YESSS!!!!

>>25630658

Its time!

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Recent Events Summary:

After ensuring that Ila, a powerful shadow mage, is a trustworthy leader of your new group, you spoke with Sir Flint - and you both agreed it was time to see the archmage, Yi Fang. You flew with him to the mighty fortress of Archon, and met with the mage in person.

Your friend, Abigail, is already twisted into a complex political situation. Fang requires his own trustworthy leader to succeed him, and he sees Abigail, his niece as that leader. But unless she performs, her admission to the Archonium - a requirement for any would-be councilor or archmage - is in question, and while that is so, she is a target for those that would take a seat, or the archmage's tower, for themselves. Fang sees you as the "summon" that will ensure none question her abilities.

You've already destroyed a family that targeted her for their own political gain, but learned that they were only puppets of a greater threat - the councilor Hae Cheung, who seeks the title of Archmage for himself.

There are ten council seats - 9 currently occupied. Abigail requires a majority approval to be admitted to the Archonium. Yi fang claims he has 3 votes secured, but therefore requires 2 more - one of which you've aquired from Tae Wong, a fair-minded and powerful councilor. Tae Wong has acknowledged Abigail's powers after she defeated his son in a duel, and made a good impression with his family.

On the way back to the city, you were ambushed. While Adavan and Yi Fang defended your young ward, you attacked and consumed the mages responsible - including Jun Cheun, Hae Cheung's favored nephew. Now that the Cheung family has been caught twice crossing the line, Yi Fang plots revenge of an immediate and violent nature...

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Daily Reminder: New and Improved.

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>>25630658

>>25630658
IT'S SHADOW TIME!

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>>25630689

lol

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------

Ability Tree

GREEN abilities have been unlocked and learned.

BLUE abilties are unlocked, but are not yet purchased.

RED abilities are revealed, but locked due to prerequisites.

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

Unlocked Ability Descriptions:

http://pastebin.com/Xap75HwF

Books the Main Character has read:

http://pastebin.com/dAXR00gP

Character Sheet including learned abilities and other important information:

http://pastebin.com/gbe5TLyV

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Current Statistics:

HP: 50/56
Mana: 27/34
EXP: 4
Humanity: 439
Temerity: 227

Shards of True Darkness: 2
(Isolation) - Weak
{Hunger} - Strong

Summoned:

Wisp (1 mana per order, does not break control, stealths with you)

Equipment:

Utility belt with purse

Inventory:

Shadow Sword Shard x 2
Fancy Sun-Moon Key
Succubus Reagents x 1

Current Location:

Archon

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>>25630658
YAY! IT BEGINS ANEW!

FUCK YES! SHADOW QUEST!

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>finished binging on the archives in 2 days
>shadow quest at the beginning
My body is beyond ready.

I would like to propose that instead of voting on each individual ability, we vote on which trees to complete first.

Exceptions can be made if a case can be presented for getting something beforehand, but purchasing remainder abilities as we acquire the xp would make the process more streamlined.

>>25630711
just to let everyone who missed the last thread know, finishing off a ability tree gives a bonus cap ability. the one for the strength tree was TITANIC.
the one for the shapeshifting tree was vaporal and we accidentally got it early.

our next goal is the defence tree and the movement tree

>>25630748
It would also make the process completely stupid. I vote nay.

>Last time...

You consume all of the mages.

The ones you killed first have almost 'bled' dry...but you absorb a scant bit of their energy. The strongest Spirit mage should make a good meal.

You're not surprised when you pull back his cowl. Jun Cheung. He'd been planning this from the start.

You finish off your snacks. Then wait patiently for Fang to arrive. And arrive he does, although his magic doesn't let him fly very quickly. He settles to the ground next to you. "Good work, Shadow."

You warp your face to replicate the appearance of Jun Cheung. <Guess who led this little ambush?>

Fang slowly smiles an evil, evil smiles. "Now, Shadow. You didn't tell me you could do THAT."

<Do what?>

"That disguise...is perfect." As impossible as it seems, his smile widens. "A dash of spirit, and you'd be the spitting soul of Jun Cheung."

<...what are you planning?>

"I won't need to buy a vote if we annihilate the Cheung family," Fang says. "I warned them - I warned him, personally, to keep his ugly face out of this. And now, I've got the perfect method of infiltration. An undetectable replica of his favored nephew!"

Fang cackles like a madman bent on revenge - which is exactly, you realize, what he is.

You think about how Abigail might have been harmed, and you mirror the sentiment.

>con't

>>25630758
After the defense and movement trees, I'd like to go for the poison and water trees.

>>25630758
wait, when did this happen?

The order probably should be something like
Toughness Tree
Agility Tree
Poison\Sight Tree

>>25630758
Then we can finish off gaping maw to just finish it off since we need it for OPERATION: HYDRA.

>>25630748
I vote that you can no longer submit ideas.

Alright! I'm just in time!

>>25630778
The end of last thread.

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Because SM's list isn't thorough enough for me.

