You awake on the fourth day, your body a little weary with the aches of the past days training, your breakfast is brought to you by Olbessa's maid, once more. You haven't spoken to the woman or the king since your first arrival, though you have seen them once or twice. Ferra you have spoken with more regularly though with little volume, exchanging small pleasantries. She seems to spend most of her time in the Praying Grove or in her room studying the Tome of Holy. You step out of your room once breakfast is done. Just down the hall is Ferra's room, out in the yard, the soldiers begin their drills once more and you imagine Horry has awoken again to work around the castle. You doubt he'd mind the company. Then again, you've heard that the castle Black Wizard has returned after being summoned from the Western Continent. How you spend your morning is up to you.

>>25663410
Talk to Horry first

>>25663424
This, he's our bro

I don't follow this quest, but this thread will, by virtue of numbering, be the best one.

Sage for noncontribution.

>>25663432
>>25663424

You find the young, red-headed man much as you expect, lifting heavy things. This time, he's helping some other brawny servants unload big crates of Gysahl greens, moving them into the stablehand's cabin. The chocobo grazing outside and in the stables all have their heads lifted to attention. Amongst the mostly yellow birds, you see some orange, including the two you and Horry had rode back from the Bandit's Wood, a couple blue chocobo, the breed with water-beating feathers that can used to cross rivers, the mountain climbing green and even one black chocobo, a special kind, bred between blue and green to possess the traits of both. You had wondered if you might see the large winged, flying white, but now it's apparent that there are none in Corneria Castle. At least, not any more or not here. When your Fighter friend sees you, he dons a warm grin, standing and stretching. His armour, sword and shield have been left behind, a sweat-stained wool jerkin and brown breeches on instead.

"Ser Cecil," he greets, waving you over. "I'll be finished soon."

He proves himself true, having unloaded the last of the boxes. To quell the tempers of the anxiously waiting chocobo, a young woman with a stout form, blue-black hair under her bandanna and a farmers tan begins to throw some of the thick vegetables out to the birds, letting them snap at one another for them, but making sure each one gets a taste of its favourite food, so that it not rage in jealousy.

"Ol' Bannon won't want me for a while yet," Horry speaks of the castle blacksmith, a hard, wild looking man with a beard almost white and a penchant for muttering incoherently as he works. "What's our plan? When are we going back to Hoskeep and Ryara?"

>>25663469

(Why not read up and start following to find out?)

>>25663611
"I can't say for sure. Once the other two Warriors of Light arrive, the King may have use go after the Grand Crystal first. If that happens, I'll trust that you'll be sent to catch up with Ser Hoskeep and Ryara.
"Either way, I can only hope that the two Warriors arrive soon."

>>25663611
Something along the lines off "Not for a while".

>>25663611
Most likely not Horry, I think the King will want the crystal retrieved first, though it might also lead to the Princess.

>>25663667

"I can't wait to meet them! That's something I'll be able to tell my grandkids about. N-not that I'm thinking of having grandkids any time soon... or kids for that matter... though Gretla says..."

His face begins to blaze, and his shakes his head.

"Either way, I'll go with you. I doubt I'll have much chance of finding Ser Hoskeep by myself and might be that I could be of some assistance to your cause."

>>25663714

"Princess...?" He blinks at you blankly.

>>25663798
I mean noble, that noble's daughter. simply misspoke, staying around this castle for days on end is maddening.

>>25663870

"Ah. I hope she's alright...," he gave a genuine frown. "Doesn't it feel strange that we're being kept here whilst the lady's probably being taken further and further away by those bandits? Honestly, which is more important, the life of an innocent woman or a magic crystal?"

Seems like he expects you to answer genuinely.

>>25664004
'The crystal probably has ultra mega powers or something important like that'

>>25664004
The crystal grants powers over reality itself; as one of the four fundamental forces of the universe, if a powerful arcane evildoer were to take hold of its power every person in the world would be endangered. Princesses and even their kingdoms, as sad as it is to say, come and go- but the Crystal is part of the covenant we have with Cosmos, and retains eternal importance in that light.

>>25664004

What do you guys think of this response?

"The woman. Although I doubt that we'd be kept here if there weren't anyone else on the tracks of that airship. They're probably delegating the recovery of the crystal to us while other, more experienced warriors like Ser Hoskeep track the noblewoman down."

>>25664123

Might want to correct that thing to "Nobles and even their holdings".

We want to keep mum on the princess thing. Or at least that's what Ser Hoskeep thought was a good idea.

>>25664123

"Huh..." his gaze lowers to the ground. "Here I thought we just needed it to make airships work."

There was that, too. All the airships in the Realm of Spring have their engines made from flames originally taken from the Grand Crystal of Fire. The line that marks the end of the Realm of Spring and the beginning of the Realm of Summer is known as the Sky Captain's Dread, where these engines begin to fail and the ships fall from the sky like dead birds.

