woo!

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Recent Events Summary:

You decided that one of the keys to the vault under Jacob's Field needed to be collected - the lightning key, possessed by the late Duke Vellik of Kelvere. You flew to Evinbrook, and found the castle city locked in a battle for survival. Kan-Abar's armies returned, with two demon lords in tow.

Duke Vellik made a plan to stall the demons with patched-up dwarven technology. You brought him to safety in exchange for the lightning key. You offered him further sanctuary, but he chose to remain with what forces he has left and make the Kanians pay for every inch they take.

In order to permanently resolve this situation, you need the rightful king back on the throne of Kan-Abar - Obis Vin. You decided to track him down, and you've followed him as far as Port Vanta, where he was looking for an old ally, a pirate captain named Blackwater who used to work as a privateer for Kan-Abar. Blackwater, however, made an enemy in a particular crime lord - Damian Vonnegut. You leanred that after he asked around too much for Blackwater, Obis vanished, and you suspected Vonnegut was the culprit after a tip from a tavern keeper.

You were able to locate Vonnegut's base of operations under the city, and as you snuck in, you encountered Freja Blackwater, the infamous pirate's daughter. After a brief confrontation, you figured out that your goals were the same, and joined forces.

>con't

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However, Vonnegut was expecting you, and your ambushed turned into a cross-city chase. His powerful ice magic was able to fend you off until he'd retreated to his ship. You crept on board and located Obis amidst other abductees. You freed them, and then began to work your way through the ship, picking off the crew until none were left but Vonnegut and a handful of men.

To your surprise, upon confronting you, Vonnegut offered to cut you a deal. He released the slaves, and Obis, and allowed you to leave in peace - and even gave you a shard of the Moonsong. While you were suspicious at first, he held true to his word, apparently valuing the integrity of his ship over a magical battle that was sure to sink it.

The abducted people were returned to their homes in Port Vanta, and you have flown Freja and Obis upriver toward Haven. It's a bit slower going than usual - the skysever seems to be affecting you more frequently.

After the exhausting events, both you and they decided some rest was in order, and you've made camp in western Ulund.

>>26073911
A quick one you are!

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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.

All Revealed Ability Descriptions:

http://pastebin.com/eTHqmVYJ

Books the Main Character has read:

http://pastebin.com/dAXR00gP

Character Sheet including learned abilities and other important information:

http://pastebin.com/jj7uYhsV

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>>26073910

>>26073910
IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN!

IT'S SHADOW TIME!

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Current Statistics:

HP: 57/81
Mana: 15/34
EXP: 23
Humanity: 464
Temerity: 319

Shards of True Darkness: 3
(Isolation) - Strong
{Hunger} - Strong
(Silence) - Empowered

--Summoned--

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

--Automatons--

Earthen Construct (currently in Haven)

--Equipment--

Utility belt with purse

--Inventory--

Moonsong Shards x 3
Sun-Moon Key
Lightning Key
Succubus Reagents x 1

--Current Location--

Western Ulund

>>26073991
Woops, forgot to change back.

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>Last time...

You decide to meditate, and press your power into Isolation.

Its strength intensifies. You feel as though the shard itself is reinforced, like a crystal growing another layer.

>(Isolation) - Strong

You turn your gaze upward, and suddenly, it's past dawn. You companions are up. Obis is getting out a few utensils from his pack, while Freja turns a rabbit over a spit. It seems they beat you to the punch.

She looks at you. "So, does he always do this sort of thing?"

"What? Sit as still as a trap spider?"

"Yeah."

"Yep, he does that. He's basically asleep. Something about meditating to reinforce the shards of his power. Or something."

"Oh. Huh."

"Yep."

The conversation tails off into a strange quiet. You haven't moved, andit seems they haven't realized you're awake.

>con't

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ou're curious as to their relationship. Obis, normally talkative and cheery, seems subdued. The brash Freja just fiddles her fingers. You decide to sit where you are for a moment.

"So...I haven't seen you...since...damn. You were seventeen, I think?"

Freja nods. "...yeah. Six years back."

Obis sighs. "...I...Freja. Back then. I should've - "

"If you're about to apologize for how Nulis forced my father out, don't," Freja says. "That's on him. You were away, in Atlantis. There was nothing you could have done."

"The Blackwaters have always been our friends," Obis says. "I should have found you. I should have brought you back. But..." He looks at her. "...did he really sell us out?"

"That was whale shit Nulis made up to exile us," Freja snaps. "I would never - the Blackwater family would never betray you."

Obis nods. "...I see. I suspected as much, but at the time...other things..."

"I don't blame you," Freja says, more softly. "So don't blame yourself."

Obis nods in acceptance. "Where have you been? After Vanta?"

"Well," Freja says. "We had to leave Vanta after that ice pig smelled blood in the water. We settled in Maven Lake - under a new name, obviously. My father's become a rather important figure. Pillar of the community, as he likes to put it. I have to carry around basket of needles to keep popping his swelled head."

Obis chuckles. "Never thought he'd be interested in that kind of thing. The rest sounds like him, though."

There's a brief silence as they think of a new topic. Freja clears her throat. "...so...where have you been?"

"...around." There's a shrug, and a sigh. "After Nulis siezed power, I fled the city and wound up in Tarun Gakth. Got taken in by orcs, believe it or not. I've been living in their refuge within the canyons for two years."

"Sounds like a helluvah story."

>con't

"That's nothing compared to what happened when I hooked up with Shadow," Obis says, jerking his thumb at you. "He's one insanely terrifying son of a bitch."

"I kinda picked up on that."

Obis tells Freja how you confronted Yi Fang and Sandalphon, and allowed your own capture so that your friends could escape without suspicion. "After I got out of Archon, I rode straight for Vanta."

"Damn." She looks at you. If she was impressed before, now she seems awed. "He's not your average mage, is he?"

"...he sure isn't. You never know what Shadow is going to get up to. Half the time he'll eat his way through his enemies, and the other half, he'll try to talk them to death. You should have seen him argue with Auriel."

Freja leans forward, glancing between you and Obis. "...what is he, exactly?"

"You'll have to ask him." Obis shrugs. "The thing with Shadow...once you're in, he'll protect you with his own life. And he's really the open-minded type, so that's not too hard to accomplish."

"Powerful ally to have."

"Yeah." He looks at her. "So...how have you been? I didn't expect you to come to my rescue."

"I've changed a bit," she says. "You haven't, though."

"I guess you have," he says. "In my mind, you're still a bit less..."

Freja narrows her eyes. "Less what?"

"Uh...mature."

She settles back. "And what does that mean?"

"Well, you know...uh...grown...well, come into your own." He smiles grimly. "I don't think I'd want to be on the recieving end of your swords."

"What, no more duels?" She smiles at him. "I always liked playing with your sword."

"...well..." He mutters. "It's not like we can't..."

"Well, come on," she says, standing. "You're healed up after that potion I gave you, right? Let's get some exercise."

>con't

"Maybe we should wait until - "

She thrusts her hands on her hips. "The hell is this? Is King Obis Vin about to tell me something is a bad idea? Don't tell me you have changed."

"This isn't the time to be playing around."

She saunters around the fire. "I see how it is. Scared that the student might overtake the master?"

"Please."

"I don't see you moving."

Obis pushes himself to his feet and draws his weapon. "You asked for it."

Freja's twin blades -shink- free of their position in her greaves. She takes a stance. "Come on, then!"

They move away from the embers of the fire, and begin to duel. You remember Obis's style from when you fought before, but alone, it wasn't as impressive as this. The Kanian martial art is different from Flint's straightfoward sweeps and grapples. They dance across the grass. Little movement is wasted, and every movement counts. You were a little worried that they were using their actual weapons, but it looks like they're putting on an old, comfortable glove.

