-Suptg Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?searchall=Shadow+Quest+------------------Archive compiled with story posts and pictures for an easier read, as well as ability and metadata tables:(big thanks to contributors, especially Sorry!): https://www.dropbox.com/sh/akcvpyo893vvae6/ieUkT-2X3j------------------Twitter (quest times, cancellations, updates):https://twitter.com/ShadowMaster_tg------------------Theme music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLTQ5PlEWko---------Notes on Rolls and Voting:When I request rolls, each set of three rolls counts for one action. For example, a two-step plan would take the first 6 linked rolls. A particularly bad failure can interrupt a string of actions.When rolling 1d100, I will consider criticals within the first ten linked rolls. Only criticals that occur in the first three rolls will be counted as "supercrits". This is still the case even if you'd have plan long enough to require more than ten rolls.When rolling 1d20, the rules are the same, but I only consider criticals for the first five rolls, rather than ten. Criticals in the first three are still "supercrits".When a plot choice results in extensive debate, I'll try to weed out the most popular trains of thought, and then call a vote on them. When voting, please respond with only a link back to the post and the number corresponding to your opinion. Other votes are discounted, including those with dice rolls or extra spaces.Finally, note that this is not a democracy; it is a benevolent dictatorship.
Why can the Wisp fly whilst unaffected by the Sky-Sever?
Ability TreeGREEN 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/UBdTaB14Books the Main Character has read:http://pastebin.com/dAXR00gPCharacter Sheet including learned abilities and other important information:http://pastebin.com/JjjiRx6u
>>29934283He can't, Frodo. He's resting on your shoulder out of sight by default, not constantly flying around. Remember that Shadow-type summons like Wisp share all your stealth passively.------------------Current Statistics:HP: 81/81Mana: 54/58EXP: 0Shards 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------------------Known Mana Pools:Jacob's Field - entrance to Hecate's tomb - SpiritPalthair Mines - Magnock's Lair - SpiritArchon - Spirit District - SpiritArchon - Shadow District - ShadowArchon - Earth District - EarthArchon - Water Distric - WaterHaven - ShadowAbbotsford - ShadowAurora - WaterVa'ad - South Generator - EarthVa'ad - North Generator - Earth
>>29934283.......uuuuuuhhhhh.....SM?
-----Arland Summit Summary: Goals, Objectives, and Major Characters (thanks to Sorry for helping me and the players out!):http://pastebin.com/FsP2C5Hr-----Your gathered allies have arrived in Arland, a war council set to gather their combined forces to face the demons and mages of Kan-Abar.The Flint family was not happy to see a delegation from Archon - and especially unhappy to see Yi Fang himself, their long-time nemesis. However, thanks to Abigail's honesty and forthrightness, the tension was temporarily diffused. They've been given accomodations within the castle town, albeit somewhat damp and mediocre accomodations.You decided to have Donovan give you a tour to get his mind off the nervousness of being back home. You ran into Gerald Flint, Donovan's eldest brother, in the keep's training grounds. Donovan, earlier baffled by an introduction to Gerald's 'wife', asked where Megan was. Megan herself was Donovan's close friend, to whom he could never confess his love. Gerald ended up proposing to and marrying her, an offer that Megan couldn't refuse, as he was the heir to Arland, and she was a relatively minor noble from the Empire. This was the impetus to make Donovan leave home on a quest to restore Aeolus's ancient order of knights.Gerald taunted Donovan, telling him he'd only answer if his younger brother could beat him in a sword duel. But with Yi Fang's amulet keeping the Shel'kath parasite in check, Donovan proved to be more than capable of holding his ground against his older brother. Gerald, enraged by Donovan's demand that he take the match seriously, began to use magic, but Donovan was able to maintain the upper hand.>con't
>>29934269Yo SM, is this a pretty close representation of what Abigail looks like?Sans the feathers being orange of course.
So were's Knob anon?
A bloodied Gerald murmured the answer he sought - that Megan was dead, and that he'd remarried. Matthel clarified - Megan died to a magical plague that had passed through the year before, the same plague that you and Donovan had worked to stop at the beginning of your journey together. Torn by shock and disbelief, Donovan ran through the streets of the city toward the graveyard. You followed at a cautious distance.Upon reaching the graveyard, Donovan saw the casket within the tomb for himself. You let him grieve for a time in peace, then approached him to heal the wounds left from the duel, and did you best to give him some comfort.Auriel arrived soon after, worried after her lover. They shared a moment together, and then the three of your returned to the castle.With some time on your hands before the dinner and meeting, you decided to seek the Four-Element Sage, Hemmelus, ally and chief mage of Arland and Donovan's teacher. The old man recounted to you his raising of Donovan, and his frustration with his inability to do more to help him. He only knew of Donovan's parasitic demon as a curse - and you informed him of the gritty details. He's agreed to help you and Yi Fang later tonight.But for now, you've got a dinner to attend.-PLAYERS ON STAGE-Auriel LightchosenSir Donovan FlintJoey EriksonIla MarrilLien AdavanArchmage Yi Fang, representative of ArchonCouncilor Abigail FangCouncilor Tae WongCouncilor Yong XuDuke Vellik, Deposed Ruler of KelverePrince Obis Vin, rightful heir to Kan-AbarMayor Vidar Blackwater, Governor of Maven LakeFreja BlackwaterValeria Kavanere, representative of the Great Forest Elves, cousin to the Elven QueenElder Great Tree, representative of the Great Forest WerewolvesYoung BullWarleader Vaz GrakStewardJanus Miller, an AssociateLord Arcturis FlintLord Gerald FlintLady Andrea FlintLord Harvan FlintLord Matthel FlintHemmelus, The Four-Element SageLord Prule WaterfordLord Imil Anderson
>>29934353You're pretty much asking for her cup size aren't you?
>>29934353The image you used is a little over-the-top cheesecake, but yes.
>>29934354Not sure, but I miss him already.
>>29934369Anybody else want Ila to get pissed as some presumptuous Angel and pull out her Wings?I certainly do.
------------------You decide to head down to your own room. You don't have any clothes to change into, but it's as safe a place as any to shift your appearence into something more appropriate. Maybe you should ask Abigail...or Auriel?But your feet have already carried you into your appointed chamber. You try to ignore how the wall-bolted matresses look like something prison inmates would sleep on. Not that you sleep, anyway.Adavan is sitting on his mattress, his legs folded, apparently deep in meditation. His hooded face rises as you enter. "Ah, Shadow. Or John, for now.""Hello, Adavan. Have you been here all day?""Oh no," he says. "I paid a visit to the treasury. Part of a tour I recieved with the others from Archon. We were escorted by the castle steward, rather than one of the family...but it was informative. I found the key."You lean forward. "Where?""In the treasury itself. It hangs about a marble bust of Sebastian in a corner of the room. Obviously I wasn't going to break in with the guards standing there. But." He cocks his skull at you. "Time is of the essence. The most powerful ally of all is a key away."How do you respond?>I'm going to be helping Donovan tonight. I'd prefer you wait for me - it'd be safer if we worked together.>Can you use your magic to get past the guards? If you think you can steal it without being detected...>Do you think we could barter for it?>write-in
We need to ask when Hemmelus became a master of Light.
>>29934436>I'm going to be helping Donovan tonight. I'd prefer you wait for me - it'd be safer if we worked together.
>>29934436>>I'm going to be helping Donovan tonight. I'd prefer you wait for me - it'd be safer if we worked together.He won't come this far just to make a stupid mistake when he's this close. He has the patience.
>>29934436> Can you use your magic to get past the guards? If you think you can steal it without being detected...
>>29934436>Do you have a decent shot at stealthing in yourself?Let's not forget that Hecate can almost certainly remove Flint's affliction.
>>29934436>I found the key.>Do you think we could barter for it?
>>29934436> Do you think we could barter for it?It would be better if we could get it without jeopardizing the negotiations.
>>29934514We are this close already and releasing Hecate should come once we're done in Arland
>>29934516I'm crying laughter at that filename, every damn time.
>>29934436>I'm going to be helping Donovan tonight. I'd prefer you wait for me - it'd be safer if we worked together.>>29934497He does, however...>>29934436When we tell him we're helping Donovan, let's be very specific; we're helping him kill the parasite with Fangs' plan, and that might mean great upheaval in Arland depending on who is on the other end. If we tell Adavan this, he should know not to do anything incredibly suspicious and be able to wait for our call.
>>29934436>donovan tonight, wait for me
>>29934436>>I'm going to be helping Donovan tonight. I'd prefer you wait for me - it'd be safer if we worked together.
>>29934574Yes, tell him this
>>29934436>>I'm going to be helping Donovan tonight. I'd prefer you wait for me - it'd be safer if we worked together.He ain't thhhhhaaaaaat stupid.But if he got caught it would literally ruin the entire alliance proposal.
>>29934436>>I'm going to be helping Donovan tonight. I'd prefer you wait for me - it'd be safer if we worked together.If this really does lead to some sort of upheaval, it could end up making things a lot easier.After all, Donovan has as much of a right to the key as anyone else in the family. There's no sense in stealing it out from under them when a change of the vanguard could easily just mean that we as good as have it already.
>>29934671Very true
>>29934553That might be good, after all if Vellik learns that a key is missing from Arlands vault he's going to know it was us and he may use that as a bargaining chip since we told him about the door and keys all those threads ago and he found the fact "interesting."That is of course blindsided by the fact that people are going to notice an heirloom draped our their hero Sebastien "disappearing" from the vault while FANG and SHADOW MAGES have filled Arland to the brim. I honestly think bartering would be the safest route, although... expensive.
>>29934436>>I'm going to be helping Donovan tonight. I'd prefer you wait for me - it'd be safer if we worked together.>>Do you think we could barter for it?If we can get it without theft, that would be lovely.
>>29934693very true, either way we wait.either way we must convince addy to calm his shit.
"They key definitely needs to be our next priority," you say, "but I'm helping Donovan tonight. Both Fang and I can sense that the other end of his parasite is here. Depending on who is on the other end...""...you're saying it could get ugly," Adavan says. "But I'm surprised at how fast Fang is moving.""We all want it done with," you say, "especially Donovan.""Well, I can understand," Adavan says. "He feels as though a significant portion of his life has been stolen by that thing - and he's absolutely right. Killing it...it's taking his life back. Taking back control." His gaze drifts past you. "I know that feeling.""...you're talking about Hecate.""...the war took everything from me, Shadow," he says. "Hecate gave me purpose. In a way...she gave me a new life."You nod. "She's next on my list.""I know. But for now." He slaps his knees, then stands. "We help my friend Sir Donovan Flint. What can I do?">you should stick with Hemmelus and Yi Fang>join me on the infiltration team; I might need backup>stay in the castle. You can relay messages between myself and Fang>some other strategy
>>29934283Maybe he's like the Eye-bot in Fallout: New Vegas - he actually has invisible legs that he walks on.