A list of ongoing tasks of varying importance, sorted to groups by relation, ongoing starred:

Personal:
>*Make sure Abigail isn't murdered in school
>*Deal with Flint's parasite (Yi Fang promised to help)
>*Find the Staff of the Winds (Yi Fang needs it too, see above)
>*Find more fragments of Shadow

Elemental:
>Free Geb, make a new friend (Or don't)
>Get all 4 keys, free Hecate. (Adavan wants to help)

Political/Leaders:
>Find out situation in Kelvere, is the Duke really dead?
>Find out what else the Duke was hiding from us
>Get information on Sandalphon’s movements and the Light empire’s situation
>Get in contact with Steward/City 001
>Find out what's up with the Black Lady. Could she be trusted?
>Get Obis his throne back
>Ask the Elven Queen some very pointed questions about our memories

Misc/Faction:
>Find Joey
>See to it that Haven is safe, make sure differently aligned mages behave
>Research Dynamos

Potential new tasks (Mentioned but not agreed upon):
>Share your power with more people/make your Gift more powerful
>End Skysever (we have read that the spell is physically located somewhere and visible, yet hard to access)
>Deal with Legion
>Explore, this world feels small
>Find the rest of the Sword
>Find the other Elementals
>Convince Flint to become the leader of his people, after the parasite has been dealt with
>Find what happened to the Dwarves
>Find out about the Presence we felt when using Focus in the Shadow temple underneath Tarun Gakt


Remember all of these have direct and indirect solutions. For instance, the keys: We could just go in and take them by storm, sneaking around

and killing those who spot us, but do we want that? Would it help upkeep our image as a good-intending catalystic force, or would we appear as

a self-righteous destroyer? Atlantis is believed to have a key. Too bad for us, their water supply relies on it.

>>25630658
Since it's 4am and I'm posting from my phone. I'll keep this brief.

Yi Fang will betray us to the angels the moment we outlive our usefulness.

>>25630789
like, in the meta-discussion?

>>25630781
We'd also have to finish off the entire stealth tree from the looks of things.

>>25630790
Hey, isn't "Repair the Noiralev to full functional capacity" a goal?

>>25630797
When we spent the xp to buy earth resistance. So yeah, I guess that was during the meta.

>>25630814
if we can figure out how to make a dynamo. that should be the first priority.

If we buy Automaton, we can use the adamantium from the Noiralev to make a superstrong robot.

>>25630774

Before we get our shadow dead squad on, I could like to propose a rule went it comes to killing, No Children. As simple as that.

>>25630814
Because SM's list isn't thorough enough for me.

A list of ongoing tasks of varying importance, sorted to groups by relation, ongoing starred:

Personal:
>*Make sure Abigail isn't murdered in school
>*Deal with Flint's parasite (Yi Fang promised to help)
>*Find the Staff of the Winds (Yi Fang needs it too, see above)
>*Find more fragments of Shadow

Elemental:
>Free Geb, make a new friend (Or don't)
>Get all 4 keys, free Hecate. (Adavan wants to help)

Political/Leaders:
>Find out situation in Kelvere, is the Duke really dead?
>Find out what else the Duke was hiding from us
>Get information on Sandalphon’s movements and the Light empire’s situation
>Get in contact with Steward/City 001
>Find out what's up with the Black Lady. Could she be trusted?
>Get Obis his throne back
>Ask the Elven Queen some very pointed questions about our memories

Misc/Faction:
>Find Joey
>See to it that Haven is safe, make sure differently aligned mages behave
>Research Dynamos
>Repair the Noiralev to full functional capacity

Potential new tasks (Mentioned but not agreed upon):
>Share your power with more people/make your Gift more powerful
>End Skysever (we have read that the spell is physically located somewhere and visible, yet hard to access)
>Deal with Legion
>Explore, this world feels small
>Find the rest of the Sword
>Find the other Elementals
>Convince Flint to become the leader of his people, after the parasite has been dealt with
>Find what happened to the Dwarves
>Find out about the Presence we felt when using Focus in the Shadow temple underneath Tarun Gakt


Remember all of these have direct and indirect solutions. For instance, the keys: We could just go in and take them by storm, sneaking around

and killing those who spot us, but do we want that? Would it help upkeep our image as a good-intending catalystic force, or would we appear as

a self-righteous destroyer? Atlantis is believed to have a key. Too bad for us, their water supply relies on it.

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

It's been a few hours since the ambush, and you're back in the tower. Flint and Adavan are sparring, as has become their daily routine - Flint to keep himself sharp, and Adavan to flex his new abilities as your Servant.

Since his declaration of revenge, Fang hasn't said a word. He simply sat himself down at his desk and began to think. Or, you suppose, plot.

You idly watch Flint attempt to case a spell. It's some sort of light-based attack. What should be strong magic is compressed by the parasite. A tiny fizzle shoots from Flint's finger, and is easily scattered by Adavan's shield of shadow. "You have to do better than that."

Flint shakes his head and sighs. "I've practice that one spell for years, and that's as good as it gets."

"Maybe something different?" Adavan asks. "More subtle?"

"More subtle is more complicated, and I just can't manage," Flint says. "But it's enough for a distraction, I suppose."

What do you do?

>go speak with Fang
>explore Archon for the shadow elemental
>watch the duel; maybe you can be helpful
>meditate to recharge a shard
>something else

>>25630790
I don't think the keystone is they type of key we are looking for and it's more of something that has a elemental lord trapped inside of it.

>>25630814
Didn't see it mentioned since I started keeping this list. You'll see it as a potential task in future updates.

>>25630840
>>explore Archon for the shadow elemental

>Toxic Smog
>Analyze
>Robust Immunity
>?
And then we're done with that tree.

>Shittin' Krieg
And then we're done with the movement tree.

>Wind Resistance
And then we're done with the toughness tree.

>>25630840
>watch duel

>>25630840
watch the duel. this could be interesting.

>>25630867
>>Toxic Smog
>>Analyze
>>Robust Immunity
>>?
>And then we're done with that tree.

I think there's more than one ? to finish off the poison tree

>>25630794
I'm genuinely not sure if he will.

It depends on how he views our relationship with Abigail, really.

>>25630840
Meditate to charge a shard.

Lets get isolation up to strong. We'll need it to help with barriers.

>>25630840
>meditate to recharge a shard

i would want to find our elemental brother, but i dont think we are going to find this guy without being able to use deep focus freely.

>>25630840
Be helpful. Let's try to boost Flint's attack by shaping his spell into a spear with our shadow magic.

>>25630840
>explore Archon for the shadow elemental
Let's see if Fang will help us with searching for it since he doesn't want us using Focus.

