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Recent Events Summary:

You chased the artificial intelligence 002 down a tunnel he drilled into Venia's core and Erased him before he could take action.

The center of the world is a great barrier of order holding in check the Core of Chaos, the source of mana in Venia. The black sphere, however, is terribly cracked, leaking both energy and unsummoned demons into the world above. You suspect this is linked to the increasing amounts of chaos in the world, which is causing the steady increase of magical potential in mages, as well as the number of magicians. The elven queen, through her cousin in the Great Forest, seemed confident that to solve this fundamental problem and restore balance, you would need the true power of Erebus, locked away in the place from whence he came beyond the edge of the world.

You've seen that island in a vision - Erebus's true home. But for now, other issues are pressing for your attention. The world will survive a few more months.

With Va'ad restored to the control of 001 and the other intelligences, you now have another powerful ally on your side - and you've gathered them all together in what may be the largest meeting of heads of state in history.

From Archon, there is the Archmage, Yi Fang; and the councilors Tae Wong, who supports the Fangs; and Yong Xu, who opposed Abigail's nomination to councilorhood. And of course, Abigail herself, the heir-apparent to Archon who is driving their new foreign policy shift.

From the Great Forest, Great Tree, the elder of the werewolves, and Young Bull, his son and clan successor. Valeria Kavanere represents the elves that live alongside the werewolves, and Janus Miller comes on behalf of the humans that have their own enclave in the west of the forest. And finally, there is Vaz Grak, warleader of the orcs that dominate the eastern section of the forest, and more recently, Abbotsford.

>con't

From Kelvere, there is only the Duke Vellik - formidable by himself, though an exile from his own country.

On behalf of Haven, your own faction, comes Sir Donovan Flint, the fourth son of the Lord Arcturis Flint, who rules Arland; Auriel Lightchosen, the former 5th Highest; Lien Adavan, a lich who was once Hecate's greatest general; and Ila Marril, of humble origins, once a slave to the Ring City, now free to follow her own path.

Prince Obis Vin represents his own interests - reclaiming the throne of Kan-Abar stolen by his brother, Nulis Vin. At his side are lifelong friends and former privateers of Kan-Abar, the infamous pirate Vidar Blackwater and his daughter, Freja Blackwater, who struggles to win Obis's heart.

And then there is Steward. The half-completed grand project of the dwarves - an intelligent, artifical steward that could run their city - was abandonded when the Wind Lord's reckoning descended into Va'Ad. But the computers kept running, and in the hundreds of years of dark that fell over the dwarven ruins, he finished himself. He seeks to rebuild the city, and secure a future alongside your allies.

Last, but not least, there is the Black Lady. She does not travel with your party, but waits for your word, fearing that an outright public appearance may bring disaster. She hopes to use the opportunity to stand down from the long and shaky cease-fire following the Shadow War.

And of course...there's you. For the time being, you'll be posing as John Nyx, a wandering shadow mage that happened upon Donovoan during the plague at Jacob's Field. You worked together to stop the magic run amok and defended the town from Kan-Abar's attack to give the commoners a chance to escape. From there, your friendship was a given, and in your travels you've become a central figure bringing together the various leaders for the common good.

>con't

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>>29773185
Yes yes here we go.

I love you SM.

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While skeptical of Yi Fang and the Black Lady, your allies have agreed to present a united front, though they'll be watching Fang, especially, for any sign of scheming. Abigail plans to keep him in check herself, while Auriel hopes to get him locked in a room with the Black Lady, assuming that you can secure her safe entry to Arland. Either way, you need Fang to help cure Flint's parasite for good.

You have arrived at the docks of Dobshire, capital of Arland, with your entire group, and a significant entourage of guards and escorts. Donovan's second oldest brother, Matthel, greets you when your barge moors at the castle town, a leads you into the city proper.

But something you didn't expect is waiting on the other side of the tunnel-like gatehouse...

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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/UBdTaB14

Books the Main Character has read:

http://pastebin.com/dAXR00gP

Character Sheet including learned abilities and other important information:

http://pastebin.com/JjjiRx6u

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Current Statistics:

HP: 81/81
Mana: 58/58
EXP: 0

Shards of Order and Chaos:

(Retribution) - Strong
(Maker) - Strong
(Silence) - Strong
(Peace) - Strong
(Breeze) - Empowered
(Hammer) - Strong
(Ardor) - Strong
{Resolve} - Empowered
{Humanity} - Resonant

--Summoned--

Wisp - 1 mana to order

--Automatons--

Vita (Shade)

--Equipment--

Utility belt with purse

--Inventory--

Aurora Water Gem (pocket)
Shade (pocket)

--Teleport Anchor--

Haven - Inner Fortress

--Current Location--

Dobshire, The Forkbridge Gate

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

Known Mana Pools:

Jacob's Field - entrance to Hecate's tomb - Spirit
Palthair Mines - Magnock's Lair - Spirit
Archon - Spirit District - Spirit
Archon - Shadow District - Shadow
Archon - Earth District - Earth
Archon - Water Distric - Water
Haven - Shadow
Abbotsford - Shadow
Aurora - Water
Va'ad - South Generator - Earth
Va'ad - North Generator - Earth

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>Last time...

You work through the line until you reach Donovan, who is walking just behind Matthel at the front.

"Donovan," you mutter. "What do you know about political marriages?"

He raises an eyebrow at you. "Considering what they've done for me lately...I hate them. Why?"

"No reason. But I hate them too."

"...you're worried about Abby."

"Was it that obvious?"

"Yes."

"Oh."

Donovan holds a hand up to you. "And before you ask, yes, I'm...fine." He glances ahead to where Matthel leads the march up the stairs. "I'm just glad Matthel is on my side. And...I wouldn't worry about him and Abigail. You'd have to have a heart of stone to not give her a second look, you know."

"Well...she is..."

Donovan snorts. "Come on, out with it. She's pretty. Beautiful. Gorgeous. Hyperion-blessed tits?"

You snort slightly.

You exchange glances, then burst out laughing.

Auriel calls up from behind you. "What are you two getting on about?"

"Nothing, dearest," Donovan calls back. You glance behind you, and find a lot of smirks waiting. You catch Abigail's gaze. She smiles, then winks at you.

That really makes you feel a lot better.

When you turn back to the front, you see Matthel's glanced back at the two of you, half-smiling. He turns away quickly, though.

It isn't long before the stairs intersect with the bridge, and you all gather at one end of the gatehouse. You start to walk through the wide hole leading through the wall. The tunnel is almost twenty feet long - Dobshire is quite well protected. You find your vision rather blurred by the quick switch from afternoon sun to dark tunnel, but it clears quickly.

And you see something on the other end...

"This is going to get loud," Matthel says matter-of-factly. His deep voice echoes through the tunnel.

Dobshire's castle town has an extremely thick wall - even after entering the Forkbridge Gate, there's quite a ways to walk. But now you're almost through the stone passage, and you can make out what he's talking about.

The street ahead is lined with guards. They're quite nessecary, because every available space is packed with people.

"Is that why the wagons into the city were stopped?" Donovan asks. "What's going on?"

Matthel looks at him as if he has three heads. "You're going on, Donovan." He glances up to the rest of the entourage - the gathered leaders of the better part of Venia. "We're going on."

Donovan hesitates. Matthel continues inexorably forward. Donovan skips up next to him, then mutters to his brother. You can hear easily. "Wait, Matthel. Matthel. That's a lot of people. Is this good, or bad?"

Matthel grins. "I guess we'll find out."

Donovan's face pales. He looks about to turn around and run, but Auriel is behind him before he can take an inch backward. She puts a firm hand on his back. "Continue walking, dearest."

"I'm not good with people. I'm defintely not good with this many people. I change my mind. Let's go back to Haven."

Auriel smiles like a serial killer about to take another victim. "You must not have heard me. I said, keep walking."

"...yes, dearest."

You hear loud snickers from behind you and glance back. Abigial is doing a terrible job of holding in her laughter. Ila and Obis are hiding grins. You suspect that Adavan would hide a grin, too, but his face is so shaded by his cowl that he doesn't have to. Vellik looks more embarased than anything. Fang gives you a flat stare.

>con't

"...we can take the inner passages," Donovan says. His voice is getting higher as it slowly fills with panic. "We don't have to walk outside. Hell, I still know the way. We can do that. That'll be fine!"

"Come now, Donovan," Matthel says. "Surely you wouldn't deny the people the sight of the prodigal sun returning?"

"I'm not prodigal! I'm not even mildly talented!"

"You're the demonslayer."

"What?" Donovan seems briefly thrown before it comes back to him. "That was months ago. I barely knew what I was doing. Auriel and Sha - I mean, the Highest and John did most of the work, I just - "

"You killed it," Matthel finishes. "Donovan." The huge man grins through his fuzzy facial hair. He slaps Donovan on the back. "What do I always tell you?"

