>>31126965
>A) Get up
>D) Be sure not to wake her, get to cleaning ourselves

>>31126965
>A) Get up

>>31127021
>>31127025
You carefully rise out of the bed and don your trousers and boots. You then begin making your way outside.

As you emerge onto the street, you see all the villagers have already risen and have begun to set out large wooden tables, as well as bonfires over which they place cookpots and grills. You tap one of the passers by for information.

"The mayor has declared that we should have a celebration breakfast for the three of you, since you saved us from the monsters. Be patient, things will be ready soon. Once you've eaten, the Ranger has stated that you'll leave, so please enjoy yourselves for the time being."

A) Find Leon
B) Wake Annalise
C) Other

>>31127197
>C) Do a little morning training before breakfast

>>31127235
Seconding. Gotta keep in shape, man.

>>31127235
>>31127197
And yeah remember to wake up Annalise
so
>A
too

>>31127235
>>31127249
Seeing as the villagers are willing to treat you, you decide to work up a proper appetite with some exercise. You go for a jog around the perimeter of the town, completing three laps before stopping for some floor exercises. You work up a sweat with some simple muscle toning, up until Leon finds you.

"Well, I guess you guys are dedicated." He smiles, squatting down beside you as you work to keep the washboard abs the paladins pride. "It's about time to eat. Why don't you go sit down, I'll get the good lady."

A) Agree
B) Go yourself
C) Other

>>31127404
>B) Go yourself

>>31127404
>B) Go yourself
"Nah, go eat first man, you deserve after last night"

>>31127448
>>31127449
Leon shrugs and heads toward the gathering place. You stand and wipe the sweat from your brow before going to fetch Annalise.

The house is just as quiet as when you left, and just as dark. When you enter the bedroom, Annalise is still curled up beneath the blankets. You approach and shake her by the shoulder. She opens her eyes and you explain about breakfast, and the villagers wanting to see you off.

"That sounds great. I can't though, I'm too tired to get up. You'll have to carry me there." Annalise smiles and raises her arms up to the sky, as if she were a toddler.

A) Toss her boots at her
B) Tell her Leon will eat her share if she doesn't hurry
C) Other

>>31127600
>C) Other
Carry her there.

>>31127600
I change threads and suddenly everyone is gone. Odd world.

>>31127600
>C) Princess carry her

>>31127624
It's kind late in some places, like europe.
Plus they could be having dinner

or they're scared of that clusterfuck

>>31127623
>>31127641
You reach down and scoop Annalise up on your arms. She screams as you carry her out of the room. By the time you're outside, she has calmed down, and the town cheers for you both as you exit the house.

You set her down on a bench near Leon, and sit next to her. Soon the villagers begin shoving plates of hot food at you faster than you can serve yourselves. The meal is a delicious mix of everything the town has stored away, now that they can get to the fields again. Annalise takes it upon herself to feed you bites from her plate. This causes several of the men, including Leon, to snicker, while many of the women swoon and giggle. At the end of the feast, all three of you have bulging bellies. Leon goes off to ready the horses, and you are left to carry Annalise back to the house so that her feet don't track mud into her boots.

By noon, all three of you are saddled and ready to go.

A) Ride until nightfall
B) Ride through the night

>>31127624
It's like 2am where I am, so that might account for it.

>>31128054
>B) Ride through the night

>>31128054
>B) Ride through the night

>>31128088
Seconding, but we should light some torches up: necromancy is common here and the undead dislike fire.

>>31128088
agreed

>>31128088
>>31128100
You spur Pedro on, and the three of you ride from noon until morning, stopping only to feed the horses. This continues on for three more days.

The air now begins to smell like still water. Bugs fly all around in mass clouds, waiting to land and drain you of your fluids. Annalise begins complaining of sweat on her chest from leaning on your back through the ride. Leon promises that this is only the beginning of the terror that is the great swamp.

Further south and eat you ride, until the ground becomes completely unreliable. The horses are forced to stomp through two feet of mud, all the way to a small town on the shore of a great bayou. The three of you stop to rest and refill.

"Now you two be careful around her. The residents of the swamp are eccentric, outspoken, and above all, dumb as a sack of bricks. We need to leave the horses here and continue on the water to get where we're headed, but we also need some gear. After we pick it up, we'll charter a raft and head out."

Annalise expresses her desire for a bath and a change of clothes, but Leon assures you any deal you make here will be theft, "as is the tradition of swamp folk."

A) Get what you need and leave
B) Rest for the night

>>31128306
>B) Rest for the night
but
>C) Make guard turns with Leon to make sure nobody fucks with us

>>31128350
Seconding

>>31128350
Thirding

>>31128350
You convince Leon to stay for one night. He is greatly displeased by this, and does not fail to show it throughout the rest of the night, especially verbally just out of earshot of the townfolk.

Just as Leon suggested, the people here seem quite odd. As you put money down for a room, you notice a large man attempting to breastfeed a bag of flour, as if it were just his daily business. Several shop owners seem only interested in trading for matchbooks, as well. Still, you power through it and eventually manage to get a single room for the night, as well as all the gear you'll need. When it comes time to turn in, Leon hopes to secure some food before bed.

"Shit as they may be, these people grill up a mean spiced gator leg. I'm gonna grab one. do you guys want anything? Crawdad? Roast possum?"

A) Tell him you aren't hungry
B) Ask for something

>>31128554
>B) Ask for something
"The cleanest meat they have"

>>31127624
sorry was playing goat simulator

>>31128554
>B) Ask for something
spice gator leg sounds nice

>>31128646
Not specific enough. We want two of the cleanest beef steaks they have. Not that we'll get it or anything, but we'll at least get something that tastes like it.

>>31128646
You place your order with Leon, and Annalise asks for something sweet, whatever it might be. Leon shrugs and heads out the bedroom door.

Before you know it, Annalise forces you onto the bed, and herself into your lap. She rests her head against your armored chest, and sighs long and rough.

A) Ask what's troubling her
B) Stay quiet

>>31128824
>A) Ask what's troubling her
Get it all out, honey.

>>31128844
>we sound more like the gay friend than the love intrest

>>31128824
>A) Ask what's troubling her
Something more like
"What's wrong Anna?"
Which is just plain, maybe do something lovey dovey like caress or w/e

>>31128844
>>31128950
You wrap and arm around Annalise and ask her to spill her guts. She takes a deep breath.

"This place is too hot, and it's so humid my hair is constantly on end so I have to tie it up and I hate doing that, plus I'm getting all sweaty and you probably think that's so gross and there's nowhere to wash it off and even if there was we have to share the only room in this whole stupid town with Leon which means we can't even cuddle like we did back at the village up north and" another breath "we have to sit here in this dank room and eat greasy gross food made from animals that a bunch of sticky swamp people keep as pets and even though I really like being on this trip with you guys I really really want to get out of here as soon as possible and get somewhere nicer where at least I don't sweat and maybe even somewhere with hot water that isn't full of stupid bug eggs!" She finally stops, panting a bit.

A) "There there."
B) Other

>>31129078
>B) Other
"We'll be out of here soon enough, just hold tight for now."

>>31129152
This, but tell her she isn't "gross," sweating is normal in this kind of place.

>>31129193
This sounds good, yeah.