>>25630840
>meditate to recharge a shard

Isolation needs some love too.

>>25630867
Don't forget
>Disguise
>Kindle
>Fast Blink
>?
>?
>?
>Multishade
>?
>?
>Lightning Resistance x2
>Shadow Rage
>Puppet master
>Shadefang poison
ALL THAT to finish off the center tree.

Then just
>Gaping Maw
To finish off the consume tree.

>>25630840
Ask fang if we have a few hours to spare.

I'd like if we could fly back to the shiprakers to check in on the group, make sure they haven't been attacked, and notify Auriel of what's going on.


Failing that, Meditate on the isolation shard. It's a bit low, and we need to work toward getting all the shards resonating anyway.

>>25630840
>meditate to recharge a shard

Then we can go look for the shard

>>25630881
it looks like there is an ability on the other side of spirit syphon, and it looks to be on the poison tree. so we have to get siphon as well to finish. but toxic smog could be the last on its tree

>>25630899
>>25630866

this elemental is sneaky sneaky. we'll waste too much time looking when we could be productive elsewhere.

>>25630919
at this moment I'm fully expecting the shadow elemental to be in the hands of the enemy.

>>25630904
We already got vaporal early, so finishing off the consume tree (actually called the form tree) won't actually give us anything.

>>25630928
very true. we'll see how it turns out. at the moment, we should prepare for the revenge hit.

>>25630840
>watch the duel; maybe you can be helpful
First, I'm sure we can give Adavan some insight into shadow.

Then,
>go speak with Fang

>>25630931
honesly gaping maw is useful enough that we should get it anyway. We have LOTS of mana to use it now.

We should get Wind Resistance right now, I think we have enough XP.

Voting already?

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

Vote 1:
>watch duel

Vote 2:
>recharge shard

>>25630950
Costs 6
Have 4

Nope

>>25630955
2

>>25630950

It's 6 EXP, you have 4.

>>25630955
2

>>25630955
1

>>25630955
2

>>25630955
1

>>25630955
1

>>25630955
2

>>25630955
2

>>25630955
2

>>25630955
1

>>25630955
2

>>25630975
hell no. for all we know he is the one that has it captive. though if it is captive it might not be the stealth shard but something else

>>25630955
2

Alright, roll 1d100 to recharge the Isolation shard

>>25630955
2

Rolled 10

>>25631029

Rolled 16

>>25631029

Rolled 55

>>25631029

Rolled 35

>>25631029

Rolled 12

>>25631029
>inb4 broken shard

Rolled 20

>>25631029

Rolled 6

welp, fail, gonna roll a second time in hpoe for a 100

>>25631029

Rolled 16

>>25631029

Rolled 41

>>25631029
god damn it

Holy fuck these dice tonight.

>>25631035
>>25631036
>>25631037
>>25631038
>>25631047
>>25631049
>>25631054
>>25631056
...wow, it's gonna be one of those nights.

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>>25631035
>>25631036
>>25631038
>>25631047
>>25631049
>>25631054
>>25631056

It's going to be one of those threads.

Rolled 41

>>25631029

Rolled 90

>>25631029
Tbh people should wait a minute or so before posting more rolls if they start low. I guess the general consesus is that the board uses microtime php implementation.

Conseal might also be useful if we ever have to extract Abby from an assassination attempt or sneak someone else around at high speed.

>>25630955
2

>>25631089
bah, hate it when i late post

>>25630839
>Atlantis is believed to have a key.
Actually, Atlantis has the keystone, which is probably the Water Elemental Lord, trapped in some sort of prison. Maybe something like a dynamo.

>>25631121
we've got a key, flint's family has a key... who else?

>>25631150
The duke, well, whoever is now the duke

>>25631150
Abigail has the key... To our black inky heart.

You delve into yourself and seek the shard of Isolation. You form it in your grasp, seeking to strengthen it with your own power...

...but your shadows slip around it. They just can't quite work into the cracks. After what feels like a few frustrating moments, you sigh. Perhaps another try later.

You glance up. The light coming in the windows has changed. Flint and Adavan are gone. It always seems longer than you think after you meditate...

You hear voices from Fang's study. Sounds like him...and Abigail? You wander up the stairs.

"...Shadow said he made me mess up," Abigail said. "but I don't - "

"It's alright, Abigail," Fang's voice says. "We're going to take care of it."

You hesitate. You could just walk in...either way, Fang is sure to know you're there, unless you did something a bit more drastic...

What do you do?

>walk inside
>listen at the door; don't butt in
>use a stealth ability(ies) to evade detection. You want to hear what he tells his niece when you're not around.

>>25631161
Neo-Duke 2.0.

>>25631161
yes, that's right... and I want to say somebody who hates us also has a key. or, not hates us but probably wouldn't like us. who am I thinking of?

>use a stealth ability(ies) to evade detection. You want to hear what he tells his niece when you're not around.

>>25630928
Well Jen Cheung didn't recognize us as a non-summoned creature. I'd say that the Cheung family doesn't have the other shadow elemental.

>>25631177
walk in. we have nothing to be afraid of. both of them trust us.

>>25631177
>walk right the fuck in

>>25631177
>walk inside
Just act like we own the place.

>>25631177
Super stealth action GO!

>>25631177
>use a stealth ability(ies) to evade detection. You want to hear what he tells his niece when you're not around.

>>25631177
>listen at the door; don't butt in
We'll butt in afterwards.

>>25631177
>walk inside

>>25631177
I just realized fang confirmed that we can make a perfect and undetectable replica of someone else (like the duke)

>>25631177

>walk inside

>>25631206
He didn't, at least not before he tried to de-summon us. I doubt they control the other shadow.

>>25631121
Finally it sparked discussion. So many things in this world that are worthy of our attention, yet we only meddle with a few mortals.

