

>>25250809
>>25250747
both of these. Tell him what he is getting into and give him the option to avoid like any sane being would.

>>25250747

Seconding.

>>25250809
Actually I like this better.

I'm the poster of >>25250840

>>25250820
>"Want us to get you and your guys out of Citadel? That can be arraigned."

Good thinking. He may not like promises from the Light, but hopefully the Paladin Serpent's word is still pretty good.

>>25250747
>>25250836
>both of these. Tell him what he is getting into and give him the option to avoid like any sane being would.

Agreed; if he doesn't want to do it after he knows what he's in for, fine.

>>25250697
"Because those stories placate those monsters and the thing that creates them likes spectacle and with what we're about to do, it and the creatures that serve it will be very. very angry. You're not doing this for me, nor the Light I serve, but for the people of Feather Hill."

>>25250893

Will we be telling him the part about how we are the ones causing the bad times by starving the Citadel?

>>25250923
In the context of Citadel being a spoiled child that wants nothing to change, ever, yes. We could always tell him about the folks who were furious with us because it rained.

>>25250719
Rolling out the ones its all good

>>25250697
"All right. What do you want?"

>>25250923
We should also definitely reiterate the fact that souls are a thing, and that Citadel itself eats the souls of the dead, uses their corpses to build and expand, and requires the slaughter of innocent bystanders or a regular basis. That the "Messenger" is the one who arranges this slaughter, and is personally responsible for the deaths of thousands, if not millions of men, women, children, and for the damnation of their souls.

Because it's the truth, and even if they've turned their backs on the Light they have the right to know it.

>>25251292
Hell, Lysander and his crew basically told us to let them all die rather than make any deals with the Dramatae once they knew.

Even if the guys we're dealing with aren't religious, the reality of the situation and the knowledge of what's really fueled their "good times" has horrified every reasonable person we've told.