Their feet twist and turn on the grass and dirt. The distance between them closes, and the sword clashes increase in tempo. Suddenly, as quickly as it started, it's over - but not in the way you expected. Obis catches one of Freja's legs with his own, and drags his foot back, taking her off balance. He smacks her swords away, then falls on top of her, his own blade at her throat and his legs straddling her chest.

They sit there for a moment, breathing. Freja smiles at him. "You still know how to trip me up."

"...you're a lot better. That...took some effort."

He doesn't immediately move. Freja raises an eyebrow. "Seems like you're getting comfortable up there. I guess I don't mind too much, if it's you."

Obis scrambles off of her as if prodded by a hot iron. Freja hides a smile. "I'll get some water." She grabs a leather skin from Obis's pack and sways her way down to the river. Obis's eyes track her movement.

>con't

You hear him mumble a few words. "...definitely grown up, alright."

"Did you say something?" Freja calls over her shoulder.

"...just, uh...nothing important."

Freja shrugs, then bends at the waist to dip the skin into the water. Obis turns red, and swallows hard.

You're pretty sure you've seen this little courtship before. Freja is clearly stating that she's attracted to Obis. But he...seems to be holding back, for some reason.

Of course, you already know the reason. He bonded with Flint so quickly because they were so simliar. As Flint had his old love, Megan, Obis has his - Kullia. But for Obis, it isn't a matter of overcoming his past. He was engaged to Kullia, and Nulis stole her outright, her, and the entire country.

The rocky waters of your own emotions can be difficult to navigate, at times. Obis must be feeling quite torn.

What do you do?

>stay motionless
>"wake up" and greet Obis (write-in)
>something else

>>26074040
>She smiles at him. "I always liked playing with your sword."

Hopefully that isn't too tl;dr for anyone.

I enjoy writing character interaction and dialogue, but it really slows me down when I have to think about what they would say...glad I had a chance to hammer that out in downtime. A lot of interpersonal history I had to communicate in a short span of time.

>>26074080

tee-hee

>>26073999
This has probably been asked, but could we consume the succubus reagents for some mana/xp if we're ever in a pinch?

>>26074063
stay motionless and telepathically tell obis to go for her.

>>26074063
<Do you require assistance in human courting rituals, Obis?>

>>26074063
We should suddenly say "That was quite a show Obis and a very interesting fighting style"

>>26074063
>"wake up" and greet Obis (write-in)
<She us attracted to you and you her. Do you not wish to pursue it? Or shall you wait for your brothers death to ask the woman you loved before if she is willing to copulate with you instead?>

>>26073910
SM I read in the archives that you eventually want to get published, which is really hard considering even the terrible entertainment quality of modern publishing is saved
by larger publishers just making sure its put together enough to appeal. And since things have been going that way for a while in the world market I figured I could help by
providing some spiffy titles that match with the current two-decade label trend for Random House publishing. (I'll sample other publishers later) So here they are.

"Michaels Edge", "Ron Paul: The Happening", "Wives of Our Lives", "Matters of Choice - Abigail Edition", "Principles of the Penne", "A Little Faith in Me", "Trials of the Consumed", "David Dearest: The Love of Darkness", "An Accomplice of Justice", "Memories of Mine", "Jacobs Crossroad", "Shards of Friendship", "The Man Under the Dead Keep", "The Shadow of a Doubt", "The Darkness Within"(Is actually taken by fantasy author Jason Nahrung, and is a mildly pornographic series by Jennifer Turner, and an ancient Chinese play by a few too literal translations, sorry.), "Stones and Diplomacy", "Artificial Angel", "The God Blessed Czech Chest", "Dance of the Demon Lord", "The Tainted Throne", "Struggles of Grief: A Dialogue of Shadows and Hindsight", "Flightless Birds, A Treatise", "To Summon and to Angst", "Everyday Problems: A Discourse on Sidequests", "Empty Sunny Skies", "An Open Mouth and Consequences", "Powers From Without: A Delegation of Time"(I scrutinized a hint, surprise motherfucker), "High China City", "The Never Ending Ride of Knobtown Privilege", "To Sperge in the Name of Servants", and "Masterful Disbelief: The Final Course."
Good luck and I hope you do well.

Oh and I also look forward to your continued work on this quest as well, so there's that.

>>26074103

nah, it's just random shit really, which is why it has the vague label "reagents"

>>26074149

Laughing my ass off so hard I didn't even use the acronym.

>(I scrutinized a hint, surprise motherfucker)

Someone's getting cocky. I might have to throw more SURPRISES into the plot.

And thank you for the vote of confidence.

>>26074142
>>26074140
>>26074139
>>26074124

writing

>>26074063
>>"wake up" and greet Obis
<So, I'm 'insanely terrifying', eh? I suppose that's flattering, in a sort of morbid way.>

Give him a sense of exactly how long we've been "awake" without outright rubbing it in that we've been eavesdropping. He'll probably feel compelled to try and explain what the whole thing we just sat through meant, and then we can ease into things a little from there.

<I'm not going to presume to be an expert on this kind of thing, but this whole song and dance seems awfully familiar.>

>>26074063

mind whisper to Obis <she wants to copulate with you>

>>26074139
>>26074142
I feel we should leave the talk about courting rituals out for now. At the moment we need to focus on getting to Haven and planning out what to do next.

>>26074223

<Was Miss Blackwater an Angel once? As you are heir to a throne...>
<I know where you can find a Demon Lord if you wish to prove yourself and earn a moniker...>

>>26074223
this. we don't need to butt into his romantic life. while it worked out well enough with flint, this guy is engaged. that's a different kettle of fish. we don't know if she's still waiting faithfully (as much as a stolen woman can, at any rate) back home

>>26074319
Plot Twist: She is the one that's actually responsible for summoning the demons/or is a sacrifice for summoning.

>>26074342
If you remember back to the event of the first eclipse there was a line about a woman sitting on a throne she didn't make. So that might very well be the case.

>>26074319
>>26074223

I sorta agree with these guys. maybe ease into the discussion, not <lol she wants to copulate> that everybody else is thinking.

<That was some duel, Obis, though I believe some of her comments might have been a double-entendre.>

Obis flinches hard enough to lose his balance. "White fucking ashes!" His sits up and brushes the dust off his pants. "Dammit, Shadow, don't do that!"

<I find your statement that I am an insanely terrifying son of a bitch to be rather flattering, if a bit morbid.>

He sighs out his surprise. "Well. Whatever."

<Now,> you say, <I don't presume to be an expert on the matter, but I'm sensing you have feelings for Freja.>

He shakes his head. "Look...it was a student-teacher sort of thing, way back when. Vidar was our man on the seas, and we looked after his family."

<Vidar?>

"Vidar Blackwater is his full name," Obis says. He closes the distance to you. "Look. Obviously, she's attractive. But, I mean...I think of Vidar like a father. I couldn't mess around with his daughter."

<She very obviously wants to mess around with you.>

"That's not the point. She's young. She probably still has some mental image of me as some kind of hero." His gaze slides down to the ground. "...I'm..." He clenches his hands. "That doesn't matter. I'm reclaiming my throne. But her and me - that's a pipe dream. And, really, Shadow, more importantly - "

<Kullia,> you state.

Obis nods. "She was my fiance, and I love her. With every fiber of my being" His eyes glaze over with a distant memory. "...I'd do anything for her, Shadow. And if anyone is going to stop my brother...it's going to be me." He shifts back to face you. "Freja...she's a woman worth having. But we're not meant to be."

>"if you say so, muh brotha"
>"forget that old bitch, yo, that sweet young thang wants the D!"
>"ah'ight, but you ain't gonna string out my girl over there, are ya?"
>some other dope-ass plan, motherfucker

>"ah'ight, but you ain't gonna string out my girl over there, are ya?"

>>26074421
>not <lol she wants to copulate> that everybody else is thinking.

I think that Shadow, as a character, has progressed past that stage of thinking anyway.