>>31129152
>>31129193
You pick out her gross comment, and tell her that sweating is normal for anyone in this sort of place. While that seems to embarrass her, it also relaxes her. You also remind her that you'll be able to leave soon enough.

"Thank you. You smell like sweat." You lift your arm. It is pretty bad. The two of you sit tight until Leon returns, at which point Annalise hastily retreats from your embrace and crosses the room to a chair. When Leon enters, he senses some of the remaining tension and asks what happened, but Annalise bats it away by asking about the food.

"Oh, right. I couldn't understand a word the cook was saying, so I just ordered my thing and got two other things, whatever he decided to give me I guess. Let's see, we have... dry and spiced green lump, and what looks like charred meat but smells like horse spit."

A) Green thing
B) Horse spit

>>31129317
>B) Horse spit
Gotta get those broteins

>>31129193
They really got to get used to sweating with each other

>>31129317
>B) Horse spit

>>31129317
>B) Horse spit.

>>31129328
>>31129349
You take the lump of spit meat and Annalise takes the green lump. You'd describe the texture as brown, and the taste is somewhere between savory and shredded paper. Annalise seems to enjoy her meal, at least until the after taste kicks in. Leon on the other hand, really seems to scarf down the gator leg, even licking his fingers after. With all that done, the three of you decide to get some rest.

"You should take last watch, that way you have time to get your armor on before we go. I'll go second, and Annalise can go first." The plan seems solid, and you're about to agree, until Annalise chimes in again.

"U-um, maybe it's better if you take first watch. Yeah, I-i think that works better for everyone." Both of you look at her curiously. There isn't much advantage to switching around, and you know it.

A) Go with Leon's plan
B) Side with Annalise

>>31129533
Wait, who is who? Leon take first watch?
>B) Side with Annalise
"I don't really see why not, I don't mind"

>>31129533
>isn't much of an advantage
Lies and heresy we smut now

>>31129533
>B) Side with Annalise

>>31129561
>>31129586
You decide to go with Annalise's proposal. Leon groans, but agrees.

"Whatever, you religious people do all kinds of weird shit. If you need me I'll be outside." Leon stands and exits the room, leaving the two of you alone. As soon as Leon's footsteps stop, Annalise begins unfastening her leathers beneath her robes.

"Get your armor off. And don't look! We only have three hours before we switch."

A) Agree
B) Tell her it's more important to sleep

>>31129728
>A) Agree
Wait wait wait
What

>>31129728
>A) Agree

>>31129728
>A) Agree

>>31129786
>>31129819
>>31129830
Somewhat confused, you do as Annalise says and turn away, facing the opposite direction as you unfasten your plate and set it aside. As soon as you're out of your boots, something heavy rams into your back.

Annalise tackles you onto the bed, and scrambles to gather the flimsy pillow and thin blanket. She throws the blanket over the both of you and proceeds to press her back into your chest.

"I know I'm all sweaty, but just ignore it. Cmon, hurry!" You are unsure what she means, until she grabs your wrist and brings it around her waist. With that, she sighs and seems to calm down. "Finally. If I fall asleep, wake me up before Leon gets in here, okay?"

A) "Alright."
B) "Why all the fuss?"
C) Other

>>31129916
>A) "Alright."
>C) Follow her lead for a bit?
Well, uh
well

>>31129916
>A) "Alright."
>B) "Why all the fuss?"

>>31129972
>>31129977
You agree, and the two of you lie still, pressed against one another for a while. Soon, Annalise does indeed doze off, as evidenced by her breathing and increased body heat. You can't seem to bring yourself to pull away, despite the uncomfortable layer of sweat between you.

After an hour, you too begin feeling drowsy. The warmth of the bed and Annalise makes it difficult not to sleep, and it may be beneficial to get some rest anyway, since you'll be riding out early in the morning.

A) Sleep
B) Fight it

>>31130069
>B) Fight it
>C) Fight it harder
>D) Also Try to ignore your boner
Always works for me

>>31130069
>B) Fight it

>>31130101
this

>>31130108
>>31130101
You stave of sleep. Eventually you grow accustomed to the heat, and learn to savor it.

Hours pass, and eventually you can hear Leon drawing near the door. You try to shake Annalise, but she won't wake.

A) Forget it
B) Roll out of bed

>>31130166
>B) Roll out of bed

>>31130166
>B) Roll out of bed
>C) Cover her fast

>>31130166
>B) Roll out of bed

>>31130187
>>31130220
You fall out of the bed and hit the floor with a thud. Leon enters, and stares at your sweaty form on the floor, half wrapped in a blanket.

"Alright, I'll play along. Why, oh why are you on the ground. It truly is a mystery what a man and woman do alone in a bedroom when nobody else is around. Please, explain to me the situation so that I may finally understand the workings of human courtship."

A) "Shut up."
B) "Nothing happened."
C) Other

>>31130304
>A) Shut up
>C) Get out for a bit
>D) Wake Anna up once he's out

>>31130321
>>31130304
I ,might've fucked my vote up
Here's the clarification
>A) Say "Shut Up"
>B) Say "Get out for a bit, please?"
>C) Wake Anna up once he's out

>>31130304
>A) "Shut up."
>C) Other

wake her up

>>31130321
>>31130357
Seconding this

changing this >>31130363
to this >>31130357

>>31130357
>>31130366
>>31130406
Leon chuckles as he exits the room. When he's gone, you stand back up and carefully wake Annalise. She turns dreamily, then coughs like a smoker. You tell her that time is almost up. She frowns, but seems to understand. You cross the room and sit in the lounge chair, just as Leon reenters.

"Oh, boy am I ever tired! Standing watch for three whole hours really does take a lot out of you, especially when you know your friends are sleeping so soundly and several feet away from each other the entire time. It sure is good to know that no matter what happens, I can count on my two best pals to never mount one another and behave like it's springtime in the forest." You glare at him, but somehow the entire monologue seems to fly over Annalise's head, perhaps because of how sleepy she still is. "Alright girl, you're shift is up. Hand over the bed." Annalise yawns and stands up, slipping on her boots and taking up post outside. Leon strides over to the bed and kicks his own boots off before removing his cloak and leathers, and then reclining up against the wall.

"Pardon me, I don't want to sleep in the wet spot. You understand."

A) Ignore him and sleep
B) "It's sweat."
C) Other

>>31130518
>A) Ignore him and sleep

>>31130518
>B) "It's sweat."
>C) Sleep

>>31130518
>A) Ignore him and sleep

>>31130536
You ignore his japes and shut your eyes, hoping to get at least three hours before your shift comes up.

When it does, Annalise wakes you. Leon snores, fallen over on the bed. She mutters something about not being able to lay back down, but you hug her and tell her to rest. After she settles in and you steal the blanket from Leon to cover her, you lace up your boots and head out into the dark hallway. The inn, if it can be called that, is nearly pitch black except for the candles on the wall. Not even moonlight makes it down to the floor of the swamp. You sit, leaning against the wall and wait until sunrise.

Suddenly, you hear something flutter by the window, like a bird only not. You look over to see, but there appears to be nothing there. You wonder if it's your sleepy mind playing tricks.

A) Ignore it
B) Check it out

>>31130691
>B) Check it out

>>31130691
>B) Check it out

>>31130691
B
it'll keep us awake

>>31130773
>>31130759
>>31130715
Suddenly a feeling of dread has overcome me, I have a bad feeling about this for no reason at all??