From the distance, around the corner of the great castle, in the direction of the front gate, you hear a commotion. Shouts from voices with authority and bravado enough to only be those of castle guards and clattering plate armour rise in the distance. Followed by sharp cries of dismay and pain. Horry looks to you, fist clenching but, without a sword, waiting for your reaction.

>>25664310
Better suit up, then see what's going on. Likely one of the Warriors who's got more brawn than sense.

>>25664310
We ought to make sure Ferra isn't in any trouble. With the crystal already stolen, the next most important thing within these walls are us two.

>>25664445
>>25664454

Seconding. Proceed carefully and all that stuff. If the guards are getting thrashed, then that means that the rest of the gang won't fare well against this mystery person either.

>>25664445
>>25664454
Lets do this shit.
>Hat: Check
>Red Cloak: Check
>Sword: Check
>Blind: You best believe that's a check.

>>25664445
>>25664454
>>25664466

You rush inside, leaving Horry behind to go fetch his own weaponry. After donning the reds and looping the sword in your belt, you knock on Ferra's door. Thankfully, the red headed girl, wearing a simple cotton shift in the pattern of her White Robes, knee high shorts and her hair dishevelled, is entirely alright.

"Ser Cecil..?" She asks gently. "Is something amiss?"

>>25664551
'There's a commotion of some sort, and I wanted to check on you just in case"

>>25664610

She disappears behind her door as you inform her. You hear a moment's scuffling inside, until she reappears, donning her white robe and a simple, metal rod in her hands. Her hood is pulled up and her expression resolute.

"Let us go, then. Our mission is to assist those in danger, yes?"

She does well to hide her fear, you think.

>>25664655

"Indeed. We should proceed carefully, however; it sounded like the guards were having a difficult time subduing this person. We should meet up with Horry and assess the situation at the front gate, I think."

>>25664699
Seconding...

>>25664699
I'll back it

>>25664699
fourthing.

>>25664699

Ferra nods and follows you, but a step behind. You think at one point that she might be clinging right up to you. As you make your way to the front gate, guards pass, marching quickly inside, no doubt to inform their superiors. And with good reason.

Outside, six guards are incapactiated, their spears broken, swords knocked away. Some are strewn on the ground, others groan in the bushes and one even hangs out of a broken window.

Before the warped, broken gate, Horry dons sword and shield, facing the intruder. The one opposing him is an imposing figure indeed. Although his face belies that he is but nineteen years old, your own age, he has the figure of a hardened warrior. Scars are etched into his bronzed skin, across the rippling muscles, the burly chest, thick biceps and flat stomach. He wears but a pair of light blue, baggy pants, ripped at the bottom and patched with shades of brown on the knee and waist. A darker blue sash is tied about him like a belt, gold threaded through in ornate circles, resembling a gate-like symbol surrounded by ornate petals. His eyes are almond shaped and a dark brown, his eyebrows thick, lips set in a stony scowl. A long, single jet braid hangs from behind. A sharp pointed goatee rests on his chin.

<continued>

>>25664914

Horry rushes him, plunging his sword forward. The other stands, holding one hard wooden bar tight in one hand, a chain attaching it to another bar tucked beneath his arm. His other hand is extended before him, held up as if offering a firm handshake to the fighter. You see a gleam surround that arm as he tenses, putting it in the path of Horry's slash. Rather than being cloven in two, however, the arm stops the blade in its path. The serious faced young man exhales heavily and releases a shout, a brutal, short roar that seems to throw a gust of wind from him. Horry's sword is knock back, the fighter thrown off balance, and then the man rushes forth. He thrusts his other fist forward, holding the bar still. His fist glows a fierce red and orange, like flames are pouring from between his fingers. Horry raises his shield, but is knocked off balance as the punch dents the steel as if he were punching tin. Then the Monk's weapon flails up with a flick. From behind, you see Horry's head knocked upwards, blood spraying in red droplets.

The monk swings his nunchaku over his arm and under again, tucking it in preparation as he looks over you and Ferra.

"Do you also wish to bar my path!?" He shouts, righteous and furious. The young white mage is so close you can practically feel her shake.

>>25664999
"Depends. Might I inquire as to why you here before I decide if I am?"

File: 1372294944708.gif-(8 KB, 250x246, fu and shou.gif)

8 KB GIF

(For anyone curious about the pattern on his sash.)

>>25664999

"My wish is to know your name and why you're here."

>>25665038
Seconding. Best not fuck wit dis Monk.

>>25665038
>>25665017


"I am Shang of Mt. Hobusu!" He shouts, growing no less angry despite your diplomatic approach. "I shall not be harried any longer! Stand by and let me see this Eastern King or step forth and challenge me!" His eyes soften none as he regards the girl close behind you. "Or is it your Augur that prepares a curse for me? Let her try, I shall not be defeated still!"

>>25665140
This guy probably had Purify or something. Best to keep Ferra out of this. Our Blind is useless now! If we're gonna get this guy's respect (or attention), we're gonna have to do something for him. He wants a fight... SO...

