--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 didn't the Kanian soldiers just water-proof their fire mages and go through Atlantis?Why is Joey wearing a blue 'recovering alcoholic' arm ribbon?Why does the Shadow-Wind dynamo in the Nyxystix match BL-Melodys Staff of Winds' hybrid shadow wind?Why did the Ring City give Duke Vellik Magnocks' Aizen staff after the Magnock-Palthier incident?Why are we the only person that Adavan has shared the nuances of his past with? How lonely can a Lich General get?Why are so many of the powerful figures and allies we have in this world near opposites of what their elements traditionally entail in both attitudes and principles?
-----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.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.Dinner has been talk, talk, and more talk. Luckily, your friends are better at that than you are.Joey regaled a group of nobles with your first tale of adventure with Donovan, including the battle against Kan-Abar at Jacob's field. More than one person seemed very impressed - and you've won the loyalty of the jovial Lord Imil Anderson, an important figure with lands in northern Arland.Unfortunately, not long after, Yi Fang greatly insulted Gerald Flint, Arcturis's first son and heir to the throne of Arland. You managed to keep the man from exploding in rage, but there's no doubt he's furious with the archmage - not a good combination on top of a long and grievance-filled history.
>>30026725>Why didn't the Kanian soldiers just water-proof their fire mages and go through Atlantis?Why would they try to fight against their main antithetical element and the country that is next-door to the Ring City as their first move?>Why is Joey wearing a blue 'recovering alcoholic' arm ribbon?You'll see.>Why does the Shadow-Wind dynamo in the Nyxystix match BL-Melodys Staff of Winds' hybrid shadow wind?Clarify this for me.>Why did the Ring City give Duke Vellik Magnocks' Aizen staff after the Magnock-Palthier incident?Duke Vellik appropriated the staff in the confusion of the battle.>Why are we the only person that Adavan has shared the nuances of his past with? How lonely can a Lich General get?He's friendly enough with other people, but sees no advantage in spilling more detail than necessary about who he is and what he's trying to do. He's a solitude, strategic thinker.>Why are so many of the powerful figures and allies we have in this world near opposites of what their elements traditionally entail in both attitudes and principles?Irony is a powerful force.
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
>>30026703IT'S SHADOW TIME!
>>30026895>He's a solitudeErr, solitary.------------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
-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
>>30026895>He's a solitude, strategic thinker.Makes me wonder if he was always like that, but I think 700 years of solitude can do that to you. Hopefully once we release a certain elemental lord he will open up a little more.
>Last time..."My lord," Andrea says, "while Fang is...gruesome." She glances to Abigail. "No disrespect intended, councilor."Abigail sighs. "There is none taken, Lady Flint. He can be extraordinarily pig-headed. I don't believe many people have told him 'no' over the course of his lifetime.""Ah," she says. "Well. While he is...a character, shall we say, we shouldn't let his behavior reflect poorly on our other friends, here. He may be necessary baggage."Gerald grunts his disagreement. "I'm not going to carry baggage that will fall open and kill me. And I've had more than enough of this conversation. Prince Vin." He nods only to Obis before departing. The rest of the group soon falls apart, nobles scattering like leaves - no doubt to gossip about what they just heard."Well," Obis says, "I suppose it could have been worse.""I don't really see how," Freja mumbles."Oh, it can always be worse."Andrea has remained behind for a moment. She looks to you. "Perhaps we shall talk more, later, John. If I may use your first name.""Only if I can call you Andrea, my lady.""But of course." She smiles warmly at you. "Until then. I believe my own pig-head might need some soothing."Abigail snorts, and then the two of them both share a good chuckle. The Lady Flint wanders off in the direction of Arcturis's court."I said the right thing, right?" you ask Abigail."A little forward, but she seems friendly enough herself," Abigail says."You think?" Obis says. "I saw the looks she was giving you, -John-. I wouldn't be surprised if - oof!" Freja elbows him in the gut. He coughs, spluttering, barely keeping his wine-glass level. "Freja, what in the flame of - ""Just keeping you in line.""Let me have a little fun for once!""What are they talking about?" you ask Abigail.She blushes faintly, and takes up your arm. "Nothing that important. Well...I guess we have to make up some lost ground.">con't
"Eh." Obis shrugs. "I pegged Gerald for a lost cause since the start. If Fang absolutely couldn't make it through the night without insulting someone, that was the best choice. Another drop of hate in an already-wide ocean of loathing.""That was rather poetic," Freja says."I did used to write poetry. It's how I wooed the ladies.""You've never written me a poem.""Well, I don't do that sort of thing anymore. I'm spoken for.""You could write a poem to a friend," Freja presses."What's the point of writing a poem for a friend?" Obis says. Abigail winces. For such a savvy politician, even you can see him walking right into the danger zone."Oh," Freja says. "So I'm not worth a poem, am I?" She takes a step away from him. Her red dress swirls around her heels like an angry mane."I didn't mean it like that!""Then why," Freja growls, "did you say it? I'm not lady enough for the great Prince Obis?""Freja - ""That's Lady Blackwater, thank you!" Freja sniffs, then turns on her heel and struts away."Freja - uh - Lady Blackwater - " She doesn't turn. Obis glances at you and Abigail. "Be right back."Freja is almost at the balcony. He takes off after her, causing a few heads to turn their way across the floor of the dining room. Abigail raises an eyebrow at you. "I don't think he'll be right back.""Me neither."What do you do now?>Go talk to Joey. You need to catch up!>Speak with Fang. What the hell got into him?>Check in with Auriel. Maybe she can point out someone Abigail needs to meet and greet.>Take Abigail out on the balcony and collect your thoughts for a moment.>Go see how Ila is doing.>some other strategy
>>30027011Tell obis about frejas shadowy doubts we have.(we won't forget SM)
>>30027032>>Go talk to Joey. You need to catch up!>>Go see how Ila is doing.These two.
>>30027032 >Check in with Auriel. Maybe she can point out someone Abigail needs to meet and greet.Diplomancy ho.
>>30027054>Tell obis about frejas shadowy doubts we have.(we won't forget SM)You're going to have to remind me what these shadowy doubts about Freja are because I've no idea what you're talking about.
>>30027032>>Go talk to Joey. You need to catch up!>Check in with Auriel. Maybe she can point out someone Abigail needs to meet and greet.
>>30027125Thats good then, we don't want you to scheme like you did with joey.
>>30027032JOOOOOOEEEEEEEYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!
A'ight, let's go see Joey!
>sm writing>make us whole, erebusOur position as one of the semi-revolutionary heads of Haven who works as a liaison to Archon is pretty awkward here, we don't actually have much weight to pull around, not that we would anyways. If we need to talk about Haven it may be better to delegate the discussion to Auriel to enhance her position as one of the leaders, and the primary revolutionary. I think this because us advocating Archon just makes sense considering our coverup although what we appear to be and everything else we've done isn't exactly supportive of Arland from the lords' perspective, while Auriel has more assets at work. (Like being a former-highest, and good at talking)I think we should advise Flint to tell Arcturis that Sebastian wanted independence from the Empire of Light, and didn't want the Empire of Light to largely influence Arlands politics as much as they are. Despite being long time allies the EoL has its tyrannical tendencies, which have recently be proven in their actions towards Atlantis who have also been an ally of the EoL. Mostly since he's got significantly more influence than us at this time and we'll need him to take advantage of that for both his own and Arlands sake since Donovan and Auriel are the ones with the best changes to change their opinions.The counters to this would be what kind of influence and pressure he's pulled here from all other places to help Arland and how instead of relying on a long time ally he has brought help from a variety of non-longtime non-allies, all things Gerald and Arcturis have brought up many times already.So I'd suggest to Flint that he swiftly apply the knowledge of his travels and inform Gerald and Arcturis that this world is more than just Arland, that these people are all here for their own reasons in backing Arland against Kan-Abar, and that relying on one totalitarianistic empire ally simply isn't as mathematically superb as having the majority of the southern powers in Venia on-[1/4]
Guys I know this might sound crazy but....I think we should try and bring the Flints closer together. The family unity is so poor that even the slightest improvement could yield us the break we might need in the future.
-your side, willing to try for peace, willing to provide men and supply, and willing to fight with Arland against the demons which threaten the world. Also, advise Donovan to be acceptive of the EoL if possible, because if he's acceptive of them as well as Archon&Forestans he's basically even more of a grand hero than Joey could ever embellish.Maybe get Obis to back him up if Donovans commitment to other countries EVER gets questioned in the slightest. Another thing I believe which will make Donovan appear the strongest Flint of the family is hyping up his stance on Arlands independence in an effort to solidify them as a power than can help OTHER powers. Why can only the EoL be leaned on for support? Why does Arcturis and Gerald think that this isn't the best time to show how perfect, how amazing, and how grand Arland is when it comes to cooperation and diplomacy? Why don't they want to be an even more important cornerstone in the powers behind the nations of Venia?Frankly, why are they missing this chance to ally with the Great Forestans as a countermeasure to Archon themselves? And any number of other questions that Donny can array against his family's stubbornness to further the prosperity of Arland- politically, militarily, and diplomatically.This is probably the argument best used to sway the lords themselves, but even the stubborn should understand the power of a united front and what that means for the raw prestige and future of all Arlanders.On top of that advise Donovan to tell them to think of it this way- Where is this meeting happening? In Arland. Who decided to unite the south in the greatest alliance for world stability ever seen? The Flint family. Who decided to throw away old grudges, take the high road, and reinforce their might with a wide array of allies? The Noble Lords of Arland of course. This a situation which wholly benefits Arland the most, out of ALL of those in the alliance, (at least as far as they don't know Archon isn't-[2/3248]
-already on good terms with Vampiria. Don't tell them that, ever. That changes everything.) Donny needs to make the lords, and maybe his stubborn brother, recognize at least that much. Not least of all the things these allies can do for them beyond the whole "save Arland save the world" business.Some things about the last key to the door of Hectate, the Wind Key in Arlands vault. Two of the ideas were having Flint aquire it via his heritage/honor/influence. Or barter for it. In the latters case we'll still need a reason to explain why we want this old key heirloom specifically, and I doubt they'd do anything but quintuple it's assumed worth all things considered.However, both of the last two still inform Duke Vellik that we have yet another key, since he'll find out just by being Vellik, (one of the greatest super powers of all). But I think that if it comes down to whether or not he's gonna blab for a better position we could drop the 'freeing Hectate to help reaquire Kelvere/fight d-lords' idea on him (which sounds very silly given he is a lightning mage), but I think he may just be desperate enough to go for it. Hell, he may be desperate enough to believe us without saying anything regarding Hectate in the slightest.We could just mention that it's one of the keys to the door under Jacobs Field and play the fool that we don't know what's behind the door and instead say we believe it could help Kelvere. In THAT case the Duke may help us acquire it without knowing our deeper motives. Of course he'll understand fully and put everything together the moment the door opens, in which case he'll know we alienated him and that's really bad. Especially since he's still in possession of the Aizen staff, as Frodo put it.Another issue with these alternatives is that with the latter two, Key Acquired via Donovan/Key Acquired via Bartering, are how much we need to explain why we want the key in the first place.Because the score is this: Adavan and ourselves are-[3/-7]
-the only ones who know it's Hectate who will get released with the keys. We promised we wouldn't tell anyone else without his permission. We free Hectate without telling Flint or others? Then we've lied to our friends about THE spirit elemental that is going to change the world and that's not something even Abigail or Flint would let slide out of "understanding," and certainly not Auriel. So soon they have to know and Adavan needs to know that we're not the only ones on his side helping him.Because that's how it is now, we're the only two in on this- and we've learned how the presence of Elementals changes the world. That's not something you should necessarily hold back from so many of your friends who live as representatives for the people of Venia and are fighting for Venia's well-being. There is also how he believes Abigail plays a part in helping Hectate repower herself, which we need some clarity on. The few that might be okay with freeing Hectate are Flint himself, our shadow & spirit mages, Abby Fang, Yi Fang, The Black Lady, Steward, and maybe Valeria.Adavan may only be thinking of how to explain this to Abigail, I think we should try to encourage him to explain his situation to a few others, using the Hectate vs. Demon Lords argument that he suggested to us.No matter what, some explaining needs to happen between us, Adavan, and our friends on this issue before we go ahead with freeing Hectate in any measure. The alternatives to coming clean are alienation or rolling to lie to our close friends and relatives(in Ila's case) about how we've chosen to alter their world forever this way as a choice we've shouldered alone with Adavan. Which is wrong, horrible, dishonest, furtive, damoclean and the largest lie of omission ever told since Erebus sided with the lesser elements in the Elementomachy itself. Or since Sandelephon began "mass recruiting" shadow and spirit mages. Which may be good points to get Adavan to rethink his secrecy very seriously.[end]
>>30027554Dude, I realize you have a point to make.But seriously, use a Pastebin.
>>30027554I read all of that with the star wars intro song in the background.
>>30027571I forgot completely. My apologies.I'll make sure any future text vomits get pastebinned.
You do know that pretty much everyone knows that we hold the majority of the stake and command the most loyalty from Haven. They know that it was us who freed the mates and convinced Auriel. So they know that we hold a minimum of 50% stake if not more due to it being our idea. Plus they can read the signs that we are the main organizer of this whole thing.
"I've been wanting to talk to Joey," you say. "Catch up. See what happened to him between then and now.""Oh," Abigail says."...oh?""Well." She fiddles with her dress. "I mean...he thinks I'm...me when I'm...you know. Young. It would be awkward. Maybe...if would be better if he just didn't find out about that.""Are you sure?""Not really," she says. She presses her hand against her temple. "I just wouldn't know what to say to him!""...hmm. That is an...issue.""I think I'll go talk to my uncle," she says. Her face sets itself in a determined frown. "His little tirade was unacceptable.""Well, I'll be here."She nods, then heads in the direction Fang went. You wander back toward Joey, who has, as young boys seem want to do, partaken of a large plate of finger-food. He stands holding it, idly chewing, eyeing the wine glasses further down the table."Hey, Joey."He turns. "Shad - uh, John! Hey!""You've become quite the squire.""You're doing pretty well yourself," Joey says. "I like the suit. And the new face. Your old self was like some kinda freaky cross between a guy and a girl.""...I wasn't sure on the whole gender thing."Joey's mouth opens slightly, hangs there for a few seconds, then closes. He looks up at the ceiling, then back at you. "...well, ok then. I guess you settled on...guy. I always thought of you like that, anyway.""Really?He lowers his voice. "Frightening shadow monster that eats his enemies? Doesn't seem girly if you ask me." He straightens. "By the way, who's that pretty lady you were with? She's Yi Fang's family, right?"What do you tell Joey?>it's actually Abigail. She was thrown into a magical artifact that caused her to age at an accelerated rate.>Lady Fang is the archmage's niece. She's been an important part of the alliance>evade the subject. Ask Joey a question.>write-in
>>30027713All true. We've got a lot to lose here, they know it, and Donovans the one with the influence to keep it from busting.