>>26074428
I see the west coast is getting to you.

>sonic to haven

>>26074428
>"ah'ight, but you ain't gonna string out my girl over there, are ya?"

>>26074449
those were dark days

>>26074470
everyone knows how gangsta Vancouver is

>>26074449
thank you. somebody needs to cap this into our daily reminders, given how long that train of thinking's been going.
>>26074428
>"ah'ight, but you ain't gonna string out my girl over there, are ya?"
in other news, SM is seriously OG.

>>26074428
>>"if you say so, muh brotha"

writing

>>26074428

<Sheit Dawg, Dat be some whacked up shit Homes. What we gonna do is grab some o da Boyz, crash yo messed up brotha's partay, pop a cap in his ass, den set yous up as da head honcho, da big boss, den wes gonna sort out all ya bitches... Ya hear be Bro?>

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>>26074534
<Sheit Dawg, Dat be some whacked up shiznit Homes. What we gonna do is grab some o da Boyz, crash yo messed up brothaz partay, pop a cold-ass lil cap up in his thugged-out ass, den set yous up as da head honcho, da big-ass boss, den wes gonna sort up all ya biiiatches... Ya hear be Bro?>

WE NEED TO GO DEEPER

>>26074600
Tack on a "Smoke weed everyday." And we good.

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>>26074428
>>26074534
>>26074600
>>26074643
#basederebus

>>26074428
We should probably ask him what his next step to getting her, and his crown back, would be.

>>26074428
I feel that we should point out that the sage saod he'd need her to get his throne back.

<I trust your judgement,> you say. <You've known her longer than I have. But you should probably tell her that.>

He doesn't look happy about it, but a grudging acceptance melts over his face. "Yeah. That's how it has to be. She'll get over it." He glances at you. "Mind playing a statue for a bit longer?"

<Sure.> You sit in your meditative pose.

Freja comes back with the skin, taking a large sip. She hands it off to Obis. He drinks, wipes his mouth, and looks at her. "Freja, we need to talk about something."

"What?"

"...us."

She smirks and raises an eyebrow. "Well, this is new territory."

"It's old territory that I ignored before because you were young," he says. "I..." He looks down for a moment, then meets her gaze squarely. "The only thing that keeps me going is the thought of finding Kullia whole, and healthy in the middle of all this shit. By which I mean...whatever's between us...it won't go anywhere."

Freja does not look impressed. "Is it because of my age, Obis? Or because I don't have the standing to measure up for a king?"

"You know that who we are doesn't have anything to do with it," Obis says.

"At least you admit that much." She cuts him with her glare. "I'm fucking old enough - dammit, Obis, I just killed men to get you out of there. I can make my own choices about who I chose to - " She stops, then starts again, more quietly. "If you're putting me off because you think I'm young and stupid, you're a fool. I'm a woman, now, an adult, and by the elements, you will respect that."

"I do," he says. "But I'm in love with Kullia."

Freja swallows. She blinks hard. Eventually, she nods. "...I see."

>con't

>>26074726
doing this right now

They eat their breakfast of roasted rabbit. Obis stares at the fire, pensive. Freja seems to be holding back her emotion, but doing a poor job of it. You can see her expression shift with her thoughts.

But then, her expression settles into a solid determination. She nods to herself, then goes back to her rabbit.

You're not sure whether that's the resolve to move forward...or the resolve to make him love her. In any case, it's really none of your business. If Obis wants your opinion, he'll ask.

>you've gained 17 Humanity (481)

<Obis,> you say. He looks up at you. <We'll need Blackwater's help to return you to your throne, according to the sage.>

He nods. "I know. Maybe the old man's got something up his sleeve. We'll see." His face hardens. "But if what you told me about the state of Kelvere is true...we're in seriously deep shit. Two Demon Lords...that's like something out of the Elementomachy." He folds his hands together. "Duke Vellik isn't a pushover. He'll delay them. And after that huge rush, the Kanians will need time to consolidate and establish fallbacks and defenses, even if they have two Demon Lords. The Ring City won't sit on its hands if they cross into Arland."

<Do you think that's their next target?>

"Seems likely. Evinbrook would make the perfect staging point to invade Arland." He looks at you. "Assuming my brother is responsible for all this...he'll have himself, and any other summoners, secure back in Kan-Abar, where they will be extremely difficult to touch. And if we try to get there, you can bet the Demon Lords will do everything in their power to defend their anchor into our plane. So." He squints. "We need an army. A force big enough to keep the Kanians, and the Demon Lords, busy. Then, a smaller force to strike Kan-Abar itself and take out Nulis."

<How can we accomplish that?>

>con't

"Well," Obis says. "I'm friends with a certain knight that has experience in the area of slaying demons. And who happens to be the son of the Lord of Dobshire."

"Do you mean Sir Donovan Flint?" Freja asks. You both look at her. "I've heard rumors about him. He finished off the Demon Lord after the Highest, Auriel, had weakened him. But after that, he vanished."

Obis smiles. "Vanished is a relative term."

<...it will take some convincing,> you say. <Flint will certainly help us...but he's dealing with his own problems, too. And he's never jumped for joy at the prospect of going home.>

"He might not have a choice," Obis says. "Where is he?"

<Archon.>

Obis stands, and begins to pace. He nods. "I...it's a long shot. But I think I can see this coming together."

<What do you mean?>

He waves a hand at you. "Let's get everyone in the same room, first. To this Haven of yours. There's no time to lose."

What do you do?

>>26074926
we ask Freja if there's anybody in the area that we could pull on, or any of her dad's assets that we can obtain before leaving for Haven.

>>26074926
lets head back to haven and start making plans

>>26074926
i cant really think of anything to do except head to haven.
i forget, why are we not telling her we are an elemental?

TO Have then.

>>26075040
well, she will definitely find out when we get to haven.

>>26075060
so why not tell her now?

>>26075040

You could tell her that. Obis just didn't want to hand out information you hadn't divulged yourself.

Writing for haven.

Oh, roll 1d100

>>26074926
to haven

there better not be a key hidden in a bush nearby or something

Rolled 18

>>26075082
rolling

Rolled 62

>>26075082

Rolled 80

>>26075082
fuck

Rolled 14

>>26075082

SKY SEVER!!!!!

Rolled 20

>>26075082

>>26075065
Because it would ruin the surprise!

What better way than to get to Haven and after awhile transform out of our traveling form and then begin an explanation of "what" we are.

>>26074926

>>26074915
><We'll need Blackwater's help to return you to your throne, according to the sage.>
>"I know. Maybe the old man's got something up his sleeve. We'll see."
I'm not sure we got the point across terribly well.

>"...one...last...thing..." He looks at Kirt. "...to reclaim what is yours...Blackwater...you'll need her..."
Leaving people ignorant of prophecy regarding them might be good business sense if you're the manipulative sort, but I feel like Shadow would think this deserves mentioning with Freja around.

If that tail end bit of the prophecy could be taken at its word, Obis is just going to be sabotaging himself by trying to stick with what he knows and trying futilely to get Vidar Blackwater to be the Blackwater in question.

>>26075040
>i forget, why are we not telling her we are an elemental?
Because she hasn't asked what our deal is yet; Obis told her that if she wanted to know, she should just ask us, and that seems like a reasonable way of going about things.

Rolled 64

>>26075082
>Mana: 15/34
We really should stop at a mana pool on the way.

Rolled 12

>>26075111
we don't know which blackwater it is though

>>26075082
roll

Rolled 10

>>26075082

Rolled 22

>>26075136
>you'll need her...
It's Freja, unless daddy Blackwater is something straight out of BFQ.

>>26075190
Remind Obis that the Sage said HER, not him.

>>26075136
>we don't know which blackwater it is though
>Blackwater...you'll need her...
>her

I mean, it got cut off there, so the full sentence might've been "you'll need her father's help", or "you'll need her blood and organs as a catalyst to summon a demon lord great enough to do battle with Nullis Vin" or "you'll need her to hook up with you so you won't get your spirit utterly crushed when you eventually find out that your fiancee is dead"

But still.