"...this is different. I haven't been home in six years!"

"That just means they're dying to see you."

The conversation is cut short because you're at the end of the tunnel. The cobblestone street is marked by a line of shadow where the gatehouse ends and the open skies begin. Donovan begins pushing back against Auriel, as if unwilling to dip his toes in the sunlight. "Let's just reconsider this, briefly! A moment to talk! Matthel! Please?"

Matthel sighs. "Some things never change."

What do you do?

>onward!
>give in to Donovan's worries
>some other strategy

Speculation/reminders for the summit: http://pastebin.com/xpQgcUSm

>>29773309
>onward!

Flint pls

>>29773309
>onward!

Keep an eye on the Shel'kath, in case it tries to act up due to public.

>>29773309
>onward!

I'd like to tell Flint to calm down because we're on a boat and all and it's not like these people wanna hurt him and he's technically been fighting for them anyways with all the alliance business, but let's just get to it!

>>29773309
>>onward!

>>29773309
Tell Flint to prepare for cheers.
And then a sudden silence once Fang passes...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RVIgZRRlmk

You decide to let the momentum of the situation take its course.

"Come on, Donovan," you say to him. "What's the worst that could happen?"

"I can think of a lot of things!"

Matthel grabs Donovan around the shoulders and tows him foward into the light of day. He cups a hand to his mouth and shouts as loud as he can, which is quite loud. "The fourth son of the Lord of Arland has returned! The Donovan the Demonslayer is home again!"

The crowd erupts into a cheer like nothing you've ever heard. As you leave the tunnel, the sound blasts you from all sides. Teetering floors of houses packed into the walls of the castle town form a long, crooked road toward the looming keep. Every available window, ledge, alley, and even the rooftops are bursting with people, waving, shouting, jumping up and down, flying green-white flags, and screaming at the top of their lungs.

You can barely hear what Matthel says to Donovan over the roar of the people. "After you beat that thing," Matthel shouts, "the rumors poured out of Kelvere about your return! And then you up and vanished, so everyone got to thinking you were doing something pretty important! Added to the legend!"

"There is no legend!" Donovan shouted back. "We got lucky! And I got dragged halfway around the world!"

"Yeah! And you brought half of it back with you!"

>con't

>>29773309
>onward!
Come one Flint

You might enjoy it.

How typical of a /tg/ quest would this have been with Flint as the protagonist?

>humble and kind to a fault
>Justice
>true power/potential hidden but immense

Not gonna tweet out the start?

Your party starts up the road. And the cheering doesn't get quieter when they see the rest of the entourage - it gets louder. You can hear groups of people chanting "Demonslayer! Demonslayer!" Others are shouting about the return of Aeolus's Order, the rise of Arland, the comeuppance of Kan-Abar. Some mention Auriel, or the Highest - others point out new allies in the orcs and elves. And a hundred other things you can't really hear all that well.

Either way, it looks like they were desperate for allies of any shape or size. With public opinion this strong at your back, you feel a rising sense of hope.

No one seems to realize that the column of soldiers and the councilors are all from Archon - either they don't know them by sight, or they're too elated to care. You give Abigail a happy nod. She grins back at you. <Uncle Yi is telling me he didn't bring flags for a reason,> she sends to you. <Didn't want to spoil the moment.>

A young girl runs out of the crowd, grabs Donovan, and kisses him on the cheek before darting back. The crowd surges in the highest wave of noise yet. Donovan rubs his cheek, then stares at his hand, then looks at Auriel. She rolls her eyes, then takes his arm in hers and steps forward.

It's a rather long walk to the keep.

>....con't....

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Holy shit, my first Shadow Quest thread! Been following this thing through the archives for like a month now.

>>29773420

I forgot! It's been a while.

Now then, I gotta write...

>>29773291
>"I'm not good with people. I'm defintely not good with this many people. I change my mind. Let's go back to Haven."
> Auriel smiles like a serial killer about to take another victim. "You must not have heard me. I said, keep walking."
> "...yes, dearest."

Based Auriel.

I am so glad we decided not to kill her all those ages ago.

>"I can just imagine the look on my father's face when I tell him I've been to Xile. That I've seen Aeolus's palace!" Flint chuckles. "I'd finally have that old bastard speechless."

I am ready for you to shit all over your father, Flint.
Be proud.

>>29773476
I wonder what Razael would have been like, if he had lived.
Probably a cunt, seemed too zealous to turn. But it's nice to dream.

Rolled 16, 41, 11 = 68

I miss this

>>29773578
I also wonder which of the other highest angels may be sympathetic to Auriels reasoning in rebelling.

...Based on what he did and how he acted Lucifer seemed like one that we could've converted, although with lots of time and effort.

oh you beatiful bastard, right when i have to leave for work for a damn 10 hour shift

>>29773578
Really, he's got a lot of stuff that he can wave in his family's face (the dickish members of his family, anyway).

>>29773622
Not sure "converted" is the right word for Lucifer. He seemed like he was in it for the power that the position granted him - once the Ring City is on the losing side, he'd have happily jumped ship to maintain his status.

But, we're not interested in letting him abuse that power. Once he figured that out, I doubt he'd stay allied.

Oh my god yes

The central keep of the Flint family towers over the rest of the castle town, higher than every building by far. It is an intimidating structure, a giant square block of stone and mortar like a massive pin holding the island in the middle of the river. Great green-white banners fly from the windows and balconies and the tops of the nearby houses. The only thing that rivals it in height is the belltower of a nearby cathedral.

The cheering finally fades somewhat as the guards close in behind your entourage, cutting off the people from pressing into what might be a slightly dangerous stampede of human bodies. Matthel takes care of much of the formalities of counting heads and arranging with a few runners for residences within the keep for the guards and various members of the group. You feel gazes cast you way, and see a few of the stewards eye down Vaz Grak and steward, as if deciding what sort of bed would be best for an adamantium construct and an orc twice the width of a normal man.

After waiting a few minutes in the lofty atrium of the keep, you're ushered inside the main audience chamber. The floor is wood, polished to a sheen. Cobbled walls are softened by more green-white banners, as well as tapestries depicting the scenes of various battles. A rough visage of whom you're sure is Sandalphon, alongside a knight that rather resembles a combination of Donovan and Matthel, is set against one wall. You imagine that must be Sebastian; or perhaps Sebastian's son, Donovan's grandfather.

The group arrange itself in front of the end of the room, which is rather simple in design. A raised stone dais marks the end of the wood floor. Upon the dais is an chair that seems carved straight from ivory, laden with etchings and symbols and backed with green cloth. Upon the chair is seated an old man that has the size and bearing you've come to expect from the Flint family. His hair is long and grey, and a short, well-trimmed beard wraps his chin.

>more coming, here's two

To his immediate right and left stands two other members of the Flints - Donovan's remaining two brothers, judging by the resemblance. Though you're not sure which is which. Thankfully, Obis notices your gaze and whispers help as you walk forward.

"The one on the right, the blonde - that's Harvan. Third oldest brother. He's the captain of the city guard. On the left is Gerald. He pretty much runs the place; Arcturis gives him free reign."

"Right."

"And let's see...the blonde woman behind Gerald..." Obis shrugs. "That might be Megan, Donovan's old girl?"

You glance at the person he mentions. The woman is tall, elegant, and strikingly beautiful. You check to see if Donovan is doing alright, faced with that - but he seems nonplussed. He's looking at the woman with the same look you are - appraisal. As if it's someone he's never seen before.

"I don't think so."

"Yeah. Maybe not." Obis shrugs. "See the other two men, off to the side?"

You glance past Harvan. Two men are there - a tall, thin man, that looks like a rapier given human form. And beside him, a rather short, portly gentleman, clad in military trappings and with an unkempt beard that stretches from his high cheeks all the way down his neck.

"Who are they?"

>con't

>>29773764
>see a few of the stewards eye down Vaz Grak and steward
We're gonna need a more distinct way to call Steward.

>>29773764
>as if deciding what sort of bed would be best for an adamantium construct and an orc twice the width of a normal man.

I smell sitcom!
He's a man an iron!
He eats iron for breakfast!
Together, they fight crime!

>>29773784
>beside him, a rather short, portly gentleman, clad in military trappings and with an unkempt beard that stretches from his high cheeks all the way down his neck.

Hello armchair general!

we should pay attention to our magical senses - not using Focus for politeness sake - and Analyze, because its not obvious, and look for anything a) magical or b) out of the ordinary

Does anyone remember which brother was which?
I know Matthias was the only one who was nice to Donovan, and there was a cruel one and an indifferent one.

>>29773784
>The woman is tall, elegant, and strikingly beautiful. You check to see if Donovan is doing alright, faced with that - but he seems nonplussed. He's looking at the woman with the same look you are - appraisal. As if it's someone he's never seen before.