>>31130715
>>31130759
>>31130773
You rise, and move toward the window at the end of the hallway. Unsurprisingly, there is no glass, only a frame. You poke your head out and look around. All clear. Just as you are about to pull your head back in, you notice something caught on a nearby bush. It seems a bit out of reach, fluttering in the wind, almost trying to escape.

A) Grab it
B) Ignore it

>>31130856
>A) Grab it

>>31130856
>A) Grab it

>>31130856
>A) Grab it
It's a tarp!

>>31130920
No it's
us from the future

>>31130866
>>31130918
>>31130920
You reach your hand out, stretching for the object. With a good deal of effort, you manage to snatch it just as it's about to fly away. You pull it back in and look at it. It appears to be a card, but slightly torn. You can't see it well in the dark, and so you bring it closer to one of the candles.

There, you check the back. Something about it is familiar. When you flip it over, something odd is printed on the face. A depiction of a skull, serving as the lock of a great iron gate, covered in chains. The gate itself floats in a sea of nothingness. The subtitle reads "Death."

A) Toss the card
B) Pocket it

>>31130989
>B) Pocket it

>>31130989
>B) Pocket it
>C) Mutter "Fucking soothsayer"

>>31130989
Shadowrun drive online.
>A) Toss that shit

>>31131009
>>31131017
You slip the card up your sleeve for safe keeping.

"Now now, should a paladin be taking what doesn't belong to him?" A low, gravely voice sounds from behind you. You whip around and see a short figure draped in robes. His bare feet stick out of the bottom, and in his gloved hands dances a deck of cards, similar in design to the one you've found.

A) Wake the others
B) Ask what he wants
C) Other

>>31131075
>C) Other
"If I just let it float away the owner might never find it. So I just take it and find out who to hand it back to"
>B) "What do you want with me?"

>>31131075
>C) Other
Hand that shit back

>>31131109
>>31131093
>>31131075
Mix these.

>>31131114
Seconding this motion.

>>31131114
>>31131133
You tell him your intentions were always to return it to it's rightful owner, if he could be found. You remove the card from your sleeve and hand it over to him.

"What? No, I don't want that. It's on you now, friend. I can read fortunes just as well with twenty-one cards, thank you very much."

You try to hand the card back to him again, but he merely turns his head. You ask him what he wants.

"What do I want? Me? Why, I was merely going about my business when suddenly a good friend of mine decides he's going to drop in without so much as telling me beforehand, so I can get a proper welcome ready. All I want is to be a good host."

A) Ask who he is
B) Tell him to take the card back and begone
C) Other

>>31131193
>A) Ask who he is
>C) Ask who this friend is
Damn, next are we meeting a bayou witch doctor or something?
We're screwed

>>31131193
Oh is his friend is the other card reader?
>A

>>31131209
>>31131245
You ask him who he is, and what friend he is intending to see.

"What? What friend? Oh, good sir you wound me. I feel a pain in my heart like no other. Why, no words from your lips could have cut so deep as these. It's almost as if... yes in fact it is! My heart leaps from my very chest." He peels back the robes to reveal a gaping wound, bleeding profusely enough that it begins to pour out onto the wooden floor in no time. He screams in agony, falling to his knees. "You! You've done this! This pain has been sown by your two hands!" You step back, against the wall as the floor around you floods with red, then black blood. It rises up to your ankles, then your knees. Soon the robed man is nothing but a hand, reaching out of the river of red to point an accusing finger at you. You try to scream as the stuff reaches up to your neck, but no sounds will come out.

Just as suddenly, it fades away.

"Ahaha! Good sir, fret not, for my illusion can do no true harm. It's me, you're good and best friend, Maurice the necr- I mean, mage! Mage is the word I was going to use." He pulls back his hood to reveal a smiling, scraggly face. He waddles over to you and wraps you into a rather smelly hug.

A) Push him off
B) Ask him what he's doing
C) Other

>>31131345
>C) Other
"You're the card mage from the city right? How did you get here?"

>>31131345
>C) Other
How you been doin Maurice

>>31131405
>>31131345
This

>>31131378
>>31131405
You realize now his identity, and as he squeezes you, you ask how he is and how he came to be here. He pulls away before answering.

"How did I get here? Why sir, I live here in this very swamp! Oh sure, it's a few miles across the water but what's a few miles for a close friend, yes? When I saw that you and yours were 'a' coming, why I just about flipped with joy. I packed up my travel tools and made my way here. Why the trip only took a few days. Anyhow, I am dog tired, so if you don't mind I think I'll have a rest whilst you finish up whatever it is you are doing in this old hallway." He smiles and makes for the room door.

A) Stop him
B) Let him go
C) Other

>>31131526
>A) Stop him
>C) Accompany him and introduce him to our friends like he's some good old buddy
everyone's face at us being friendly with an obvious bad guy

>>31131578
This

>>31131578
>>31131635
You stop him from entering, telling him that it will be better if you introduce him to the group. He seems to like the idea.

You open the door, waking Leon immediately. You are forced to raise your voice to wake Annalise. You introduce Maurice to them as a friend, who it seems will be joining you for the time being. He steps forward to bow before Annalise, taking her hand and placing a kiss on it. He also takes Leon's hand and shakes it vigorously, promising to be great friends with him. They each look at you confused and perhaps a bit afraid.

A) Tell them to get some sleep
B) Other

>>31131724
>A) Tell them to get some sleep

>>31131724
>B) Stick around, if Maurice wants to, talk

>>31131724
>>31131756
See y'all, gotta sleep eventually!

Love y'all mateys

>>31131724
>A) Tell them to get some sleep
>>31131780
Cya man.

>>31131780
Sounds wise as i am early morning tomorrow. Later mates, twas fun.

>>31131756
>>31131831
You tell the others to get some rest. Leon and Annalise both ease themselves back into a comfortable position, remaining somewhat tense as Maurice begins to produce a satchel, from which he draws a small pillow. He lifts his feet up, and they remain airborne, as does the rest of his body. He turns, reclining in mid-air with his head on the pillow, pulling his hood back up to cover his face. You shut the door.

Morning arrives and you enter the room. Everyone seems to have gotten to sleep after all. As you begin to don your armor, Leon stirs. He rises from the bed and begins pulling on his own leather.

"Okay, so last night was weird before you brought this guy in. Mind telling me who he is and why he floats?"

A) "He's a mage"
B) "Your guess is as good as mine."
C) Other

>>31131889
>A) "He's a mage"

>>31131903
Leon seems confused, but doesn't press the question.

Soon, you are all awake, fed, armored, and ready to hit the water. A few gold earns the group a raft fit to take onto the water, which Leon suggests will require shifts to pilot. As you begin to load your things onto the raft, Leon pays one of the locals to look after both your horses, saying that at most you'll be gone a day or two. He also snatches a chart from one of his saddle bags.

"Alright, if we go east, we should make it to the shrine by morning, and then the totem is as good as ours." From the comfort of the raft, Maurice laughs.

"Ya'll don't want to go east from here. You want to keep on south. That's the safe way."

"No, east is quicker, and avoids the deeps where the larger predators live. We're going that way."