>>26075239
>you'll need her to hook up with you so you won't get your spirit utterly crushed when you eventually find out that your fiancee is dead

I'm thinking this one.

>>26075239
She could have other relatives too
There's bound to be a missus blackwater

food 4 thought

<You remember the prophecy, though?> you ask Obis.

"Of course," he says. "We need Blackwater."

<The sage mentioned the name,> you say, <but also said: 'you need her'. Her - > you point at Freja. <As in, her.>

"That works for me." She purses her lips at Obis. "I'd hate to be left behind because some silly reason, like it was too dangerous."

Obis grits his teeth, but says nothing.

You fly back to Haven...

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

"Well," Auriel says, "If anything, I'm glad to see you're in one piece, Obis."

Freja glances around the clearing. The foundation of the central wooden fortress now sports a half-completed first floor. Even you're impressed by the progress.

The angels are cutting stone from a nearby rocky cliff. It's good material, but it's rather slow going. Still, a good third of the wooden outer wall has been replaced with the heavy rock. Magic is useful for shaping it into exact sections.

"This is quite a setup," Freja says. "You know, you're all just a handful of miles from the lake. My father could help you out quite a bit."

Auriel eyes Freja, sizing her up from head to toe. You wonder how she feels about the daughter of a former pirate. "I suppose he might, at that. What position does he hold, exactly?"

"...he's the mayor."

>con't

Auriel's skepticism fades. "The mayor of Maven Lake? That's some very good news. We'll have another friend close by." Auriel looks at you. "Shadow, here's what we'll do. I'll stay here and coordinate with our allies within the forest. It won't take much convincing to get a little support, I think, considering that if the Demon Lords take Arland, they'll have opened one long ugly front with the Great Forest."

<And what for us?>

"Take Freja and Obis to Maven Lake," she says. "Speak with Blackwater, get him on board."

"It won't be a problem," Freja says. "He'll be more than happy to support you. We're no friends of the Empire."

"Just what I wanted to hear." She looks at you. "Shadow. I'm thinking...we're going to need Yi Fang on this one. And we have to have Flint at 100%."

<...I know,> you say. <But what's this all heading toward?>

"We present a united front," Auriel says. "Felnoir, if they're willing. The Great Forest, under one banner. Backed by Archon. If we show up to Arland first, with Flint, myself, Fang, and maybe even Vellik before the angels can organize - that looks damn good to the average man. When Demon Lords are knocking down your door, you don't really give a damn about elements - you give a damn about who's protecting your family. That, ultimately, is the lord's end of the bargain."

<So, we sweep Sandalphon's political position from under him.>

"Exactly," Auriel says. "And once we're there, he'll have no choice but to show, too. In fact, we can be the ones that invite him to meet with us at Arland - Atlantis, too. Heh." She claps her hands together. "This is working out rather nicely."

>con't

<Just don't turn into another Yi Fang,> you say. <I'll try and get him on board, but be careful where he's involved.>

Auriel snorts. "I've got a hundred and fifty years experience up on you for that one, Shadow. After you've seen Vidar..." Her face changes. "Take care of Donovan for me. The sooner he gets that parasite off him, the better."

You nod, and your friends disperse. Ila flashes you a quick phrase in her finger language as she walks away. ~Good luck. I'll keep things up on my end.~

Freja and Obis look at your expectantly.

What do you do?

>talk to someone at camp (write-in)
>do something else at camp
>take Freja and Obis to Maven Lake to see Blackwater
>some other strategy

>>26075498
>some other strategy
We should go see the orcs
Unless Auriel is going to try and negotiate with them

>>26075540

Auriel will do that.

>>26075498
>take Freja and Obis to Maven Lake

priorities. we need to get into fighting shape as quickly as possible. we don't want to see what five big demons can do, and the more we wait the worse that situation gets

>>26075487

I am so fucking glad we got Auriel on our side. We should say thank you just all the trust and support she place on us.

>take Freja and Obis to Maven Lake to see Blackwater

We don't have time to waste. No sidequests, only progress.

Rolled 2

>>26075498
have we told Freja we're an elemental, or has she figured that out already from the transportation?

>>26075589

OK lets make a list.

1st Blackwater
2nd Fang
3rd Duke
4th Arland

I could sugest we arrive at Arland with Flint before the rest and deal with the parasite quick and quietly before the diplomatic team gets there.

Rolled 93

>>26075498
have we told Freja we're an elemental, or has she figured that out already from the transportation?

>>26075670
>>26075679

fucking double-post.

>>26075589
>>26075633
I agree
We can talk to people and get other things ironed out once we got this shit in order

>>26075475
>>26075487
>>26075498
Christ, Auriel is taking to politics like a duck to water.

>>26075498
Ask if she could use a black mana pool in Haven

File: 1374103461071.jpg-(68 KB, 256x256, Auriel (2).jpg)

68 KB JPG

You catch Auriel before she wanders too far. <Hey...Angel.>

She turns, smirking. "I thought we were past first names."

<...I just wanted to say...thank you, again. For everything you're doing.> You gesture to the growing encampment. <Without you...things would be really different.>

What started as an awkward, segregated camp has blended into a happy sort of chaos. Shadow mages walk amongst the angels, talking, laughing. Some, on break, play cards, or take their meals together. There's a relaxed atmosphere, but it's adjacent to a cheerful industry, the sort of contentment that comes at the meeting of hard work and very visible progress.

"...I have a lot to make up for, I think," she says. She looks at you. "...you know, Shadow...it was as if all my fears and doubts had coalesced into one being, come to haunt me. So I rejected you. I used the same arguments I've used for so long I can't remember where I first heard them. How could I admit I was wrong? How could I go back on everything that I've done?"

She punches the air, flexing her arm, then looks at her fist. "This...it's a fresh start. A clean slate. Something new." She smiles, a sad, timeless smile "...I have done many things, Shadow. And many of those have not been nice things. But there's no time like now to start marching back the other way." She looks at you. "So you don't have to keep thanking me, because I'm doing this for me, too. I'm just glad you didn't give up on me halfway."

She leaves you there, and you consider her words.

If she can change...so can others. You cling to that hope.

>you've gained 13 humanity (491)

>insert here that Freja is now aware of your true nature and isn't really bothered by it. She's more admiring than anything.

You take up Freja and Obis and spread your wings. <Hold on tight.>

Freja laughs at you soar into the air. "I guess this is what it feels like to be a bird!"

Obis makes a strange half-gurgle. "...make it quick, Shadow."

---------
BOOM
---------

Roll 1d100

>>26075798

sure I'll write that exchange really quick

>>26075498
>Ila flashes you a quick phrase in her finger language as she walks away. ~Good luck. I'll keep things up on my end.
I thought we were keeping it a secret that we understand the sign language?

Rolled 2

>>26075807
c'mon something good

Rolled 16

>>26075807

Highway to the danger zone~!

Rolled 42

>>26075807

SEVER SKY!!!

>>26075847
FUCK

You find Ila near the wall. <How are you?>

~Well. We're making a lot of progress. Everyone seems to be doing fine.~

<That's good. But why are you using your fingers to talk?>

She blinks, then smiles. "Didn't realize it. Habits, you know."

<A question.>

"By all means."

<Would you do well with a Shadow mana pool?>

Ila looks surprised. She frowns, then nods. "Well...it would make it a lot easier for us...well, some of us, to gather mana. But I think it'd do the opposite for the angels. It would have to be properly shielded. I don't know if we have the equipment or the skills for that kind of thing."

You recall the way the power was siphoned and shielded from the pools back in the Ring City and Archon. <I see.>

"Are you suggesting you could make one?"

<I believe so. Look into it for me.>

"Will do. Take care out there."