>>25631177
>walk inside

>>25631226
>fang confirmed
Son, we already knew that. We just can't replicate the feel of their souls.

Confirmed walking in.

Writing.

>>25631255
maybe we can if we CONSUME them.

>everyone just wanting to walk in
Just because he seems to want what's best for Abby doesn't mean he think we're what's best for Abby. I'd really like to learn what he thinks of us. If we're just a tool to protect her for the time being or not.

>>25631257
I like it when Qms confirm things before writing. You should do that more often.

>>25631177
We shouldn't go skulking around. Also, Fang will probably not look kindly on us trying to stealth about if it fails. Judging by the rolls earlier, I'd rather not take that chance.

>>25631255
didnt fang imply he could give us "a dash of spirit" to help with our disguise? if that's true, we might be able to do the same thing with lightning.

>>25631150
Obis' family, or maybe even Obis.

>>25631271
Abby will get depresssed if we disappear.

>>25631267
Disguise probably helps when replicating actual other people.

>>25631286

It would be harder to do, because we don't know any good lightning mages and even Yi Fang's plan hinges on the fact that we only have to be Jun for a few short minutes before consuming the entire compound.

>>25631293
So? Who's to say Yi Fang wouldn't see it like this:

A child has a beloved pet dog. The pet dies when they are young, but they grow up and are over it eventually.

Sure in this case the dog is sentient and powerful, but the point stands.

>>25631319
we ARE doing the bed method again, aren't we? that was too funny.

>>25631271
He's a politician. Everything is a tool for some purpose. That said, we should probably be more worried about him trying to body jack Abbs than attempting to control us through Flint down the road.

>>25631332
Bed method is best method

I'd vote for the bed method. But knowing our luck? The guy is actually secretly a lich too and never actually sleeps.

>>25631332

It was shocking efficient last time, I don't see why we wouldn't

>Erebus, Shadow Lord, Greatest of the Elements
>will only assassinate people who conspire against little girls, and will only do that if shaped like a bed

Sometimes I wonder what other people on the internet would think about things like this quest thread.

>>25631332
THIS TIME, WE ARE NOT DOING ANY NECK-SNAPPING BULLSHIT. WE WILL WRECK THEIR SHIT.

You walk into the study. You don't quite feel right about spying on Fang, after he's proved a certain amount of reliability...and definitely not Abigail.

>you gain 5 humanity (444)

"You always say that!" Abigail says. Her voice is starting to rise. She's close to the desk, one hand resting on the wood. "But you just mean you're going to hurt them, don't you!?"

"Young lady, I won't - "

"Don't call me young lady!" Abigail shouts. "Grown-ups call me young lady when they want me to shut up and go back to my room! What happened to professor Suen? Did you take care of her, too?!"

You're stunned. You had no idea Abigail had drawn her own conclusions like that. She's more perceptive than you gave her credit for.

Fang looks taken aback. He glances at you as the door shuts. Abigail turns, and spots you.

"Mr. Shadow!" She looks surprised, but collects herself. "You're sneaky, you know that?"

<I know.>

She points an accusing finger at the archmage. "He said you're going to take care of the Cheung family! I know...I know that the man today made me lose, and they attacked us, but isn't there another way? Like with the Wong family? Now Yan is my friend, and the councilor likes me, too. Can't we do that with the Cheungs?"

Frankly, you're unsure of how to respond.

Fang's face hardens. "Abigail, you listen, and you listen well. The Cheguns don't want to be friends. I've tried to ally with them previously, but they don't want to be allies - they want the throne. And they'll take it by force, if they have to. They tried to kill you today. They'll try again, especially because Jun died as we defended ourselves. The time for talking is already over."

Abigail might be intelligent, but the complexity of the situation is beyond her experience, and her idealism beyond her ability to articulate. She puffs out her cheeks and thrusts her hands on her hips, but she can't find the words.

What do you say?

>write-in

>>25631177
I see what you did there, Isolation... trying to make us doubt our friends, right?

>>25631371
Go eat a dick. Neck snapping is the best thing ever.

>>25631371
Pls, let Snapple have his fun. Pls.

>>25631360
if I were a normalfag, I'd be more worried about how people seem to have fetishized Shadow's CONSUME into doing it whenever possible.

>>25631360
I laughed far too loudly at that. Better finish my drink and go to sleep, it's half past six in the morning already... Only wanted to paste the task list, anyway.

>>25631319
Actually, all we know about fangs plan is that we are the perfect method of infiltration. we also don't know how he plans on giving us a "dash" of spirit. Depending on he is going to do that, and what his plan actually is, determines whether or not we can use the ability to infiltrate the dukes fortress.

>>25631373
Impression her with the conversation that we overheard in the dining room. then ask her if there's a reason to spare them, or to be selective. not a patronizing question, but an honest one; we want her opinion.

>>25631332
>>25631351
>>25631352

http://thecinemasnob.com/2010/01/28/death-bed-the-bed-that-eats.aspx

>>25631373
<I guess there's no hiding it... Abigail, I was the one that took care of professor Suen. I did it because they were going to kill you.>

>>25631431
This sounds like the best idea.

>>25631373
<There are people who are worthy of doing everything in your power to befriend or at least ally with. Those whose views are different, those who do things you might not agree with but do so for the right reasons. Then there are those who are truly monsters. Who try to assassinate a little girl just because she threatens their political power. That type of person will not become a friend or ally. Or if they do it will be a false one to plant the dagger in your back when you are weak.>

>>25631373
"Abigail, nothing will stop me from ensuring your safety. They tried to kill you. Not your uncle, not Flint, not Adavan, not me. They tried to kill you. They'll try again and again until you are dead, and they don't care who dies in the way of ending your life. This I cannot forgive, and I cannot allow. What would you do if someone tried to kill your family?"