"You came here looking for a worthy adversary? I tell you now, there will be plenty of powerful enemies coming to attack this very kingdom soon! They are the strongest, most powerful of their kind, stronger than even our king!"

>>25665242

You think that we should ask him if he was directed here by an Orb or vision? If he's one of the Warriors of Light, then he might pause if asked about it directly.

We could also see if he'd be willing to wait while we fetch the king's "champion" (Sage Olbessa).

>>25665140
Mfw this guy is the next warrior of light and this whole fight is pointless.

>>25665322
>he has no face
DOPPLEGANGER

>>25665307
>>25665242

Can I get a consensus?

>>25665307
I'll go more towards this one I guess

>>25665307

The man pauses for a moment, watching you with a wary eye. You have hit the mark and he knows you realise this. Reaching inside his sash, he retrieves the same milky white orb that you and Ferra had both found.

"I seek the Dragon Knight I beheld in the light of the Orb! The King will know where to find him!"

>>25665501
FUCK YES WE GOTS OURSELVES A MONK
Take her to Olbessa, tell her we have our third Warrior of Light

>>25665554
*Him.

>>25665501

"Champion Shang of Mt. Hobusu, I do not speak for the King. However, I do know of someone who knows extensively of the visions that the Orb has shown you. If you wish it, I can take you to her and she can then answer any questions you have."

"However, I must ask that you do not antagonize any more of these guards or my compatriots (unless in self-defense), and allow us to attend to my comrade that you kicked."

If he's unreceptive to this offer, show him OUR orb to let him know that we know what he saw.

>>25665590
This.

>>25665554

Hell yeah! The punchy guy tends to be the coolest in each Fantasy!

>>25665590

(It was a nunchaku blow, as opposed to a kick.)

As you mention Horry, the red-headed Fighter stirs from his back, his hand over his nose. When he pulls it away, you see a river of blood gushing down over his lips and down his chin, some fleckles spotting against his forehead. But you can tell its not broken. Infact, the other guards are similarly scuffed, but not severely hurt, except for one nursing a broken finger, most of them are sore, some with dented armour.

"Hrm...," the monk grumbles, dissatisfied. "I am no champion." He shakes his head, releasing a slow sigh. "I am but a pupil, a Yin Monk. I shall follow you, Red Mage, but your comrade should recover by himself."

He glances over the carnage of the scene. "They should not have barred my way."

>>25665775
thiss'll be fun, a party member who's foreign to the concept of diplomacy...

"Sorry sir, but I make it a point to help my friends"
then go help him up.

>>25665775

"Hey can you do that grab-throw-back-jump thingy? I think it's called a suplex right? Suplex me! Do it, it'll be awesome!"

>>25665775
'They were doing their duty. Surely you can respect their honor?'

>>25665775
So, what, there are Yang Monks as opposed to Yin Monks? Tell us more bout it!

>>25665775
"...Apparently so. Let us go find the Olbessa then."

Perhaps just give a quick shout or wave to Horry to make sure he is fine

>>25665775

"If it's all the same to you, I will still check up on him. I've seen too many comrades lost due to inattention."

Then take him to Olbessa

>>25665850

(No. You wouldn't have that knowledge, you Eastern pigdog. Also, let's get a second on a choice.)

They were tasked with guarding this place. If you saw the dragon knight then you know that their reaction wasnt unexpected.

Or something along those lines

>>25665909

If we're still waiting on a second, I'll go with

>>25665878

>>25665924
>>25665849

"If they were attentive, they would've stopped after I felled the first two." You wonder just how much damage this monk might have done before he was stopped.

>>25665901
>>25665813

As you help Horry to his feet, he lets his eyes fall to the ground, abashed at his own defeat.

"Pinch your nose," pipes the white mage, who had been so silent that you had forgotten she was there, for a moment.

"My shield...," mourns Horry, the girl helping him to unstrap the buckled buckler from his arm as the monk looks around as if he had very little to do with incident.

>>25665878

Before you can take the monk to the woman sage, you hear her deep, silken tones from behind you.

"Well, well. Our fourth Warrior of Light has arrived." She half-smiles, purple eyes looking from you, to the mess about you, to the Monk. Then, she gives a deep curtsey, holding her purple, white and black robes about her. "I am Olbessa, Sage of the Grand Fire Crystal and advisor to King Ullond Odinfinn. Please, follow me. Lady Ferra, Ser Cecil, if you would please proceed to the inner throne room, with my guards, I would wish a moment alone with this Ser Monk. And worry not, your friend shall receive treatment. Our resident White Mages are very comely, so I doubt he shall be too resistant."

Though as she shoots Horry a teasing smile, you can practically feel him tense up. Two spearmen appear on either side of Olbessa, waiting for you. If you have aught else to say, now would be the time.

>>25666295

"So if I'm the second, Ferra is the first and Fisto is the fourth, who's the third WoL?"

>>25666295

"Fourth? Did the third one arrive earlier?"

>>25666350
>>25666375

"Certainly. Just some four hours ago. And a true Warrior of Light she is. A Knight, as fate would have it."