>>30027746>Lady Fang is the archmage's niece. She's been an important part of the allianceIts not a lie
>>30027571>>30027699More convenient to read it here on mobile devices. Scrolling is easier than selecting text, copying it, opening new tabs, pasting the link...
>>30027746>>it's actually Abigail. She was thrown into a magical artifact that caused her to age at an accelerated rate.Its well known knowledge by now thanks to fangs outburst.
>>30027746>Lady Fang is the archmage's niece. She's been an important part of the alliance
>>30027746>>it's actually Abigail. She was thrown into a magical artifact that caused her to age at an accelerated rate.
>>30027746>>it's actually Abigail. She was thrown into a magical artifact that caused her to age at an accelerated rate
>>30027746>evade the subject. Ask Joey a question."Girls don't eat their enemies? Traveling with our companions, you could have fooled me. Though, I know what you mean.""I have been meaning to apologize to you, Joey, I should have tried to find you in the Ring City during the fighting. We shouldn't have just abandoned you there like that. What happened to you? How did you make it all the way here on your own?"
>>30027746"Something like that. But, tell me about yourself, Joey! What happened after we, ah, lost contact?"
>>30027746>>it's actually Abigail. She was thrown into a magical artifact that caused her to age at an accelerated rateWe trust joey
>>30027746>Lady Fang is the archmage's niece. She's been an important part of the allianceShe literally just asked us NOT to tell him.
>>30027896Seconding the second part, as a good question all on its own.
>>30027887>>30027873>>30027865>>30027830She JUST FUCKING TOLD US>"I mean...he thinks I'm...me when I'm...you know. Young. It would be awkward. Maybe...if would be better if he just didn't find out about that.">Maybe it would be better if he didn't find out
>>30027746>Lady Fang is the archmage's niece. She's been an important part of the allianceJoey would understand why not to blab, but Abby asked us to allow her to handle it on her own terms.We can do that much.
>>30027746>>it's actually Abigail. She was thrown into a magical artifact that caused her to age at an accelerated rate.Didn't we have a talk with joey a while back before losing him about telling him the whole truth.(something about he felt betrayed that we kept something secret.)
>>30027746>Lady Fang is the archmage's niece. She's been an important part of the allianceLets not be an idiot, for once.
>>30027746>Lady Fang is the archmage's niece. She's been an important part of the allianceRespect her Wishes you Numbnuts.
>>30027746>Lady Fang is the archmage's niece. She's been an important part of the allianceDo not anger the waifu, for the waifu is great and powerful.
>>30027746> Lady Fang is the archmage's niece. She's been an important part of the allianceShe just asked us not to tell, and /tg/ wants to just turn around and tell. Color me unsurprised. Shadow has more humanity than /tg/.
>>30027746>>Lady Fang is the archmage's niece. She's been an important part of the alliance
>>30028093"Well." She fiddles with her dress. "I mean...he thinks I'm...me when I'm...you know. Young. It would be awkward. Maybe...if would be better if he just didn't find out about that."
>>30028093It was fairly fuckin' clear that she was uncomfortable with the idea of Joey knowing.
>>30028112>"Are you sure?">"Not really," she says. She presses her hand against her temple. "I just wouldn't know what to say to him!"oh yeah real fuckin' clear. Sounds like she'd rather us handle it. She doesn't not want to, she's just awkward about it. You people will do anything to avoid even potentially upsetting your waifus. EVEN NONSENSICAL THINGS
>>30028171Well yeah, Rainbows.
>>30028269s-shut up, I thought it was the right answer ;_;
"Lady Fang is the Archmage's niece," you say. "She's been important to the success of the alliance.""Makes sense she's hanging out with you. Is she nice?""She's a lovely person," you say. "Almost the complete opposite of Yi Fang.""That's good. He seems like a massive dick.""That's one way of putting it.""Are you her date?""I am," you say."I was going to say that I think she likes you. She kept smiling at you, and was always holding your hand.""Hmm. Well." You smile. "I like her, too.""Oohhhh." Joey munches down some small fried object that you think might be a sliver of potato. "John's got a girlfriend."You could have tried to stop a rather silly smile from crossing your face, but you decided not to bother. "Something like that.""Seems like she and Gerald didn't really get along well.""She tried. He isn't exactly...the receptive sort." You clear your throat. "Anyway, Joey, I wanted to apologize. Back at the Ring City...I should have tried to find you. But it happened so fast, I hardly had time to think. I hope you didn't have too much trouble."Joey waves a hand. "I managed. Besides, I have my own story, now! You won't believe what happened." He tugs at his blue ribbon. "...I don't think I believe it.">What happened?>Tell me a little later. I've got to make some things happen at the moment.>some other strategyblatantly stalling for time
>>30028079here>>30028171fair point. Switching to telling him da truth
>>30028072She didn't ask us not to tell. She just said she wouldn't know what to say to him.
>>30028357>>What happened?
>>30028357>What happened?Ya ain't stalling for long SM!
>>30028357>What happened?
>>30028357>What happened?>blatantly stalling for timeOH GOD PANIC
>>30028393It's too late but I appreciate the backup anyhow. dang waifu sympathizers
>>30028486I wanted her to be a daughter...
Calling it now, Joey now has a bride to be
>>30028678You and me both, brother. I was so angry that thread.
>>30028861Same, though I can't say that I am unsatisfied with how Shadow and Abigail have developed since then.I want Shadow to become father figure to all the liberated Shadow and Spirit mages into perpetuity.
>>30028935So... Shadow is God, Abigail is Mary, and their kid will be Jesus?
>>30028935How much you wanna bet Hectate will try to NTR Abigail?
>>30028861I too just wanted a little Abby daughtru
>>30028678>>30028861>>30028935I didn't want Shadow to have a waifu but I'm okay with it now.
>>30028935Big poppa shadow
>>30028980I didn't want a waifu and I'm still at a constant simmer about it.
>>30029016Then why are you here?
>>30029026Probably same reason people still go to PGQ - there's still more story going on besides the waifu stuff and that's enough to keep them interested.
>>30029026Because this quest is still good mostly. I can ignore the waifu.Pretty much every single vaguely romantic scene or anything that even has a hint of waifu taint?Ignored.
>>30029026If a fly gets smashed on my fancy-pants steak, I eat around the fly.
>>30029154>eating around the fly>not CONSUMING! the fly and using the extra EXP to purchase Waifu Resistance
----->here's 3 posts, writing more-----"I'm up for a second story," you say. "It'll be good even if it's half as good as the first.""You think I did a good job? My dad always said I had a knack for making things up. Heh."You nod. "You had half the hall listening in. That was fantastic diplomacy.""Really? I do like telling stories." He puts his empty plate down on the table, and it is almost immediately snatched up by a servant. He calls out a quick-thank you to the man, you turns, smiles, bows, and then is off through a side-door."So?" you ask. "What happened?""Alright," Joey says. "I think the tower collapsing was the first thing.""...Michael's tower.""Right, the 7th Highest. Well, I was actually eating lunch - they knew I was Donovan's squire, and he was staying there with Auriel, so I was pretty much staying there with Auriel. Auriel actually introduced me to the 4th Highest, Angel Raphael. He's a cool guy, I think you'd like him. They're really good friends. I'd just come from hanging out with him.""Hanging out?""Actually, Raphael is sort of the Keeper of the City," Joey says, "which means he's the boss steward. He's really good at it. Super-clean, really efficient guy. But he hates the actual job, so he does all his work and then sits in his office reading. He doesn't really like interruptions, but I think he just made that up so that people wouldn't bother him about work-related things, because he always seemed happy when I came by.">con't
>>30029272Oh SM did you hear? The guy that ran Gargoyle and is running AoPH is running Overhuman as well.Thought you might like to know since you seem to enjoy their writing.
"...so...""Ah, well, he said he'd help me learn the sword. So I was training with him every day, while you..." Joey leans in and whispers. "While you were captured. And after.""Right.""By the way." Joey whispers even more softly. "No one knows Sir Flint was involved in the whole Ring City thing - at least, not the fact that he actually helped you and Auriel escape. The blame's just on her and the "mysterious shadow creature" which no one actually thinks is just a creature anymore.""What do they think?""That Yi Fang baited Sandalphon into taking you into the city to cause mayhem. Which you did. Heh.""So, back to the story," you say, a bit more loudly."Right," Joey says. "So the tower blows up. I was just finishing lunch, so I ran to get the 4th Highest, and he flew me over there really quick. Rubble was everywhere - a few houses were destroyed, a lot of people hurt. Another tower fell because of the first." Joey looks down. "It wasn't good. I mean...I guess...collateral happens. But it wasn't good.""...yeah," you say. "It wasn't. But." Your determination firms. "They brought it upon themselves.""Maybe they did.""So what did you do at the tower?""Started going through the rubble," Joey says. "The angels worked on the tower, hoping to get Michael out. Never found his body. But I found someone in one of the shops on the main road there - an Atlantean girl named Uluad. Her leg was crushed by a piece of stone. Well, I was lucky." He holds out his palm. "Raphael had given me a little gift, a packet of crystals I could smash over a wound for some emergency healing. Not as good as a mage's spell, but good enough. I was able to use a crossbeam to wedge the stone off her, and then I used the crystals to stop the bleeding until the healers showed up.">con't
"And then?""Well, then everything when to hell," Joey said. "The healers had barely mended her knee when they were called off. Explosions everywhere. Dark mages and angels fighting. A few demons were summoned by the spirit mages, and some of them were just rampaging. I couldn't find Raphael anywhere - I think he went to help with the Sun Call. Well, Uluad couldn't walk, and I couldn't leave her there, so I picked her up and headed towards the outskirts of the city, away from where the shadow mages were gathering.""...by the moon and the stars, Joey." You remember that day. The city was a light-show of magical destruction. Flying angels rained down Light on shadow mages defending themselves with bursts of darkness. "How did you make it through?"He shrugs. "I got lucky. But eventually, I made it to the gardens, where a lot of other people had run. I guess I seemed official, because I was dressed in the city's colors, so I ended up leading them away from where the airship was moving in. I used the rest of my crystals to help heal the worst of them, and we rode out the rest of the battle near the foothills of the mountains.""That's quite something.""Well, the next day happened," he said, "and you'd be surprised how quickly the angels bounced back. A lot of them were talking about the old days. I asked Raphael about it. He said that, back in the Elementomachy, cities were 'temporal', to use his word. Magic could build them in weeks, even days, and magic could destroy them in instants if they became a target of the other side. Rebuilding was a way of life. It seemed like the city was piecing itself together, some times. I did a few things here and there to help. I think a little over 200 people died...could have been a lot worse.""Yes. It could have.""Well, three days after the prison break, I guess, if you can call it that," Joey says, "Uluad dropped in on me while I was training.">con't
>>30029335He's TOTALLY boning this Atlantean girl.
"Really?""She came to thank me," Joey said, "and introduce herself, really. I asked her name when I found her, to try and help calm her down. You know, simple questions and all that, keep her mind off the fact that a massive stone had pulverized her leg. But she never got my name. Didn't even realize it at the time.""Then how did she find you?""Well," he says, "Raphael was crazy busy for a week after the battle. He told me to go to the training grounds to keep working, and a few angels under him sort of took me under their wing. Literally. Heh, get it?"You raise an eyebrow. "I picked up on your little pun.""Well, your sense of humor is hit or miss," Joey says. "Anyway, people knew where to find me, and my description was good enough to get here there. Come to think of it...she probably had to spend a fair bit of time on that." He rubs the back of his neck. "I guess that makes what happened afterward make more sense.""...I'm listening.""She asked me to 'call upon her', as she put it. She...has quite a way with words. Apparently that's the Atlantean dialect, according to Raphael. It's like really formal talk, only, accented, and more formal.""Hmm.""I can't describe it well," Joey says. "So, I called upon her for tea the next day, and we hit it off pretty well. We're from very different worlds, and that's saying something.""What do you mean?""Well, her family name is Deva," he says. "She's cousins with the king's family. She's 5th in line for the Atlantean throne, after the prince, and her two older brothers.">reactions?>...and then what happened?
>>30029437>...and then what happened?>reactions?"Uh oh, I've heard this story twice before!"
>>30029437GrinA big shit eating grinTell Joey it would be nice to meet her lateralso tell him to use protection magic around her wink wink nudge nudge
>>30029437"Pauper and the princess, eh?">...and then what happened?
>>30029437Did Joey just turn into a hybrid of Flint and Obis?
>>30029437PERFECT!We've needed an in with Atlantis!
>>30029437>...and then what happened?
Kinda quiet tonight
>>30029848It's better this way. It's more intimate.
>>30029886I agree
>>30029437So, about that diplomacyAre we gonna ask about Hyperion blessed tits?
>>30029927hey green, what happened to dungeon quest?
>>30030243Hes in collegeQuest might as well be deadRIP in peace
>>30030269RIP. I miss chillin in the stream watching crappy movies while he drew.