>Megan ran off after you and died, Donovan. This is Gerald's new wife, who he stole from Harvan because he needs to NTR his entire family

>>29773817
Gerald - intentionally cruel
Matthel - True Bro
Harvan - ignores Flint, hangs with Gerald

>>29773817
Actually, I'll just quote the last thread. Everyone could use a more thorough reminder, anyway.

==========
Lord Arcturis Flint is the ruler of Arland and Donovan's father. Donovan hates him.

There is also Gerald Flint, Donovan's oldest brother, who married Megan. He actively disliked and bullied Flint, though wasn't usually as physical as their father was in showing his displeasure.

Then Matthel Flint, the second oldest, who Donovan considers his only true brother. Matthel always defended him against his father and other brothers.

And Harvan Flint, the third oldest brother. He didn't dislike Flint, but couldn't respect him, and considered him the family runt and a general embarrassment along with Arcturis and Gerald.

Finally, Hemmelus, a powerful sage who can wield all four of the Greater Elements. He was a substitute when Flint found nothing in his own father, and was Flint's tutor in politics, history, and what little magic he's capable of.
==========

>>29773831
And then Matthias develops a crush on Abigail, because everyone has to be in on the NTR action.

>>29773831
That would mess Donovan up so badly if that was the case.

>>29773862
>Gerald NTRs Harvan
>Matthel NTRs Shadow
>Shadow NTRs Fang
>Fang NTRs Flint
>Flint runs away, too broken for another relationship
>Ila is still all alone

>>29773910
>Implying you could NTR Shadow's true love, EXP

>>29773910
> Ila is still all alone
No, she runs after Flint, still thinking he's an awesome master assassin after that time he killed one of the Duke's clones.

>>29773910
We have to work Hecate and Adavan in here somehow

>>29773910
>Ila is still all alone
Why does best girl have to be sad?

Rereading SQ this past week reminded me how creepy she has become. I hope she took our last discussion to heart, because she's swimming in death flags right now.

>>29774016
Abigail needs to teach Shadow the concept of having mistress

>>29773784
>More than 20 minutes
The month-long hiatus has given me separation anxiety.
Where are you, SM?

WHY ARE YOU LEAVING ME?
YOU CAN'T LEAVE.

>>29774048
He doesn't even know what monogamy is.

"The rail-thin one is Duke Prule Waterford. He owns a lot of land on the Kanian Feed, and he's influential with the southern lords. Buddy-buddy with the empire. The fat one is our friend - well, probably. Duke Imil Anderson. His lands are along the Tairns, closer to the Great Forest. I was talking with the Duke Vellik - they've been coordinating forces. Anderson's been feeling the brunt of Kan-Abar skirmishing parties. He'll be happy for our arrival, I'm sure."

"So, be friends with the at one, alienate the thin one?"

Obis sighs. "Don't alienate anyone, Shadow. Err, John, I really should try to call you that. But the point is we've got the guy that wants us here and the guy that wishes we were all angels from the Ring City."

"What about the man with the tall hat?"

"Oh, right." Obis subtly indicates the bent old man standing a bit behind the ivory throne. He leans heavily on a crooked wooden staff, and looks as though a strong wind could knock him over. "Hemmelus, the sage of the four elements. A powerful ally, if we can convince him that our cause is just. He's a reasonable man, and Donovan studied under him. I'm sure we can get him on our side."

You're not the only two people whispering. The two lords are murmuring to each other, and Vellik is still conversing with Fang. Abigail and Tae Wong are having their own conversation, as are Donovan and Freja. It seems that pre-gathering whispering is an accepted convention.

You all come to a halt before the dais. Matthel and Donovan step atop the stone. Matthel places a hand on his heart and bows. Donovan does likewise. "Father. Donovan is home."

"My runt has finally gotten around to visiting." Arcturis stands. He's old, but he needs no assistance in walking forward. "And you've brought guests. A few more than your letter alluded."

>con't

>>29774065
None of this is pre-written. Now that I'm in the moment, it's coming, but my typing hands just wouldn't start up earlier. So it's taking me a bit longer than normal.

"I...uh..." Matthel nudges him with an elbow. Donovan clears his throat. "I'm shamed that I underestimated those who would seek peace and alliance with Arland."

"Alliance." Arcturis casts his gaze over the room. It lands on Fang, sits there for a long time, then flicks back to Donovan. "Archon. An alliance with Archon."

"Well, they are one of the groups that - "

"Boy, I didn't actually believe it when the runners came up from the docks and told me Yi Fang had set foot inside this castle, but now I know for sure that you've taken full leave of your senses."

"Now, my lord." The clack of wood hitting stone echoes over the room. Hemmelus is walking forward, using his cane for balance - and then you see his eyes. They're milky white, almost opaque. He's blind. He clears his throat. "Let us remember the rules of hospitality. They've come to us in good faith." Hemmelus looks at Yi Fang. "Even if they aren't technically alive."

"More alive then you, Great Sage," Fang says. He's almost cheery about it.

To your surprise, Hemmelus hacks a laugh. "Well, there's some truth to that, I suppose. But we lack introductions, don't we? Donovan...it is good to see you. Well, in a manner of speaking."

A feeble hand reaches for the knight. Donovan quickly takes it, holding it between his. "...teacher. I'm glad to be home."

"Mmm. Home is where the heart is, right? Well, be so kind and enlighten both sides, if you could."

Arcturis seems to have been temporarily put off by Hemmelus's conversation, and doesn't say much while Donovan one-by-one introduces both sides to the other. Hemmelus is all the warm host, kindly greeting everyone with a complement, and a smile. You're surprised when he comments on the physical appearance of several of them - perhaps he's not as blind as you thought. Or he doesn't need his eyes to see...

>con't

But when Donovan gets to the woman at Gerald's side, he hesitates. "As for...well, I'm afraid we haven't met, m'lady."

Gerald looks at Donovan for a long time, then introduces the woman. "Formerly the Lady Andrea Bellevere, now the Lady Andrea Flint, my wife."

Andrea curtsies. "Lord Donovan Flint. It is an honor to meet the demonslayer."

Donovan is speechless. His lips twitch, trying to form words, but he isn't able to make them. You're just as confused. Megan is Gerald's wife...not this person.

Unless something happened.

Hemmelus quickly intercedes. "Ah, now, Donovan, a lot's changed since you've been gone. We'll have to take time later and catch up. But for the moment, I'm sure our guests are tired from their journey, yes?" He looks over the room. "Please, allow us to escort you to our quarters." He moves as if to clap his hands, but Arcturis's voice rings out over the crowd.

"Guests?" Arcturis says. He steps forward. "Yes, our honored guests. All but for you." He points a finger at Yi Fang. "You and your pets, Fang, will not sleep under my roof. I will not have it!"

>con't (smashing keyboard!!!)

>>29774066
I think that observing Auriel's behavior would have taught him that romantic partners are supposed to be exclusive. She's been possessive enough of Donovan to hammer that lesson home.

>>29774089
>None of this is pre-written. Now that I'm in the moment, it's coming, but my typing hands just wouldn't start up earlier. So it's taking me a bit longer than normal.

separation
ANXIETY

I understand. I'm just passing time. I'm saging to avoid wasting bumps.

>>29773185
I love you SM

>>29774126
>Gerald looks at Donovan for a long time, then introduces the woman. "Formerly the Lady Andrea Bellevere, now the Lady Andrea Flint, my wife."

I- I was joking.
Why are you doing this to Flint.
SM pls.

>>29774048
Well it would allow that wonderful Ila\Abigail snippet to become canon.

>>29774126
I feel pain for Flint.

>>29774240
Is this a thing, and where can I find it?

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>>29774126
>Gerald looks at Donovan for a long time, then introduces the woman. "Formerly the Lady Andrea Bellevere, now the Lady Andrea Flint, my wife."

Well, if you're looking for a silver lining, at least we don't need to worry about horrific love tragedies due to unrequitable feelings?

"My lord," Hemmelus says, "perhaps, in this case, the benefit of the doubt would - "

"Benefit of the doubt?" Gerald comes up now, and while he's not quite as big as Matthel, you still feel as though you're looking up at a family of giants. Not a one is below six feet. Gerald himself, unlike the other brothers, has hard, sharpened features, and a narrow chin. "Give the Archmage, Yi Fang, the benefit of the doubt? Hemmelus, are you even listening to yourself?"

"They came here in good faith."

"And they've brought little enough with them."

"The point being," Hemmelus said, "there are certain rules of hospitality that we are obliged to follow."

While this is going on, Fang pretends to clean his nails, as if unable to hear any of it. Yong Xu, however, seems less forgiving of the open insult. "Are we going to be made to sleep in the kennels, then?"

"You won't be sleeping in this house!" Arcturis insists.

Xu glances at Abigail. "It hasn't been five minutes and your little alliance is falling apart."