<You too.>

You turn and walk back to where Freja and Obis are waiting.

>>26075847
>>26075849
>>26075855

we just had Obis throw up on us, or something.

Rolled 45

>>26075807
BRACE FOR IMPACT

Rolled 33

>>26075874

Rolled 25

>>26075807

Rolled 69

>>26075874
prepare ur butts

Your aura explodes behind you. With just a brief jaunt across the lake, you'll be to Maven in only a few moments.

Something jabs into you from the side!

>you've taken 7 damage (50/81)

Your aura beats off the spike of wind, but your supersonic cuts out. You tumble out of control as you approach the opposite shore. Freja and Obis are screaming like mad.

You slow yourself as much as you can, but you've got too much momentum. You turn over, putting Obis and Freja above your body, and absorb the impact as you crash into the ground. You slide through the mud, and then the dirt, eventually coming to rest against a tree.

>you've taken 4 damage (46/81)

Obis rolls off your and throws up on the ground. Freja is less sick, and more shocked. She stumbles to a tree and leans against it with one hand. "Wind...what the hell was that, Shadow?!"

<I don't know. That's never happened to me before.>

Obis manages to get his feet under him. "...how much flying have you been doing, lately?"

<A lot. Why?>

"...more than once in a day?"

<That was...at least my fourth within a day?>

Obis sighs. "There's a reason airships dock for a while before setting out again. The skysever...somehow, it knows how many flights each object has experienced every day. The more flights, the more aggressive it becomes. You're lucky you're you. Anyone else would have been gutted."

<I had no idea. I'll be more careful in the future.>

"Freja!" comes a voice. "What in the name of - " The voice stops.

You all look over. An older man with a cane, flanked by a few guards, has emerged from the trees. "...Hyperion's light. Obis, my boy, is that you?"

"The one and only."

Vidar Blackwater puts his hands on his cane and laughs deep from his chest. "You always did know how to make an entrance!"

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

>con't

>>26076068
Damn, but we've got to keep moving between all these distant places... This is gonna be horrible to keep in touch with everything.

>>26076124
jsut means we gotta investigate the sky sever

File: 1374104684126.jpg-(446 KB, 1366x854, Maven Lake.jpg)

446 KB JPG

You emerge from the other side of the trees. Vidar nodded to you after a brief introduction, and has since been chatting with Obis excitedly, nearly nonstop, in fact. You follow patiently without butting in. They have a lot of catching up to do.

It turns out you were just on the border of the city. Maven Lake appears out of the trees. But dominating the sky is a tree-like tower. Windows bristle from its thick, carved out trunk. The way the roofs are built almost make it seem like a giant mushroom, but no - it's a tree.

Vidar notices your gaze. "We call it 'The Grandfather'. All of the old giants got cut down when the elves fled their old kingdom for the isles, way, way back when the dwarves beat them in that little scuffle they had. But this one survived."

You're led up inside the vast tree to a meeting room in the midsection, leaving the guards outside.

>con't

>>26076124

We could try to destroy the Skysever, but you know that the subsequent boon in airship use for war and commerce will inevitable begin an age of Sky Piracy.

>>26076231
>implying that's a bad thing
We air shadow privateers now!

>>26076189
Can we ask if Venia is the only continent? I thought we were going to ask Auriel but I was away from the thread... I'm sure if anyone would know it'd be somebody who has sailed the seas like Blackwater.

File: 1374105215735.jpg-(230 KB, 1131x1600, Vidar Blackwater.jpg)

230 KB JPG

You let Obis and Freja take the lead on explaining the situation. Blackwater listens intently, nodding at some parts, never asking any questions. He gives you another once-over when Obis describes your joint exploits, but makes no comment. By the time they finish explaining, you've all eaten a light lunch.

"So, my boy," Blackwater says. "You've got to beat back an enemy army and its Demon Lords while simultaneously swinging public opinion in favor of this little ragtag alliance that hasn't even been formed yet, infiltrate your own city and deal with your own flesh and blood, one way or another. And you have to bring my daughter, and this Shadow fellow, or you're certainly dead. And even with them, you might be dead anyway. Do I have that all down right?"

Obis nods. "...yeah."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvriqdS3vsc&t=53s

Blackwater grins like a fish that's a bit too happy to drink more water. "Excellent. I'm damn tired of sitting in this tree and filling out paperwork. This is just what I need to get back in the game."

"Father!" Freja says. "You're in no - "

"Bah!" He waves his cane at her. "You count yourself lucky I don't chain you in your room. I'll be the one to decide what condition I'm in, thank you. Speaking of which, I want you to talk to the Steward. That Janus Miller and his little gang of misfits will want to be in on this. That Auriel Lightchosen will probably already be talking to him, but might as well draw the net closer if we're going to do this."

<You seem quite excited.>

"Of course! I think you're my kind of man, Shadow." Blackwater claps a hand on your 'shoulder'. "The kind of man that knows how to have a good time! Well, Freja, don't just stand there. Hop to it!"

Freja pouts slightly, but, after throwing Obis a last glance, walks out of the room.

>con't

Blackwater promptly heaves a sigh and slumps into a chair. "Obis."

"Yes sir?"

"You know she would follow you into

"She'd follow you into hell with a smile. You know that, don't you?"

"Yes si."

If she dies, I'll kill myself just so I can haunt you into madness."

"Understood, sir."

"Good, you ungrateful little whelp."

You're surprised by the exchange. Clearly, to address a king in such a manner, Blackwater was around while Obis was still learning to walk.

Blackwater sighs again. "But I know you know that already. I just felt a sudden urge to beat you over the head with it." Blackwater looks at you. "I'll take care of ram-head over here." Obis rubs the Ram's head emblazoned on his armor rather sheepishly. "You get to Archon and get our friend the demonslayer sorted out...and whatever you need to get Fang on board."

<Alright.>

What do you do?

>fly to Archon
>...let's run, this time (about 48 hours on foot at top speed)
>do something else in Maven Lake before leaving (write-in)
>some other plan

>>26076478
Run part of the way, until the next day I guess. Then fly the rest of the way.

>>26076478
Can we ask >>26076288
???

>>26076478
>>...let's run, this time

>>26076478
run. do we get tired from physical travel?

>>26076520
might as well. we don't have too strong a grasp of the geography of this world.

>>26076523
>Marathon Monster

>>26076530
>>26076520

certainly

>>26076478
Important part is. Do we run like sonic?

>>26076585
>Shadow the Hedgehog

>>26076599
Huehuehue.

>>26076599

only with fast blink & teleport....

File: 1374106329939.png-(179 KB, 382x380, 1291089708247.png)

179 KB PNG

>>26076599

>>26076648
>>26076599
Now that I think about my joke this is what you should've named the Hypersonic power

>>26076478
Time to get to running.

>>26076648
Is this the joke of the day image?

>>26076769
Could we jump instead?

<I have an odd question,> you say.

"Mmm?" Blackwater grunts.

<Is there more than landmass in Venia?>

"In all the world?" Blackwater smiles. "You've asked the right man. It's quite a story. You see - "

"He doesn't have time for an hour-long adventure," Obis interrupts.

"You shut up." Blackwater turns back to you with a huff. "...anyway...I've been to the edge of the world."

<What's there?>

"A wall," Blackwater says, "of wind and rain. But before that, the ocean changes. It flows with a swift, strong current. Beyond, you can see the stars, drifting in a vast black emptiness. I slowed the ship, because I didn't like the looks of that current, but I didn't have to. We crossed some sort of threshold." He nods at you. "It came in like a typhoon. Wind and rain and lightning throwing us back faster than I've ever traveled in any ship since. Where we touched the edge, a swirling cyclone remained. We watched it for a time, and eventually, it vanished. Now, I know a bit of wind magic, and I came up with a theory based on what I'd felt, and seen."