>>29934779>stay in the castle. You can relay messages between myself and FangI'm still not comfortable asking Adavan to do too much for us after we killed him on Xile.Feels bad, man.
>>29934436They toured the treasure vault, huh?>Part of a tour I recieved with the others from Archon.What the fuck? That sounds like b8, m8. Why else would they brag to Archon about their historical treasures?>>29934779>join me on the infiltration team; I might need backupMindmage, great tactical insight, good magical instincts, excellent strategic and interpersonal advice, ability to hide in plain sight as a group and not a creepy loner, need I say more? C'mon Addy let's go!
>>29934779>>you should stick with Hemmelus and Yi FangTell him to buddy up with Hemmelus, he could definitely learn a lot.
>>29934779>stay in the castle. You can relay messages between myself and Fang
>>29934858Probably a good idea.
>>29934779join me
>>29934857>Why else would they brag to Archon about their historical treasures?There's your answer.These guys are pompous assholes. Remember these guys are descended from Aoleouses servants.
>>29934779>you should stick with Hemmelus and Yi Fang
>>29934779I've forgotten, what can Adavan actually DO? I know he's a mage of some sort, and undead.Because usually we're benching him. And having him to do nothing.
>>29934779>join me on the infiltration team; I might need backupI feel his direct judgement would be useful, as long as we choose to listen to him this time. Unlike last time.
>>29934779Supporting >>29934830Make it clear we don't want anyone getting hurt like in Xile.Did he see flint's beatdown on Gerald earlier?
>>29934779>stay in the castle. You can relay messages between myself and FangUltimately, it's where the final fight is likely going to happen at. Stationing a guy there will give us a tactical advantage.
>>29934779>>you should stick with Hemmelus and Yi FangI think this is a reasonable way to go about things. >>29934857>Why else would they brag to Archon about their historical treasures?Rubbing it in. "Remember back when we broke free from your oppression? Here's the spoils, alongside a grand history of all the ways we kicked your asses."Standard diplomatic posturing, really.
>>29934779>>you should stick with Hemmelus and Yi Fang
>>29934892He's Hectates last and greatest general, and is great with mind/spirit/emotional magic, and has a great deal of common sense.
>>29934892and we servanted him.
>>29934892Mind magic specialist - pretty strong spirit mage.Also has a wealth of knowledge about the former Elementals. Now that's we've given him some powers, he has strong Shadow affinity and wings as well.
>>29934892He'd probably be a GREAT tactician once we get to actual combat. He'll probably mainly be doing behind-the-lines type stuff.
>>29934958Why can't he just get the treasure his damn self while all the guards are distracted with the zillion magic users, enemies, angels, and other jerks crammed into a dinner-along with watching THEIR bodyguards, too?
>>29934958>common sense.Yeah, we're bringing him. That shit is worth its weight in Gold to Shadow
...Wouldn't keeping him with us provide us the chance to quickly mine interrogate someone if they're unwilling to come clean?
>>29934999because Arlanders aren't stupid and know that that is when it is most likely for trouble to start.Plus he wants to be there.
>>29934999Because if he gets caught, it fucks our whole alliance.But we WOULD get another Elemental to fight the Demon Lords with
>>29934999Oh I bet he can.But the thing is that's probably something Arlands ruler(s) want."Archon came to us and stole from our treasury vault!" And bam, alliance is shafted.>>29935050He doesn't even need to get caught, all it would take is for something or someone important to disappear and fingers will get pointed absolutely everywhere.
>>29935042>>29935050Mind Magic -> Hai guard unlock the gate for me and get it -> Everything goes wrong -> Whoops, his memory is gone! HOW COULD THAT HAPPEN.Alternatively, all according to plan.
>>29935091which is why we must have Flint take it/bargain for it.
>>29934958If you put it like that... Okay, we'll bring General Adavan along.When are we gonna start calling him that?
Vote 1:>take Adavan with you as backupVote 2:>have Adavan stay at the castle as a relayVote 3:>have Adavan stick with Fang and Hemmelus
>>29934779Keep Adavan close
>>29935106except something is gone, and we are the obvious culprits.
>>299351231
>>299351233
>>299351232
>>29934779>>stay in the castle. You can relay messages between myself and Fang"We need to do triangulations to find it. Being able to link you, myself, and fang together and share informations and impressions should do wonders to track the parasite down - especially if there's a false tail present this time."
>>29935183>>29935123Well, I'm convinced. Three.
I think now is the point where all 2s should pick a side. seeing as how 2 won't win ans they will need to decide between the two
>>29935208vote properly
>>29935123cutting off votes...
none of the 2s want to tip the vote?
I voted 2 because it seems sensible for us to have three bases covered rather than just two. This way Adavan can keep out of trouble and keep himself safe for seeking out the key if shit goes south severely bad (rather than us risking him like we did before, which if you all recall he was NOT too pleased with), AND it gives us a good way to coordinate our efforts.
>>29935269>>29935271that was closelooks like 3 it is
Rolled 2>>29935123Tie between 1 and 3.Neither choice is bad. Dice decides.1 = Adavan goes with you2 = Adavan goes with Fang/Hemmelus
>>29935327actually1>>29935149>>29935157>>29935160>>29935165>>299351933>>29935155>>29935177>>29935184>>29935186>>29935204>>29935269but the dice were true
>>29935387Second-to-last 3 vote had a space between the link back to the post and the vote.
>>29935387Nah, they were tied.This post:>>29935204Has a space before the 3 and doesn't count.
>>29935414>>29935417oooooh, my bad
>>29935011He really hates doing mind-fuckery.
You explain to Adavan your meeting with Hemmelus, and the currently proposed plan."I'd like you to go with them," you say. "Hemmelus is a match for him, certainly, but he isn't a spirit mage. You'll keep him from doing anything...uh...""Anything he shouldn't be doing," Adavan finishes. "Understood. Can we trust Hemmelus?"You think on that for a time."I believe him," you say. "He either cares for Donovan as his own son, or he's the best liar I've ever met.""Good enough for me," Adavan says."Are you coming to the dinner?" you ask him."Me?" Adavan says. He holds up his arm. His sleeve falls down slightly, revealing a skeletal hand. "Too many servants running around. If the wrong one catches on my clothes...well.""I'm sure a spell could conceal that.""It could, but I'm not going to use magic in public like that," Adavan says. "Terrible manners, Shadow.""Oh. I'm new at this.""It's obvious.">ask Adavan for advice regarding the occasion>best go see Abigail>Auriel will know what to do>write-in
>>29935543>ask Adavan for advice regarding the occasionGIVE HER THE BONE, SHADOW
>>29935543ALL OF THEMOUR LAST DINNER INVOLVED US EATING A DEMONHOW DO THESE FANCY PEOPLE EAT?!
>>29935543> "Anything he shouldn't be doing," Adavan finishes. "Understood. Can we trust Hemmelus?"No. No we really can't.
>>29935543>>best go see Abigail
>>29935543>best go see AbigailAbigail has been training in etiquette
>>29935543>write-inAll three. Auriel has authority with contradicting advice.
>>29935599Justify yourself.
>>29935543>>best go see AbigailTIME TO GET FANCY!!!!!
>>29935543>>ask Adavan for advice regarding the occasion>>best go see AbigailCan we do both, SM?
>>29935640he's that one anon who thinks it's Hemmelus who set the parasite. just leave him to his tinfoil.
>>29935543>"I'm sure a spell could conceal that.">"It could, but I'm not going to use magic in public like that," Adavan says. "Terrible manners, Shadow."Putting Yi Fang on notice. And us also, kind of? We don't have much of a choice, though.>ask Adavan for advice regarding the occasionWell, if he's got all the etiquette down, we might as well benefit from his wisdom.>best go see AbigailAnd then go see how courtly manners have changed in the past few hundred years. C'mon, bones. I can't imagine you're still up-to-date on these things.
>>29935684not to mention that we must match
>>29935739Eheheheheeheee.
So who else thinks some serious Game of Thrones tier shit is about to go down?
>>29935543>ask Adavan for advice regarding the occasion
>>29935770Let the games begin.
"Yes, well, I...could use some advice on that, actually.""I've been to a few social gatherings, in my day," Adavan says. "Wait to be introduced to someone before speaking to them - extremely poor form to just walk up and start talking. If you want to speak to them, and you don't know them, ask someone to introduce you.""Alright.""Don't use any magic, unless it's announced somewhat ahead of time. It would be like walking in and waving a loaded crossbow around. Just...not good. And keep your aura well suppressed - that would be like walking in barefoot and bare-chested.""Right.""And do try to match your clothing to...someone. Black suits you, but this is hardly a funeral. Try something more cheery."You glance down at your conservative traveling clothes. "...ok.""...I suppose those are the basics. Keep it polite, and reasonable. You can usually judge what sort of conversation people want by what they're saying themselves. Loud and boisterous people enjoy equal companionship. But then, that's not always true...""...uh...""Don't worry about it." Adavan waves a hand at you. "Honestly, Shadow, you're a man - err, Elemental - of action, not of interaction. You speak through deeds. Probably best to just leave the majority of the talking to others. No offense.""I'm not that bad."Adavan gives you a long, studied look."So I can be a little blunt sometimes. I don't like to beat around the bush.""And this is all about beating around the bush as much as possible. It's your exact opposite. Well, I won't tell you what not to do. Just my advice."You sigh. "I'll be going, then. See you later."Adavan chuckles. You get the sense he's enjoying himself. "Until later."Time's running a bit tight, now. You'd better make the next visit quick...>go see Abigail>go see Auriel>write-in
>>29935770Well we're VERY difficult to kill, plus worse comes to worst we have the "FUCK YOU ALL, IT'S HECATE TIME" option.
>>29935640Hemmelus is a master of four elements, including light. Flint would be a powerful light mage, were it not for the shel'kath siphoning off his magic and feeding it to someone else. It's entirely possible that Hemmelus is a master of multiple elements because of the shel'kath (or potentially multiple shel'kaths) feeding him magic.Hemmelus is one of the people in a position to put the shel'kath on Flint. Though Flint's other brothers would stand to gain, they also would have been too young at the time to do it.Also, Flint cares very deeply for Hemmelus, who he sees as a substitute father. Which means that if he's on the other end of the shel'kath, then getting rid of it would require Hemmelus dying, and thus Flint would have to lose someone that he cared for. > "There are many ways," Taremtis says. "None preserve all those for whom you care.