"Friend, I've lived here in this bayou all my life and I'm telling you going south and doublin' back around is the better way. But, if'n you disagree then we can take your way." Leon turns to you, assuring you that east is the safer, faster way. Maurice chuckles.

A) Go east
B) Go south

>>31132036
>A) Go east

>>31132054
You side with Leon. A wide smile crosses his face, and he rolls up the chart. Maurice chuckles again, but says nothing.

The four of you shove off from shore, and begin making your way down the bayou, toward clouds of blood sucking bugs and ferocious water reptiles. All the while, the Death card is safely tucked away in your sleeve.

>>31132084
Since this is a good place to cut, I'll stop here and come back in the morning. As usual, I'll use this thread if it's still alive.

Sorry Spring, I know you're probably wide awake, but know that I really do love having you, and everyone else.

Goodnight, and see everyone in a few hours. This train is going all weekend long.

>>31132099
It's alright, it is a community based game, after all. See ya later.

Ya know, we always joke about how lewd handholding is. But, that bit about Anna getting so randy for a cuddle? That was just ridiculous.
And incredibly adorable.

Oh, also, sorry for skipping out. A friend I hadn't seen in months showed up at my door.

Keeping the thread alive.

You find yourself at the rear of a great raft, pushing yourself and your allies through thick and nearly opaque water toward a shrine far off in the distance. Leon stands at the bow, looking out over the water with a makeshift spear of driftwood, patiently waiting for one of the shallow-water fish to swim by. Annalise sits cross legged, clapping along as Maurice plucks the strings of some strange instrument, a round face and long slender neck which produce twangy, yet peppy tunes. Maurice himself sings with the chirping of the bugs and birds as his backbeat. The lyrics aren't so much coherent, but he does seem to have a sort of passion as he grumbles them out.

"Hey, after we get this totem, are we just gonna head straight east, or are we going to stop by home first?" Annalise looks up at you with wide eyes. You look to Leon, but he has poured all his focus into his spear.

A) "We'll probably go straight there."
B) "We might swing by, if Leon is okay with it."
C) "Sure, I don't see why not."

>>31136206
>B) "We might swing by, if Leon is okay with it."
Morning, Rags.

>>31136310
Annalise seems to lose herself in thought. The twanging of Maurice's instrument continues, as Leon suddenly thrusts his spear into the water. When he pulls it back up, nothing is on the end. He groans, and Maurice laughs.

"Alright then, you do better!" Leon shouts, throwing down his spear. Maurice ceases playing for a moment, just long enough to dip his hand into the water and return it with a large fish sucking on his fist.

"You try too hard, Mr. Ranger. Sometimes all you need to do is relax." Maurice tosses the fish back in and returns to his playing. Leon seems upset at first, but you think perhaps he internalizes Maurice's words. In a few moments, he takes a deep breath and calms himself down.

"Hey, you want me to take a turn steering? Are your arms tired yet?" Leon stares up at you.

A) "It's alright, I've got it."
B) "If you don't mind."

>>31136392
>A) "It's alright, I've got it."
>C) Other
Now we have his attention, bring up Anna's question.

>>31136404
You keep control of the raft, but bring up Annalise's question of returning to Lumen before departing for the east.

"Eh? Well, I mean it would add a lot of time to the trip, but if the girly is really that homesick I guess there's no helping it." Leon receives a light jab in the shoulder for this. He laughs, but Annalise only looks up at you apologetically.

Suddenly the raft jerks to a halt. Everyone aboard slides forward, as something catches you beneath the water. Leon looks out over the edge.

"Shit, probably a mud bank. Someone's gonna have to jump in and clear it." As much as you'd love to volunteer, armor and deep water don't mix.

A) Annalise
B) Leon
C) Maurice

>>31136450
>B) Leon

>>31136521
The group votes Leon, who casts a spiteful look at you all just before diving in. The water seems to be up to his chest, and you quickly notice the look of discomfort on his face as he wades through it.

"Alright, I found it. Just give me a second, then push off." He begins kicking at something beneath the water. "Damn, this thing is packed tighter than I thought. I might need my stick-spear in a second. Oh, wait! It started to give." Leon continues beating against the mud bank with his foot.

Suddenly, to your left and behind Leon, something rises out of the water. It is large and dark green. For a moment, you believe it is the head of an enormous alligator, but your judgment knows better. The enormous alligator roars, startling Leon until he spins around. Then in one fell strike, it scoops him up in its mouth and throws him back, swallowing him whole. It then splashes back into the water and begins swimming away, floating really.

Annalise looks at you, shocked and afraid. Maurice begins cackling. "I told you so! Ehehehe, I did, I really did!" Annalise rises to her feet and begins pounding on your plated chest, hurting her hands more than anything.

"Go! Go! We have to save Leon!"

A) Shove off
B) Other

>>31136687
>A) Shove off

>>31136731
You jam the oar back into the water and push off as hard as you can. You get the raft moving as fast as possible, but it seems the gator is faster. Even with all your might, your speed can only match his, and he has a large headstart. Annalise begins to panic and ruffle her own hair, and Maurice seems more excited than anything.

You won't be able to catch up unless someone slows it down.

A) Annalise
B) Maurice
C) You

>>31136784
>B) Maurice
Do your magic.

>>31136784
B
Mornin Rags

>>31136838
>>31136982
You shout at Maurice to do something helpful. His laughter stops. He rises up on the raft and moves over to the edge, producing his deck of cards along the way. They dance and twirl between his hands, until he draws one.

"The Prisoner. How apropos." Maurice brings the card back, as if he means to throw it. It begins to glow with blue flame, and indeed he does toss the thing, spinning it, toward the giant gator. It lands deep in his hide, causing it to let out a mighty hissing roar. As it rears up, the water around you froths from the sudden shift, nearly toppling the raft. You watch as the blue flame engulfing the card runs up its tail and seems to wrap around the tip, then the entire gator rises out of the water. Up and up the flame pulls, until only the snout of the beast still remains in the drink.

"The belly of the beast, my friends! You'll never pierce the hide, you must slice the belly!" Maurice shouts, now more serious than you've ever seen him.

A) Send Annalise
B) Jump off the raft

>>31137052
>A) Send Annalise
And with that I'm out - it's 2 AM. I'll see you guys in a few hours.

>>31137052
B

>>31137075
>>31136982
Forgot name

>>31137070
Annalise bounds off of the raft and into the water, drawing her longsword. She splashes in, nearly submerging herself. You keep on the approach.

Annalise rises out of the water and grabs a hold of one of the titanic reptile's scales, using it to pull herself up. She climbs it as if it were a rock wall. As soon as she gets proper footing, she brings back her sword and stabs into the belly of the gator.

"Leon! Can you hear me!? Leon!"

The gator shakes, struggling against Maurice's trap. Annalise loses her grip and falls into the water.

A) Focus on the gator
B) Help Annalise

>>31137154
Focus on gator

>>31137154
Gotta get inna plane back home Rags, maybe it's break time.

>>31137444
I'll hang in there

>>31137366
You focus your attention on the gator. Seeing no other way, you ram the raft into its dangling throat. The impact sends Maurice into the water, laughing, and knocks you to the ground. Over the side, you see Maurice pulling Annalise ashore, affording you the opportunity to finish off the gator.