<Yes?>

"The edge of the world is blocked by the skysever itself," Blackwater says. "Have you seen the spell's core? Up above the Great Forest?"

<I have.>

"Indeed. Well, the spell was originally designed to stop the Black Hand. Darkness. And guess what lies beyond the world? Darkness. A cyclone of wind covers the ancient floating isles, supposedly. But there's another shell, beyond that, covering the edge of the world. We're in a giant bubble made out of angry winds."

<That's some magic.>

"Indeed it is."

"If he's right, and not full of shit," Obis says.

"Aww, shut up!"

"You should probably get going, Shadow," Obis says. "Time is, as they say, of the essence."

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

Roll 1d100 for traveling on foot for a day, then flying the rest of the way

>>26076802

You'll run and jump across the land as fast as you can.

Rolled 13

>>26076810

>>26076810
><Is there more than landmass in Venia?>
blegh

Should be

<Are there no other landmasses in Venia?>

>>26076823
Do we have to collect rings?

Rolled 18

>>26076810

Rolled 41

>>26076810
here we go then

Rolled 56

>>26076831
>>26076841
We surely are in a shadow quest.

Rolled 71

>>26076810

Rolled 23

>>26076810

still need to work out that 'Transport Mode' that was discussed... being an amorphous blob of darkness has it's benefits...

>>26075190
>It's Freja, unless daddy Blackwater is something straight out of BFQ.

Blackwater has a daughter, who we are with.
So clearly he was a wife, who would have taken the man's last name.

Its a prophecy, so think think OUTSIDE the box. It could just as easily refer to Freja as it could her mom, miss blackwater.

In either case, a retired pirate king is a good ally to make contact with, and he most likely has treasure or information we could use.

Rolled

>>26076810
We have the need..

>>26076831
>>26076841
>>26076854
So we trip and fall over ourselves and bump every tree from here to the edge of the great forest and then:
>>26076878
>>26076880
>>26076883
We sputter about in the right direction and probably take a little bit of damage.

Rolled 73

>>26076810

>>26076831
>>26076841
>>26076854
And we come down off our high of the many 100s.

Rolled 66

>>26076810
I bet you outside the sky-sever walls there's nothing but half-fey catboys

You start to run.

You leap across the tops of the trees, splashing in and out of the leaves. Eventually, the forest thins to individual stands, and then fades into plains, but those don't last long. The exposed cliffs and rolling hills of the Azoth Highlands soon rise around you.

The sun drops below the horizon, and you keep running. Bits of shadow stick to you as you move, and you feel a bit stronger.

>you've regenerated back to 54/81 HP

The sky in the distance is hazy with an oncoming sunrise. You're pretty sure you've crossed the border into Archon, now. You ready your wings, and prepare your aura.

You feel something. It's a sharp spike of light magic, high in the sky, traveling fast. Very fast. It's headed toward you.

What do you do?

>take cover; hide
>use supersonic, you'll be away before it can realize anything was out of place
>fly up and meet the spike of light
>some other strategy

>>26076231
>an age of Sky Piracy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPH1OoTobtk

>>26076943

They're also half-drow, and they cut themselves at night. Every morning they attempt to strangle themselves with string, but they only have shitty shadow string, so it always breaks and they're forced to live with their black souls yet another day.

>>26076992
>take cover; hide

>>26076992
>take cover; hide
Incoming Plotberg aka Hyperion sub elementals

>>26077010
Damn I guess you started reading Drow Civ Quest then huh.

>>26076992
>take cover; hide

>>26077010
now we know what erebus was doing all that time

>>26076992
Take Cover. this shit is elemental tier.

>>26076992

hide. Sandy seems to not be happy...

>>26076992
Send an illusion forward at our current pace while we compress and shadow meld.

>>26076992
>take cover; hide

Anyone else want some compress/shadowmeld?

>>26076992
>take cover; hide


Might this Also be a time to bring up the potential purchase of surge or frostbite?

>>26077091
I think shadowmeld but not compress.

>>26077091
Compression would be a good idea.

>>26077106
>surge or frostbite?

Neither of these things help us beatdown demon lords.
Save the xp.

>>26077091
Compression but no Shadowmeld

>>26077091
Just shadowmeld, we don't have much mana.

>>26077142

shadowmeld is the one that uses mana

>>26077091

No compression, because if its hostile we need to uncompress to fight it which wastes actions.

Shadowmeld, to conceal us while we drop a Shade.

Then, move away from the shade, while sending the shade on our original path.

Basically, bait-and-switch the incoming angel.

>>26077127
Its not the things themselves its what they lead to

>>26077153

We didn't recharge before leaving Haven?

Are mana pools the only things we can recharge IN?

>>26077188
>http://pastebin.com/eTHqmVYJ
yep

Ok, we'll use a 5 mana-strength shadow meld, which actually only costs your 4 mana.

Writing.

>>26077188

Yes. Nowhere you've been lately has a mana pool. So far you've recharged in a spirit and a shadow mana pool.

>>26077153
Compress it is, then.

>>26077091
Shadowmeld
>>26077106
I would be up for getting Surge first and seeing what it unlock. OPERATION: HYDRA moves forward!

>>26077178
>Its not the things themselves its what they lead to

By that reasoning, I'd rather buy harden and sharpen from the earth tree.
Cheaper and reveals 4-5 abilities, hopefully more Magic Power

if we're talking about actually taking the Demon Lords on in combat we definately should get Robust Immunity since one is poison incarnate.

>>26077219
I would say surge myself aswell because its cheaper

File: 1374108356278.jpg-(27 KB, 299x369, Lucifer.jpg)

27 KB JPG

>mana: 11/34

You draw the shadows over you like a cloak and duck under an outcropping of rock.

The spike of light rockets down to where you were. The mage lands heavily, throwing up a cloud of dust.

It's Lucifer.

You feel the light bend around him in that strange was, as if his aura is grabbing any that comes close enough. It's a strange sensation. It creates sharp, wavering planes of white and black over his wings and skin.

He kneels, and scans the area.

Roll 1d100

>>26077269
I agree

>>26077246
Well im after frostbite or surge specifically for the potential magic power upgrade

Rolled 60

>>26077289
SNEAK SNEAK SNEAK

Rolled 58

>>26077289
Hooooly shiiiiit

Rolled 84

>>26077289
awww shieet

Rolled 38

>>26077289
SHIT

Rolled 53

>>26077289
oh damn

Rolled 34

>>26077289
Can we take him?

Rolled 53

>>26077289
NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE

>>26077274

Its not a prudent time to be buying mana based abilities when we have no mana.

Also there's no pressing NEED to spend xp right now.

Don't be lured into the trap of instant gratification, and 'cheap' abilities.
Right now we need to stockpile and save for this Demon Lord Shitstorm.

I still think hydra's a trap power, by the way, because it doesn't work against magical attacks, or crusing ones, or even all the time.
There are better things to get for 50+ xp.

Rolled 19

>>26077326
probably
>>26077289

Rolled 90

>>26077326
NAH SON.

No seriously, if we were full up on mana and health I'd say go for it. Right now? He'd kick our ass.

>>26077346
>Its not a prudent time to be buying mana based abilities when we have no mana.
>mana: 11/34

My bad, I thought we were super low.

Rolled 61

>>26077289

Rolled 99

>>26077289
Fucking hell!

>>26077352
>No seriously, if we were full up on mana and health I'd say go for it. Right now? He'd kick our ass.

We could try diplomacying him against the demon lords.
After all, we can send Impressions.

>>26077289
WELP, at least we have XP to burn for mana in case we need it...

>>26077289
Can we laugh at him without him detecting where we are? I think that'd be pretty great. Just laugh at the loss of all his shit. ha ha ha.

>>26077326
Even is Shadow CAN take him, it is important not to as he is probably flying to go deal with those Demon Lords rampaging about.