>>25666455

Hell yeah, us being the only source of black magic has cemented us as vital to the party!

>>25666455
"Can I assume this Knight is already there waiting too?"

>>25666455
>Red Mage
>White Mage
>Monk
>Not Thief
Almost my FF party...

Let's see this knight, then.

>>25666556
>>25666609

"Indeed she is. Let us proceed. Now that the four of you have arrived and the King has seen to all present matters of war, we should make haste." As guards arrive to take Horry and the other injured around the castle wall to the healer's chambers, the other two escort you, Shang, Ferra and Olbessa inside. Again, you pass the audience chamber and through the blemishless white walls and pillars of the castle. When you come to the halls leading to Obessa's own guest room, she stops to offer you that serene smile of hers, purple eyes rich with activity.

"Shang and I shall be there to join you in a moment. Please, do acquaint yourself with your new comrade in my absence." With that, you split off from the other two. Despite his prior outburst, obedience seems to befit Shang now. Perhaps it is the manner of the person leading him that matters. He follows Olbessa quietly as you and Ferra are led deeper inside.

"A woman knight..." murmurs Ferra. "I imagine she will be just as brave as you and Ser Shang!"

Two large double doors are pushed open. You recognise the room. You saw it in your vision. The marble floor has been boarded over where the geomancer's rock spikes crashed through the ground, the door at the opposite end has been bashed right through and, where windows once were, a great chasm gapes, opening the throne room to the gardens, if not for the iron grate that had been fitted over it. On the broken jut of the walls bottom rests the foot of the fourth.

<continued>

>>25666516

Guess we need to study up, then.

>>25666455

"Where is this Knight now, Lady Olbessa?"

>>25666823

She looks to be about a year older than Ferra, and almost as slim. Immediately you notice the helm. A big, bulbous thing, it dwarfs her head and adds a foot of height to her, thanks to the sprout of three great plumes. It is blue, much like the dyed leather armour she wears, the baggy, roughspun shorts and the pointed cloth shoes. Over her shoulders, however, she wears a cape of dark red scales. A blue hilted, ornate sword rests sheathed on her belt, from whence she also proudly hangs her Orb of Guidance in in a rope harness. Finally, on her other arm is a shield, a small one, about the size of a buckler. Only, it seems to be a turtle shell. She turns to face you, brown ringlets falling from under her helm over very round, very soft, very young and very stern face.

"A penny adventurer and a white whelp," she speaks in a lilting accent. "Ye can't be my fellow warriors, can ye?"

Oh no.

She's not the matronly, wise type of knight.

That possibly makes us and Ferra the only voices of reason in the group.

Abandon all hope, ye who enter here!

>>25666931

"We are. I am Cecil, and this is Ferra. It is a pleasure to meet you. May I ask your name, Lady Knight?"

>>25666931
"Afraid so. And might you be the Knight we only just heard of Miss....?"

>>25666931
How the fuck is a turtle shell a shield? That shit will get bashed in by the first mace it meets.

>>25667063
Seconding. Not much to do but be polite and see how many insults we get out of our token douchebag teammate before something else happens.

>>25667101
Unless it's maaaagiiiiccc.
>>25667063
Thirding

>>25667101

She's probably the most experienced of the group. Might be an older dwarf, who already has had her fair shares of combat duty/adventuring.

>>25667063
>>25667069

"I am Conara of Doga, the Onion Knight!" She bangs her fist against the centre of her chest, lips in a tight, proud line. "When I heard that I had been chosen to save the world from a horrible fate, I had imagined that my comrades would be equally blessed as I... but I don't think you two have a single magical artefact between you, do you?"

"I-I have a Tome of Holy!" Ferra spluttered, face growing red. She was getting angry, you could tell, and was not used to it. The Onion Knight dwelled on this for a moment. Then nodded. Then looked to you.

"And what about you, Ser Penny?" Her voice was full of mock and more confidence than a girl her size should rightly have.

>>25667147
According to The Sage, her face appears very young, so either she's, say, an elf of the long-living variety or she's just a douchebag. She's certainly not old compared to the rest of her culture/species, for sure.

>>25666931
That onion knight, FUCK YES
seriously, this is awesome, multiple degrees of awesome, Is she FF3 Onion Knight, or FFT onion knight, if she's the latter, holy shit. she is a badass, and also our thief, and everything else we might need.

>>25667173
OSHIT ONION KNIGHT FORGET EVERYTHING I SAID EARLIER.
Unless this is the Tactics O.K. Which needs to master EVERYTHING to be useful, and thus, only useful late-game.
Ask what her "artifacts" are so good for. Artifacts are for wimps with no real power of their own. It's only good for finding thieves.

>>25667101
>>25667135
>doesn't know what onion knight gear means
>doesn't know we're in the presence of minor artifact level equipment, a full set is as powerful or more powerful than a major artifact

OK, don't lose our cool. She's attempting to get a rise out of us.