>>29935811>go see Abigail
>>29935811> go see AbigailWe must match!
>>29935811I wanna see them both. However, let's match Abby.
>>29935811>>go see AbigailWE MUST MATCH
>>29935862I agree
So if Auriel has Hyperion Blessed Tits, does Ila have Shadow Blessed Ass?
>>29935811>>go see AbigailWe're supposed to match with someone, right? Time to figure out what we should be wearing.Auriel would be interesting also... but I kind of want whatever the secret result of girl-time was to catch us completely by surprise.
>>29935873>>29935862matchmind
>>29935882She wishes.;_;7
>>29935912
>>29935912She's gonna be watching us at the Banquet.As we're close to Abigail.Wishing she was too.Left wanting.
>>29935912It is my head cannon that Ila has small breast+wide hips, and the most glorious ass.Ila best girlBut I guess Abby is fine, too.
>>29935958Damn it, we need to find her a man who will treat her right.
>>29935994We really do, I feel bad for her.
>>29935989Abby is hook hand waifu.Ila is glorious true best girl.
>>29935994Matthel maybe? He's a cool guy, and we need to deal with the fact that he might be crushing on Abigail now.
>>29936026I rooted for Ila initially, I'm not entirely sure at what point Abby won me over but she did.
>>29935958>>29935989>>29935994>>29936023Decisions wouldn't be half as fun if they were easy, folks.
We must become Balance. Almost time to integrate Hectate and Leviathan.
>>29936063For me it was the moments before we got caged, and then again during our stay at Archon.Ila... was alone all that time, wasn't she? While we were doing Fang's dirty schemes, and many other things...Without the one she was obsessed with.And when we came back to Haven...Abby was still our focus. We said almost nothing to Ila...And then the Archonium happened.Then went back to Haven with Abby.All that waiting.For nothing.All the hurt.All alone.And she stayed more silent than usual during Xile.What a shame.
>>29936199God damn it, hnnnng.
>>29936199I literally almost cried.
>>29936051> "Ila, go seduce Matthel. I want him to stop trying to get between me and Abigail."> "Y-yes, of c-course. Whatever m-makes you happy."
>>29936229>>29936199MUH HEARTSTAHP
>>29936199we fucked up
Well, if you've got to match someone, it should probably be Abigail. Luckily, you're housed on the same dank and damp floor. So it's a brief walk to where she and Ila are sharing a room.You hear voices from inside - the two of them.You knock once, twice, three times."Who is it?" calls Abigail.<It's me.>"Oh, my date has arrived!" comes a cheery reply. "Just a moment, my good sir!"You raise an eyebrow at the door. Apparently she's in quite a good mood.There's some scuffling from inside. Something knocks against wood. Wait. There's no wood in these rooms.What is going on?Spirit magic flickers. The small spell opens the door.Standing before you are the dream-like visions of Abigail and Ila.Abigail is making an effort, and it makes her more beautiful than ever. She wears a fiery gold dress that matches her hair; the cloth is cut modestly, but is tailored to leave little to the imagination. Her nails are painted a shiny orange to match earrings of the same shade. The earrings themselves are sunflowers, a tiny piece of wrought gold set with tiny panes of glass. Magic had to be involved at some stage of its manufacture. Her long hair is curled slightly, sloping down around her neck and over one shoulder.Ila is wrapped up in a sleek black down that trails slightly onto the floor behind her. Her hair is straightened, combed so that it hands slightly over one of her eyes, giving her a dark, mysterious air. It makes her look like an entirely different person, especially as it's normally unkempt and frizzy. Her nails are purple, matching earnings of the same color - and their flowers, like Abigail's, though of a different variety. Her arms are folded, and she's staring at the floor.Abigail leans toward you. "Weeeelll?">reaction
You faggots are making me cry.
>>29936272You are both gorgeous.
>>29936272"So this was what you girls were up to. You look beautiful."
>>29936272They're in the same room.Oh god. We have to react to Abigail! In Ila's presence!SHADOW MAAAAAAASTERRRR!!!!! GOD DAAAAAMN YOOOOU!
>>29936215>>29936221>>29936229>>29936264>>29936271She waited for us.At Heaven's Gate.Under the tree that blooms black in the spring.She waited.
>>29936272All I can think about is how Ila is dying inside right now.
>>29936272Shift our clothing to thematically match Abby's."You both look gorgeous."
>>29936272>So it's a brief walk to where she and Ila are sharing a room.You and your impeccable timing.>>reactionGive ourselves a moment or two to gape at them.Then take a glance at our comparatively drab wardrobe."...I really have a lot of catching up to do."
>>29936272Morph into black and gold suit. Take both as dates
>>29936353This
Nothings even happening and I'm still feeling pain.
You guys are doing this to yourselves, you know.It's kind of hilarious in a pitiful, heartbreaking way.
>>29936376>>29936378I feed upon your emotions to grow stronger.
>>29936310>>29936318>>29936353Something along these lines.
Maybe something like this, to match Abby's outfit?
>>29935912Sorry, I need the IlaxAbby smut with the wingplay but I can't find it please help please.
>>29936315Same.
>>29936400Can we manage with an Ila mistress, SM? Please, all of Flint's shit made me tear up, and all this Ila talk is making me think bad thoughts.
What the fuck is up with the Ila waifu'ing?Yeah, she cares about us, and has been through hell, but that doesn't mean we're beholden to love her.Abby has been with us since the beginning, and is the reason we aren't raping and eating everything we see. Abby waited for us for 10 damn years inside the Archonium. Obviously Ila's position sucks, and we should feel sorry for her, but Shadow's heart has always been with Abigail.
>>29936511No one is arguing that Shadow should break up with Abby and go to Ila.Some of us are just lamenting our loss, is all.
>>29936511It's sympathy for those left behind, sir void.Just think.How strong was she to wait that long?How strong was she when she learned the truth?How strong was she when we told her ourselves?How strong... can someone be... before they become brittle, before they break?
>>29936459We've done our best to keep Ila off the suicidal yandere path and encouraged her to move on with her life already and that's all we can do.You don't need to give every chick the D in order for them to find happiness. Give her a chance to find someone new.
>>29936421Don't think he's around, but http://pastebin.com/pU96FBfYIn the future, you can just search for posts under his name on foolz that contain 'pastebin'.
>>29936528Hmmmmm, I guess I was misreading anon then.
>>29936511>rapingPretty sure we'd never be doing that anyway.
>>29936511It's not really waifuing, just feeling sorry for her and a strong desire to find her a beux.
>>29936418I like this.
>>29936556>FlintShhhh.jpg
"...so...this is what you were doing," you say. "You both look beautiful. I...think I have some catching up to do.""Thank you," Ila says quietly.Abigail grins at you. "You can just change your appearance, but some people have to work at it." She waves a hand at your clothes. "I hope you're not wearing -that- to the party."You...>change into a gold-orange garb to match Abigail>change into a gold-and-black suit to match them both>write-in
>>29936272Stutter for awhile and then mumble out something along the lines of "y'r prty" then immediately attempt to change the subject with "I don't know how dress self halp"
>>29936535Yes, the last thing we need is to end up with another Dave.
>>29936568>change into a gold-and-black suit to match them both
>>29936568>change into a gold-orange garb to match Abigail
>>29936568>change into a gold-orange garb to match AbigailDis
>>29936568Let's go with this >>29936418
>>29936568>...>Paranoia_Intensifies.gif
>otherAdd a black top hat.
>>29936568gold + black
>>29936568>>change into a gold-and-black suit to match them bothAww yeah.But I know you, SM, and I know the black+gold colours mean DEATH AND UNLUCKINESS in Chinese culture.
>>29936568>change into a gold-and-black suit to match them bothThese colors >>29936418 on this, because why not.
>>29936568>>change into a gold-and-black suit to match them bothEven if not to match them both, it's kind of disingenuous to try and stay away from our being shadowy.Matching your outfit with someone is fine, but it doesn't mean you should abandon your own identity in so doing.
>>29936568>change into a gold-orange garb to match AbigailMatching both at this point would be a terrible idea. We've been honest about who we're with up until now and even encouraged Ila to move on.
>>29936568OH GOD OH GOD OH GOD OH GOD WHAT DO I PICK>change into a gold-and-black suit to match them both
>>29936568>change into a gold-and-black suit to match them bothSomething like >>29936418
Sympathy really fucks up people's common sense, apparently.
>>29936568>write-inA RAINBOW SHIFTING ZOOT SUIT THAT FLOWS AND SHIMMERS LIKE THE GAYEST GAUDIEST THING AROUND AND A BIG FUCKIN' PIMP HAT WITH A FEATHER ON IT. A RAINBOW FEATHER.
>>29936568>mfw, choicesI DON'T KNOWSOMEBODY ELSE PICK FOR MEOH GOD
>>29936568>write-inGold & Black suit would make us look like a giant (extinct) bumblebee, however I think it would be excellent if we used clothes that matched our position as a Liason of Haven to Archon, with black highlights/deep purple suit, with an official looking gold-orange undershirt.
>>29936630This.
>>29936659??
>>29936568>Gold and black to match them bothGold to match Abby, black because it is our color.
>>29936418This works.
>>29936673Seconding because use of the word "official."
>>29936659SM can we do this as a joke before shiftin into the real choice?It will be funny.Please?
>>29936568> change into a gold-orange garb to match AbigailDon't lead Ila on. Don't give her false hope. That's just plain cruel.
>>29936630But anon, I want to get an "I feel like I'm losing you," scene out of Abigail later.
>>29936719This
>>29936719As a joke, I'll second it. As long as it's a joke. We need to start exercising our humorous side after all. Otherwise it'll never get better...
>>29936568Let's do this. >>29936659 Everyone else in the group always gets a good laugh out of our social ineptitude.
>>29936719Sadly, only Abigail will get the reference.Endorsing regardless.
>>29936719Seconding
>>29936719>>29936743"So, you don't like my plain clothes? How about THIS?" And go for maximum flashiness.
>>29936673>>29936719Add a cane with a stupid oversized diamond on it and you got a deal.
Oh hey, it's Shadow Quest!> everyone arguing about what outfit to wearYup. Shadow Quest.
>>29936272How about something wholly different from what they are wearing?
>>29936825At least we don't have to solve any riddles.