A) Strength of the Gods
B) Sword

>>31137510
C)both?

>>31137510
>A) Strength of the Gods

>>31137574
You forgo finesse, and begin focusing on your sword as you slide it from its home on your back. You can feel the power of your body multiplying within you. Your armor and blade become as light as feathers. Finally, with one great swing, you cleave the gator in two, cutting a horizontal line across it.

Gallons of cold blood and viscera begin to pour into the water. Chunks of meat and smooth stones tumble from the creatures stomach. You watch the surface carefully, looking for any sign of Leon. You sigh in relief as he emerges from the thick water, covered in gore and cursing up a storm. Ashore, Annalise calls for both of you to come in. After you pull Leon up onto the raft, you begin steering toward the small island of muddy land where Maurice and Annalise rest.

Annalise lays Leon down and begins opening up his armor to check for wounds. Meanwhile Maurice leans against a tree, pressing one of his cards to his lips. His expression seems serious.

A) Help Annalise
B) Talk to Maurice
C) Other

>>31137795
>A) Help Annalise

>>31137795
>A) Help our girlfriend

>>31137838
This &
Ask Maurice how many cards he started with originally

>>31137859
Agreed. He throws them away at an alarming rate.

>>31137838
>>31137851
You move over to Annalise to begin helping with Leon. You are forced to wipe away a thick layer of who knows what before you can even properly see his wounds. Annalise takes a good amount of time accounting for them all, as Leon groans on the floor.

"A lot of his bones are fractured. I'm betting those stones are what the creature uses in place of proper teeth to grind his food to a more easily handled state. He's got a couple of small cuts, which normally wouldn't be a problem but this is a place of thick and rampant disease. It's likely he'll contract something through the blood. We should let him rest, at the very least. If we stay here, I'll need to be watching him constantly." Leon bats the air.

"Bullshit! We're nearly there! We can grab the totem and go, I just need the one and we can leave."

A) Finish the quest
B) Abandon the quest
C) Other

>>31137958
>C) Other
can maurice help with this? and ask about his cards

>>31137958
>A)Finish the quest
>C)Offer to go go grab the totem alone
also this>>31137977

>>31137977
>>31138017
You refuse Annalise. The quest is nearly through, and you believe you can make it. Leon pats you on the leg, the highest part of you he can reach, as Annalise begins mending his wounds. You stand and move over to Maurice, who is still contemplating his card.

"I am troubled, sir. The Rangers of the great swamp are skilled, it was my thinking that they had wiped out the dirism disease from this place. But to see that gator means that it still remains. I will have to see into this in the future." You ask about Maurice's cards, and the power therein. "Oh these? Simple tricks, I assure you. But even tricks can be a weapon. Twenty two cards to a deck, and I've got twenty left. I can forge more, but not without proper facilities. Oh, and keep the one I have gifted you for now. It may come in handy."

A) Ask about the powers of each card
B) Ask about the origin
C) Ask about something else
D) Other

>>31138185
>A) Show me your moves!
>C) Can any of those cards help our friend Leon right now?

>>31138185
>It may come in handy
Its gonna be able to stop a death isn't it
We're gonna have to choose who to save, thats the fucking choice isn't it

>>31138185
D) Other

"Know any plants or herbs we should get in case my friends comes down with anything?"

>>31138185
Good afternoon Rags
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIjUY3pjN8E

Voting:
>A+C) Specifically if any of them can help Leon

>>31138222
>>31138293
You ask about the abilities of each card, and if any of them may be able to help Leon.

"Twenty cards, sir. Zero to Twenty-One. I suppose one of them might have the power you seek, but remember that these cards are not easy to come by. If I use one now, it will not be available to you again. I have no troubles with this, as I am here merely to observe, but are you certain you want to expend this boon now?" Maurice draws a card from the deck, holding it up to read. You only see its back, but Maurice seems to smile.

A) Use it
B) Save it
C) Other

>>31138343
>C) Show me the front of the card you old shit

>>31138343
>C) "It's best not to use yet, I have a feeling things will get worse before they get better. How about some treatment for him that we can do with resources from the swamp?"

>>31138343
>>31138374
This, but a little more toned down.

>>31138377
Seconded

>>31138374
>>31138377
>>31138404
>>31138412
Both? Ask to see card, then ask him about alternative treatment.

>>31138447
Best option it seems

>>31138374
>35
>Old

>>31138479
You and I both know he isn't going to be seeing his next birthday

>>31138479
Don't put that old shit part, I think nobody here actually agrees with that way of acting
none of us wants to play paladin asshole

>>31138479
Sill older than us, we still have the right to call his ass old. Just like 10 year olds calling mid-20s guys "old man".

>>31138377
>>31138412
>>31138447
You ask to see the card. Maurice frowns.

"Oh, but sir! A magician must have some secrets, no? Ah, but you are not a patient man, I know." He flips the card to face you. The face depicts a young woman kneeling in prayer beneath a bright and shining moon. The title is "The Priestess". You ask him if there is no other way to ensure Leon's health.

"Well now, I reckon there are plenty of ways to help your friend, once the sickness manifests. When we see how his condition plays, we may be able to treat him just fine. But that's only after. Even now, the sickness may be coursing through him, preparing its assault. As I say, sir, the choice is yours."

A) Use the card
B) Save it
C) Other

>>31138526
>C) Have a quick pray, maybe we can get some help here

>>31138526
>A) We activate our magic card.
>C) And pray for Leon

>>31138526
>A) Use it
then
>C) Start our journey to the end of the quest, but make sure Maurice guards Anna and Leon while we do the heavy lifting

>>31138575
>>31138578
You tell Maurice to spend the card. He grins, and the card ignites with blue fire. He begins making his way to Leon.

Annalise and Leon both recoil a bit as Maurice waves the burning card around. "Hold still now. I haven't much practice with these sorts of things, so it's best to leave nothing to chance." He tosses the card, and it goes fluttering down until it lands on Leon's chest. There is a beat, and then Leon is consumed by blue fire. Annalise crawls away as the flames rise, taking Leon completely. Maurice chuckles.

Then, the flames die out. Leon is still panicking as the last embers fade, but slowly he comes to realize what happened. He tells you that all his wounds are gone, sealed up as if they'd never existed at all. Annalise confirms it with a quick check up. You turn to Maurice, who continues to shuffle his deck of nineteen remaining cards.

A) Thank him
B) Ask something
C) Other

>>31138715
>A) Thank him
>C) "Remind me to never get on your bad side"

>>31138715
Thank him and ask what did he meam earlier by saying he was an observer

>>31138751
>>31138715
This

>>31138751
>>31138757
You thank Maurice for his help, and ask about his status as an observer.

"Magic is an interesting thing, sir, but very dull. Nothing but moldy books and boring old demons for company. I ventured to the city to have someone to talk to really, but when I met you I knew you was something special. So, I have made it my business to shadow you, and watch your movements. It provides distraction in an otherwise empty life. And of course, my tricks will be the payment for my presence. I warn you though. Magic is not a thing one can truly master. And not all the cards in my deck are kind. Be wary before you think to rely on them." Maurice produces a card, flipping it for just a second. Though the glimpse is brief, you think you may have seen what looked like a castle on the face. Just as quickly as he drew it, he slides it up the other sleeve.