>>25667173

None as of yet, unless you count the Orb. Or the standard-issue Red Mage pointed hat with the attached avian wind compass.

But in such esteemed company, I'm sure that I can grab a few of the castoffs during our travels.

>>25667173

(Forgive the tense slip. Mapmaking and spell sorting and lore writing can be a bit distracting.)

>>25667173
Hey squirt, I think they may have pulled you out of the ground to early, how a nugget like you ever found an orb of guidance, I won't understand, must have been on the floor though, you'd have never seen it on a table.

Or Lady Conara of Doga, we can be civil, respect each other for our own unique talents, and find out what having these orbs means, because a King is waiting...on us, mainly you now.

>>25667260
I really /don't/ know what onion knight gear means. I've never played the FF games and don't know much besides the RPG stereotypes that have trickled down into the genre at large, I just think The Sage has some fantastic writing skills and that his quest will have a plot worth following.

Hmm, a wiki informs me that OKs suck in the start but have super powerful skills once they get to near max level? That's... well, we're not near max level at all so I don't know what she's boasting about here.

>>25667328

I I remember correctly, Onion Knights are ridiculously weak fighters until you get their full set of gear. Then they become godless killing machines who can and will rip anything a new asshole.

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>>25667318
>Hey squirt, I think they must have pulled you out of the ground too early

god damn, I don't know why I find that so funny but I'm losin my shit here

I vote for this, naughty, then nice. Lets show her we can play that game.

(Can I get a decision? Knights don't like to be kept waiting, y'know.)

>>25667427
>Hey squirt, I think they must have pulled you out of the ground too early
>Ask about Artifacts

>>25667318
This.

>>25667328
OK's get no skills, they are however the only warriors capable of equipping Onion Knight gear some of which she is clearly wearing. The cape and helm in particular, they're known as onion knights for the helm in fact because of the obvious resemblance to an onion.

>>25667318
this

>>25667318
Thirded

>>25667458
Sure, let's go with this.

>>25667318

The girl's lips tug at the corners. Her face turns a hue of crimson that makes you think she might be choking and her eyes glisten in a way that makes you guess at crying instead. Before you manage to say the word 'civil', however, the girl draws her sword. A pale, thin yellow blade, narrower than any blade you've seen before, shimmers in her hand, and she bellows.

"A KNIGHT SHAN'T STAND FOR INSULTS! DUUUEEELL!"

Amidst her yelped challenge, her other hand reaches into the bag on her belt. A small, white bottle is in her hand, in the shape of a horn or a tusk. And soon, it is hurtled right at your face.

>>25667608
DODGE AND BLIND

>>25667608
BLIND!

>>25667683
scratch that

>>25667681
DODGE AND BLIIIIIIIIND!!!!!! RIGHT TO THE FACE!

>>25667608
I change my mind, she's just immature. I think we should try to catch the potion or whatever- it's probably somethin that'll activate when shattered, and letting our allies waste good consumables without a reason is just imprudent.

>>25667710
Plus, dodging won't prevent us from being affected, if it's meant to shatter near or on us.

>>25667608
SPIN CATCH
THROW BACK AT HER FACE
BLIND HER

If Ferra is behind us, won't it hit her if we dodge?

>>25667608

Attempt to dodge whatever she threw at us and hit her in the face with Blind. Don't pull out our blade, just dodge and keep out of the way.

Onion Knight or no Onion Knight, someone who acts so petty at some minor insult is going to be a liability. Teach her to have some humility, but don't indulger her delusion of being a real knight.

>>25667608
Catch it like a boss, my Lady Conora, please, I meant no disrespect, for surely you make up in bravery and might what you lack in hei...What I mean to say is, I would be honored to fight at your side, and humbly give you my apologies, the King is waiting. I swear on my eternal soul I will make up for this slight against you.

Whisper quietly, someone get her a booster seat for the kings table.

>>25667681
>>25667683
>>25667705
>>25667738


Oh god, please don't fight her, catch it, and apologize like here>>25667816
also, this anon's apology is hilarious

>>25667853
Why not both? We can just blind her and leave her to flail around until she tires out.

How exactly do you become an Onion Knight in this setting? I mean, The Sage gave us a pretty good handwave for why spells can only be learned once from a tome and not instantly. Why can't any average joe unlock the full potential of Onion Knight Equipment? Is there an Onion Knight Academy or something- how do people even know what OKs are?

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>>25667816
>whisper quietly, someone get her a booster seat for the king's table
>fuck this thread is golden, thank you anons, my endorphins are pumping so hard right now

>>25667885
Id guess that the Onion knight shit is rather rare.

>>25667938
>>25667885
It's probably hereditary.

Consensus in the next ten minutes:

[ ] Catch it
[ ] Dodge it
[ ] Blind her
[ ] Apologise like a Red Mage

>>25667938
The way I've always understood it is that the gear is not that rare, it can be found if you look for it, it's just that onion knights are the only people with the bravery and heart to unlock the potential of the gear, they have the experiences of a hundred different lives, and with that can unlock the potential of the equipment. Otherwise it's just all rather silly looking cosplay gear.