>>29936834Not matching with someone is rude, Anon!
>>29936719Sure, I like it!--------------------Vote 1:>just gold, to match Abigail.Vote 2:>match them both with a black suit and an orange-gold undershirt
>>29936834I'd second that but I've got no fashion sense and thus have no knowledge of what would look good here.
>>29936840And even now, our solution is still RAINBOWS.
>>299368692
>>29936840We are wearing our RAINBOW suit today.
>>299368691
>>29936869>Putting it to SUDDEN DEATH DO NOT PASS GO SERIOUS VOTE>PANIC INTENSIFIES
>>29936895This.
Rolled 2I CAN'T DECIDE
>>29936869REMEMBER VOTERS THAT BLACK AND GOLD IS BAD LUCK COLOURS
>>29936536I'm here, just too busy to devote much attention beyond lurking.
Hay SM this is a mask party right? Lets have a skeleton mask
>>29936941I've already said it once this thread but sympathy really fucks with people's common sense.Like, we've literally told her straight up that we love Abigail and have encouraged her to move on with her life and find happiness with someone else.Why are people choosing to do this NOW?
>>29936977Only because so many chinks are allergic to bee stings.
>>29936869cutting off votes
>>29937005In their defense, their bees are fuckin' massive.
>>29936996I'm doing it because black+gold looks better than just gold.
>>29936869SM I thought we were done with losing our heads and common sense. I thought we were done with picking the stupid option. We're negotiating with the shark here. We're trying to make friends with Magcock. We're just being stupid.
>>29936996I'm doing it for style points, bro.
>>29936869You're matching both.Roll 1d100 to see if you cry, and if so, how hard.Just kidding. Roll 1d100 for socialness. But you might cry anyway.
>Be the guy that ranted and raved and frothed at the mouth over waifus back when the succubutt was a thing>Realizing that I have waifued IlaIt's a hypocritical kind of feel
Rolled 27>>29937053
Rolled 72>>29937053
Rolled 54>>29937053
Rolled 67>>29937053
Rolled 65>>29937053WHAAAAT
Rolled 81>>29937053Maybe we won't totally fuck it up.
Rolled 19>>29937053
Rolled 89>>29937053Rollin
>>29937080>>29937084Less horrible than expected.
Rolled 34>>29937054Learn from this going forward, Anon. The power of the waifu is an ill understood thing, and you must not blame others for falling to its wiles.>>29937053
>>29937053SKELETON MASKMASK. PARTY.
>>29936617>>29937053I propose that on this roll, rather than a 1, a 4 should be a crit-fail in honor of inauspicious-chinese-colors anon.
Rolled 69>>29937053
>>29937129>I propose that on this roll, rather than a 1, a 4 should be a crit-fail in honor of inauspicious-chinese-colors anon.HOW DEVIOUSPLEASE SM, UP THE STAKES. A 4 is a critfail and a 96 is a crit success.
Rolled 94>>29937053
Rolled 92>>29937107woops forgot my roll
>>29937164I mean, if we're sticking with the theme, it would've been an 88 as a crit success.I wasn't trying to up the crit range or anything, I was just trying to make a numerology joke.Besides, we can ill afford more chances to shoot ourselves in the foot tendril?
>>29937054I still miss the slut.
>>29937275Xella? She tried to kill us, didn't she? Through her, Dave almost killed us and our friends.
>>29937275Who?
>>29937286Why don't we invite him to the party? He's sure to be an attention grabber.
Rolled 23>>29937289Xella!
Rolled 69>>29937286Yep. There was a retard brigade convinced that we could "redeem" her, despite her frequent confessions that murder is fun, that is a demon and not truly alive, and SM directly stating that her freedom = the deaths of innocents. In fact, it was this debacle that creating the Doorknob warning.
You begin to Ink and replicate a new set of clothing. It shifts, wavering, and then a disgusting rainbow of colors blooms to life on your shirt. It looks as if someone took several buckets of paint and splashed them onto you. You match this with white, skin-tight pants.Meanwhile, your black hair is streaked with orange and red. A staff grows from your palm, twisting in a long wooden cane, solid purple, tipped with a massive diamond. A heavy gold necklace ending in a huge clock forms out of your skin and then hands down around your neck. Iron hands clack loudly as they keep time.You confidently plant your staff into the ground and pose with your other hand on your hips. "Ready for dinner?"Abigail recoils in horror. "Oh my god!"Ila, however, is doubled-over with laughter. She falls back onto her thin mattress, her arms at her stomach, balled up and shaking. She can't even get a straight breath. You've never seen her laugh like that.Abigail holds a palm up toward you. "Stop, just stop. Oh, it hurts. It hurts!""Well, alright."You morph, and change again. Your cane and necklace vanish; your hair returns to normal, albeit carefully arranged and styled. Soon you're wearing a thin black vest tucked into black pants. An orange-gold undershirt sits bright under the vest, the sleeves exposed for a bit more color.Abigail smiles, and wraps her good hand under your arm, pressing into your side. Her warmth makes you smile."Better," she tells you, looking you up and down. "But it seems like you're not just matching me."Ila takes a long breath, then glances up at you.You look back at her.>write-in
>>29937305"LoVElYyy dECOraTIONs YoU hAVe HErE iN ArLAnD."
>>29937322>Ila, however, is doubled-over with laughter. She falls back onto her thin mattress, her arms at her stomach, balled up and shaking. She can't even get a straight breath. You've never seen her laugh like that.Not making me love her less.
>>29937314And if I remember correctly, she mostly showed up and got blasted back because SM wanted to warn off waifuers after everyone screamed the waifu the second Ila showed up.We've gone full circle.
>>29937322I immediately regret voting for this course of action.
>>29937322Smile
>>29937322"Black suits me, I'd be uncomfortable being all... colorful. In public."
>>29937322Beckon her to our OTHER arm
>>29937374this.
>>29937322>But it seems like you're not just matching me.Sm, pls. Black and Gold just straight looks better than nothing-but-gold.Why are you twisting this knife.Do you really derive pleasure from hurting us?
>>29937322"Well, I am Shadow, after all."
>>29937322"Arland and Haven, brought together. And pure orange really isn't my style."
>>29937374>>29937322I'll second this, since that's why I voted for it. It suits us.
>>29937384"I hope you realize we're all walking in together?"
>>29937322"Black's my color. Adavan told me I should go with something more colorful for this party but it be too impersonal if that's all I did."
>>29937322>>29937374
>>29937374This.
>>29937374Let's go with this
>>29937362I don't>>29937322if only we did this.>>29937399>>29937384Seconded
>>29937374This is why we really picked it anyway, I think.
>>29937374>>29937404>>29937391These.
>>29937391How could I? I haven't lifted a finger. The pain you feel comes from within.SUCH IS TRUE ART!I've got to practice for Edgy Quest
>>29937419>>29937391Naw, some people were chewing the knob.Also the vote literally had "match both" in it. What the fuck did you think was going to happen?
>Inb4 Ila looks at us with clear hurt in her eyes, we'd rekindle a lost hope and then crushed it effortlessly.
>>29937396dis plz>>29937322
>>29937475Once again. Sympathy fucked everyone's common sense. Can't believe anyone thought this would be seen as a nice gesture.
>>29937460Eheheheheheeheee.
>>29937458Hay SM while looking her in the eyes have our pupil color change to gold
I'm tapping my watch waiting for someone to come up with the dialogue that needs to be said. Look back into the annals of history...FEEL MY PSYCHIC WAVES ANONYMOUSREEEED MUH MIIIIND
Rolled 66>>29937053
>>29937396This explanation seems best.
>>29937475>The next day, find out Ila killed Abigail in her sleep and then committed suicide.>Shadow goes on a rampage>Flint is forced to do all he can to prevent him from hurting his family
Honestly, I'm a little sad that Shadow became "human" enough to even become romantically involved.I liked him better in his "Stern Father" role, you know?
>>29937516If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were enjoying our suffering.
>>29937516..."Off to the dinner, then?"
>>29937516Is it some crap about balance?
>>29937516UH UH"GOLD COMPLEMENTS BLACK BETTER THEN BLACK CAN"
>>29937516YOU'RE KILLING ME SMKILLING ME
>>29937516Are you talking about the previous times we talked to Ila, or the times when we commented on each of their appearances, or when we first figured out how we should look to others via suggestion of Ila and Abigail in the first place?Because really SM, I am not going to go archive diving at 12:16AM for an obscure detail that didn't seem worth notebooking.
>>29937538Sometimes I wish things hadn't changed, too.But all in all, I'm happy with how he's developed.>>29937556No. It's something of which you need to remind Ila.I can't believe I'm hinting this loudly, but I don't want bad things to happen, alright? We're in this together.
>>29937538> Stern Father> Shadow> SternPffft. We always spoiled Abigail
>>29937516Shadow mages are our family? Lets just sister zone her again, since it didn't stick the first time.
>>29937538Or just plain Father.Like this guy. Except not as much of a jackass, that's Erebus's schtick.
>>29937516Something something life is a mixture of order and chaos also lasers?
>>29937584UHHHHSHIT UHILAHMMDamn it, it's been a long time!
>>29937516>Sorry can't even bother being here when we need his sperg
>>29937516>>29937584Ila's our sister in shadow?
>>29937516>>29937584I know one that fits, but it's DEFINITELY not the direction we actually want to take this."...It's healthy to be a little selfish."
>>29937591>>29937611WINNAH WINNAH CHICKEN DINNAH>writing
>>29937584FUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKUh. Hero worship isn't a healthy basis for romantic interest?>ntrouto representedCaptcha, you. Are. NOT. Helping.
>>29937584How about evoking a familial, sister-like association.That's how we described our meeting her - like a long-lost family member.
>>29937584She's very pretty too?She needs to match someone for the dance?It's rude to use magic in public?She's our lil' sis and we care 'bout her?She needs to get out there and make friends?Uhh....
>>29937538We can always be the father figure that many of the Shadow mages need. But yes, I was in the being a father to Abby boat as well. Though, I can't say I've been displeased with how well we've developed on the road we've traveled.
why did we have to make things difficult and match them both again when Abigail has already won the war like 30 threads ago?
>>29937628Yay! Nothing disastrous will happen!
>>29937683Because wearing gold alone looks like shit.
>>29937628Well that can't be a good sign.
>>29937697It's too soon to say that. We haven't even gone to the banquet yet, anon.
>>29937697I wouldn't be so sure.
>>29937683Because sympathy makes people stupid. Also some people are being really /fa/ about this.