>>25631373
<Abby, do you remember the man from Magnock's prison? You told him that nothing is left when I eat them, didn't you? I did that to protect you, but also because he was a BAD man. He didn't want to be friends despite others pleas he only wanted what the Cheguns want. Power.>

>>25631431
I like this as well
>>25631472
and this

>>25631373
<I'll say this... I'll only take care of the ones that directly plotted to hurt you... I won't kill his children.>

>>25631373

Sigh, then say: "Abby-Sabby, sometimes killing is the only way. It's a terrible thing to do to someone and it should never be the first option to go to, but they have tried to kill you today and many times before. They won't stop, and they need to be dealt with. If there was another way, I'd take it. I'd take it with all my heart, but there isn't. I'm sorry."

>>25631373
<Abigail, you are optimistic, and that is a trait worth more than any kingdom. You are also kind, even in the face of hate, a skill very few have. but until you are able to master your powers, and make it so that those who can and will hurt you are gone, we must do as necessary. i do not like it, but it must be done, so you can do as you like.>

>>25631431
I'll second.

Maybe throw on a bit about how we had wished that they would realize they were wrong, but they refused to change.

When we speak JUSTICE, we speak together.

Writing combo-answer.

>We let ourselves go a little, killed somebody in a creative way.
>LET'S DO THE BED METHOD AGAIN.
To be honest, I thought it was pretty great too. But if we're gonna have another chance to do something crazy, it should be something else like it, unique and frightening. We've already taken the place of furniture, so what NEW things can we try with our abilities?

>>25631373

"Abigail, I know its most be hard to understand, but I know that despise my best efforts a day may come went you will need to defended yourself against others, to secure your own safety and that of others you care about. It should never be don't without thought or reason and even despite our best effort of the contrary our hands are force against others. Its not a matter of wants but of needs and musts."

>>25631518
>We've already taken the place of furniture, so what NEW things can we try with our abilities?

Act like a servant gone crazy then disappear.

>>25631373
<Abby, in this world there are people who choose to do good and those who turn to evil. They were already given a chance to correct their ways and have refused it. That is why we need to administer Justice.>

>>25631518
We be a door

>>25631518
Become the house.
Become their daughter
Become their son.
Or
The best way to do it
Become their cat.

>>25631373
<What must be done to make this all stop? I sought that answer myself not long after we parted at Jabob's Field, and still do. Peace is always the goal, what our plans but there will always be those who simply will not work towards this. The Cheuguns seek only the power to serve their own purposes and will remove you and countless others to reach them.>

Rolled 91

>>25631518
here is my goal. get gapping maw. become a patch the floor. spontaniously generate a hole in the ground when someone walks over. instant consume and death.

>>25631518
>"Honey, did we always have that chandelier?"

And then the chandelier shot spiked tendrils which impaled everyone through the forehead.

>>25631533
... oh god, I love it. They enter the door and don't come out on the other side.

>>25631534
"Here kitty kitty, jump into my lap so I can pet yo-OH GOD"

>>25631500
>Sigh

Don't, don't be condescending.

>>25631540
Holey shit.

>>25631551
Thats not how doors work.

>>25631540
I like it!

>>25631554
>buy gaping maw
>the cat is a mouth

>>25631533
oh, god, can we do that? we replicate a door and the immediate area behind it, then they walk right into our belly. YES.

>>25631558
it is if you have gaping maw

>>25631537
>>25631472
>>25631373
>chegun
*Cheung

Guys, the family's name is Cheung

>>25631556

Not condescendingly.

But in a way where we don't like what we're saying but we know it's the truth.

>>25631540
>>25631562
I think we have a consensus to get Gaping Maw now.

>>25631562
They'd have to open the door, they don't just walk through it.

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>>25631557
>punny

>>25631579
.... obviously

>>25631561
we be the room, including the door! people watch someone go in see the room behind them, ten once the door closes we instantly contract around the person, consuming them, and they never come back out.

>>25631564
>Fang's face hardens. "Abigail, you listen, and you listen well. The Cheguns
then SM typo ed it

>>25631588
... So they open us up, walk through the space, then magically disappear?

>>25631600
I know, but before things spiral out of control, it needed to be rectified.

>>25631603
yes. because we're ALSO the space. we're like a giant box, and the inside of our mouth is replicated to the room!

>>25631613
granted

So, reading through the history, apparently Ring City was Erebus' original home...

>>25631616
this, this exactly

>>25631373
Killing someone is a helluva thing. You take away everything a man has, and everything he will ever have.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZ2lWyTi0oY
Seems vaguely related.

>>25631551
You know... Sm -DID- expect us to become slenderman at the beginning of the quest.

I hope when we get pocket and void ring we can do this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzdZyZgCY58

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SM's being pretty quick about cutting off voting this time around.

Must be excited to get to the plot and awash us in feels.

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>>25631620
>those freeloading angels owe us so much back rent, that was the cause of the war. Hyperion couldn't keep up with the rent

>>25631632
>Shadow at play

You slide up to Abigail, and give her a brief hug. She hugs you back, and then you set her on her feet.

<Abby, do you remember the man from Magnock's prison? You told him that nothing is left when I eat them, didn't you?>

"...yeah."

<You seemed sure that I would kill him,> you say. <But you'd spare the Cheung family, even though they've tried to kill you.>

"But...that's different!" she protests. "Samantha told me he was bad before that, too, and got worse."

You impress her, and Fang, with the conversation you overheard in the Suen's dining room. You especially focus in on the professor, and her obvious intentions.

Abigail's eyes well up. "...but why?"

"Because she doesn't want to talk, or be friends," Fang says. "She wants power. She wants to be able to control other people, and have what she wants, no matter what - just like the Cheungs. It's why I want you to be Archmage, Abigail. Because you're not like that. Because Archon needs someone like you, not like them."