>>30030327He also drew a really good mandy
Your lips slowly creep up into a grin. "It would be nice to meet her, later.""I figure I could introduce you," Joey says. "Maybe it would help with the alliance?""You're damn right it would.""Heh." Joey rubs his nose. "Good to hear.""So...continue.""Anyway, we talked...err, we spoke! Spoke." He coughs slightly. "I've got to stay in the habit of using 'proper' language. It's her...thing, with me.""Sounds like you're whipped to me!" comes another voice. You both turn. Obis is standing behind the table with a big smile on his face. "Uluad Deva, huh? Last time I saw her, she was a pretentious little 14-year-old. Did you get with her yet?"Joey blushes furiously. "No!""No? Hell. You should get on top of that. And I mean that in both senses of the term."You sigh. "Continue, Joey.""Right." Joey's blush starts to fade as he begins again. "Well...I had more than a few stories to tell of what went down since I became Donovan's squire." He puffs out his chest slightly. "She was pretty impressed that I was the demonslayer's squire.""What was she doing in the ring city?" you ask."Studying there. Sort of an exchange program between Atlantis and the Empire. She was there with a number of other Atlantean nobles, actually.""Alright, get to the point," Obis says. "Did you fuck her or not?""Obis, let him tell his story."Joey coughs wine through his nose. It takes him a good minute to recover. You wait patiently. Obis, meanwhile, is doubled-over in laughter loud enough to draw attention from across the room."Ugh...shit, that stings." Joey rubs his nose again, much harder. "You almost made me choke!""Ah, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.">con't
"So," Joey says, "obviously, I didn't have enough time to tell her everything the first day. She had some magic lesson before I got through the first story, so she invited me back the next day, and I went to go train again. And it sort of became a thing. Raphael found out about it, somehow - I guess someone told him - he just gave me this little smile - " Joey glares at Obis - "sort of like Obis when he's acting like a giant dick. And he said he'd arrange some help for me. Well, I get a message from her delivered by one of her guards asking if I'm free the next day, which I was, considering I didn't really have a schedule. They were sort of trying to find a place for me, considering my knight had vanished in the fighting - some were saying Donovan was dead, actually, but I knew that was a load of crap, and Raphael was cool with me hanging around."Anyway, we spent the day together, shopping, exploring the gardens. I had to carry all her stuff. That was sort of annoying. And then she wanted to see me train for some reason. I actually managed to almost disarm Raphael that day.""More like Raphael almost let you disarm him," Obis mutters."SO," Joey says loudly, "after that, she asked if I'd be at some joint-exchange ball in a few days in the city, with young nobles from Atlantis and the Empire, along with most of their parents." Joey raises and eyebrow. "Well, between you and me, I think they get them together to marry them off or something.""No," Obis says. "Do you really think so?"Joey nods, missing the sarcasm. "Yeah. Well, anyway, I told her I didn't know how to dance, but she wasn't having any of that, and made me promise to show up the next few days at the crack of dawn so she could teach me. Shit, I hate mornings."Obis slaps his forehead. "Look, do you even like this girl or what? She clearly likes you. Get with the program.">con't
"I'm getting to that part!" Joey says. "Alright. So I go, and she teaches me how to dance.""Vertically, or horizontally?""Huh?"Obis sighs. "Never mind. Were you alone?""Oh, no. There were always guards around. She had three guards, all the time. They were nice people. One of them even sparred with me, once." He moves his feet, settling back slightly so that he's leaning against the buffet table. "Man, this feels like it's taking forever. Ok, so, Raphael finds out I'm going to this ball, and he decides that I can't go without a chaperone - because everyone else has one - and volunteers to be mine. Which was pretty awesome, showing up at the ball with the 4th Highest, and I thanked him a ton for that. He was probably the most powerful person there, I guess.""Anything happen at the ball?" you ask."Plenty," Joey said. "I danced with Uluad - well, I did alright, I guess. Didn't embarrass her, anyway, which was the main thing. A few other girls wanted to dance with me, too. She got all huffy about that, so I only did it with the two prettiest ones."Obis grins. "I could cry tears of joy.""Toward the end of the ball, we went on the balcony, and...umm..." Joey looks at his feet. "We kissed, a bit.""A bit?" Obis asks. He does a quick loop around the end of the table and wraps an arm around Joey's shoulders. "Details, man. Cheek, or lips?""...both.""How long?""It felt like a while.""I bet it did!" Obis says. "That's my boy! What's she look like now, anyway? Pretty? Three years is a long time to not see a girl.""...yeah," Joey says quietly. "She's...heh, I'm a good head taller than her. But she's...""Slim? Busty? Statuesque?"Joey moves his hands in the shape of an hourglass. "Like that. In the best possible way."Obis nods in appreciation, rubbing his chin. You get the feeling he's living more than a little vicariously at the moment.>con't
"Um...so..." Joey takes a long gulp of his wine. "This guy came outside - Heliad, another Atlantean. A year older than me. Giant prick. He kept trying to cut in while Uluad and I were dancing, and he was always trying to get her alone - puppy-dogging her the whole time. Well, he didn't like me. I think he liked Uluad a lot, and he saw me as competition." Joey smiles in a way that reminds you disturbingly of Yi Fang. "And I was competition.""So, what happened?""Well, Uluad told him to take a hike, and he went off. But it kinda ruined the mood, so we parted for the night. The next day, she dropped by to watch me train a little bit before I'd normally head to her apartment for tea. Heliad showed up, and challenged me to a duel for 'his lady's honor'."Obis rolls his eyes. "One of those idiots, huh? You kick his ass?"Joey nods. "I kicked his fucking little prick ass." He smiles again. "See, I asked him about rules, and he just said no low blows, no eye gouging, no biting, no magic. Nothing about wrestling, though. I wrestled all the time back home. I figured he'd probably be able to out-sword me, so I did my best to get inside his reach and turned it into a fist-fight. I had his face pinned in the dirt in less than ten seconds. Raphael won 100 Lari betting on me. Ha!""Good man," Obis says. "So, you got back here somehow, right?">con't
"Yeah. Well, time went by, obviously. Winter and all that. And then Matthel showed up - apparently Raphael had gotten in touch with him. He invited me back to Arland. And Uluad was leaving for Atlantis, too, so I figured my best bet at meeting up with you guys again was heading back to the front lines, so to speak." He tugs on his blue ribbon. "She gave me this, to remember her by, and told me that she'd write. We've been exchanging letters. She's...uh...kinda serious about the whole thing.""Well," Obis says, "you're not going to leave a lady pining after you, are you?""Um," Joey says. "No. I like her too. But...I'm not even a knight yet. And she's...I mean, she's basically a princess. I looked tough compared to Heliad, but she's got a lot of suitors. She's even told me in her letters. Mostly about how annoying they are, and how she wishes I was there, but I guess it's only a matter of time before they find someone she likes.""Bullshit," Obis says. "Once I get my country back, I'll set you up. Hell, I'll set you up now. ""Yeah?""I know King Jaquel personally. He'll take my opinion seriously."Joey bites his lip. "I guess I better get serious. I need to get knighted. She insisted on that." He looks back at you and Obis. "She's...really amazing. Beautiful. I don't even know why she likes me! But maybe a little high-maintenance. I guess I sort of like that about her, too. She's so..." He pauses for a moment. "Noble.""I think I know why she likes you," Obis says."Yeah? How come?"He smiles. "Got to figure that out for yourself, I'm afraid. But it'll come to you.""...if you say so." Joey looks to you. "That's the whole story! Pretty great, right?""I have to say, it was pretty great.""I know the angels coming wouldn't be good news, entirely," Joey says, "but I hope Raphael is with them. He's a good man, Shad - John. He'd listen to what you and Lady Fang have to say. And he's old buddies with Auriel, too.""I hope you're right."What do you do now?
>>30030644Join in on the teasingeventually begin operation find Donovan's leech perpetrator
>>30030644Go around introducing yourself to nobility while looking for the PARASITE
>>30030644What with everyone continuously saying "Shad" we might say that's our "actual" name if anyone catches that slip.
>>30030644>"Well," Obis says, "you're not going to leave a lady pining after you, are you?"...mayhaps you should get on that too, Obis.Which reminds me, does Freja know about the prophecy about how Obis will die if he doesn't get BOTH us and her to help him when he takes back his throne?
>>30030740We were specifically told that here it's impolite to just walk up and introduce yourself. You're supposed to have someone else introduce you to the person.
>>30030644Let's talk to Auriel about what methods we could get Donovan to use to convince the nobes to side with him.>>30030744Honestly, was that like the sixth time now? Someone is gonna catch it eventually if not sooner.>>30030753We may want to bring that up to Obis again, yeah. Reinforce it so he doesn't... forget. And then get killed because of it.
>>30030644"...Hyperion-blessed tits?" With a slightly-too-wide-for-a-human-face grin.Then lets... hmm... lets hook back up with Abigail and schmooze a bit. Arcturus is probably a lost cause, Gerald is a lost cause, Andrea wants the shadowy appendage, Hemmelus is on our side, Matthel is on our side... that leaves Harvan up in the air.
>>30030778Whoops
>>30030644Ask him what the ribbon is to her. Did she just use it to tie her hair up, or is it sentimental to her?
>>30030811Lets get Matthel to introduce us to Harvan, if he's not absorbed in conversation with his father and other brother.
>>30030811>wind knight>up in the airI see what you're doing anon!
>>30030644Ask Obis what happened with Freja and then go check in with Auriel.>>30030744We can just say it was our original name and that we took the name John Nyx to represent rebirth after we helped free the Shadow and Spirit mages in the Ring City.>>30030809Obis is gonna get himself shivved by his old fling with how he's been treating Freja lately. It's like he's purposefully forgetting that part of the prophecy simply because he still sees her as nothing more than a childhood friend.
>>30030644well considering EVERYONE is talking relationsihps MINUS Abby and Shadow/Nyx....how about we have drama too so we don't get left out
"By the way, Obis, where's Freja?"Obis's good humor turns sour. "She's...being herself. I...set her straight. Again. She's standing on the balcony and pointedly not talking to me.""...she really cares for you, Obis. You just casually hurt her.""John...look. Hang on, Joey, I want to talk to John for a sec."Joey shugs, then turns away. Obis draws you to the side."Yes?""What's the alternative here?" Obis says. "Lead her on with false hope? I told you, John. If things had been different - maybe. But I can't allow anything further to grow, there. There already is something, and it's become impossible to root out. Freja won't accept my rejection, but I love Kullia. I would never, ever betray her. Maybe I talk big, maybe I fool around sometimes, but I'd never do anything with any other woman.""I'm not telling you to marry her," you say. "But the prophecy was clear s daylight. We need you, we need me, and we need Freja Blackwater. If you want to live, you'd better not wreck your friendship with her in the meantime." You lean back slightly. "And I realize that sounds harsh, Obis, but you're my friend. I'd prefer you were alive and kicking after all this crap is done with.""...yeah. Me too." He heaves a sigh. "Alright. I'll try and...get back in her good graces." He turns back to Joey for the moment.It looks like servants are starting to clear a space for dancing. The instrumentalists in the corner are warming up in earnest, now, playing test notes and brief snatches of song.What do you do now?>ask Auriel about Harvan>talk to someone else in the alliance>speak with Hemmelus>go see if Abigail made headway with Fang>some other strategy
Anybody else up for making Joey a knight of Haven right now? at the dinner?
>>30031028>ask Auriel about HarvanLets keep in mind we're here to get stuff done.
We gotta meet Raphael someday without him attempting to kill us.
>>30031029I'm down.>>30031028This>>30031029
>>30031029>>30031059I don't think we'd want to do this without consulting Joey first.He might feel like he didn't earn it, and thus be upset with us or turn it down. It would be a huge embarrassment.
>>30031029>>30031059He's much better off as a Knight of Arland under Donovan, I feel. Since he's been his squire all this time, although absent. That's what's expected of him for now.
>>30031028>ask Auriel about HarvanLet's ask about the brother we know least about.
>>30031082Joey would never turn that down. besides we would ask him beforehand.>>30031090I would be both prestigious and mysterious to be the First knight of Haven.
>>30031029Before we do that, we should talk to Donovan and see just what it takes to be a knight.Is there a test of some sort? Do we just say some stuff? We need details, here.
>>30031028>ask Auriel about Harvan>>30031058Roll to talk to Raphael!>1<You know, I have it on good authority that angels are quite delicious.>>>30031029Not right now, maybe after we've finished our work with trying to build an alliance.We may need to pull Freja aside and talk to her about the whole Obis thing later, since Obis does not seem to be giving it the importance that he should. We can at least make sure she sticks it out with him at his side as a friend until the very end or else he'll die.
>>30031090He specifically stated that he wanted to come back and join us, i don't see a better way to do that than this.
>>30031128We own Haven, so we get to decide.
>>30031029>We could totally use the Hammer instead of a sword.
>>30031163Yes.It would be so awkwardly awesome in a kind of "fuck you i do what i want" way.
I'm personally just praying that Raphael isn't a snake in the grass like Michael was. Remember, Auriel was convinced that Michael was a stand-up guy as well.Even Auriel only started warming up to us after she wasn't able to immediately smite us on the spot and she was forced to give us a chance. While it'd be nice if not all Angels were dicks, just try to remember that they harbor millennia-old scars and some might not have let go of them. Plus our lil' stunt at their capital could easily have roused old wounds.
>>30031157Haven isn't officially recognized by anyone though, really.
>>30031028>>ask Auriel about Harvan>>30031029He is Flint's squire and Flint it a knight of Arland. I don't see any problem with just keeping it the way it is.
>>30031210The fact that we're here means that is false.
>>30031238The problem is that he needs to be a knight and there is way to much arlandian bullshit going on right now for a proper knighting.
>>30031029...Why not encourage Donovan to try to get Joey knighted?Imagine the fanfare, Donovan the demonslayers Squire becoming a knight, the lords may get an even better opinion of him then.>>30031200A good idea to watch out for him, I'm suspicious of all of the highest as well after the whole Michael incident.
>>30031028>ask Auriel about HarvanNeed to find out what this dude's deal is. If I remember correctly he sorta just follows Gerald's cue.
>>30031264Or we could just leave it to Flint. It is his responsibility after all.
>>30026895>Duke Vellik appropriated the staff in the confusion of the battleYou told us otherwise, many threads ago.
You decide to head over to Auriel. She's currently speaking with Valeria Kavanere and Vidar Blackwater.They nod as you approach. "John," Vidar says. "Enjoying the party? This wine is damn good.""I've had a glass. It was good. I'm not much for igno - ahem. Alcohol.""I could share some good rum with you next time you're at Maven Lake," he says. "If that doesn't change your mind, nothing will."Valeria chuckles. "You'll have to do some convincing.""What's on your mind, John?" Auriel says. "Donovan's gone off to speak with his father in the miniature court over there. Not sure how much progress he's making. I felt out a few of the nobles, and they seem to think that Arcturis's perspective of Donovan has jumped since he beat up his older brother.""...are you serious?""Yes," she says. "It seems Arcturis is the straightforward sort."Vidar frowns. "Remember when we first arrived? He called Donovan the runt of the family. Bah! Shows what a judge of character he is. And shallow, too, if he just up and changes his mind after two brothers virtually fought to the death, if you believe the rumors."Valeria shakes her head. "With his attitude guiding the Flints, I'm not surprised that familiar ties are strained. It's a terrible pity.""I came to ask about Harvan," you say to Auriel. "I think Gerald is a lost cause, but Harvan seems to be neutral. He was watching the duel, earlier, though."Auriel shrugs. "I have trouble reading him. I'm not sure where he stands. I could introduce you, and let you feel him out.""Me?""Why not?" Vidar says. "You're pretty much the leader of this band of misfits, alongside the highest, here.""And you've got an advantage I don't," Auriel says.>con't
>>30031495I'm trying to recall...did they give it to him as some sort of bribe? I don't remember.Either explanation works, so I don't really mind which one is canon.