I miss being an autism monster made of DARKNESS.Autism Shadow would have worn that absolutely pimpin' getup totes serious with a face that would make a Rabbi cringe.Autism Shadow don't give a fuck.
>tfw all Shadow wants is to settle in the countryside with his extended adopted family while secretly still dispensing justice
>>29937637Hay Sorry did you ever make some Princess Guard smut between Takamura and Chinhold its the one I had in my headcanon
>>29937683I mean, given how we're handling it, it's probably better this way from a social standpoint anyway.It's definitely toeing the line a little bit, but it's still probably a better path than one that further alienates a close friend just because this was the one thing we couldn't figure out how to strive for balance in.
>>29937824Id still like to NTR that one chick infront of Prince whatshisname
>>29937859Obis?
>>29937859Why not just go for Geralds wife? Ehehehehe.
>>29937859What the hell is wrong with you.
>>29937874>>29937869Yeah Obis but Gerald's wife is also good
>>29937897Other people's suffering is like a sweet nectar
>>29937900It's not a terrible plan, really.We COULD kidnap Kullia, or Geralds wife, or any number of political figures into our pocket and then hold them for ransom deeds.What could possibly go wrong?
>>29937925we could do it via a modified version of the 'Bed Method'
>>29937925Right? all we have to do is make our own keikaku against theirs and we win
I always imagined that if shadow ever tried to fit into a school or with teenagers he would make himself appear like one of these guys.
>>29937996>Implying other people wouldn't try to look like that to imitate him.
>>29937996>implying shadow wouldnt give himself Huge titays
>>29938024>Masculine figure>Fuck hueg tits>"I determined this would be the quickest way to acquire social status."
>>29938037Exactly
>>29937996
>>29938024I'm still somewhat disappointed we didn't go for a female form during this meeting.>>29938037We should definitely do this at one point.
>>29935989>Ila best girl<-- Viola?>>29936063it wasn't abby that won you over, it was SM's writing.I feel he would have done justice and heart-boners to anyone we happened to have a romantic connection with.
>>29938037>>29938083For the sake of another replication joke, make sure that gets saved for the appropriate moment.Honestly with that power we could probably provide hours of laughter to both children and adults, if we knew how grand comedy worked. Ah well...
I just had a crazy idea.Flint is light born correct? And very strong if I remember correctly. Remember when we were at the core a chaos and there was a patch of light over a broken part of the containment area? What if there is a ritual where they take the strongest light oriented people and siphon the energy to strengthen to patch. What if severing the leech destroys the patch holding in the neather?
>>29938117that sounds ridiculous.i'm worried.
>>29935882>Shadow Blessed AssI don't know why it took me until this long after the fact to realize that the actual term for this would naturally be Erebutts.
>>29938117eh fuck em, plus SM rushed us since he was getting tired of us getting side tracked.
>>29938117Sounds silly, don't worry about it.
>>29938117I personally believe it's the angels doing the leeching.Or at the least I want them to be/want to frame them because that gives Arland good reason not to trust them anymore.
>>29938117You are silly, because Erebus was the only thing concerned with containing the nether core. And considering Auriel didn't know about it, I doubt the people that put the Shel'kath on Donovan did either. Since there's plenty of other reasons to hamstring his power, not least of all the Empire of Light or Arland themselves.
>>29938139>ErebuttsALL HAIL THE EREBUTT
>>29938139The fullest moon you've ever seen
>>29937516>I'm tapping my watch waiting for someone to come up with the dialogue that needs to be said. Look back into the annals of history...>FEEL MY PSYCHIC WAVES ANONYMOUS>REEEED MUH MIIIINDUh oh. Is it too late to submit things?
Shadow this is all I could think of when we made ourselves PIMPINSHADOW QUEST IS EXCITEMENT
>>29938117Given that we were told we would need to help Flint solve his issue before freeing Geb or we'd end up dying, I think it's more likely that if this is the case, the energy being siphoned off is being used to maintain the Light parasite keeping Geb insane rather than having it deteriorate in Hyperion's absence until he can break free.Still skeptical about what the purpose of the Shel'Kath actually is, but hey, we'll find out soon enough, right?
>>29938178People figured it out. We're good.
>>29938180Is that... Josey and the Pussy Cats?
>>29938185That depends on how long dinner takes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1qpGpfbtaE"Well, Ila doesn't have a date, strictly speaking," you say. "I'm not about to let my shadow-sister go to dinner alone."You offer her your arm.Ila stands. Your eyes meet for a time. And you see something bloom inside her upon your words...a reflection of when you first met."Shadow...""Do you remember?" you say. "When I met you...it was like I wasn't alone anymore. Like I had family." You still stand, arm at the ready. "I hope you still feel the same."Ila's eyes shift to Abigail."Well," Abigail says, "I suppose I'll let Shadow get away with two dates, this time." She glances back at Ila, smiling. "Especially as you're family."Ila doesn't look at you, or Abigail. Her eyes shimmer. "...they restricted what...we could say...back in...that's partly why we used sign language. Kept it...they didn't care about it as much." She takes your arm, slowly. Her fingers rest gingerly on your orange sleeve. "It's nice...to have that.""Family," Abigail says, as if testing the word. She looks up at you. "...maybe that's why I gave Fang another chance."You squeeze both their hands to your sides slightly. "I want you both to know something." You look down. "Maybe...it seems like I'm invincible. Maybe it seems like I can do anything, or I have answers. I don't, really. I'm just trying to make things work. But...it's not for me. None of it's for me. It's for you. If I didn't have you, this wouldn't mean anything. I...I don't want anything. I don't need to eat, or sleep, I don't want money, I don't know how long I'll live...I'm not like you. But...it's you, your desires, the ways you want to change the world..."You give me purpose. Purpose that keeps me going. I think...that Erebus never had that. He didn't have anyone else. He only had himself, and his own terrible purpose.">con't
>>29938191No
>>29938139>>Shadow Blessed Ass
Abigail hugs you, now, wrapped about you like a golden flame keeping you warm. "You never have to worry about that, Shadow, because I'm not going anywhere.""...you have me, too," Ila says. "As always. Though...I suppose I'll find my own purpose, too." She smiles at you, brightly, and the strain you've seen on her face is gone, the lines of tension vanished. "And that will help yours, in a way, wouldn't it?""...I suppose it would."The three of your stand there, in the candlelight of a somewhat moldy stone room, silent for a time."...we'll be late," Abigail murmurs."Mmm. Let's go."--------------As it is, you're a bit behind schedule. You arrive in front of the main banquet hall at the end of a long line of knights, some in more formal garb, and nobles and ladies. Your stylish outfits immediately draw a lot of attention, and you hear quite a few whispers obviously concerning the three of you. Abigail stands poised, head high, a slight smile on her face, every bit the role she holds. Ila deals with the attention with significantly less elegance, but manages to keep her head up most of the time. You wait patiently. You're rather unconcerned.Eventually you reach the door. The herald glances at you, then turns into the room and cups his mouth. "The Lady Ila Marril, of Haven! The Lord John Nyx, of Haven! The Lady Abigail Fang, Councilor of Archon!"The room quiets upon your introductions, with many heads turning your way. The wide space is a menagerie of color, though Arland green predominates. You see Arcturis holding court on one end of the room - he briefly glances you way, then turns back to his conversation. The other Archon councilors, Fang included, are cloistered in a corner and given a rather significant berth by the majority of the nobles.>con't
It seems it won't be a sitting dinner. Two tables on either side of the room are lined with finger food. You see Vaz Grak and one of his other orcs, an officer - he's slightly more arranged than usual, but doesn't appear to care much about dressing himself up for the occasion. He's conversing with Vidar Blackwater, and both are helping themselves to quite a bit of the food.Obis is in the center of the room, and he's holding his own miniature court. He's all smiles and broad gestures, and a moment after you look, the nobles crowded around him burst into laughter. You suppose he's quite used to dealing with these sort of situations. Freja Blackwater wears a sheer red dress, low cut, and her fingernails and flower-earrings - tulips, if you recognize them - are blood red, matching Obis's Kanian red. Obviously the women have a theme going.Across the way are Matthel, Donovan, Auriel, and the Lord Imil Anderson. They seem to be having a more serious conversation. Donovan is dressed in gold and silver, and Auriel herself is in a shimmering silver dress that seems to flash every time she moves. More than a few gazes are directed her way - she seems to be meeting and greeting with quite a few nobles that pass by. Of course, you realize that she probably knows most of them.>con't
>>29938213DISREGARD WAIFUING, ACQUIRE FAMILY
This whole arc is way too emotional.Everything's building up to the fall.
Young Bull is standing against the far wall, his arms crossed, near a wide window that opens into a balcony. He notes your presence, nods to you, then goes back to brooding. This is definitely not his scene.Harvan and Gerald are near their father, standing in their own group. Gerald's wife, Andrea, clings to him closely, though you see her look over at you with an interested expression. You meet her gaze. She smiles politely, then turns away.Valeria, Great Tree, and Hemmelus are not immediately visible. Maybe they're on the balcony. Joey isn't around, either...hmm. Maybe he didn't come. Janus Miller is absent as well.Servants are moving about constantly, filling drinks and delivering hors d'oeuvres. In another corner, a small group of instrumentalists is readying themselves. You note several violinists and a man testing the strings of a harpsichord. You suspect there will be dancing at some point.Well, time to be social. Hmm. This might be tricky.What do you do?>food>drink>talk amongst yourselves>talk to someone else>write-in
>>29938185>>29938154An angel looks up from a portal. "...even you must feel this.""It is beginning," says a voice from the portal. "This time...we will not fail."I'm still waiting for the big light man himself to show up.
>>29938256I'm still waiting on the swamp prince.
>>29938254>>write-inTell Obis about the foul play.
>>29938254Join Auriel and Donovan's conversation with the nobles. We need to win over the nobility.
>>29938254> DrinkLets see what's so great about these ignorance potions.
>>29938245Never! You bring dishonor to your house by practicing the lost art! I will use my Traditionally taught Wai Fu technique to show you the TRUE way, so you can restore honor to family!Have at you!
>>29938275Seconding this, let's get this big ball rolling! Obviously wait (or telespeak) Auriel to introduce us.
>>29938254>>drink>>talk to someone elseSee if we can get some nobles on our side, also when is the black lady coming exactly?
>>29938254Snag a glass of wine and some whore derves.Get the women anything they might want.Go talk to Flint and Auriel to start the night off, at least.
>>29938256You know....if they were waiting and reveal that He himself is back and has come to help defeat the demons....it would be quite the blow to our prospect of a alliance.