A) Ask about something else
B) Move on

>>31138895
>B) Move on
Our priority is our party's safety, so let's make sure we take the brunt of the damage. Leon can handle himself in normal fights, but Anna should stay as a caster along with Maurice.

>>31138933
>>31138895
Indeed! Carry on!

>>31138933
>>31138982
You decide that the best option for now is to press on. Leon agrees, and despite Annalise's clear desire to have an outburst, she bottles it and boards the raft along with you. During this time, you notice Maurice's sudden ability to walk on water as opposed to having to wade through gore. When pressed about this, he says only that he didn't want to sully his robes.

The four of you shove off again, passing the corpse of the gator as the flies begin feasting on it. It sickens you a bit. Once you get through the majority of the blood, Annalise offers to steer for a while.

"I feel sort of bad that everyone else is doing so much hard work. Well, except Maurice, but he's odd." At this, Maurice lets off a big, toothy grin, as if to agree.

A) Let her
B) Keep steering

>>31139116
>A) Let her
>C) Sit with her and try to spend some time with her, comfort, reassure, all that

>>31139116
>A)
>C) Ask Maurice if he'd be willing to play us a fine tune like he did earlier.

>>31139175
>>31139184
These

>>31139175
>>31139184
You hand the oar over to Annalise. She seems quite content. Though the raft slows a bit, the leisurely pace actually seems to relax the group a bit. You ask Maurice if he wouldn't mind bringing things down with another song, to which he excitedly produces his string instrument and begins tuning it. You set yourself down by Annalise, making small talk to keep her mind off of the situation.

This continues for another two hours until Annalise's arms tire, and she switches off with Leon. By now sunset has begun, and the water sparkles like diamonds in the orange light. As you sit at the front of the raft, listening to Maurice croon a song of love or perhaps frogs, Annalise comes to sit by you. She sits on her knees with her hands folded neatly. She seems a bit pent up. Occasionally you catch her glancing at you. Still, she expresses nothing directly, so you think perhaps she only needs rest.

A) Say something
B) Tell her to relax
C) Other

>>31139400
A) Say something

"Something on your mind"

>>31139400
>A) say something comforting
>C) then push her in when she's at ease.

>>31139436
I think that, of the two votes cast, this is certainly the better option

>>31139436
>>31139455
You ask what's troubling her. She seems as though she is about to blurt out something, but then she swallows it.

"No. We had a deal. I just really want to get somewhere quiet soon. Everything today has made me really anxious." You tell her that the quest is nearly done, and as soon as it is you'll head back. This does relieve her a bit.

Night finally falls on the bayou. Maurice has long since dozed off while playing. Leon begins pushing the raft up against one of the muddy islands. The shrine must be close. He and Annalise begin heading ashore, but Maurice continues to nap. They both seem keen on leaving him on the raft for now.

A) Leave him
B) Wake him

>>31139542
Alas, she'll never wisen up with you bunch of white knights pandering to her. Gotta make her think fast, be ready for what's ahead.

>>31139571
>B) Wake him
We need him to make sure the rest of them live

>>31139571
B) Wake him

What and leave the level 15 wizard on the boat?

>>31139571
>>31139613
this

>>31139571
Wake him. He's useful, and he knows the area.

>>31139599
We're a paladin, basically the epitome of white knight.

>>31139571
>B) Wake him up
Scratch the tip of nose with the "Death" card until he wakes up and is greeted with the friendly sight.

>>31139658
this

>>31139646
Nay, young one. A white knight is what they call the "wannabe paladin" back in ye ol' days.

>>31139571
>B Wake him
Leaving friends asleep in the open isn't very nice.

>>31139599
I'm not pro being her bitch, but she already made the deal of no longer bitch/hit us.
Plus comforting her =/= being her bitch
it's called being a decent boyfriend

>>31139613
>>31139633
>>31139634
You tell the others that his eccentricities do not outweigh his helpfulness. They groan and begin moving ahead while you turn back to wake him. With a few good shakes, he sits upright, saying something in a strange and perplexing language before coming to realize where he is.

"Oho? Sir, I apologize. I was dreaming, you see. Such sweet dreams, amidst friends long gone, in places that no longer exist for me. I take it we have arrived at our destination?" You confirm, and he stands, straightening himself out. "Very well, let us venture forth." Without another word, Maurice strides across the water, sinking less than an inch into the surface as he crosses to shore. You follow.

The four of you follow behind Leon as he guides you through the trees by torchlight. He claims that the shrine is in the body of an old, decayed tree. Maurice seems particularly chipper for some reason. When you ask him why, he grins.

"This is a place bursting at the seams with life, sir. Dripping with magical energies, like jelly from the jar. A man like me could gorge himself on the powers here and never take in enough to dent the flow." You and Annalise look to each other, confused. Then you notice her chest is glowing.

A) Point it out to her
B) Other

>>31139869
Stare, bewildered, until she catches us.

>>31139869
A) Point it out to her

Also

B) Other

Ask Maurice if he can teach us to magic assuming magic and miracles aretwo diffrent things

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>>31139869
>A) Point it out

>>31139944
>Maurice is being a bro and bumping her up a size
I hope this is whats happening

>>31139963
Pretty sure it's her holy symbol, bro.

>>31139982
Damn that makes sense, lets ask Maurice if he can bump her up a size

>>31139992
I wonder what card that would be. Maybe the wench?

>>31139869
Take a good look at that chest.

>>31139727
We're not her boyfriend, we're a fucking holy paladin. Also, so go ahead and convince me; That you guys weren't the biggest "bitch" in the universe when we let her use us as a fucking futon, cover us in sweat and reduced our sleeping time to 3 of a possible 6 hours. That's not being comforting, that's literally being her object to do with as she wishes. So next time you say that shit, think about it.

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>>31140046
Whoa man take it easy

>>31140046
Where were you when they were voting for getting nothing?

>>31140046
>not wanting sweaty naked cuddling

>>31140080
>wanting blueballs

>>31139944
>>31139938
You inform Annalise of her sternum situation, and she looks down to see. She produces her holy symbol, which glows orange. She points to your sword, which upon being drawn, is glowing as well. You stop and inform Leon. The four of you gather together to inspect the symbols. None of you are certain of the cause.

"Well, we can't turn back now. Let's keep moving, if anything happens we'll deal with it then." Leon pushes to press on, and despite looking uncomfortable, Annalise seems to agree. When you look to Maurice, he is in though again, pressing a card to his lips.

A) Keep moving
B) Stop
C) Other

>>31140046
He's a 17 year old guy hanging with a girl he's liked since he was 13.
He's not a grizzly old veteran, and while I did say we could be more assertive I do believe the current situation (which is the one you're complaining about) of him asking "what's on her mind" while sitting with her IS NOT BEING A FUCKING BITCH

Choose the right time to complain, fucktard

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>>31140046
>>31140072
>>31140032
>>31140095
Guys, please. I'm drinking tea.

>>31140108
>B) Stop
>C) Ask the magic man for his opinion
>D) Refer to him as the magic man

>>31140108
>A) Keep moving
>C) Ask Maurice what he thinks this might be

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>>31140072
>>31140080
Pic related.
>>31140077
Can't say I remember it.

>>31140139
>None of you are certain of the cause.