>intercede
>allow Abigail to take the lead
>write-in

>>29774216
>>29774255
This was always going to be hard for Donovan. But you made him do it anyway.
youcouldhavepreventedthis.jpg

>>29774367
>allow Abigail to take the lead

>>29774367
>Abigail

>>29774367
Despite the fact that Shadow likes to try diplomacy, he kind of sucks at it.
I'm leaning toward leaving this to Abigail, she seems to be better at the whole honeyed words thing.

>>29774367
intercede

>>29774367
>allow Abigail to take the lead

She'll be fine.

>>29774367
>>allow Abigail to take the lead
we'll back her up

>>29774413
>>29774423
And this totally has nothing to do with the fact that it makes SM do all the work.
Nothing at all. No sir.

Man. He's gonna be /pissed/ when the Black Lady shows up.

>>29774446
>And this totally has nothing to do with the fact that it makes SM do all the work.
Nigga you dumb

>>29774367
>allow Abigail to take the lead
We may be a liason between Archon and Haven... But Abigail is Archons voice in Arland.

>>29774367
>send a short message to Abigail.
"You want to have a go at it, or shall I?"

We are undercover and should not put ourselves into the spotlight. But if Abigail doesn't want someone has to.

>>29774446
>letting the Party Face take care of Diplomacy problems
>YOU GUYS ARE LAZY

Really?

>>29774367
This bodes well for when it's time to introduce the Black Lady.

>>29774446
What can Shadow say? As far as Arcturis is concerned, we're no one. He has no reason to trust us, the mage who overturned Ring City (Arland's current ally) - and a Shadow Mage to boot.
Archon must speak for itself, and Abigail is the only one from Archon who can speak without casually insulting everyone else.

>>29774367
>>allow Abigail to take the lead

>>29774489
>>29774447
The fact that Gerald is the one really running the show might help.
Or it might really, really not.

>>29774586
Hey, Gerald likes stealing women from other dudes, right? Well, with the Black Lady he's got a chance to steal away Yi Fang's teenage sweetheart. It's not everyday that you get that kind of opportunity.

Abigail huffs. "I suppose it's time to be the empress again."

"What?"

She looks at Xu. "Don't be so skeptical, councilor. Let's try again." Abigail approaches the dais. Fang continues to ignore the entire situation, as if it's beneath him. Which, you figure, he probably believes it is.

"My Lord Arcturis Flint," Abigail says. "If I may reintroduce myself. Councilor Abigail Fang, at your service." She curtsies, bowing her head low. The eyes of Hemmelus, Gerald, and Arcturis follow her bob, waiting for her to speak. "I apologize for the imposition of our presence, and hope you reconsider your position."

"And why," Arcturis says, "should I reconsider my words upon the advice of a little girl playing at politics?"

Abigail smiles sweetly. "It's quite simple. We all have much more to gain by working together than we do by keeping each other at arm's length. I realize that my uncle's actions may lend themselves to certain conclusions - and I cannot fault you for drawing them. But he has entrusted me to speak on behalf of Archon during our meeting, here, because he seeks a new direction. One that I have championed, and fought for with great difficulty within the halls of the scholomance."

Despite himself, Arcturis seems interested. "...and that direction would be...?"

"Peace," Abigail says simply. "Perhaps I am young, my lord. But I look back at history and I see an Archon that has inevitably become an antagonist. This is our chance to mend old wounds, to join hands and face a common enemy, without ulterior motive, without occupying ourselves with positioning and petty politics while we fight a war. Demons cannot be allowed to come into this world uncontrolled. Everyone has a vested interest in seeing them put down. I hope you'll put your faith in us on that note."

>con't

Abigail folds her arms behind her back, her good hand holding her other arm. "I had to go to great lengths to bring Archon in line with my plans. You see, back home, most do not trust you, either. But they've trusted me enough that I am here, now, asking for your help. My Lord Flint." She looks up at him, staring him in the eye. "We aren't here to deal, or bargain, or wedge ourselves in during your time of greatest need. We are here to help you during your time of greatest need. And when it is over, we shall go home." She smiles. "Perhaps after arranging a profitable trade agreement. I'm sure the lords would be pleased if Archon lessened the Vischon tariff."

Lord Anderson starts at that. The plump man's voice is full of enthusiasm. "They certainly would!" The lord of the south, Waterford, turns his lips up in a sneer, but says nothing.

Yong Xu hisses his words so loud the entire room can hear them. "Archmage, she is throwing our leverage into the breech!"

Everyone looks at Fang. He continues to clean his fingernails. "I'm sure Abigail has things well in hand. After all." He glances up briefly. "If I was actually paying attention, then I probably wouldn't be happy about wasting my time traveling here to be told by the ancestor of the man that betrayed me that he doesn't particularly care for my freely offered help with that whole...demon problem of his."

Abigail clears her throat. "Ah...so there you are, my lord."

Arcturis considers this all for a long moment.

"Father." Gerald leans toward his father. You strain to hear the murmur, but you've sharp enough ears to catch most of it. You notice that Great Tree and Young Bull both cock their heads slightly. Werewolves probably have excellent hearing as well. "...a chance...see if their words are true. The people...if we turned them away...uproar...at least the pretense of...can always give them the boot if things...out."

"...mmm..."

Roll 1d100

Rolled 30

>>29774706
WELP. Rolling before reading!

Rolled 32

>>29774706

Rolled 27

>>29774706

>>29774718
>>29774727
>>29774740
Classic Shadow Quest

>>29774718
>>29774727
>>29774740
Oh come on.

Rolled 92

>>29774706
please be best of 5.

Rolled 29

>>29774718
>>29774727
>>29774740
Only pain.

>>29774706

And with that, it's time for lunch.

Be back in a few hours with the results of that roll.

Rolled 9

>>29774706
We go for crit!

Rolled 79

>>29774706
100 pls.
We have ten rolls.
Save us.

>>29774764
It has never been best of 5 on d100.

We're boned

Hopefully that was a listening check and not the diplomacy check. Hopefully.

Rolled 66

>>29774706

>>29774718
>>29774727
>>29774740
God damn it.

>>29774766
> back in a few hours
GOD DAMN IT.

Rolled 1 + 99

>>29774706
Count it

>>29774787
There's one spirit spell that takes the first 5

>>29774811
That was dumb. You're dumb.

Rolled 94

>>29774706
nat 1 please

Rolled 96

>>29774706

Yep, this is shadow quest. I see the /tg/ dice still have that love/hate relationship with us.

I had to admit I broke out laughing when I saw those rolls.

So.

Damage control time?

>>29774842
>>29774835
>>29774764
Oh COME ON.

>>29774753
I'm honestly beginning to wonder if this quest is cursed.

>>29774764
>>29774835
>>29774842
Now that's just plain unfair.

>>29774897

Hammer time? Hammer time.

Man fuck this I been up since Thursday and I ain't gonna be able to contribute shit to this. I'm goin to sleep. Don't get us killed or Abby's other hand removed or something.

Well, we can offer that fuck-off huge gem we got from the watery hell as a bribe token of sincerity. It a short jaunt away if we think with portals.
But Arcturis is a prideful man, and may frown on that.

There's Dynamo research.

There's Enslave.
That's a terrible idea, don't do that.

Could bring up that we've been to Xile now - if it catches his interest, it might get our foot in the door.

Just.. do something so that he doesn't throw us out.

Need ideas.

File: 1390673358042.gif-(160 KB, 200x150, Well, so much for that.gif)

160 KB GIF

>>29774718
>>29774727
>>29774740
Ah, I missed this

>>29775090

I like the idea of bringing up Xile. As an ice breaker. But now really isn't the time. Maybe sometime less formal, when we get a chance to speak with the Lords. I would like for Flint to defend us, but I think being in his fathers presence deflated him a bit.

>>29774718
>>29774727
>>29774740
ALWAYS THE ABIGAIL ROLLS

ALWAYS.

WE'RE NEVER LETTING HER SPEAK AGAIN.

>getting ready for lunch went long so I typed up the roll result while I could
>continued in a few hours

"Yes." Arcturis smiles. You don't really like his smiles. It's not a smile that says 'I'm Happy'. It's a smile that says 'we'll see about this'.

"I think I've found fresh perspective on the matter. Gerald...arrange the accommodations."

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

The entourage is not given particularly good accommodations. Judging by how damp the walls are, you're below the water table.

Councilor Yong Xu's hands clench and unclench as he eyes the pathetic mattress on the iron bunk he'll be sharing with Tae Wong. It's a small thing, barely fit for a soldier, nailed into the stone with fat rivets.

"This...is unacceptable."

"Let us try," Abigail says, "to maintain a positive attitude."

"Positive?!" Xu whirls on her. "They put us in the dungeons."

"We're a level above the dungeons. I can sense the rooms below."