<Abigail,> you begin, <You are kin in the face of hate, a trait I've found very few have - and one that this world could do with a lot more of.> She turns to face you. <If there was another way - if they were just doing things we didn't agree with, but had good intentions - it would be worth it to try and befriend them. But they aren't. They're out to kill us and take our place. I must protect you. This is the only way.>

"...I don't like it."

<I don't either,> you say. <Death is final, and terrible. I don't like doing this, but it must be done.>

Abigail nods. She scraps the carpet with her foot, and turns toward Fang, still looking at the ground. "...sorry, Uncle Yi."

"...it's fine, Abby."

She wanders up to her room.

Fang looks at you. "You have a way with words, I think."

<My memories are filled with holes,> you say. <But some things...seem to come back to me, without my trying.>

Fang nods. He folds his hands. "We have two choices."

>con't

>>25631632
this gave me an idea. we could be the floor of the hallway, and act as a treadmill, preventing the person from ever reaching the and of it, using our magics to make things darker (maybe mist?) and manifest behind them, slowly closing in while they try to run down an endless hallway.

>>25631706
>Nightmare

Let's leave it for someone we REALLY hate.

That we wanna keep hunting and beating up before letting him go and following him so we can kick him in the teeth more and more.

>>25631704
>"We have two choices."
Bed method, or bed method.

>>25631706
And when they pass out from fear and fatigue, we vanish and wait for results. Perhaps leave a mark in the floor or something.

>>25631745
Sandals.

>>25631706
Wouldn't it be easier to just use terror on them?

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>>25631763
I choose

>>25631781
Dave the Demon, when we power him down to normal.

>>25631781
>Sandals

Who the fuck is that?

(I forget.)

>>25631783
why not use terror on them at the same time? force them to flee and not use magic, and have something for them to associate the emotion with. we could also use snuff on the lights along the hall just before the reach them, keeping them barely in our shadows. then have our shadows slowly climbing up their legs like muck, causing them to go slower and stumble.

>>25631817
sandolphon, highest of the angels.

>>25631817
Nickname of Sandalphon, the dickest of the dick angels.

>>25631817
Sandalphon, Dick Angel in charge.

>>25631817
sandalphon. dick angel king.

>>25631817
sandalphon: the great penis in the sky

"What I'm planning is called 'the vanishing death', Fang says."A feat achieved only a few times in our history. We will barricade their manor with magic, and destroy it, and everyone in it. There will be no witnesses. When the sun rises, all that will be left of their home will be an empty plot of land."

<...and how do we ensure success?>

"Those are our choices," Fang says. "Option one. We strike tonight. You infiltrate their household, and I gather my men about their lands. The advantage to this method is that not much time has passed. They'll be less suspicious of Jun arriving late than several days late. You can report that the ambush went wrong, but that you weren't identified. Then, when the time is right, you do as much damage as possible as quickly as possible, and we establish the external barrier and move in."

<And option two?> you ask.

"They have extensive property, and an extensive family," Fang says, "rivaling what I could muster myself. You must clinch victory from within, or the plan will fail. However - if we wait a few days - I could gather greater forces, and bolster the external effort. But then, your infiltration will be much more suspect, and therefore, much more difficult. Your excuse will have to be that I captured Jun, but then relented and released him."

<Are you leaning toward either one?>

Fang sighs and bobs his head about, thinking hard.

>con't

>>25631844
>>25631848
>>25631852

Dickmind.

>>25631841
>>25631844
>>25631848
>>25631852
>>25631866

Then just say Sandalphon.

>>25631852
>>25631848
>>25631844
It's like you guys don't even remember Dickael.
He was unarguably far more evil, and far more of a dick. Sandalphon is a tyrant. Dickael was a psychotic rapist and sadist who tortured numberless people to death.

I know people want to get Darkness Within before the other Hydra reqs, because we're the closest to it, but Pure Darkness and Mighty Regeneration are both better.

Pure Darkness in particular looks absolutely amazing.

>Pure Darkness - You can now use your shadow without a light source. Shadow attacks from stealth are just as strong as normal.

>>25631894
pure darkness might take the entire shadow manipulation tree though. We're still a ways off.

>>25631890
what is with us and nicknaming things after penis's? or is it just dicks in generally? that just reminded me of the dickpunching.

>>25631932
Dickael WAS a dick though.

>>25631890
But you must admit that Sandy is still a dick, even though he's a relatively minor one.

"You're still relatively unknown - a wild card that they think is a strong summon. If we infiltrate early, more of the plan rests on your shoulders, but then again, you have wide shoulders, don't you? But I would absolutely need you to take out Cheung himself. The head of the snake must be cut - as he is most likely to break the barrier I construct." Fang squints. "On the other hand...I think that, as things stand, the Wong family could be brought in as allies. With his son out of the running for Archmage, Tae has had other ideas. He eyes the friendship between Abigail and his daughter, Yan, with great approval, and I think he hopes to offer Daniu as a potential consort for Abby."

You immediately blanch at the idea of Abigail marrying that proud, golem-summoning oaf.

Fang raises a hand and smiles. "I know. But the councilor doesn't need to know that the answer is no, does he? It isn't as if he's actually brought it up with me. With the Wong family on our side, escape from the trap would prove...difficult." He thumps his hands down. "Do you have an opinion?"

>Early infiltration. You're best when you're stealthiest, and you're sure you could make just the right dent.
>Wait. You're willing to take the risk, and it's better to be sure Fang's trap is airtight.
>voice some other concern, or say something else

>>25631890
Sandals sees your rape and raises you one attempted genocide.

I still want to know why Auriel seemed more flustered about shooting at Lucifer than she did about shooting at Sandals.