>>26077352
We could try CONSUMING him that would definitely restore some health

Lucifer's gaze moves around the hills. For a moment, it passes directly over where you're hidden. You freeze still.

He turns back, then launches himself up in a blast of dust and rock. In a few moments, he's flying at normal speed, heading southeast.

You heave a sigh of relief, and try to figure out how he found you. You wouldn't be surprised if the angels figured out you were the one that caused that mess back in Port Vanta...he's probably going to investigate. It was probably just bad luck you crossed paths, but you made it through without detection. And now you know they've got a tail on you.

You make a mental note to keep your movements less obtrusive.

You wait a good ten minutes to be absolutely sure he's gone, and then spread your wings and take off.

--------
BOOM
--------

Roll 1d100

Rolled 53

>>26077408
Rollin'

Rolled 34

>>26077408

Rolled 67

>>26077408

Rolled 71

>>26077408
Rollan

Rolled 31

>>26077408
>natural 1

Rolled 69

>>26077408
flying is unhealthy!

Rolled 29

>>26077408
Air Shadow One

Rolled 33

>>26077408

Rolled 97

>>26077408

Rolled 38

>>26077408

File: 1374108862296.jpg-(82 KB, 937x852, 1365213825987.jpg)

82 KB JPG

Hey guys I have a quick idea, when we have to travel on foot with some of our companions we should turn into a shadow horse.

Rolled 9

>>26077408
Another set of entirely average rolls.

>>26077464
No and FUCK you.
Never.
Ever.

Nothing equine related. BANNED FOREVER. We can be a carriage if we want to do that.

>>26077464

Sleipnir, odin's horse!

surprised that's not on the tree already, actually.

>>26077464
At least suggest a non-shitty animal that can take more than one person.

>>26077346
Im after the magic power upgrades that let us regenerate our mana not hydra.

And all of those cheap abilities lead to more powerful abilities anyway

>>26077488
>>26077464
I does seem more reasonable to cover our allies while travelling due to the frequency with which we get into shenanigans.

>>26077545
>non-shitty animal

Elephants :)

>>26077545
shadow mammoth?

>>26077269
I also agree with this so in preparation of the possibility of us fighting demons like the Demon lord that is poison incarnate I say we get Robust Immunity and Surge.

>>26077556
>>26077557
Shadow fucking mammoth. Make it happen /tg/.

>>26077587
>have to make a getaway with ABSOLUTELY EVERYONE
>Titanic
>transform into mammoth + tusks
>tell everyone to hold on
>hypersonic away into the dusk, trailing rainbows and blinking stars

>>26077545
>implying we couldn't also pull a balling shadow war wagon.

>>26077545
We could just turn into a giant ball, possibly with spikes for better traction

>>26077578
I second this action

>>26077346
I don't give a damn about Hydra, we need Mighty Regeneration and Magic Power 4. That's why we need more water magic.

I can agree to surge, we do need it for might regen.

>>26077609
>>implying we couldn't also pull a balling shadow war wagon.

Read that was 'shadow war dragon'.
Think i like the mistake better, actaully.

Dragons exist in this setting and are fucking terrifying, also exceptionally rare - about as rare as elements.

It might make for a pretty decent disguise for us, actually.

>>26077578
>>26077617
>>26077636
There is only like three water abilities that we haven't uncovered anyway.
We could be really fucking close to that next magic power

>>26077657
It's a great idea for intimidation on unsuspecting mooks and gooks.

>>26077676
>>26077657
Except the sky sever would kick our ass for making anything that big and trying to fly

>>26077705
Mmm, that's right. I wonder how the dragons of this world handle that.
I also wonder if that shadow dragon in thread 1 wasn't just a really complex powerful summon but that would mean a summoner somewhere.

Hmm. We haven't asked anyone about the dragons of Venia, maybe we should do that some time and force SM to fluff us.

>>26077617
>Mighty Regeneration and Magic Power 4

Eurgh. But we'd have to unlock the entire tree for Mighty Regeneration, like we did for Schattenkrieg.
Water Recovery, Frostbite, Surge, Water resistance is 27 points, maybe 15 more for dark blizzard.
Plus 2-3 unrevealed abilities, before we can even buy it.

I don't think that's worth the price.

Here's what I think we should do:
We're going to Archon?
Archon has a mana pool?
Buy Pocket(15), but Automaton(7), ask Yi Fang for some resources for the war.

Stash as many Automatons as we can make(its possible we'll only get one, but still) in our Pocket, and start building an army we can carry around with us.
We're gonna NEED it soon.

>>26077705
>Except the sky sever would kick our ass for making anything that big and trying to fly

We don't have to be dumb and fly everywhere. The dragon we fought in chapter 1(i've finally started on archives!) didn't, and even angels pause to make hops

You manage to make it to Archon an hour after sunrise. The skysever is temperamental, but you don't have too much trouble with it.

You cut out your flight well before reach the city, and stealthily land at the base of Fang's tower. Flint is up a few floors in his usual spot. He's pretty much appropriate the space as a training room, at this point.

He holds his sword steady, then flows into a simple motion. He turns, and works back across the room. It looks like some sort of warmup. From the way he moves, you can tell he's done it many, many times.

<Hello, Flint.>

"Shit!" Flint spins, his sword automatically falling into a ready grip. He slams it home into its sheath when he sees you and heaves a sigh. "You aren't even trying to sneak up on me, are you?"

<Not really, no. Where are the others?>

"Abigail is in her room, I think," Flint says. "Fang is with the councilors. They're voting on Abigail's admission into the Archonium. If it's favorable, she'll be all set for tomorrow."

<I see. Then this is a good opportunity. I've got a lot to tell you.>

You tell Flint about Obis, and Auriel's plan to get the scoop on Sandalphon.

Flint rubs his hair. "...that's a lot on me. Shit. You know, I have to go home to fix this parasite thing. Probably." Awareness dawns on Flint's face. "...that stupid, nagging angel. She's forcing me into a corner on purpose!"

<I think that might be taking it a bit far.>

He rips his gauntlets off and throws them to the floor. "Dammit! When I see her, I'm...I'm just..." He covers his face with his hands. "I'm going to hold her and kiss her until she's sick of it. Damn bitch!"

<I think it's clear she brings out the best in you.>

"...was that a joke?"

<I really thought I had the delivery down that time.>

"Work on it."

You sigh.

The doors to the room fly open. Fang marches in. "Shadow, I'm glad to see you back. How was the trip?"

<Good,> you say. <How was the vote?>

>con't

>>26077617
>Mighty Regeneration and Magic Power 4.
>>26077746
>Water Recovery, Frostbite, Surge, Water resistance is 27 points, maybe 15 more for dark blizzard.
>Plus 2-3 unrevealed abilities, before we can even buy it.

Also for that price we can probably buy/find the Mana Regeneration power and just rely on Heal

>>26077746
Me need that fucking magic power 4 so we don't have to rely on bloody mana pools or eating dudes as our sole way to regain mana

>>26077763
Are we gonna learn how to joke at 500/600 humanity or something?

>>26077816

How does magic power 4 solve this?

>>26077772
magic 4 is most likely after surge or frostbite

>>26077746
>Pocket army

Hah

I like it.

>"So this shadow, yeah, slammed into the middle of the battlefield like a fucking meteor."
>"And then he vomited ten dozen robots onto us and flew away again."
>"No, I'm not crazy. This is something that happened. I swear, I'm not crazy."

>>26077849
Higher magic powers lets us start to regen mana on our own.

That said I do like the Idea of pocket automatons

>>26077772
See that is the thing. OPERATION: HYDRA is a huge exp investment, but has huge payoff as well. We get to up our Regen, make Berserk massively OP, and with Hydra we get to be immune to cutting attacks as it gets healed almost instantly.

And that is just the abilities we can see.

>>26077849
>Higher levels unlock mana regeneration.