"What does it matter?!" Xu says. "We'll all die of fungal infections before the meetings begin! I will NOT stand for this!"

"He's testing us," Abigail says.

"He's having fun with us, is what he's doing," Tae Wong says. "He's too proud and stubborn to know that he needs us more than he needs him." The general folds his arms and eyes his bunk. "Eh. I've had worse. I suppose I'll put up with it, Councilor Fang, but you had better deliver."

"I won't put up with it!" Xu insists.

"Fine," Abigail says. "I wanted to include you because I know we don't see eye-to-eye. If you don't want to be here, feel free to leave."

Xu mutters something under his breath. He doesn't go anywhere. You're not sure how much help he'll be in negotiations, but at least he hasn't left yet.

Yi Fang chuckles. "I won't be using my room, anyway. But I suppose we'd better get settled in."

>con't

"But Councilor Wong," Abigail says.

"Hmm?"

"You're incorrect when you say we don't need him," she says. "If we can earn an alliance with Arland - our arch enemy - then the world will be forced to reconsider us as a country. He's smart enough to realize that."

"Hmm..." Wong purses his lips, but says nothing.

"I doubt Arcturis has the subtlety for that," Fang says, "but Gerald surely does."

Abigail heaves a heavy sigh. "At least we're in the building."

"Oh, yes," Xu says. "Everything's going just swimmingly."

Abigail and Ila are sharing another room. You're in a bunk in the same room with Adavan, next to theirs. Steward and Vaz Grak share another. The elves and werewolves have received slight better treatment, being housed on the ground floor. Obis, the Blackwaters, and Duke Vellik are being treated like actual guests, and have suites up higher in the keep.

There's a few hours before anything serious happens. Tonight's schedule includes a welcoming banquet, followed by the first meeting of the minds.

The city has several points of interest, and of course, you have any number of people to speak with.

What do you do?

>explore
>check in with an ally
>speak with someone else
>some other strategy

--IMPORTANT FIGURES IN AREA--

Auriel Lightchosen
Sir Donovan Flint
Joey Erikson
Ila Marril
Lien Adavan

Archmage Yi Fang, representative of Archon
Councilor Abigail Fang
Councilor Tae Wong
Councilor Yong Xu

Duke Vellik, Deposed Ruler of Kelvere

Prince Obis Vin, rightful heir to Kan-Abar
Mayor Vidar Blackwater, Governor of Maven Lake
Freja Blackwater

Valeria Kelvere, representative of the Great Forest Elves, cousin to the Elven Queen
Elder Great Tree, representative of the Great Forest Werewolves
Young Bull

Warleader Vaz Grak

Steward

Janus Miller, an Associate

Lord Arcturis Flint
Lord Gerald Flint
Lady Andrea Flint
Lord Harvan Flint
Lord Matthel Flint
Hemmelus, The Four-Element Sage
Lord Prule Waterford
Lord Imil Anderson

>explore
let us see what dirt we can find.

>>29775090
We can be snippy and get straight to the detail that without Archons presence a coordinated counterattack on Kan-Abar won't have a lot of bite, and that being defensive against Kan-Abar w/o Archons support is really god awful stupid, though he may just say "Sandles will do something to help us maybe and I'm a stubborn old man with lots of genuine grudges so there take that have fun gg gb2bronze," and stuff.

OR we could just have Fang and his entourage stay on the Nxystix altogether, but that doesn't accomplish squat for these nations' relations and reveals a trump card which would also be god awful stupid.

If we're really, REALLY desperate we can inform them that we have a mean to get to xile to reclaim whatever heritage they have left over. Absolute last resort because that reveals the possibility of the Nxystix quite a bit before we wanted to initially.

But since we're a liaison between Archon and Haven I think we can talk more specifically about the greater joint alliance potential that Abigail skipped over, since she only really mentioned Archons intentions relative to Arlands past; we can speak of the intentions of those in the Great Forest to ally with Archon & Arland against Kan-Abar, we can also Telespeak Auriel[She represents Haven here] and Duke Vellik for their personal affirmations of deciding to ally with Archon, or just with all the leaders gathered here, straight from their own mouths and not from ours.
So instead of just Archons intentions from Abigail he gets the full picture from everyone that all of these people and all of the Great Forest want to unify with Arland AND Archon.
Please via majority to basically say "we all want to help you because if we don't we are also kill" but in a much more elegant and less bitchy way.

>>29775621
But all of what I said is mostly irrelevant because SM post!

>explore
Ask Adavan if he'd like to explore with us. We've got a side mission to work on between now and the banquet. Also we should talk.

>>29775621
>Copying it right outta muh pastebin
You lazy git, you.

>explore
Grab Donovan and have him show us around.
Bring Joey, we should catch up.
Maybe Ila and Adavan as well, since they don't have a major role to play in negotiations (Adavan probably wants to look around for the key, anyway).
Everyone else is probably busy.

>>29775773
Seconding the Donovan party.

>>29775621
I'll second >>29775773

>>29775621
Three votes for tourism! We gotta get our faces shown and kiss some babies to build support.

>>29775773

I assumed we did have a role to play in the negotiation. We need to at least leave a good impression on the Lords.

As for the key, we will have plenty of time to fumble our stealth rolls at night time.

>>29775621
>fungal infections
We're an actual omnivore. We could shapeshift into all cracks in the walls etc and consume all living things we find.

Xu knows we can shapeshift, right? Or at least that we are a poweful and versatile mage.

>>29775598
> continued in a few hours
ARGH

>>29776115
CONSUME all the fungus

Let's clean house
should take seconds.

>>29775800
we do need to begin investigation on the parasite.
What better way than to be meeting the family?

>>29776078
Yeah, we'll have a spot at negotiations.
Rather, we need to explore the castle anyway for various reasons (the biggest being Flint's parasite). Most other characters also have something to do with negotiations and may be preparing for or be called upon to prepare for the upcoming events.

Joey, Ila, and Adavan don't have a role, so it'll be fine if they come with us.

Donovan has a role, but I'm sure he's just dying to NOT talk about it right now - giving us a tour will take his mind off things and help him relax.

If we're needed, Yi and Abigail have the telepathy range necessary to call us back quickly. Hell, they could plan with us without needing to be in the same wing of the castle.

>>29775752
I also want to talk to Adavan, though maybe not for the same reason.
I kind of want to head off the building paranoia that was present before the break, if that has carried over. Not sure how everyone else feels about having a frank discussion about trust with Adavan, though.

=====

I've been put a bit at ease about Gerald, at least. I was worried that he'd be a giant dick about this just to spite Donovan, but he's so far reminding me of Fang/Vellik. We have experience dealing with that sort, and it makes me feel better.

Also, how does everyone feel about approaching Matthel and/or Hemmelus with the Shel'kath? I personally consider them both free of suspicion (due to Matthel's age/personality and Hemmelus being able to use lightning magic - and therefore locked out of Spirit magic). They could both prove useful in identifying suspects.

>>29776115

He's just being dramatic. He is also a powerful and versatile mage, he should be able to spruce up his own room once he gets over the insult. Pretty much any one of the Fang party should be able to easily make these rooms habitable really.

Or open a portal to someplace that already is. Hard to say if that would be an act of war or not though.

>>29776295
Surely there's some rule or magic in place dealing with portals/teleport spells in cities.

They wouldn't want you to portal a small army directly into the keep, after all.

>"I'll teach you a lesson about giving me sub-par accomodations."

>>29775621
Explore.

Ask Donovan where the Flint family treasure vault is.

For reasons entirely unrelated to our pocket ability.

>>29776273

Ila is part of the Haven party. Auriel might be the frontrunner, but Ila needs to represent it just as much. This is as good a time as any to get some meet n greets done. The Lords need to know it's not just Auriel that is in control of Haven.

We should talk to Fang about who, if any, of the other family members we should include before we talk to them about it. We might able to trust one brother, but then he will tell the people he trusts and blah blah blah, it might tip our hand.

>>29776429
>Come for alliance
>Immediately steal everything
>Use the stolen goods as bartering chip in negotiations

Absolutely nothing can go wrong.

>>29776606
>me

And by "it" I mean the Shel'kath. This might be our only shot at it.

>>29776429
As a joke, This.
But as last of the other things happening

>>29775621
>check in with an ally
Yi Fang.
Start investigating parasite.

>>29775621
I think we should speak with hemmelus

>>29776861
I do as well.

I want to nap.
But I'm afraid SM will come back and everyone will do something stupid while I'm asleep.
Everyone sucks at dialogue and social interaction and this terrifies me.

>>29777493
> But I'm afraid SM will come back and everyone will do something stupid while I'm asleep.

But anon, what makes you think that you being awake will stop us from doing something stupid?

>>29777595
My mistaken and over-inflated concept of self-worth, which causes me to value my own ideas as more intelligent and insightful than others even if they are in reality on-par with or worse.