"I do?""Yes," she says. "Obscurity. The public perception of you is shifting rapidly. It's happening right now. That's what these kinds of gatherings are all about. Point being, I'm a known variable. I've been entrenched in high society for centuries. They know what my agenda is, they know my game. But you - you, they don't know. And that presents them with a contradiction.""I'm sorry, Auriel, but you'll have to explain a bit.""I know." She smiles. "In this world, connections are everything. You seem to have few connections. And despite that, you're strangely influential over a large and diverse group. Rather, it's shocking that you've come from nowhere and have strong and intense connections to the leaders of half the world. Harvan will see me coming - but he won't know what to expect from you. And maybe that's the edge you need. He's cautious. Not as bold as Gerald, but probably more shrewd."What do you do?>have Auriel introduce you to Harvan>have Auriel introduce you to Harvan, but have her stay during your conversation>don't approach Harvan yet; go support Donovan with his father>some other strategy
>>30031519it was part of the thing with them making an alliance
>>30031537>>have Auriel introduce you to Harvan
>>30031537>have Auriel introduce you to HarvanTime for Shadow Diplomacy™
>>30031537>have Auriel introduce you to Harvan
>>30031537>have Auriel introduce you to HarvanPut on your politics & dialogue hats folks, this is about to get ELEMENTAL.
>>30031568Incoming 1s
>>30031537>have Auriel introduce you to HarvanGUYSBRING YOUR A-GAMENO RAINBOWS
>>30031600Let's make Harvan a knight of Haven.We'll tell him the names matched, so we thought it would be nice.
>>30031537>have Auriel introduce you to Harvan>>30031600Hahahaa, we are so fucked.
>>30030602three years?what? when the hell did three years pass?!
>So tired>Must sleep>But no, important Shadow Quest happenings>Can't sleep
>>30031717Three years since Obis saw Uluad.
>>30031717It's been three years since Obis has personally seen princess Uluad. She was only 14 at the time, so he was asking Joey for her description.
"No time like the present," you say. "Introduce me."You offer her your arm. Auriel blinks at you for a moment, then slowly takes it."...was that not appropriate?""No, it was perfectly appropriate." You move off from Vidar and Valeria. Auriel leans in to your ear. "To be honest, I hesitated because I thought I might burst into flames if I touched the elemental lord of shadow. And then I decided that sounded rather ridiculous."You make a bedazzling pair. Your black suit and gold undershirt create a striking punctuation to her flashy silver sequins. You both stride across the ballroom, clearly turning heads.Harvan is standing alone, wine in his hand, idly watching the instrumentalists. People are lining up to dance with their partners. There's a lot of younger knights and ladies smiling at each other, there, along with a few older married couples, ready to go for the first dance.Harvan notices you in short order when it becomes clear you're heading his way. He straightens. His trimmed beard and neatly-styled blond hair give him a sharp, prim appearance; his shirt is tucked in tight, and he's wearing military decoration.You stop before him, and Auriel releases you to do a slight curtsy. "Lord Flint. I wanted to introduce you to John Nyx, a close friend of mine. I know you haven't met formally."You give him a respectful bow. "Lord Flint. An honor.">con't
"The infamous Lord John Nyx." He inclines his head to you. "Every story I hear about you is more wild than the last. Including the one the young Erikson boy told us.""He seems to have a talent for that," you comment. "Though he might have exaggerated somewhat.""I asked Donovan after the fact. Apparently, he embellished very little on your account.""Sir Flint would be kind enough to say so. He spares nothing for another's honor.""He's always been like that," Harvan says. "For good, and ill."The music begins to play, and the first round of dancing is quick to begin. It's a happy violin piece, and the sound of an accompanying harpsichord echoes over the room in a pleasant metallic hum. The thumping and clapping of dress shoes beats a time to the song as the dancers move in unison."I think I'll find my dancing partner," Auriel says. "I'll let you two get acquainted."She glances about, spots Donovan, and walks away.You're alone with Harvan. You feel tense. The lord watches the dance, taking a slow sip of his wine.What do you say?>write-in
>>30031872I have no idea why we came over to talk to him.Help
>>30031872oh god what do we say
>>30031872this mofo has the other piece of the parasite doesnt he.
>>30031872"I feel I'm at a disadvantage, Lord Harvan. You've heard quite a bit about me but I know hardly a thing about you."Get him talking about himself.
>>30031896>>30031925>>30031943
>>30031872A reserved fellow. Hm.Ask him what he thinks of this mess, politely. From Kan-Abar, to the myriad of people here. What's his honest take on the situation?And of course don't ask it directly.>>30031972Start off like this,
>>30031872Okay. We want to get him on our side. I don't know how to do that. Oh, we could mention that we're surprised he isn't with his father and brothers talking about things. That might get him to open up more on his relation with his family.
>>30031872"I must admit, Lord Harvan, my dealings with your family extend to two very different extremes. from your point of view, is what we propose to do here a terrible thing?"
>>30032014>>30031998>>30031972Mix 'em up and I second 'em all.
>>30031972This, but I might come off as a bit rude to not know anything about him, does anyone remember what Flint had to say about this guy?
>>30031980...Oh God, I don't know what to feel. Somebody tell me what to feel!
>>30031980i hope our tears taste good.BECAUSE YOULL HAVE NONE IN HELL
>>30032044True, most nobles are the prideful sort, we should have gathered more information about him before heading over.Hindsight 20/20 and all that
>>30032044He was distant and just seemed to stand behind Gerald, idr the rest.>>30032030I like this.
>>30031972I feel like the obvious response to this is "Well, that's intentional!" and it might annoy him or come off as prying...
>>30032073Well, from what Auriel told us...>Nobody knows much about him: an Enigma>He isn't as hot headed>He's probably more shrewd than his brother.
>>30031972>>30031972Sounds good to me.
>"I'm at a disadvantage, Lord Harvan. You seem to know a bit about me, but I hardly know a thing about you.">"I must admit, Lord Harvan, my dealings with your family extend to two very different extremes. From your point of view, is what we propose to do here a terrible thing?">Remain silent.
>>30031972>"...I know hardly a thing about you."Maybe rephrase this part as:>"...it seems you're something of an enigma."
>>30032155>"I must admit, Lord Harvan, my dealings with your family extend to two very different extremes. From your point of view, is what we propose to do here a terrible thing?"
>>30031972>>30032156>>30032155I'll second this phrasing.
>>30032155"I must admit, Lord Harvan, my dealings with your family extend to two very different extremes. From your point of view, is what we propose to do here a terrible thing?"
>>30032155>>"I'm at a disadvantage, Lord Harvan. You seem to know a bit about me, but I hardly know a thing about you."In my experience it's always best to get someone talking about themselves. It's a good opening line, and you can branch that out to relatives fairly easily.Then again, I am literally autistic, so take that with a grain of salt.
>Auriel leaves us with a noble we know almost nothing about>expects it to go wellGod damn it I thought Auriel was going to wingman for us, who is supposed to draw attention from us and tell the stories now while we act all modest now?
>>30032269Just two enigmas hanging out mah anon, don't worry so much.
>>30032155>"I'm at a disadvantage, Lord Harvan. You seem to know a bit about me, but I hardly know a thing about you."Get to know the man before we start talking politics.
>>30032322We should bond over a game of stones.
>>30032155>"I'm at a disadvantage, Lord Harvan. You seem to know a bit about me, but I hardly know a thing about you."
>>30032334Why not? Hell, we could just ask him if he likes the game. Can't hurt.Much.
>>30032219I had the same thought, but I'm also autistic.Maybe we should call someone over who is not socially incompetent with some telepathy to help get a conversation started, or offer to go get a drink while he tells us about himself.
>>30032155I have to admit, all three of those are good suggestions if taken in combination.>Start with the disadvantage line to get him talking.>Mostly stay silent, give him little info to judge you (without being impolite of course).>After hearing a bit from him, ask him of his opinion. It's a bit direct and crude, but he is either willing to share or at least able to politely deflect the question should he not wish to share. (Don't press him, but get him talking in that direction if you can).
>>30032415Can I rescind my first second and second this instead?
"I'm at a disadvantage, Lord Harvan. You seem to know a bit about me, but you seem to be something of an enigma.""That makes two of us." He sips his wine. "I'm not such by intention. I just don't enjoy these sorts of..." He waves a hand at the dance floor. "Prancing sort of thing, isn't it?""You're a man of duty, not of leisure.""Indeed. I captain the guard of the city. My main interest and my main concern is the security of Dobshire.""I can understand that," you say. "My own concerns lie with Haven."He looks at you. "Then why are you here, and not there?""Because I believe my concerns are tied with Arland's. The demons will attack here next. If you fall, we are next. It's that simple.""And so you venture across the land, gathering allies in a bid to form a front against Kan-Abar," he says. "And you want Arland to be the tip of the spear.">If she is willing.>I want Arland to stand at our side.>Would you do differently, if you were me?>Remain silent>write-in
>>30032452>I want Arland to stand at our side.>Would you do differently, if you were me?I would like to remind you Donovan is my dearest friend and would lay down my life for him
>>30032452>I want Arland to stand at our side.>I hope you don't think so low of me as to have others fight my battles! No, I intend to be in the thick of it, leading the charge if need be.
>>30032452"I want Arland to stand at our side. I want Donovan's home to be safe. And though it's a leap... I would like to think it's a step towards a greater peace.">>30032526Well... I suppose we technically we are leading the charge... though he doesn't know of those plans quite yet.
>>30032452>>I want Arland to stand at our side.>>Would you do differently, if you were me?I'm beginning to understand Harvan somewhat. He's a man of practicality. Mention how much stronger we are united then individually. How we should be fighting the enemy of our enemy. Only in this case, the enemy is everyone's enemy.
>>30032600>>30032585I'll second these for reasons entirely unrelated to my aptitude for coherency.
>>30032452>I want Arland to stand at our side.>Would you do differently, if you were me?"As the Lady Fang has mentioned, we must present a united front to combat the threat of the demons whose strength only grows stronger with each passing moment. Together we may yet stand a chance, but divided, and isolated we will fall as the demons arrive at the gates of our cities one by one and tear through our walls.I will not pretend to promise that Arland would make it through unscathed. But if the stories you've heard of me have offered any incite into my character, it should be that I have never shirked away from a battle that needs to be fought and I have never hid in the shadows while others died for me.I've every intention to be at the forefront of this battle."
Let's be blunt, Shadow-style."I want you."
>>30032673I like the first sentence, the third sentence, and the last sentence.
"I want Arland to stand with us," you say. "I don't intend to have your country fight the battle for us. I'm here to ask for your strength. And to participate in what might be an important step toward a greater peace.""The archmage hardly seems the arbiter of peace.""I admit his is a hard case to sell. But we can't fight each other with this kind of enemy at both our doorstep."Harvan makes a noncommittal hmm, but doesn't answer. He glances back at another group of people, before turning again to watch the dancers.You feel like you're loosing him. He's heard these lines before. You need a strong argument to give the conversation a jolt.>write-in
>>30032704GrinSeeing as you watch over the gaurd would you like to spar sometime?I would like to make sure Arland is capable of defending itself. say this jokingly
>>30032704We need to offer him something tangible.Anyone have an idea what?
Shit, we might have to show him that we can offer Arland something militarily that the Ring City can't in the fight against the Demons, but I don't know what cards we would want to immediately play.
>>30032704"Do you think your brother would support us, if we were not truthful? If we didn't wish to make a better tommorow?My lord. I am here, not because of some wanton desire to keep others under my heel, like the ring city does, but rather to unite and defend."
>>30032704>>30032750>>30032761Tell him we're Erebus!Don't do this.
>>30032704What stronger argument is there then "everyone dies"?Ask him if he's ever seen a demon before. Tell him about the things we've seen them do. I think it's time someone fully realized just what is coming towards them.
>>30032786That sounds a bit too preachy to convince a character like Harvan.
>>30032704I want to tell him something about how having more allies makes Arlands position as an independent stronger, but I'm not sure how to say it without coming off as a jerk telling him Arland is a toady for the empire.
>>30032704"One thing I noticed is that both you and your family focus on a single individual in a huge alliance. Everyone knows, Councillor Fang has not earned any trust, including the Councillor himself. He even told me he wanted to step down sooner or later partly because of this.What I ask of you is just one thing, no more. Look past this one person. Look at the other. Look at the highest and her Angels. Look at my friend Obis. Look at the Elves. Look at the Orks, who joined the Alliance despite having reason for a far huger grudge against Fang than you. Heck, look at your brother Donovan! Do you really think, your brother is such a bad judge of character? Or that *he* somehow likes working with Fang? It took quite a while to convince him that putting up with one disliked ally for the greater good is needed, but he *did* manage to look past one person.If you judge the whole alliance untrustworthy or unreliable, so be it. But please don't don't discard the whole thing because of one single person.
>>30032793Just to add on to this, have we emphasized what happens if they complete the Demon Lord Pentaverate? Forget keeping the city safe, the country, the entire world won't be safe.
Tell him we're the one that felled the tower.
Maybe we should tip our hand that we looted an airship from Xile? Say that while the RIng City's airship fleet is in ruins, we not only have a functioning airship that we could commit to the fight and one from the vast armada of his ancestors at that. Surely, he must have heard of our adventures on Xile from Flint by this point. Could we perhaps sell him on Arland not only benefiting economically from joining our alliance, but potentially reclaiming their lost heritage and power?