>>31140135
I like it second

>>31140161
>When you look to Maurice, he is in though again
He has some ideas of what might be happening

it's asking for an opinion, hence the 'might'

and not being certain doesn't mean they have no guesses

Just learn how to read

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>>31140154
Your move Steve

>>31140154
I'll post again because fuck it:

>yes in some situations we could be more assertive
>but you're still roleplaying a teenager
>and you're complaining at the worst possible moment
>why?
>because currently all he did was sit next to the girl and talk to her, to make sure all is fine
So yeah, shut up

>>31140230
While this is a fair point, we've already proved that were a monumental fuck up and quite an ass, it would make sense to be at least somewhat assertive

>>31140256
Monumental fuck up:
All of those 'fuck ups' aside from the first one were blown out of proportion. She did agree to stop acting up about it though, in return for honesty when they're together.

Ass:
He has been the nicest of guys, there's only one moment I can think of where he was a humongous asshole.

But indeed, he has to man up in some regards. That still doesn't mean we should be an asshole, and a lot of the problem I see with voting in /tg/ is that either people are ultra-good-guys or they're Dick McAsshole, biggest cunt in town.
A matter of balance

and no anon with the 'ask for ass', wherever you may be, you didn't help at all and you fall into the latter example of lack of balance. You act like a douchebag

>>31140115
All we've done is been her bitch. Sitting with her and asking her what is wrong, is the problem in itself. She needs to toughen up and with us wiping her ass and telling her stool looks healthy every five minutes isn't going to expedite the process. As for the love interest element, fine you play the fragile, pitiful heart. I'll play the logic and cold reasoning, that will doubtless hear your crescendo of harp strings breaking when I tell us all what we really know, stop being her bitch.

>>31140322
>tfw people use me as an example

>>31140324
> She needs to toughen up
Know what happens when you just let your party members swallow everything they think and never spill it to anyone?
They either blow up eventually or become unreliable

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>>31140206
A bold move Clarence.

>>31140340
It's because what you tried to do was beyond normal assholes.
Except that "hey lets leave to go be a ranger at the worst possible moment hu3hu3" deal, that's the one concrete move of dickness that happened in the quest, and it was awful.

>>31140324
>>31140354
Addendum:
Even miliary men seek outlets for their emotions, such as talking to their brothers in arms.

>>31140135
>>31140188
You halt the party for a moment, and ask Maurice if he has any idea what this might signify. He does not respond immediately, instead taking a few moments to think..

"It was such a sweet dream too. Hm. Well, sir, I think it's about time we prepare for the worst. I wondered why a dire gator would be allowed to run rampant, and I have my answer. Look over yonder." Maurice points to a tree nearby, and Leon raises the torch. Hanging there, pinned by what look like wooden stakes, is a human corpse. It is muddy, and cloaked on brown and leather. Leon takes a step closer.

"It's..It's a Ranger. First Class." He turns back to you. "Something's killed a Ranger."

"Something not human." Maurice chimes in. He draws the deck of cards and begins shuffling them. "Sir, what I am about to do is going to be a shock, but we may not live otherwise. There is no time. Steel yourselves." Maurice draws a card from the top of the deck and steps back. "Demons! Abominations! Reveal your forms and be purged from this mortal world!" The card ignites and falls to the ground. The flames spread in the form of a great ritual circle. From the ground rise dozens of corpses, all armored in leather and rotted to near ruin. They look at you and the group with hungry eyes. Then they draw steel.

There is nowhere to run, and you are outnumbered five to one. The others draw weapons, and Maurice urges you to strike with fire and blessed blade. Annalise begins casting.

A) Leon's twins
B) Your zweihander
C) Her longsword

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>>31140365
keikaku doori
you've activated my trap card Michael

>>31140354
As I implied with the "every five minute" line. It's fine getting along with her, just let's not be her indefinite rock in times of "need".

>>31140411
>B) Your zweihander
Guys an we berserker this one?

>>31140411
>B) Your zweihander
The holy zweihander blessed with holy magicks, truly the mightiest combo

>>31140411
C) Her longsword

How good is she compared to us in swording?
She might need it

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>>31140417
Checkmate, Alfredo.

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>>31140480
You've havent even seen my final form Braxton

>>31140206
>>31140365
>>31140417
>>31140480
What the fuck is happening?

>>31140440
>>31140443
You hold your sword aloft, and the bright glow from Annalise's symbol transfer to it. It lights with golden fire, and the battle commences.

Leon draws a single blade, as well as a set of bolas from his bag. As he hurls them, catching one of the shambling corpse's legs, he request pairing in twos, to avoid being overwhelmed.

A) Pair with Annalise
B) Pair with Leon
C) Pair with Maurice

>>31140576
>C) Pair with The Magic Man

>>31140575
>>31140551
>>31140480
>>31140417
>>31140365
>>31140206
>>31140154
Stop

>>31140576
>C
One sword per one caster

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>>31140551
Penelope, it would be my pleasure.

>>31140576
>C) Pair with Maurice

>>31140599
>>31140608
I'll stop now, sorry.

>>31140576
A

>>31140599
Sure had my final form ready but as you wish it

>C) Pair with Maurice

>>31140576
>C
You know, there's a sex shop where I live called magic man.

>>31140642
>>31140597
You move and stand back to back with Maurice, as Leon and Annalise join together. Maurice reaches into his robes and pulls out a dagger, curved and viscous.

"I warn you, sir, I'm not much of a fighter, more of a lover really. But this should be interesting." He laughs as the horde makes its way toward you.

A) Offense
B) Defense

>>31140741
>A) Offense
WE BERSERK NOW

>>31140727
I find there's a sex shop wherever you find a magic man. Myself included.

>>31140741
A) Offense

>>31140741
>A) Offense
>C) Tell Maurice to stand close and cover us while we deal the damage

>>31140741
Offense
GUUUUUUUUUTS!

>>31140775
This guy got it

>>31140767
>>31140772
>>31140800
You charge headlong beside Maurice, clashing with the horde of undead Rangers. Each swing of your fiery sword cleave and burns them, but as fast as you swing, more spawn from the rotted earth and begin their own assault. Maurice assists by repelling the foul horrors from your back with his dagger until you are able to turn and deal with them. You glance over to the others to check their progress.

Annalise They have much more trouble without the aid of a holy blade. Leon has given up on his swords entirely, as each slash with mundane steel only divides the foe into parts that continue advancing. He has instead switched to his torch, which he uses to light the bodies Annalise cuts down.

When you turn your attention back to your own attackers, you find that some of them have begun to notch arrows.

A) Golden Aegis
B) Duck
C) Maurice

>>31141000
>A)
Did we up our Golden Aegis casting limit?

>>31141000
>A) Golden Aegis
Can we put Maurice on our shoulders? I want him on our shoulders, its a nice image

>>31141048
What if we make the base and the others climb on top succesivelly, once Pietra comes she climbs too.
We'll have a war totem

>>31141034
>>31141048
You plunge your sword into the ground, and are surrounded by a golden dome which stops the arrows mid-flight. Once the dome is down, you begin hacking your way through the crowd again. To your left, a line of dead rush at you. They might be easily impaled, as cleaving them would leave you open to counter attack.