>>25631871
... Question. would there be a way to read somebody's mind, or, at least, their emotions through use of Impression? we could sort out the people who are not in on the assasination from those who are. if we just went full terminator, they'd get Yan, too, and that would make Abby-sabby cry.

>Early infiltration. You're best when you're stealthiest, and you're sure you could make just the right dent.

>>25631957
>Early infiltration. You're best when you're stealthiest, and you're sure you could make just the right dent.

Sneaky

>>25631957
>Early infiltration. You're best when you're stealthiest, and you're sure you could make just the right dent.

>>25631957
>>voice some other concern, or say something else
The other shadow elemental. That Lich Magcock had taken the other one and we had to kill it.

Darkxis. Tell Fang about Darkxis.

>>25631976
>yan
>a cheung
what the fuck am I saying? but the question remains.

>>25631957
>Early infiltration. You're best when you're stealthiest, and you're sure you could make just the right dent.
Even if things go south, we are a magekiller supreme thanks to the Nightblaze.

>>25631987
This

>>25631957
>Early infiltration. You're best when you're stealthiest, and you're sure you could make just the right dent.

>>25631976
>>25631989

No, you can't read minds at all.

And yes, Yan is with the Wong family.

Rolled 40

>>25631957
ask one question. where exactly in archon is their compound? because we knew the general area of our shadow brother and i would not put it past these guys to have a daraxis 2.0 to spring on us if we dont ask

>>25631987
THIS.

>>25631989
We could just listen and find out what everyone knows for a while like we did last time.

>>25631957
>Early infiltration. You're best when you're stealthiest, and you're sure you could make just the right dent.

But still say >>25631987. I don't want to deal with Darkxis 2, shadow boogaloo while we're in the middle of exterminating the Cheungs

>>25631987
this

>>25631957
>Early infiltration. You're best when you're stealthiest, and you're sure you could make just the right dent.
Infiltrating and CONSUMING every magical fucker that moves is what we're good at.

>>25631957
>voice concerns
we have no idea where the shadow elemental is. mention that. also mention the Shards of Darkness we have, if they can play a role in the vanishing.

>>25631957
>Early infiltration. You're best when you're stealthiest, and you're sure you could make just the right dent.

<Also, keep an eye out for that other shadow elemental. I have a feeling that Jun was familiar with dealing with one...>

>>25632013

Like the Wong family, the Cheung family is rich and powerful enough to have a manor on the northern open end of Archon, out past the city limits. Their manor is substantially larger, though.

---------
currently voicing concerns
---------

Is this "Vanishing Death" a specific spell, like the Sun Call? Or is it just a name for anything that completely disappears everything in an area?

Because if it's the latter, we could do that on our own.

>>25632066
Eating an entire household, house included, is something we definitely ought to do.

>>25632066
the Vanishing death is essentially the Bed Method applied to an entire building.

Is that where you got that idea, SM, you clever bastard?

>>25631957
>>Early infiltration. You're best when you're stealthiest, and you're sure you could make just the right dent.


<But I will need more extensive knowledge on the family, it is one thing to look like someone. But to speck and behave like him will take a greater effort.>

>>25632086

>implying it wasn't SM that posted the bed method...

>>25632107
the plot thickens!!!

>>25632080
I bet Titan would easily facilitate this.

>>25631871
>"What I'm planning is called 'the vanishing death', Fang says."A feat achieved only a few times in our history. We will barricade their manor with magic, and destroy it, and everyone in it. There will be no witnesses. When the sun rises, all that will be left of their home will be an empty plot of land."

Inb4 young children and innocent are in the household, and we are going to have to make a choice between eliminating the entire household, and preserving assassinating the Cheungs for Abby.

Can we consume in berserk? I would think that we could, but CONSUME is technically an active skill.

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>>25631871
>'the vanishing death'
The Fuck?

Is it like some mass teleport to oblivion or something or does it completely obliterate its target?

>TL;DR How the fuck does it work?

>>25632142
YES. titan, then CONSUME with gaping maw the entire house! oh, I love it.

>>25632054
Hey SM, now that I think about it, >>25632171
this is a pretty serious concern of Shadow's that we should voice.

>>25632179
like magnets

>>25631957
>Early infiltration. You're best when you're stealthiest, and you're sure you could make just the right dent.

>>25632179
Probably
>Seal area off with powerful barriers
>Fill the barrier with destruction magic
>???
>Empty plot!

>>25632142
Just go Titan and spread ourselves as wide as possible, then flop onto the house and slowly sink down.

>>25632193
can we consume while titanic? it says we can't use any other abilities besides berserk, does consume count?

Wait a second, how are WE getting out of the kill zone?

>>25632094
>>25632171
>>25632193

These guys are right. Shadow would have some large, large problems with eating kids.

>>25632171
Yeah we might have to nix this murderboner tradition if there are kids in the house, lest we set a precedent.

>>25632171
Yeah, killing young children and the family servants isn't a very JUSTICE!-like thing to do...

>>25632223
Oh fuck.

>>25632223

~why would we want to leave? pfft noob wanting to leave giant death circle before its complete.~

>>25632223
Nightblaze a bit of the barrier?

>>25632238
Agreed. Guilt by association or, especially, birth is not JUSTICE.

>>25632223
CONSUME our way out, obviously.

>>25632193
Now that I think about it SM, let's go with a new plan. We go there as Jen Cheung, and have a "private meeting" with the head of the family. We surprise CONSUME him, and get the fuck out of dodge. Yeah it's more dangerous. Yeah it leaves the rest of the family behind. However, we can't harm people who have nothing to do with the attempts on Abby-Sabby's life. She wouldn't approve.

>>25632179
>>25632195
>>25632203
Do forgive me if I don't settle for the tried n' true "Its magic, I ain't gotta explain shit" answer.

Seriously, I'm curious though, can we ask Fang for details, SM?