>be more blunt about what's coming toward them - a Demon Lord Pentaverate that stands to threaten the worldor>mention military strength he doesn't know about - cite ancient Dwarven technologyor>emphasize how Arland is compromising its independence by relying so heavily on the Ring City>call for backup. You glance about the room and quickly spot:>Duke Vellik>Vidar Blackwater>Great Tree
>>30032704Perhaps we should ask him what he thinks of the Angels of Ring City and then maybe we should show him some impressions of things. Like Michael. Then ask him if these are the kinds of people he really wants Arland to depend on.
>>30032911Or I suppose you could throw Xile in there as opposed to Steward/dwarven technology
>>30032913Those are some ridiculous options.So Harven is a results-driven security guard, basically. What do they like the most?
maybe we could tell him of our plan's on how to invade Kan-Abar, but that opens up whole new avenues of risks.
>>30032928>Harven is a results-driven security guard, basicallyIt's funny because it's true.
>>30032930They like having a strong buddy watching their back. This is an audition, and we're competing with the Empire. We need to demonstrate that we have the power to keep Arland safe just like the Empire does.
>>30032913Dwarves and Xile both.
>>30032913> mention military strength he doesn't know about - cite ancient Dwarven technologyHe's unimpressed. We need to fix that.
>>30032911>>30032915>>30032928I second... these! Mostly Xile. Though I'm hesitant about how detailed that would get.
>>30032968Well steward did come with us, so... why not... just fucking smash 'em together and hope things work out?!
>>30032913>emphasize how Arland is compromising its independence by relying so heavily on the Ring CityI'd bet this isn't something he's heard yet. If he's getting tired of rehashed arguments, this will get his attention.
>>30032940this seems like it could work, we could also invite over Duke Velilik to "remind" us about how many enemy troops and demons Kan-Arbar has at their disposal.
>>30032913>be more blunt about what's coming toward them - a Demon Lord Pentaverate that stands to threaten the world
>>30032928Dwarfs and Xile.
>>30032913>emphasize how Arland is compromising its independence by relying so heavily on the Ring CityI'd bet he's very devoted to the independence of Arland if he's the head of the City Guard.
>>30033008Are you kidding? "Arland is just an imperial toady" is probably something he hears ALL THE TIME.Tales of ancient dwarven technology and an airship from freaking Xile? That's probably new.
>>30032913>mention military strength he doesn't know about - cite ancient Dwarven technology and XileThen lead into:>emphasize how Arland is compromising its independence by relying so heavily on the Ring City
>>30032913>mention military strength he doesn't know about - cite ancient Dwarven technology
>>30032913I like none of these. At least not as a stand alone.Firstly, I'd like something along the lines of this: >>30032866 Fang is just one person. Don't judge the whole alliance by the worst person in it, that's (frankly) stupid.Then, we could talk about the high likelihood of a Demon Lord Pentaverate or at least nigh certainty of a quartett of demonlords. Cite some knowledgable Spirit mages on how even the elemental lord of spirit had difficulties controlling a pentaverate. Give this as the reason that even people like Fang want to help.Optionally add that Arland need to bear the brunt of the force. Not to mention that actually Duke Vellik already took the brunt, we cannot fight a war by just waiting for them to come at us. This is the one chance to not fight a war in the land of Arland itself, which would destroy huge parts even if the Ring City wins.
>>30032911but I don't really feel like giving away our airship, and I doubt this guy likes empty promises.
Are we reaaaaly gonna tip our hand of Dwarf Tech and Xile so soon?Is there no other way?
>>30033069This,I feel we're showing our hand too early.
>>30032913> mention military strength he doesn't know about - cite ancient Dwarven technologyThe other two are definitely things he's heard before. This is something new that will grab his attention.
>>30032913So hit him with the super whammy?Say that we're not going to beat around the bush. Shit is bad and Sandalphon would love to twist this situation to bring Arland to heel.Show him just how fucked some of the angels are. Lucifer's soul dungeon, Mike's rape shed, Sandals prepping to nuke his own city just to stop the shadow mages.Emphasize that last point. He will do the same to Arland the second he thinks they're not his bitch.Mention the military points. Xile and dwarven tech. -Maybe- even let slip that Shadow himself is greater than/equal to Fang in power himself.As a last little optional thing, "This world is still wallowing in the wastes of the Elementomachy. I intend to put an end to that. If I have to drag Venia kicking and screaming out of its wretched ancient war, then I will do just that."
>>30032911>Hey bro I got an island to sell ya!>It's your ancient homeland!>Enjoy the elementomachy monsters!>Have fun with the crazed magical savages!>Enjoy your burned library!>Oh, and fill your coffers on all those magical items in the treasury! All four of them.
>>30033069Aye. Dwarven tech is a secret. Xile tech is of Donovan to reveal.
Vote 1:>Cite dwarven technology and access to Xile as sources of powerful military strength, then lead into how Arland is compromising its independence.Vote 2:Grand speech seen here:>>30033058Avoid tipping the military hand.
>>30033125This. Tell him we're the one that crashed the soul dungeon and Michael's tower, and precisely why we did it.
>>30033069I don't know, anon. I really don't. I'm too tired to think of anything at the moment.>>30033130Don't forget that the dock with the airships is trapped to all hell and mostly not there anymore!
>>300331562
>>30033156Hm. I dunno what to pick...
>>30032911"Hey, remember that ancient lost heritage you are so proud of? I went that old place of yours. Then I stole from your old hoard it and destroyed a lot of the rest. I hope this convinces you to like me!"
>>300331561
>>30033156I don't like either. Can we sit around and discuss more?
>>30033125Do this, SM! This one here!
>>30033186"I also kept the last working ship of your heritage and turned it into a flying shadow abomination. Do you love me yet?"
It seems like everyone is waffling and more than a bit tired.Let's postpone this vote until next time.I think I'll run tomorrow night, so we can pick it right back up after further discussion.I'll be in the QTG for a bit if people have meta questions. I feel like responding to the topic.
>>30033212Only if you present a better idea.
>>30033236Aww shadowmaster, we're not even into autosage yet, we can discuss for HOURS yet still in this thread!Good night, great thread, c u l8r mastah b8r.
>>30033236Oh thank Shadow Jesus. This definitely feels like a topic that needs to be further discussed when we're not falling asleep and that's coming from the person that threw the Xile idea out there.Thanks for the thread, SM!
>>30033274Yeah, maybe I can manage to just pick this thread up tomorrow night if it's still around.
>>30033236so 94 part iv?
>>300331561I want to go grand speech, but in all likelihood he'll be more interested in toys.
>>30033156Why not both?
>>30033156How about option three:>I cannot convince you that Li Fang is to be trusted. But I don't need to. This alliance isn't about Li Fang, it wasn't his idea and his presence is one only tolerated by a huge part of it. This alliance exists because the threat is so dire, people accept his presence because we need any help we can get. Do you think the Orks would willingly ally themselves with Archon? Look at this from their perspective: They hate Li Fang more than you do. Talk to them why they still joined.>If you don't trust their judgement, go to your brother. Do you think he just had a change of heart and decided to trust Archon on a whim? By the way either, ask him about Xile while you're at it. Don't think your brother truly grasps the situation either? Ask the highest. She knows all relevant parties the best and from what I have heard she is trusted quite a bit. While talking to her, ask what she thinks Sandalphon will do. She knows him for hundreds of years, I bet she can take a good guess.>Do you think even the Highest has been corrupted? Talk to your own Sage, the wise Hemmelus. You trust him at least, don't you? I'm not sure he has made up his mind completely either, but he can tell you about what a Pentarch of Demonlords would do to the world, especially with the Ring City as damaged as it is.>In short, there are two explanations for this alliance: Either everyone other than Arland and the Ring City has suddenly gone mad. Or there is a threat large enough to warrant looking past old grudges.The others are awfully much acting like NPCs right now. How about we force this one to actually form an opinion instead of just standing around, waiting for us to convince him?>>30033600I'm not entirely sure. Most likely, because they are different lines of argument and SM wants us to have one coherent train of thought.
By the way, I'm categorically against talking about our trip to Xile without Donovan present. This is HIS story. HE needs to tell it. We can give vague hints so that others pester him about it though.
>>30034557YI.YI FANG.WHY-FUCKING-EYE.FUCK.
>>30034557>The others are awfully much acting like NPCs right now. How about we force this one to actually form an opinion instead of just standing around, waiting for us to convince him?Yeah.Mentionoing the REAL reason yi fang is here would be a good idea to - its a big giant joke. He's here ..... just to see the reigns of power transitioned to the new archmage, and back decisions she can't fully make herself
>>30034557Seconded
>>30034557Fourthed.>>30034580This. The Flints won't take us telling them what happened very well.
>>30034557Good job anon, supporting
>>30035137I don't care how they are called. I even contemplated just calling him that dude from Archon, like when I called whatshername highest. >>30034557I'd just like to point out that I'll not be here to repost this when SM picks the story back up. If you like the post, repost it in the new thread.
>>30038926SM will probably check this thread first, it should be still up by then.>>30034557I'm also for this, it sounds very good.
>>30038926He said he might continue in this thread.
>>30034557This works for me.
noon-time bump.
Afternoon time bump.
>>30041743bump
>>30042281BumpSM, where are yooooouuuuuuu
>>30043470he'll be another 2-3 hours.
>>30043470Shadow mastuuuuur-samachan
>>30044579Okairinasen, kage-goshujin-sama!
why the hell is this still up.i dont think SM is coming back you guys.just go check twitter
>>300449157 or 8 EST is like 1 or 2 hours from now.
I'll be back and writing at 8pm EST. Just got in from battling the ice elementals.>>30034557Looks like a lot of people want to give Harvan the full monty. Unless some other approach becomes popular, I'll go with this.285 posts is pretty close to an auto-sage, so I'll just make a new thread when I'm back.
Hmm. I thought this thread would be gone by now. I'll just carry on here, then. If needed, I'll make another thread. Don't plan on going too long tonight.>writing
>>30047647
>>30047647Excellent, that means there's no chance of people forgetting about that one speech that is actually pretty good up >>30034557 here.
>>30047940What speech?
>>30047940Too bad I can't read!
"You're hesitant because of Yi Fang, then?" you ask him."He's a major obstacle to the alliance," Harvan says. "He cannot be trusted.""I can't convince you to trust Yi Fang," you say, "but I don't need to. This alliance isn't about him, and his presence is only just tolerated by my other allies. The orks, especially, hate him. But Vaz Grak is here anyway. The werewolves are here anyway. Archon's magical experiments and former slaves of war are now here, preparing to fight alongside him against the demons. That should tell you something."But don't trust their judgement, not entirely - why should you?" You turn to face him and he's giving you his full attention, now, his glass held low, his eyes on yours. "They're difference races, really, men of a sort, but perhaps not of the same perspective as Arland. Ask Donovan why he's hear, why he even bothered to bring the archmage into Dobshire. Do you think Donovan likes that idea? Do you think he doesn't realize what he's asking from you?"But maybe Donovan has changed," you say. "Maybe you can't rely on his judgement either. But perhaps you can rely on the judgement of an angel, the 5th Highest, Auriel Lightchosen, who has fought in wars against Yi Fang personally.""She is no longer the 5th Highest," Harvan says. "The incident at the ring city has burned that title to ash.""Regardless, she has lived over 700 years. She may know Fang better than any of us. And here she is.""And what if I can't trust an angel with an agenda?" Harvan says. "What then, oh wise John Nyx?""Then speak with the sage, Hemmelus," you answer. "I'm not sure he's made up his mind entirely, but he can certainly tell you what a Pentaverate of Demon Lords would do to Arland - and to the world.">con't
The music comes to a halt. The dancers all bow, then join hands. Some move away; others arrange themselves for the next dance. Light applause falls over the room."There are only two explanations for how this alliance has managed to cobble itself together," you say. "Either everyone other than Arland and the Empire has gone mad, or there is a thread large enough looking past old grudges. Perhaps I'm too forward, Lord Flint, but I wouldn't try to push you or Donovan into working together with Yi Fang unless I thought it was absolutely necessary. Because I know him, too, and you're right. He can't be trusted. But if we can keep him in line, he can be the force to tip the scales in our favor."The music begins again. The dancers march and spin around their partners. Harvan sips his wine, then glances at you. "And you think you can keep him in line?">write-in
>>30048109"No, but his niece can."
>>30034557The only problem with this speech that I see is that Harven seems to care more about tangible benefits than words of reassurance.A "I'll believe it when I see it" kind of guy. Whereas the speech is just more of the same in saying why these parties are here, not necessarily why he should advocate the alliance himself, for Arland.
>>30048109"Considering I'm all but engaged to his niece? I'm fairly confident."
>>30048109"I can't, but his niece can, and if for some reason he gets out of hand, well, there are some things even Yi Fang is afraid of."
>>30048181seconded
>>30048181I'll tentatively third this.
>>30048109"His niece can. And if she can't Auriel and I have another plan."
>>30048199I prefer this over >>30048181Since it sounds less like we're trying to make ourselves out like a powerful badass like Yi Fang JUST did with Gerald to scare him.
>>30048181Would this be boastful? Is there anything we can add to it to make sure he knows we're not necessarily talking about ourselves and so he doesn't take it that way?
>>30048235Mention that we have a plan(Melody) like >>30048199 suggests to sidetrack him.
>>30048109Haven't we already proved that we can't really keep him in line with that outburst from before?
>>30048267he already knows about the black lady.
>>30048267It's only a plan if Melody agrees to it, can't we have a more reliable alternative?
>>30048300How the hell does this guy know we've planned for the Black Lady to show up and that she's actually Melody from Fang's past?
>>30048109"well considering we convinced him to give up his position to his niece, destroyed the ( I forgot the name of the thing Abby was thrown in) in front of him, and just came in with said niece on my arm, I think I've done a good job so far."
>>30048306Not really, the plan is basically to lock them in a closet and talk things out. It isn't about consent at all.
>>30048323We introduced her, but not told him she was melody, but he did say she reminded him of some one he knew.
>>30048199I feel that his response to this would be something along the lines of "Plans can fail. What can you actually do to keep him in line, oh powerful Nyx?"
>>30048351I think you've got a few characters confused.
>>30048351Oh, you're talking about Fang, not Harvan.Fang doesn't know the plan Auriel came up with either.
>>30048375I was sure we introduced fang to the black lady.>>30048380I though her plan was just to have the black lady pop up at the party.(which i'm sure fang agreed to it.)