A) Stab
B) Cleave

>>31141173
>B) Cleave
PURGE

>>31141173
>A) Stab

>>31141186
Don't do this shit again

>>31141173
Cleave

>>31141223
You guys get to be the white knight when we aren't fighting, I get to go full GUTS

>>31141186
>>31141230
>we're gonna intentionally act like retards just to get fucked. Exactly like last time.
You just like injuring the character don't you?

>>31141249
We're fighting demons, you cant be cautious around demons, you gotta overpower them

>>31141269
It's not being cautious, it's called not making the worst possible tactical choice.
Wait no, sorry second worst, worst would be throwing your sword at them and punching them to death.

Just because something seems cool doesn't mean it's smart or viable

>>31141186
>>31141230
You bring your sword back, then swing it wide, cutting through four of the corpses as they come at you. Though they fall and burn, the remaining, six or seven easily, make it to you and begin pushing you back. Maurice stands behind you, pushing you back up to prevent you toppling over, but it's obvious strength it not his forte. The corpses begin gnawing at your arms, trying to break through the chain and plate. Suddenly there is a flash of light, and Annalise's voice.

"Creatures of the nine hells, be seared by the sun!" A javelin of golden light streaks by, piercing the mound of corpses and setting them all ablaze. You throw the burning bodies off of you in time to see something new and much less relaxing approach.

Standing eight feet tall, wielding a great stone and wood club, is the rotting corpse of a great orc. He drags the weapon behind him, and gurgles as maggots pour from his mouth and other assorted orifices.

"Ah. Well, it would seem my spell was more powerful than I thought sir. But I believe this is likely within your power to, er, handle."

A) Attack
B) Defend
C) Ask for help

>>31141366
>B) Defend
He's big, so he's likely slow. Dodge one attack and counter

>>31141385
I concur

>>31141385
Seconded.

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>>31141366
Bite a piece of him off

>>31141385
>>31141479
>>31141480
You crouch and prepare for the orc's first attack. It approaches and brings the club up, around and down, slamming into the floor. You do your best to step away, and though the club does not connect, the shock of the impact is still enough to trip you. As you hasten to regain your footing, the orc winds up again and swings, connecting with your chest and sending you several yards back and into a tree. It gurgles again.

You struggle back to your feet. Your armor is damaged and in need of repair, but by the grace of the Father you are left only winded and perhaps bruised. Maurice stands facing the behemoth alone, and seemingly unsure of how to proceed.

A) Charge
B) Taunt the orc

>>31141567
>A) Charge
Never taunt when an ally is in range

>>31141567
>A) We will tank it
>C) Tell Anna and Maurice to cast on it while Leon covers them

>>31141567
Did we already use or strength miracle?

>>31141588
>>31141607
You cry havoc and barrel toward the orc. Your presence is enough to distract him from Maurice, and he takes another swing at you. This time you are prepared, and leap in time that the wave of impact does not cause you to stumble. You bring your burning weapon around and swing at the monster's legs. However, as Leon would one day inform you, an orc's might is his strength, speed, and ability to adapt. As your blade comes in, the orc parrys with his own weapon. The hot steel digs into the wood, but does not cut through. With you trapped, the orc reaches with his free hand, and grabs you by the cracked steel of your breastplate. He hoists you up, and brings your face to his, pulling your sword out of your grip.

A) Kick
B) Spit
C) Call for help

>>31141770
>A) Kick
>C) A Javelin, a card or a crossbow bolt would be good

>>31141813
You kick at the orc, sinking your foot into his crumbling flesh. He responds by vomiting a spray of insects and sludge.

From the side flies another bolt of light, as Annalise seeks to aid you. The attack pierces the great behemoth, but even as he begins to burn, he stays standing. The orc gurgles again, then slams you into the ground. Perhaps thinking you done for, the orc begins marching toward Annalise. With every ounce of power in you, you rise and lift your fallen sword. The glow within it is dimming, and so you pin your hopes on one final attack. You step forward and lunge, driving the blade into the once spine of the monster, and out through its belly. Flames spread as the glow of the blade dies out, and you collapse. The orc crumbles, topples, and burns to ash. Annalise comes toward you, and begins attempting to heal your myriad wounds. Yet as you look up, Maurice and Leon continue to struggle against the horde.

A) Allow Annalise to heal you, and hope you can stand in time
B) Tell her to help the others

Thread always dies around this time

>>31141770
>D) Give him our first kiss
Lets see Annalise' reaction.

>>31142090
>B) Tell her to help the others

>>31142090
>B) Tell her to help the others
>C) Thank our god for not letting us get killed

>>31142090
>B) Tell her to help the others.
Try and get our ass off the ground also.

>>31142113
>him
hue
>first
Didn't that thief girl already kiss us?

>>31142170
The him was probably referring to the zombie ogre
Also, yes.

>>31142159
>>31142130
>>31142115
>>31142090
Maybe pray to the almighty Father?

>>31142189
>Hey man thanks for like helping and stuff
>stop trying to fuck that girl stahl
>but daaaaad

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>>31142189
Hell yeah motherfucker

>>31142315
>stop trying to fuck that girl stahl
"But you let Donnel do Anna, and she was even younger than Anna"

Namesmixup.jpg

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>>31142333
"YOU LIGHT GIVES ME MIGHT"
>S) Get up and SLAY those foul beasts

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>>31142399
Glorious

>>31142115
>>31142130
>>31142159
You order Annalise to help the others fight. She refuses at first, not wanting to leave you lying in the mud, but you don't let her argue. Eventually she rises and takes up her sword again, charging off into the fray. You lie, broken, in the dirt. As the battle fury wanes, you begin to feel the pain of your wounds. Try as you might to stand, you have no strength.

Soon, the din of the fight is cut by a bright blue light, accompanies by a massive heat. The force of the explosion nearly rolls you over. You struggle to find at least an elbow on which to lean, and see the aftermath of the bout. Corpses strewn everywhere, many of them burning with blue fire. Leon and Annalise hug and leap with joy as Maurice puts a stopper in a small bottle. The lot of them rush over to see you. Leon and Maurice lift you up, one doing much more work than the other.

"The deed is done, sir. With the bodies burned, I was able to, er, clean up the restless souls. We are safe from the creatures for the time being. There may be more, but none shall disturb us here." Leon and Maurice begin dragging you toward cover. They set you down against a tree and Annalise begins prying open your dented armor. Leon and Maurice head off together to collect the totem, leaving the two of you alone.

"I don't know what that maniac did, but he stopped the horde from reviving. It's strange that we should have met him here. Still, I'm glad you're alive. It'd be pretty hard to drag you back to the raft." Annalise laughs as she begins checking your chest. Every slight touch hurts a great deal, especially around the ribs. She begins using her holy symbol to mend the injuries. "The others will be fine I'm sure, so I'm not leaving you until they get back. If there's something you need, tell me and I'll fetch it."

A) "Just patch me up quick, I hate this place."
B) "A drink would be nice."
C) "I don't think there's much for it now."
D) Other

>>31142547
Aerith just died. What party should I use for the rest of the game?

>>31142547
>D) A kiss would be rather nice
>E) laugh like a mad man when she blushes

>>31142547
>A) "Just patch me up quick, I hate this place."
>D) "So what are we doing to celebrate back in town?"

>>31142547
>D
Don't say anything. Move to kiss her.