>>26077816
that was supposed to be we. I did not suddenly turn into grimlock. Unfortunatly

Rolled 70

>>26077874
>lets us start to regen mana

Where's the proof?

>>26077881
I'm really wondering how game changing those 3(?) abilities in the tree are.
And how absurdly expensive they are.

>>26077860
>"Mac's not crazy, I saw that thing just drop fucking angels outta nowhere!"

>>26077902
>retarded
check the damn pastebin

>>26077902
>http://pastebin.com/eTHqmVYJ
>Magic Power - upgrade your magic, increasing available mana. Higher levels unlock mana regeneration. Like resistance, order of purchase doesn't matter. First costs 5 EXP, each following costs 5 more than the last.

>>26077902
No one reads the fucking skill descriptions? SM has stated that higher levels of magic power unlock mana regeneration. Magic Power probably has 6 levels. One hidden within water magic, another within earth magic and the last within the still unknown magic tree.

File: 1374110561999.jpg-(386 KB, 2000x1003, Archon.jpg)

386 KB JPG

"6 to 4. She's in."

<...you don't sound all that happy about it.>

Fang shrugs. "I knew the result before I entered the room. All according to plan."

<Will she enter the Archonium tomorrow?>

"She will." He looks at the floor, and nods. "...she's ready."

"Uncle Yi!"

You'd know that voice anywhere.

Abigail runs down the stairwell in the center of the room. She stops when she sees you. "...Mr. Shadow! YOU'RE BACK!"

She sprints over to you faster than you'd think possible and throws herself at you bodily. You embrace her, and use her emotion spin her around fast enough to keep her feet off the floor.

She laughs. "Put me down, put me down!" You let her down, and she hugs you. Then, she looks at her uncle. "Did I do it?"

"6 to 4. We won."

Abigail pumps her fist. "Yes!"

"Congratulations," Fang says. "Now...you'll really be a Fang, after this."

"Yep!" She hops up and down around the room. "Archonium, Archonium, I'm off to the Archonium, super-duper ultra Archonium!" She makes a peace sign and holds it against her forehead. "Yeah!" Flint laughs, and even Fang gives a chuckle.

The lich clears his throat. "Abigail...maybe, we could take a break, today. I thought we might go boating."

"...really?!"

"Really."

"That sounds great!" She looks down at her dress. "Hold on though, because I need different clothes. Dresses are so stupid sometimes!" She runs back up the stairs.

You feel something warm glow within you.

It's that odd feeling again. Love.

It doesn't feel too bad.

What do you do?

>wait for Abigail
>head down into the fortress and recharge mana in the city center
>explain the situation to Fang
>wait until after the boating trip to explain things, maybe he could use a break too

>>26077947
Dont forget one in summoning

>>26077974
Yeah you might be right. I thought it could count as the one near Wisp, though.

>>26077951
>wait until after the boating trip to explain things, maybe he could use a break too
but recharge our mana and meditate till he gets back

>>26077974
already got that one.

>>26077951
>head down into the fortress and recharge mana in the city center
>wait until after the boating trip to explain things, maybe he could use a break too

>>26077951
>explain the situation to Fang
We take this time to explain. We cannot explain during boating. That's Abigail Time.

>>26077905
Mighty Regen makes us heal four damage a turn, and ups our regen cap to 4/5 from 2/3.

We would have a higher HP on average, and most attacks would heal in a turn or three.

Darkness within is something like 5-10x the power of berserk, and it won't make us automatically attack our allies like some doomsayers seem to think it will.

>>26077951
>head down into the fortress and recharge mana in the city center
>wait until after the boating trip to explain things, maybe he could use a break too

>>26077858
>magic 4 is most likely after surge or frostbite

Lets see. Magic power ...
Looking at it so far, there's a pattern.

Spirit tree: is revealed 2 jumps from start.
Shadow tree: is revealed 2 jumps from start
Summons tree: is revealed from start(but its not a magic tree)

Now, this assumes the right 'direction'.

IF its in the Water Tree, I'm inclined to say its after Frostbite, because Surge to leads to Dark Blizzard, which means there's probably another Attack along the way.

however, the water tree doesn't have a lot of space left on it. Its possible it might not be there.

In either case, I'd advocate looking for it in the Earth Tree, which seems fairly cheap. For four xp we get to cover 4-5 abilities worth of territory.

Also, fluffwise, earth constructs are the only ones who really deal with long-term storage and creation of magic(power cores) which means the source of mana regeneration is likely in that tree.

Anyway: Why is Magic Power 4 so important? Its just more powerful spells, right?
Or is there something about it I don't know?

>>26077761
>>26077740
You know dragons are pretty much extinct, right?

The dragon in the beginning was as we assume dormant.

>>26077951
>>explain the situation to Fang
then
>head down into the fortress and recharge mana in the city center

>>26078003
>>26078011
Shit your right
Still we should get surge or frostbite

>>26077951
Business can wait. We're still waiting for Fang to finish preparing Flint for the removal of the Parasite. Let us leave the business in lue of celebrating Abby's joining of Archons council...

>>26078008
Good idea... we could meditate on (Silence) and see if we can get it to Resonant - Mystery.

>>26078034
people are hoping that it qualifies as higher levels for the mana regeration ability

>>26078034
Magic power unlocks mana regeneration when raised enough, as well as the standard boost to max mana.

And we need water magic for Mighty Regen anyway, because it raises our HP soft-cap and makes us heal near anything in a few turns.

>>26078023
I was talking about the 3 maybe 4 abilities within the superdark tree that we haven't seen yet.

>>26077951
>>26078014
>We take this time to explain. We cannot explain during boating. That's Abigail Time.

Second.

Aaannnyywwaaay.

While we're here, mention a few things to Fang.
The prophecy about the LIght Parasite being responsible for Geb's insanity, whether or not it would be a good idea to Consume it once it is removed, whether we can track down the Other End of its trail, and if he has any experience in Golemcrafting(just to test the waters for Pocket Construct ideas)

>>26078034
It could let us start to regenerate mana at last.

Also one of the magic powers is between fear and terror so there's nothing saying it cant be between attacks

>>26078036
>You know dragons are pretty much extinct, right?

So are sentient elementals.

All I'm saying is, a dragonform at the head of our army may put people a bit more at ease than a shadow elemental

>>26077951
>wait until after the boating trip to explain things, maybe he could use a break too

>wait until after the boating trip to explain things, maybe he could use a break too
voting this. If we explain now he'll go into politickin mode.

Rolled 18

>>26077951
>head down into the fortress and recharge mana in the city center
and
>wait until after the boating trip to explain things, maybe he could use a break too
then meditate on our shards

>>26078109
>It could let us start to regenerate mana at last.

Keep in mind that MP4 will cost us 20 xp.

Also, SM mentioned last thread that each spell we buy increases our magic power.

I'm not saying its a good idea, but its also possible we could bump outselves into Regeneration territory by masterying enough spells to increase our MP that way.

>>26078100
>While we're here, mention a few things to Fang.

Actually. Actually.

Fuck.

Ask HIM about recovering mana.

He's a centuries-old spellcasting lich. He'll know a thing or three about the best way to recover mana. Get his advice.

>>26077951
>wait until after the boating trip to explain things, maybe he could use a break too
We can do basic maintenance stuff, like visiting the mana pool, then meet up after we are done to tell Yi about the battle and our seeing Lucifer.

You use the interim to sneak down and recharge your mana, and then return to the tower. Business can wait until after the outing. Flint seems to pick up on your intent, and he moves into a another room to wash up and change into fresh clothes.

>mana: 34/34

A rhythmic thumping alerts you to Abigail's impending arrival. She's dressed in a bright blue blouse and dark blue skirt. She wears the thick orange pendant that controls the gargoyles, and her hair is done up and held in place by the long gold pin given to her by Fang. She spins in front of you, then smiles in your direction. "Sooooo?"

Soooo?

>write-in