>>30048345Sounds more like a powder keg than a plan. The only chance it has to work the way we want it to is if it's done tastefully and after convincing Melody to tell Fang herself, for the reasons of keeping him in line. I think it would be preferable to explain to her why exactly it would be best to come out to Fang on her own, especially considering how much indirect help it gives him by maybe preventing him from being too great of a dick.
>>30048109"I have made preparations to ensure his loyalty, I'm afraid I can't give you the specifics."
>>30048415No, Auriel wants to use Melody to keep Fang in line by revealing her identity to Fang.Hell, the only fucking reason Auriel actually agreed to the Black Lady showing up for this was because she was Melody.On top of that, that reveal is VERY important. Because if we leave the reveal up to Fang, he'll just pull the "overwhelming power to make people afraid and force them to listen to me" bullshit he always pulls just pulled recently and make this whole thing not a peaceful alliance but a very forced one. Introducing her as Melody might actually be a good idea, in fact. It stops Fang dead in his tracks and humanizes the Black Lady to everyone else.
>>30048415We did, the confusion is that you thought the guy you were replying to was talking about Fang when he was talking about someone else.
>>30048488Yeah my bad.>>30048486Thats the thing is the delivery is very important and doing it the way like that can back fire badly.
Food break.Seems like the major train of thought is to say that there is a plan and means in place to help control Fang, without being too specific.Will examine the discussion again when I get back.
>>30048538Doing it at all is very likely to backfire badly. She's the fucking Black Lady. She is Enemy #1 to everyone here.At least with this Fang loses his advantage. And since he's the one most likely to fuck things over we have to get rid of that first and foremost.Explain to me how introducing her as Melody could backfire any worse than it already possibly will and I might consent. But the way I see it it will work better than just introducing her as the Black Lady, or leaving her reveal to Fang.
>>30048486>Introducing her as Melody might actually be a good ideaMaybe but I think it'd be a bad move not to fill Fang in first, we don't know what his reaction'll be. Besides, she might not want us to tell everyone her name. It might be something to bring up to her at least.
>>30048486I think you're right about how Fang will try to us the reveal as a show of force. The only way we can prevent that is by telling him exactly when to teleport the Black Lady here, so... we just need to keep aware of the situation and notify him when we see a better chance.But for the Melody thing, it's only going to work well if she agrees to it.Otherwise you're revealing information that we've promised not to. Which can be avoided by explaining the situation to her and getting her approval of the idea, which would have to come after her arrival unfortunately. And given everything she's said and done so far, I feel that it wouldn't take too much to get her to agree to it.
>>30048607I really don't think this is the time to be asking permission.A secret is at it's most powerful when it's revealed. We kind of need him mentally unprepared if we want the reveal to mean anything. It's all about throwing him off.
>>300486021.She told us not to tell anyone.2.We still don't know what fangs reaction is gonna be.3.He is not the biggest problem at the party, he maybe a bit strong, but the real problem is the flints and i doubt we can get a word in before they try to attack her.
Imagine what it'd look like to everyone if they find out we're using the Black Lady to keep Fang under control, it'd be like keeping an undetonated nuclear bomb in your house to keep away your thieving neighbor.
Don't we have Dream Walk?Can't we long-distance communicate with that?We could just call Melody up later.
>>30048655I kind of hope we do end up following your suggestion, it'd be fucking hilarious.
>>30048688Imagine what it'd look like if they found out John is actually Shadow is actually Erebus Reborn.
>>30048716This!
>>30048730well the only way for that to happen is if we piss off the black lady.orIf sandy found a way to reverse the brain washing we gave the mob boss.
>>30048730>Shit, I'm working for Satan
>>30048565A better idea would be to reveal that Yi Fang's presence here is kind of.... perfunctory.He's realized that HE is the problem that keeps archon from moving forward, and hint that "Lord flint, who do you think the next archmage of archon will be once yi fang steps down? I don't NEED to keep yi fang in check - because he's preparing to pass the torch to family. ""You don't need to worry about standing up to Yi - you should worryabout impressing abigail "If called on our bullshit. "Yi fang's spent the past few months personally training her before letting her come. And I don't mean magic - she's already learned politics in an even harsher place than arland. The council was her training ground, her crucible.""That's yi fang's game, you see. His grand joke. He gets to show up, stand tall and imposing show off his fearsome reputation, and.... sit back do nothing while the future leader of archon makes the important decisions. Look at him. He's actually eating. He's -enjoying himself - ."
>>30048716does the Black Lady asleep? Because if not I found I major flaw in your plan.
>>30048802I think this is a reasonable angle to let on.
>>30048806We'll just use our sleep gas on her.
>>30048802Seconded, this works a bit better and fits in with the earlier agreed plan.
>>30048802I like this and I like it more for the fact that it doesn't detail the ideas we have of influencing Fang which Harvan could extrapolate once he sees it working on Fang.But still, Harven is results driven, skeptical, and as Auriel put it, shrewd. We're not really giving him any tangible benefits for Arlands defense and security, which is what would really grab him.
>>30048802Hmm, I kind of like this better. Less of a "trust us!" angle, more solid. There's no reason we can't do both though.
I don't know about as an introduction but I think Melody is going to need to reveal her identity for this all to work out.If we leave things up to Fang, or let things stay as just The Black Lady as an ally, then that's going to make not one, but two very powerful people that no one trusts on our alliance.If she reveals that she knows Fang and doesn't approve of his bullshit at all then that at least dispels worries that Archon and Vampira are teaming up to take over the world since Archon is the frontlines stopping Vampira from invading. Animosity/disagreement towards Fang and agreement with Abigail and the rest of the alliance is something she needs to exhibit to make her presence more welcome.
>>30048889I think she can accomplish those last two things without having to reveal her identity, she just has to be evasive and suspicious against Fang in the lordly public.
>>30048889Revealing her identity could just make them think that her control is a proxy of fangs since she was a mage from there.
I'm starting to suspect that nothing short of "The Black Lady is my bitch, I ate Michael's face, Lucifer's face, an overgrown dwarven magitech monstrosity that was stronger than both, and I have the fates of 2 elemental lords in my pocket. Stop being a lump and fight the demons." will get this guy to start being a lump.
>>30048937Hardly, if Archon had their hands up Melodys ass they wouldn't be in the shitty situation the country is currently in compared to what it used to be.
>>30048932It's not as effective as having an actual connection and a serious personal reason to not like him, especially since the reveal will shake Fang up a lot and add a lot more legitimacy to the claim.>>30048937She's been around for a long ass time, a proxy 200 years in the making is ridiculously hard to believe in.
>>30048982I bet Yi Fang wishes he could get his fist up Melody's ass. She's his long-lost love after all.
>>30048802I like this. Give him the idea of what's coming.
>>30048982I don't think arland knows how bad the situation really is, since you have to remember Fang kept up a large front.
How aware is everyone that the water elemental is sealed in the Keystone of Atlantis? I've never seen anyone mention it but it was a long while ago.
>>30049026I know it is, but I'm not sure about the general population of /tg/.Do you know we have the other fragment of the Keystone of Atlantis in our pocket?
>>30049000>200 years in the making is ridiculously hard to believe in.This is fang, a man known for scheming while he sleeps and the least trusted person in the country, just from public knowledge.Hell they still think he is pulling the strings. I would admit it could be a bit far fetched, but i will bet you the angels and any anti-fang characters will try to use it.
>>30049044I suspected it was related but I'd forgotten the specifics of how we got it and what SM had said about it. Thanks anon.
>>30048982>>30049000I believe you two are forgetting that paranoia is a powerful factor, and that Yi Fang has absorbed the paranoid attention of most of these peoples' entire lives.It doesn't have to make sense or even be correct for them to believe it. There only needs to be a hint of them working together, and that's that. The slightest word will shift the balance.>>30049076Basically this, we don't want them to have any argument to base their assumptions on in the first place, because they're already set against Fang, and have warmed themselves up to an expectation of deception.
>>30049076Forgot to mention that fang is known to plan ahead by decades.
>>30048802>If called on our bullshit. "Yi fang's spent the past few months personally training her before letting her come. And I don't mean magic - she's already learned politics in an even harsher place than arland. The council was her training ground, her crucible."ahahaha yes"I'm not joking. She's spent the last few weeks word-wrestling archon's families, turning enemies into allies, turning the game board upsidown - and now he's unleashed her here. ""If you don't believe me, just...watch the two. go have a drink with fang, and see how abigail maneuvers this party. She's very persuasive - not because of her name, but because she's not afraid to put the -right- thing to do on the table - even if it's against tradition. Especially if it's against yi fang's tradition. "
>>30049076Look, the only way to explain that Fang kept such a gigantic fucking ace up his sleeve for so long is because this was the exact moment he was waiting for to play it, which would mean that he'd have had to instigate the Demon War.The only way it makes "sense" is for him to be fucking Aizen and for EVERYTHING to be his plan.It's such retarded notion.
>>30049111Good point
>>30049136You act like they don't see the fucker as Aizen.
>>30048802Ok. So are we going with this?Vote 1:>yeah sounds goodVote 2:>fuck fuck fuck I want to talk about it more
>>30049136To be fair he's been an immortal Aizen boogyman to an international community for centuries.
>>300491861
>>30049136It not about how possible it is, it's about how they'll use anything they can against Fang because they'll see an opportunity to reveal a potential scheme even where none exist.Which is also a part of his scheme.
>>300491862
>>30049111>There only needs to be a hint of them working together, and that's that. The slightest word will shift the balance.And guess what the fuck's going to happen when she get's revealed!All these problems that have been brought up? All these risks you keep talking about? They already exist just by the virtue of having the Black Lady and Fang in the same room.And you don't want to do a single fucking thing about it, apparently.Here are our three biggest problems with this alliance:1. Fang2. The Black Lady3. The notion of Fang(the guy watching Vampira's fucking borders) and the Black Lady working togetherYou haven't mentioned a single flaw specific to the plan. All those flaws exist already in the plan we're already using. At least come up with some other way we can prevent the obvious fucking "Holy shit, the two most powerful evil people in the world are working together" conclusion literally every person is going to draw when she shows up.Her being Melody is one of the biggest ways to dispel that. Can you come up with another way to try and draw attention away from them being in some evil alliance?
Roll 1d100
Rolled 13>>30049305
Rolled 4>>30049305And here it comes
Rolled 50>>30049305
Rolled 23I AUTHORED THIS IM GONNA NAIL IT
Rolled 93>>30049305
Rolled 16>>30049305
Rolled 33>>30049268>Her being Melody is one of the biggest ways to dispel that.How so?Since melody ins't that famous and just saying her name would only catch fang off guard, hell saying that they are linked in any way could make the situation worse.
>>30049313>>30049319>>30049324
>>30049313>>30049319>>30049324Shadow Diplomacy™
Rolled 38>>30049305Shit. We actually have to roll.
>>30049313>>30049319>>30049324Roll 1d20
Rolled 48>>30049305Im just going to hope for a nat 100
Rolled 20>>30049341I keep forgetting that its best of 3, not 5.>>30049356
>>30049324...it was a good post, so that should give us an edge, right?
>>30049356I...I don't want to
Rolled 10>>30049356WE ROLL
Rolled 4>>30049356Ugh. All that work with arguing and dialogue and planning whatever and nothing! FUCKING NOTHING!>dicye angstsFUCK YOU CAPTCHA
>>30049313>>30049319>>30049324For fucks sake, I hope we're getting a good bonus for all these clever write-ins because the fucking dice aren't being generous.
>>30049365Yea, thatd be great
>>30049365Well at least i was able to help since i rolled a 13 at the start.
>>30049365GLORIOUS ALLIESBASED [SOMEONE] NOTICED JOHN FUCKING UP AND SAVED HIM
>>30049365SAFE!
>>30049365Shadow seems to have inordinately good or inordinately bad luck with d20s.
>>30049339Not if she actually follows up with info about her and calls him out on his bullshit.This way it leaves Fang completely shaken up and out of control of the situation and makes Melody very obviously against him.It completely dispels the notion of them working together.
>>30049365THANK YOU
>>30049365YEEEESSSFUCKINGYESSSSSS
>>30049365HEEEEEY>>30049377>All that work with arguing and dialogue and planning whatever and nothing! FUCKING NOTHING!You're telling me. You had to beat a 15 with two rolls on that one. A FIFTEEN.Shadow Quest dice scare me.
>>30049431>The DC was 15Man, those fucking dice.Dose fookin' dice m8
>>30049410>This way it leaves Fang completely shaken up and out of controlShaken yes, but i doubt we could see him being physically shaken, this plan hinges on fang reacting and people paying attention to him.
>>30049431I'm just glad you gave us a hefty bonus. Thanks SM.
>>30049459And on how Melody will react to us revealing her secret which we promised not to.
>>30049431>You're telling me. You had to beat a 15 with two rolls on that one. A FIFTEEN..... how many times has this happened, SQM?You usually don't mention dice difficulties at ALL, but I get the feeling this Dice Fuckery is kind of a, ah.....recurring trend.
>>30049459Fang will react. The fact that you don't think someone is going to react to discovering their long lost love is alive and chewing them out is completely bizarre.On top of that, of course people are going to pay attention to him, especially if the fucking Black Lady showed up and starts publicly talking to him.
>>30049483I recall we had to beat a dc of two numbers above 10 out of three and failed with three single digits.
>>30049475It was a fucking 15, we needed tow roll two dice above 15, to even pass it.This is the opposite of good.
>>30049511we rolled higher on D20's than we did on d100's
>>30049516On the d100, Anon. Not on the d20.I'd say a 85% success rate is pretty great.
>>30049508There have been moments where fang should have been shaken up to that point and he was stiff as a stone anon, your also over estimating his love for her.(he still loves her, but forget that time and being a huge cunt does to some one.)
>>30049483Most DCs are between 20-50. I've gone as high as "two dice must be 70 or above". I think I may have put a DC 80 on you eating Raziel's face off, but if I recall correctly you rolled 100 back then.
>>30049554At least come up with another way to dispel the notion that the two are heavily corroborating.I personally think this is the simplest method to do it but if it's that big of a deal not to let's try to find another way.I feel like everyone is ignoring how much power Fang has over this whole procession by having the Black Lady's reveal rely on him and how much we need to take that power away. Right now, our biggest thing over him is the Melody secret.
>>30049625>corroboratingFucking auto-correct.
>>30049585We did. It was a beautiful thing.He still tossed us off, but the damage was done.