>>29938275>>29938290>>29938292>>29938293These.
>>29938254>>write-inBy the way, have we earned any xp lately from Accomplishments?Its been a while since its happened instead of combat, but this entire arc is full of heavy feelings that are no less deadly and world-altering than combat
>>29938254"Why didnt they introduce me as "Lord John from The North"?"
>>29938254Whatever we do. Stick close to Abby for talking. She's better at this than we are and she can keep us from fucking up through telepathy coaching.Get Auriel to introduce us to the nobles and see what we can do there.
Would it be cruel if we jumped ship to lla if abby dies?
>>29938254This:>>29938330Let us not forget what Addy told us!
>>29938254>>write-inMake sure flint is OK. start ~gentle~ telepathic conversation, send impression of confidence his way - a subtle reminder we've arrived, and that we also have his back
>>29938320>"Why didnt they introduce me as "Lord John from The North"?"Because its Snow joke, anon
>>29938337Not if we mourned for an appropriate period.It'd still probably be viewed as skeezy though.
>>29938337yesdoesn't mean we wouldn't
>>29938213>>29938227Leave our heart cockles alone, fiend.>>29938254>food>drinkA little of each >Shadow, >A little food, then take our drinks with us and go>talk to someone else>>29938275>>29938293Start off easy; speak with our friends, make with the introductions to the guy who is more likely than not on our side of things.People are already interested at least a little, so there's no need to push forward with the hard stuff right off the bat. Get acclimated first.
>>29938360Its not the time for cold feet anon bring on the puns
>>29938303Not when we reveal that we have TWO elemental lords.
"Would you ladies like anything?""I'm fine," Ila says. She gives a servant carrying an impossibly-loaded platter of wine glasses a suspicious glare. "Nothing that effects the mind.""Suit yourself!" Abigail says cheerily. She snags two glasses of wine, closes her eyes for a moment. She smiles to herself, then holds one to you. "They're fine. My uncle taught me how to check for poison the first time we ate together." She frowns slightly. "...I never did find out if he was serious about that test..."You down the wine. It's sharp, but warm. Abigail takes a long sip, then glances at you. "You sure can drink.""It's sort of my thing."She grins. "No kidding.""Let's go see what Auriel is doing. She knows everyone.""Not a bad start," Abigail agrees.You and Abigail walk toward the group, and upon reaching them, you reluctantly let her swing free from your arm. Ila slips out on her own, though she stands a bit awkwardly, clearly unsure of how to behave."Thought I heard you three announced," Auriel says. She smiles warmly. "You both look lovely. And, John. You're shockingly dapper."You smirk, and nod to her."John, just the man I wanted to see," Matthel says. "This is Lord Imil Anderson. His province is much of the land bordering the Great Forest, northwest of Vischon.">con't
>>299385172.5maybeWe probably have half of Leviathan in our pocket.
"John Nyx," Anderson says. "Pleasure. I heard you took good care of the Master Flint, eh!" The short, stocky many slaps Donovan on the back, hard. Donovan coughs slightly, but manages a smile."I hope I did.""Well, he's still alive, so you certainly made an effort!" He barks a laugh at his own joke. " The young men get all the luck, it seems. Who are these lovely ladies accompanying you?"You indicate them in turn. "Lady Ila Marril, who joins me in representing Haven." Anderson nods to her. Ila nods back. "And Councilor Abigail Fang, the archmage's niece."Abigail curtsies, though only slightly - her dress doesn't allow for a very deep bow. "My Lord Anderson. I've heard only praise for your handling of recent events. Duke Vellik speaks most highly of you.""Lady Fang," he replies. "I hope what you said earlier was true.""On Archon's honor.""Some would argue that Archon's honor is a rare commodity.""They might have a point," Abigail says. "While times are dire...perhaps it is also a time to restore some of that honor.""Well said!" Anderson says.>speak to Anderson>let the others do the talking>leave this group, find someone else to speak with>some other strategy
>>29938254>talk to someone else+>>write-inThis is an opportunity to sway people to our side! make people like us!We were warned that we'd need the local lords on our side to help make Arcturius back down! Ideally, if we get them ALL liking us we WONT cause a rift - so this is a fantastic chance to make an impression.Share this sentiment with our allies!and then go forth and.... mingle. Listen. Use our passive shadow-enhanced senses to listen in on our allies. When grifting(which is essentially what we want to do, the payoff is Goodwill instead of $$$), telepathy is fantastic! Use it to our advantage. Share tidbits of info, ask allies for clues to poeple they know, etc.I think our angle should be1) introducing ourselves to the nobility2) alluding to our involvement with the alliance, not as EREBUUUSS but as a leader that just has good ideasand 3) ask what they need/want - lords have various responsibilities/jurisdictions (like the river tariff guy), so work that angle.Also, worst of all.... I have a name for shadow. A real one, not fantasy John doe.But its a joke, i'll work it in when its appropriate.Here's our angle: We start with Obis, get him to introduce ourselves to his audience, and then work on above mingling tactics - and play things by ear! get a pulse for the party, who's a mage or not, who has influence, etc
>>29938565>>speak to Anderson
>>29938565He's the guy who wants the river trade, right?I think it's best to let Abby handle him. but
>>29938565I think you should have runned a bit earlier.
>>29938565>speak to AndersonAnd say something! I can't suggest dialogue because it's late and my brain is fucking itself over! Good luck Shadow!~
>>29938517>"Hyperion has returned, and leads us once again to glory.">"Well... our side has TWO elemental lords. And one of them is Erebus too!">"...">"I'M NOT LYING.">"Sure."And that was how Shadow narrowly escaped being obliterated on the spot because Sandalphon thought he was just super-jealous.>>29938565>speak to AndersonI'd like to get a better handle on stuff related to the border skirmishes, since all we really know is what we've heard from Vellik, and he's been a little frazzled.Out of curiosity, how well-acquainted are we, really, with what's been going on in Haven? We've been gone for most of that time, and most of the development during that time was on Ila, Auriel and the rest of the mages and angels there. We're representing them, obviously, so we probably know most of it, but did we get a whole crash course before heading out so we don't dick everything up?
I am officilly too drunk to pariticapet in dhadow quest, I leave things in y'alls capable hands,
>>29938668*but we should stay in the conversation.Text got cut off.
>>29938565Challenge him to a drinking contest
>>29938698I can dig it.Also, as a note to everyone, I'm basically going to sleep for seven hours and then wake up and keep writing until I have to leave for my uncle's birthday party. FYI
>>29938593>Shadow going around using telepathy to gain an almost omniscient understanding of what these lordlings want>Using their inner desires to play them off against each other and manipulate them into furthering our own agenda"So, Lord Gerald. What do you want?"
>>29938678Seconding but we should try easing into the serious conversation.This guy obviously likes Donovan so he's probably pretty interested in what we've been up to with him. Share a story or two of adventures first.
>>29938547But, isn't Abigail is immune to poison? And shouldn't Ila be immune to mind effecting drinks for the same reason (Purity of Order)?
>>29938732Bless you.
>>29938758>>29938698Adventures and then maaaybe a small drinking contest to break the ground... and then srs bzns. I'll second that.
>>29938732Based SM.
>>29938748Aw shi--
>>29938770I don't think Yi Fang is entirely aware of how servanting works or even that she has that power.
>>29938732Like, right now or in a few post?
>>29938813Oh, not right this instant. I want to finish up with Anderson.So, tales of adventure, and then drinking contest?
>>29938827Yes. Good icebreakers. Even though we're a fucking cheater,it may actually be a good idea to concede at a certain point so he doesn't get too drunk and we look suspiciously well adapted to alcohol.
>>29938732>shadow picked my drinking contest and will continue after sleepNoice
>>29938827Belay that drinking contest, we don't want to look too suspicious by not blacking out and vomiting everywhere. And we what him to remember any trade agreements Abby negotiates.
>>29938827I kind of feel like it's a little too early in the party for heavy drinking. Maybe just share a drink.
>>29938827Sounds good to me
>>29938827Tales of adventure for sure, not sure on the other half. Seems a little rowdy for this kind of gathering, honestly, and especially so at the beginning of the party.There hasn't even been dancing yet. The night is still young. Gathering a bunch of big shots together and getting potion-ignorant together in camaraderie and drunkenly talking business seems like an end-of-the-day kind of deal.
Drinking contest belayed.Any particular adventure you want to recount? Otherwise I'll just pick one.
>>29938748Please, its shadow. We'd drop or spaghetti somewhere, and turn this into BabbleLong Five
>>29938915Nooo! Don't belay the drinking contest!
>>29938915story while drinkingThe time we almost got a magic pirate hat
>>29938915Well, I think Xile would impress the most but it's also our greatest shame so I don't see it as something we'd share easily. Go with the fight where Donovan became the DemonSlayer.
>>29938915Let's pick an actiony one that includes both of our present companions, like saaaay, when we fought Vog & WOOOORMS in Tarun Gakuth with Auriel & Flint.Or when Donovan became Donovan the Demonslayer, which is also good.Or when we both fought Kanians at Jacobs Field.Or when we got trapped by MagCock.Just be prepared to get pressed for critical questions, of course.>>29938935Don't worry anon, we'll get it it at the end of the night.Plus making a good portion of them inebriated pre-sleuthing may make our job easier, maybe.
>>29938948>talk about Xile>Have to bring up Abby's missing hand>talk about Demon Lord fight>have to bring up Auriel's missing angel powersIs there a single adventure that doesn't have something going really wrong that we can tell?
>>29938915More or less anything but the whole demonslaying incident. It's big and flashy, but I don't think we really want to break it out right off the bat. It seems like an especially callous choice for banter with Auriel right there as well, given what the incident meant for her.Something swashbucklier.
>>29938915>Drinking contest belayedPhew. As for the story...I feel like it should either be about Flint, Archon or Haven, not really about us as highlighting our allies and what can be achieved through cooperation. Yeah, I got nothing.
>>29938965>Or when we both fought Kanians at Jacobs Field.>Or when we got trapped by MagCock.These two. Demonslaying is kind of rude to Auriel.
>>29938968Auriels wings was not our fault, it was the Demon Lord's negative-wave power thing....
>>29938965>Or when we both fought Kanians at Jacobs Field.This is actually a fairly reasonable choice. The guy we're relaying the story to would certainly be glad to hear about it, for one.
>>29938968Don't think so. We kind of fail al over the place but manage to come out slightly ahead and mostly not dead.
>>29938989I'm asking if there's an adventure we can tell where things just went right and we walked away without some kind of serious consequence.I legitimately don't think there is.