>>29777629
This just reminds me of the rainbows incident, and how sure the guy who came up with the idea was that he was right.

>>29775621
>> Other go to Arcturis Flint and impresshim an image of him and To Fang sloping through a field of flowers arm in arm with our alliance members covering them in flower petals

>>29775621
>Hemmelus, The Four-Element Sage

He seems cool, can we talk to him and see if he knows we're a shadowy monster? Because he probably has weird manavision because of his blindness.

>>29775621
>--IMPORTANT FIGURES IN AREA--
>Joey Erikson

Joey confirmed for plot-critical element.
Probably the catalyst for Hyperion's return and a walking Sword of Damocles.

>>29777676
That was hilarious.

>>29777804
It's not ringing a bell for me. Care to elaborate?

>>29778043
There's even a fanfic picture of the incident.
You should remember it.

>>29778043
The riddle session with Silence when we were in the Archonium where we incorrectly answered one of his riddles with "rainbow" instead of "flag". It was such a bad answer that even Silence was momentarily stunned.

>>29778193
>>29778204
Oh god I completely forgot that one. This is the first thread I've been able to participate in. I tore through the archive in a couple of days so some things are blurry.

That was embarassing

>>29778254
Not as embarrassing as the Critfail of Damocles. It's a bit humbling to realize just how much I fucked up the quest with one inopportune roll.

Where are you SM, I need my fix.

>>29778545
He said he was winging it. Given how long his updates usually are, I say give the man some time to type. It'll be worth it.

SM. Pls. Why did you give us so many options.

>>29778545
Lunch.

He went on another cruise and left us here to rot.

File: 1390685304343.jpg-(227 KB, 793x1500, Muju 190.jpg)

227 KB JPG

On another note, this is what I imagine Shadow's Human form to look like.

>>29779192
It's got a good enough nose.

File: 1390685665826.png-(35 KB, 259x364, hello.png)

35 KB PNG

>>29779192
This is what I imagine Shadow's human form to look like.

>>29779375
Now I'm wondering why everyone isn't screaming and running away from us.

>>29779192
I can dig it. It suits him pretty well.

>>29779192
Ooooh, me likey.

File: 1390686088449.gif-(481 KB, 141x141, Good job bro.gif)

481 KB GIF

>>29779192

Damn, you just had to come back on a day I was working and not my week off SM. Oh well. Hold the line folks, I know it's been a while since we've brushed up on the negotiation topics.

On that note, does anyone have a link to sperge-anon's post about what we need to get done here? It might be a good idea for people to look that over.

>>29779563
It should be amongst SM's copypasta.

SM, why must you torture us like this?

We gotta talk to joey and Hemmelus

This is SM, posting from cell phone.

The tire pressure sensor in my grandmother's car went off, and you might have thought the whole world was going to end. Had to drive it to my uncle's because he has a compressor.

Not home yet unfortunately but I have acknowledged that most people want to go on a tour with Donovan and maybe meet Hemmelus or some of the other lords in a more personal setting.

>>29780395

Buy your granny a new car so this will never happen again.

>>29780395
Such a gentleman, SM.

>>29780395
Grandma's boy

>>29780395
........
........
........
.........................................................!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

>>29780541

You better believe it. Sure, I've got to mow her lawn and put up her lights, but I get unlimited free lunch at whatever restaurant I feel like.

Also, I'm back, and writing.

>>29779563

How far down that list can we get before we sabotage ourselves or the sword of Damocles falls?

>>29781102
>at whatever restaurant I feel like
You mean your gramgram doesn't cook for you but invites you to restaurants?
Does she at least bake?

>>29781281

Sure, on occasion. She doesn't like to cook normal meals, though.

You decide to check in with Donovan. You need a tour, and an introduction to a few important faces, no doubt.

"Abigail, I'm going to see Donovan. Maybe a tour will help him acclimate."

She nods to you. "Alright. I'm...going to keep Xu calm."

You both glance back into the bunk room. Xu extends a finger and zaps a rat with a shock of Spirit. He picks it up by the tail. "Disgusting. Absolutely disgusting!" Another stronger blast of spirit disintegrates the corpse.

"...yeah," Abigail says. "I'll see you later."

-----
-----

The keep isn't a tiny place, but you ask a few servants for directions here and there. They don't seem particularly intimidated by you - no magical talent, though. On the contrary, you pass several guards who all immediately recognize you, and you vaguely remember their faces from when you first entered the docks. The looks range from curiosity to outright aversion.

You pass a man in shiny armor. He feels strongly of Wind. He gives you an up-and-down glance, but continues past without a word. Must be one of the famed Arland mage-knights.

The slick cobblestone of the keep's underbelly soon evolves into the warm wood and tapestries of the upper floors, and soon you're going up a wide flight of stairs, your hand on a wrought iron banister. When you find a floor with a thick green carpet set over the wood, you know you must be getting close. Seems like all nobility put the nicest things in their homes closest to their own quarters. Makes sense.

One more question to a passing servant who is changing the candles leads you to the correct door, and you knock thrice. You hear a muffled voice, and Joey answers. A towel hangs on his arm. He grins up at you. "Hey, Shadow! I like your new, uh, person, form, thing, I guess. Way less creepy."

>con't

You raise a finger to your lips. "It's John while I'm here, Joey. John Nyx."

"Oh. Right."

"Is Donovan here?"

"I'm here, Sh - John," Donovan's voice calls. "Come on in."

You enter the room. Donovan has dropped his traveling clothes and is in a simple loose white shirt and pants. He's shaving with a straight razor. That explains Joey's towel.

"Thought you could give me the grand tour," you say.

"Oh yeah?" He dips the razor into a bowl of water, then flicks it a few more times on his face. "Sure. I could do that. In fact, it's a good idea. Let me throw some things back on."

A few minutes later, Donovan is dressed - somewhere between military and formal decorative garb. In any case, the green and white looks good on him. "Nice colors."

"Yeah, well."

"Where's Auriel?"

"Out," he says. "She said she was going to find Ila, Freja, and Abigail. Possibly Valeria. Do something...womanly, I suppose."

"Hmm. Well, lead on. What's interesting?"

"Follow me."

>con't

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

Donovan takes you up to the top of the keep first - and you get a tremendous view of Dobshire, and the surrounding countryside. The Flooded Gardens are still relative dry, but he tells you that the spring melt will see the odd stilted trees almost a quarter submerged. As it is, chunks of ice are still common in both of the rivers, mostly the Tairns. From here you can take your time looking at the upper and lower towns, as well as the Silent Hills. The tallest one is called Sebastian's Stand, and was where the decisive battle of the rebellion against Archon was fought. You can see the gray walls of the city's graveyard nestled further into the hills, up where the water definitely can't reach.

Donovan gives you a brief tour of the upper floors, which are mostly guest suites, and then takes you to the keep's training grounds. It's a wide grass-and-dirt space. Several barracks make up the outer wall of the field, along which is a wooden walkway for spectators, and a shortcut for servants hurrying to buildings adjacent to the keep. You see a few men sparring, and a dozen others drilling in one corner. A few are taking swipes at practice dummies, or shooting at targets. One knight, a bit more well-dressed them some of the soldiers, is firing short crescents of wind, shredding a straw man up into pieces.

"Donovan!" The three of you turn. Matthel Flint is headed your way - accompanied by the prince, Obis. "Guess I'm not the only one giving a tour."

"No," Donovan says. "I suppose not."

>con't

"Obis was telling me about you, John." Matthel nods to you. "Apparently you've taken quite good care of my little brother. I appreciate everything you've done."

"No thanks necessary. I was just helping a friend."

Matthel smiles through his beard. "Seems like you have a good friend indeed, Donovan."

"...truer words never spoken."

"Though..." Matthel rubs his neck. "...even if your intentions were well-placed, John, the Ring City isn't a good enemy to have. My father won't like that."

What is your response?

>It doesn't matter. They'd never have me as a friend.
>I couldn't accept the slavery before my very eyes.
>Hopefully we can convince Arcturis of the benefits of working together.
>write-in

>>29782028
>I couldn't accept the slavery before my very eyes.

>>29782028
>I couldn't accept the slavery before my very eyes.

>>29782028
>I couldn't accept the slavery before my very eyes.

>>29782079
>>29782112
>>29782123

BAM

I'll give a minute, though

>>29782028
>I couldn't accept the slavery before my very eyes.
>Hopefully we can convince Arcturis of the benefits of working together.

>>29782028
>>I couldn't accept the slavery before my very eyes
love that the capta for this post is justify dscape

>>29782028
>>I couldn't accept the slavery before my very eyes.

I saw hypocrisy point blank in the face there, Matthel. I saw the greatest healer known by the angels brag about his crimes like a monster, and continue like nothing was wrong with what he had done. If that is an example of what the ring city is hiding, then they might as well be enemies.