>>30049625Well we can just straight up say that we came to visit the black lady first, but that would put more power on us.There is also a chance of The black lady kneeling to us.(i remember she consider us a god in a way)There are way to dispel the notion, but they also create the problem of making us seem pretty big.
You know, it probably would've been easier to just go with "Smile enigmatically." It worked last time.
>>30049431>You had to beat a 15 with two rolls on that one.how can my soul feel this way over something so small
>>30049678Those sound worse than the Melody idea. Hell, they don't even properly address Fang or the Black Lady properly, they solely make us just look big.
>>30049678That doesn't really dispel the notion, it just draws their attention away from it for a bit.
>>30049678We could teleport her in someplace private, and then let her "reveal" herself on her own as a concerned party, rather than having Fang do anything... too visible.
"Lord Flint, who do you think the next Archmage of Archon will be once Yi Fang steps down?""His niece the Lady Fang might make a reasonable guess.""That's exactly right," you say. "I don't need to keep Fang in check, because he's already preparing to pass the torch. We don't really need to keep Yi Fang in check. You should be more worried about impressing Abigail."Harvan seems intrigued. He frowns at you thoughtfully. "...elaborate.""Fang has spent the past few months personally training her in magic - and she's learned politics in a far harsher place than Arland.""...Archon is said to be a viper's den.""It is," you say. "But more than that - the Archonium was her crucible. Councilorhood was the hammer that beat her sharp. And Fang's personal guidance is the polish on the sword that is Lady Abigail Fang."This is his game, you see. His big joke. He gets to show up, stand tall, and brandish himself like an ugly curse that no one can bear to look at - and then promptly do nothing while the future leader of his country makes all the important decisions. Just look at him. He's more interested in enjoying your father's wine than anything."You both glance to the buffet table. Fang is currently engaged with Duke Vellik, and is in fact having his wine glass refilled bya servant with a rather nervous and shivering grip on his decanter. Fang gives the servant his trademark evil smile, and the man nearly collapses as he backs away, bowing repeatedly.>con't
>>30049678This is a social gathering. Even something so simple as walking up to her, extending an arm, and introducing "I'm sure you all have heard of her, by reputation or not, but now you have a chance to meet her. You know her as the Black lady, but I call her Melody - and I promise, she doesn't bite"Shows that this is a Huge Happening, that we're in control of it and planned it, only adding to the air of enigma that is John Nyx, and puts her instantly on even footing with the rest of the party - a stark contrast to
MOTHERFUCKERWHY HASN'T ANYONE ASKED DONOVAN IF THERE ARE MANA POOLS IN ARLAND?!THAT CAN BECOME IMPORTANT! IN WAYS!
"...maybe..." Harvan looks back to you. "Maybe you've a fair point, Lord Nyx. But it boils down to one simple fact: a request that I trust you, a shadow mage from nowhere, who seemingly commands the loyalty of half the world, that joining your group is in Arland's best interest.""Donovan can vouch for me," you say. "He has Arland's interests at heart, as well. He is the lord's son, after all.""...Donovan." Harvan looks back at the dace floor, but his eyes wander around the partners, drifting, looking to the far wall. "...he's changed. Grown into something different." He finishes off his wine glass. "I haven't spoken to him, really, since he's returned. I think I need to do that."He looks to Arcturis's group. Donovan and Arcturis himself are currently speaking to one another. Auriel, Great Tree, and Valeria are in the same group, along with Gerald and Lord Prule Waterford.It seems you've gotten Harvan to at least consider the possibilities. But do you press your advantage?>ask Harvan about Donovan>ask Harvan about the war situation, and his opinion on the state of affairs>"No time like the present." Walk with him to Arcturis's group.>It was a pleasure speaking with you, Lord Flint. I pray for your favorable opinion.>write-in
>>30049729Could work, since i believe no one knows how she looks like except the angels.>>30049700>>30049727True, how about instead of a grand entrance she just sneaks into the party while we escort her and socialize and then at the end we reveal she is the black lady?
>>3004969694.67% success probability./tg/ dice.
>>30049766>"No time like the present." Walk with him to Arcturis's group.It is rude, after all, to enter a conversation without being introduced.
>>30049766>>"No time like the present." Walk with him to Arcturis's group.
>>30049766>"No time like the present." Walk with him to Arcturis's group.Big stuff is going down with a group that large.LET'S GOOOO!
>>30049770That still doesn't address the public's concern over the Black Lady and the guy who is supposed to be the vanguard in protecting the rest of the world from her invading them aren't buddy-buddy. Just with her being part of our alliance that's going to happen regardless of how quietly reveal her.We NEED a public display of Melody and Fang being at odds with each other.
Guys...GUYS!WE DID IT! We didn't fuck up talking to somebody important!
>>30049832Guess Shadow is finally learning basic social skills.
>>30049832We paid our taxes for the first time!
>>30049831>We NEED a public display of Melody and Fang being at odds with each other.Then that's what we'll suggest to both of them, they're good enough actors to pull it off and experienced enough to understand the reasons why. Good idea anon.
>>30049831Can you please explain why revealing the black ladys name will do anything?Without it hinging on fangs expression.I do agree with showing that she is only here for Abigail though.
>>30049897Well here is an idea, reveal to fang before the party and have him act is a decent plan.>>30049920Here.
>>30049766>. "...he's changed. Grown into something different.""Donovan stumbled out the door on a quest for knighthood - half an excuse to leave arland behind. And on the way, he learned not to stumble. Remember, the demonslayer isn't a boy anymore.">>"No time like the present." Walk with him to Arcturis's group.
>>30049942That does put the ball in his court though, unless you're not worried he'll try to pull something. I'm not really convinced of that myself.
>>30049920It's not her name I want, it's her story.No one knows a single thing about the Black Lady. She just showed up one day and took over the entire north according to everyone else. Getting an idea of who she actually is, in front of a person that actually knew her before becoming the Black Lady(and seeing her disagree and shake up a person everyone hates), is very beneficial to making her more than just a mysterious blood sucking boogeyman. The fact that it also knocks down one of our biggest problems with selling the alliance is more icing on the cake.
>>30049766Your right he has changed, you know him well enough to know that he wouldnt put Arland and its people at risk, his people, over something he didnt think would work. He has been gone for six years and has returned a deamon slayer who has traveled half the world and brought it together to slay the rest and even somehow woowed the fifth highest, certainly something in him has changed for the better, he has gained his confidence and look what he has accomplished with it.
>>30050014Care to say how he will, i myself can't see him twisting it to his advantage with out compromising the surprise.>>30050022Well her telling her story is another matter completely, and we can have her name reveal to be at the end instead of the beginning.
>>30049741Dat feelz when I wrote that and it was embellished into something beautifulnever stop sm!
"There's no time like the present," you say, gesturing in that direction.Harvan looks at you, then looks back at the group. He deposits his wine glass on the tray of a passing servant, then starts forward. "I suppose you're right."You arrive at the group in short order. "So," Arcturis is saying, "that was what that hubbub was about earlier? You and that Nyx man beating back the Kanian hordes?""It was a bit more involved than that, my lord," Donovan says. "But...more or less.""Eh. Good. I'm sure it put some courage in that spine of yours." Arcturis looks up. "Speak of the shadow. Harvan.""My lord," Harvan says, nodding to his father. He gestures to you. "The Lord Nyx.""Here he is in person," Arcturis says. "The insane bastard that fights demon lords and imagines that if Yi Fang's forces come within a 100-mile distance of my army that I won't begin positioning to attack him."Harvan clears his throat. "Donovan. I had wanted to make mention...it is good to see you well. Might we speak alone, for a moment?"Donovan seems surprised. He nods. "Of course."They sidle out of the group. Arcturis's attention flicks back to you. You're glad that Auriel is standing right next to you. Her face looks set for a war. Gerald is standing at his father's side, sizing you up once more.Matthel emerges from the group, taking a spot somewhere between you and them, next to Great Tree and Valeria."You heard my last words?" Arcturis says. "Lord Nyx?""I did, my lord.""And? What do you think of them?">strategy
>>30050112I enjoy the process. I'm glad you were included.>>30050137That was me, by the way.
>>30050137Welp.Here comes four more hours of discussion!
>>30050137"Just like I was telling your son Harvan earlier, it seems like everyone's too focused on Fang and not on anything else."
>>30050137"I think you're far too hung up on your hate for our ineffectual sack of bones to see the greater threat to Arland."
>>30050184Side-effect of current affairs, unfortunately.This will be the only night that is spent in detailed conversation with individual people for this length of time, because while it's fun to write, the sheer magnitude of the dialogue is very unwieldy. It's pretty much diplomacy general for a bit, and then pace will pick up again.Oh, how the pace will pick up.
>>30050137"I think you're as protective of Arland as much as we're wanting for allies to fight with against Kan-Abar."
>>30050137"I think that this world will go to the madmen, my lord, because those sane enough to stand alone will fall. Alone."
>>30050137>Auriel>>30050137>Gerald>>30050137>Matthel>>30050137>Great>>30050137>ValeriaWe have an AUDIENCE. we need to speak to everyone, because we have the stage and everyone important has eyes on us.Writign some of my own lines, but keep this in mind while writing yours!
>>30050137>>30050284>"And? What do you think of them?""I think it would be a step in the right direction - that is, out of the door and doing something. Everyone is so hung up on yi fang that they are forgetting old rivalries. I'm glad I brought him. He's the one thing that could unify arland's dissenting families and lords for long enough to listen - and for donovan to change their minds, some. He's grown a lot, both on the road and while we were on Xile."Yeah, we're talking to Arcturius, its time to drop the family heritage-bomb.
>>30050201>>30050208Pretty sure that angle is not going to work on someone as stubborn as Arcturis.Right now we should try and earn his respect without trying to push the alliance.
>>30050208Maybe wave a hand dismissively and tack on "Honestly, he's only the ruler of Archon in name only. It bothers me deeply that, as demons slaughter your allies and raid within your borders, you're more interested in what a retired old man might, maybe, possibly do."
>>30050360Humor at troop deployments, and honest take on fang, and a personal stake on xile?FUND IT
>>30050137I believe you mistake reason unclouded by bias for madness, my lord. I see no difference between the prejudice that Yi Fang and Archon pile upon Arland and the prejudice that you would place on his shoulders. Quite frankly, I think you're both too close to the matter to see it clearly."
I like how everyone collectively seemed to stop giving a fuck even though we're talking to the hardest nut to crack here.
...vellik was talking with fang.Vellik was talking with Fang.WHY DIDN'T ANYONE SAY ANYTHING?!Fang AND Vellik?! That's trouble!
>>30050360I'll second this.
>>30050072>Care to say how he willHow should I know the specifics? He'd see an opportunity and he'd jump on it. I've already said I don't believe he'd do it though, there's too much at stake and he'd be fucking over Abby by leaving her with a pissed off alliance who won't back her if Sandy tries to start shit.
>>30050360I like your style, anon. Thirding motion to FUND IT.
>>30050360It seems a bit messy to be honest.
>>30050254I'm down with diplomacy general.OH MAN THESE CHARACTERS ARE DEEP AS HELL IT'S ACTUALLY INTERESTING!
>>30050360Sounds a tad insulting.
>>30050489Arcturis seems like someone who respects bluntness. Besides, he's a tad insulting himself.
>>30050360>and for donovan to change their minds, some.what do you actually mean to say here? i can't parse it
>>30050479I'll second this. I agree entirely>>30050254>This will be the only night that is spent in detailed conversation with individual people for this length of time, because while it's fun to write, the sheer magnitude of the dialogue is very unwieldy. It's pretty much diplomacy general for a bit, and then pace will pick up again.I think what I'd like to see is one Initial Party (like where we are now) to set the stage and people's feelings towards us, and then a much more focused Negotiations phase where its more to the point and one-on-one than this general diplomacy.Basically, get to know the players then sit down at the table. Plus maybe a few shakeups/sidequests - talking to people in Arland, dropping the black lady bomb, parasite curing, etc
>>30050419This.You're kind of talking to the fucking King and everyone thinks thinly-veiled insults and humor is the way to go.
>>30050537>I think what I'd like to see is one Initial Party (like where we are now) to set the stage and people's feelings towards us, and then a much more focused Negotiations phase where its more to the point and one-on-one than this general diplomacy.Well, yeah, that's happening after dinner, when the majority of guests leave.
>>30050539It can't ruin everything, what's to worry about?Or do you want to be all "high road" with it, eh?
>>30050519I think he's saying "And for Donovan to change some of their minds (about his own competence, or lack thereof)."I think.
>>30050592I actually don't think it's all that bad of an approach.I'm just surprised /tg/ has the balls to go with it.
>>30050637The King just seems like the sorta asshole that likes other assholes.
>>30050539>You're kind of talking to the fucking King and everyone thinks thinly-veiled insults and humor is the way to go.This is diplomacy. Arcturius is a giant stick in the mud. This isn't as bad of an approach as you think it is.Rather, we're speaking his language now.Showing that we 'get him' is a good way to get his attention and respect.>>30050519>i can't parse itIts a conversation opener, nothing more. Donovan is the prodigal son returning! everyone is so happy to see them, they haven't gotten around to asking him what he WANTS.Everyone is worried he has political motivations, romantic ones, how he's going to fit back into the family structure.having the returning royalty convince his ol family of WHAT, exactly, indeed IS the question of the hour that everyone wants to know, and breaching the topic to his dad is the only sensible person who deserves to hear it first, and firsthand.This is diplomacy
>>30050637>>30050659I'll admit. It does sort of flow well with the tone of the conversation.
>>30050659do you mean he's gay?
>>30050659Well he did decide to start actually speaking with Donovan only after he beat the fuck out of his older brother.Which says quite a lot about him.
>>30050137"It seems like an awful waste of Arland's military might to insist on brandishing your weapons at Archon while Kan Abar continues to pick away at your borders.I would only wish for you to recognize that there are fiends greater than Yi Fang on this earth, Lord Flint, even in spite of your history with him. Donovan can tell you as much. He has stood against them.And while it may seem distasteful at first, I can say from experience that fighting alongside those you may otherwise have found yourself in opposition to can often be quite instructive.">>30050360> forgetting old rivalriesWe're literally talking to him about how he's so caught up in his oldest rivalry that he'd be willing to drop an ACTUAL war to have his men brandish their spears at Yi Fang. This seems very, very incorrect.