You tell Fang about Darkxis, and his association with Magnock.

<I'm sure there's another elemental somewhere in Archon,> you say. <What are the chances that it's with the Cheungs?>

"None," Fang says.

<...you seem rather certain.>

"Of course I'm certain," Fang says. "Sensors within the fortress have been going off for weeks, but the city is large, and we haven't caught anything. A shadowy presence. A long string of disappearances here and there. I wasn't worried - similar situations have happened before. Though, usually, they came with a bit more of a pattern. But then, about two weeks ago, the sensors stopped detecting anything. I figured that whatever scheme it was had come to fruition. Now, it makes sense. Another elemental - smart enough to no longer draw attention to itself. Or powerful enough to avoid detection."

He sighs. "If it had been making day trips to the Cheungs, I would have noticed. I've already started a new search for the elemental in the meantime."

<And when were you planning on informing me?>

"When we made progress," Fang says. "If I spent my time telling you everything I was doing, it would take up half my day."

<...fair enough. But...what about innocents?>

"Innocents?"

<Women, children. Non-magic housekeepers. People that aren't involved?>

"No witnesses," Fang repeats.

What is your response?

>early infiltration seems pretty set, so we'll go with that

>alright, let's do this
>I'll help, but I'm not killing innocent people
>I'm not participating in a plan like this
>mention Adavan's mind-altering magic
>suggest an alternate plan without the chaos and violence of mass destruction

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

Note: Vanishing Death is a rumor/historical term to refer to one household destroying another in a single night with no witnesses. It's actually right out of the Forgotten Realms, Dark Elves, etc.

It isn't some kind of specific death spell.

>>25632273
I think we can assume all adults in the house can count as accomplices.

>>25632291

I was just being a sarcastic little bitch, no problems.

>>25632273
We don't know how many of the Cheung family was involved with the assassination attempt. It could be everyone, it could be a select few. We'll have to find out more before acting.

>mention Adavan's mind-altering magic
He might accept this for the innocents there.

>>25632292
>suggest an alternate plan without the chaos and violence of mass destruction
We can just take out the council member with the "private meeting" that I mentioned here: >>25632273. After that, we leave.

>>25632292
>>mention Adavan's mind-altering magic

>>25632292
Shit, I remember! I haven't read those books in years...
>I'll help, but I'm not killing innocent people

>>25632292

We don't kill innocents, period. Adavan can mindscrub the kids individually.

>>25632292
><Women, children. Non-magic housekeepers. People that aren't involved?>
>"No witnesses," Fang repeats.

Meaning we gotta play this game the stealthy way again.

>I'll help, but I'm not killing innocent people

Rolled 54

>>25632292
>I'll help, but I'm not killing innocent people
if need be >mention Adavan's mind-altering magic
but only if there is no other way. shadow cannot allow the killing of innocents. it is not part of our justice

>>25632292
>>mention Adavan's mind-altering magic

<I'll herd the help and young children to a secluded area of the manor, and when we are done Adavan can rewrite their memories. No reason talented children must suffer for the sins of their fathers.>

>>25632292
adavan's mind magic is something to consider, as long as it can't be reversed. after all, another spirit mage could come along and undo the stuff. let's cover all our bases.

>>25632292
>"Another elemental - smart enough to no longer draw attention to itself. Or powerful enough to avoid detection.""
Fuck, pretty soon they're going to be as intelligent as we are. And probably more evil.

...What if we encountered another benevolent elemental shard thing, though? Would we diplomacy them into joining with us? Would that even work?

>>25632292
Ask if by "No witnesses" means "Nobody who saw the murder" or "Get everyone. Everyone? EV-ERY-ONE!"

>I'll help, but I'm not killing innocent people
if the second.

>>25632292
>I'll help, but I'm not killing innocent people.

>>25632351

I read the entire Drizzt saga a couple years ago. Great pulp.

I don't think the Dark Elves actually called it anything specific, but I remember the start of the first book was Drizzt's house going in an raping another that was like 5 or 6 ranks above it so they could be in the top ten.

Good stuff.

>>25632346
We should also mention that this plan places less risk on Yi Fang's own resources. If we fail, then he can always try again. Or deal with the situation ourselves.

>>25632292

<No children Fang. To young to understand what their family is doing just like Abigail.>

>>25632292
Soooooo...

How's it work then? The spell I mean.

>>25632292
What is the point of no witnesses? We'll be eliminating our largest rivals and sending a message to the rest. Even the mob told people to get out of town

>>25632425

YES

>>25632388
If he really doesn't want them around we can take them to Haven. let them be adopted into our great big family.

>>25632434
I think its not so much a spell as a method of killing an entire family off. Barrier them up then destroy them with powerful magic.

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>>25632445
>>25632425
I LOVE IT.

>>25632434

He throws up a barrier around the house to prevent escapes. His men move in. All-out battle takes place with the intent on completely destroying the opposition. House is destroyed in the cleanup. Leave without a trace.

No specific death spell. Just going in all-out. Super-ambush.

>>25632434
You seal the area off so the damage is contained, then you throw as much destructive magic in there as possible.

>>25632292
>A long string of disappearances here and there.
Hungry little bastard.

>>25632411
SHIT. guys, we should find enough experience so we can get Pocket, then stick all the innocents in there! it's FOOLPROOF!

>>25632411
It was the first fantasy books I read when I was like 9 years old, and it's what got me into this kind of stuff.

>>25632500
OH FUCK

>>25632492
Oh god. I'm thinking of Darkxis, but intelligent and cunning in addition to having an appetite.
Yep, we're in for a wild ride with this one.

>>25632478
This time though, literally the entire house is destroyed. It leaves literally nothing. If we had gone Slenderman shadow, this would have been beautiful. Now however, we are above Drow and Byzantine level destruction and murder. Now we go for Justice.