>>25667993
I vote blind then appologize like a red mage.

>>25667993
>[X] Catch it
>[X] Apologise like a Red Mage

>>25667993
Dodge that shit. Blind and apologize. If it hits us, it'll probably silence us or something.

>>25667993
[X]Blind her

and

[X] Dodge any attacks she attempts to make.

>>25667993
>[x] Catch it

>>25668054
I support this course of action.

>>25667993
[X] Catch it
[X] Apologize

just like how I wrote it>>25667816

I really feel that right now is the time to not act like a bitch, and prove that we aren't someone you can bully.

>>25668404
That's why we're catching the item, then proving that we're the better person, let her look like a fool when the king asks what the delay is.

You face the girl with the best retort ever planned in your head. As dexterous and multi-talented as you are, you reach out to catch the bottle as your other hand throws out the spell prepared in your mind. The black sprite of Blind dances through the air, shooting into the eyes of the girl as she charges right at you, raising her sword high. You catch the bottle, too. The problem is that it's so brittle that the force of the throw and your catch is enough to cause the crystal fang to shatter. Frost bursts from inside, enveloping your arm as ice crystals grow, painfully digging into your flesh and freezing your hand tight.

"HYAAAA!" cries the Onion Knight, slashing her sword. She stands a good two feet away, but from the edge of her blade, a whip of wind cuts through the air. Luckily, it slices clear of you, but manages to clip a triangle of fabric from the corner of your cloak. She staggers, bowling off her feet towards Ferra instead. You have not the time to react, and if you did, your arm would be too frozen and heavy to deal with it anyway. Ferra stands like a rabbit infront of a chocobo stampede. But just as Conara is inches from her, she raises her metal rod.

"Repel!"

A flash of light glows from the top of her rod. It bounces Conara away like she had run into a wall of rubber and the Onion Knight spills onto the floor, tumbling and cursing as she does. The ice clawing at your arm shatters, leaving you sore and cut up, bleeding in patches into your torn sleeve.

It's at that moment that the doors behind you open again. Olbessa and Shang stand, looking over the scene. You with your bloody arm, Ferra pigeon-toed and looking as guilty as a murderer and Conara, the Onion Knight, shouting for vengeance as she crawls about the marble floor.

Would you like to explain yourself?

>>25668523
"Ah, Lady Olbessa, Ser Shang, you're just in time. We were having an impromptu demonstration of our fighting abilities with Lady Conara. Though I doubt that Ser Shang requires any further demonstration of his skill."

>>25668523
Whatever we do, we must cover for Ferra

>>25668523
A case of mistaken idetentity is all, I ran across an onion knight imposter a while back, pledging his services inexchange for a small retainer fee, then hustling on.

This proud soul is no imposter, she fights as though she were cerberus unchained, and has a bark as big as her bite. Our company is complete with her at our side, I pity the thiefs that took the Grand Fire Crystal, for when you turn us loose, it will be as though hell itself was unleashed.

>>25668523
Goddammit, I suggested catching specifically so it wouldn't break. I guess whoever made the throwable foresaw my line of thinking, though it would make the fang really really fragile to carry around.

Why do we need to cover for Ferra? Is there something unirthodox about a white mage knowing Repel?

>>25668778
A crystal fang isn't fragile till it's thrown when the magic is activated, a pretty badass item overall.

>>25668778

(Repel for a White Mage is entirely normal and expected. As is the use of a Fang. It's sturdy enough until its thrown. )

>>25668814
she's feeling all guilty & shit, if we divert involvement from her, She'll be gratefull.

>>25668648

I'll second this, though perhaps phrase it to say that it was between Cecil and Conara and not include Ferra.

>>25668778
Less unorthodox more lets not get the poor girl in any more trouble then she already thinks she's in. Ferra strikes me as the type to beat herself up over accidentally hurting someone else no matter how accidental.

>>25668999
exactly. so lets do her a solid.

>>25668673
Seconding this, we provoked her, we should take a part of the blame.

>>25668999
She needs to toughen the fuck up, we're about to go on a mission across the world, if she can't handle roughing up her teammates, how will she handle the thousand other soulshattering, heartbreaking, mindrending things we may encounter out there?

She shouldn't be afraid to use her abilities on her own iniative, she took the right course of action there, if we don't reinforce that behaviour, it may cost us or someone else's life.

>>25669061

Think we should combine the two apologies?

First the "live-fire" demonstration thing, followed by the praising of Conara's skills. We get to make an excuse AND soothe someone's ego!

>>25669153
we can do that later after we prevent her self-blame

>>25669168

"I am no Ser," informs Shang. The rest of the scene, he seems to have no issue with. Olbessa is surprised, you can see, but soon returns that same placid smile as always.