>>29938991I'm gonna go with that one. It was a near-death experience but you pretty much saved the townsfolk as planned and got away. It was also close to when you first met, which is appropriate.
No matter what we choose, make sure we highlight Flints' accomplishments much more than our own, so we're not bragging in the slightest. This is a good chance to make sure his confidence stays high, I think.>>29939008Tarun Gakuth, Mechs, Vogs, Worms. We could highlight how Auriel saved us (with her last attack), while nothing supremely awful happened to anyone there other than it being a possible PTSD inducing experience. We'll leave Xella out of it, probably.
>>29939008well, there was the fight in City 002, the fight in Atlantis... the whole thing in the Archanium... all the stuff that can't really be explained as something a normal person could do....
>>29939021And then those townsfolk got killed or had to run away again when two Demon Lords attacked the place we evacuated them to.
>>29938915THE BIG FISH
>>29939078Yep. As will no doubt be pointed out when we finish talking.
>>29939078>>29939137Why can't we ever do anything right?
>>29938915>>29939117This."I once caught a fish thiiiiiiiiiiis big..."
>>29939147Because being reactionary isn't enough.You can't just save a village from a war and expect things to work out when the war is still happening. You can't just sit around and stop something bad once it's already happened. You have to be proactive and attack the source.Like we're doing here with this alliance, unlike those Ring City folk that are just idly waiting and only move after we've made ours.Or at least that's what we tell Anderson here.
>>29939173We Pecos Bill now?
>>29939173Will we elongate our arms to emphasize the size?
>>29939252We're pretending to be human, so no.
Is challenging a lord to a drinking contest really the proper thing to do at such a highborn event such as this?Because I doubt it is.
>>29939280Shut up.
>>29939280Now there you go, being all logical. Now go sit over there while we try to humanize soulless constructs and shout about "rainbows".
>>29939280Yes
>>29939280Sometimes it's appropriate to break from what is proper.
>>29939280I only seconded it because he seems like the jovial type for it, but you probably have a good point. There's likely not many lords who would bother with something that boils down to a fair contest of wills.
>>29939340Sir you dont understand what a drinking contest is, its the culmination of a life time of drinking more then other people to win in one of many pissing contests
>>29939360Oh. Well then they definitely won't go for it.Ah well, worth a try. Maybe later on a more personal level then, rather than at such a large political gathering.Still waiting on Gerald to pull some bullshit...
>>29939386Ah but you forget, its important to let other people see that you can piss farther then he and a large gathering is perfect for that
>>29939386I'd be surprised, after the sound ass-kicking Flint gave him.
>>29939280It's more of an after-party kind of thing. After most of the women have retired for the night.I say Lords of the Forest vs Lords of the City.
>>29938593>Also, worst of all.... I have a name for shadow. A real one, not fantasy John doe.>But its a joke, i'll work it in when its appropriate.Here's the joke:Gather closest confidants around for group hangout time."Friends, I think I've finally decided on a name for myself. Abigail, flint - I've grown a lot since you first found me, and finding one simple word to encompass who i am and what I do is.... not easy.""Sirius. My name will be Sirius."Wait for it. Amaze friends with our...continued shadow-offness, though tinged with actually GETTING humor this time."I've found people ask me if I'm him FAR too often." *pantoming two sides of a conversation with literal shadowpuppets* "Are you Serious?" *aside* "one day, I decided to stop saying 'no'"*to the other shadowpuppet: "Why yes, I am! "Plus, Serious Shadow has a nice ring to it. But Shadow's the important part - because that's who i've been since the beginning.
>>29939443I wish to rake you over a bed of coals for using a pun that old and terrible.
>>29939443Haha! That's perfect! Its just dumb enough to be Shadow, and juuuust (ahem) serious enough to make all our friends facepalm at us.Fund It!
>>29939443>That's MISTER Serious Shadow to you, sir!
>>29939471I always knew at heart that between Yes and No lies the NES.
>>29939443That's a terrible pun.
>>29939469>I wish to rake you over a bed of coals for using a pun that old and terrible.>>29938388>bring on the punsYou asked for it.
"So, John," Anderson says loudly. "You've known Donovan for long?""For almost a year," you say. "We met in a small town in central Kelvere, a half-day north of Evinbrook on the river."Anderson nods. "I know that town. Jacob's Field.""That's right.""It's become their main supply camp," he says. "I always knew a lot about Kelvere's geography - northern border and all that - but it's a fresh experience having another country invade through it to get to us. Though it's also where young Erikson is from, yes?"Lord Anderson doesn't pull his punches. He states the rather grim facts in a loud, friendly voice. Seems like your kind of fellow."So what was the good knight and John Nyx doing up there that had them come together?" Anderson says. "I smell a story!""Long story," you say. "We fought Kan-Abar's forces that day.""That makes it even better. Come on, don't be shy!"Auriel gives you a subtle wink. Abigail glances at you. "Actually, I'd be interested to hear, too. I..." She clears her throat. "Never heard that part, as I wasn't around."You remember that she left with Adavan before the Kanians reached the town. Might as well."Well, you remember the plague, I'm sure," you say to Andersen."I do.""I was in the area," you say, "by happenstance. Donovan had stopped there to assist - aside from their priest, he was the only person capable of healing magic, or having any background in the theory. It turned out that an...ancient artifact, of sorts, was causing the magic to go wild. Old ruins from the Elementomachy.""Ho! What happened?""Undead," Donovan says. "A lot of them.""Don't forget the gargoyles!" shouts a voice. You glance over - and Joey has made his arrival. He's decked out in Arland green, and there's that bright blue ribbon around his upper arm."Ah, if it isn't Arland's greatest squire!" Andersen says. He's all grins. "What's that about gargoyles?">con't
Joey leaps into the center of the group, hands wide as he depicts the scene with his palms. "There we were," he says, leaning close, his voice low. "At the bottom of the ancient, crumbling keep. Donovan could feel the undead surrounding us, but they hadn't attacked. We suspected they were being guided by something yet unseen. As we climbed to the middle layer, there was this awful, ear-tearing shriek, and they were on us - seven ghouls, rushing toward the keep to attack.""What about the gargoyles?""We were defending ourselves, barricaded on the second floor," Joey says. "But we must have tripped some sort of magic, because two of the statues outside came alive as huge gargoyles! John was at the top of the stairs, slicing down the ghouls as they came, and Sir Flint was at the door to the keep's balcony, fending off a statue twice his size with sword and shield! I almost got skewered! It had a huge spear, taller than I am!"You noticed you've started to draw a small crowd. A few knights, and other squires, around Joey's age and older, have come to listen."John cut down the first two ghouls that sprinted up in one blow, but the others forced him back. The room was a wreck - the doors were blown in, everything was screaming. John managed to cut his ghouls down, and at that point, I was stumbling back, barely keeping away from the claws of the one that was on top of me. Donovan came and stabbed it through the heart while John distracted the gargoyle."Joey steps back, and all eyes follow him. He mimes holding a mighty spear. "And then, the gargoyle set upon John!" He sweeps the imaginary spear in a wide circle, and everyone leans back, as if unconsciously avoiding the attack. John was like water, no - like shadow! The gargoyle couldn't hit him - but then, it did. It stabbed him, right through the gut!" Joey stabs his giant spear at you, and you smile, chuckling slightly. The crowd, on the other hand, is drawn in, confused by your own amusement.>con't
"But it was all an illusion!" Joey said. "John wasn't where he appeared to be - he wavered, and then he as behind the gargoyle, and in an instant, three spears of darkness jabbed out from him like purple lightning, like magic I've never heard of. The gargoyle was pinned to the wall like a bug, but it still managed to get in a swing, and this time John couldn't dodge."And then Sir Flint flew in from across the room! His blade was white with magic, enchanted to slice through steel. He bit through the gargoyle's arm at the shoulder, and swung so hard that his sword chewed through the stone! The spear dropped to the ground, and John was saved."Anderson's eyes are glimmering like emeralds. "Now, hold on, boy. You haven't even gotten to the Kanians yet. How did you solve the plague?""Well," Joey says. The crowd continues to grow. Knights are wandering over from Gerald and Arcturis's court to listen in. Vaz Grak and Great Bull have drawn close, too, their ears cocked. "After that battle, we trudged to the top of the tower, where we were confronted by a mysterious puzzle.""I remember that," Donovan says. "It was a good thing we had you with us, Joey. You solved that one.""Well, I just noticed the floor tiles were a picture that had to be arranged properly," he says."Boy has a head on his shoulders!" Anderson says. He slaps Joey with one of his too-hard back pats. "So you solved this ancient floor puzzle? With what result?""A pedestal rose from the ground," he continues, "granting us a Sun-shaped key - the first of two, which unlocked an ancient mausoleum on the citadel grounds."When did the ruined tower become a citadel?"But the second key?" one of the knights asks. "What of that?"Joey's face lowers, shadowed by the lights above. "In the dungeons below the tower," he says ominously.--------Some minutes later...>note: Joey does not mention Adavan or Abigail-------->con't
>>29939493>>29939489>>29939484>>29939469and that is precisely with it works. Humanity, you card!
"Thanks to Sir Flint's quick thinking, and John's success in taking out their strongest fire mages, we had enough time to channel their soldiers with the barricades," Joey says."That's Sir Donovan Flint!" At this point, Anderson has one armed draped around Donovan's neck. The knight seems to be taking the attention in stride. "He's a Flint! Born leader, of course!" The crowd murmurs collected agreement. You're pretty sure you've got half the room gathered around you, now. Hemmelus is there, along with everyone else from your alliance. Even Yi fang is listening at the edge of the group. You note Harvan standing even further back, but his head definitely turned your way.Arcturis and Gerald throw you all glances, but stay feet firmly planted.>con't
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEueT4XjiKs"We'd drawn back to the final fortified area around the town docks," Joey says. "The women and children were almost all sailing, safely downriver. And then, from behind the barrier, there came a massive, tremendous pounding," Joey says, his hands beating a drum at waist-height. "A massive earth-golem burst through the wood in just a few strikes!""What then?" calls a lady."John vanished into the shadows," Joey said, "shouting that he would find the mage. Sir Flint was the only one able to use magic. He had to take on the golem alone."Donovan rubs the back of his neck. "I'm glad I had my armor on for that one.""It was like the world stood still, and the champion of each side had gone to face the other!" Joey shoots his fists in the air. "Both sides backed away, and the golem and Sir Flint circled one another, and then clashed! Sir Flint's sword struck down his arm, but it grew back from the paving stones of the docks! Sir Flint took that fist straight into his chest, and was sent rolling across the ground. He climbed to his feet and tried to use magic. His light-spell gave the golem pause, but it wasn't strong enough to do any effective damage, and the monster charged through! Sir Flint managed to roll beneath its feet, dodging a huge swipe, and came up on the other side with a back-handed slash to its legs!"Joey mimics the twist, and sword movement. The crowd ahhs, and murmurs.>con't
Joey's got a gift there, it seems.