>>30050703>We're literally talking to him about how he's so caught up in his oldest rivalry that he'd be willing to drop an ACTUAL war to have his men brandish their spears at Yi Fang. This seems very, very incorrect.It's called sarcasm.
>>30050360At the end when we mention Xile could be conveniently have one of the gold coins on us to show for a more dramatic effect.
>>300507342cliche4me.sanjanamontiaegro
>>30050360I think the first line is good but the rest could be replaced with some other post's argument.
Seems like there's a lot of differing opinions, here.Well, carry on.Are we going to be borderline-insulting blunt or more politically correct? Edge in a mention of Xile?
>>30050787More politically correct.Leave Xile-talk to Donny.
>>30050787Polite and mention Xile
>>30050734yeah we could flick it into the air and he'd catch it dramatically lol no.If only we'd put Flints share in our pocket, we could have dumped it in front of him.
>>30050787Let's replicate a giant waffle and run in circles throwing spaghetti everywhere.
>>30050787Let's mention Xile to pique his interest but if he presses we say that that is donnys story to tell.
>>30050734Oh hell yes. Work this in. Bring one out of hte pocket, and give it to Arcturius.Truth be told, the bit amount mentioning Xile is a stinger - which i didn't elaborate on.The follow up is this, for when he has Hemmelus' raection of " You've been to XILE?!" is "Its a dangerous place. A seriously dangerous place, more than any army or spell on the land. Magics and warspells from the elementomachy run rampant, the heart of the skysever sustains it, blood magics of the black hand still active, and dragons too. The danger of that place cannot be understated - but it made me realize just how serious a pentarch is, and would be, if magics of that caliber were to start a war now. In a way, that adventure is why I'm here now. ">>30050787Politically correct but blunt.Mention xile
>>30050787More politically correct. I kind of like the humor of the first sentence of >>30050360 but the rest is taking it too far.
>>30050787Blunt, but don't go crazy with it. Arcturis doesn't seem like the kind of guy who appreciates politically correct, but I'd wager he also doesn't much like having his authority challenged.I'm more or less ambivalent about bringing up Xile.
>>30050787Politically correct bluntness.>>30050756>>30050811Kind of a cliche, but sometimes those are needed.
>>30050833Seconding
>>30050847Oh and bring up Xile.
>>30050787Leaning towards politically correct, but we should still deliver a few cutting remarks.I'd say we should definitely mention Xile. As cliche as it is, we should totally do the coin flip thing.
How do we go politically correct blunt? Maybe post an example of what you mean?
>>30050875>Leaning towards politically correct, but we should still deliver a few cutting remarks.Agreement. Part of John's charm is that he IS blunt.So i'd vote for straight and to the point, but.... polite instead of crass
>>30050833Seconding, seems to really show him how serious we are.
Don't you guys think that as a descendent of Xile he'd get angry at the fact we looted it, and are flaunting it in his face?
Ok, writing.I think this will be the final post for today, clearing the driveway of a foot of snow tired me out a bit.
>>30050787Blunt, but not offensive.Edge in a mention of Xile, but if he pursues it, simply brush it off and tell him to ask Donovan about it.This fills two objectives: It makes him want to hear the story, but it also forces him to talk to Donovan alone and actually acknowledge that he's pretty hot shit now.
>>30050935Nah, cause he wants to loot it too. Besides, donny looted it and he is a flint.
>>30050935Yep.It's actually Yi Fang tier douchery to fling a Xile coin about in front of him. Or at the very least it would make Fang proud.
>>30050935As if Arcturis wouldn't loot the shit out of Xile like the greedy fuck that he is.
>>30050948SM, why must you tease us like this?
>>30050935>roll a 1>he doesn't catch the coin and he just hits his face>dead silence for three minutes
>>30050999No, since it wasn't us but flint who did it. Plus it'll make him take us more seriously.
>>30051037>Auriel desperately suppressing laughter>Shadow looking stoic
>>30051037>you accidentally launch the coin at mach 3 and it leaves a very noticeable indentation on his face when it eventually falls to the floor.>Roll d20
Rolled 3>>30051089Can only end well.
>>30051037>>30051076>"...I'll try again.">another coin to the face
>>30051101>Rage burns silently in Arcturis' eyes "You da-", is as far as he gets before he is interrupted by Fang.
>>30051147> Fang holds up a small black cylinder and says "there's someone I'd like you to meet"
I want to point out that the Archonium has a extreme changing effect on those who enter it and those who know about it probably are probably more than a little impressed with both Abigail and us. We had the fortitude to not only enter it ourselves but to rescue another person within it. Those who see us as a human will have to give us more credence.
>>30051184I really want to see an image with Yi Fang in an exaggerated shrugging pose captioned with "I don't even give a fuck~!"
>>30051113>"Damn it, just catch the-">"It isn't hard if you just-">"Move your hands you bas-!">"STOP IT!"
>>30051184>Black Lady teleports in, knocking table full of food and wine onto Arcturis
"I think it would be a step in the right direction - that is, out the door and doing something.""Hmph." Arcturis folds his arms. "You mean to say I'm an old fart sitting around while demons are knocking down my borders. I shouldn't be hung up on the archmage while we have bigger fish to fry. Is that it?""In not so many words, my lord, yes, that is what I mean to say.""Well, you're wrong," he says. "I know that you all -" He gestures toward you and Auriel as a unit. "- have more in your back pockets than you're letting on. Well, so do I. I don't need Fang, I don't like him, and I pray to the Light for the day that he rots in his crypts in regret and loneliness. What do you have to say about that?""I think you're missing the point.""What?""Yi Fang is one variable in this alliance," you tell him, "and I hardly care to defend him. But he's one man, that many of us - including myself - are tolerating, not embracing. We recognize that it's better to have him here, at our side, than at our backs. But I'm glad he's with us.""And why is that? The stench of death certainly isn't adding to the atmosphere.""Because he's strong enough to tip the scales," you say. "I don't plan on being friends with him, but we need to look at the worst case scenario. He's no more excited about a demonic Pentaverate than anyone else.">con't
>>30051219> Sandalthong busts down the door with the rest of the highest
"You know, I like you, John," Arcturis says. "You're not trying to trick me into anything. But what you haven't done is give me a reason to give a damn about anything that spouts out of your mouth.""Don't take my word for it," you say. "Talk to Donovan.""What a safe and easy answer, John Nyx. My son has been away for six years, and while he's finally risen above the level of a complete and total failure he's got a long way to go before he has my ear upon demand.""I'm sure you'll pay better attention when he tells you about our trip to Xile."The area around you falls silent. The dancing music from across the room drifts over you. The Arland nobles stare at you.Arcturis leans forward. "...what did you say?" >you'll have to ask Donovan about it>I suppose he didn't get that far, did he?>We found an airship up there, actually. It's quite something. Well, if you'll excuse me.>write-in
>>30051291>I suppose he didn't get that far, did he?With a big ol' shit eating grin.
Rolled 80>We found an airship up there, actually. It's quite something. Well, if you'll excuse me.
>>30051291>>I suppose he didn't get that far, did he?>>We found an airship up there, actually. It's quite something. Well, if you'll excuse me.
>>30051291>We found an airship up there, actually. It's quite something. >I suppose he didn't get that far, did he?>Well, if you'll excuse me.
>>30051291>>I suppose he didn't get that far, did he?
>>30051291>I suppose he didn't get that far, did he?>We found an airship up there, actually. It's quite something. Well, if you'll excuse me.Lets go dance with Abigail.
>>30051291> I suppose he didn't get that far, did he?
>>30051291>>I suppose he didn't get that far, did he?>>We found an airship up there, actually. It's quite something. Well, if you'll excuse meThen coin flip
>>30051291>I suppose he didn't get that far, did he?>Well, if you'll excuse me.
>>30051291>"...what did you say?"Giant grin."Hemmelus was the first to find out. Donovan's new cloak, of the knights of aeolus? He was the only one who recognized it. ">>I suppose he didn't get that far, did he?"I've been there. So has donovan, abigail, and auriel. I've been to the island of your heritage, and I know how to get back. You're man of action and tradition, arcturius - you won't respect something without proof. so I brought you a souvenier.">give coin to arcturiusGuys, we STOLE AN AIRSHIPkeep that in our back pocket.Everything else tho? Go fo it.
>everyone voting to leaveexplain yourselves
>>30051381...Does Shadow know how to flip a coin? I can tell you, it took me a few tries to figure it out.
>>30051328>>30051327NO DON'T TALK ABOUT IT, IT IS ONE OF OUR TRUMP CARDS!
>>30051291>>I suppose he didn't get that far, did he?"If you can trust me on anything, it's that 'above the level of a complete and total failure' is an extraordinary understatement."I don't really want to mention the airship outright, since it would probably lead to him wanting it back. It was once one of Aeolus' ships, after all.
>>30051402guys lets not tell him about the airship, he technically owns it
>>30051411A dramatic exit to give Donovan the spotlight.We should telepathically brief Donovan that he's about to be put on the spot though.
>>30051411It's to force the king to Perdue us if he wants more informationEg it gives us power in the conversationThe figurative high ground
>>30051276>start demanding our immediate arrest and executionit's going to happen isn't it
>>30051402Seconding.
>>30051402>and I know how to get back"There's a reason all the stories you hear about me second hand are understatements, arcturius. Its not that I'm modest. Its that the truth if often more unbelievable">>30051422AGREEDDo NOT mention airship - yetdo NOT leave. we just got the attention of EVERYONE. No fucking around with abigail and leaving to dance!>>30050284Remember this. We have literally everyone paying attention to us now
>>30051411We want to leave him to fill in the blanks. We found a god damn airship, what else did we find?Let his own imagination do the work for us.
>>30051422Not that it is a shadow wind airship that we artifacted
>>30051402I like keeping our trump card as a trump card, with this.
>>30051448>A dramatic exit to give Donovan the spotlight.>We should telepathically brief Donovan that he's about to be put on the spot though.DINGDING DING DING winner winner chicken dinnerNOW is the time for impressions and giving him confidence>>30051448No. bad idea. If we tell this story, we tell it TOGETHER, with donovan.We can't pass up this opportunity to put both ourselves and donovan at the top of everyone's list.
Vote 1:>coin flip>Here's proof for you. Stamped with Aeolus's form.Vote 2:>don't do the coin flip, that's just silly. Just leave him with the fact that you've been there.Vote 3:>no coin flip; instead, mention the airshipVote 4:>all in. Do the coinflip and mention the airship for maximum dramatic showcasing.
>>30051291>I suppose he didn't get that far, did he?Maybe not "Coin flip", but hand him the coin.
>>30051291"It would be best if you learned it from your son. But I will say this: it isn't impossible to go back there."
>>300515051
>>300515052
>>300515054
>>30051505I like waiting for Donovan as >>30051499 is than any of those choices.
>>30051505Coin flipGet DonovanLet story time commence
>>30051505Can we just hand him the coin?
>>30051505 In addition to the coin flip do this before hand.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BJguHmvFoc
I hope people know that flipping a coin is an agility test, it's not that easy and we've never done it before...
>>30051507>>30051566This. Coin flip is just plain silly.
>>30051574>not that easy to dowatit's fucking simple
>>30051505cutting off votes.
>>30051602d20 for style?
>>30051599So is passing a DC check of 15.
Alright, we'll just hand him the coin.Writing.
>>30051594Here's the thing about coin flip.he may view it as theft
>>30051505Subtract saying anything, just flip the coin and walk away.
>>30051631>you stole my penny
>>30051625Thank god. I'd be really annoyed if we went from being modest and shit to outright flaunting his own heritage over him like a showboater.
This is great, we haven't just elevated his opinion of Flint, Abby and Auriel were there too along with us. He'll be so busy admiring our massive balls that he'll agree to whatever the fuck we want.
If I remember correctly, didn't we set aside part of the treasure we got for Donovan and Arland? We should bring that up.
>>30051763As well as having a way to get back.
You produce a coin from the small stash you keep in your pocket, which you imagine is as good as producing one from your sleeve.>mana: 53/58You take the few steps to the Lord of Arland and offer the coin to him. "Stamped with Aeolus's form."He takes the coin from you, lifts it up. It glints in the light. The profile of a dragon's head is raised slightly off the surface of the gold."...how did you do it?""You'll have to ask Donovan. It's his story to tell." You give him a deep bow from your waist. "My lord. Respectfully, I believe your words, 'above the level of a complete and total failure' are a gross understatement."You back away, still facing him, and then turn when you're at a polite distance and walk off. Auriel flashes a quick smirk at you. You take that as a good thing. You slide through the wall of nobles, ignoring the gazes.Yi Fang and Duke Vellik are standing not far outside the group. Vellik purses his lips and nods. "Not bad. Wouldn't you say so, archmage?""A fine assessment, my dearest duke. He's starting to get good at this. Makes an old lich nervous.""We all must leave the nest at some point.""Quite." Fang raises an eyebrow. "You know, I get the distinct feeling that Arcturis doesn't particularly care for me.""Nonsense. He's just being a little gruff.""You're probably right."----------------TO BE CONTINUEDProbably...Saturday, in the evening.
>>30051808See you later SM-_no_
>>30051808Thank you Based SM.
>>30051808STAY
Rolled 18>>30051808>You know, I get the distinct feeling that Arcturis doesn't particularly care for me.Fang pls.
>>30051808I can't tell if these two scheming fuckers are good friends or not.
>>30051808Oh Fang, you lovable bastard.I gotta say SM, Yi Fang is one of my favourite quest characters ever. He's so utterly fucking contemptible and smarmy, but at the same time suave and lovable. He is the very personification of the phrase 'Magnificent Bastard'.
>>30051921We do need to ask them what they've been up to
>>30051921So is Velik. Shame he hasn't had as much screen-time.
>>30051808Aah you're such a tease, you know that.
>>30051921That's pretty much what I was going for, so I'm glad you feel that way.>>30051962Tee-hee!
>>30051808I love you, SM. Thanks for the thread.
>>30051808Somehow I knew that Fang and the Duke would get along.Now you have left me wanting to see them interact more as a result. Well done SM and thanks for the thread.
>>30052104And then Fang and the Duke found and co-head the Covert Operations and Information Division of our Alliance...
>>30052176What could go wrong?The NSA is born
>>30052176I wouldn't put it past them.
>>30052176For some reason I get the feeling they are somehow going to rope Adavan into such a organization.