>>29782199
I like this bit.

>>29782028
>>I couldn't accept the slavery before my very eyes.
"You have seen some of those we freed. But for the color of their magic, they would be indistinguishable from any of Arland's subjects.

Imagine the if old Archon had chosen to bind Sebastian Flint and his allies, body and soul, rather than permitting their disobedience. What the Ring City had done to them was no better than that would have been."

He may be taken back a bit by this new slavery fact, (since most regular people didn't know the mages had been soul slaved), but I like it.
Hopefully Flint will back us up on it.

>>29781960
> "She said she was going to find Ila, Freja, and Abigail. Possibly Valeria. Do something...womanly, I suppose."
I don't know why, but I'm suddenly very worried.

Wait just a minute- Valeria KELVERE?
Why is her last name the name of Duke Velliks province?
Has anyone ever fucking asked this once?

>>29782396

I knew we should have chosen to take on a female persona for this event.

>>29782448
>Valeria Kavanere
Not quite.

also welcome back, SM.

>>29782472
Is that the correct spelling?
SM, you fooled me with your mistake! Don't expect to get the upper hand twice.

>>29782499
Wasn't SM's mistake.

>>29773311
>>29775773
UNDER THE BUS YOU GO! Sorry, friend.

>>29782499

That's what I get for copy-pasting.

Her name is Valeria Kavanere.

SHIIIIIAAAT
SM is back! fuck yeah, I've been suffering from severe Shadow Quest withdrawl. Time to OD.

>>29782458
Even then, I don't think Auriel would have allowed us along on her girl's night out. She probably wants a chance to talk to Abigail without us there.

Wasn't the slavery thing not very common knowledge?

>>29782199
>reminding me of Michael
God damn, that scene!
One of the highest points ofthe quest for me.

>>29782594
Yeah, it wasn't. Perhaps Arland also didn't know of this so we could kindly inform them.

"Then he needs to change his mind," you say. "I saw slavery there. Not the detestable slavery of men in chains, but an even more terrifying version in which their souls were imprisoned in little orbs so that they would be totally obedient servants. I saw an angel regarded as the greatest healer brag about his methods of torture, of how he manipulated and abused people for fun. I stared hypocrisy in the face and I decided to do something about it."

Matthel takes that in for a moment, then sighs. "I see you have strong opinions on the matter. Well...you should prepare yourself. I know for a fact that father's already sent messengers to the Ring City. You have the initiative, but they'll have representation here soon enough. And they'll really want the man that destroyed half the city."

"Matthel," Donovan says, "what John speaks of is absolutely true. It was a nightmare scenario. I saw one of the slaves, when she tried to speak to us, to tell us what they'd done to her. The magic compelled her to silence. And she fought it, desperately. She struggled just to whimper a word in defiance."

"...elements."

"The Highest went too far in the name of peace, and the common good." Donovan's brow furrows. "What if they took it a step further? What if normal people had to be enslaved for their own good? What if Arlanders had to be enslaved, to ensure their loyalty?"

"That's not going to happen," Matthel says flatly.

"I exaggerate to make a point," Donovan says. "He considers out autonomy like a man considers a cockroach. Mark my words - he's slavering at the mouth to use this war to all but annex Arland."

"...that may be what you need to leverage father," Matthel says. "Sebastian valued our independence over all else - which is why he refused that first offer to join the Empire outright. I would keep the conversation about encroachment on his authority."

You nod. "I'll do that."

"But Gerald - "

"What about me?"

>con't

>>29782662
You sure that your favorite wasn't the part where he was a screaming torso being tortured by an amorphous blob monster?

And then you see Gerald coming your way. A few knights are with him, amongst a few less-armored nobles. He steps up to the side of your group. "A pre-meeting meeting, hmm?"

"Just two tours intersecting," Matthel says.

"I find the keep quite something," Obis adds. "Your training grounds are impressive. Arland's knights are to be strongly reckoned with."

"Indeed," Gerald says. "Donovan." He turns to your friend. "The demonslayer has finally come home. It's good to see you." And he smiles, then, and it reminds you of Arcturis's smile. Half-hearted, and drained of happiness.

"Ah...yes." Donovan seems unsure of how to proceed. "Gerald...I...something I need to ask you."

"What?" Gerald leans forward and raises an eyebrow. "Speak up, Donny."

"I...about..." Donovan raises his head. "Where is Megan?"

For a moment, the only sound you hear is the wind, and arrows thumping into straw. Gerald looks away from Donovan, not meeting his eyes. Matthel coughs loudly.

"...how about a spar?" Gerald says. "We'll see how good the Sir Flint has gotten in his time away. You must be something, if you defeated a Demon Lord."

"Look," Donovan says, "I just want to - "

"I'll answer any question you have if you can beat me in a spar," Gerald says. "We should give the Prince Obis some entertainment." He gives Donovan a greasy grin. "I can't remember what our score was. 200-something to 0, right?" His grin is instantly replicated by the men behind him.

You get the feeling this scene has played itself out before.

"...now isn't a good time. Just answer the - "

"You have my terms," Gerald declares. "If you insist, then take up the sword!"

What do you do?

>tell Gerald to answer the fucking question
>tell Donovan to kick his arrogant ass
>ask Matthel to diffuse the situation
>say nothing; let things play out on their own
>write-in

I feel like this pastebin summary is missing some info about Velik and his position.

We learned from last time that he would be completely willing to move despite his disadvantaged position. His country is on the line and he'll do whatever it takes to get it back.

This means he's likely to lose sight of the bigger picture of this alliance in favor of just fighting this war.

Be sure to remind him of his own goals of unification.

>>29782716
>tell Donovan to kick his arrogant ass
No parasite on him so this is the quickest way to get the answer.

>>29782716
>tell Gerald to answer the fucking question

>>29782772
Parasite is suppressed, but it comes down to the same thing. Donny should be able to kick his ass.

>>29782716
>tell Donovan to kick his arrogant ass

>>29782716
kick his ass flint
<no parasite bro >

>>29782716
Nod to Donovan, telespeak; "You've gotten much stronger than when you left, in body and mind. If he uses wind magic remember your cape."

>>29782737
Yep. Whenever he seems to get too anxious we should speak up about it, especially considering the whole 'unify Arland, the Great Forest, Kelvere, and Archon together to reduce the power of the Ring City' was originally his plan.

>>29782716
>>tell Gerald to answer the fucking question

>>29782716
>tell Donovan to kick his arrogant ass

>>29782716
>>tell Donovan to kick his arrogant ass

Got to love the ability to speak without others knowing it.

>>29782772

It's still on him, it just cant leech his aura and make him trip up.

>>29782716
>>tell Donovan to kick his arrogant ass

If it goes well, it will be just the thing Flint needs to gain a massive boost in confidence, dice willing...

>>29782819
Going with this

>>29782716
>>ask Matthel to diffuse the situation

He seems like a good brother. Also I don't want Donovan to get in trouble because Gerald would lose and go "You cheated :'("

This spar is also a good way to test Gerard and Matthel for knowledge on the parasite. If Donnie wins and there is more than just surprise in their reactions we've got a lead.

>>29782716
>>tell Donovan to kick his arrogant ass

>>29782819
Ahh, he might not be wearing his cape and armor right now, right? He's in civilian clothes.
Make sure he changes up appropriately.

>>29782716
>>tell Donovan to kick his arrogant ass
he seems like the kind of person who only respects strength

>>29782913
I thought he was in armor with a formalish flavor to it?

>>29782716
>First thread of SQ in a month is a thread with a duel

are u doin this 4 a giggel m8

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>>29782989

Time for Gerald to bust out the sealed king.

JOKES ON YOU!

>>29782989

>a duel where the loser doesn't get consumed for experience

that ther is fuggen bs m8

>>29782989
Eh? It's not like Gerald is gonna pull a windburn on Flint. That'd be silly.

>>29783028
I love you, SM, I really do.

Now tell me where you live so I can come and cook and clean for you.

>>29783031
really>>29783028


i am now scared

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>>29783028

>>29783031

He constantly picks on his "incompetent" little brother. I can see him palying dirty if things don't go his way.

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>>29783028
Oh you.

>>29782947
>A few minutes later, Donovan is dressed - somewhere between military and formal decorative garb.

I don't think it's likely to be any sort of armored outfit from this description.

>>29782716
>tell Donovan to kick his arrogant ass
"I trust you can show your brother just how much you've improved in your time away."

And even if he can't right now, it's just going to make it the rematch that much sweeter once the parasite is gone for good.

Is joey with us?cause we should make some idle conversation with him. I wanna know what he's been up to.

So the Ring City will send representatives.

How the fuck are we gonna handle that situation? We're criminal to them... and some of the highest will probably be representing.