"The golem fell on one leg, but rotated strangely, catching Sir Flint by surprise. He had to drop back to avoid the flurry of blows. Now, the good knight had led the entire battle, and now was exhausted by his efforts - and that was when the golem picked up a heavy beam from the barrier and prepared to throw it straight at him. Big enough to break him in half!"Joey stands there for a moment, his right hand clenching an invisible ball, as if ready to pitch it forward. Everyone stares at him, waiting."And then the golem collapsed." Joey drops his arm. "Fell to stone, to pieces, right before our eyes. You could feel the magic cut out." Joey points at John. "John had gotten to the mage, just in time. And then, momentum was on our side, and - it's a blur." Joey shakes his head. "Sir Flint shouted, and we all gripped our weapons and charged, and we drove them back, past the barrier - but we were tired, and they were fresh. We were losing ground, fast. And then..." Joey slows. "...and then...it was bad. Men...started falling. There were too many of them. We couldn't fight them, pinned on the docks, and get on the boats. We...were cornered. The others were safely away, but...I really thought..." He glances at you. "...if it wasn't for John...we all would have died."The room is very quiet. Everyone is looking at you.>reaction (write-in)>remain silent
>>29939586"I did what any man would do - I helped, whatever the cost."Curry that favor for our alliance.
>>29939586This is the part where we held back the army, right?Just say we did what any person with power to help should have and let Joey finish the rest of the story. No need to brag.
Gotta ask what that ribbon is, sometime. Three mentions so far and two of those had their own complete sentences!>>29939586>>29939626I'll second this one. Seems in tone with what we're trying to accomplish.
>>29939580Guess he had bard training in the time he was gone or something.Along with everything implied by becoming a Bard, naturally.>>29939586>>reaction (write-in)"...but we didn't. Not that day, nor on any day since.">>29939604>>29939626Given that this is also pretty much what our actual thought process was at the time, this is a good response.
>>29939586>Everyone is looking at youITS ALL OVER SHADOW THEY KNOW ITS YOUCONSUME
>mfw, reading that whole passageJesus, SM, I want your babies.
Gosh, imagine the story he could tell about Tarun Gakuth...
>>29939586Urge him to finish."Don't stop now, not at the climax."
I want Joey to write all of our adventures someday.>Joey is SM
>>29939586>>reaction (write-in)"You all know Donovan as the... once- foolish boy who stumbled out of Dobshire. Demonslayer is a name he ~earned~ standing fast on his own two feet, and it started on that day. I did what any man would do - I had a chance to help, to make a difference - and I TOOK it. Here's how..">story continues, keeping in mind joey's alterations and omissions>get around to asking joey how he got here!
>>29939604>>29939626This. Joey's a great storyteller. Let him tell it.
>>29939651golly gee gosh--------Alright, writing for understatement followed by Joey telling the story.
>>29939604>>29939626>>29939635Adding my vote to the short, simple responses.
>>29939695I guess it's fitting that Shadow doesn't enjoy the spotlight.
>>29939719Joey was in better position to catalog the fight anyway. We were in the middle of being mobbed to death before getting saved by Flint at the last moment.
"...but we didn't," you say."Thanks to you.""I just did what I had to do. What anyone would do.""I," Hemmelus says, giving his wooden staff a tap on the floor, "am interested to hear the end of this tale!""Well, since John's too modest," Joey says, "he held off the press of the entire army while we escaped onto the boats. It was incredible magic. He stretched his aura - you could feel it, heavy, smokey, like living darkness. It stretched like angel's wings without light. And he fought ten, no, at last twenty men at once, held them off and took all their blows while we escaped down the docks. And he was driven back, step by step, all the way to the river, and he kept fighting them with a dozen arms made out of shadow until they pushed him into the water." He looks at you. "So yeah, you saved everyone.""...I'm just glad Donovan was there to haul me up into the boat.""Heh." Donovan grins. "Least I could do, after that performance.""Well," Hemmelus says, "I'm certainly I'm not alone when I extend my gratitude to you, John. If not for you...who knows what would have befallen this son of Arland?" He pats Donovan warmly on the arm. "And where did you wind up after that?""Evinbrook," comes another voice. Duke Vellik steps forward, then. "They made an odd pair of adventurers, then, leading refugees south, warning of war. Of course...none of us expected a Demon Lord, then. It was good that angel Auriel arrived when she did.">con't
"I take it you met then," Hemmelus asks, gesturing to you and Auriel.Auriel smiles. "Indeed, sage. Perhaps we angels are too mistrusting of the lesser elements. Perhaps we should not call them the lesser elements." She glances at you. "I was no friend of John Nyx, to start, I tell you that much. But I only stand here now because of him.""And I as well," Vellik adds."That goes for me, too," says the Prince Obis."I can add my own to theirs," Ila murmurs."I might have bit off a bit more than I could chew, back in Port Vanta," Freja says. "I suppose I owe you one for that.""And where would Archon be if not for John's inspiration?" Abigail says. "Certainly not standing here, extending a hand in friendship.""Ah," Vaz Grak grunts. "He has his own honor, I say that, and only that.""Enough for elves, and the people of the forest," Great Tree adds, smiling his warm smile.Hemmelus glances around. "It seems we stand in vaunted company." He looks back to you, he gives you a long, careful gaze. You can feel the eyes of dozens of other nobles sizing you up, reevaluating, wondering at you. You're not sure if you're entirely comfortable with that. "I am glad such great companions of Sir Donovan Flint have arrived when Arland most needs them. Truly the Light watches us." He smiles. "And maybe a few other elements we weren't expecting, too."With that, the gathered crowd starts to disperse, breaking off into their own groups. The conversation, however, lingers on the same topic. You stand amongst your allies, surprised, pleased, and rather unsure of what to say."What?" Obis asks. "Cat got your tongue? Take some credit already!""Well...hmm." You settle back on your heels. "I suppose I've done a bit.""A bit, he says!" Anderson shouts. "A BIT! Well, if that's a bit, I can't wait to see -a whole lot- opened up on the damn Kanians! Ha!"Well. Seems you've won over at least one lord. And maybe a few others...but the night is young.
TO BE CONTINUEDProbably at around 10-11am tomorrow, after I eat a bowl of cereal.
>>29939913So is everybody just sort of not talking about Raziel?What's the official story on him?
Also, taking meta questions, since I'll be putzing around a bit.Also, any suggestions? I know the pace is slow because of all the conversation, but it's just that part of the story...hard to get around it. I'm entertained writing it but I hope it's not boring.I'm sure we'll hear about Joey tomorrow!
>>29939936Good luck with the cereal! And waking up! Amazing work tonight Shadow Master, I'll non-creepily time my waking hours with yours so I can catch the next thread freshly.Good night.
>>29939951I definitely want to hear of Joey's adventures after we separated. Especially if he tells them like that.
>>29939951What >>29939936 said.Is Raziel sitting there like a sword of damocles, waiting to ruin everything by dying in mysterious circumstances. Also, what about the eclipse? What about the people on the airship that was saved by a gigantic shadow - The same shadow that was fighting Raziel, and at almost exactly the same time 'John Nyx', a name which has never been heard before, but who is apparently a shadow mage of power enough to fight off an army, appeared in Kelvere.How the hell are we sweeping this under the rug? Is Sandalphon going to show up and out us as Erebus?Though if he does that we are probably good enough at suppressing our aura to make everyone think he has finally gone mad. In fact, maybe we should provoke him to get him to do exactly that? We know he can be extremely hotheaded and petulant, but I doubt he's that stupid.>"HE'S EREBUS, I'M TELLING YOU! THE ELEMENTAL LORD OF DARKNESS IS *RIGHT THERE*.">"Okay Sandles, I think it's time we took you back to your tower now. Come along.">"WHY WON'T YOU LISTEN TO ME!">"Yes, yes, of course. Erebus is in this room. Also, Erebus ate your cat, Erebus is under your bed, and Erebus is hiding in the salt cellar. Don't worry, Sandles, everything will be fine.
>>29939951I'm enjoying it, SM.
>>29939951It's been good to have you back, SM. The last few threads have been awesome.
>>29940059>How the hell are we sweeping this under the rug?The opinions of our companions combined with Joey's story do that for us, since history is written by the opinions of the victors.Although for sandlethong... I think sandles is smarter than he looks, I'd bet Abigails right hand on it.Despite all the people we've won over, we're still a criminal to the Empire of Light. And the representatives they sent will likely have some of the highest, and Arcturis/Gerald may like the idea of "exchanging" us, for the Empire of Lights/Sandles help.
>>29939925>"Ah," Vaz Grak grunts. "He has his own honor, I say that, and only that."Oh you.>>29940059Yeah, the fact that we've connected ourselves to all sorts of times and places where distinctive things have happened; places where there were witnesses that can confirm that we aren't exactly dude-shaped, seems like we might be writing ourselves into a corner.
>>29940130clearly we have the ability to 'summon' a 'shadow golem'.....
>>29940108Which is why it's so important we win people over to Flint's and our side. If the majority of the nobles favor us over Donovan we can keep that from happening. >>29940130We can just say we were cloaked in our own Shadow Magic Aura thing to protect ourselves from damage.
>>29940148on that note, where is Wispbro? and what is he doing?
>>29940130Well we did show a certain level of formlessness to Freya before she learned of our nature, and given the peasants general inexperience with shadow magic I'd say they'd probably accept us as a mage that goes blob mode when we fight, since it's practical for our abilities to not look human.Which works as an excuse until we actually get hit with hella large magic and survive...
Where this comic at, one long in coming and which I await eagerly?
>>29940175It's probably best not to wait on people who've proven themselves to be so flighty.
>>29939580This is now Joeyhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdWO9ozir1Y
>>29940170>Which works as an excuse until we actually get hit with hella large magic and survive...Then we'll just have to CONSUME! all the witnesses.But in all seriousness, if we've gotten to the point where someone is using smiting magic to kill us, we've already established our alliance. Otherwise, well, I doubt caring about people knowing we're the second coming of Erebus would be the most pressing matter.