"If it would not overexert you, please see to Lady Conara's wounds, Lady Ferra," she requests as she moves towards you. Reaching her hand out over your arm, Olbessa runs her palm along. A white light glows from beneath as a rush of cool air blows over your skin Soon followed by a great relief, the pain vanished, and then by an itching. It's not the first time you've felt the effects of healing magic, but it feels good nonetheless.

Ferra helps the girl to her feet, cures her bloody nose and undoes the blindness you had cast.

"It was a fair duel," Conara agrees, not-so-secretly pleased with your approximation of her skills. She dusts herself off, sheathes her sword and straightens her cape, forgetting about the streak of red dried beneath her nostril. "Let's meet this king, then."

<continued>

>>25669265

"Please present yourselves before the throne," Olbessa gestures to the grand golden seat, topped by the six-legged horse sculpture you had seen in your vision. "I shall inform the King that his Warriors of Light await."

The sage bows low once more, before vanishing behind the ruined door at the back of the room. As you wait for the king, Shang fetches a skin from beneath his sash and opens it. You smell wine inside, which he takes a healthy swig of, as Ferra fusses at Conara, wiping her nose clean, disguising the blood against the red triangle trim of her sleeve.

The four of you manage a line when six guards bearing spears and one wearing a sword at his hip enter. The sword-bearer wears the blue mantle and gold circlet of the brave soldier you saw through the Orb. Only he has shaggy auburn hair instead of gold. The golden haired warrior died.

"All kneel for Ullond Odinfinn, King of Erelund, Ruler of the Eresh Lands, Protector of the White Temple and Blood of the First King."

Ferra kneels and Conara zealously follows. Shang stands stone still, arms folded over his chest.

>>25669481
Take off the hat, we're in the presence of royalty.

>>25669481
Take off hat and give a bow. He isn't our king but we can still show some respect

>>25666295
I know this is extremely late, but I REALLY don't trust the monk. Just by saying that this guy has pretty much said that he doesn't give a fuck/know anything about duty and loyalty.

>>25669481

Kneel along with Ferra and Conara. Observe the customs and show the proper respect for the monarch we'll be working for.

>>25669481
Take off our hat and kneel.
We ARE in the presence of royalty, that is also our client.

>>25669611
dude, the monk just don't give a fuck about higher ups. He's probably more reliable than most because of this.

>>25669481
Whisper something at the monk along the lines of "dude okay youre not from erelund but would it kill you to at least bow a little and show some respect for our culture and shit here"

Some other anon make this sound better, i'm no writer

>>25669614
>>25669609
>>25669553
>>25669634

Your respect is noticed by the soldiers. Or rather, Shang's lack of respect sticks out like a sore thumb. Feeling the stares of the men, he at least slips his wineskin back under his sash. The king, however, seems to notice nothing as he makes his way in. He is very much the noble you met in the Silk'n'String, as you expected. But he does not look like him. Nor does he look like the king in the vision you had four days past. His eyes are held in dark, hollow circles that seem to have not seen a wink of sleep in eons, his cheeks a little more sunken and his back stooped as he makes his way for the throne. It is as if his age has caught up with him in a week, even raced past him. As he sits on the throne, he lets out a heavy sigh, before taking off his gold and red crown, letting it hang off the arm of the chair instead.

"Rise... rise... I know you." He stares at you, blue eyes looking as sharp as a blade of ice. "You were one of those I hired to rescue my... my Ellaira. Tell me... what excuse could possibly bring you, so bold, before the king you failed?"

>>25669644
We asked him what he thought the guards would do when he literally just stormed a castle right after said castle had been attacked. The castle of their king. Who they are sworn tI protect. Who looks over their families and their homes. And he just said "lol they should have just gotten out of the way." That's not "not giving a fuck about te higher ups". That's not giving a fuck about other people's thoughts, motivations, ect. It's just not paying any attention to your actions or their concequences. And this guy is going to save the world? This guy is going to get us killed.

>>25669833
"Majesty, during our passage through the Bandit Woods, I came across this Orb of Guidance. Ser Hoskeep was adamant that I come here, while he and Ryara the Elf continued on the trail of the Princess."

>>25669833
"While attempting to rescue her, a misguided soul was forever lost. However, there is a beam of light in the darkness of my failure. I discovered an Orb of Guidance. The others carry on and have not abandoned the search for her, but it was Sir Hoskeep himself who deemed it necessary for me to come to you. He seemed to believe that I served a greater purpose, one that may remake the world.

Personally, I'd rather be rescuing fair maidens then chasing crystals across the sky. But I believe I owe destiny one for showing me this orb and costing the life of another I held dear.

>>25669833

Slowly draw the Orb out.

"Your Grace, I do not come to you boldly; I was unable to save your daughter, and one of those hired alongside of me did not return from the mission. But I found the Orb of Guidance, and Ser Hoskeep bade me to make for the castle with all haste."

"I failed both my comrade and your daughter on that day. But by Cosmos' will, perhaps there is a way I can begin to make amends."

>>25669979
>>25670048

"Ah..." In that one sound, his wrath was lost, and he looked all the feebler for it. "Of course... you must be one of the four... well. You sound to have suffered, too... the kingdom suffers... and will suffer more, the longer this unbalance continues."