>>29778471
>>29777676

You may have rolled the one, but I'm the one who proposed the Critfail of Damocles and convinced everyone to back it, as well as responsible for the rainbow incident

I'm like the Atlas of Shame for this quest. I've got ALL of it on my shoulders.

>>29783137
At least you didn't suggest the original human form.

>>29783132
> How the fuck are we gonna handle that situation?
Go karting?

You take a moment to study Gerald. He's strong of body, and you can feel a fierce and wild wind within his soul. He's no ordinary mage - more on a level with Duke Vellik, a man with the power to rule a country.

He needs a serious ass-kicking.

You look at Donovan, and as your speech reaches him, he glances up to you. <The parasite isn't holding you back any longer. You studied harder than him. You trained longer than him. Beat your answer out of him.>

"...alright. Let's spar."

-----
-----

They set themselves with wooden swords in the center of the field. As soon as it becomes clear what is happening, every man on the grounds forms a circle around the two duelists, the eldest and youngest brothers Flint. Someone must have run to the barracks, because the guards and knights are pouring out en masse, some onto the field, others taking to the wooden walkway to get a bird's eye view. You can spot Harvan, Donovan's other brother, nestled amongst them, watching.

You hear one man calling 2 to 1 against Donovan. A lot of men don't take the bet - you keep hearing the same thing whispered. Demonslayer.

Donovan is in formal military garb - not practical for extended battle, but padding enough for wooden swords. Gerald is likewise dressed. He must have been coming out specifically to practice. They both quickly slap on pads to their joints and thighs.

>con't

You sidle up to Matthel and Obis, looking to Donovan's brother. "I'm surprised you haven't intervened."

Matthel sets his legs apart and folds his arms. "...this is a long time coming. Donovan needs this."

"Are there rules to this thing?"

Matthel rattles them off by heart. "No magic. No eye gouging. No biting. No low blows. No grapples strictly intended to break bone."

"Well," Obis says, "at least we don't have to worry about the magic."

"But my lord," you say, more quietly. "Where is Megan?"

Matthel's jaw tightens. He shakes his head.

"Well, little brother," Gerald says. He taps his helmet into his head, checking the strap holding it in place. "Ready to go?"

Donovan takes his sword in two hands and levels it to his left side. He nods.

"Then have at you!"

Roll 1d20

Rolled 13

>>29783229
OOHHHH FUUUUCK HERE WE GO!

Rolled 20

>>29783229
inb4 we need 6/8 crits for Flint to win

>>29783155

Was this before or after the archonium? I might have, if that was the case.

And you all thought you'd forget my name after a few threads.

Rolled 17

>>29783229
Our mortal nemesis.

>>29783255
Well, that's one down, at least.

Rolled 2

>>29783229

>>29783255
HA HA HA HA HA

VICTORY

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>>29783255
Yesssss

Rolled 8

>>29783229


>>29783268
THIS IS AN ACCIDENT

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>>29783255

...yes...

YES!

>>29783300
STOP ROLLING.

>>29783210
>You hear one man calling 2 to 1 against Donovan. A lot of men don't take the bet - you keep hearing the same thing whispered. Demonslayer.

Can we bet anything? What about our Vita Bot?

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>>29783255

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>>29783255
I fucking love you anon. I shall forever praise your deeds

Rolled 8

>>29783229

>>29783369
You. Stop that.

>>29783369
Number 5 here folks, we don't need to worry about a 1 lessening the success.

Rolled 31

>>29783311
Can we loudly bet a lump sum of money?

>>29783424

Not now that you know the roll, no.

>>29783311
Make it good Shadow Master!

Music to listen to while Flint kicks some ass?

>>29783424
Lets do this, we could always use the money.

Rolled 86

>>29783449
I figured that we would still need 1 or 2 more rolls first.

>>29783354
Huh, what's this from?

>>29783449

What if we bet everything we own and Abigail on Gerald to win?

>>29783500
It's Reveangence I believe.

>>29783503
We're not betting abigail man. Slavery is bad and all that shit.

>>29783540
Ah, thanks. The aesthetic looked familiar. Been meaning to buy it but I gotta watch my money a bit right now.

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Rolled 47

>>29783500
Metal gear rising revengence by platinum.

>>29783608
thats an amazing game with a bombastic soundtrack

>>29783712
I love the Gray Fox skin.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENWvzPkcSN0&hd=1

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>>29783712
Don't forget that its filled with shit eating grins out the ass.RULES OF NATURE!!

>>29783859
>>29783789
>>29783712
>>29783608
>>29783540
>>29783354
All these Revengeance posts.. where were you guys when I tried to start that thread discussing using Cyberpunk 2020 rules to create a Metal Gear Rising campaign? I mean, it's all there! The cybernetic implants being the new rage in warfare and combat, emotion suppression, cyber psychosis, major conglomerates vying for power through commercialism and capitalism.

>This buildup

Oh you better believe I am hyped for this, SM.

>>29784322
I'm F5'ing like mad.

>>29784322
Same here. It's about time flint got his own spotlight, what with us overshadowing him in combat all the time.

>>29784412
Can't wait to get that fucking parasite off of him.

I'VE BEEN WAITING SO LONG

>>29784491
Been here since the first fucking thread. I want this soooooo badly. The month-long hiatus didn't help.

Gerald launches forward. As he steps into range, his blade comes up, swinging from the ground to the sky in a sharp arc.

Donovan pivots off one foot, turning his body back to avoid the blow. Gerald reacts automatically, going for a follow-up cut downward, but Donovan backsteps.

Matthel's eyes widen as Donovan clears the two-blow combination without trouble. Gerald seems likewise surprised. He frowns, grips his hilt tighter, and begins to circle in on Donovan. The crowd murmurs excitedly.

"I take it you didn't expect that," you say to Matthel.

"...normally, he trips when he tries that."

Gerald flies forward again. He extends his arm, stabbing with a straight thrust, but Donovan's blade is there for the parry, and the stab goes far wide.

Gerald withdraws, stabs again. This time, Donovan does more than parry. He flies inside Gerald's guard, two-handing his own sword to push aside Gerald's blade. He raps his own sword against Gerald's wrist.

The two men pause for a moment, staring at each other. Everyone is silent. Donovan looks down at himself, then back up, then around, as if he can't believe it himself.

"...that's the first hit that Donny's ever gotten on him," Matthel whispers. "Ever. He really is different."

"...this isn't over," Gerald says. "Best of 5, as usual!"

"...alright."

They fly together again. This time, Gerald fights for real. Their feet work across the grass and dirt, churning a cloud that floats across the field. The only sound is the smack of wood on wood, the pat of boots on the earth.

Gerald catches Donovan's sword in an overextended thrust and forces it aside, keeping the blade wedged in his crossguard. But rather than retreat, Donovan sprints forward and releases his sword entirely. Expecting a struggle, Gerald is caught in the midst of disarming a sword that no longer has a wielder. Donovan grabs his arm and ducks behind his back, twisting it into a lock. He forces his brother to his knees.

"I yield the point!"

>con't

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4tOrRgnxfU

Donovan releases Gerald. The lord falls to his hands, breathing heavily. Donovan moves away and picks up his sword. "...stop messing with me."

Gerald looks up. "What?"

"You're not even trying," Donovan says. "I shouldn't have it this easy. You're better than this."

Gerald's teeth grind, and his face clenches up in a mask of anger. "You think I'm taking it easy on you?!"

Donovan blinks. "...aren't you?"

Gerald grabs his sword, and wind magic flares around his legs. "Now I'm not!"

"Gerald, stop!" Matthel shouts.

An explosion of wind rips through the dirt at Gerald's feet, throwing up a cloud of dust. The crowd scatters back across the field. Gerald slams into Donovan, who blocks across his body, gripping his sword in two hands. The force is enough to drive Donovan backward through the dirt. You hear wood crack, and his sword breaks. Most of the blow was stopped, but Donovan takes Gerald's blade across his chest, and he falls backward, rolling across the ground.

"Gerald, what the hell is wrong with you?!" Matthel shouts. He's running across the field. "You could have killed him!"

"No one talks to me that way," Gerald says. "Not even my own brother. I am the heir, and - "

"Is that it?" The dust clears, and you can already see that Donovan is getting to his feet. He brushes his clothes free of dust.

"What?"

Donovan looks up. And you see a light in his eyes that you've only seen a few times before, when whatever coat of self-depreciation he wears to protect himself is finally tossed aside. "It's 2 to 1. Give me another sword. And enchant it so it doesn't break."

The watching crowd is silent. Gerald throws a death glare at Matthel, then storms over to a rack of practice swords. You see it flare green, and a barrier of wind forms around it. He tosses the blade at Donovan's feet. "I'd yield, -Sir- Flint. If you mean to continue while allowing magic, you can't beat me."

"Shut up and fight."

>con't

>>29784532
>>29784549
I am almost literally squeeing at this point.