His eyes drifted down as his fingers ran along the engravings of his crown.

"It is not the place of kings to tell a Warrior of Light what to do... but I am also the Protector of the White Temple. Beneath the White Elder himself, I am Cosmos's representative on this Gaia and, thus, your superior in all matters regarding the Crystals."

At this point, you could feel Shang bristle. Conara looked to be ruminating on that statement, whilst Farra stared up, earnest and listening so closely.

"So this is the task I command of you:," he stands, his hand rigid on the arm of his chair. "Kill Ser Hellond Highwind. Kill Semyala the Red Dancer. Kill Ume Ollen the Geomancer. Kill Darry the Fell Wind. A treacherous turncloak, a Qurulun whore, an elf-blooded fool and a pirate. These should not be too hard a match for your band, if you truly are the Warriors of Light. When you have killed them, bring back the Grand Crystal of Fire. If you cannot retrieve it, there is one thing you -must- do."

Releasing the arm of the chair, the king descended the steps to face you. His blue eyes scanned along those of each of you, full of hard, cold purpose.

"Ensure that the blood of Cosmos does not fall into the hands of the Dragon Knight. If you are unable to stop him, -you-," he stares into your eyes. "Must kill Princess Ellaira. You must spill the blood of the Princess so it is not used to doom us all."

(Aaaand that's it for tonight. I hope y'all have enjoyed playing, although I would have preferred to come on earlier. Oh well, next time is another chance and that other chance will come tomorrow. At least an hour earlier than tonight's session, to be sure. I hope to see all y'all there. Will stay for a little while if there are any questions I can answer or not answer so as to tease you.)

>>25670347
"My failures have already led to the death of a companion. I will not fail this time."

>>25670347
>>25670394
this is defintely in the vein of the old school FF's, I love that your keeping to the spirit of the games and setting.

We gotta do what we gotta do.

Thanks for running sage

>>25670394

I am somewhat apprehensive at the prospect of Cecil playing the voice of reason in the group.

He's either going to be the wisest and most patient dude in the land, or he's going to supplant the BBEGs in the most gruesome way possible, laughing insanely as he dances over the corpses of his former comrades.

>>25670500

(I'm glad you enjoy, but I feel I should state that, as the quest goes on, there will be elements from later games included. Summons, races, some minor plot elements, perhaps. We're never gonna go futuristic or anything, but just know that it's not -all- FF I-IV style. I'm prepared for some of my inclusions to be not-as-popular, but I think it's worth it for the world it comes together to create.)

>>25670561

(Just don't drink that Arcane Kool-Aid.)

>>25670606
Will we go to the Moon in a Big Whale?

>>25670641

(I can neither confirm nor deny the existence of a whale.)

>>25670639
dude, there is no way in hell we're going to be able to resist the arcane kool-aid.

(Aight, I'm out. Night folks.)

>>25670561
Remember anon, our ultimate goal is to stop the moon in the sky, damn the consequences, so that no one will ever be beyond saving again.

As Ryara said, when the moon passes over the horizon, it takes the souls of the departed with it. We were too late to stop Elly from leaving us, but by god we will save the world from grief and heart break, never will another person feel sorrow at the loss of a loved one. Never will a child lose their dearest pet.

We do this, for the good of the land.

Of course, that's after we finish this quest,
there may or may not be whales involved

>>25670811

See you later, The Sage!

>>25670819

See, stopping the moon will cause all sorts of tidal problems for the planet. It'll also cause people to mark us as insane.

I say we study Time magic to its logical and evolutionary end along with Black/White magic. Then when we get powerful enough, we can sit down and have a pow-wow with Cosmos and petition her for a true resurrection.

If she refuses, we can attempt to temporal savescum our arguments until she agrees. Or we can alter the timestream in such a way that Elly lives without impacting future events in appreciable ways.

>>25670896
>Or we can alter the timestream in such a way that Elly lives without impacting future events in appreciable ways.
We go back in time, Elly dies, she gets buried, we dig her up, use a Phoenix Pinion within the Pinion's time limit of effectiveness, Elly comes back to life, we bring her back with us to the future.
There, all important events happened as they did, and we still save Elly.

>>25670896
>implying every ff hero isn't already insane
>implying we're not already insane
seriously, we're listening to advice and taking for truth a hallucination from a glowing rock. How is that the basis for any reasonable argument?

>>25670896
i'm pretty sure that anon said damn the consequences.
I think it's a noble goal, one that may not be in our grasp yet, but something to strive for, if just for the potential of riding a magical whale

>>25670992

True, but stopping the moon sounds like a villain thing. Plus it will make life harder for all Red Mages if we don't create a legend with a positive tone.

It might do some good to have a legend where a Red Mage got godlike powers, but instead of hatching a plot that could inflict unimaginable harm on the planet or natural order of things, he instead sat down with the goddess of creation as an equal and successfully negotiated for the return of a soul.